> Foster Guard
>  by Cmdr Brohoof
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Kingdom Burns
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	A hooded white unicorn colt was running through a dark forest occasionally stopping to check if he was being followed. After looping around a few times to throw any pursuers he came to a rickety dock where another hooded colt was standing nervously glancing around his surroundings.
The colt from the woods approached cautiously until the pony by the dock noticed him.

"May the sun rise," The colt by the dock spoke.
"and may the moon continue to glow,"  The tired colt said shifting his heavy load on his back.
"I was afraid you wouldn't make it Captain," The dock colt said as he lowered his hood. His golden helmet reflected the light from a nearby lantern.
"Almost didn't," Captain Valor said with a sigh of relief as he walked past the colt down to the dock.
"Everything's ready you have enough supplies for a week or two if you're really careful," the junior guard informed him.
Captain Valor carefully placed his bags in the bottom of the boat then stepped in himself.
"How was it back at the castle?" The young guard asked.
"We've lost the castle when I left the we still held the road out of the city," Valor sounded grim.
"The king and queen?"
Valor shook his head from side to side.
"I better get back see if I can be any use," The young guard turned to leave.
"Good luck," Valor called as he pushed off from the dock.
"You'll need more luck than me," the young guard said as he disappeared into the woods where Valor had come from.
Valor hoped he would see the guard again but he doubted he ever would. He felt ashamed that he didn't even ask his name.
As the dock disappeared from sight his bags shuffled and let out a whimper. Valor opened the flap and revealed two small babies swaddled in blankets. Valor picked up the one wrapped in white and rocked her gently 
"Shhhhh little princess its alright you're safe," Valor placed her back in the saddle bag next to her snoozing sister.
The night passed quietly as the water floated the boat down stream. Valor was going over his last conversation with  the king.


King Solar summoned him to the royal chambers and was told to tell no one of his summons. As captain of the guard he had free roam of the castle so being somewhere that was off limits to others was normal for him. Valor knocked on the door to the kings chambers and waited to be given permission to enter.
"Come in," A commanding voice said. Valor recognized it immediately as his king.
King Solar was standing at the foot of his bed watching the queen as she sat with the two princesses nuzzling them to sleep.
"You called for me your majesty," Valor bowed as he approached the royal family.
"Valor you've been my Captain of the Guard for how long now?"
"Five years now," Valor rose and stood by the door.
"In your  years of experience how do you feel about the threat that approaches us now?"
Valor knew too well what threat the King spoke of. At first there were disappearances all over the kingdom but no one could piece them together. There were no connections in the missing ponies. Ponies of all ages and types were being taken by someone or something.
Other kingdoms finally confessed that they too were having the same problem dragons, gryphons, dogs , even wildlife numbers had decreased. Finally the source of the disappearances became known. A warlock had been taking citizens and using his dark magic to bend those he took to his will. Few had the willpower to attack their friends and family.

With his army of completely loyal subjects he began to attack kingdoms around him. He claimed them for his own sending refugees fleeing to the borderlands and coastal regions. Finally his army approached the ponies kingdom.
"We've faced threats before this...villain will be defeated like all the others," Valor said confidently .
"I wish I had your optimism captain," The king said as he moved to look out the window at the busy streets below. The kings horn began to glow as the sun began to set.
"You've never had a family have you?" the King asked.
"No," Valor answered.
"No children, no wife, not even a special somepony?" The queen spoke up for the first time.
"No your highness," Valor felt awkward answering their strange questions.
The king looked to the queen she nodded then he turned to Valor.
"Captain Valor I have a special duty for you. When the day arrives that we face the warlock's army. If the battle turns for the worst I want you to take the princesses away to safety till the day comes they are ready for the burden of ruling,"
Valor stood with his mouth wide open.
"Your highness I'm honored that you've chosen me for such and undertaking but I believe that one of the married guards or even one of the servants would be better suited to..." Valor began before the king interrupted him.
"The queen and I  have talked about this. A pony with a family of their own would place the safety of their family over others no matter how high born. I can't blame them for that. We need someone completely faithful to the crown and no other loyalties. I will not command you to do this captain the choice is yours. I ask you not as your king but as a concerned father," The king went back to watching his sleeping fillies.
Valor jolted awake rocking the boat as he did. It was still night as red glow hung in the sky. Behind him his home was burning and his comrades fighting for their lives as he fled to safety .

Valor carefully stood in the boat and removed his hood and cloak. Beneath the cloak he wore the golden armor of the royal guard.  He undid the armor and placed in on the bow of the boat with a push the armor disappeared into the dark water. He tossed each of his golden shoes overboard not thinking about how long it took him to earn his rank and position. Finally he removed his helmet he looked at his reflection and ran is hoof over the crest of the guard and royal family. He decided he would at least keep one memento of his old life and if any one asked he could say he found it. It looked less obvious than a full set.

The sun was peeking of the horizon when Valor heard the motor of another boat coming up river toward him. Some followed the warlock voluntary Valor was hoping whoever was coming was friendly or at least against the warlock. A tug boat putted around the rivers bend. A small stream of steam was coming from the boat as it approached him. Valor eyed it carefully he could see a pony on deck at the bow staring up river toward him. The figure on deck disappeared into the cabin and reappeared with another figure along side them. Once he got closer he could see two ponies staring at him. 

"Hello there!" An older colt yelled as he waved his hooves in the air. "Are you alright?"
Valor debated on ignoring them and hoping they would just let him float on by.
"Can you hear me?!" the colt asked.
Suddenly the princesses started bawling at the loud noises. Valor quickly retrieved them  and tried to settle them down.
"Oh they have little uns. Never heard of the warlock taking babies," A female voice spoke up over the crying.
"I don't want any trouble just trying to get somewhere safe," Valor shouted which caused the princesses to start crying again.
After a few minutes of hushing the babies Valor pulled along the large boat and was helped aboard by middle aged but strong colt. He kept the princess tucked into his saddle bag.
Valor glanced around the boat deck which was clean but looked as if it has seen alot of wear over the years.
"I say what are you doing out here with two young uns like that?" the reddish earth pony asked who was the male voice from earlier.
"Just trying to get away from the city," Valor answered truthfully.
"So the capital was attacked?" A pink unicorn who looked about the same age as the colt asked.
"Yes I...we just barely made it out,"
"I see," the earth pony said grimly.
"Oh we haven't introduced ourselves I'm Pearl and this is Rusty," Pearl said as Rusty nodded and grinned.
"I'm S..Silver," Valor lied still not sure if he trust the two yet and by using his real name wouldn't be a good start when he was trying to remain hidden.
"And what about these two bits?" Rusty asked as Luna poked her head out of the saddle bag.
"Oh Sunny is the white one and and Star Light is the blue one," Valor said using names the King and Queen had picked.
"Oh they are just the sweetest looking little things," Pearl said as Celestia nudged against her sister to see what was going on.
Rusty made a face at the little princesses which caused them to giggle playfully. 
Valor learned that Pearl and Rusty were husband and wife and ran a shipping company. They were in the process of bringing supplies to the capital but had been delayed by a storm. 
"That storm probably saved out lives," Rusty said as he tossed an anchor over the side bringing the boat to a halt. "If we had been on schedule we would have been in the capital."
"The whole city is lost?" Pearl asked Valor again.
"Yes the guard was holding what they could to give citizens time to flee," 
"The king and queen?" Rusty asked.
"They were in the palace when it fell...at least that's what I heard," Valor was trying to give only information a refugee would know.
The three were sitting quietly when Celestia began to whimper while Valor was holding her.
"Whats wrong?" Valor asked looking down at her.
"That sounds like a hungry cry too me. Do you have any milk for them?" Pearl asked as she gestured to hold her.
"Yes in the boat," Valor continued to hold the princesses close as he pulled another bag from the boat in his mouth and dropped it on the deck. Valor fumbled with the two fillies and the bag until Pearl stopped him.
"I promise I won't drop them I've held my share of babies never dropped a one," Pearl reached out again. Valor passed her Celestia and pushed the bag with powdered milk and bottles toward her.
"Powdered milk this wont do for these little ones Rusty we still have some fresh milk?"
"I think so," Rusty disappeared into the cabin and returned with a glass bottle of real milk.
Pearl filled a bottle and passed it to Valor for Luna than began to give Celestia hers. Celestia sucked on the bottle eagerly.
"Ah careful Silver don't hold it like that," Pearl said in a motherly tone. Luna coughed slightly as Valor adjusted the bottle.
"I assume their mother used to feed them...." Pearl stopped when she realized that there mother wasn't there.
"Yes," Valor said.
"I'm sorry Silver I didn't..." Pearl apologized.
"No no its alright I'm not their father," 
Rusty and Pearl looked at him oddly.
"I'm...I'm their uncle their mother and father didn't make it," Valor said.
"Oh you poor dear," Pearl kissed Celestias forehead.
"What are you going to do now?" Rusty asked.
"I honestly don't know," Valor was going over the kings instructions. The king and queen didn't  want to know where Valor was taking the princesses in case the warlock somehow learned it from them if he captured them.
"Rusty you know where we can take them," Pearl said looking down sadly at the princess she held.
Valor looked at them wondering what they were talking about.
"I reckon your trustworthy Silver," Rusty began. Valor winced slightly when Rusty called him trustworthy as he used his fake name.
"There is an island off the coast where refugees have hidden. We occasionally take supplies to them in turn we get a safe place in case this all went south," Rusty explained.
"I thought you only brought supplies to the capital?" Valor asked.
"Well mostly no pony ever noticed when a little bit is missing here and there," Rusty said sheepishly.
The guard in Valor was upset but knew there was no point in getting angry.
"This village we would be safe there?"
Pearl nodded.
"They are very secretive,"


Rusty and Valor emptied Valor's little boat and stored all the supplies in Rusty and Pearls tug. Pearl had taken over the care of the princesses Valor almost had their secret exposed when Pearl went to change Luna's diaper.  Valor knew that when she unwrapped her from her blanket she would see that Luna was no mere unicorn but actually an alicron.

"Thank you Pearl but I can take care of it I have to learn some time," Valor said as he quickly took Luna from her.
The rest of the trip was uneventful as the boat tugged into the open water.
"How far now?" Valor asked as he stood next to Rusty who was steering the boat through the choppy water.
"A few hours," Rusty glanced at a nearby chart.
"How did you find this place if its so secretive?"
"Pure luck I was sailing out one day and got caught in a awful storm. Ran aground on the island and was helped by the residents to get my boat back in ship shape," 

After a few more hours Rusty called Valor's attention to a speck on the horizon. Once closer Valor could see how easy it would be to hide here. It was the only land in sight. The island didn't seem very large with the exception of a large mountain on one side.
On the other side of the island they pulled into a bay that the mountain hide from view on approach. Valor stared across the water to a beach and finally a dock. From the dock there was a road that led further inland. A group of mixed residents met the boat as it pulled into dock.
Rusty tossed down a rope and a dog caught the other end and tied in to the dock. 
"You're a little ahead of schedule Rusty!" A elderly gryphon said as they disembarked.
"Things have changed back on the mainland I'm afraid," Rusty stepped onto the dock.
"I see," the gryphon said understanding almost immediately what he meant.
A few in the group of ponies, gryphons and dogs began to mummer as Valor stepped down onto the dock.
"Eh Rusty you know our rules about...visitors," The elder said 
"I know Talon but you see we couldn't just leave them," Rusty began to explain.
"Them?" Talon asked looking at Valor.
"My nieces and my self barely escaped the capital and after I told Rusty and his wife I was looking for someplace safe he said he knew where to take me. I understand your concern if its a problem please don't blame Rusty...."
"Its alright," the gryphon slowly made his way toward him "May I ask your name?"
"Silver," Valor felt bad lying to the new group but knew it would look suspicious if he changed his name suddenly with Pearl and Rusty there.
"Silver you and your nieces are welcome in our village. So long as you pull your weight of course. This island may look idyllic but don't let it fool you life out here isn't easy especially now that the mainland is now even more dangerous.
"I'll do my best," Valor said.


> A Simple Life
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Years passed as Valor and his "nieces" built a new life on the island that the residents named Refuge Bay. Valor volunteered to live on the side of the island that was furthest from the main town. It was one of the few areas that had farm able land. They didn't waste any space and built only what was necessary to farm. 
Valor had just finished sowing his field  satisfied of completing a hard days work. It was odd  to trade in his sword for a plow and watering can.

"UUUUUNNNNNCCLLEEEE!" a cry got louder as it approached him.
A blue blur flew at him and nearly knocking him over.
"What is it Star?" Valor nearly forgot their real names that only he still knew. 
"Sunny said that if I eat the seeds from the apples that they will grow from my tummy," Luna was nearly in tears.
Valor glanced up at the small house where they stayed and saw Celestia peering at them from the doorway that Luna had left wide open in her haste to find her uncle.
"How many times are you going to let her trick you?" Valor asked as he pried Luna from his leg.
"You..you mean apples wont grow from my belly?" Luna sniffed.
"No they won't," Valor explained.
"Sunny I'm gonna get you!" Luna ran back toward the house as her sister ran away laughing at her sister.

Valor watched as Celestia flew into a nearby tree while Luna struggled to flap her wings attempting to reach her. That was another benefit to living away from the other inhabitants on the island it was easier to keep the disguise that they were normal unicorns. Whenever they went to town the girls knew to hide their wings and always wore clothing that kept them hidden. Some though it was odd they always wore something but just assumed Valor was spoiling his nieces with nice clothes.
"Hey Silver!" A friendly voice called from the path the led to the farm. Valor looked out and saw Rusty pulling a covered cart. Rusty and Pearl were their closest neighbors Valor had grown to trust them over the years and debated on letting them in on their secret.
"Back from the village already?" Valor asked as approached the reddish colt
"Yup," Rusty let the cart come to a stop and unhooked himself from it. "Got the things you asked for...the uh," Rusty looked to see if the girls were listening they were no where in sight "presents are hidden in the potato sack."
"Thanks were they hard to find?" Valor asked figuring getting toys that the girls actually wanted would be difficult.
"No problems really though the choices were pretty slim," Rusty hefted a burlap sack with a crude drawing of a potato on it.
"Sunny wanted a book about adventures best I could find was history book about magic...it had alot of big words," Rusty said not sure how any filly would enjoy that as a present.
"Its fine she'll read anything I believe what about Stars doll?"  Valor glanced in the bag.
"This was the only thing I could find," Rusty reached into the bag and pulled out a wooden colt wearing guard armor similar to his own.
Valor stared at the little wooden guard remembering his old life.
"I know its not doll but..." Rusty began.
"No..its perfect Rusty how much do I owe you?" Valor asked.
"Bah consider it a present from Pearl and I we owe ya for helping us out last harvest," Rusty went back to the cart.
"Really thank you," Valor lifted the sack and placed it on his back.
"HEY MISTER RUSTY!" Celestia called out as she ran toward the two colts. She and Luna gotten dressed while Valor had been talking to him.
"Hey sunshine," Rusty grinned at the little filly.
"Where's Miss Pearl?" Luna asked knowing Pearl usually brought candy when she stopped by.
"She's at home a little under the weather I'm afraid," 
"Nothing serious I hope," Valor voiced his concern. Life on the island wasn't easy the only doctor on the island was overworked as it was.
"Just a cold. I'm going to fix her a batch of soup when I get back," Rusty was getting ready to head out.
"We wont keep you oh and thanks again Rusty," Valor said.
"OH and tell Miss Pearl to get well soon!" Luna yelled as Rusty headed down the road. He responded with a wave and disappeared over the hill.

Later that night Valor was cooking dinner while Celestia and Luna played.
"Oh Sunny could you and your sister fetch me some potatoes?" Valor asked 
Celestia nodded as got up and nudged Luna. Together with their magic there were able to drag the heavy sack to Valor.
"Thank you girls...say these aren't potatoes," Valor held up two crudely wrapped presents each with the girls name written on it.
Both squeed as Valor levitated each of them their gifts. He hadn't been able to get anything for their last few birthdays and couldn't wait till next time so he figured better late than never.
"Oh wow this book looks amazing," Celestia was already skimming through the pages.
Luna was carefully tearing opening her gift trying her best to keep in neat. Valor smiled at how different the two girls were.
"Woah!" Luna's eyes went wide when she saw the carved guard.
"You like it?" Valor asked.
Luna nodded.
"Thank you uncle," Luna said as she hugged him.
"Your welcome be sure to thank Mr Rusty and Miss Pearl too they helped out,"
Luna nodded as she ran off to play with her toy while Celestia was already engrossed with her new book.

After the girls were tucked in and Valor was alone in his room he pulled out his old guard helmet and held it up to inspect it. He buffed it slightly with a rag knowing that it was enchanted to never lose its shine. It was more out of habit than anything. He placed the helmet back into a trunk and laid down and quickly fell asleep.

The next few weeks were peaceful a typical time on the island. Valor continued to work his field weeding and tending to the crops. Celestia still had her nose in her book and Luna played with her toy guard she named Sir Hoofington.

"Uncle a group is coming," Celestia announced from her perch in a nearby tree.
"Who is it?" Valor asked.
"Looks like the mayor," Celestia said squinting as she hovered down. Then headed inside to get dressed.
"The mayor?" Valor repeated. Valor wondered what he was doing out this far. Mayor Talon was getting on and years and rarely ventured beyond the village.  
Mayor Talon arrived with a group of island militia. Valor couldn't help but admire their commitment to defending the island no matter how poorly trained they were. Valor's instincts as Captian immediately drew his attention to flaws he could see already.
"Good morning Silver," the gryphon mayor said.
"Good morning mayor is everything alright?" Valor asked immediately.
The mayors demeanor changed.
"I'm afraid not found debris of a ship washed up on shore,"
"What kind of ship?"
"We believe it belong to the warlock," Talon said.
"You think they are here?"
"Its possible if the debris washed up survivors could have also,"
"I wanted to personally see each resident was safe we are suggesting everyone head to town for the time being," Talon explained.
"I'm heading to Pearl and Rusty's now we can all head back together,"
"I'll get the girls packed up we'll meet on your way back," Valor said as he headed back to the farmhouse.
"What the matter uncle?" Celestia met him as he came inside.
"We're going to stay in the village for a while," Valor didn't want to upset the girls just yet.
"Why whats wrong? You don't like staying in the village," 
"There may be some bad things on the island and we would be safer together with the others," Valor explained.
"Bad things?" Luna asked.
"Don't worry I'll be with you so will Rusty and Pearl. Also don't forget Sir Hoofington!" Valor levitated the toy toward her.
"Okay," Luna said as she hugged the toy and went to pack.


Hours went by and the sun began to set and there had been no sign of the mayor or his group.
"When are we going?" Luna asked sleepily.
"Soon," Valor repeated himself for what seemed like the hundredth time.
Valor began to pace wondering what had happened. He debated going to check on them but he didn't dare take the girls with him and leaving them wasn't a good idea either. 
After the moon was in the sky Valor made a decision.
"Sunny stay here with your sister don't open the door for anypony understand?" Valor told her as he pulled his helmet from the chest in his room.
"Where are you going uncle?" Celestia asked.
"I'm going to see if the Mayor and everyone else is okay," Valor was standing outside looking into the house.
"But what if the bad things are out there?" Luna asked.
"Don't worry your uncle can take care of whatever is out there!"
Celestia closed and locked the door tightly after he left. Luna and her curled near the fireplace and waited for him to return.
"I hope Mr Rusty and Ms Pearl are okay," Luna said
"Don't worry uncle will bring everypony home," Celestia reassured her sister.

Valor stayed off the path as he headed toward Rusty's farm. Finally at the edge of the farm's field he could see what had happened. The farm house was smoldering as was the barn next to it. Valor carefully made his way through the field using the crops to hide in along the way.
The bodies of the militia littered the ground they had died fighting whatever had attacked the farm.  Valor levitated a long sword that lay discarded on the ground he gave it a swing and kept it at the ready as he continued to search.
A ragged cough from the woods drew his attention. Valor followed the source and found Mayor Talon resting against a tree.
"Thank goodness," Talon rasped.
"Mayor what happened?" Valor lowered his sword.
"We found the farm empty when we arrived. Rusty and Peal were gone the place and been ransacked. We we're getting ready to leave when..." Talon coughed hard.
Valor noticed the mayor and been wounded but if he got medical attention soon he should make it.
"Take it easy mayor," Valor said softly. 
"The warlock one of his generals surprised us the militia they tired to fight him," Talon was reliving the battle in his mind.
Valor knew this was bad. The generals in the warlocks army joined voluntarily and were given massive amounts of power. They could put others under their control and were capable of devastating attacks.
"Alright come on lets get you out of here," Valor lifted the injured gryphon on his back and head back toward his farm.

The girls were snoozing when a knock at the door woke them up.
"Uncles back?" Luna said groggily.
"UNCLE!" Celestia called out.
"Hey sunshine," a friendly voice answered.
"Mr Rusty?!" Luna said happily as she bounded to the door.
"Hold on uncle said not to open up for anypony," Celestia whispered.
"But Mr Rusty isnt anypony he's our friend," Luna said.
"I'm sorry Mr Rusty but we cant let you in!" Celestia yelled through the door.
"Come on girls I have some candy for the two of you," Pearl said.
"Ms Pearl I though you were sick?" Celestia asked.
"I'm all better now why don't you let us in?"
Celestia felt something was wrong she could also feel something nearby the made her horn tingle..something magical.
"Sorry can't let you in!" Celestia repeated.
"OPEN UP YOU LITTLE BRAT!" an unknown voice yelled.
Something slammed hard against the door causing it to buckle.


Valor and Talon approached the farm in time to see Rusty trying to bash down the  door. Valor could hear the two girls inside scream.
"Quickly Silver!" Talon said.
Silver sat down Talon as gently as he could and dashed toward his home.
Rusty was getting ready for another kick when Valor tackled him to the ground. Rusty tossed him off with tremendous strength. 
"Sorry friend," Valor said as he struck Rusty in the head with the flat end of the sword.
Pearl charged him screaming Valor struck her on the chin with a powerful kick.
"Well well well you're not your average farmer are you?" a sinister voice said.
Valor turned his back to the farmhouse door his sword at the ready. A deformed pony emerged seemingly from thin air. He looked like an earth pony but with wings and horn made of twisted magic. He hovered in the air above the farm.
"When I washed up here I thought for sure there was nothing to be found," he grinned.
"Surrender now!" Valor ordered.
The pony laughed and sent a bolt of magic flying at valor. The bolt struck the door and sent it flying inside.
"Ohhh those others didn't last this long before I'm going to enjoy this. In fact I think you'll help me!" the pony formed a long rope of magic and began lashing at Valor like a whip. Valor deflected each blow with his sword.
"UNCLE!" Celestia called out from the busted doorway.
Valor was briefly distracted and the pony managed to curl the magic around his head lifting him off the ground. A mind control spell was trying to push its way into his mind but his enchanted helmet was hindering it.
"So careless," the pony sent tendrils of magic toward Celestia she leapt and began to fly toward the tree she always hid from Luna in.
The general was stunned. 
"Wings...that means," he looked at Valor as he struggled against the spell.
"We wondered where they went to think hidden here this whole time," the pony sent another tendril of magic this time catching Celestia by the leg pulling her close. Another tendril drug Luna from inside the house.
"My master will be most pleased with you two. He will surely...urk," The generals sentence was cut short as he fell to the ground. Valor's sword was buried deep in his back. Valor's helmet had allowed him to get a spell through the generals magic to send his sword flying toward him.
Luna and Celestia were holding on each other crying loudly. Valor grabbed and hugged the girls.
"Its alright you're safe now," He said trying to calm them.
Rusty and Pearl shaking off the effect of the mind control magic and Valor's attacks were confused at what exactly was going on.
"Silver!? Whats going on?"Rusty asked taking in the scene.
Mayor Talon limped his way to the others when he saw Celestia and Luna's wings.
"Silver you do realize your nieces...you know what this means?" Talon asked.
Pearl and Rusty noticed what the mayor was talking about.
Valor looked at the two princesses he held then back at the friends he had made over the years.
"I'm afraid I haven't been honest with you all," Valor released the girls as they stopped crying wondering what he was talking about.
"Whats the matter uncle?" Celestia asked.
Valor took off his helmet and took a deep breath.
"Sunny...Star...those aren't your real names and I am  not your uncle," Valor was feeling a large weight begin to lift from his back.
"What..." Both sisters said.
"Your names are Celestia and Luna you are the daughters of King Solar and Queen Nightingale. I am Captain Valor, Captain of the Royal Guard. When the capital was attacked your parents requested that I take you to safety. A task which I had been successful at until now," Valor stood back from the girls letting them take it all in.
"So our parents?" Luna asked.
"I'm sorry but I don't know what happened to them. They were in the palace when the capital was over run," Valor was still waiting to see how the girls would respond.
"What happens now?" Celestia said asked as she still held on to Luna.
"Your father wanted me to keep you both safe until the day came when you were ready to reclaim your birthrights," Valor still remembered the day the king told him his plan.
"Are we ready?" 
"No..." Talon spoke up.
Celestia and Luna looked at the elderly mayor.
"But we will make sure you are when the day comes," He said kindly as he bowed. Rusty and Pearl followed suit along with Valor.
With the secret out the whole island flocked to see the princesses. Celestia and Luna were now able to receive proper lessons in flying and magic. Valor was appointed head of the militia and trained them to the high standards of the royal guard.
As the girls got older the word spread to various hidden pockets of resistance all over the land. Plans came together and the newly formed resistance made its first blow against the warlock by retaking cities that had been lost.

Finally the warlock was pushed into his last bastion, a castle in the middle of a corrupted forest. Celestia and Luna led the charge with Valor by their side. During the attack Celestia and Luna found the source of warlocks magic. Beneath the castle the warlock had found an ancient tree that was filled with powerful magic. The girls severed the warlocks' tie with the tree and used it against him. The tree now purified by the princesses good intentions gifted them six elements to aid them in their fight.

With the warlock defeated and his army freed from his spell thousands were reunited with long lost family members. Celestia and Luna, not wanting to follow in the path of the warlock restored all of the kingdoms the he had conquered. The gryphons resettled in their mountains, the dogs returned to their mines, dragons to the lava fields, and some ponies founded a crystal city in the north. Celestia and Luna made their castle in the forest the warlock had corrupted and named the forest Everfree. Claiming that no other would have such a hold over the land again. Everything was at peace with kind leaders at the head of the various kingdoms the land prospered.


> A Guard's Work Is Never Done
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia had just finished holding court with her subjects. As the last citizen left the throne room Celestia slouched in her throne and let out a sigh.
"Its improper for a princess to slouch," Valor said from below her throne as he faced away from her.
"You're not even watching me. How did you know?" Celestia sat up and fixed her crown.
"I know you," Valor answered.
Celestia began to descend the dais where she and her sister shared thrones. Valor followed close behind as they left the throne room.
"You don't have to follow me all the time you know," Celestia said.
"Its the duty of the guard captain to protect royal family," Valor reminded her.
"Luna needs protecting too,"
"I perform my duties when she is fulfilling royal duties as you do," 
"I wish she would realize we're equal in this," Celetias sighed.
"She knows," Valor was matter of factly.
"Sometimes I wonder she argued with me yesterday saying that I don't think she can handle the responsibility," Celstia entered her private study and sat near a large pile of books.
"Do you?" Valor asked closing the door behind him.
"Of course not!" Celestia said slightly offended.
"I'll talk to her," Valor said as he got ready to leave. "Is she still spending time in the vaults?"
Celestia nodded. Luna had began studying some of the warlocks old books satating that they should understand more about the threat that nearly wiped them out.
"Oh before I forget!" Celestia jumped up from her desk and pulled a small box from inside a drawer.
"Whats this?" Valor looked at the small wooden box with a royal crest engraved on it.
"Today is fathers day and you ARE the closest thing to a father we've ever had. so Luna and I thought you should have that," Celestia smiled.
Valor opened the box to reveal a golden pocket watch with same crest at the box. Valor held up the watch and inspected it.
"This...this was..." Valor began to stammer.
"The kings we found it a few months ago," Celestia said.
"I...I don't know what to say," Valor carefully placed it back in the box.
"You could say thank you," Celestia said.
"Thank you," Valor said.
"I hope he and mother would have been proud of us," Celestia said as she looked at the wooden box.
"They would be," Valor responded.
"How do you know?"
"Because I am," Valor hugged Celestia.
"Thank you uncle,"


Below the castle in the castle vaults Valor found Luna studying the warlocks notes and books.
"Hello princess," Valor said as he approached her.
Luna didn't acknowledge his presence.
"Luna can you hear me?" he asked.
"Hmm...oh yes," Luna barely spoke.
Valor sat silently as Luna continued to read.
"Your sister said you two had an argument yesterday want to talk about it?" Valor glanced at what she was reading.
Luna slammed the book shut and turned to face him.
"Why are you here to take her side?" Luna said angrily and she stormed to another desk filled with dusty scrolls.
"No I just came to see what was wrong,"
"Whats wrong is that she gets all the attention, all the praise, all the respect while I am ignored," Luna fumed.
"Luna that's not true you know that your sister..."
"She what?! Feels we are equal! The subjects all come to her while I sit alone at night. Bunch of ungrateful...."
"LUNA I raised you better than that!" Valor snapped.
"Raised us?! You ran away while our parents died defending their subjects!" Luna was yelling now.
"How dare you I would have given my life to protect them...to protect you," Valor was matching her volume.
"Leave me!" Luna turned back to the book she was reading when he entered.
"Luna..." 
"I SAID LEAVE! THAT IS AN ORDER CAPTAIN!" Luna used magic to increase the volume of her voice.
"Of course Princess," Valor said sadly as he left. Valor glaceed back briefly as he left her alone.

With each passing day Luna became more and more reclusive. Turning away any who attempted to interrupt her studying.
Valor had just taken off his armor for the day when there was a frantic knock at the door.
"What is it?!" Valor thew open the door.
"Captian the castle is under attack!" A guard informed him.
Valor  ran to the armor stand in his room and began to don the armor he just removed.
"Has the princesses been informed how many are there?" Valor was going over plans in his head.
"It is the princess sir ....its Princess Luna...She's changed,"
Valor led a small group toward the vault where he and Luna argued days earlier. when he heard an evil laugh. Two guards were thrown through the doors as they approached.
"See to them the rest of you with me!" Valor ordered.
Inside the vault things were a mess. Books and papers were smolding in piles. The walls themselves were buckled as if a great explosion had happned inside the room. 
"Form up!" Valor ordered as his guards stood ready.
"Oh uncle so glad you could make it," the voice Valor had heard laughing earlier said mockingly.
Luna hovered above them her form changed into a being of pure evil.
"Luna...what have you done?" Valor asked lowering his guard.
"Merely claiming what is mine. Tis it not my birthright too?" She grinned revealing her new fangs.
"Luna this isnt you. You've let whatever that warlock had corrupt you. Luna I know you're in there stop this," Valor asked.
"SHUT UP!" Luna yelled as she sent a wave of magic at Valor and his guard.
Several guards were sent flying only Valor just barely managed to hold his ground. He knew his magic was no match against Luna even before she and been turned. 
"I won't fight you Luna," Valor tossed his sword aside.
"Then you are a fool!" Luna sent blade of magic at Valor as he stood firm.
The magic hit him like a ton of bricks. He skidded along the floor and slammed hard against a wall.
"Uncle?!" Luna  said in her normal voice.
Valor didn't stir.
"I...I'm sorry uncle," Luna began to tear up until whatever had taken over her got ahold once more.
Valor blacked out as he saw Luna made her way out of the wrecked vault.

Valor awoke to the sun shining brightly through a nearby window. His head was bandaged along  some bandages wrapped tight around his ribs.  Valor painfully got out of bed and exited his room. A passing guard spotted him.
"Captain good to see back up," the guard saluted him.
"What happened where is Luna?" Valor asked.
"Princess Celestia will want to see you sir she's hasn't been taking things well,"
Valor made his way through the castle.  What ever had happened while he was out devastated most of the castle. Windows were broken, holes in walls were being patched up,  rubble still littered the hallways. Valor arrived at Celestias room. He knocked and entered without permission.
Celestia was outside on her balcony staring glumly at nothing in particular. If she heard him approach she made no indication that she did.
"What happened?" Valor said.
Celestia turned when he spoke. She had a small bandage on her face where she had been fighting.
"Oh uncle," Celestia broke down.
"Shhhh its alright," Valor patted her.
"I...I couldn't save her," Celestia sobbed.
"You did what you could I'm sure," he tired to comfort her.
"My own sister...I...I sent her away," Celestia continued.
"It'll be alright. Listen to me," Valor pulled away so Celestia could see him, "You need to be strong now...stronger than ever. Your subjects are going to be scared. You need to be there for them."
"I don't know if I can," Celestia wiped her eyes.
"I know you can," 


The damage done to the castle was too extensive to fix and part it held too many bad memories for Celestia. Valor convinced her to move the capital a fresh start he called it. A new capital was chosen, Canterlot. The capital was placed on a mountain. A bright shining beacon to give hope to all who could see it. Celestia adjusted to ruling the day and night. Valor continued to advise her when he could.  Once again the land was at peace with Celestia guiding them.


Valor inspected the new guards from the academy. They stood in formation in the palace grounds awaiting his command. They awaited approval form the aging captain
"Dirty  hooves," Valor muttered to one guard as he made his way thorough the ranks. 
"You call that armor shiny?"he asked another.
"Is that oats in your mane?!" 
Finally after drilling them constantly Valor grinned.
" I suppose you lot will do. Report toy Lieutenant Shield Bearer for you assignments Dismissed," he saluted.
The group returned his saluted and quickly filed out of the yard.
"Do you have to be so harsh on them?" Celestia asked as she landed next to him.
"Heh back when I was a new guard it would have been twenty times worse. You've made me soft over the years," Valor laughed as he and Celestia walked through the nearby garden.
"You've been captain a long time why not retire and enjoy life a little," Celestia looked at Valor's grey mane poking from under his helmet.
"Retire?! When one of those young bucks can best me maybe then I'll consider retiring .Besides what would you do without me?" Valor asked.
"I'm quite capable," Celestia added.
"Capable I remember when I had to change your diapers," Valor told her.
"Uncle!" Celestia chided him for being so crude as a nearby guard snickered.
"Not many guards can say they had to clean the royal behind,"
"You're just awful," Celestia laughed.
"Seriously though if any pony deserves a break its you. You served above and beyond the call of duty," 
"Alright I'll think on it...shouldn't you be lowering the sun now?" Valor asked.
"What oh...horse apples your right!" Celestia took flight.
"And you want me to retire!" Valor called to her as she flew off.

Celestia was listing to an advisor read off the days schedule when a guard interrupted them.
"Excuse me your highness but there's been an accident," the guard said.
"An accident?!" Celestia stood.
"Its Captain Valor,"
The guard escorted Celestia to the guard barracks behind the palace. A group was gathered around a pony lying on the ground.
"Make way!" the guard shouted as they parted for Celestia.
Valor was lying on the ground with a pained expression of his face.
"Uncle what happened here?" She asked.
"Just a sprain one of the recruits got lucky," he winced.
"I believe it may be his hip your majesty," the castle doctor said as he knelt by his side.
"My hip? Only geezers break their hip," Valor winced again.
"You are a geezer uncle," Celestia looked at the doctor "Will he be okay?"
"Yes he'll need lots of bed rest but he should make a full recovery," the doctor signaled for a stretcher and Valor was taken away to be treated.
Later in Valor's bed room Celestia was visiting after her duties were done for the day.
"Maybe your right," Valor said glumly.
"I usually am," Celestia sat by his bed.
"I'll retire...I suggest Commander Iron for captain no where near as good as me but he'll do,"
"We'll no one can replace the royal diaper changer," Celestia grinned.


Valor spent most of his days watching the new recruits practice and talking with those that visited the palace.  After his one hundredth and twenty first birthday Valor suffered another fall and became bedridden. He was rarely seen around the castle but Celestia and others continued to keep him company.
"You want another apple?" Celestia asked.
"No," Valor said.
Celestia levitated his bowl and placed it on a tray to be collected later.
"Is Luna going to come by today?" Valor asked.
"No uncle Luna was sent away remember?" Celestia said 
"Oh right right," Valor said. Celestia was sure he didn't really remember. The doctor had said his memeory would slowly degrade.
"I just wanted to give her Sir Hoofington she always loses him. You know she can't sleep without him"
"I know she's so forgetful," Celestia said as she pulled his blanket up.
"Thank you Sunny," Valor smiled at her.
"Your welcome uncle," Celestia kissed his forehead as he drifted off to sleep.
Celeestia began to leave she blew out the lights as she headed toward the door.
"I love you Sunny," Valor called out from his bed.
"I love you too," Celestia said as she closed the door and wiped a tear from her eyes.

"Good morning uncle," Celestia opened the curtains to let in the morning sun. "How are we feeling today?"
Celstia approached his bed.
"Uncle?" Celestia asked.
Valor remained still as she spoke. Celestia reached out a hoof and felt his neck. She smiled down at her loving uncle as she pulled the covers and gently covered him up. The servants found her waiting patiently by his side.

Many came from all around to pay their respects to the retired guard captain. Descendants of the island citizens, leaders from the surrounding kingdoms, guards that joined after hearing his heroic stories. Celestia waited well into the night until the moon shone more brightly than normal did she leave. 
The moonlight illuminated the plaque on his head stone of a statue made in his likeness wearing his golden helm that still gleamed in the light. 


HERE LIES CAPTAIN VALOR. LOYAL SERVANT TO THE ROYAL FAMILY. PROTECTOR OF ALL THE REALM . LOVING UNCLE AND FAITHFUL FRIEND. MAY HE NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE