Chapter 1
Chapter 1:
A long time ago in a strange land ruled by equines there stood a beautiful castle. Carved into a wondrous mountain that proudly stood in the middle of this land was a elegant castle and living within this castle’s walls something akin to a goddess lived out her long life as she watched over this land and ruled it’s people. That goddess’ name was princess Celestia, and she chose to name this castle Canterlot as well as the happy city that grew below. At the moment this story isn’t about Celestia, or her very nice castle. Instead this story starts smack dab in the middle of the city closest to her home; down the clean cobblestone streets, past the vibrantly colored houses, and over the heads of Canterlot’s many pony citizens sat a particular building. This my dear reader is where we truly begin.
This building created from bright red bricks, dotted by half a dozen clean windows, and topped with a large domed observatory was the workplace of one greyish blue unicorn named Night Light. Like many of the other ponies who worked within this building Night Light had a passion for the skies above, and the twinkling bodies of light that dotted it whenever the sun was laid to rest. Like many of his colleagues Night Light found himself drawn to work within those red brick walls after his cutie mark emblazoned itself upon his sides many years ago, but unlike most of the others he only sought out his passion after serving within the royal guard for a few seasons. He had felt that it was his unspoken duty to help protect the land of his people, and see his princess’ will done just like his father had done, and his father before him. Years later when he was satisfied with the amount of service he had done, Night Light returned to his home, found this place where his passions could be fully utilized, and after some time he managed to woo the heart of a beautiful mare.
Within time the two happy ponies were blessed with a healthy male foal, and after a few years they were blessed again this time with a cute little girl. Like his wife Night Light soon found that his sun, and moon were not the heavenly bodies that he often saw through the observatory, but instead were his own son, and daughter. Like many of his coworkers Night Light loved his children dearly, and like the countless ponies who lived within this strange land called Equestria he loved ‘bring your kids to work’ day.
It was at the beginning of this sacred day that Night Light found himself downing a cup of freshly brewed coffee which he levitated to his mouth, and scratching his head in confusion at the strangeness before him. His wife Twilight Velvet was a lover of books, and an author of deserved renown, which believably enough meant that she was rather particular when it came to where all their literature was placed. During their earlier years together he had found it quite amusing how militant her usually affectionate demeanor would suddenly turn when she noticed him putting a book out of place, or Celestia forbid leave it open upon their table or next to his chair. Even now she was quick to lecture (albeit gently) their son on the amount of respect he owed to the books he’d haphazardly leave askew throughout his room; their daughter on the other hoof was noticeably picking up her mother’s habits. With all this ongoing within his happy home it was quite the quandary for Night Light to find that he was unable to locate a particular book that he knew they owned.
His children though well behaved and good natured were filled with a curiosity of the world around them, and sadly enough Night Light’s office wasn’t the best playground until after their cutie marking was closer at hoof. So instead of boring his progeny that were unlikely to be interested in the wonderful world of astrology quite yet, Night Light had planned to show them around his workplace, then whittle the work hours away by reading to them both. The problem was that for some reason he couldn’t find the book of legends, and magic that he figured would make to captivate both foal’s attention.
“Daddy we’re gonna be late for wurk!” His daughter’s voice brought Night Light out of his pondering so that he could take a quick glance at the clock nearby. It read a quarter till eight, and like the little mare had said it was time to get going. If the hurried stallion hadn’t been so rushed perhaps he would have remembered that the very book he was looking for had been left within his daughter’s room the night before when he used the first few chapters to read her to sleep. Instead Night Light grabbed another much older book that had been his since he was a teenage colt; a thrilling fiction novel that entailed a newly recruited member of the royal guard, and his many adventures in the service. The book was probably a bit mature for the two young ponies, but with a shrug the blue unicorn figured he could always gloss over the complicated bits, and sugar coat the intense parts.
“What’s the worse that can happen?” And with that thought Night Light levitated the book into his work bag, and led his two happy children out the door, and into the streets of Canterlot.
Present day:
Twilight Sparkle was anxious.
Well perhaps anxious isn’t the right word, but lets just go with it for now. You see for many years Twilight Sparkle had prided herself on being very good at what she did. She could outthink most of her fellows in magical kindergarten within a few months of being accepted, had shown proficient potential in the magical arts during her adolescent years especially in the combative fields, and was the youngest captain within the entire royal guard. Her only peers within her talents consisted of her elder brother, the elite guard, and of course her beloved princess.
To keep it sweet, and simple captain Twilight Sparkle was a prodigy. Not just any prodigy, but one that excelled in the field of magic, and with this all at her hooves it hardly came as a surprise when she rose through the ranks as quickly as she had. It might have caused some concern for her fellows seeing such a young mare display as much power as she did, but interesting enough the young mare had been taken under the wing of the princess herself.
In the end by her seventeenth year Twilight Sparkle was perfectly capable of joining, and eventually leading, any branch of the royal guard she wished too. Her skills and great devotion to the princess would have been the perfect excuse for admittance to the elite guard, and personally the young mare dearly wanted the position. Time spent learning from Equestria’s wise, and gentle, ruler had personally brought Twilight to believe that her princess deserved only the best of the best to safeguard her.
But sometimes our plans are changed by the most unexpected of reasons. The day before Twilight Sparkle had requested that she be reviewed to join the sacred ranks of Equestria’s most devoted guard… Celestia made a request of her own. The aspiring mare would sooner disown magic before she denied her princess’ wishes, and with a small warm smile the rainbow maned alicorn asked her friend if she would look after her son.
The princess’ son. Possibly the one thing that Celestia loved more than her subjects, and someday the future ruler of Equestria. He was young, lazy (in Twilight’s personal opinion), and most interesting he wasn’t a pony. Prince Spike was a little purple dragon.
Between you and me there was the smallest fraction of a second where Twilight Sparkle imagined shaking her exalted princess madly while screaming “Are you INSANE!” As tempting as it might have been the thought was snuffed out, and pocketed away for future speculation.
The reason for Twilight’s unspoken reaction was mainly based on the level of familiarity she had with the young prince. The two had known one another for a long time due to an interesting first impression, and since that day it was common for a hard at work Twilight Sparkle to be paid a visit by Spike. For a mare whose time was so greatly invested in studies, and who had little for anything else a random appearance from a younger individual was often mistakenly seen as trespass, and irksome.
Most importantly it meant that Twilight’s potential, and fervor was being awarded with a two-bit babysitting gig, instead of a serving a leader that understood her. Despite it all the young mare nodded in acknowledgement to her princess, and vowed to give nothing but the best of her abilities in service to her new charge. Celestia had been grateful, and as she turned to go find her son a thought flashed through Twilight’s mind.
Spike was young… five or six years her junior, but not so young that princess Celestia would object to his time being spent learning, or so old that he’-. And from there a plan was formed. While Twilight’s priority was to watch over the prince, it certainly didn’t mean that she had to leash what she knew too just that. She’d not only protect the young dragon she would guide him, and make sure that he grew up to make not only his mother, but all of Equestria proud.
And for two years that’s what Twilight Sparkle did… or at least attempted to do. Which is why our successful unicorn couldn’t help feeling a tinge of nervousness when she glanced at her charge.
“Are we there yet?” Spoken more out of curiosity than impatience Spike twiddled with the dark purple cloak that hung about him. Though now in the adolescent age by pony standards, Spike still held the form of a baby drake, and still held onto the nature he possessed as a child.
“Not yet my lord, though closer in proximity to Canterlot than most of our other establishments Ponyville is more often than not journeyed to by train.” Standing at attention beside the young prince, captain Twilight Sparkle swept her violet eyes over the clouds that passed by them as they flew across the sky. They were on royal business, so in exception to what she had just said about the train they were traveling by a pegasi flown royal chariot.
“Ponyville… you ever been there Twi?”
“I can’t say that I have my lord, though I ha-”
“You know you don’t have to call me that.”
Twilight’s face scrunched for the slightest of moments as she fought down the urge to lecture Spike on the importance of formal titles. Despite her teachings the prince was about as formal as a haywaiian shirt at a wedding, and refused to stop nicknaming her. “You’ve made that clear quite often my liege. Be that as it may I would prefer that we worry more about our task ahead.”
“What’s to worry about? We gonna stop by, say hello, make sure everything is hunky dory for when mom shows up, and then we all party the night away.” As he spoke Spike continued to fiddle around the expensive fabric of his cloak.
“There’s much more to our mission that that! It’s your responsibility to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration preparation to ascertain whether or not it’s been done exactly to princess Celestia’s specifications. We’ll be checking to make sure that the weather has been properly planned, the town hall is ready to receive her majesty, that satisfactory entertainment will be provided, and-” The list would have gone on if the mare hadn’t been interrupted by a loud groan.
“And what? That the food is edible?” Another trait that Twilight had been displeased to find still persisted was Spike’s sarcasm. It was near maddening to see how improper her charge could be, and even more so when she saw that his mother found it quite amusing. “Twilight as your prince I am commanding you to relax.”
It was times like these when Twilight Sparkle briefly wondered what her life would have entailed if instead of choosing a life of service to her princess, she had instead just chosen to pursue the subject of magic, and all it’s possibilities. Looking herself over she figured such a life wouldn’t have involved knowing the princess as well as she did, or traveling to some low-key town via royal chariot alongside a dragon. Plus she doubted she’d be a captain of any sort adorned in the ceremonial purple colored armor that signified her rank which she was pretty fond of.
“If I remember correctly mom had clearly said that we’re supposed to have fun as well.”
“I’m sure she was trying to convey the message that you enjoy your first undertaking into royal affairs.”
“She said and I quote ‘oh and before I forget, Twilight do try to have some fun my dear. You work far too hard, maybe you’ll make some new friends while you’re there.’”
“Doing my job to the fullest of my abilities is not working hard it’s doing my duty. And I have plenty of friends as it is thank you.” Sometimes it worried Twilight that her princess was becoming nearly as informal as her son.
“Well I know I’m your friend Twilight… but I hardly ever see you hang out with anyone else.” Spike’s attention was now off of his cloak, and now focused onto his suddenly flustered guardian.
“S-socializing is not paramount to my duties sire, and I ask that we keep the paradigms of our relationship between you, and I.” Though she would probably never admit it the two years spent molding the young prince had come with an unexpected side-effect. Despite his tendency to not take his future responsibilities seriously as well as other negatives the mare planned to wring out in time, Spike had somehow wormed past the cold wall of professionalism she kept most everyone else at a distance with. “Furthermore our priority needs to fall with overseeing the celebration.”
Spike ‘hmmed’ to himself for a moment as he turned away from Twilight so that he could gaze out to the world around them.
From her position Twilight scolded herself for losing her calm ever so slightly, and searched her brain for a way to renew the prince’s interest in the work ahead. After a moment the purple mare raised her left foreleg as sudden inspiration struck her. “Try to imagine how excited your subjects will be to have you watching them work. Surely the celebration will be made that much… amusing?”
In response Spike’s ridges perked up a bit, and after a moment he turned back around to look both Twilight, and himself over. “They would know that I’m watching them wouldn’t they?”
“Of course.”
“Working that much harder; probably near breaking their backs just to please me?”
Twilight nodded her head in reply hoping that maybe Spike was beginning to understand the significance of his being there, and why it was all the more imperative that they project a respectful image to his subjects.
“Well we can’t have that now can we?” With a suddenness that caught the unicorn off guard Spike had reached out, and unbuckled a piece of her own armor.
“And what in the world are you doing sire?” As her face flushed to a shade of red Twilight fought down equal parts outrage and embarrassment. If not for her rigorous training, and sense to duty to the throne the near mortified unicorn would have been sorely tempted to kick her charge right out of the carriage.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Though Spike continued with his work the young dragon raised a scaled brow in her direction. Within a moment another buckle had been undone, and now her polished armor slipped off of her shoulders so that they could *thump* to her hooves in a heap.
In most scenarios such a reply would be considered paltry, and deserving of an apology. This one perhaps not, thanks to the complete lack of sane reasons anyone (let alone Spike) could come up with to explain Spike’s actions. Though her face still felt hot, and her eyes narrowed in the direction of the pegasi that continued to pull their chariot daring them to turn around or do anything that might betray them eavesdropping on the turn of events behind them Twilight managed to concentrate enough willpower to speak. “N-no not really, could you be so kind as to… e-elaborate?”
With a sigh Spike shook his scaled head at his bodyguard, and much to Twilight’s continued horror he began to unclasp his own cape. “What’s the fun in going somewhere new if everyone there immediately knows who we are?”
Twilight had to fight the urge to wince as she watched the prince of all of Equestria deposit royal dressing as if they were simple rags. In the least the reasons behind his actions were less… awkward than what she was beginning to ponder… though no more sane in her opinion. “You are aware my lord that we’re not overseeing this celebration for fun. This is a ceremony of importance, and as the future king of Equestria you’re here to observe and better understand the duties of your station through this.” The blush had finally died down, and now that she was quickly shifting into ‘lecture mode’, as Spike so fondly referred to it, Twilight could at least remind Spike that there was work to be done.
“Why observe when you can join in?” Spike cast a look of appeal toward the unicorn as he gave a small shrug. “I mean look at it like this. What we have here is a chance to not only mingle with my subjects, but also to see things from a different per...pers..uhh.”
“Perspective sire?”
“Yeah! P-perspective!”
“As noble as your reasoning may be sire I’d much rather that we did not… deviate from the plan.” While she could certainly see the merit in the now frowning prince’s face Twilight wasn’t so easily swayed. “If your subjects are allowed to forget your station then how can I trust that they’ll follow your lead proper.”
“Proper shmoper.” And with that Spike nudged both of their articles of dress into a corner behind him which provoked a slight groan of irritation from his guardian, and a few audible chuckles from the pegasi.
Perhaps if it had just been the two of them Twilight might have been a little more yielding to Spike’s wishes… but royalty or not the unicorn had a job that she took quite seriously, and the two hapless eavesdroppers had now unknowingly placed crosshairs upon themselves. “Are you two quite finished?”
Almost immediately both of the royal guards were as still as statues (well except for their wings of course) and their faces paled.
“It would seem that our lord needs more than my opinion regarding this matter of socializing.” With a small grin that could turn a phoenix’s blood cold Twilight motioned towards the now silently panicking duo. “Oh I know! How about we use this opportunity to learn a bit about politics.”
From his position next to a now grinning Twilight Sparkle Spike fought the urge to roll his emerald green eyes; for as long as he had known the mare she never missed the chance to ‘learn’ something.
“As you know my lord Equestria has for a long time now flourished happily under your mother’s wise rule. This is what we commonly refer to as a monarchy which is a form of government where the sovereignty ultimately decides how things are done.” The purple unicorn would have happily gone further in depth, but enough time had been spent watching over her prince through the years to know that he’d soon lose interest if she didn’t cut to the chase (a real shame in her mind). “Now some might be concerned that with such a way of doing things our magnificent princess could quite easily abuse her powers (instances of speaking such things outloud usually ended with a free reservation in a dungeon), but so great is princess Celestia’s love for her subjects that she decreed that we should all be given a voice in matters that may concern us.
“I thought mom let a group of old stiffs handle that stuff?”
“Those… old stiffs would be the very voice I’m speaking of-” Twilight surprisingly enough had to stifle a chuckle; while she’d never allow anything ill to be said of her princess, the crotchety bureaucrats who’d rather grumble and shuffle papers than get anything done were another matter. “-they manage the small things that are far below Celestia’s time to waste on, and more importantly they represent your subjects when matters of great importance are brought up.”
“...” Spike took a moment to scratch his chin as he tried to remember some of the lessons that his guardian had drilled into his head regarding his future duties. “...They do that by voting right?”
“Correct!” The purple mare considered it a great victory that she managed to hold her charge’s attention long enough regarding one of his least favorite subjects. “To be more exact they discuss amongst themselves, and each is allowed their own vote once Celestia makes a decision. Now as our monarch she’s given the final say, but only enforces that right if she’s truly in need of it.” Now that her lord had a grasp of what she was speaking of Twilight felt that it was time to set things right. “You see your mother values her people’s opinions greatly, so often enough if the cause is right and they feel strongly enough about it she allows herself to be outvoted in such situations.”
The entire time the small lesson had been spoken of the two guards had slowly begun to relax feeling that perhaps they were in the clear. Their optimism was soon dashed when their captain said ominously.
“So how about we resolve our disagreement regarding the royal attire with a vote.” As she spoke Twilight fixed a cold glare onto the back of the pegasus’ heads.
The little drake at first was about to protest, but stopped as he considered letting the two guards help settle the situation. If she was out voted then Twilight would have to relent, and do so without so much as a mutter since she had been the one to come up with the idea. “That’s a great idea Twilight!”
“Thank you my lord.” While the purple mare certainly didn’t encourage such things, she was willing to allow the purple dragon to praise her in any form he wished when it came to her intelligence, and ideas. “Now without further ado let's allow our two tie-breakers to settle this once, and for all.” Both guards turned their heads back in surprise only to met with Spike’s hopeful smile… and a daring glare from Twilight looking back at them. “I’m sure we can allow a moment or two for you to decide who’s stance you agree with more. Our dear princes… or mine.”
There’s a moment in every man’s life where he must recognize his own ability to endanger himself. In this particular situation two stallions who knew one another quite well would have to share this moment. While the beaming drake was certainly their prince, the future ruler of their land, and quite often a pretty good guy to be around his sway with them was miniscule in comparison to the fear they had for the mare who outranked them. Despite her young age when compared to other members of the guard the mare held a love for order, discipline, and her station that could rival even the more decorated of serving officers… and her susceptibility to being vindictive was already legendary.
So in the end what was a soul to do when his loyalty to his prince was pitted against the looming effects of a scary senior officer?
“I-I think it would be for the b-best if we heeded her- I mean captain Sparkle’s advice! From where he stood Spike was unable to see the steel-eyed leer a certain unicorn had focused upon the two pegasi, but a cold shiver down their spines was all either guard needed to know that second guessing her would not bode well.
“A-Aye! Y-you know she only has your best interest at heart s-sire!”
For a moment Spike was about to protest, but taking a note from his mother’s book Spike accepted this defeat, and with a sigh the young prince began to pick up his royal garb with a simple “Oh fine then…” Whatever else Spike had meant to say turned to low grumbles as he reclasped his cloak, and crossed his scaled arms with a huff.
“Trust me Spi-sire once we are received by your subjects in the proper fashion you’ll be glad for our distinction. You know I only take the most deserving of matters so seriously.” As she spoke Twilight fought down the small amount of displeasure that sprouted from seeing her liege disappointed, instead her horn lit up, and the royal armor was levitated toward her so that she could replace it upon herself.
“...But you take everything seriously.”
Another argument might have sparked to life if not for the sudden shout from one of the royal guards. “Ponyville in sight sire!”
Both Spike, and Twilight ceased their mutual glares toward one another as they turned their attention to the approaching town below. For the young drake who had hardly seen anything outside of Canterlot’s walls a shiver of excitement went through him as he eagerly awaited the new experiences that surely laid ahead. For the mare standing next to him a similar shiver was felt as well; Twilight was anxious to attend her duties, and hopefully give her charge a deeper look into the position that was his birthright. Not just for his sake, but for the princess that Twilight respected, and for the benefit of the land he would some day rule.
End Of Chapter: