> What Has Become Of Us?
>  by That_Rando_Cat
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Why Am I Like This?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flash: I stared at myself in the mirror. Three years of serving the Guard. I’m really proud. The best I could ever hope for. But just a couple months ago, I fell for a Princess. Not just any Princess, but Princess Twilight Sparkle. We kept meeting in the halls at the Crystal Empire, before I was transferred here, for whatever reason, and were always bumping into each other. The first time was really embarrassing, because she fell on her back like she hit a brick wall. My face flushed red, as I could feel the warmth spreading to my cheeks. I quickly helped her up, and it was fine for about a week, but the same damn thing happened again! I thought to myself, By Celestia, what is going on?! I immediately apologized, but she was completely fine and forgave me. I was snapped back to attention by somepony opening the door. It was Captain Strong Wind. Horse apples! Normally this is bad!
“Good morning Captain, sir!” I saluted, which got a hearty chuckle out of him.
“At ease, soldier. I just came up here to tell you that you were reassigned as a personal Guard for Princess Twilight,” he said, in a deep voice.
“F-for the P-princess? I am deeply honored, sir!” I said, stuttering early on, as I cursed internally.
“You should be, for I could not think of a better pony to guard her,” he replied, in a rather joyous voice.
I had to wonder, why would he choose me? I was very excited at first, but then I remembered, I cared for her. I knew she was very excellent, with beautiful long, dazzling hair and sparkling eyes that would make any stalli-
NO! You mustn’t think like that if you are to be guarding her! She is not one to be loved as somepony like yourself! You are way out of her league! But my heart still always wanted her, however, my head always ruled over my heart when it came to stuff like this.
“And, just so we’re clear, she requested you herself. She does enjoy your work as a guard, being more social than not with her,” he added on, which only increased my anxiety. “That, and you have an hour before your shift starts. She will be down at the library, as she informed me via letter yesterday.”
Well, at least it wouldn’t necessarily be as awkward. If she needed help in studying, I guess I could help. She spent a good amount of her time looking into a book, as if she was always looking for an answer that was just out of reach. She could also use some comfort of your own, with your wing wrapped around her, as she studied her-
Stop. Thinking. Like. THAT! You soon would be saying it out loud! Any romantic thoughts toward a Princess are prohibited and you know that!
Well, why not fantasize, even for a day, and you know it’s true she needs a friend, or at least some comfort because she is probably even more lonely than you.
I had to realize that. All her friends are elsewhere, them being the Elements of Harmony. It was very interesting, the way they all met, because I doubt most of them knew each other. It was for the best, because they had to come together a while back, due to the evil presence, which they fought off marvelously. 
There were still fifty minutes before he had to set out as a guard, so he took time polishing his near-perfect golden guard armor. Being a Royal Guard was quite enjoyable, but not if you had feelings for somepony you were supposed to protect.
I quickly grabbed an apple and went on his way to the Princess. When he arrived, the stallion working the desk questioned why he was here.
“Well, you see, I… have to be guarding the Princess. Er, Princess Twilight,” I said rather shyly.
“Alrighty then mate! Jus’ three floors up an’ to the lef’ an’ she should be there. Ancient ‘istory section, for yer information,” He replied in a thick Marestralian accent.
I gave him my thanks and went my way up the stairs. I passed by several sections before I encountered the aisle the Princess was in. She was rather skinnier than I had last seen her a couple days ago with severe bags under her eyes. I approached warily, as she had seemed to be crying. She had only noticed me when I poked her, at which her wings flew up in surprise, knocking nearly a dozen books from the shelves.
“Crap! Oh, sorry, I wasn’t really paying much attention. You must be my guard… uhh, heh, what’s your name again?” She asked innocently, blushing as she put the books back on the shelves magically. 
“Oh, uh, *cough* Flash S-Sentry, Your Highness. Sorry to startle you,” I apologized.
“No, it’s fine really, I must be-be-be getting back to work,” she said quietly, yawning as she said ‘be’.
“Princess, as your personal Guard, may I suggest you get some rest, or coffee, or at least tea?” I asked, hoping for a positive answer.
“No, but do feel free to help me out. And, if you don’t mind, could you just call me Twilight while we are in settings such as this?” she asked hopefully. 
“Oh, but of course Pr- er, Twilight. And, could I get you something to eat? You don’t really look all that full in shape,” I asked, but I realized what I said. Shit! She probably thinks I’m a creep! Fu-
“No, no, no, I’m quite fine,” she said as her stomach rumbled, and blushed slightly, hopefully not from what I said. “But, do please help me study.”
“Of course, Twilight,” I replied.
And so, we spent about another two hours at the library, before I noted she was crying softly.
“Twilight? Is something wrong?” I asked gently, moving closer to her.
She looked over, with sad, puffy red eyes with tears slowly streaming down her elegant face. “Oh, Flash, I could make a list! I’m lonely, I’m always studying, the Royal Court is stressful, and I can’t talk to anyone! Celestia is always busy and Luna only comes around during the night!”
I put my flank up against hers. “Look, Twilight, I can be your friend here, you can talk to me. And, well, if you need me to help with anything, just call me.”
She hugged me, smiling as she was, her tears soaking into my fur. I held her in my wings for a good fifteen minutes, letting her cry into my chest and complain about subjects that I didn’t even know she was involved in. I could definitely tell she needed this though, because she was looking tense and stressed. I could tell by the way her wings weren’t properly preened, her droopy half smile, and the bags under her perfect eyes. When she pulled away, I immediately remembered that I am a Guard, and if anyone saw, I would be skinned and flayed over the depths of Tartarus.
“Oh, my, thank you, Flash. I very much needed that,” she said gratefully, sniffling as she did.
“You’re quite welcome, Twilight. Look, I know you say you don’t need it, but you obviously do, so I’ll grab some pillows for you to sleep on and some lunch. Is that okay?” I asked quietly, because anyone could have looked over and have seen it as a romantic gesture rather than friendly.
“Flash, you’re just too kind. I would enjoy both, as you have made me realize that I definitely need a break,” she said drowsily. 
And with that, I left and grabbed some pillows in a back corner. One of the librarians gave me a burning questioning glare as I grabbed seven pillows. I hurriedly carried them over to Twilight who immediately flopped down on them and went to sleep. And with that, I let her rest for two hours and grabbed both her and I lunch, and walked away thinking, what in the hell is wrong with me?

Twilight: I woke up about an hour and a half later, feeling rather refreshed by the sleep I got. I sat up groggily, not remembering my conversation with Flash before I fell asleep, and because of that, forgot that the let me cry into his chest, wrapping me tightly, and the gestures of a true friend, letting him help me out. That, and his disheveled but stylish blue mane and his gorgeous wings, and his bright orange coat make him look handsome and very easy to like. Wait a bucking minute. You thought he’s hot? Cute? Lovable? Well… what the hell? What’s wrong with that? Oh… yeah.
The law prohibited any Guard, much less a pegasus, to show any affectionate and/or romantic gestures to those of whom the guard. But, Flash was just doing it out of friendship, right? Yeah… just friends -not to mention just trying to be helpful-, not like I like him or anything. Yeah, heh, oh…
Flash was just standing there watching her weak smile and intense blush. He had plates of food, and I wondered why, but I had forgotten her promise to Flash to eat something, because goddammit, I really had to. 
“Uhm, Twilight? Is everything okay?” he asked nervously.
“Hehe, uh, yeah. Just… thinking,” I replied sheepishly.
He didn’t seem to buy it, but he didn’t question her any further. He did truly care for me, and it was quite obvious, because he pushed me no further with his questions. However, he did come to sit by me and put a lunch plate on the ground in front of me. He clearly went to the Royal eating chambers, because my plate was much fancier than his, because his contained a more basic mix of foods, while mine contained expertly seasoned meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, an elegant desert, and a wedge of a daisy and sunflower sandwich, which happened to be my personal favorite.
“How did you know?” I asked him.
He looked up quickly, startled. “Hmm? Oh, uh, what?”
“That my favorite sandwich is daisy and sunflower,” I replied, trying to soothe him.
“I had asked Princess Celestia what your favorite thing to eat was,” he said, quickly swallowing another mouthful of food as he did so.
I giggled. “Why’d you do that?”
“I-I, uhhhhm, w-was just wondering i-if you had a favorite item to eat, because, well… I figured it would cheer you up?” he said, blushing and stammering excessively. 
I was also smiling weakly, and probably blushing harder than he was. We ate in silence, only broken by chewing and ponies coming in and out of the library, grabbing books as they went along. Flash was done way before I was finished, and waited patiently at the end of the aisle to bring the plates back to the dining areas. He held his spear in one hoof, which was gripped rather tightly, but I couldn’t figure out why. When I stood up to ask him to bring the plates back to the dining areas, one of my wings flapped outwards again, hitting the bookshelves.
“Crud!” I whispered silently as Flash turned around nervously.
“Twilight, are you okay?” He asked as he trotted over, glancing at my wing.
“I-I’m fine Flash. Just, want, stupid- there!” I breathed out angrily.
“May I offer some advice for your wings?” He asked.
“Sure, why not,” I replied in the sweetest voice I possibly could, making him blush.
“Try to keep your thoughts contained, because even the slightest thing could make it flap open unexpectedly. Your wings are connected to your brain, technically speaking, therefore your brain controls them,” he replied softly, feeling for any broken wing.
He then asked if I had preened my wing recently, but it was obvious. “Well, Flash, I haven’t really learned how. I-If you don’t mind showing me I’d be willing to take some advice,” I answered, somehow managing to keep stammering to a minimum.
"I'd like to help, but..."
"What is it?" I asked, and he turned away, biting his lower lip.
"It's nothing, really." He shrugged and said that after he returned the plates, he’d teach me how to preen my feathers. I quickly got back to looking at the books laid out in front of me, taking notes and trying not to think about how handsome Flash looks compared to the other Guards. What the hell are you thinking? You know it goes against the law, so stop dreaming!
But why can’t I daydream and fantasize? He’s much nicer and more social than most other Guards. So why can’t I imagine him holding me in his arms and protecting me? After all, that is his job. And I can’t even be sure he feels the same way towards me.
My heart won over my head this time, but I wasn’t going to be too sure next time it happened. When he got back, I had to remind him of him helping me preen my wings. "Sure thing, Twilight."
He asked me to stand up straight and put his head into the structural part of the wing. He felt around for any loose feathers, and I had to shiver constantly to break the wonderful feeling of him going through my wings. It took him about fifteen minutes, but I could already tell my wing was looking much better than before. 
“So, now that you know how, would you care to try to preen your left wing?” he asked gently.
“Uhm, sure,” I replied, not very certain of myself.
It took me twice as long, and with much more yelps of pain, but I got it done. I felt so much better with all the weight taken off of me. I sat back down again to study for another three hours with Flash next to me. It took all my self-constraint to ask him to put his wing over me, but he did sidle up to me when he noticed I was shivering. His body was much warmer than mine. After we finished, he handed his notes to me, and I noticed that he is quite intelligent compared to the other Guards. 
As we were walking back I asked him, “How much do you know about ancient Canterlot history?” I also seemed to catch him off-guard, so to speak.
“W-well, I did study quite a lot so I would know the difference between the usage of new and old laws,” he replied.
It did make sense, so a Guard could tell the difference and reasoning behind the usage and or abusiveness of laws. When we got back to my room I quickly gave Flash a hug, however, I did notice that Captain Strong Wind was standing RIGHT BEHIND FLASH! OH SH-
“Uh, could you excuse us for a second, Princess?” he asked, however, he showed no signs of anger or anything else of the sort.
“S-sure, Captain!”
As they walked away, they were in deep conversation, however, it looked more relaxed and not at all in any way hostile, and all I could think was what the hell is wrong with me?

Flash:
As I walked away, my stomach was boiling in fear.
“May I ask what that was, Flash?” he asked calmly.
“I, uh, she, well… I helped her out a lot today, with her studying and, uh, emotionally,” I replied, hesitant and nervous.
“Well, how so?” he asked yet again.
“She looked very tired and tense when I arrived at the library earlier today. I had asked her if she was fine, but she did have a little outburst. She ended up crying rather hard, so I held her in my wings to comfort her. I told her that we could just be friends, but, well, I probably shouldn’t tell you what she told me. I… I think she enjoyed it,” I said hurriedly.
When he raised his forehoof, I thought he would be the hell out of me, but instead, he patted me on the shoulder. “You’re a good stallion, Flash Sentry, and I’m glad you care for the Princess and comfort her. But just remember, you are a Guard, and you mustn’t develop any sort of relationship, except for a good strong friendship with the Princess. Because you are experienced I’m not going to scold you for taking the comfort of the Princess into your own hooves, because I know I can trust you.”
I looked at the Captain with eternal gratefulness, and Captain Strong Wind looked at me the same way I looked at him. The Captain thanked me for helping Twilight and went off to bed, and I did the same. Then I thought to myself, Maybe there is something wrong with me, but it’s probably not as bad as I thought it is.
> A Growing Realization
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flash: My routine has been mostly the same since the first day, just without as much drama. It was nice, being able to talk to Twilight every day. I had managed to convince her to just eat at least three meals a day, and she’s already looking like her old self. She still has small bags under her eyes, but it might just be me caring too much.
I also learned a lot about her and her friends. They all sound like good ponies. Fluttershy was what her name made her out to be, she worked with animals and was typically quiet. She sounded like somepony I could hang out with, along with the rest of her friends, but Pinkie Pie just sounded really hyperactive, like she’s on several energy drinks.
However, after a month and a half or regular routines, Twilight was meeting with both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I was still supposed to stick to Twilight’s side, but mustn’t show any signs that either she or I is a friend, because it could lead to some suspicions.
“...So, what have you been studying Twilight?” asked Princess Celestia.
“Mostly Ancient Canterlot history, Flash and I have been working together. We went through every book there was,” said Twilight, clearly unaware of my unease, and I shifted in my seat.
“And, Twilight, who is this Flash character?” asked Princess Luna.
“Oh, uhm, he is, my… Guard, right next to me, here,” she said, stammering, and both her and I were blushing intensely. 
The other two in the room looked at us both suspiciously, and thankfully, they did not see the smaller incident when Flash started to guard Twilight.
“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, it is simply nothing, just being as helpful of a Guard as I can be, even if it goes beyond guarding,” I stated, trying to clear up the matter between Flash and Twilight.
“Well, Flash, you seem to be a little defensive on this matter,” said Celestia.
“W-well Princess, it-” I was cut off abruptly.
“Flash, do not worry. And when you meet with us in private, feel free to use our normal names,” said Luna, trying to help out. Celestia shot a glare at her, but stayed silent.
“And, if anything Flash, it is best you continue what you are doing,” said Celestia.
“Guys, I’m still here!” said Twilight, blushing fiercely.
They soon got back on topic, talking about politics, imprisonment and the punishments to the wrongdoers. I was soon lost in the two-hour long “chat” that Twilight took him to. I added in on places where there was missing information, but otherwise, I stayed silent and sipped on his tea.
When they left, I asked Twilight why she brought up their study time together. And when I emphasized on together, she said, “Well, it’s not fair that you don’t get any credit, and the fact that you did almost half the work and helped me get through my emotional struggles, I couldn’t leave you out.”
“But you saw the way Celestia and Luna looked at us! It was almost like they thought it was... scandalous that we studied together!” I proclaimed, and quieted it down as a squadron of guards walked by, looking at us awkwardly.
“Well yes, but… I can’t leave you out of the picture! You are my friend here Flash, and I might hurt you if you feel like you don’t matter to me!” said Twilight, reaching to the point of almost shouting before realizing what she said.
“You… I matter to you?” asked Flash, thrown off by her statement.
All Twilight could do was look away, smile weakly, and blush. We didn’t speak for an awkward thirty seconds, before Twilight said, “You do matter to me, Flash, because you are the only one I can talk to about my problems,” she replied, looking up at his now smiling face.
I quickly looked away, coughing into my hoof, his muzzle going absolutely red. We walked in silence, only broken by our own hoofsteps. I only stood by Twilight’s bedchambers to be sure that she was safe, and went back to my own.

Twilight:
Why. Can’t. I. Get. Him. Out. Of. My. God. Damn. HEAD?!
Seriously. He’s just a Guard! Why, everytime I close my eyes, does he appear, smiling crookedly, in a handsome way, with his warm icy-blue eyes? His disheveled mane- ugh, fuck! I can’t stop thinking about him. Maybe Celestia can help me.
But think of what happens to the both of you. He could get sent off, be a Guard for somepony else, hell, executed for my feelings, because he probably shares them too! And the least she would do was wipe our memories of each other, and I wouldn’t have a friend!
	At that thought, I began to cry. It turned into a silent sort of sobbing, and for twenty minutes I was this way before I fell asleep. When I woke up, I was greeted by beautiful birdsong. My cheeks were dry with tears from the previous night, and the sun hurt my eyes in the most excruciating way. When I could open my eyes, I looked in a mirror, and my makeup was all smeared over her face.
“Ohhhh, Celestia, how will I clean it up?” she asked herself.
Then a knock sounded on the door. I figured it was some random Guard bumping into it, but I said come in anyways. Surprisingly, the door opened, and even more surprising, it was Flash who came in, with rather casual clothes on. He noticed my state of distress and flew over in a matter of a second. That’s why they call him Flash Sentry, I thought to myself.
He grabbed my head and forced me to look at him. “Twilight, are you okay? What happened?” he kept asking questions as he pulled me into a hug, stroking my mane. 
“F-Flash,” I started, sobbing, “I-I’m sorry you have to see me th-this way.”
He shushed me before I could talk any further and said, “Twilight, is this about somepony?”
Well, I couldn’t lie if I wanted to, for it spilled out of my mouth after he finished. “I really, really like you Flash.”
He blushed immediately, and it was my turn to hug him. He then wrapped one of his wings around me and led me to the outside balcony. He then said, “I might know something to cheer you up.”
“Hmm?” I asked, looking up at him.
“Would you care to go for a flight? Just a short one, maybe to the roof or a cloud?” he asked. “It always brings me joy.”
“Well… I don’t really know how to fly,” I said, looking away. “That is, I haven’t in a long while.”	
“Then I will have to teach you,” said Flash. “You will probably need to fly at some point anyway.”
I only nodded. He gave me instructions as he demonstrated, “...Just keep a steady pace… Don’t strain yourself… Hey, you’ve got it!” he chuckled.
Soon, I was rising up. Then, Flash nodded his head toward the roof of the castle. I went up first, trying to prove myself, but I could tell I needed help halfway, and Flash helped me up the rest of the way. When we got to the top, my breath was taken away by the sight of the kingdom before my eyes. It was absolutely beautiful.
“So, Flash, you think we could get to a cloud?” I asked, hoping he’d say yes.
“I don’t see why not. Just, ask for help if you need it. I don’t need you falling,” he said stoically. 
“Okay! Race you!” I shouted happily.
“No, Twilight! Wait! Your wings could- shit!” He said, racing after me.
I didn’t understand until my wings utterly failed me. They locked in place and I started plummeting. I could hear Flash calling my name and racing to catch me as I plummeted to my death. However, I stopped falling, thinking that I died, before I realized I was being pulled up. When we stopped, I finally opened my eyes.
“So, Twilight, how’s the view?” he asked, with a wing around my shivering body. I had expected a scolding, a ‘What in the name of Celestia were you doing?’ or ‘Are you hurt?’ or ‘I can’t believe you’d act so stupid!’ Instead, I got a cheerful question.
“It’s so, so… beautiful,” I said, the last word coming out as a whisper. A lone tear of joy came from my eye, and Flash wiped it away.
I looked at him, sitting so straight, so regal and perfect, and yet he was calm and happy with himself. When he noticed I was staring directly at him, he looked over with a small, contempt smile that I found to be quite enjoyable. So when I leaned into his chest, he tightened his embrace and kissed the top of my head. I was half startled and half overjoyed, but I remembered one thing: we cannot be together.
But instead of leaving, I stayed there for a good ten minutes, letting him stroke my mane. “Well, you are exceptionally beautiful, Twilight,” he said before he fell over on his side.
I didn’t care if boundaries divided us, I went over and pulled him up. He looked startled as I kissed him, full on the lips, and I swore to myself that he didn’t care for me at all until he was kissing me back. When we broke apart, I was gasping for breath.
“Oh, I am done for if anyone finds out. Shit, shit, shit!” I heard him whisper to himself.
He was right. If either of us were caught, Flash would probably be rejected by the Guard at best. But, then again, why is it such a bad thing? And what were those medals for…
“Flash, may I ask what your medals are for?” I asked.
“Hm? Oh, they’re for service, dedication, and trial,” he replied.
I asked him to explain further. “Well, one of them is for the amount of time I’ve spent in the Royal Guard, one of them is to prove I’m an officer, and the third is to show my trial, due to the fight against the Changelings,” he said, and I shuddered again, remembering those things.
I put my head under his chin, and he relaxed, but said, “How in the hell are we going to cover this up?”
Well, that’s what I was wondering as well. “I don’t know, but I think we could just go on with our lives, just only do whatever this is in private.”
He wrapped both wings around me as I hugged him, and I couldn’t remember a happier or more nervous time in my life. Well, at least we know we’re meant for each other. And with that, I made a growing realization, we are meant to be together, even if it’s wrong.

Flash:
I am so fucking done for is anyone finds out, especially the Captain, even worse, Princess Celestia and Luna. But I couldn’t hurt Twilights’ feelings now, and I wouldn’t want to. It was the happiest moment in my life. With her in my arms, and, well, wings, I felt as if I meant something.
“Well, it’s probably best we head down before somepony notices we’re gone,” said Twilight.
However, neither of us wanted to, but we had to. It was at least nine o’clock, and it would be suspicious if we weren’t back at the castle. When we landed back at the balcony, a servant had walked in.
“Uhm, Princess Twi- oh, there you are!” she said, clearly unaware of anything.
“Hello! Oh, what have you brought?” she asked, looking at the tray she carried.
It was clearly breakfast, but there was a letter on it. She had the servant put the tray on a desk and let her go. I went to get the letter, but Twilight was clearly in distress. She didn’t look too well, and I was going to ask her why but I saw that she was holding the letter.
“I-Is everything okay, Twilight?” I asked.
She looked up quickly, as if she didn’t know I was still here. She was chewing her bottom lip, as if trying to come up with a reason other than what was written on the letter. She gave up and said, “I’m requested to the Royal Court in three days of the boundaries of love. This is just a really, really bad time for this.”
I knew what she was talking about. We really screwed this up. She could be biased, could say she can’t make it and arouse questions, she could say the wrong thing on this topic, oh, Celestia, we don’t have the greatest timing in the Universe at all.
But, then again, it does mean I’ll be guarding her in the Court, so she’ll probably have some of the best protection. I was lost in thought on all the scenarios that could play out, I didn’t realize Twilight had walked right next to me.
“Oh, uh, can I help you?” I asked, startled.
She smiled up at me, just a simple, warm smile. “You could help me prepare.”
And with that, we immediately went off to the library, first to study the old laws and the new ones that could come up in court, and to get the answers ready with the verdict.
When we got there, the Guards at the door told us that the library wasn’t open for visitors. Well, that’s peculiar. It’s almost never closed, seeing that Twilight is always here. They said they were re-organizing the books, and that made me understand. There were hundreds of thousands of different books in the library, along with documents, scrolls, and the like.
Twilight sighed heavily and turned around, walking slowly back towards her room. I walked alongside her, making sure she’s okay. She was about to enter her room, when suddenly the Captain came barreling down the hallway.
“Emergency… garden… oh, Celestia… need… help-” And he fell over. Twilight gasped in shock, and I saw a wound along his flank, with blood seeping quickly.
“Twilight! Get him to the infirmary, now! I’ll be back soon!” I shouted, running towards the garden, grabbing his spear.
As I rushed out, I could see the scuffle between some hooded figures and the guards. I flew down, shouting, and impaled one of the cloaked ponies in the stomach. He howled in pain, dropped his weapon, and fled slowly, only to run into another Guard who pinned him to the ground. Another ran up to me, trying to get my chest, but I shoved him back down on the ground, picking up a fallen dagger, and shoved it hilt-deep into his leg, pinning him to the ground. He howled in pain and I bucked him right in the head, causing him to black out.
A third came up behind me, but I flared to the right, the blow dodged easily. He stabbed at me again, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Twilight watching the horrid battle. Her purple coat was hard to miss. The jab at me grazed my flank, missing my chest, thank Celestia, and I kicked the blade out of his hooves, caught it mid-air, and slammed the hilt into his forehead. Another shot an arrow at me, which caught in my feathers, and I picked up a second dropped dagger and flung it at him, hitting him square in the throat. He toppled over, disappearing behind his hiding spot. 
Somepony jumped me, pinning me, but he wasn’t trained enough, and forgot to pin my legs. I bucked him right off of me, flew him up fifty feet, and drop kicked the sorry shit. A pegasus intercepted me mid-air, the knife blade going through my mane. I flipped, taking the weapon out of his own hooves, and stabbed his flank, causing him to fall slowly, then plummet to his former attackers’ fate. I was tiring, the battle thankfully over. I flew down slowly, and a field medic rushed over to me.
“Sir, you do need some attention,” she said, pulling out a bandage roll.
“Hm? Oh, oh my,” I replied, looking at the long, rather shallow but bleeding wound across my flank, suddenly feeling the pain.
I laid down on the uninjured side, letting her treat me, when Twilight came bursting into the yard. She looked around, trying to spot me, and flew over as soon as she did. The medic had just finished treating my wound when she hugged me, tears flowing freely.
“O-oh Flash, what would I h-have done w-without you?” she asked, crying into my shoulder.
I shushed her, reminding her of the promise we made earlier. She nodded immediately and made me come with her. I had no idea where we were going, I was just trying to keep up with her. When we got to her chambers, I had to stop rather quickly to keep myself from running right into her.
“Come on, Flash! Come-on!” she said, trying to pull me into her room. I had to submit to being dragged.
She promptly sat on the bed, and I guess I had no choice but to follow her. “So, how’s Captain Strong Wind? I hope he’s okay,” I asked, looking down at her.
She looked up, crying, and trying to compose herself. “H-he’s fine. I’m j-just worried ab-about you, Flash,” she said, looking directly at me.
I swear, my face was on fire. I thought she had only kissed me earlier, due to the heat-of-the-moment, and I did save her life. I looked away, rather embarrassed, but she drew up closer to me and rested her head on my shoulder.
“Never, and I mean never, do something like that again. You didn’t even have your armor on! If you don’t come back, I… I… don’t know what I c-could do without you!” she sobbed, her voice breaking near the end.
I wrapped both wings around her, and she cried into my chest. The force of such knocked me on my back, so she and I were laying on the bed. I calmly stroked her mane and patted her on the back for a good hour, letting her cry, before she stopped.
“It’s okay, Twilight. I’ve come back from worse. You need not worry,” I said, looking at her.
She looked up nervously, eyes wet from crying, and grabbed my face by one of her front hooves. She moved up, and, without a second thought, kissed me gently. I was even more surprised this time, but I kissed her back as gently as she did to me. When she pulled away, she rested her head back on my chest, only she wasn’t crying.
I raised my hoof to rest on her shoulder, and she gladly accepted it. If anything, she relaxed further. “I… I love you, Flash Sentry,” she said. I was too starstruck to speak. She then rolled off me, onto the other side of the bed, and snuggled up to my side, under my arm. 
“I love you too, Twilight Sparkle,” I finally said.
When she got under the covers, I got up, but she held me back. “Please, Flash, stay with me tonight.”
I couldn’t say no, but saying yes was rather hard. I just nodded, blushing harder than when she kissed me the second time and wrapped an arm around her. She cozied up to my body and fell asleep rather fast, however it took me longer to. For half an hour, I was debating to try and leave or not, and decided to stay. I had to think though, but I realized that I did truly love her, and that she loved me back.

Spike:
I really wanted to check in on the Princess tonight, but I decided to let her sleep. When I woke up the next morning, it was almost nine. I quickly ran to her room and seeing that there wasn’t a Guard there, I opened the door as fast as I could. But, there, in her room was…
> The Brother
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flash: I woke up at about nine, not to birdsong, but a gasp sounding from the doorway. I woke Twilight up when I turned around sleepily to notice a small-looking dragon standing at the door. Twilight groggily got up, turned around, and clearly unaware of the dragon in the doorway, grabbed my face and kissed me.
Thankfully, the dragon didn’t make a sound, as the kiss lasted an entire minute before Twilight opened her eyes and saw him standing there. “S-Spike?! P-Please don’t tell me you saw, well… that!” she said, almost shouting.
He looked away before he said, “Well, I kind of saw… everything?” he said precautiously.
I was looking over at Twilight, who was clearly unhappy, startled, and… scared. I realized why. I would get the shit beaten out of me if anyone knew, especially Captain Strong Wind. Even worse, Celestia or Luna! I thought.
“Twilight? Who is, uhm, Spike?” I asked, unsure.
“Oh! He-he’s a friend of mine. He accompanied me here to help me out, but he’s been rather sick, so I let him rest,” she said, kind of calmly.
“Princess, I swear I won’t tell anypony what happened! It’s just between us!” he said, trying to make up for coming in unnoticed.
Twilight quickly forgave him and got out of bed. Spike looked at me quizzically, and I gave him the it’s-okay-don’t-even-worry kind of look that I gave to Twilight the previous night. Spike just nodded and went over to the stove.
“You know how to cook?” I asked, getting out of Twilight’s bed and rubbing my eye.
“Well, yeah. I can do a pretty damn good job, but I’m nowhere near the best,” he said, grabbing a pan out of a cabinet. Twilight scolded him for using that language, and I laughed slightly.
I never noticed this place back here before. It was just one of those small things I typically don’t notice unless I stare directly at it. I watched as he ran around, grabbing things for prepping for breakfast. 
I also realized that if I’m caught walking back from Twilight’s room without my armor or even seen coming out of it, I’d be questioned thoroughly. Not something I need right now, I thought.
Soon I realized that the shower was also running. I really needed to pee, but Twilight was occupying the bathroom. I had to respect that, because she was, well, Royalty. That, and it would seem quite rude. I figured I should use the shower as well, considering that I still have the cut along my flank and probably smell worse than a pigsty. Thankfully, Twilight didn’t mind, probably because she wasn’t the best smelling I’ve smelt her.
Oh, crap, did I just think that? Thankfully I didn't say it! I quickly went back to my room to grab my armor. I trotted back over to Twilight’s room, thankfully passing nopony. I walked back in and saw Twilight walk out of the bathroom, in an elegant dress that made her shine.
“Oh, Flash! How are you?” she asked, walking up to me. “Eugh, you smell awful!”
“I know, I was just coming to use the shower here, if you don’t mind?” I asked. I really didn’t want to go down the Guard’s showers.
“Oh! Of course, feel free!” she said, merrily trotting over to Spike.
I headed in, the room steamy and the mirror fogged up. I quickly used the bathroom before hopping in the shower. It was nice and hot already, and I made it quick, just washed out my mane and feathers, and let the water wash over my injury from yesterday. It stung, but at least I knew it would be clean, and not look as bad.
When I walked out of the shower, Twilight poked her head. She looked away as soon as she realized I was coming out. “Oh, sorry! Breakfast is ready!”
"Aren't we usually de-clothed?" I called out, but she didn't hear me.
I stepped out, and the smell of waffles wafted over me. They were sitting on the table, steaming hot, with a bottle of syrup and a small plate of eggs. I quickly pulled up a chair and quickly poured syrup over my stack of waffles.
“Wow Spike, this is really good!” I said, between mouthfuls.
“Aw, Flash, it truly is nothing!” he chuckled in reply.
Twilight giggled, and both Spike and I looked at her. “Oh, you two! Being so modest and all, it really is charming!”
It was our turn to blush. Normally, I didn’t think Spike would be modest, and my compliment satisfied him enough, but clearly, there was more to say. When breakfast was over, I thanked Spike for the breakfast and donned my heavy golden armor. As I was leaving, Twilight walked up behind me. “I just wanted to thank you, Flash. You really are special to me,” she said, nuzzling me as I walked out.
It finally occurred to me to check in on Captain Strong Wind, and I mentally cursed myself for not remembering his injury. I ran over to the infirmary, and I bumped into my old friend, Steel Wing.
“Oh, Flash! I haven’t seen you in the longest while!” he said, pulling me in for a bro-hug.
“Well, I’ve been busy as a Guard. What brings you here?” I asked, slightly laughing.
He grinned back. “I became a doctor about a week ago, and was sent to work here. Great place, really, just kind of overwhelmed with the amount of ponies sent in to get checked on for even slight injuries. But, you can never be too sure.”
His smile faltered slightly as he said the last words. “What happened?” Panic arose in my throat as his expression turned sad.
“Just a couple days ago, we brought in a Guard who was scratched up, but, for whatever reason, he went crazy. We tried to stop him, but he jumped anyway. We couldn’t save him,” he said, clearly trying to forget what happened. “He said he couldn’t take another day of the Guard.”
I remember him. He was always a kind of depressed looking Guard, grey coat and black wings. He did his job fine, but he was always getting hurt. And after a year of protection that most ponies experience in three, he was still working in the same position.
I said goodbye to my friend and went inside the infirmary. I found Strong Wind resting on the bed. He suddenly started to look his forty-odd years of age. His body was looking brittle, he was obviously tired, and had more wrinkles in his face than I thought. When I walked up to his side, he opened his eyes. They no longer had that youthful sparkle to them.
“Flash Sentry. Is that you, my most devoted and my favorite Guard?” he asked, smiling the weakest smile I’ve seen from him years.
“Yes, Captain Strong Wind. Please tell me you’re fine?” I asked desperately.
“Oh, Flash. Do not worry, I have a good amount of time on my hooves before I leave you. And, at ease,” he ordered.
“Sir, how can I not worry? You have been a great Captain!” I exclaimed.
“Flash, I am nowhere close to being as good as my predecessors. I am simply following what they have done, and trying to improve on it,” he said, clearly trying to sell himself short.
“But, sir, if you improve on it, it surely means you are better than those in the past?” I asked, clearly to trip him, and it worked.
“Well, Flash, you are truly smart. I can see why Princess Twilight cared for you,” he said, now catching me harder than I did to him, and I blushed enough to give it away. “Oh, so you know? It’s quite obvious. And, personally, I’m okay with it.”
“Y-you are?” I asked nervously.
He just chuckled. “Yes. As long as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna aren’t aware, you’ll be fine. I just know that you can take good care of her, Flash, and I wouldn’t want anypony else guarding her right now,” he said, giving me an approving look. “And while we’re on this topic, I’d like you to consider you to be the next Captain of the Guard. You do seem very dedicated and enjoy your job, Flash.”
“W-Well, Sir, it’d be an honor!” I said, overjoyed.
“But, you must realize, it would mean less time guarding Princess Twilight. And we both know it is a sacrifice. Love is fragile if not made strong in the beginning, as I speak from experience,” he said, a longing tone hidden in his voice.
“I assume you had a crush before the Royal Guard, Captain?” I asked, intrigued by the suddenness of this.
“Well, I had a crush on this mare over in Manehatten, during one of my visits. I was looking at becoming the CEO of some business. While I was looking at all the different offers, I bumped into a pegasus at the corner of a street. She was quite beautiful, and as soon as we laid eyes on each other, it was like we were meant to be,” he said, recalling his encounter. “She and I met together again on the same street corner a while later, me with my Guard sign-up sheet after the Captain at the time found my stature perfect for the job. She invited me to dinner, and I broke it to her that I probably wouldn’t be around longer because I was going to become a Guard. She immediately stormed off and would not listen to my reasoning,” he said, a lone tear streaking the side of his face. “When I caught up with her, she was going through an alley, when two ponies in shadowed cloaks came up behind her. They were almost going to kill her when I knocked the one with the knife in the back of his head, cracking it, and killing him. The other quickly retrieved the knife, but I knocked him in the side. He then charged at me with the knife, but the mare took the hit for me. I was enraged, and I pulled the knife out of the mare’s side and jammed it right into his throat, then again and again until my face was spattered in his blood. I ran right over to the mare, who was clearly running out of time. I called the police and hunched over the mare. She said, she said… ohhhhhhh, she said she loved me with all her h-heart. A-and then s-she, she k-kissed me. And within minutes the police showed up. The next day she, she, she… oh, Celestia, it is truly painful! She died Flash! Because I was being too honest! But at least she knew she was doing what she wanted. It was as if she knew I’d make it this far, and I can only hope to join her up there when my life is over.”
When he finished, his cheeks were covered in tears, his heart torn far past two, and the doctors had stopped by to listen to his story. Some were crying, some were just feeling more than infinite sympathy, and some were just stone-cold shocked. Flash could only hang his head in fear and shame for making the poor stallion share his heart-wrenching story.
“Strong Wind, I… I didn’t know. I’m so sorry for making you share this,” I said, even aware of the crowd of ponies gathered around the famed Captain.
“Flash. Sentry. Do not apologize. I needed to tell you this anyways, just to make you realize that being made Captain comes with major consequences, even losing your closest family and your loved ones,” he finished. “I became a Guard in honor to everypony that was close to me killed by foalish actions.”
“I understand, Captain. But, I could make arrangements to still take care, er, guard Princess Twilight, right? I mean…” I trailed off, lost for words at how somepony so tragic could be so happy and cheerful all the time. And at such old age, nonetheless. Celestia Almighty, please accept this poor stallion into you domain when he passes.
	“Flash, do you accept in leading the Royal Guard in a joint operation between you and I? I always need extra hooves,” asked Captain Strong Breeze.
“Sir, I accept, but I do enjoy the Guarding part more than the paperwork,” I said shyly.
He only chuckled heartily at my comment, his familiar spark in his eyes returning. “Oh, you know I could not guard unless absolutely necessary. Besides, I excel in that field.”
“Many thanks, sir!” I saluted him and ran off towards Twilight’s chambers.
When I opened the door, she looked up, startled, and I ran up and kissed her. She seemed almost surprised, but then gave in to it. They were soon laying down on the bed, wrapped up in each other’s emotions when Twilight pulled away and closed the door with her magic. “Well, Flash, what was that for?” she asked, blushing an awful lot.
“I got promoted to Captain of the Royal Guard! I’m working alongside Strong Wind until he retires!” I said, beaming with pride.
Twilight looked up at him with joy, and, without hesitation, kissed him passionately. He felt his muzzle flare up with heat as he returned the kiss. For the next ten minutes, we just enjoyed ourselves. However, Twilight pulled away, seeming to have lost the joyous spark in her eyes.
I began to worry until she said, “If only my day has been as good as yours, Flash. I don’t even know what I’m gonna do about the Royal Court! Celestia and Luna are counting on me to do well, and I’ve only got today and tomorrow to prepare!” she cried out as I wrapped her in his wings tightly.
“Twilight, don’t worry about it. You already know most of Equestrian law, you can keep your composure in Royal settings far better than anyone else, and hell, you’re great when it comes to speaking!” I proclaimed, letting Twilight cry into my now exposed chest. She had already taken off the armor just to cry into my chest.
I laid my head on top of hers, and for the third time in what seemed like forever, I had to comfort her, stroking her mane, letting her squeeze the air out of me as she hugged me, letting my chest soak, and, by Celestia, not letting anypony see. When she looked up, her eyes were wet from her tears, and she looked at me gratefully. “If anypony saw us like this, we’d be dead.”
“Well, you’re just lucky that I don’t seem to mind,” said Strong Wind.
He was just casually standing in the doorway with a sad and pleased smile. Twilight started as she looked around, “Oh, shit! Please, please don’t tell anypony what we-” she was cut off by Strong Wind’s hoof, which was raised in the air.
“Don’t even worry about it, Princess. Flash and I already went over this,” he said, looking between Twilight and me with delight.
He dropped a letter and promptly left. I got up, but Twilight held me back, for the second day in a row. She grabbed me by the back of my neck and pulled me under her, removing the rest of my armor. She laid down on top of me, sobbing quietly. “Now that you’re working with Strong Wind, do I not get to see you as often?”
“Well, I asked if I could work as a Guard, and just as a supervisor for Strong Wind, and he agreed. He said he’d work on the papers while I work as a Guard. Every guard will answer to him, I just act as his second-hoof-man,” I replied, kissing the top of Twilight’s head.
She just sighed in relief, and, for what seemed like the thousandth time today, kissed me, entirely on the lips with more passion than the entire kingdom of Equestria had of land. As I kissed back, I saw a figure emerge at the door. “What in the holy fucking hell are you two doing?!” screamed a pony I recognized as he charged at me, his horn glowing.
I slightly pushed Twilight off of me as she tried to stop him, but I wasn’t quick enough to escape his rough grasp. “What in your right mind are you and my sister doing? You know it isn’t allowed, you worthless, common Guard!!!” he screamed as he kicked me against a wall. I was dazed as Twilight forced her “brother” to stop harassing me. My forehead was bleeding and my whole body was sore.
“He’s okay, Shining! He wasn’t doing anything wrong to me! I am completely fine with it!” she scolded her brother, who I remembered was Shining Armor. He was moved away to the Crystal Empire to become Prince with his wife, Princess Cadence, who appeared in the doorway moments after Shining had calmed down. A little.
She noticed my bruised and beat up body being carried by Twilight over to a couch in a small corner. She was obviously crying and doing what she could to stop the blood flow, which wasn’t much, seeing as she had no medical experience. “Shining, what was that for? You didn’t have to attack him like that!” she cried hoarsely.
Cadence stood by Shining in complete horror at my now not-so-orange coat of fur, Twilight’s distress, and Shining’s outrage.
With all of them put into silence, I groaned in pain, only to attract the attention of everyone in the room. Cadence ran over to me and got a first-aid kit out of nowhere and started to fix me up while Twilight was tearily arguing with Shining, who looked like a stone wall with an emotionless face on it. And to think he was once the nice Captain of the Guard, I thought.
When I could hear again, and my head stopped throbbing, I called Twilight’s name. She spun around and flew at me, almost knocking the couch over, and hugged me harder than she had before. “F-Flash, you’re oh-okay, right?” she asked, clearly worried beyond my own imagination that wasn’t working too properly, being in a daze and all.
“Like I’ve said, I’ve suffered worse,” I replied half-heartedly, but Twilight took it as though it was the best response she could have gotten.
She kissed me, completely on the lips, in front of her brother and his wife, and while Cadence looked absolutely shocked and pleased that her sister-in-law had found love, Shining looked at me with a murderous glare. The only thing I could do was kiss her back. It lasted uncomfortably long before she let go, looking defiantly at Shining. “Now what in your right mind was all this for?” she asked, clearly in outrage, gesturing to the bloodstains across my body and multiple cuts and bruises.
“Look, Twilight, I’m just protective of you. You know that this isn’t your best choice-” the face she gave was beyond rage, “- and you need to consider the consequences.”
“He’s Captain now, Shining! Isn’t this how you and Cadence were?” she asked furiously, stepping on my leg. She got up and stood in front of him, almost challengingly. 
"No! At least I was a Celestia damned unicorn, not a pegasus! That makes it worse!" he retorted, and Twilight huffed. 
“Shining, it’s clear they both love each other. Can’t you let them be?” asked Cadence, trying to get Twilight off of me.
“And, Shining, I wasn’t the one who kissed first,” I said, and Twilight spun around, trying to get back to me. For what reason, I don’t know.
“T-Twilight? You fell for him first?” Both Shining and Cadence asked, suspicious.
“Well… yes and no,” Both Twilight and I replied, blushing.
At that, they went out to the hall was were clearly having an argument, or maybe just a conversation. Twilight ran over to me, tears streaming down her face, and hugged me tighter than ever. “T-Twilight… need… air,” I said, struggling.
She loosened her grip, but still hugged me as I planted a kiss on her head. “F-Flash, what eh-ever happens I… I’ll always l-love you,” she spoke softly, crying into my shoulder.
“And I as well, Twilight. Don’t ever doubt that.” 
I started to cry as well. Because I could have just lost my Guard position, my forever love, and possibly everything I’ve ever worked for. When Twilight noticed, she looked and wiped away my tears. “Flash, w-why are you crying?”
“I-I… could l-lose you, e-everything that Ih-I’ve worked f-for,” I said, sobbing. She just kissed me and put her head under mine, right below my neck but not at my chest, nuzzling me.
She just sighed and relaxed against my body. I realized how goddamn lucky to have made it this far with Twilight. I haven’t been called out for relaxing on my Guard job, we’ve been meeting for two weeks, at least. Oh, Celestia, don’t let this be the end. This is more than just friendship, as we passed that border a long time ago.
	We stayed like this while Cadence and Shining were arguing, their voice volumes fluctuating with their emotions. I just kept a hoof on Twilight’s mane. When she had awoken, she immediately kissed me. I just had to lay there, giving into it, because she was holding me down and the injuries I took were pretty severe. I couldn’t move my left leg without pain coursing through my body, my right wing was being crushed, and my leg did look awkwardly positioned. We stayed like this for twenty minutes before Cadence poked her head in. I didn’t notice - and neither did Twilight -  until she cleared her throat.
“Shining’s about to come in, so if you two could, not you know… do that?” she asked, near begging.
“Of course, Cadence,” said Twilight, but she didn’t get off of me. Maybe she just felt protective of me? I had no clue. All I knew was I did not want another fight with her brother.



Twilight:
Flash looked at me quizzically, clearly because I was still on him. I just smiled down as Shining came in, his face looking rather furious when he saw the two of us. I only frowned at him, and he looked away when I did so.
“So, then have you made up your mind, brother?” I asked, not wanting to use his real name, as I had been put far past tolerance with his actions. He beat up Flash just for me kissing him. But, then again, it isn't necessarily the most legal thing in all of Equestria. He cares for me, that's all.
“Well, my wife and I have come to an agreement. You two will stay together without us interfering, as long as nopony else hears of this… incident,” he said, gesturing to the armor laying at my bedside.
I only laughed. “Oh, Shining, it wasn’t what you thought it was. I just find Flash’s armor rather uncomfortable to lay on,” I said, as Flash looked down sheepishly.
“Well, why the hell did you take it off?” he asked.
“Because I needed let my emotions free, such as crying into his chest, kissing him, and well, whatever else, because I needed him then and now. I needed him as much as now as I did when he first started to Guard me,” I said, trying to make everypony in the room uncomfortable by my proclamation of my love for him. Flash only kissed my cheek when I said this.
“And you, you Guard. I thought you’d know better! If I wasn’t aware, I’d think you’d be using my sister for unimaginable things! And an alicorn and a pegasus together? Could you not have chosen a worse pony to fall for, both of you?” I only could look away, crying, and Flash just gritted his teeth. Oh, they were perfect, straight, and shining white.
“Well, for your information, Prince Shining Armor, I am working as a Captain alongside Strong Wind, who is perfectly okay with this and knew from the start, and not because we told him. And, if I were using your sister, it would be pretty fucking obvious,” said Flash, trying not to provoke my brother without being too soft. “And, if I remember, you were Captain when you fell for Cadence?”
Flash probably just struck a sensitive cord, because Shining pulled me off of Flash and shoved him against a wall, hooves on both of his shoulders. His head hit the wall with a sickening crack, and he looked absolutely dazed. “You. Will. Not. Ever. Mention. That. Again. Shithead!” he said, slamming him into the wall every time he said a word. Flash simply fell, crumpled, spat blood, and curled up in pain, moaning, blood slowly trickling from the back of his head and in other places.
“Shining! You nearly killed him! Twice! Have you no heart?” asked Cadence in a shrill voice.
I only grabbed a bandage from the first aid kit and wrapped it quickly around Flash’s head. I forced him onto his back and hugged him tightly. There was blood all over his side, his head, and small spots everywhere else. He was on the edge of consciousness when I rolled him over, and all I could do was cry into his fur. “Twilight, we need to get him medical attention,” said Cadence, sending Shining out of the room.
“Y-yes. Call in a d-doctor. Have him b-bring the equipment here. He isn’t in-injured t-too badly,” I said, weeping over the exhausted Flash Sentry. His coat was dirty, his head was beat up, and his mane and feathers were ruffled in a not-so-good way.
It took a trio of ponies to carry everything to my room, who looked at me questionably, but when they saw Flash, they immediately rushed over and started to treat him. I silently cried as Cadence held me. “You know, the only reason I could save your relationship was that I told Shining Armor how strong your love was. He couldn’t argue with me, because I am the Princess of Love,” she said, draping a wing over me, trying to stop my crying.
One of the medical ponies came over. “Princess Twilight, we’re going to have to this Guard back to the infirmary to get a date on the amount of time he needs to rest, as well as an x-ray on him.”
I nodded as the other two ponies rushed out of the room pushing Flash on a stretcher. He groaned in pain, and my heart ached to hear him in pain. I almost followed him, but it would look a little suspicious. The remaining pony wished me a good day and left. Cadence dragged me over to the other couch, because the previous one was spotted with Flash’s blood. “So, how did you two meet?”
“Well, it started in the Crystal Empire when we visited you, and he and I bumped into each other, literally,” I said, trying to calm down.
“Oh. That long ago? Did you like him at first?” she asked, trying to get more out of me.
“Well, he was quite dashing, his orange coat and icy blue eyes, and his fiery blue hair. But I didn’t really think twice about him, until we kept bumping into each other in the halls. I kind of started to like him then, and when he started to Guard me, we became friends. He helped me get over my fears, got me back into shape, and was always there for me. He had walked in one day with my cheeks covered in dry tears and my makeup smeared over my face. He rushed to my side and hugged me. He had asked why I was crying, and before I could stop myself, told him I really liked him. I could only hug him, and he wrapped his wing around me and led me towards the balcony. He taught me how to fly, and when we got to the roof I challenged him to a race up to the clouds. When I left, my wings almost immediately faltered, and I almost fell to my death. He pulled me up to the clouds, settled onto a cloud, and asked me how the view was, and kissed me on the head. I hugged him, and he wrapped his wings around me. When he let go, he said I was beautiful, and flopped on his side. I went over, pulled him up, and kissed him on the lips, and he leaned into it, accepting it. And from then, you can see how it went,” I ranted, trying to speak as fast as I could without stumbling over my words. 
Cadence looked at me with mild surprise, but mostly a soft happiness. “I’m glad you’ve found a lover, Twilight.”
She hugged her, but Twilight couldn’t keep her thoughts away. Maybe Shining is right. Maybe he is trying to use me. Maybe we’re not meant for each other. And, maybe, just maybe, I’ll find somepony else who can care for me as good as Flash, but who is also a unicorn.
	I brushed that thought off immediately. I mean, Cadence confirmed that he’s the right stallion for me, and I’m the right mare for him. But what if our love dies? What if the blazing inferno is reduced to a spark yet again? What if it dies out as soon as we break apart? Cadence could feel my unsurety. “Is everything okay?”
“Well, you did bring up a good topic. What if our spark dies? What if we break apart? What if Flash is cheating on me, using me, or anything else?” I asked desperately.
“Well, Twilight, this is why I’m glad I came. I was looking forward to talking about this with you when you finally met somepony. You must ask Flash yourself, but I can tell that you two are the perfect couple,” she said, filling me with hope.
And at that, she walked out, leaving me to do whatever I want. I sat on my bed and read for a good hour before going to check on Flash. When I got there, I asked to go check in on him. They guided me toward his room, where he was asleep on the bed they had for him. I told the nurse it was okay if she left, and she did so, promptly. She prodded him awake.
“Ugh, Shining, again, we don’t need to go over the boundar- Twilight?!” he asked, groggily.
I just smiled down. “Yes, Flash, it’s me. And what about my brother?”
“Oh, uhm, he kind of came in a little earlier, just giving me some mild 'precautions' and definite death threats if I even harmed you, I’ll get the rough end of the scolding if you get hurt, you get the gist of it,” said Flash, clearly pissed off at Shining.
“Oh, Flash, he’s my brother. Of course he’s overprotective. Er, too overprotective,” I added, because just overprotective was too much of an understatement. One time a pony had hugged me, and Shining yelled at him for a good hour.
Flash laughed. “Yeah. You saw what he did to me.”
The top of his skull was wrapped, one of his legs was in a small cast, which hopefully wasn’t going to last long, but the bandages along his body were quite numerous. He was also bruised and ruffled, his coat of fur rather bloody. But still, he looked as handsome as ever. He cracked that endearing smile that I love seeing on his face. I couldn’t help it, I had to hug him. He grunted, clearly from pain, but let me hug him. “I’m just glad you didn’t pass out.”
“I’ve taken more than that before,” said Flash, now gently stroking my mane.
I buried my face in his shoulder, but for once, I didn’t cry. I just breathed in his scent, slightly coppery, somewhat salty, with a hint of lavender. Maybe that’s why some ponies find me attractive. That’s pretty damn strong if you can smell it under everything else he’s been through today.
“Twilight, we’ve got an audience,” said Flash, looking over at the doorway. I looked back, and saw Celestia standing there, rather puzzled. Oh shitfuck. I did it this time.
	“Erm, Twilight, could we step outside for a minute?” she asked, glancing at Flash suspiciously.
“Oh, don’t worry about me. I’m not leaving any time soon,” said Flash, laughing nervously as Celestia shot him a rather withering look.
When we walked out into the hall, she put up a soundproofing barrier. “Now, Twilight. I’d like to talk about two things. One would be the Royal Court holding tomorrow at three o’clock. You are ready, aren’t you?” she asked.
“Well, yes and no. I know what it’s about, it’s just I don’t know what to say,” I said, looking down at the ground.
“I’ve got a book you could borrow this evening, if you-” she was cut off abruptly by Twilight. “Oh, yesyesyesyesyes! Please, let me borrow it!”
She smiled warmly, but the look quickly turned icy. “And second, what were you and that Guard doing? I know that it isn’t normal for a Princess to hug any normal Guard, so don’t try to lie to me.”
How in the holy hell could Celestia be so rude? Then again, not all Guards were very exciting. Some barely had enough brains to put two and two together to make four, and some weren’t all that social. But Flash was different, and not because they loved each other. It was because he actually talked to me about my problems, was more than willing to help me out, not just with my studying, but emotionally as well.
“He’s… more than a Guard,” I started. “Not as you think! He’s actually nice compared to most of them. He’s been such a big help for me right now.”
She nodded in understanding. “That’s okay, Twilight. I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t anything too serious.”
I nodded nervously, glad she didn’t question me any further. I walked back to my room and saw the book on my bed. It was rather slim, but it did have coachings for Royalty voices during a Court session. I was almost up until two when somepony knocked silently on my door. I opened it hesitantly, seeing a less injured, better looking Flash. He still had a cast on his left leg along with the wrap on his head, but he was looking better than ever. Probably because he had the doctors clean him up.
“Oh! Y-you’re up?” I asked, trotting over to him
He only nuzzled me. “Well, they said I could go. That, and why are you up so late? I thought we agreed to keep this under control,” he said, playfully sternly. I only pushed him back. "Don't worry about this cast. It's just a sprained ankle."
"More than sprained."
"Nothing I can't handle."
“Okay, Mr. Tough Pony, come at me!” And with that, he barrelled right into me, knocking me onto the bed. We both laughed, and soon after, he fell asleep on my bed. I got up closer to him, wrapped an arm around him, and drifted off to sleep.
> A Princess and Her Peers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flash: I woke up at seven, with Twilight prodding me awake. I looked over, smiling, when she kissed me. I had to get used to this, and even though it was very enjoyable, I just get scared about getting caught. I quickly returned the kiss, leaning into her. She giggled, wrapping her hooves around me as I draped a wing over her. She broke away a long while later, gently putting her head into my chest. “Well, I ought to get ready for the trial,” she mumbled, her voice muffled.
I quickly let her get up, and I just rolled off the bed, unsteady on my feet. My head was still sore, my body was about as clean as a landfill, and there was plenty of dried blood from the injuries I took yesterday. It only hurt because of how I was treated for loving somepony else. Treated like a worthless piece of trash. I walked around uneasily, thinking one of my legs would soon go out. I picked up my scattered armor and moved it to a corner.
“You can go ahead and shower first, Flash. You look quite awful!” called Twilight from her dressing room.
I gave her my thanks and walked into the bathroom. I immediately turned the shower on, letting the water wash away most of the stains. I poured some of the soap onto the spots that definitely needed it, washed out my wings thoroughly, let the water run through my mane, washed that out too, and walked out. I dried off as quickly as I could, and put on my armor. Incredibly lucky you are that no more bones of yours broke, I thought to myself.
When I walked out, Shining walked in. Oh, shit. You just walked out of her goddamn bathroom, he must think something’s up! He did, ran over to me and pinned me up against the wall. “Now what in the hell were you doing in there?”
“Shining, must you try and kill Flash every time you see him?” Twilight shouted from her changing room, poking her head out of the doorway. “You worry too much.”
He quickly dropped me, letting me hit the ground with a thud. I knew I was strong, but I didn’t want to assault Royalty, because he was Twilight’s brother and every time he attacked me I get rather stunned. I was slow to get up, because my head hurt more now than ever. I couldn’t quite see clearly, when Twilight came out in a casual but professional dress. She gasped at my appearance and rushed over.
“Flash, are you okay?” she waved a hand in front of my face, trying to get my attention. I shook my head rapidly, finally coming back to my senses.
“Yes, Twilight, I’m fine,” I said, and was toppled by Twilight’s hug.
“Twily, can you please not get distracted? Last I checked, you were going to the Royal Court for a hearing,” said Shining, trying to get Twilight’s attention. She wouldn’t listen as she kissed me, for no reason at all.
“Look, Flash, I’m sorry for all that Shining has done. Please forgive him. He just doesn’t want me getting hurt,” she whispered, low enough for Shining not to hear.
I nodded quickly, and she promptly got up. “Look, Shining, I know you want to protect me, but you’ve thrown Flash into a wall three times in the past twenty-four hours. I know you’re being protective, but this is just going too far.”
“I know, I know. But Mother made me promise not to let anyone harm you when you became Princess. She had a good reason, too,” said Shining defiantly. “You were fighting evil forces at least once a week, and she became extremely worried that something would happen to you. And, for the record, I am truly sorry.”
Twilight clearly didn’t believe him, but she nodded in acceptance anyways. She looked back down at me, smiling. I just wanted to enjoy that moment for as long I could. But Cadence had also walked in and sighed in joy when she saw the two of us. I blushed as Twilight looked away. 
“I’m so happy to see the two of you together, but… Shining, did you harass Flash again?” she asked suspiciously. Shining looked away. “I thought we went over this! Oh, you poor thing, Flash.”
I only smiled weakly at her, which made her blush. Apparently I’m as dashing as Twilight says I am. Shining glared at me. “Look, I know I should stop. But we all know why I did just harass him, and I do truly apologize. But how are the three of you on first-name terms already?”
“I had a little talk with Cadence, and I guess I used Flash’s name enough to make it stuck in her head,” she retorted.
“Oh. Wait… Flash. Flash Sentry?” All three of us nodded. “Oh, I’ve been so stupid! Flash, you were quite the excellent Guard for your age and time spent in the Guard!”
I looked over at him. Is that why he attacked me? He probably beat me up much harder than if I’d told him my name. “Y-yes, Shining. I am Flash Sentry. And why does everyone call me an excellent Guard? I’m just as good as everypony else!”
Twilight just looked down at me again, laughing lightly. Shining was chuckling quite loudly, “Oh Flash, you sell yourself far too short. You have proven yourself beyond any member of the Royal Guard. Never forget that.” He stopped laughing. “And, of course, gotten my sister to fall for you. I never would have expected that.”
I smiled. “Oh, but it did. Never forget the miracles love can do,” I said, and Twilight kissed my cheek. Cadence let out a short “awwww” and Shining just turned and left. He turned around as he was about to leave. “Celestia’s stopping by in about an hour, so if you two could get out whatever you have in you before she comes here?”
He was clearly trying to protect us now, as Cadence nodded vigorously along with what he was saying. “Do not forget, this is against most laws of love, so please try to keep it hidden,” said Cadence desperately.
I nodded, but Twilight forcefully pulled my onto my hooves. “Yes, we will. Now if you two could please leave?” she asked just as desperately. They complied, Cadence looking back hesitantly.
“Flash. I talked with Cadence a little bit last night. I had to ask her all the questions about our relationship, like if we’re not meant for each other, what if you cheat on me, what if-” I cut her off by Flash putting a hoof on my lips. We were now sitting on the edge of my bed, and she kissed my hoof before pulling it down.
“Twilight, you don’t need to worry about me cheating on you. You can be assured I will do no such thing related to that. And we are meant for each other. Why else would we keep meeting?” I said, trying to reassure her.
“I know, Flash, I know. But what if something happens to the two of us? What if-” I cut her off by wrapping my front legs around her, and, for once, I kissed her first. She wrapped her hooves around my neck and I put one of my against the back of her head. She fell backwards as I fell onto her, and she only giggled joyfully as she unclasped my armor using her magic. “Oh, we just don’t need it if we’re going to be doing this,” she said.
We just stayed that way for the next half an hour before she just pulled away and flipped us over, so she was on top. She just rested her head on my chest as she asked, “Why did you stop me?”
“Well, I figured the last thing you need is to get emotional before the court hearing, which, is now, in about three and a half hours,” I said, softly stroking Twilight’s mane. She sighed softly, which I guess meant I had successfully comforted her. She fell asleep on top of me shortly, and both of us forgot Celestia was coming over soon. When she knocked, Twilight lazily said “come in,” still waking up, and when Celestia saw us, she was startled and furious.
“TWILIGHT?! WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?!” she screamed, pulling Twilight off of me with her magic, and threw me against a wall. When I hit the wall, I cried out in pain, and started to actually cry at the unfairness of the universe. Celestia towered over me, her eyes a blazing fury of everything that she held true.
“C-C-Celestia, I-I can explain my-myself,” said Twilight, sobbing.
“No, Twilight. I’ll have this-” she kicked my stomach, making me reel in pain, “-Guard explain himself to me. If I’m merciful, I’ll let him live a life in prison.”
“Look, Celestia, I-I… don’t know how to explain. But I swear on my life I will,” I said, desperately trying to make her see reason. 
“Oh, yes, Guard. You will swear on your life before I take it with my own hooves,” she said rather darkly.
Twilight cried even harder when she heard Celestia say this. Well, I’ve had a good run, my luck was stretched as far as it could have gone. “Celestia, no! I… I…,” Twilight faltered under  the gaze of Celestia. She cried, “I LOVE HIM!!” sobbing hysterically now. It made Celestia falter, breaking her magical grip on both of us. She ran over to me, hugging me tightly, both of us crying. Wow. That worked.
“Well… I… I… oh, Twilight, I’m sorry. I truly am,” said Celestia. “You both know this will not work out, right?”
Twilight nodded quickly, her head still in my shoulder as I stared at the Princess of the Sun, Princess Celestia, weakened by somepony else’s devotion to the other. “We were both aware, Your Highness,” I said, trying to control myself.
She looked away, ashamed at what she had done. Then she gained her rather Royal composure. “Twilight, if would like to, you can take leave of this Court hearing. You… may be biased. But, I could put in some words from you,” she offered.
Twilight let go of me and looked at her. “Oh… well, I’d just like to tell you to remember that love is not... governed by simple laws. It is a force greater than something described in a single sentence. It is one word for an infinite amount of feelings, and that should not be judged by any laws, and if so, then it is truly unfair.”
“Yes, I understand that, Twilight, as I have loved so many over my life. But, I must act as any normal Court hearing. I will work to change this law, but it will take a very long time to change a law almost as old as the kingdom of Canterlot itself, and the areas of Canterlot. I will let this incident pass along with future ones, but only I will allow it. I will not try to convince my sister, nor anyone else, and if you are caught, the least I could do for you two would be to give you a rather short prison sentence, because I could not break my student’s heart over some silly rule,” said Celestia, giving both me and Twilight a spark of hope for our future.
“Oh, thank you Celestia!” said Twilight as she quickly gave her a hug. “And, we both apologize for this, truly.”
“No need, Twilight. You have already been forgiven. There have been plenty of scandals as such in the past, anyways,” she said, laughing mildly.
She thanked her repeatedly, following her as she walked calmly out of the room. And how the hell does her hair always flow like that? I asked myself. Oh, some things just cannot be explained. Twilight ran back to me, hugging me tightly again. “Oh, Flash, please forgive me!”
“Oh, what for, Twilight?” I asked, laying a hoof on her back.
She cried into my shoulder. “Flash, it’s my fault you’re hurting! Every time we’ve been caught together, you’ve been hurt severely! And I haven’t been hurt once! It’s just not fair!”
He smiled sadly. Oh, Twilight, I’ve hurt you more than you’ve hurt me.
“Did you say something, Flash?” she asked, and I mentally face-hoofed.
“I said I hurt you more than you’ve hurt me,” I said, as she looked me in the eyes.
“Flash, you’ve fixed me more than you’ve hurt me. Why would ever think that?” she asked, looking at me like I had just slapped her. “You helped me get back to health, gave me more than friendship and everything else.”
She led me back to the bed and kissed me fiercely. I kissed her back, and fell onto the mattress. I wrapped my wings around her, she wrapped her forelegs around me as we spent the next few minutes like this, just trying to make up to each other. When she broke the kiss, I noticed she was crying the whole time. I wiped away her tears with a wing. “Oh, Twilight, don’t cry.”
She looked up at me, weeping. “O-oh, Flash, I-I-I sh-should! I’ve c-caused m-most of o-our problems!” she cried, burying her face in my chest.
“Twilight, it is neither of our faults,” I soothed. 
“No, Flash! Ih-It’s mine! I c-couldn’t hold b-back uh-up in the cl-clouds!” she said, muffled, as her face was still firmly planted in my chest.
“Oh, no, Twilight. Don’t apologize. It is truly fine with me. If you hadn’t kissed me, we probably wouldn’t be in love, have realized that we shared the same feelings,” I said, lifting her chin. “You will always be my somepony special Twilight. No matter what. No matter how many times you cry into my chest, how many times I’ll be beat up, no matter how long we’ll be apart.”
She stopped me, putting a hoof on my lips. I looked at her in surprise as she kissed me again, softly. “Well, Flash, you should get something to eat. I doubt you’ve had anything since breakfast yesterday.” My stomach gurgled right after she said that. “Point proven,” she chuckled.
I blushed, and walked into the Princess’s kitchen. I quick fried up some eggs, wolfed them down, and sat there for a while. I eventually got up and walked back to the bedroom. She was laying on the bed, still as stone. Too still. I rushed over, and her eyes were glazed over, her mouth hanging slightly open. “Oh, Celestia, no!” I shouted, starting to cry.
Suddenly, she disappeared, along with the rest of the room. I fell through a void until I reached a plaza, with a crowd jeering. It was me, put in shackles under a guillotine, with Twilight crying near my side. I was standing in the crowd.
“This Guard has disrespected and mistreated the Princess! We will now be performing a public execution to show the rest of you foals what happens when they fall in love-” Celestia paused, spitting in front of me- “with the Princess!”
Before they dropped the blade upon my neck, the scene changed again. This time, it was on the war front. It was snowing pretty badly. An army of ponies against the Changelings were at the front, the Six Elements backing them up. I saw myself fighting, pushing through the crowd. I saw myself run over to a fallen pony. I remembered him, he was choking and coughing out his own blood on the battlefield. He whispered something in my ear before taking his final breath, and with that, I let out a hoarse cry and flew into a rage, stabbing the Changelings faster than anypony could say “hay.”
I woke back up, on the floor, with Twilight’s arm around my shoulders. She was trying to soothe me as I jumped back. “Flash, what happened?” she asked, looking very worried.
“I… I… I had a nightmare, but a thousand times worse than any normal one I’ve had. It started by me walking into you room and finding you dead, lying on your bed. I cried out, but fell through a void to a plaza surrounded by ponies. They were calling for my head. I was about to be publicly executed, and then the scene changed again. It was me fighting the army of Changelings. I saw my best friend. Choking on his own blood, dying in my arms. I got up in a rage, and killed over a hundred Changelings,” I said, almost losing the tears that welled up in my eyes. “I… don’t know what caused it, Twilight. I just don’t.”
She looked at me with sorrowful eyes. “The past events may have caused it. The stress, the worry, and the war may have left a little bit of a delayed a slight post-traumatic stress disorder. It should end soon, but I don’t know of the one where you experienced you or me dying.”
I rubbed my eyes groggily. “Post-traumatic… what?
She smiled at my forgetfulness. “It’s what ponies experience after certain types of fights, such as long periods of intense bloody battle-filled war. We were treated for it before we could even prove we did or didn’t have it, we Elements of Harmony. Apparently you haven’t even heard of it before.”
“No, you’re right. Maybe we haven’t heard about, and the Guard who committed suicide after the fight a couple days ago-” I was cut off by Twilight’s gasp.
“Committed suicide?!” she asked, rather surprised. “That’s awful!”
“I know, but at the same time, I kind of expected it. As I look back, I do realize he wasn’t the cheeriest guard ever. And he was collapsing mentally a few weeks prior, but we just brushed it off. We should have done something,” I said, mentally kicking myself. Of course you should have some damn thing about it! And you can’t change that now!
“Oh, Flash, if I’d have known, I would have imposed PTSD treatment or at least a mental psychology check up for Guards!” she exclaimed,  resting her head on my shoulder. “You should really tell me about this stuff sooner. You know I have Royal influence.”
“Yes, Twilight. It’s like some ponies won’t live that down,” I said, rather sadly. “I ought to get back to being a Guard.”
I tried to stand up, but Twilight held me down. “You and I both know that you are in no condition to go back to guarding me,” she said, and, looking away, “and it’s not because you and I both know we want each other.”
I kissed the top of her head gently and held her, the sunlight filtering through the windows. You’re going to be dangerous if you have nightmares like those again. You, Twilight, or anyone won’t be safe if you’re around them. I sighed at the thought.
Twilight got up and gestured for me to follow her. She laid me down on her bed. “You need rest Flash. I’ll let you sleep here for as many nights as you need.”
I nodded, but she said that because she would probably need me as well. Well, it’s not the worst case scenario, but it would be difficult for us to explain why I sleep in her room. “Twilight, you know I won’t be here much longer.”
She only nodded in agreement, as I found sleep came rather quickly when you were beaten up multiple times in a twenty-four hour period, how a relationship could be so tiring, especially when it came to comforting a Princess. I couldn’t complain, she was absolutely dazzling. With that thought, I went to sleep, and felt a warm presence beside him.

Twilight:
I watched as he fell asleep, his sides slowly rising and falling. He looked rather cute, and I couldn’t help myself. I crawled in bed with him, snuggling up to him. He smiled slightly, the only que I had that it was okay, I guess. I soon fell asleep, my body pressed against his, my face against his chest.
I woke up, startled by the gasp of Princess Celestia. She ran in, grabbed Flash, pinned me down with magic, and threw Flash against the wall. I cried out, but Celestia paid no attention. She grabbed his spear and threw it right into his throat. Then, suddenly, it began to go backwards in slow motion, finally warping out of existence with another scene playing.
This time, Flash stood in front of me, protecting me from a large group of ponies who were clearly calling for my head as I stood before a nervous-looking mare. She looked up, her eyes wet with tears. “You defy me of my love for a Royal stallion? How could you?” she asked hysterically. The crowd kept pushing onwards, while more Guards rushed in to deal with the matter. When one of the rioters tackled me, I promptly kicked him off, running to the nearest exit, where I found the gravesite. Flash stood beside one, one that read, “For Whom Thou Shalt Never Falter With Memory From Past Time” with a scratched out name, and the rows of the same ones appeared over vast field. 
He looked up at me, sorrowful, and said, “Look at your reality. This is how Canterlot lives. The shadows of our dark past can never be shaken, but the future can change. The past divided us, the future can merge us. If you do not do anything, the Order in which life follows will break, leaving the country of Equestria to fall to its knees and beg for forgiveness. Only then you will realize that your faults were not your own, but your ancestors’ choices, which define what you are, but not what you will be. You will cease to understand the universe, but learn the logic of life. You will vanish from history, and have everyone know your name. You will go down as a poor leader, and everyone will praise your name as you lead them into an anarchy led by you. The future begins now, Twilight, and the ones who will help you will come in the most expected and unseen as the reality you know becomes a broken, whole, shattered, and fixed world. The contradictory ponies meet the reasonable rule-breakers, the outlaws become the leaders of a revolution that takes your world by storm and dies away faster than a blown out candle. You will beg at the knees of the gods and goddesses of the universe, and ask one question not even they can answer, but you will answer theirs in return as with yours. You will travel so far to reach something so close, and you will travel to the most foreign land you hold dear and close to your heart. And when you finish begging, will you begin to change things for the better. Only when your kingdom cripples will it rebuild itself, and when you face your greatest fears will you find true happiness and courage. I leave you now, Twilight, but remember this: the time to change is now, before your kingdom revolts and falls into chaos and goes down in history as the greatest success story turned sour by a Princess and her peers who refused change of the course of the future because of intolerance and refusal to change, for the old is not new, and what becomes new will be as old.” He was given the seven-gun salute and dissipated, leaving me alone, when the graves turned into grey ponies who swarmed me, demanding the change of law in the name of love.
I woke with a scream, while Flash just held me in his wings, letting me cry. “Twilight, did you have bad dreams?” he asked, soothing me.
I only nodded into his chest, sobbing. I recounted my entire nightmare. Flash dying, rioting ponies, and the entire rather prophetic quote. The most gruesome was the infinite rows of headstones, for it symbolized the mortality of a kingdom and the immortality of time itself. Change must take place, but how? I can’t lead a full out revolution, the Guard is too powerful. I could try and convince Flash to help me, but I can’t guarantee it. But he probably wants as much change as you. 
“Hey, Flash, can you grab my notebook?” I asked in a rather soft voice.
He nodded, let go of me, got up, and trotted over to my study and picked up the notebook along with a pencil. It had plenty of little papers sticking out of it, the seventh thousand-page long notebook that I have, the previous six filled up with notes. I had to quickly write down the message sent through the dream. He was giving me privacy, which I sent a quick thank you through my thoughts.
When I finished, I handed the notebook back to him. He set it down on the desk and walked back over to me. “Need anything else?”
I nodded my head quickly. “I need you, Flash,” I said desperately.
He got back into my bed hesitantly, but I pulled him down rather quickly, resting the side of my head on his chest. “I love you, Flash Sentry,” I said. “I just needed to tell you this now, when we’re not in a life or death moment like earlier.”
“And I love you, too, Twilight Sparkle. Never forget that,” he said, smiling warmly.
I quickly kissed the side of his head. “Flash, I’m truly sorry for how I’ve acted these past few weeks. They really have been emotional, if anything, too emotional.”
He shook his head. “No, Twilight. You clearly needed it, even if it was excessive, and never apologize for something like this again.”
I nodded slowly, and put my head back on his shoulder, sighing in agreement. I did need that, and I guess I’ll have to convince Flash on siding with me. This will take research. And the part about traveling far for something so close. You must remember that.
He wrapped an arm around me, pulling the rest of my body closer to his. I nuzzled the side of his head, and laid my head on top of his shoulder. “Hopefully we don’t get caught again,” I said lazily.
“You and I, Twilight,” he replied, stretching out. We laid there for a half an hour before Flash stood up. “I guess I should go back to my room, drop off my armor, clean up, whatever else.”
I nodded in agreement. When he walked out, he bumped into somepony, and looked back at me quizzically. He walked out and the pony he met walked in. It was Princess Luna, standing regally. “Twilight, why weren’t you at the hearing? I know that you had a pardon from my sister, but for what?”
“Look, I… she let me pass on this one. I hadn’t really prepared enough, and she thought that I wouldn’t be able to handle myself,” I said, trying to convince her. She didn’t buy it.
“Who was the Guard back there? What’s his name?” she asked, intrigued.
“His name’s Flash, and has been helping me out a lot recently,” I said all too happily, and Luna gave a sly smile.
“He means something to you, doesn’t he?” she asked, and I blushed immediately. “Oh-ho! And how much?”
“A lot!” I said without thinking, and she laughed.
“Oh, good! Look, I won’t tell anypony, not even Celestia, but she clearly knows. Did she try and kill him?” she asked.
“Uhm, probably?” I said warily. “She did barge in and throw him against a wall, which makes it... four-ish times he’s been slammed against one in twenty-four hours.”
She nodded sorrowly. “My sister does not forgive easily. However, it does look like she made an exception for you. She once had a colleague of hers get used by a worthless stallion. After that, she made sure Royalty followed the rules of love. But it seems like she knows that, uhm, Flash, was it?” she asked and I nodded, “Is a good match for you.”
I laughed. “Yeah. My brother was like that, but much worse. He absolutely beat on him. Bad enough that they had to take him to the infirmary,” I said, my voice going cold. “I mean, I know the laws, but the way he acted was like Flash had tried to kill me. He literally threw him against the wall, twice, the second time we was provoked. But, still, the way some ponies act because they think something else is going on when they fall in love is kind of ridiculous.”
Luna looked at me like I just swore in front of her. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? Others just want to protect each other, even if it is an overreaction, they just care for you.”
At that moment, Flash appeared in the doorway, with rather casual clothes on. I ran up to him and gave him a hug. “You know Luna is right behind you right?” he whispered, nervously looking behind me. 
Luna laughed. “Oh, Flash, no need to worry. I’m not like my sister. I won’t punish you for caring for Twilight. Just, keep it a secret? I know a couple ponies know about it, just try to keep this a secret from the whole damn kingdom?”
“Y-Yes, Your Highness. We will,” said Flash, taken aback by her statement.
She nodded and left, muttering something along the lines of “ahh, young love” while Flash and I were in the room alone, again. How many times will it happen where I must resist the temptation to just kiss him every time I see him? “Uhm, Twilight? Is there anything you need from me?” he asked. 
I nodded. I was about to kiss him again when there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?” I called, when a servant opened the door.

Flash:
“Princess Celestia has invited you to a Royal dinner tonight. I just came to drop off the letter, Your Highness,” he said, bowing low.
“Thank you very much. I’ll just take the letter, and you can go and be on your way,” said Twilight hurriedly.
He left promptly, and Twilight spun on me. “Care to join me? Just, you know, wear your armor so it doesn’t look too suspicious,” asked Twilight rather desperately. “I do enjoy them, but when it comes to talking about political whatevers, it makes me uncomfortable.”
I nodded in understanding. It would look rather suspicious if I showed up without armor on, and was accompanying the Princess in the current clothes I’m wearing. She just made me walk over to a couch along the wall and sat down, gesturing for me to do the same. I had to comply. When I sat down, she rested her head on my shoulder.
“Three hours before the guests arrive, so that leaves about two and a half hours to do whatever we want. Seriously, whatever,” she said, looking up at me.
“Well, we could go for another fly. I wouldn’t mind it,” I said hopefully. I didn't take the hint, and a little spark of hope died in her eyes.
She nodded. “Can we just sit here for a while? I would like to enjoy the silence before the party,” she asked, almost pleading to stay. I nodded.
For the next ten minutes we just sat there, enjoying each other’s presence, before Twilight got up. “Well, where would you like to go?”
I stood up and walked out onto the balcony. “Well, I was thinking about doing what we did last time. Get up to the roof, take a break, get to a cloud?”
She nodded in agreement. “I’ll just try not to die this time,” she said lightly.
I took off, Twilight following close behind. It took no time to get to the rooftop, and when we got up we looked around for a cloud. “Over… there.” said Twilight, trying to catch her breath, pointing behind me. Sure enough, there was one. We flew up to it, Twilight struggling to keep up, so I slowed down so she could catch up to me. We flew at her pace up to the cloud. But we weren’t alone.
“R-Rainbow Dash?” gasped Twilight, flopping over on her side. The blue mare looked up quickly.
“Oh, Twilight, it’s so good to see you again! But, uh, who the hell is he?” she asked suspiciously.
“He’s the Guard... assigned to me,” said Twilight, trying to catch her breath again.
She looked me over, putting a hoof to my chest. “Nice to meet you,” she said, smiling slyly. “Your Guard is quite handsome, Twilight.”
I blushed nervously. “Oh, come on. You’ve never been flattered before? Come on, how do mares not notice you? Your eyes and hair are a beautiful stark contrast to your orange coat and wings,” she said, leaning into me.
And then, without reason, kissed me. Twilight looked murderous as she flung herself at Rainbow Dash. She kicked her in the face and tackled her, beating the shit out of her. I had to grab her and hold her back from killing Rainbow Dash. She turned on me and slapped me across the face, drawing blood. She looked scared as she said, “O-oh, Flash I’m-” and was cut off by me scowling deeply.
“What the actual fuck was that for Twilight?” asked Rainbow Dash as she stood up, spitting blood.
“I-I-I… Flash is already my coltfriend, Rainbow. I’m s-sorry, please d-don’t be mad at m-me,” she said, crying in shame near the end.
I just stood by as Rainbow walked calmly up to her. “Twilight, you didn’t have to beat me up for it! He just looked rather lonely. I figured he could use somepony in his life. Turns out he already had somepony better than me.”
She hugged Twilight, who was saying sorry over and over to Rainbow, whose bleeding was slowing rapidly. She’s a pegasus, too. She looked over at me shyly as she wrapped an arm around Twilight, rubbing her shoulder.
I walked over and sat down besides Twilight who hugged me. “Look, Flash, I’m sorry for hitting you,” she said as I rubbed her back. Rainbow Dash just looked away. With… sorrow? “But I’d like to thank you for intervening.”
“Twilight, it’s truly fine. It’s not that bad anymore, really,” I said, looking over at Rainbow, who started to cry softly.
I walked over to Rainbow and asked, “What’s wrong? Oh, and… nopony can know that me and Twilight love other, okay?” I asked desperately.
She nodded in understanding. “Yes, I can keep this a secret. But I need you two to keep mine. Okay?” Me and Twilight nodded. “Okay, well, truth is, I had a coltfriend before I came up here. He ditched me a week ago, saying we weren’t going to work out. I really thought that we… h-had something g-going!”
She started to sob and hugged me, Twilight coming over and put her arm around Rainbow. “Look, it’s going to be okay. You’ll find who you’re special somepony is eventually Rainbow, no matter how long it takes.”
Rainbow sniffled. “I can really tell he’s a good stallion for you Twilight. He is really, quite nice. Hey, come see me sometime?” Twilight shot her an evil glare. “What? I’d just like to talk to him. He’s likable, just like somepony I can open up to.” I smiled warmly as she gave me a hug.
Suddenly, a force knocked the wind out of my lungs, sacked Rainbow, and almost stabbed Twilight before I kicked out in rage. The pony flew backwards as I charged up to him, grabbed his weapon, put him in a headlock with the blade up to his neck. “Who the hell are you?” I asked furiously. Twilight stared at me in shock and Rainbow struggled to get the bag off of her head.
He laughed darkly with a crossbow aimed at Twilight’s heart. How did I not notice it? I quickly slid the blade deeply into his neck, and he pulled the trigger. I blocked the arrow with a hind leg, but it sunk deeply as I howled in pain, blood flowing freely. Twilight rushed over and saw the blood flowing freely, while Rainbow just looked at me with hollow eyes.
“Flash? Did you…?” she asked nervously, looking at the dead pony.
“Yes, Rainbow. He would have killed us all. And-” she flew over to his body, weeping.
“Oh, my love! My sweet Indigo! What have you become? A murderer and a thief!” she cried.
Twilight kissed my cheek and pulled out the arrow, causing me to scream in pain. I laid down on my side, trying to lessen the blood flow, while Twilight tried to carry my back to the castle. “Twilight, it’s no good.”
Rainbow came over and lifted me up quickly. “Oh, Twilight, he is the perfect coltfriend for you.” They both carried me back to the castle.
I was rushed to the infirmary, where they quickly bandaged up and treated my wound. I remember seeing a black pony look over me and followed me to my bed. He sat down in a chair as the doctors rushed around me. He ordered them to step back, and his horn glowed brightly, and I had to close my eyes. When I opened them, the wound was no longer there, my headache was gone, and my leg wasn’t broken anymore. He smiled warmly and said, “You’re quite welcome,” and walked ominously out of the room. The rest of the doctors looked rather uncomfortable as I stood up.
I walked out and saw him sitting at one of the chairs, flipping through one of the magazines. He looked up from his article and gave me another warm smile. “Yes, I’m a Time Lord, no, you don’t have to thank me,” he said kindly, trying to shoo me away. I had to comply.
I walked back over to Twilight’s room, but a couple Guards were waiting outside. “Well, she doesn’t want anypony to come in except- oh! Flash Sentry, sir! The Princess wants to see you.”
When I walked in and closed the door, Prince Shining Armor was trying to comfort her sister, who was sitting on a couch, crying. “Shining, if I’d been paying attention, he wouldn’t have another wound!” she exclaimed.
“Oh, Twilight, don’t cry. He’s going to be fine. He was one of my best Guards, and he really did his job,” said Shining, soothing Twilight, but as soon as her eyes met mine, she flew over and kissed me, knocking me over, and we tumbled over each other.
“O-Oh, Flash, it’s m-my fault!” she cried, burying her face into my neck, crying.
I stroked her mane, telling her that I’m really fine, it was nothing, I’m here, telling her to stop talking, telling her to stop worrying. Shining looked over sadly. He and I both knew she would always blame herself, even if she had nothing to do with it. 
“Twilight, look at me,” I said sternly, her eyes rising to meet mine. “You have done nothing wrong. It was purely my fault. I wasn’t paying enough attention, which is why I myself got hurt. You have done nothing wrong,” I repeated, and she buried her face into my neck again. “Twilight, you must control yourself if you are to be presentable at the Royal meeting tonight.”
Shining got up. “I know, I’ve tried to tell her that. Maybe she’s just cross at me for beating on you earlier,” he said, trying not to meet my stare. “I don’t blame her either.”
“Look, Shining, it really is okay. I don’t blame you, and I’m fine now, anyways,” I said, trying to reassure him.
He nodded as Twilight tried to gain control of herself, only to go back to crying softly into my neck. “I’ve been such a wreck lately. I’ve gotten us in trouble more than enough, I caused trouble for others, and I can’t control my emotions!”
Her cry was muffled, thankfully. I gently stroked her star-spotted mane. She slowly calmed down from there. I could understand why she was stressed. She’s trying to hide something not easily hidden, she’s dealing with tough decisions in the Court, and an entire kingdom in counting on her to lead them.
I looked up, my fur near soaked from her tears. Shining had fallen asleep on the couch, looking rather dopey, and Twilight’s silent sobs had stopped, having fallen asleep on me, replaced with a steady breathing. I laughed, realizing how similar they both are. Hell, the way they sleep is similar, with one arm stuck out and their hind legs folded inwards. It was rather adorable, especially in Twilight’s case. An hour before dinner, Luna came back to check in on us, but of course I had no idea it was her, so when she came in, I jumped a little. Thankfully, Twilight didn’t wake up.
“Oh, hi, Flash. I was just coming to check in on Twilight,” she said softly, glancing between Shining, Twilight and I. “Looks like everything is fine?”
I nodded quickly, trying not to arouse Twilight. “How do you think she’ll fare with tonight’s dinner/meeting crossover?”
She glanced back at me. “I truly don’t know. We were just going to go along with it. And, by all means, take no offense, but I doubt you’d know much,” she said, trying not to be judgemental.
I nodded. “I understand. But… how long will it last? I don’t need Twilight having another mental breakdown. She’s been through quite enough, and I don’t know how much more she can take.”
She turned around and rested a hoof on my shoulder, trying not to bump Twilight. “Flash, I know you can take care of her, and I understand how you feel towards her. But remember, she needs to push herself, otherwise she will not be able to become a better leader,” and kissed my cheek. “No, Flash, I do not love you, but accept it as a token of gratitude. Help her as you see fit.”
And with that, she wheeled around quickly and left silently. There was still fifty minutes until we had to go, and I thought of how lucky I am to have made it this far. I can understand Cadence and Shining not caring, and somehow, even Captain Strong Wind, but Celestia and Luna? There was a Court hearing for two lovers who weren’t following the law, and both Twilight and I are breaking it further than they had. But, maybe, being a Princess does give slight leverage. As long as nopony else knows. Except Rainbow Dash, because she’s Twilight’s friend.
With forty minutes to go, I had to get Twilight up for the dinner party. When I did, she twitched and groaned uncomfortably as she got up, looked at me with a rather angry face, and kissed me. “Oh, Flash, my love, why did you wake me? It was the most comfortable sleep I’ve had.”
I just jerked my head in the direction of the clock, and apologized for being cross with me. I went and woke up Shining, who muttered silently, “Please, just five more minutes, Twilight.” I laughed slightly, walking away. So she’s been rather pestering her whole life, then?
I went back to my room to grab my armor. I polished it quickly, making it shine brighter than the full moon, and went back to Twilight’s room, armor on and spear in hoof. I guess I ought to get back to my job, now that I feel better.
	When I got there, the Guards had cleared out, leaving the hallway rather empty. When I opened the door, I saw Twilight sitting on the edge of a bed, looking at the ground. She had chosen her dress as the one she used for the coronation ceremony. The crown on top of her head was gleaming, her eyes were sparkling, her mane was combed, her wings looked perfect, and everything about her looked in control.
I sat down next to her, laying my spear on the ground. She looked at it warily, as if it might turn on us and hold us hostage. I tried not to notice her distress, but I couldn’t help it. I wrapped an arm around her as she laid her head on my shoulder. “You’ll be fine tonight, Twilight. You have nothing to worry about.”
She nodded silently. “And, if anything, just try to enjoy yourself, okay? Nothing is going to happen,” I added.
She smiled weakly, and got up to talk to Shining. He had a silver-lined black tuxedo, which somehow looked good on him. Both Shining and Twilight went out, me following close behind. When we arrived at the room, there were a couple Nobles from Manehatten and Las Pegasus with more arriving. Shining walked over to Cadence with Twilight following close behind.I was about to follow her, but I just positioned myself where I was.
“Hello,” said a soft voice behind me. I turned around, and it was one of the Manehatten nobles.
“Oh, uhm, hello, Your Highness,” I replied, bowing quickly. He laughed.
“There is no need for that here. This is a dinner party, not a meeting. Well… kind of both, y’know?” he asked, and I chuckled nervously.
“I know, Sir, uh, what’s your name again?” I asked.
“Juniper Sky, my good friend,” he said, shaking my hoof.
“Okay! Well, Sir Juniper Sky, I’ll see you around!” I called, shaking his in return and walking into the dining hall.
I positioned myself right next the opening, letting the rest of the ponies in. When the last one came in, the doors closed, and I was left standing awkwardly alone. There wasn’t another Guard in the room, which was weird. I’d think there’d be at least some protection, besides me. “Oh, well, we should at least invite the poor fellow to dine with us!” said one of the Royals. The whole table nodded in agreement, and Juniper Sky invited me to sit beside him. I complied, taking the seat next to him. 
A servant came around, offering water and wine. Well, probably shouldn’t get drunk tonight. I ordered water along with a few others, but the rest ordered the wine. I’ll have a small glass later. When I’m full, if it’s offered again that is.
	“So, before we begin, could we all agree to not argue over whatever there is to argue over? We need to discuss rather important things and work it out,” called Celestia, sitting at one end of the table.
Most of the nobility nodded in agreement, and started on the economic status of their cities. They all seemed to be fine, just a couple empty spots that could be filled quickly. They then went on to talk about the equality. “I just really wish that everypony could get along, differences aside.”
“Yes, it is quite a shame. I know that the Earth ponies do enjoy their jobs, because it does give them dignity, but even then, they are harassed far to much,” said one of the Royals. She had a white coat with grey wings, and sea-green eyes. “Even if we would like to think everypony is treated with the same respect they show others.”
Luna shook her head sadly. “I know it is, but we can do only so much about it. Times are changing, as we can see, and others seem to be stuck in the past. We must encourage future generations to get along with each other.”
The whole table nodded in agreement, some pulling out notepads to write down ideas. Then with that, the rest of the table went into their own little conversations. Twilight was laughing merrily with a glass of wine in her hoof, with a mare from Las Pegasus, telling her a ridiculous story of how one of her friends had won big at a casino but forgot to collect his win. Celestia was talking in a quiet voice to a smaller stallion, who looked rather serious. Luna was walking over to her sister, looking rather worried.
“Well, Flash, anything on your mind? This dinner was to discuss what others had on their mind, to help other gain new ideas,” Juniper Sky said, trying to get me to say something.
“I know it’s not my place to decide, but has anypony ever thought about changing the law of love? We had a Court hearing today about this, but… what’s wrong with that?” I asked.
“I had hoped you’d bring this up. Luna said times are changing, and they certainly are. We try to avoid this due to the, well, odd birth defects, if you will? Say a unicorn and a pegasus mate, their child could have wings and magical powers, but no horn. You see where I am going?” I nodded in agreement. “And if it had been an Earth pony and not a pegasus, the child could be the same, or it could turn out the same, just without the wings. The combinations are endless, and it could be dangerous, unpredictable, and others would frown upon it.”
“Yes, but… if you do truly love one another, why stop them over small things like that? Well, not really small, but for all we know, nothing like that would even happen,” I countered. 
“True, true, we haven’t heard of anything like this yet, but both parents work together to help their child grow, do they not? If an Earth pony father and a unicorn mother try to teach their child, who is a unicorn, only the mother could teach her child magic,” he replied. 
“But, couldn’t you hire somepony else to teach the foal magic? I mean, it would create job opportunities…” I said, and Juniper did nod along, quickly writing down what I said. At that moment, the food had been brought out. Heavy steaks with a mushroom-onion mix to go along, an assortment of greens, vegetables and fruits, three whole turkeys, and a bowl of gravy. Soon, everypony's plates were filled, the water and wine was offered again, and I took a small glass of wine. I finished my plate, when I noticed Twilight take her fourth glass of wine. I sipped from my glass sadly, enjoying the sweet burning taste of the wine go down my throat. Cheers to the winery who made this. It’s excellent, and I ought to get the name of it. I might have to order a bottle!
	The conversations went on for a good hour before the party dispersed. The most interesting conversation, besides the one I had with Juniper, was the Guards. Each city was going to implement a new recruit system, bringing in more Guards, along with Canterlot. Twilight looked a little tipsy. More than a little, I thought, and I quickly walked over to her. “Hey, Twilight, are you okay?”
“Hm? Oh, yes, of course, Flash. If you don’t mind, I’d like you to -hic- take me back to my room,” she said, leaning heavily on me.
Shining also walked with us, and when we got to her room, he said good night and went back to his room. Twilight asked me to stay with her. I obliged, and when I walked in, she kissed me. This is dangerous, Flash. She’s drunk and you know it.
	So what? It can’t get that bad. Oh, how wrong I was. She practically threw me down on the bed and flung herself on top of me. She forced us under the covers, her lips still on mine. Damnit, I had to admit I enjoyed it, but I knew it was wrong in so many ways. When she wrapped her arms around my neck, I put a hoof on her cheek. I had to stop it, but I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Shit. I’m in a tight situation.
	I pulled away, which was the sensible thing, but Twilight tried to pull me back in. “Twily, no. Not tonight. You’re clearly not acting like yourself, and you know somewhere in there that this is wrong. I’m sorry,” I said, quickly hopping out of bed. She looked on the verge of tears.
“I-I… Flash, I may be slightly -hic-” I looked at her crossly. “Okay, very drunk, but I won’t try anything, I promise. Please, Flash.”
I nodded, took off my armor, and got back in her bed. She kissed me, turned her back to me, and cozied up to my body. So this is what one part of true love is. Forgiving each other for whatever happens, I thought, quickly falling asleep with Twilight in my arms.
> Once Decieved, Forever Paranoid
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight: I woke up, a warm presence beside my body. I had forgotten most of last night, only the conversations with Royals. At least they were nice, I thought, glancing over the clock. Damn. Already nine. And I had to hurl really, really badly. When I ran to the bathroom, I had clearly startled Flash awake. He got up suddenly, called my name, and quickly walked in while I was throwing up. He crouched by my side, rubbing my back gently.  He was quietly saying, “It’s okay, Twilight,” over and over.
When I was done, my stomach emptied from whatever else there was, I tried to kiss Flash, who dodged it. “Look, as much I want to too, I don’t need to taste whatever came out, alright? Take no offense, please.”
I nodded sadly and slowly, my stomach feeling much better. I quick rinsed my mouth out, popped a breath mint, and walked out. Flash was walking out with his Guard armor on. I sighed sadly, turning to the window. There was a pair of ponies flying, laughing and smiling, enjoying themselves. “Why? Why must the universe be so unfair!” I cried, shedding tears.
This time, I’d be alone. But, soon enough, Flash knocked at my door. “Princess, is everything okay? You sound distressed,” he called, his voice muffled.
“You can come in, F-Flash,” I said, still crying.
When he walked in, he cursed himself and flew over to me. He hugged me tightly, letting me cry into his shoulder. “Flash I… I’m sorry. It’s just, ih-it’s really not a-all that fair wh-what we have to go through t-together,” said, muffled, as he stroked my mane.
“I know, Twilight, I know. I feel the same,” he said, trying to hold back tears. I pulled away from him, resting my hooves on his shoulders. His eyes were watery, and a single tear slowly made its way down his cheek. I wiped it away, putting my forehead against his, both our hooves on each other’s shoulders. We sat there for a good five minutes before I rested my chin on his shoulder. He calmly stroked my mane, and I rested my hoof on his back. “I got a letter from Shining earlier. That’s why I left for a little bit,” he said.
I nodded in understanding, wondering what it was about. Probably something to do with what me and Flash have. But what he said was the exact opposite. “He proposed a month-long leave to the Crystal Kingdom. He said he wanted to show you around, allow you to get out in public and experience what it has to offer, and a lot of other stuff.”
“When do we leave?” I asked all too suddenly.
“Uh, um, three days? Run it past Celestia and Luna and see if they’re cool with it. He requested both you and I go together,” he said awkwardly. I kissed him on the cheek, making him smile and blush. “And, it’s also for you to unwind, get rid of stress, you know, all that.”
I nodded excitedly. Three days. It seems so far away when you really want it. “Twilight? Twilight, are you alright?” I realized I had leaned into him a little too much, and he was almost tipping over when I leaned back. “Yes, Flash, I’m fine.”
He stood up slowly and walked out of the room, saying, “I ought to check in on Strong Wind, he might need my help.”
I nodded in understanding, and he left, closing the door behind him. I remembered the dream I had a while ago, and I ran over to grab my notebook, which, thankfully, had everything written down in it. I read over the message sent through the dream.

Look at your reality. This is how Canterlot lives. The shadows of our dark past can never be shaken, but the future can change. The past divided us, the future can merge us. If you do not do anything, the Order in which life follows will break, leaving the country of Equestria to fall to its knees and beg for forgiveness. Only then you will realize that your faults were not your own, but your ancestors’ choices, which define what you are, but not what you will be. You will cease to understand the universe, but learn the logic of life. You will vanish from history, and have everyone know your name. You will go down as a poor leader, and everyone will praise your name as you lead them into an anarchy led by you. The future begins now, Twilight, and the ones who will help you will come in the most expected and unseen as the reality you know becomes a broken, whole, shattered, and fixed world. The contradictory ponies meet the reasonable rule-breakers, the outlaws become the leaders of a revolution that takes your world by storm and dies away faster than a blown out candle. You will beg at the knees of the gods and goddesses of the universe, and ask one question not even they can answer, but you will answer theirs in return as with yours. You will travel so far to reach something so close, and you will travel to the most foreign land you hold dear and close to your heart. And when you finish begging, will you begin to change things for the better. Only when your kingdom cripples will it rebuild itself, and when you face your greatest fears will you find true happiness and courage. I leave you now, Twilight, but remember this: the time to change is now, before your kingdom revolts and falls into chaos and goes down in history as the greatest success story turned sour by a Princess and her peers who refused change of the course of the future because of intolerance and refusal to change, for the old is not new, and what becomes new will be as old.


I sighed and decided to try and think of what it meant. The future can change. So that means I, and whoever I need help from, which leads to come in the most expected and unseen places. I also got how it talked about how the past has divided Equestria for more than long enough, but, A shattered and fixed world? I mean, not the entire planet, right? I don’t even know if this is true, but I have to believe it. Why would I have a dream that consists of this message? Twilight, think! You dreamt of what you feared most, and so did Flash! This is nothing but what you fear! You must shake it!
	I shook my head sadly. If these events start to happen, even in the tiniest ways, I’d have to look into it. You fear change. You fear revolution from your people. You fear the boundaries of love, being broken and changed, for better and for worse. You fear the past and what it made you. You fear anarchy and the possibility of losing what you have. You fear Flash. You fear Celestia. You fear Luna. You fear everypony can turn against you. And who does that make? A paranoid Princess who can’t trust the most honest pony. 
I sighed and put the journal back, and when I walked to the closet to take off my dress, there was a knock on the door. I asked, “Can you wait five minutes, please?” and changed. When I walked out, I let them come in, and Pinkie Pie nearly tackled me.
“Twilight! How are you doing?” she asked, talking really fast. I laughed.
“Calm down! I’m fine, I’m fine. What’re you all doing here?” I asked, looking over everypony.
“Ahm doin’ jus’ fine, Twilight,” said Applejack, glancing at Pinkie Pie, who was jumping up and down really fast. Now how does she do it? I wondered. “We jus’ wanted ter see yew again. Maybe go ‘round town, see wha’s goin’ on?”
“There’s this great new restaurant down in Ponyville we thought you’d like to try out!” said Fluttershy, looking rather excited for once.
“I’d love to! It’s just… could we wait here for a moment?” I asked, trying to stall until Flash gets back. Don’t need anyone attacking us.
	“Of course! But, whatever for, dear?” asked Rarity in her usual airy voice.
“I could guess, Twilight,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Oh, nopony. I’d just like to catch up with you!” I said nervously, and only Fluttershy caught on, but she didn’t say anything.
We talked for the next half hour before there was a knock on the door. “Um, Princess? Is everything alright?” asked Flash, poking his head in. A bit of hair fell over one of his eyes. “Oh, I didn’t mean to interrupt, I can just-” I cut him off abruptly.
“No, no, it’s fine. My friends and I were just talking, and-” I got cut off by Rarity this time. 
“And who is this fine young fellow?”
Rainbow Dash looked at me, begging me to tell them, and Fluttershy glanced at me with a rather knowing look. Applejack just got up and brought him over, Rarity blushing as he sat down beside her and I. Pinkie Pie was just fiddling with his hair. “Oh, it’s just so soft!”
“An’ tha’s she said, Pinkie.” We all laughed a little, trying to clear up the unease.
“Pinkie, could you please stop bothering him?” asked Rainbow. I gave her a silent thank you with my eyes. She just nodded.
“So, Twilight, who is he?” asked Rarity, sidling up to him
“He’s, uh, my Guard,” I said precautiously. He looked at me nervously, starting to sweat a little. Celestia damnit, this is going to be difficult. I just sent him a look like go along with it, dude. He sighed.
“Oh, he’s quite handsome. Got any lovers?” she asked.
“No, not yet. I’ve been told by my friends that I’m good looking though,” and that made everypony blush. Especially Fluttershy, but again, she didn’t say anything. She definitely has a crush on him, but she probably knows Flash and I are already together. I should get her somepony to love. Soon.
	Rarity giggled. “Well, your friends made quite the understatement there! Take off your helmet, you don’t need it!” she said, pulling it off. His blue mane fell all over the place, making him look extremely handsome. It took all the self-control I had to not kiss him.
“Oh, my! You really are exceptional!” Flash blushed at this, but he clearly wasn’t enjoying it. “You should stop by my store sometime. I could probably get you fit into a new suit!” she said, enjoying herself.
Rainbow Dash stepped in. “Well then, we should probably get going!”
I nodded in approval. “Yes, we should. So, what’s the first stop?”
Flash looked away, grabbing his helmet and putting it on. He followed us out, but was stopped by Applejack, looking rather offended. “Yeh think we can’ defen’ ourselves?”
“I-I-I’m just doing my job, ma’am,” he said, looking away.
She still didn’t seem convinced, glaring at him. “Look, Applejack, he is my Guard, so he truly is just doing his job.”
Her gaze softened, and she said, “Ahm sorreh, truly! Ah jus’ didn’ know!”
“No, no, it’s fine really,” he said, trying to reassure her. 
She shook her head. “It was really rude of me, though,” she said, looking down at the ground. “What is yer name, though?”
He accepted her apology. “My name’s Flash. Flash Sentry.”
And with that, the seven of us left. Applejack wasn’t comfortable around Flash the whole time it took us to get there. He hailed a taxi at Canterlot, who quickly called for a second one, and we piled into the cabs. Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie piled into the first one, which left Flash, Fluttershy, and me for the second one. We got there around one, so, “That leaves about seven hours.”
Flash wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “What was that, my love?” Only Fluttershy heard, but, thankfully, she said nothing.
I nuzzled Flash, and he kissed my head. “Just giving us an estimate on how much time we have here.” I looked over at Fluttershy, who was smiling sadly. “Is everything alright Fluttershy?”
She nodded slowly. “Yes, Twilight. I’m just glad you found your special somepony. But I doubt I’ll find my own,” she said sadly. “It is kind of lonely, really. Even with Angel and Discord.”
I draped a wing over her as we walked out. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. You’ll find your special somepony eventually. Hopefully sooner than later,” I said, trying to reassure her. 
Pinkie Pie ran over. “So I found this new sweet shop that I’ll think you’ll like but it’s not as good as mine and of course we have to take you out for lunch and-” I put  a hoof over her mouth.
“Calm down Pinkie. We have plenty of time. About seven to eight hours if I want to be back at the castle to get some sleep,” I said, laughing.
We caught up with the rest of my friends at the sweets shop Pinkie was raving about. The mare at the register looked surprised to see me and my friends here. She let us sample some of their chocolates, specialty made at their store. I had to admit, they were pretty damn fine. Flash had one, and the face he made looked like he was sent straight to heaven. He walked up to the mare and asked for a box of those. She blushed and sent him an order. “Payment at the door, mister.”
He nodded and left, and the mare looked close to fainting. “Oh, he’s just so good-looking. His blue eyes and shaggy yet stylish mane, his orange coat and near perfect wings and defined muscles…” she trailed off.
Gah! I had to get used to it, because he was an exceptionally handsome stallion, but that boiling anger that I get when other mares, and probably stallions, not there’s anything wrong with being gay! talk about him. Rarity still clearly liked Flash, no matter how much she looked away from him. Our relationship is definitely complicated.
“Twilight? How do you like them?” asked Rainbow, getting her third sample of a chocolate liqueur.
“Oh, my, they are really good! I ought to get a box as well,” I said half to myself, also getting an assorted box. Everyone, even Pinkie Pie, got one. The cashier thanked us many times. “Do come back! And tell your friends!”
We promised her to spread the word about her shop. When we walked out, Applejack had to agree with Pinkie Pie that the shop was excellent. “Yes guys I told you it was really good now we should grab some lunch before we go back to the garden!” she said, running off. 
“I am still blown away by how much energy she has,” said Rainbow as we struggled to keep up with her. We were practically knocked out by out shortness of breath when we caught up with her. Thankfully, it was rather cold and windy today, so we weren’t sweating when we got there.
When we walked in, a waiter was already standing there, and led us to a table. Some ponies gawked at me, and some paparazzi were at our table. They were about to take pictures before Flash shouldered his way in front of me. “No pictures will be taken today. Sorry, folks!”
The quickly scurried away, and we all sat down. Nice of them to reserve a seat for Flash. Just wish he wasn’t next to me. However, I guess he does belong. “So, can we get you all something to drink?” asked the waiter. “We have specialty wines, water, lemonade, almost anything you could ask for.”
Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow ordered lemonade, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Flash water, and I was going to get a glass of wine before Flash stopped me. Everyone around us, and my friends, looked at him like he just shouted “Celestia fucking damnit!” at the top of his lungs. “Look, it’s just… could we get some privacy?” I cast a silent bubble around us so nopony else could hear us.
“Okay, if I want to be honest, Twilight, you did get carried away last night with the wine,” he said seriously, and I looked away.
“Flash, don’t worry, we’ll make sure she only gets one,” said Fluttershy, trying to reason with Flash. He huffed and folded his arms across his chest. “Okay, I guess,” was his only reply. And with that, the waiter walked away, and we talked for a little bit, most of us arguing with Flash, but Rarity clearly approved of his choice. “He’s only looking out for Twilight!” she said.
The waiter came back a little later, sliding the drinks down the table. “Are you all ready to order, or are you still looking? I can come back if you need time,” he said, glancing around the table. We all sent him off for a bit, still looking at the menu. It was obviously clear what we were all going to get, except for Flash. He kept flipping between two pages, clearly undecided.
“So, what can I get for you today?” asked the waiter, startling us all. My friends and I ordered sunflower and daisy sandwiches, and Flash got a cheesesteak sandwich. “What can I say? I love them.”
Rainbow Dash giggled, and Flash grabbed my hoof and whispered into my ear, “Not as much as I love you.”
I blushed, but none of my friends were looking at us. They stared at the door, clearly frightened. A cloaked stallion stood in the lobby, a knife in hoof, looked around, but for who, I didn’t know. When he saw us sitting there, he threw it, but Flash deflected it with his spear, the knife inches away from my face, and charged at the now retreating pony. He caught him before he could reach the door, put him in a headlock, and shouted, “What in your right mind was that for?”
He smiled cruelly, pulling his hood off. “I hate the Royalty, and everything they stand for. They are nothing but puppets for Celestia and Luna who use them to speak for them!” he spat at the ground. “And nothing but bullshit respect is what we get from you snobby aristocrats!”
Police were already at the door, weapons drawn, and hoofcuffed the raging pony, who was bucking violently. Flash just hit him upside the head with the pole of his spear. “Calm down there, pal. We can be fair with you.”
He turned around and came back to the table. I was too stunned to think or react. Rainbow Dash hugged him and thanked him, Fluttershy pointed out that bringing him along was a good idea to Applejack who looked away in shame, and Rarity and Pinkie Pie were staring in awe at how professionally Flash handled the situation. Flash came back to his seat next to me, and wrapped one of his arms around me, rubbing his hoof on my right shoulder. “Twilight, are you okay? Twilight? Princess?” he asked, waving his other hoof in front of my face.
The waiter was standing there, clearly oblivious to what happened. He just dropped off the plates and walked away, looking around awkwardly at everypony, trying to figure out what happened. We ate slowly, talking quietly and not often. Every one of us, except Flash, probably because he gets used to it, didn’t finish. We ate most of our meals, though. The waiter brought the check over. I offered to pay, but Fluttershy declined my offer, saying she would. When the waiter came back, he gave the receipt and card back to Fluttershy, and I could see home address.“Well, Fluttershy, looks like you have yourself a date!” I said to her quietly, her muzzle going red immediately. 
She was at a loss for words and just walked along with us, being her usual quiet self. I bit my lower lip in concentration on what happened, and I remember it all too well. That knife, the one Flash saved my life from, had given me true fear for the first time in my life. The newspapers would be packed with the story, ponies would be talking about it, and security would be increased. Thankfully, Flash is a veteran compared to other Guards, and dealt with the situation excellently. 
“So, I figured we could go to the park because it’d be nice to just relax for a while and maybe head back to my place and play cards?” asked Pinkie Pie, her normal energy levels toned down a bit.
We nodded in silent agreement and went to the park. There were plenty of ponies there, walking along the trails, sitting on benches, watching over their foals as they ran around, tripping over their own hooves. I smiled, and Flash got protectively close to my side. When he noticed me relaxing, he moved away a bit, but still stuck to my side. Damn. Loyal to the last breath.
“Look, Flash, I know you’re just trying to be helpful, but it’s really just fine!” I said, trying to get him to stop acting like I was a glass vase being held by a young colt.
“I know, Princess. But you must remember what just happened. We can’t risk it here, because it’s much easier for the pony doing what he needs to do easier and making it easier to escape,” he said as we sat down at a bench with Rainbow and Rarity. Pinkie, Fluttershy and Applejack sat on the bench facing us, and we just stared at the ground. 
“So, that was… eventful?” said Rainbow precariously, still looking at the ground. Other ponies just stared at us.
“Eventful is an understatement, dearie. Twilight was almost killed!” said Rarity, who was also still looking at the ground. Pinkie somehow managed to contain herself, but I didn’t think she was even trying.
“Guys, could we not talk about it? I really don’t want to relive it right now,” I said, trying to drop the topic while the ponies around us were talking amongst themselves. “And could you all please go away?”
The rest scurried off, sticking together in large groups trying to decide what we were talking about. A reporter hung around though, trying to ask questions. “Okay, I’ll answer them. Somepony ought to,” said Flash, getting up. “It’s okay leaving you guys for a bit?”
We all nodded rather hesitantly. It was nice of him to get him off our tails, but he was my Guard, so it was a tough choice. Be pestered by an annoying reporter or talk for ten minutes? Kind of obvious.
“So, now that he’s gone, how’s your relationship status Twilight? I notice that your Guard has been paying extra attention to you, even for a Guard,” said Pinkie Pie. “He’s really cute, you know! And, uh, what’s his name?”
I blushed. “Well, I guess he is, but he is a Guard. He’s just trying to make sure I don’t get hurt. His name is Flash. Flash Sentry.”
Rainbow giggled. “Didn’t he already tell us his name when Applejack yelled at him?”
“Ay, I was only tellin’ ‘im off fer bein’ a lil’ overprotective!” she said, playfully hitting her on the shoulder.
“So, Twilight, you do have a crush on Flash?” said Rarity curiously. “You did say he is cute, dear.”
“I- no- well, I…” they all looked at me, and I couldn't deny it longer. “Okay, I do have a crush on him. I mean, you all do too!”
Rainbow sighed sadly, Rarity and Fluttershy looked away blushing, Applejack nodded slowly, and Pinkie Pie was just stumbling over her words as she tried to deny it. “It’s okay, at least we all have it out there.”
Rainbow looked at the rest of them “He already told me he wasn’t interested in me.”
“Well, dearie, what happened?” asked Rarity, looking rather surprised. “You do look absolutely gorgeous, how could he turn you down?”
Rainbow looked away. “It’s… complicated. I moved on him too soon, I guess.” I gave her a thank you with my eyes, and she smiled sadly.
“Well, girls, we ought to try and get ‘im fer ourselves! Whaddya say?” said Applejack, looking rather giddy. 
Fluttershy shook her head. “He’s already fallen for somepony else.”
Pinkie looked surprised. “Well then, who is it? I’d like to know who.”
I shot a glare at Fluttershy for bringing it up, and Rarity noticed. “Oh, my. I think I know who it is!” she said giddily.
I bit my lower lip, and Rarity made her point proven. The shit hit the fan this soon. I thought I could keep it up longer! Thankfully, Flash showed up again, and I wouldn’t have to talk about it. Yet. Rarity gave me a murderous glare, and I looked away. “S-So, Flash, how was the interview?” I asked, quickly moving to his side.
He looked down at me. “It was… interesting, to say the least. He had heard what happened and wanted to put a piece in the paper, so I told him everything that happened through my perspective. I gave him as much as I could, but I left out any… personal conflict.”
I pressed my side against his for a moment. “Thank you for doing that, by the way. I probably would have yelled at him if he kept asking us for an interview.”
He laughed. “No kidding. I would have impaled him if I was insane.”
We walked in silence for a while, and when I saw it was almost four, I asked, “Where are we going?”
Rainbow looked back. “Why not go up to a cloud? I wouldn’t mind getting a nice view of Ponyville again!”
I looked at the rest of them, and they all agreed. “Now, which one would be good… there!” I pointed to one almost above us. I took off suddenly, casting a spell for Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack. Rainbow grabbed Pinkie, Fluttershy grabbed Applejack, and Flash grabbed Rarity. She blushed hard, and I tried not to notice. We were all pretty much winded, except for Pinkie, Applejack and Rarity who thanked the others for getting them up there. They only nodded, trying to catch their breath. 
Flash was the first to get up, and walked over and sat beside me. “So, Twilight, how’d it feel to get back in the air again?”
“Wait a minute,” said Rarity, dragging the ‘wait’ on for a while, “This isn’t the first time you went flying?”
I nodded quickly. “Yes. Flash thought it’d be nice to try and get me to practice flying.”
She chuckled. “Damn! I guess Flash is into you, dearie!”
It was Flash’s turn to blush at a similar statement, and she laughed harder. “So you two do love each other!” We both stared at her. “Oh, it’s just too good!”
“Twilight, what the hell? Why didn’ yeh tell us?” asked Applejack, walking up to me. “Why’d yeh have to hide it?”
Rainbow and Fluttershy looked between each other knowingly. Pinkie didn’t look angry, but she did just give a small smile. Rarity stopped laughing, looking between Flash and I. “Oh. I just… I was just joking! I didn’t actually think… oh, Twilight, dear, I’m so happy for you!” she said as she walked over and gave me a hug. 
Applejack still looked at me crossly. “Yeh know that we all had a crush on ‘im, right?”
Flash looked startled by her comment. “Y-You… all did?” They all nodded. “Wow.”
“You sell yourself far too short on your looks, Flash,” said Fluttershy. “You ought to know that.”
He shrugged “I guess so. And, uh, Twilight, could we talk for a little bit?”
I shook my head in agreement and followed him to the edge of the cloud. “Damnit! How are we gonna keep this a secret? The Captain knows, Celestia knows, but she won’t give us second chances, Luna doesn’t care, and now all your friends know, including your brother and his wife!”
I looked away. “We can trust my friends with keeping this secret. Just… don’t be mad, okay? I was going to tell them soon, anyways,” I said, glancing back, and only Pinkie was looking. “It’ll all be fine.”
And with that, I kissed him slowly, leaning into him, and he kissed back just as much, expecting it. I leaned further, putting a hoof on his chest. Damn. The first true kiss we’ve really shared. Really feeling it, anyways. Rarity gasped, but I didn’t want to pull away just yet. Neither did Flash. I felt the gaze of all my friends on me and Flash, burning my skin. When I pulled away, Flash looked rather happy and sorrowful, and I felt the same. We both would have wanted it to last much longer.
When I looked at my friends, their expressions ranged widely. Both Rainbow and Fluttershy were both happy, because Rainbow knew that it was going on anyways and Fluttershy accepted it. Pinkie Pie was a little surprised, Applejack was happy for us, and Rarity was looking rather envious of both Flash and I.
“Oh, Twilight, Flash, I’m so happy fer you both!” said Applejack, hugging me and kissing Flash on the cheek.
“If we hear of Twilight getting hurt, we swear by Celestia we will give you what you deserve. So, just, treat her well, okay?” said Rainbow, grabbing him by his collar and lifting him up. “I will personally flay you over Tartarus if you do anything wrong to her.”
He laughed nervously. “Uh, heh, yeah. But, could you all keep this a secret? We don’t need the entirety of Equestria knowing a Guard and a Princess are dating, alright?”
I laughed. “Yeah. Even if Flash is a sort of co-Captain. But seriously. Keep it silent,” I said, prodding Rainbow to force her to put Flash down. It was more of a drop then a put-down.
While Flash was rubbing the back of his head, Rarity stepped up to me. “I do enjoy seeing you two together. You are such a cute couple, but… I can’t help but worry, Twilight, dear. We don’t have any relationships yet, and we both know this isn’t the best choice-” I cut her off sharply.
“No, no, we know what we’re doing. Trust us. And Shining already gave me the same kind of speech, and Fluttershy already might have a date. And, I promise you, just put yourself out there and you’ll find someone,” I said, draping a wing over her.
She looked away, but pressed close to my side. “I’ll keep it a secret, not because I have to, but because you’re finally happy with somepony else besides us,” she said. “Don’t act surprised, Twilight. You rant about how snobby other nobility can be more often than not, and Flash is the only other pony who you seem comfortable around. Besides us, Shining, Cadence, Celestia, and Luna.”
I nodded in silent agreement. My friends took turns threatening Flash, from filling his bed with ice cream and rather horrid death threats. Damn. “Guys, he’s fine! Just leave him be!”
Rainbow looked rather reluctant, but she complied. The rest of them were rather easier to get to stop. “We understand, Twilight. We just want to make sure you don’t get hurt,” said Fluttershy.
I nodded in complete understanding, and Flash just sat there, wanting to speak, but he knew well enough that if he did, they would just go on and on again. He stood up and said, “We ought to get down now. You guys wanted to go out for dinner, right?”
We shook our heads in disagreement. “After lunch, I doubt I’d want to go out for another week. But, I assume Applejack wouldn’t mind a visit, eh?” said Rainbow, elbowing Applejack, clearly just trying to get food. Flash clearly didn’t understand, and stood there dubiously.
Pinkie and Rarity joined in, and Applejack caved. “Okay, alright, we’ll go over ter my place!” she said, clearly annoyed, but had a gleam of humor in her eyes. “Y’all owe me. Jus’ not you, Flash. You already saved Twilight’s life terday.”
He just stared into space, and it wasn’t until I looked in his direction until I saw what he was looking at. A plume of ash-grey smoke was rising from an all-too-close spot, and the fire was growing rapidly. “Oh, shit!” said Flash as he took off towards the fire. He left his spear behind, so I grabbed it and Rarity and flew her down to the ground. I quickly caught up with Flash at the fire, getting other ponies out of range I decided to help him. He was coughing, his face covered in soot, and yelling at others to get out. A small piece of building fell out, and a small filly was standing there in shock. Flash flew up to grab her, and as he was going out, debris half-covered the exit. I used my magic to lift the stones, and Flash flew out clumsily. “There. Now, *cough* lemme just sit down for a *cough* bit,” he said wearily as he put the filly on the ground. She took off running as soon as her hooves hit.
I ran over to Flash, and my friends quickly showed up behind me, trying to lift him up. When we got him up, he was in a coughing fit, his throat probably dry and caked in ash. We laid him down a safe distance from the fire, and he opened his eyes a bit. “T-Thanks, girls.”
We quick got him some water and half-forced it down his throat. He jolted upwards, almost knocking Pinkie out cold, before he went back into a coughing fit, trying to get as much water down as possible. He almost immediately threw up, the bile rather blackish grey, and Rarity almost hurled as well. When he finished, he rolled over on his side. “I feel like shit. I guess I should pass on dinner, huh?” We weakly laughed, and I threw myself on him, even if he was covered in soot. The fire raged behind us, but other ponies were already working to put it out. 
“Twilight, we thought we’d reserve a room here tonight for you and Flash. Just an overnight stay, you can return to Canterlot tomorrow,” said Fluttershy, heaving me upwards. “Sorry, Flash, I just don’t want her to get too dirty.”
“No, no, it’s fine,” he said, getting up slowly. “And if we could get there quickly? I feel like I just rolled in mud and let it dry. Then ran fifty miles.”
When we got there, the pony at the desk looked rather startled to see a Princess and a Guard show up, one covered in ash and the other clean. He gave us our room key and number, and we quickly went. Flash just went right into the bathroom and turned the shower on, but I decided to go out on the balcony. It feels so good to just be like a normal pony again.
I watched the sunset, thankfully not blocked by the smoke, until Flash came up beside me, smelling like cheap hotel soap. Because that’s what he used to shower, doofus. He wrapped a wing around me and I cozied up to his side. “Wow. That is one hell of a sunset, huh?”
“Yeah, it really is,” I said, resting my head on Twilight’s shoulder. “I just wish my friends were here.”
“Who said we weren’t?” called Rainbow, who landed on the balcony. “You really shouldn’t talk so much.”
Fluttershy appeared a moment later. “Don’t worry. The others will be coming soon.”
We pulled up some chairs and sat down, Flash still by my side. We talked for a while about what the rest of my friends did after we took off towards the fire. “We were honestly stunned. Nothing like that had ever happened! Except for the small fire that somepony screamed about and called the fire department on, there wasn’t anything like that!”
“I guess we’ll have to wait for the paper to get out a story for it,” said Flash. “I was helping others escape the fire, and I just hope that nopony died.” We all nodded in grim agreement.
We went inside and played Cards Against Ponykind for a good fifteen minutes to try and forget all that happened today, from attempted murder to the fire. There was a knock on the door, and Pinkie said, “Uh, you guys in there?”
Flash opened the door, and the rest piled in. We kept playing cards until they all decided to go. Applejack had dropped off some pie when she came, so we quickly ate what we could. Flash flopped onto the bed lazily, and I fell right beside him. “You know, it isn’t all that bad. We finally have some alone time, you know.”
He nodded in understanding and looked at me. “I ought to get some sleep. It’s been a long day-” I cut him off by kissing him. He broke away after a little while and got under the covers. I had to follow him, because I was just as tired. When we got in bed, he kissed me. For once it wasn’t me. I gave in immediately, pressing my body against his. He wrapped his wings and arms around me, and I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly. The kiss deepened, and I put a hoof on his chest. I started to enjoy myself, just laying there in each other’s arms. Our relationship is far past gone from wiping away. I broke away slightly after a good ten minutes, and he also did, and I rolled over and curled up beside him, his wing still over me. “I love you, Flash Sentry, with all my heart.”
“And I love you with all my heart, Twilight Sparkle,” he said, kissing the back of my head. I snuggled up to him as much as I could, and fell fast asleep.

Flash:
Wow. Just… wow. I had my precious beauty sleeping beside me, curled up against me, and even said that she loved me. If anypony told me I’d be doing this a year ago, I would have asked them if they were mentally sane. Now, I’d bet a thousand bits that I would change nothing if given the chance.
	For the first time in a while, I slept peacefully. No dreams, just emptiness. I guess I enjoyed that, in a way. It gave me a sense of comfort, and when I woke, I didn’t jump, wasn’t startled, wasn’t in a clammy cold sweat. It was almost eleven in the morning. Well, we ought to get up. But… might just be best to let Twilight rest. I just stayed where I was, my wing still wrapped around her, her back to me. I settled in further, enjoying Twilight’s warmth.
Celestia damnit, Flash, you know better! This is against the law in such immense ways! Why don’t you just give up on her? You know it never truly will work! You’ll never be able to marry her, you won’t have kids, you both know that if you’re caught together like this, they’ll kill you and completely blow it over with her!
	I almost cried at the thought. But why can’t I love her? I know it’s completely against the law, but it’s not like it’s that bad. There are some ponies who have done far worse and have been fine. And I can’t just give up on her. It’d break her poor heart! My heart won over my head for once, probably because my mind wasn’t working for the past couple times this has happened. Because, well, I just went along with it. 
Twilight started to wake, startled by me presence. It typically takes her a while to get her bearings when she wakes, and it’s normally funny. “Wha- Flash, what’re you doing here?” the memory dawned on her. “Oh, right. Sorry.”
I looked down at her softly and nuzzled her. “No worries, Twilight. I kind of got used to it,” I said, and she blushed.
“Just a… habit, really. I used to do it all the time, but it’s kind of going away,” she said, turning to face me. “I guess it’s not, actually.”
She kissed me, and was about to end it, but I kept her there. She looked startled, but stayed, letting me stroke her mane as she put a hoof on my chest. Third time now, I thought to myself. I used to think it was young love, but I could argue that we do truly have something. Truly.
She pulled away, but I didn’t bother to stop her this time. “Well, we ought to get up and moving,” she said, and gasped and turned around. “Why didn’t you get me up earlier? You know I wanted to get a head start on today! Celestia almighty Flash, you even-” I cut her off sharply, putting a hoof on her lips.
“Twilight, I didn’t get you up because I knew you needed sleep,” she shook her head rapidly. “You and I both know it! You haven’t slept peacefully in a while!” I said, my voice rising a little. My eyes widened in surprise and fear. “I-I… I’m sorry, Twilight.”
She looked away slightly. “No, it’s okay, Flash. I guess I was being a little… harsh, to put it? I mean, you are right,” she said, looking at me. I averted my gaze quickly, and she grabbed me by the chin and made me look at her. “But, please, don’t yell at me for something like that again. Okay?”
I nodded quickly, kissed her on the cheek, and slid off the bed. I went to go wash my armor off, but somepony had already cleaned it. How could I forget about room service! But, then again, they wouldn’t have seen us. I put on my armor and Twilight walked out, her mane brushed and flowing. “You look amazing, Twilight.”
You look quite dashing in that armor yourself, Flash,” she said, pressing her flank against mine. “Ready to go back?”
“Yep. Got everything ready. You?” I asked. “Oh, and, remember the visit to the Crystal Kingdom, better check with Celestia and Luna,” I added quickly, and she face hoofed.
“I can’t believe I forgot! Thanks for reminding me!” she said as we walked out.
When we got to the lobby, Rainbow and Rarity were waiting there for us. “So, how was your stay?” asked Rainbow. Twilight was about to respond when she said, “You don’t have to tell me. I checked on around nine, and you two were both asleep in each other’s arms. You’re just adorable together!”
Both Twilight and I blushed and Rarity glared at us, jealous and happy, but more so jealous. She gave a strained smile, and we walked out. “The rest are waiting at the station,” was all she said.
We turned to leave when a pony ran up to the door. “Princess Twilight! I just wanted to see you before you left! I thought I would just try and meet you!”
She looked rather dumbfounded as he rambled on, clearly just wanting her to go with him “Look, my family just wants to meet you before you leave! We can just go through the alley, it won’t take long, I swear!” he said quickly, half dragging her out.
I almost grabbed her, but she just shook her head. “I’ll be fine, Flash. I’ll be back in a second.” but I followed her out anyways, taking to the air. I kept an eye on them, when he suddenly took out a knife, and it looked like he was trying to rape her. SHIT!!
I flew down, slamming my rear hooves into his head as he advanced on her. He tried to stab me, but I dodged quickly. He screamed in rage and ran at me, when suddenly, the knife inches from my face, he was blown aside by Twilight’s magic. She looked hollow and scared out of her mind, and the sudden realization came to me that she killed him. She fell over on her side, weeping in fear. More shapes advanced on her, but I grabbed her and flew her out. They shouted in rage and threw objects at us, and when we were safely above them did we go to the train station. 
“Oh… Celestia, what… h-happened?!” she said, crying into my shoulder on the way back. “He was a-about to… well, y-you obviously, kn-know, a-and then… I wasn’t th-thinking and k-killed him!”
When we got there, her friends were staring rather stupidly as we flew down. When I put Twilight on the ground, Rainbow tackled me, half-choking me. “What in the fuck just happened? I swear, if you had anything to do with you, I’ll kick your goddamn ass farther that Saddle-Arabia and deeper than Tartarus!” she said, shoving me against the floor every time she swore. Other ponies gathered and stared awkwardly as the Elements of Harmony, one being a Princess, and a Guard were all in a confrontation.
“Look, I… don’t really know. I tried to stop her! I did what I could, okay? Not everyone breaks the sound barrier with their flight!” I shouted, Rainbow letting me up.
“You and I both know I go much faster than-” I cut her off angrily.
“What else would you have fucking done, huh? Let her be raped, murdered, and dragged down a dusty alleyway to become a motherfucking sex-slave? Would you have just let the shitbag have his way? Would you have been brave enough to stare death in the face? Huh? Answer me, fucking damnit!” I shouted furiously, and when she looked away crying, I continued. “Being a Guard isn’t easy, okay? It’s not moping around somepony, protecting them with a simple weapon, it isn’t sitting by a door all day! No! It is nothing close to that! Constant awareness, always looking behind your goddamn back, reacting to the slightest of sound and movement! You don’t have a fucking clue! I nearly died! Twice now, and so did Twilight! How many times must I be tested, prove myself to you and your friends that I can take care of Twilight? How many motherfucking times?! A thousand? Because I’ve been in the Guard for over five years, and you won’t stop pestering me because you think I’ll be soft, I’ll get her hurt, when none of it is her or my fault! I can’t manage her life, and neither can she manage mine! We just roll with it, damnit! Because Celestia fucking almighty, I won’t ever be fucking good enough for you guys!”
The ponies gathered around looked shocked by my statement, and Twilight’s friends stared at me in shock. Fluttershy, Rainbow and Rarity were sobbing hysterically, half-accepting what I said, Applejack looked about ready to kick me in the face, and Pinkie was trying to comfort Twilight. “Neither of you suspected a thing! I’m not paranoid, I just know a fucking liar and a cheat when I see it! I’ve dealt in those situations way too many times, even for a Guard! Twilight could be in a fucking ditch right now, if I hadn’t gone with her, even against her wishes, because I know what’s best when it comes to that! He said ‘shortcut in alleyway’ and I knew what he was planning, because that what all those shits say! A ‘shortcut’! Not a little path, not the road, but an alleyway, for Celestia’s sake! I’m not angry with Twilight, or with any of you, I’m just angry with myself! With every other evil-doing pony out there who thinks they can get away with whatever the hell they want!”
Somepony stepped to my side, a sorrowful look in his eyes. “I know how you feel. I lost my sister to one of those… well, I-I can’t say it,” he said, looking away, tearing up, biting his lower lip.
The expressions ranged widely, from sobbing in agreement and understanding, shock at the pure and honest truth, hatred for a pissy Guard who just made everypony feel awful, and nothingness from those whose mental thoughts just imploded and could only stand there. 
“Look, I’m sorry, but I needed to say that. Don’t think of me as a bad Guard, but of one who’s opinion had to be stated, one who’s thoughts had to be shared, because the world has a dark reality that we need to be aware of. Mark my words, everypony, because it’s true,” I finished. I walked over to Twilight, who flinched when I approached
“Twilight, we ought to go,” I said, trying to get her to her feet. She didn’t budge. “Twilight, this isn’t your fault. It’s mine, okay? Nopony else’s. Just me, and me alone. Never, ever blame yourself for this.”
She was still sobbing when she hugged me. Everypony else gasped. “Th-Thank you, Flash,” was all she whispered before she kissed my cheek.
“You’re very welcome, Twilight,” was all I could say. “Everypony, please, clear a path for the Princess? We need to board quickly,” was all I said, and they quickly made a path to the nearest door. All her friends followed her onto the train.
We got to a lounge compartment, thankfully deserted. I was about to go in with the rest of them when Applejack spun around, an angry look on her face. “You. Stay. Out. Here.”
Twilight called from the car, “He can come in, Applejack.”
Twilight sat alone on a loveseat, leaving a spot for me. Everyone was tense when I sat down, so when I relaxed, so did they. “What happened, dear?” asked Rarity, leaning forward with interest.
“Could we wait a little bit? I definitely don’t want to talk about it,” I said, wrapping a wing around Twilight, who buried her face into my shoulder. “And she doesn’t want to relive it.”
Fluttershy smiled sadly. “Flash, I don’t believe it’s your fault. Neither do Pinkie or Rarity, okay? You’re fine with us.”
Rainbow spoke up, glaring at me. “You better have a mighty damn fine good story, or I’ll kick your ass-”
“Farther than Saddle-Arabia and deeper than Tartarus,” I finished, sighing. “Can we just not talk for a minute?”
Applejack spoke up. “Las’ thing said now. I trus’ yeh, but I don’ like yeh. If you don’ have a good reason, I’ll buck you harder than I do to an apple tree.”
I nodded, resting my head on Twilight’s. She nuzzled me and sighed, still crying into my shoulder, just not as hard. We sat in silence for a good ten minutes, and Fluttershy squeezed in, rubbing Twilight’s shoulder. When she stopped crying, Fluttershy went back to her original seat, and Twilight said, “Okay. Flash can tell his side of the story.”
I nodded, and started. “So, a random pony came in, asking to talk to Twilight. He was practically dragging her out when she complied, but I held her back because I had my suspicions. She told me not to follow, but I did anyways, because I expected him to try something. I was right, and he pulled out a knife, threatening to rape her. 
“I immediately flew down in him, driving my legs into his skull. It didn’t deter him, and he swung wildly at my chest. He then almost impaled my skull when Twilight killed him using her magic. I flew her out as other ponies emerged from their hiding places, and then you know the rest,” I said, letting the words sink in. Rainbow and Applejack looked shocked, Fluttershy was starting to cry, Pinkie’s jaw almost dropped to the floor, literally, and Rarity walked over.
“Look, Flash, we’re sorry we beat on you,” said Rainbow. “We just didn’t know what your story was.”
Applejack nodded, not willing to meet my gaze. Usually defiant. Now, it seems all her pride is gone, shocked by what happened. “Look, Flash, dear, we understand you were only doing what’s best. And we agree. But we’d like to hear Twilight’s explanation-”
“It was how Flash described it, word-for-word. I just… wished that I stayed back,” was all she said, resting her head on my shoulder. “Just lay off him, okay? I know he said it wasn’t my fault-” I opened my mouth to object, but she covered it. “But, really, part of it was. I was naive enough to follow him. I’m sorry, everypony.”
The nodded in acceptance. These are really good friends. “Whatever I can do to make it up to you all, I will,” I said, rubbing Twilight’s shoulder. “Seriously.”
Rainbow shrugged casually. “Look, you did just save her life, so… maybe just look after her a little more?”
I nodded. “That’s what I strive for,” I said and sighed wearily. “And it’s almost never possible.”
They all stared at me intently. “But… whatever do you mean?” asked Fluttershy quietly. “If you don’t… you know, want to talk about it, then it’s fine,” she added, looking down at the ground. I got up, and Twilight tried to hold me back.
“No, I… ought to tell you all,” I said. “Don’t worry, it won’t take long. So…” I said, walking away to face them all. “I once was a gate Guard, but you also patrol the streets. And… well… one day, a shady-looking mare seduced a stallion into following her, and I followed them. When I arrived to the crime, he was being held with the knife blade up to his throat. I bucked her right in muzzle as I flew at her, but not until she slit his throat slightly. Blood had swelled lightly, but he fell over quickly in pain. I kicked the knife out of her hooves and caught it mid-air, and slammed the blade hilt-deep into her throat. She said to me, ‘You have only killed a useless pony, best to let me go anyways’ before she twitched and fell over. I walked over to the stallion, who struggled to get up, so I helped him up, but he didn’t want to move. I put him on my back and  flew him to a medic, but his life was hanging on thinner than a guitar string. When I put him down, they immediately treated him, but he grew paranoid, and the same pony tried to commit suicide a couple years later.”
Everypony looked shocked. It was kind of a happy ending, but he did become an emotionless shell at best, because he was one of the goody two-hooves ponies who believed the world was right, and the lies were fed to him with a spoon.
“That’s just… awful, really. I jus’ wished it could’ve turned out better fer ‘im” said Applejack, looking at the ground.
I nodded and sat back down with Twilight, and Rarity looked sad this time, for a change. Not envy, not hatred, not a look of sheer horror, but sorrowful. “You two have suffered enough, and, so, I think we can all agree that we need to lay off Flash for a while.” All of Twilight’s friends nodded in agreement, and I sighed in relief. Just need to convince Shining I can truly take care of her. Oh… right. We’re visiting him anyways!
	I looked down at Twilight, who looked up at me. We made a silent agreement. Whatever we have, we will stay together through anything. Stay loyal to whomever outlives the other. Wait for them quietly. For love is eternal, and the bond between two ponies is unbreakable. Even if it wears down, and is holding on a string, neither cause it to break, but outside forces. “So, Flash, what’re we gonna do when we get back?” asked Twilight quietly, quiet enough so her friends couldn’t hear.
“Well, we ought to pack for the trip. Assuming I’ll still be guarding you,” I said awkwardly as she put a hoof on my leg. “And, uh… I… um…”
She giggled. “Making you uncomfortable, Flash?” I nodded quickly, and she kissed my cheek. “Don’t worry about it. I can arrange you to be my Guard. Would probably be rather boring with most other Guards.”
I chuckled. “Most are like trying to talk to a wall, huh? I know, I’ve spent enough time in the Guard.”
She nuzzled me, smiling. “It won’t be the same again for us, huh? After this trip, I might not trust anypony again,” she said, looking at the floor.
“Twilight, I’m fine, and I’ve experienced things like this plenty of times. So you have no need to worry,” I said, stroking her mane. “It’ll be fine, Twilight. Don’t worry.”
She sighed, her head resting on my shoulder. “I’m not sure, Flash. I put too much trust in others, and it’s a good thing for Royalty, and ponies I know I can trust, like you.  But… I guess I should be more careful in public, huh?” I nodded.
“We’re still here, you know!” said Rainbow, looking rather annoyed, but had a humorous gleam in her eyes. “Seriously, do you forget about us?”
“No, Rainbow. We just… really needed to say that now. Before we forget,” said Twilight quickly, blushing.
“Ugh. Mushy, really. Well, we still got about three hours, so whaddya wanna do?” asked Pinkie Pie, and Applejack pulled out Cards Against Ponykind. We all laughed as she set it up, and we played for a good two hours.
We were truly enjoying ourselves, but then a pony rushed in, his face was filled with shock. “Uh, Mr. Guard? There is a, um… slight problem that-”
“What is it?” I sighed, cutting him off.
He looked at me and said quickly, “There’s somepony with a knife.”
I sighed louder than last time. “Can’t I get a goddamn break?”
He ran out and I followed him, and sure enough, there was an attacker. He looked over at me, his face screwed up with rage, his eyes ablaze with fury. “This bitch cheated on me!” he screamed and charged at me. I dodged it by an inch, and he turned around and stabbed my exposed flank. I grunted in pain and kicked the knife out of his hoof as he pulled it out, using the same trick I described earlier today, and grabbed it mid-air and slammed it hilt-deep into his throat. He choked wetly on his own blood and fell over, breathing roughly for a second, before he went slack and died. The crowd cheered slightly, thanking me, and I got dizzy, probably from blood loss. What is with all these ponies coming out of the dark all of a sudden? The crime rate was so much lower just a month ago!
	I stumbled back to the car I was in originally, losing the adrenaline, almost passing out at the door. I bumped into it loudly, leaning against it. My vision was dimming slowly as Fluttershy opened the door. She gasped sharply and caught me as I fell over. “Not… medic… here,” was all I could say, even if weakly. 
Rarity and Applejack started to immediately take over the care for me, pressing wads of tissue over the wound. Needs stitches, I thought to myself. When the bleeding slowed Twilight walked behind me, flopped on her side down, and wrapped her wing around me. She was crying into my neck. My vision was brightening, and the details became sharper. The carpet was slightly stained with blood. Rainbow had a tear streak her face, Pinkie was sent into absolute shock, Fluttershy was sitting down near my head, stroking my mane, also crying in pity. Applejack and Rarity both thanked me, and they both shed at least one tear. Twilight was still crying into my neck, thanking me many, many times. A stallion surrounded by mares. One’s my marefriend, the others are already my friends, and they all care about me, surrounding me, crying. This could be a scene from a medieval painting. Funny.
	My wound was still stinging. But I didn’t care. It was the least of my worries. By far. How was I going to get all the way to the castle? How long would it take to heal? Would I be fit to be Twilight’s Guard? No, no, no! This cannot be happening!
	Damnit. I might have to talk to that Time Lord, if he’s there. I’d owe him plenty of favors, but I just needed his healing powers again. Just this once more. But I know I’ll need it sooner than later after this. When the train pulled into the station, a squadron of Guards rushed in to find everypony where they were an hour ago. They escorted Twilight’s friends and Twilight herself, and two Guards picked me up gently. “Well, Flash, it’s good to see you again!” said one of them cheerfully. “We missed you here!”
“Y-You did?” I responded weakly.
He scoffed. “Of course! You’re one of the best, you’re social, and you always work with us! How could we not miss you!” he exclaimed, and the mare chuckled.
“Well, he is good, and good looking. But… I’m not exactly interested in stallions,” she said, kind of matter-of-factly. “Yes, I’m gay. Get over it.”
“No, I wasn’t thinking that! I-I don’t judge!” I said quickly. “And, uh, what’re your names?”
The stallion laughed. “I’m Dawning Star, three years served, Sir!” he said officially.
“At ease, at ease,” I laughed. “Don’t act so formal with me, it’s alright.”
The mare tousled my mane weakly. “My name’s Sunset Sky. Served for three years now as well. Nice to meet you!”
I chuckled, and we became friends like that. “Hope I see you around soon!” I called as they dropped me off at the castle hospital. They both waved back and talked between themselves as they trotted away, shoving each other in a friendly way.
They put me on a stretcher and wheeled me to a room where a Time Lord was waiting. “Yes, I can read minds too, no you don’t owe me a favor, and yes, I’ll fix you,” was all he said before his horn lit up the room brightly again, and when I opened my eyes, the wound was fixed. “Try not to get wounded like that again, alright? I can’t always be fixing you up,” he said lightly, laughing slightly. I nodded, smiling.
I was able to leave an hour later, after running blood tests and physicals, and I walked out slowly, trying to spot the Time Lord, when Sunset Sky and Dawning Star ran up to me. “Oh, hey! Thought we’d take you down to a nightclub in Canterlot, let you catch a break!” said Sunset quickly, while Dawning tried to catch his breath.
“We… got… money, drinks are on us,” said Dawning, still trying to catch his breath. I laughed.
“Yeah, I’ll come. I really ought to. I just want to talk to the Captain and Twilight before I leave,” I said, walking to my room. “Just want to put on some nice clothes.”
They left me, and while I was changing, I thought to myself, Things might be looking up tonight, for once, and walked out after running a brush through my mane. I stopped by the Captain’s room first, knocking before I entered. He was at his desk, filling out a piece of paper, when he looked at me. “Flash, good boy, how you been?”
“Not well, Captain. Not well at all,” I said darkly, and I guess I killed his mood.
“Damn, Flash. You okay now?” I nodded. “Yes, I heard you suffered a wound earlier today?” I nodded again.
“Yes, Captain. But it wasn’t the only thing that happened. The Princess was close to rape and murder before that, and two other incidents occurred while we were away. Both were not fun. One was a fire, in which I did suffer from clogged lungs with ash, and the other was a second murder attempt,” I said slowly, and the Captain shook his head sadly.
“Flash, I understand, but… are you sure she was going to be, well, you know….” he trailed off and caught himself again. “How’d you know?”
“I followed her after she told me not to follow, but I knew he was trying something. He was killed by her after I intervened,” I said quickly.
He shook his head sadly. “Under normal circumstances, I would have asked you respect the Princess’ orders. But… you did save her life, and that is of more importance in this matter, so I’m letting you off the hook.”
I nodded, and was about to leave when he called me back. “Do tell me one more thing. Are you and Twilight still together?” I nodded slowly and unsurely, and he laughed. “Oh, splendid! I truly am happy for you, Flash, because you both deserve each other.”
“Thank you, Captain. And, uh, Twilight was going to take a month-long leave to the Crystal Kingdom, and I thought I would still guard her,” I said, still unsure of myself. “I know I am Captain, but… well… she did want me to come with her.”
He nodded slowly. “Yes, Flash, I understand. I will let you take leave, but when you get back, I need all the help I can get. Alright?” he asked, and I agreed to his terms. He sent me off, and I went straight for Twilight’s room. I heard a fight inside, and when I opened the door, Twilight and Celestia were facing each other.
“What do you mean, ‘I have been away for too long?’ Why not a goddamn ‘Oh, Twilight, of course! You suffered!’ or ‘I’m sorry Twilight, take some time off!’ Not a… a… blunt statement about my absence?” she shouted in distress.
“You know perfectly well why, Twilight! Don’t argue with… oh,” said Celestia, seeing me standing in the doorway.
“The Princess could always use a little bit of time to study, hm? I mean, the Crystal Kingdom has plenty of books! Whatever is going on-” I was cut off by Celestia, who raised a hoof.
“You have no idea what’s going on here, Guard,” she sneered, and that’s when I saw the bloodshot veins and bags under her eyes. “You don’t have a clue!”
I approached her slowly. “You clearly need rest, Princess. Let your mind clear,” I said softly, staring her in the eyes. Twilight gawked at my disrespect, but I didn’t have a choice. “Twilight was like this earlier, defiant and stubborn about what she and others needed. So, I’m just speaking from experience.”
She huffed and stomped her hooves. “Alright, I guess I ought to sleep. Twilight, you may take leave, but I expect you to be studying while you’re away,” she said as she walked out.
She was clearly trying to hide her joy. “Thanks you, Celestia. You know I will!”
I turned to her. “So… I was going to a nightclub with some of my friends, I just had to check in with you first to make sure you were okay with it,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. She smiled warmly.
“Go ahead, Flash. Just don’t let anypony else get to you, if you know what I mean,” said Twilight, bumping my shoulder. “But go have fun! You deserve it!”
I nodded in thanks and kissed her cheek, making her blush. I trotted out, catching up with my friends at the gate. “You guys ready?”
“Better late than never. We’ll be back by nine, if that’s okay?” said Dawning as we walked over. “It’s about seven, and we’ll get there by seven-fifteen, so we got plenty of time to mingle!”
We started to jog lightly, and by the time we got there, there was a small line. The stallion letting ponies in was big and muscled, perfect fit for the job. When we approached, Sunset handed the three tickets. “First drink free if you bring a friend!” she said happily as we darted inside. The live music was being played by a group of seven ponies; three Earth ponies, two pegasi and two unicorns. They were playing some fast rock music. The pegasi covered guitars, playing chords with their hooves and wings, two of the three Earth ponies singing, a stallion’s and a mare’s voice, making it swell with feeling, the third on the drums, and the unicorns were covering keyboards They were an excellent group.
I walked up to the bar and called for a pint of the local brew. “Three bits, sir,” said the bar pony, washing out a glass. I dropped three on the countertop as he slid my drink down, and I sipped at it. Dark, hearty, and sweet, with a hint of bitterness. Damn. Gotta get a pack of these next time I’m out!
“What’s the company’s name?” I asked.
“Three Hooves and Hearts. Right here in Canterlot,” was all he said, looking down at the ground. I nodded, making a mental note. 
I finished the glass and bumped into a pony I recognized. “Wait, Juniper Sky?” I asked incredulously. He turned around and smiled
“Flash! It’s good to see you again!” he said, shaking my hoof. “And, well, you may be wondering why I’m here! I was just coming in to listen to Seven Angel Hooves, the band performing tonight. They are excellent, really.”
I was shook with surprise. “You like rock music?” he nodded. “Damn. I do enjoy it, but… I never would think you’d like it!”
He chuckled heartily. “Yes, it surprises most. My wife thinks little of it, she enjoys it, rather.”
“Well then, I probably should follow you. I guess I should have a listen as well,” I said, following him to the edge of the crowd, most ponies in it swaying to the beat. We listened to a good ten songs before Sunset came running up to me. “We need to go. Dawning is on his fifth shot of whiskey, and we ought to get him back to the castle.”
I nodded sadly. “We should. See you around, Juniper!” I called over the noise as we walked away, and we saw Dawning sitting on a couch with other ponies, joking openly. He threw back his liquor as we got there, and when he stood up, he looked rather woozy. “I’m fine, I swears!” he said in a slurred speech as we picked him up and took him out.
A mare walked up to us and stopped us at the door. “Just let him be! He’s enjoying himself!” she said sternly.
“He’s got duties tomorrow, and we shouldn’t let this distract him, okay?” I said, turning to leave but she stopped us again.
“And who the hell do you think you are?” she said angrily, putting her face right in front of mine. Ber breath smelled like cheap beer. “Think you can just take him away from me? Just like my previous love?”
“Look, we aren’t taking him away. Hell, come and visit him sometime, but he shouldn’t get booted from the Guard because he had a hangover, alright?” said Sunset, backing away to the exit. She gave a look of anger, but she completely understood. “Just talk to the gate Guards, okay? He’ll be able to stop down.”
I thought quickly. She was a pegasus, and so was Dawning, so it wasn’t illegal. It was fine, as far as I’m aware. It’s fine. It’s fine. It’s fine, was all that was going through my head. We took off towards the castle, and as we flew in a window, a squadron of Guards rushed up to us. “Walk no further!”
I stared at them blankly. “The fuck is going on?”
“The Princess has requested you three locked up!” said a different Guard. “Now, Captain, why would you be locked up?”
I stared blankly still, my face starting to sweat. “I have zero clues. Now, look, there’s a good reason for this, is there not?” I said, and he pinned me against the floor. “Come on ponies, what is this for?”
Strong Wind rushed up behind them “What in the holy hell is this bullshit? They have done nothing wrong,” he said sternly. “Now, just back off, or-” they morphed into normal ponies, one using their magic to conceal themselves.
“We snuck in here. Thought it’d give y’all a good scare!” said one, giggling, and the rest followed suit. Strong Wind pinned the one who spoke against the wall.
“Never, and I do mean never, do that again. That is seriously beyond your imagination, and I’ll let you all go, as long as you promise you won’t pull anything like that again,” he said, looking him in the eyes. He nodded quickly, and he escorted them out.
“Well, that was random. If you could take Dawning to his room, please? I need to check in on the Princess,” I said, looking between Sunset and Dawning.
“No problem, Flash. You do you,” she said smiling, pulling Dawning up to his feet as he complained. They walked away slowly, laughing. I slowly walked away as well, back to Twilight’s chambers. When I got there, she tackled me as soon as she walked in. “What happened? You didn’t cheat on me, did you? Did you meet anyone who had a-” I cut her off with a kiss.
“Mmph,” was all she managed and pulled away quickly, blushing. “I’m serious, Flash. Anypony get to you?” I shook me head and she hugged me, sighing. “Thank you, Flash.”
I nodded and got back up. “I’ll see you later, okay? I need to hang this back up, and I’ll see you at the station at noon, alright?” She nodded, and I walked out, this time, she didn’t stop me. I bumped into Sunset outside, trying to hide a smile. “What’re you and the Princess doing?”
I blushed and stuttered excessively, and she burst out laughing. “Oh, Flash, good! She is mighty fine, huh?” I begged her to not tell anypony, and she nodded, laughing. “Come on Flash. You know I’m gay, and you haven’t told anypony. Why would I tell anypony about you and the Princess?”
I thanked her and went off to my room, hanging up my dress next to my armor, and flopped down on the bed. Got a month in the Crystal Kingdom, ruled by the Princess of Love. Absolutely perfect, I thought to myself, smiling. This is just perfect, really. I fell asleep, tired from today, from the previous day, from all the confrontations. I slept fine, and when I woke up, Twilight was staring down at me. “It’s almost ten, Flash.”
> Crystal Kingdom, Crystal Love. Pt I.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight: He’s adorable when he sleeps. His hair messy but rather cute, the way he lays on his side practically fits my body. We were meant to be together. But, I doubt it. We found each other by chance. When he got up, he shook himself, as if trying to shake off a bad dream. “I’m fine… just, tired.”
I nodded and walked out, bumping into Celestia. “Twilight! What’re you doing here?” she asked.
“Better question, Celestia, what are you doing here?” I asked suspiciously. “I normally don’t see you here.”
She nodded quickly, looking away. “I was just coming to check on you. A Guard told me you had come to check on Flash, your Guard for the trip, I presume?” I nodded.
“Yep. I ought to pack up, though. Better now than never!” I said, dashing off to my room. She continued further towards Flash’s room after I ran off, but I didn’t look back.

Celestia:
This is wrong. Don’t terrorize him. Just consult him. I thought over and over, trying to clear my mind of pictures of him and the Princess together. It wasn’t okay, but at the same time, it was. Times are harder now, and she does need somepony she loves by her side, but… the best option would not be her own Guard. He’s been a Guard for five damn years. He’s fine, he knows what he needs to do.
	When I walked in, Flash was packing a fur coat into a duffel bag. “Princess Celestia!” he said surprised, bowing. “Why are you here?”
I smiled warmly. “Just checking in on you. I just need to make sure that Twilight is being guarded by-” he raised a hoof to stop me. That insolent, rude prick! How dare he!
	“Princess, I’m sorry. But… I already went through this with Twilight’s friends, okay? They were much more obvious about hurting me if anything happened to her, so… I kind of know what’s coming for me, alright?”
I nodded in understanding. I knew what it was like, sort of. Some Royals don’t expect me to rule fairly, seeing as I have been around for a very long time. But, then again, I have a great amount of experience. “Alright, Flash, you can go. But, again, make sure nothing happens to her, okay?”
He nodded, and went back to packing his things, from a nice dress to a brush. His mane is quite shaggy, but it does look nice on him! I can see why Twilight likes him! And myself as well.
	“Um, Princess…?” he asked, blushing fiercely. “W-What’d you say?”
I grabbed him by his neck and kissed him. What the fuck? He stayed there, frozen, and then pulled away. “You will speak none of this, okay, Flash? This never happened,” I said, looking away in shame. Not the first time.
He nodded, and looked away in shame. “If Twilight finds out…” he said, and I face-hoofed. GODDAMNIT! How could you forget! “She will be so pissed if-” Twilight appeared at the doorway, her wings spread in anger.
“If what, Flash?!” she said, looking between us. Can’t lie now, Celestia. You put yourself in the mess, you ought to be the one to fix it. 
	“Twilight, I…” I sucked in a breath, and she stared at me intensely, her eyes ablaze with fury. “I kissed him Twilight! It’s not his fault, really, it’s all mine!” I wailed, and she grabbed Flash by the neck and practically dragged him out of the room, a frightened look on his face. What have you done?

Twilight:
How in the hell could Celestia do that? And Flash let it happen! No, he didn’t! She said it wasn’t his fault! “Explain yourself, Flash. I’d like to hear your explanation,” I said sternly, looking him in the eyes, and he shed a tear. 
“I… Twilight, I swear I had nothing to do with it! She just grabbed me and, well, you know, and I couldn’t do anything! I was far too shocked! I swear-” I cut him off sharply.
“I believe you Flash. Just, prove it right-” he kissed me before I could continue, right in the hall. He pulled away quickly, forgetting where we were. Thankfully, there weren’t any Guards. “Alright, I forgive you, Flash. This time. Don’t be so sure on the next.”
He sighed and turned away slightly. “I know, Twilight. I know that very well. But you believe me, don’t you?” I looked at him unsurely. If you do, he could be lying. If you don’t… he’s probably telling the truth anyways.
	“Yes, Flash,” I said, pressing my side against his. “I believe you.”
He kissed my cheek and walked back to his room, probably to prepare for the Crystal Kingdom. Hopefully not to see Celestia, I thought, but when she walked came up behind me, she said, “It was my fault entirely, Twilight. Please, don’t blame Flash for it!” she added at the end, sounding desperate.
“No, Celestia, I must. He could have stopped you-” I started, but she cut me off.
“He didn’t know what I was doing, okay? I’ve done that plenty of times. Living for over a thousand years makes one grow desperate, Twilight,” she said sadly, looking away. “I truly hope it didn’t ruin your relationship. Speaking of, if it goes public, I must punish you I would anypony, alright?”
“But why not change the law? Why not fix so many broken hearts?” I asked suddenly, and she was taken aback.
“I… well… we can’t just change it like that, Twilight. We have to start suggesting it with young ones, start a new generation with fewer ponies who follow the old ways, who look sideways at anything abnormal in the laws of love,” she explained. “And hopefully, by a slim chance, can we even think of changing it, and with the public support of ponies, then we can begin to loosen the holds of the law, loosen the ruling of it over relationships, then get rid of it. It would take a long time, at least twenty years.”
“Well, then I guess I’ll have to wait that long!” I said hopefully, but she gave a sorrowful look.
“You will outlive Flash farther than you think. He is only twenty-three, and you twenty-one, but… twenty years is the fastest we can change, in my mind. The young adults have started to change, bringing a new era of enlightenment, but it is only half the population of Equestria, the oppressors of change are much more powerful, seeing as those who want change come mostly from the working-class, and those who oppose it are mostly Royalty. Flash will be nearly forty, probably fifty, and because you are now an alicorn, you are more like me. And that is supposing Flash lives long enough, Twilight. I’m sorry, but… you have to realize this.”
I bit my lower lip, almost drawing blood. “But what if we change the minds of Royalty? What if we encourage change subtly? How would that change things?” I challenged, and she looked as if I were a goddess, the realization dawning on her.
“Yes, Twilight, YES! You are thinking like a good ruler now! Why don’t we try and change the minds of Royalty, I hadn’t thought of that!” she said happily. “Oh, Twilight, I can’t thank you enough! I’ve been so stupid!”
I blushed and smiled weakly. “You’re quite welcome, Celestia.” Now, can you try and get a start soon while I’m gone? I can do some research on the topic in the library at the Crystal Empire. See why we have these laws, change it, make our society better for everypony!” I said, encouraged again. 
“Yes, Celestia, I can do that!”
She smiled brightly. “Okay, Twilight. I also want you to get ready for the Royal Court, as we will be having you there more often when you get back. Okay?” she asked hopefully. “We need more extra hooves.”
I nodded timidly. I never liked Royal Court. It was rather depressing, and never enjoyable. “Yeah, I guess I could.” I looked over at the clock and saw it was almost eleven. “Well, look at the time! I ought to get going! Now, where’s… Oh, Flash, you’re here!” I said, running up to him. He looked around warily, and I laughed, hugging him.
“Well, Celestia, we should be going!” I said quickly, running out with Flash quickly catching up to me.
She called out behind us. “Have fun! Good luck on your studying, and take care of her, Flash!” she said light-heartedly as we ran out the door. I took off from the ground, Flash following quickly. We were both panting by the time we got to the station, and it was almost half past eleven. My friends were waiting there as well.
“Twilight! It’s so good to see you again I can’t believe it Shining invited all of us but it was really Cadence’s idea she likes us more than Shining but you know-” I cut her off, laughing sillily. 
“Calm down, Pinkie! So, how long are you going to be staying there?” I asked.
“Shining said a week, but Cadence said we could be there for two if we wanted. Figured we should do two, eh?” she said, elbowing Fluttershy, who was talking with Flash.
“Hm? Oh, yes, we agreed to stay for two weeks. Looks like Flash is coming as well, huh?” she said hopefully, but for what reason, I don’t know.
I nodded quickly. “So, did you ask to come along, or did they think to invite you as well?”
Applejack spoke up. “Ayep! So nice of ‘em,” she said happily. “And, Flash, thank you again. For saving many other ponies’ lives on your visit.”
He bowed in gratuity. “Just doing my job, really. And, um, you’re welcome,” he added after she bumped him on the shoulder playfully.
“So, what’re you guys thinking of doing?” asked Rainbow. “Because we should probably get Twilight a little more flight lessons, just to be safe.”
Flash nodded. “I’d be willing to help if you need it. As long as I’m not held up by anything. And, we did promise Celestia something, remember, Twilight?” He added at the end, and I nearly forgot. 
“Uh, yeah! So, maybe sometime after lunch there, or something? I want to get up early to study,” I said.
We stood in awkward silence for a while, and when they gave the five minute call, “All aboard!” and we hustled on, only to find nopony on the train. “Private request, Princess,” said the pony working the snack cart. “Interested in anything?”
I got a bagel, Flash ordered a sandwich, as well as Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rainbow, Applejack refused to get something, and Rarity got a bottle of water. She sent us off, and we found another lounge compartment after passing a car filled with beds. Flash dropped his bag on one of the beds before we walked in. Rarity pulled out Cards Against Ponykind again, and we laughed. “What? I do enjoy it! And, to be fair, we’ve got about another eleven hours ahead of us!”
We nodded and set it up. The pony managing the cart came back in the room fifteen minutes later, and Fluttershy invited him to join. He looked unsure, but when we all invited him, he sat down next to Rainbow. He’s a pegasus, I thought as Rainbow gently laid a hoof on his leg. He looked kind of startled, but when he looked at Flash and saw him smiling kindly, he relaxed. Damn. I just wish I was next to Flash right now, was all I could think. He looked over at me knowingly, and invited me to sit by him. I complied, and he looked at us weirdly.
“What? I do feel safe if I’m next to my Guard,” I said defensively, and he looked at Rainbow for reassurance. She nodded, smiling.
We played for another good three hours, Rainbow and the stallion whispering to each other in between rounds, and we truly did enjoy ourselves. “Well! Me and Rapidstrike here will leave you guys be!” said Rainbow as she and Rapidstrike left. Flash and I followed them, leaving the rest to talk. They walked out onto the deck of the caboose, the wind howling slightly. Rapidstrike had his grey wing over Rainbow, their bodies pressed together. Flash walked next to Rapidstrike, and I walked up next to Flash. We were staring at the now fading farm hills of Ponyville, and the high mountains of the north were soon to be coming up. “So, how’re you two doing?” asked Flash, smiling.
Rapidstrike kissed Rainbows’ forehead. “Quite well. It’s almost like love at first sight for us, huh?” Both Flash and I shook our heads in agreement. “I’m just glad I found my love, truly.” Rainbow nodded in agreement, resting her head on his shoulder.
“Me too, I guess. I knew it’d happen eventually, but, I’m excited nonetheless,” said Rainbow. I pressed my flank against Flash’s, and he wrapped his wing around me. He kissed my head, and my body warmed up again from an unexplained place with an unexplainable feeling. Rapidstrike looked at us again with that look. 
“What? We love each other at least as much as you two,” said Flash, who had to admit it. There wasn’t any denying it in this situation. “And, yes, okay, we know why it’s not necessarily allowed. But who can deny true love? Not even you two.”
Rapidstrike nodded. “I swear on my life that I won’t tell anypony,” he said, nodding his head slightly. “You need not worry.”
We stood there for a good half an hour before Flash spoke up. “What’s your story, Rapidstrike? I swear I’ve heard you name before,” said Flash.
Both Rainbow and I looked at them, and Rapidstrike tensed up. “Well, I… was in the newspaper. I was caught up in a robbery at a local store. He held us in there with a couple knives. I ran under a table once he looked away from me, and he threw two of his knives, one of which lodged itself into a table leg. I yanked it out and threw it back at him, catching him in the hind leg. I was seen as a hero that day, but it was looked down upon slightly. They thought it was an act, and I swear on my life I had no idea it was happening.”
I felt sorry for the poor guy. I mean, not everypony gets attacked, especially not any normal pony. “I hated it. I knew then I definitely was glad I wasn’t a Guard. No offense, by the way,” he added on the end.
“None taken. I do enjoy my job, because I met the love of my life, and before that, I felt like I was doing something really important,” said Flash, squeezing me lightly and quickly. I kissed his cheek, and he smiled at me.
Rapidstrike nodded. “I’m happy with my job choice as well. I get to meet different ponies, talk with them, learn more about them, and really get to know what everypony’s life is like,” he said, and then, kissing Rainbow, he said, “And I met my special somepony.”
He turned to leave, but he gave Rainbow a slip of paper. “My number, address, and contact info for you. Keep in touch,” he said and left. “I’m switching trains now, ought to get ready to go!” and with that, he left the three of us out here.
“He seems really nice, Rainbow. Glad you finally met your love, along with Fluttershy,” I said happily. “Just wish the rest would find somepony they love,” I added with a sigh. “I just wish it was as easy for us as it is for them.”
Rainbow nodded. “Yeah. Truly a shame. It’s such a good feeling to know somepony truly cares about you in a special way, you know?” Both Flash and I agreed, smiling. “I just wish I could always have him around, because it does get lonely sometimes. Like you know something’s missing, but you just can’t place your hoof on it.”
Flash shook his head in agreement. “But, if your coltfriend was in the Guard, you’d be constantly worried about him, you know?” She shook her head in agreement. “And I can’t be with Twilight everywhere the way I’d want it to be, sadly.”
All three of us nodded sadly, turning to look at the blank fields that stretched out for miles. The temperature dropped quickly, and I was shivering when Flash wrapped his wing around me. He led me back inside, Rainbow following close behind. I stopped outside the compartment my friends were in, hearing muffled shouting. “Come on Applejack, you know that Rainbow is just as vulnerable as you!”
“Doesn’t mean I love nopony,” said Applejack defiantly.
Pinkie Pie shouted, “Can you please just calm down?”
“No! We all know Rainbow is being seduced by a criminal! Because Celestia almighty, he shows up and they fall for each other, just like with Flash, only he already loved Twilight, which, in my mind, is perfectly fine!” said Rarity accusingly. “And just because you haven’t found your love yet, Applejack, doesn’t mean you can be so toxic about others finding theirs!”
There was silence for a while, and then Applejack spoke up. “Rarity, I’m not being jealous. I’m jus’ looking out fer everypony. I mean nothin’ against their relationships, but… I hate to say it, but Flash migh’ be wearing off on me! What he and Twilight went through that day really has put me on edge after he explained it. Does that make me paranoid?” 
Fluttershy laughed softly. “Of course not! You should just calm down. Maybe try and get some sleep, hm? Probably best that we all do, after the train leaves this station,” she suggested, and when they opened the door and saw us standing there, they went into a series of apologies. Rainbow had the hardest time being convinced they meant nothing they said was serious, and she had almost started to cry after hearing their quarrel. 
We all piled into the car, and Flash and I ended up having to share a bed. Not the worst thing ever, I thought as we settled in. The train had just pulled away from the station when the room was filled with silent snoring. Flash was fast asleep, his wing over my body, and I felt awkward.
“Psst. Twilight. You still up?” whispered Rainbow from above us. 
“Yeah. Can’t fall asleep either. But… let’s try not to wake everypony up, okay?” I whispered back.
“Okay. So, I just wanted to talk to you quickly about their argument. I know they’re looking out for me, but they really believe that Rapid is a criminal?” she asked quietly.
“To be fair, you treated Flash kind of in the same way,” I responded, and she quietly agreed with me. Flash’s wings rustled, and I thought he had awoken, but we was still apparently awake. 
“Pretty damn good at pretending to sleep, huh?”
I jumped slightly and nudged his shoulder playfully. “Flash, why’re you still up?” I asked.
“Same reason you and Rainbow are,” he responded, sitting up. “I hate to say it, but Rainbow is kind of experiencing what they put me through with you, so… I sound mean when I say that, don’t I?” he said cautiously.
“Well… kind of? I don’t really know,” I said unsurely.
He nodded and laid back down, and soon everypony fell asleep. When we woke up, we were about half an hour from the Crystal Kingdom. When Flash woke up, he hit his head on the bed Rainbow was sleeping on, which startled her awake, and woke everypony else up. He tried apologizing, but it was for the best anyways. Didn’t need the new cart pony to find me and Flash sleeping together, and it gives us time to get ready to leave.
“Augh! That was the worst sleep I’ve ever had in ages!” said Rarity, being her usual drama queen self.
“Here, here,” said Applejack, rubbing her back.
Flash was sniffing the air. “What? Do we really smell that bad, Flash?” asked Pinkie Pie, laughing.
“No. I smell smoke,” he said, pointing to the door on the right. “I should go check it out.”
He left with Applejack and Fluttershy following close behind. They ran back in within ten seconds, and all they said was “fire” as they quickly grabbed their things and ran. We followed them to the caboose again, where a new cart pony was waiting. “You came here to escape too?” she asked, and we nodded. “Let’s try and detach these cars, alright?”
Flash nodded and went, followed again by Applejack. “Be safe!” I called to them as they left, and they only nodded. They came back a minute later, panting. “Wouldn’t budge. He have to jump,” was all Flash said, and everypony looked frightened.
“Okay! Fluttershy, you take the cart pony, Twilight, you take Rarity, Flash, you take Applejack, and I’ll get Pinkie Pie,” said Rainbow. We grabbed our assigned ponies, and Rainbow counted down. “We gotta jump in three… two… one… now!” as an explosion shook the train, and as we jumped, we were wobbly, and I sort of crash-landed after slowing down to a safe speed, especially with the snow. Flash ran up to me, a worried look on his face, Applejack and Fluttershy following close behind.
Shrapnel soon shook us, and I was hit pretty heavily, small cuts and larger ones soon leaking blood on to the snow. “Twilight, no!” shouted Flash as he ran up, picking me up, and trying to stop the blood flow, but there were too many cuts. He took off his coat and wrapped me in it, which did a better job, but my hearing was muffled and my vision was dimming, so when he picked me up, I remember the flaps of wings and a rush of wind as we flew fast to the Crystal Kingdom. It took less than ten minutes, and when we arrived at the castle, both Flash and I were escorted to the hospital. He had a rather small piece of wood sticking out of his side, but wasn’t bleeding badly. He was more focused on getting up. Probably to protect me. Sheesh, Flash, you don’t always need to be protecting me.
	“Look, I’m fine,” he said, struggling to get up. “Or not.”
He flopped over, stopped trying, and looked over at me. One pony quickly pulled the wood out of his side, and I smiled weakly and awkwardly, and he did the same. “Can you send a retrieval party to the wreck again?” I asked weakly, and one of the doctors broke away to talk to a Guard, who quickly gathered up about six and flew out the nearest window. My vision blurred a little, sounds became a little more muffled, and I saw Shining running up to us. I felt blood running down the side of my face, blood trickling down my exposed flank, and he ran up to me, crying. “Twilight, don’t go!” Was I going? I couldn’t tell.
My vision dimmed further, and my legs went numb. Shit. I might me. Flash noticed and practically jumped off the stretcher. “And why the fuck haven’t you tried to stop the blood flow?” he asked angrily, looking a little unstable on his hooves. “You know perfectly well she’s dying!”
The medics looked insulted, but covered me anyways and put me on a breather. He huffed in approval, and walked with us the rest of the way there, sticking close to my side. Even in the emergency room, he was there. They tried to convince him to leave, but he was exceptionally stubborn, and sat down in a chair in the corner. He rested his chin on his hooves and stared at me intently. My vision was coming back slowly, and I heard plenty of voices, but, suddenly, I blacked out. 
The room opened up to a Court hearing, blood spattered the floor, and the Guards were panting, bleeding out, dead ponies’ bodies scattered about. Celestia had a small cut on her flank and was trying to stop the blood flow, and looked at me. “Twilight! Run! You need to do this without me!” and the half of the room she was on blew up, ponies storming in, quickly changing into graves that toppled and rolled around me. A pegasus that looked similar to Flash, but had Rainbow’s tail and mane flew down. 
“Have you not taken heed to what I said? Death will come in great numbers, Twilight! Follow Celestia! You must look into the old readings, discover why society is this way! Change the wrong to right!” he shouted, and was shot down. Where did these weapons come from? I turned to the ponies, their rifles trained on me. I screamed and it changed to an open field, Flash’s arm wrapped around me, both of us laying in the grass, staring up at the sky. The stars sparkled brightly against the almost black sky.
“This is what suffering and trial leads to, see? Times are hard now, but what you work for changes your life and the rest of everypony’s lives, for all the future generations. And our two on the way,” he said, and I looked down. I’m pregnant? Oh. It’s just a dream. He gave me a squeeze. “Twilight, we all beg of you to change.”
And then, thousands upon thousands of ponies came out thin air, smiling, and each had a partner, no matter the race or gender. “You see, Twilight, there are millions out there suffering under the current rule. On behalf of everypony, I ask you to help us.”
I nodded, and the field dissipated, leaving just Flash and I floating in a black abyss. “Know this, if you don’t act fast enough, many others will die and live in a depressed state because their loved ones left and or died for their beliefs. And I will wither away slowly as a pegasus, and unless wedded to you, will remain as such,” he said, and he fell over and disintegrated. I cried out, and his voice came back once more. “I am your true love, and will remain so if I die, and until you return to me, I will remain alone. I will remain loyal to my first and only love in Celestia’s realm above the sun and the stars if I get there. But, until then, this life I spend with you.”
I woke up startled, hearing both my brother and Flash arguing. “... Chill Shining! Twilight and I are doing just fine, I swear it wasn’t my fault!” I heard, my entire body beaded in sweat. Flash and Shining were the only ones in the room, so when Flash got up suddenly, Shining held him back. “Woah, easy, Flash! It can wait, alright?”
He nodded reluctantly. “So… sister, how have you been?” he asked, looking between Flash and I. “Seems still you are together,” he added with a hint of disgust. I shot him a glare.
“Almost nopony knows, so shut your mouth, brother. And, really, I did just pass out. Could Flash and I have some alone time as well?” I asked desperately, and he turned and left, looking back uncomfortably.
Flash walked to my side. “Well, we did make it,” he said matter-of-factly. “But… how long are you going to be here? It’s almost four in the morning now, and… not five hours after, but a whole day you were out, Twilight.”
I laughed. “Wow. Really took a beating, huh?” I said playfully.
He looked grim. “You lost almost a half liter of blood, Twilight,” and I gasped. “Yes, I know, incredible. But it was slow, and your cuts were small, but there were a lot of them.”
“Since when did you care about stuff like this, Flash?” I asked suspiciously.
“Doctors filed a report, that’s all,” he said, staring me down. I doubt he’s lying, I thought, and gave him a sideways look. He blushed and looked away. “Okay, I guess I looked about a hundred times over it.”
I blushed as well. “Well, at least you care about me Flash,” and I beckoned for him to come closer. “I just wish we had more time today,” I whispered in his ear, and kissed him. He smiled under it, and kissed back, when Shining walked in.
“Shit guys! Could you just not do that when I’m around?” he said incredulously. “I mean, seriously, every time I see you two together, one of you is injured or acting romantic in some way!”
“Can you keep it down?” asked a doctor as he walked past. “It’s four in the morning, if you haven’t forgotten.”
Shining nodded, and lifted me out of bed. I grunted a little, and was unsteady on my feet. Flash supported me as we walked around the hallways. “So, I got you two a room. And I suddenly regret it,” he said, facehoofing. “I put you two in the same room.”
Both Flash and I looked happy, but he turned around. “No. Funny. Business. At all. Okay?” he asked sternly, and lowered his voice. “I don’t care if you two sleep together, but for now, that’s as far as you are allowed to take it without Flash getting hurt, alright?”
We nodded  quickly and ran off. He sighed and shook his head, saying, “Just don’t stay up too much later!”
We didn’t pay attention. Flash clearly wanted his armor off, and when he finally unstrapped his chestplate, I grabbed him by the mane. “What the hell-mmph!” he said as I kissed him. Throwing us on a bed. He broke away quickly. “Can we just sleep tonight? Please?”
I clearly looked hurt, because he laid a hoof on my cheek. “Take no offense Twilight, but I just am really tired, okay?” I nodded, turning so my back was against his chest, curled up, and fell back asleep.
My dreams were just as troubled as before, with multiple scenes going through my mind of Flash getting killed in gruesome ways that I wouldn’t even think of, us together, him suddenly replaced with the pony who tried to kill me in an alley, holding a knife to my throat as he threatened unimaginable things, a river of blood washing away forbidden lovers, Celestia denying me and Flash the right to love each other a thousand times, and when I woke up, I had my face in Flash’s chest, sweat covering my body, and tears streaming down my face. He was calmly stroking my mane, trying to soothe me. I cried harder, now awake, and he just let me, without questions. He thinks I can’t control my emotions. Ugh! Pull. Yourself. Together!
But I couldn’t, no matter how hard I tried. From the previous dreams to these, reality just seemed to warp itself. Am I going insane because of love? What is happening? Is Flash having similar dreams?
Questions kept running through my head faster than the tears, now slowing, my sniffling going away. “Twilight. Twilight? Are you okay, Twilight?” he asked, looking down at me. I looked up and saw his face full of sorrow. Not pity. Not anger. Not awkwardness. Not uncomfortableness. But it wasn’t that he was an emotional block of wood.
“It’s just… between earlier and now, there’s been too much awfulness in my dreams, okay? First it was Celestia dying, the Royal Court blown to bits, ponies rushing me, turning into graves, you, but with Rainbow’s hair, flying above me, giving warnings, and getting shot with I don’t know what, dropping dead in an instant, you and me in an open field, you leaving me behind with two unborn foals.”
He looked away. “And… that was all from when you passed out?” he asked, not able to meet my eyes, and he was starting to tear up.
“Y-Yes, it was. And then, just now, it was you dying in the most gruesome ways, the pony who tried to murder me in the alley in Ponyville, a river of blood whisking away forbidden love, and Celestia denying us our love over a thousand times, holding you in a cell.”
He started to cry, the second time I’ve seen him do it compared to my hundredth. He buried his face in my head, weeping. “I-I thought I w-was only having th-the same ones t-too,” he said sobbing. I nodded letting him cry into my shoulder. We both started crying, both at the unfairness of the world and how much we’ve been put through.
He wrapped his wings around me, and I did the same. Shining clearly walked in, and was surprised to find the both of us there. He looked away quickly, walking out, closing the door behind him. It was almost one, but I didn’t care. We still had twenty-eight days. You spent almost two days now. Pull it together! But I couldn’t. I didn’t want to. I just needed to let my built up feelings to run free. “Liquid pride,” would be what Shining would call it. When Fluttershy walked in with Applejack and Rainbow Dash, we both looked over at the door.
“You two are so cute together,” said Fluttershy, her typical quiet voice coming back. “It’s fine, we can go…”
I shook my head, and Flash agreed with me. “No, we should really get up. I’m hungry anyways,” I said, trying to come up with a different excuse than We’ve been here for a good hour now.
“O-Okay. You guys sure?” asked Rainbow. “We can always leave-”
“Nah. It’s best we get going anyways,” said Flash, rolling out of bed, literally. “Damnit! Forgot about that!” he said, laughing lightly.
Me and my friends giggled, and Applejack fell over laughing. “Oh, Flash, yer jus’ too funny!”
He grabbed his ruined armor. “Well, guess I ought to get a new set. I’ll be back!” he called, running off with his armor.
Rarity appeared suddenly, poking her head in through the doorway, looking at Flash and the rest of us. “What was that about?” she asked.
“No idea. His armor looked fine,” said Fluttershy. “He’s fine without it, too. He’s good looking without it no matter what.”
We all nodded in agreement, even if awkwardly. Wait. “Where’s Pinkie Pie?”
“She’s going to take a while longer to recover. She almost got a concussion after the explosion, the snow was icy where we landed, and bits of the explosion caught us badly,” said Rainbow, looking down at the ground in shame. “I should have been more careful with the landing, really. It’s my fault.”
I wrapped an arm around her. “My landing was pretty bad as well, so it’s not your fault. It was the explosion’s fault.”
She nodded, but wasn’t completely convinced. “I’m just glad Rapidstrike wasn’t on the train, you know?”
We nodded in agreement. “Can’t say the same about Flash, though. He did take a beating. Not as bad as you though, Twilight,” said Fluttershy.
There was a voice coming from down the hallway. “So, you’re saying, that the Captain from Canterlot is currently in love with Princess Twilight? And the Princess fell for him as well?”
“No, no, not at all! Just, you know, he’s been hanging around her more and more closely. And I can’t help but wonder, even if he had saved her life plenty of times now,” said a different voice, clearly a mare’s. “Which I guess does make a good excuse, huh?”
The stallion grunted in agreement. “But the rumors are quite insane. Some say he’s been doing it with her, some say that he’s a prostitute, but he’s the Captain, which can’t be true, some say that she just invites him in for Celestia know what, and, well, it does get crazier and crazier from there.”
It was the mare’s turn to grunt in agreement. “You really believe that bullshit?” the stallion sighed. “Well, I mean, of course you do! Some may be partially true, if not entirely, but it’s just public gossip. You really shouldn’t believe it!”
They passed by without a glance in our direction, as we stayed silent. Flash bumped into the pair, and they sort of talked to him, sort of made eye contact, sort of shrunk away from him, and entirely were afraid of him, even though he had a kind smile on and a genuine happy sparkle in his eyes. The mare gave him her address number, and he took it, acting nicely, and walked off back to our room. “Those two are… quite something, to say the least. Energetic is the least I can say about them right now.”
Rarity giggled slightly. “Honestly, I didn’t think Guards could be so obsessed with such silly things.”
I laughed, and so did Rainbow. “Aren’t you also caught up in it? Last I checked, you were caught in a scandal with a different designer.”
She blushed. “It was nothing, really! We made a breakthrough in design, and he hugged me as soon as we completed it!”
Flash laughed as he sat down beside me. “You have no idea how much other Guards love to argue over gossip. Really, it’s so funny it’s not funny.”
“Then why are yeh laughin’ at it?” asked Applejack, finding contradictory statements.
“Not laughing about the amount of gossip, just laughing at the idea,” he replied. Applejack could and would start an argument with him every time she saw him.
“Oh,” was all she said, resting her chin on the ground.
“I’m tired too, Applejack. I wish that yesterday could have been a little less dangerous,” said Fluttershy.
We nodded in agreement, and Flash rolled on his side. “Egh. Need. Food.” was all he said before walking out. Rainbow just rolled her eyes in a “boys” kind of way. Everypony else giggled, and they did admit they were hungry. Thankfully, Flash was balancing seven different plates and a new spear for us on his way back. I almost hugged him, but I didn’t want to spill the food on the plates.
“Damn! That looks mighty fine!” said Applejack, taking a plate off the pile hurriedly. “I could eat a whole barn right now!”
We laughed and talked and ate for the next half hour, Flash’s wing over my back, his side against mine. None of my friends noticed, or just didn’t care anymore, and Rarity and Rainbow offered to take the plates back. “You carried them here, Flash. We should take them back,” was all Rarity said before the rest followed them out. 
Flash got up and fell down on the bed. “Im'a get some rest before tomorrow. How about you?” he asked, stretching out, and pulled the sheets over him. “I’m just so *yawn* tired.”
I got in on the other side and kissed him. He gave in this time, and we laid there for a good while before I fell asleep, my lips on his, and his arms wrapped around me and a wing draped over me. I slept comfortably, but Flash had a little struggle in his sleep.
“Kind of like earlier, but not as bad,” was all he said as morning light filtered in. Seven in the morning. I ended up folding my body against his to fall asleep, and he put an arm on my shoulder in his sleep. He’s probably used to it by now.
“Well, time to get to studying!” I said cheerfully, getting out of bed in a hurry, Flash doing the same.