Just Another Day

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The crystals gleamed in the rays of Celestia’s sun. I looked up, expecting to see something boring. Something everyday. I didn’t know that what I would see would be so…beautiful.

The Princess of Friendship.

Couldn’t she just use a train like normal ponies?

Of course she couldn’t. She was special. Only that wouldn’t make a difference; I was only another guard in the Crystal Empire.

“Focus!” Captain Armor started, pacing back and forth in front of us, as the other guards and I formed a line. I flinched. Of course the Princess’s brother would have a problem with me.

Princess Twilight's brother. My boss.

But who cared? I was just another lovesick pony awaiting love from a princess. My eyes looked up again, hoping to catch another sight of the Princess, but there was only the Crystal Castle.

Shining Armor returned and stopped in front of me. “Straighten up, Private Sentry.”

I didn’t know what to say. I straightened up, and avoided eye contact, “Yes, sir!”

“As you all have probably guessed, Princess Twilight is here, she arrived this morning on the Friendship Express,” he turned from me and looked at the other guards, “I expect all of you to stay strictly at your stations and make sure that the Princess Summit is undisturbed.”

Oh, so she did come by train, I’m an idiot, I guess, I thought. What I couldn’t put my hoof on was the fact that there was a Princess Summit, yet, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were not in the Crystal Empire. But, I decided to keep my mouth shut and not ask any questions to my boss, who I’m sure was silently hating me.

“Right. We need a few guards near the Princess herself. Okay, how about…? Yes, Private Sentry, and AA? Officer Aqua Aura yes, and Private Sunshine, is Officer TA here? Yes, Tinted Assistance, and right, okay then, Private Sapphire Moonlight.”

Great, I thought. Surrounded by a couple of idiotic girls. But why me? He obviously hates me, so why recruit me to guard the one pony I have feelings for- his sister?

“Private Sentry?” He snapped me back from my thoughts of confusion. Why do I think this is a setup? I thought again, not really easing my situation.

“Uh, yes sir?” I responded, dumbly.

“You are guarding Princess Twilight’s bed chambers”

I gulped audibly. I followed after the four girls, who looked like good friends.

Lucky.

I never had anypony I could call a friend.

But somewhere deep down, I hoped that Twilight would change that. Maybe. I just had to wait.

Mom always used to say: good things happened to those who wait. I could almost hear her say it again from the cloudless sky.

I miss you.

“Hey!” A blue pegasus with fiery hair waved - I think her name was Falling Sunshine, or something like that. I don’t know. I must be getting dumber by the second. “Hurry up!”

Officer TA and AA were more normal to see, though. They were, like, a year younger than me, but they were far more respected by Captain Armor.

“Sentry, get over here!” TA shouted at me. She was almost as intimidating as Shining Armor, with her jet black coat and her red and blueblood mane. If not, maybe even more intimidating.

But if there was anything I did, I probably slowed down. Officer AA sighed. “Sentry, please hurry up.” She put up a softer face, albeit with narrowed magenta eyes, but inside there was hardcore. I should know, that is literally my expression all the time to the other guards. At least she was trying to be nice, I thought.

We soon approached the crystal hallway that was embellished with banners and carpets of the Crystal Empire’s flag. What was her name? Sapphire Moonlight, yes, she bumped head first into Princess Twilight's door. Classic. At least I'm not the only one who’s gonna embarrass themselves in front of Twilight.

“So, according to Captain Armor,” Officer AA started, “Sunny, your station is the library, you know how the Princess loves books; Tinted, you’re stationed near the Crystal Heart, since you’re real good at fighting off ponies who might try and steal it; Sapphire, your station is the hallway next to this one, where Princess Cadence, Captain Armor and Princess Flurry Heart’s bed chambers are located; and I guess, my station is the throne room!”

I was slightly insulted by the fact that she didn’t tell me my station, although I was told beforehand. But she spoke again, “Oh, and Private Sentry, you are stationed here”, she spoke in a way that made my skin crawl. So much for being nice. The girls giggled before leaving for their respective stations.

Sigh. All I could do was do what I was told and stand in front of the door of the Princess of Friendship’s bed chambers, motionless and expressionless.

Before I knew it, the door swung open. “Uh...Flash Sentry? What are you doing here?”

I was caught by surprise by the familiar voice behind me and lost my stiff posture. Glaring behind me, my face softened when I met her amethyst eyes, full of concern and confusion.

“Uh..hello, Princess Twilight.” Sigh, why do I do this to myself? “I’m stationed here.” I calmly replied. Or, as calmly as I could.

“Right,” She gave me a look,“I hate the title ‘Princess’.” Why in Equestria is she telling me this? “You don’t need to call me that, okay?” I only nodded.

This was the first time I saw her up close since when we first met, but this time, I could explore the contours of her face in greater detail; from her starry eyes, to her hair, resembling the dusk sky and her lavender coat. I started blushing like an idiot, which caught her attention. I stared into her gleaming, purple eyes, just for a few more seconds, before looking away.

“Uh, are you okay?”

Yeah, I'm just an idiot, so you know . “Y-Yeah I’m great, Princess, I-I mean T-Twilight”, I stammered.

She just giggled and shook her head, “Don’t worry, we’ll work on that”

‘We’ll work on that’. Doesn’t that mean we’ll talk again?

“Sentry, we need back up. Come on!” Officer AA ran towards us. At the sight of Twilight, she bowed. “Good morning, Princess.”

Twilight wrinkled her nose in a way that made me smirk. “No, Auri, you don’t need to bow.” So humble, I thought, with a dorky expression on my face.

Officer AA rose and nodded. “It’s been a while. Bye Twilight.” Then she glanced towards me. “Sentry, come on, Crystal Heart with TA, let’s go.”

I was meant to guard the Crystal Heart. With Tinted Assistance. This had to be a million times worse than Tartarus. “Yes, Officer.” She nodded at Twilight and walked out.

I followed her. I guess that was my luck. “Bye, Flash!” I could hear Twilight call out to me. I turned around to be greeted by the warmest smile I’ve ever seen on a pony’s face. I smiled and waved to her until the mare was out of sight, walking backwards, stupidly, in the process.

As we approached the Crystal Heart at the heart of the Crystal Empire, TA scowled at me, and returned her gaze to Officer AA. “Aqua Aura! Why did you have to bring him, of all the ponies in Equestria?”

Nice of you to say that to my face, TA, I thought. Aura sighed, “Princess Cadence said that it would be best to keep him here to help you guard the Crystal Heart.”

“Yeah, I get that, but why him?” TA continued. Wow, she really hates me, doesn’t she. Whelp, at least that feeling’s mutual.

Aura sighed again, apparent exasperation in her voice, “Tinted, he has experience with fighting the changelings during the Canterlot Wedding and was one of the only ones who weren’t captured. He can easily take down the criminals.” Wait, what?

“Uh, wait, what criminals?”, I asked, unsure if what Officer AA was saying was actually true.

Officer AA sighed, yet again, “Over the past few weeks, Captain Armor had discovered several clues of a heist- we are not certain what these ponies are targeting, but it is likely the Crystal Heart.” Guess that’s just another day as a guard, put on duty to fight off angry ponies on a heist to steal this very special artifact, kept in a very accessible location. Huh, maybe I should talk to someone about that.

“Why doesn’t he-” TA pointed a hoof at me, “-just go to the throne room and you stay here with me.” She continued, with an annoyed look on her face.

“You think I’m gonna let him in the throne room?” Officer AA asked. Great sense of trust, guys. Lacking loyalty. But, definitely got the honesty on point, so.

“Good point.” TA replied, sighed, and looked over at me. “Come on then, FLASH.”

First name? Are you serious?

Officer AA left to go to the throne room, while I was left there, standing like an idiot.

TA stood casually, resting on a crystal pillar, looking around, alert for any criminals. “Flash, alert, please!” She said, her gaze returning to me and rolling her eyes.

Desperate to make my life better than literal Tartarus, I tried to spark up a conversation, “So, what do you think they’re talking about in the Princess Summit?”

TA looked at me, and rolled her eyes again. “I know what they’re talking about: NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.” Well, I get marks for effort, though, right?

I tried to spark up a different topic. “How did you girls become friends?”

She seemed less annoyed by my question, and answered. “Well, I dunno, honestly, we actually met in high school. I always was the ‘battle’ type, and Aqua Aura was always really generous and Sunny was dorky and we just became friends. Albeit, Sapphire’s a bit annoying sometimes, okay, well, a lot of the time, but we’re all good friends.” She shrugged.

I couldn’t help but smile, all I could ever see of TA was her passive aggressive side, for once she seemed genuine. My thoughts instantly drifted back to Twilight, she’s done a pretty great job of sharing her friendship.

If only I ever had friends.

If only.

It was just past noon. I followed the quartet briskly towards the Mess Hall; there were shining crystal pillars on either sides, beautiful amethyst curtains which reminded me of Twilight.

“Flash! Snap out of it!” TA snapped at me, pushing a door open.

There were a few tables here and there, and Princess Twilight Sparkle was sitting at one of them. Weird, I thought she’d be in the Banquet Hall, oh well.

“Oh my gosh! Can we sit there! Please please please please please please please please please please!” Falling Sunshine jumped up and down, excited as ever.

“Ay! Sunny, calm down!” Officer AA pleaded, tapping her on the shoulder whilst she continued jumping up and down, like the butterflies in my stomach. I don’t know why I decided to count the number of times she continued to say “please”. Huh, 23 times. Oddly specific.

“Auri, did you ever think that Sunny would calm down?” TA asked.

“No, not really. Wake up, Saphie! Are you alive?” Aura asked.

“Yeah, lost in thoughts. Read a book last night.” She replied. That makes two of us, besides the book part. TA and Aura rolled their eyes and followed Fall.

Fall dropped into one of the seats opposite her, and the other three sat into seats as well, which left me a seat next to Twilight. Good things come to those who wait, my ego told me. Sweet Celestia, I hate my life.

I carefully sat into the seat next to Twilight, avoiding eye contact, before looking up and realising that I was the only guy on the table.

“So, Auri, Tinted, how’s it going? You must be Fall and Saphie.” She looked at them.

“We’re fine, Princess.” TA replied.

“Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh”, Sunny said under her breath, Unsurprising, I thought, considering her enthusiasm earlier.

Twilight smiled, and shifted her gaze towards me. “Hi, Flash.”

“Hi.” I said, before reminding myself that I needed to eat, and followed the quartet to get my food.

I got two hayburgers and returned to the table, where Twilight had, obviously, already been served. She seemed to flinch at her food, which was some sort of weird - thing? On top of another weird thing? It’s called fine dining. Royals have it, my brain reminded me. She whispered something to the waiter, before he left with the weirdly fine dish. As we settled back into our seats, I asked Twilight, ”Aren’t you going to eat?”

“Nah, I’m fine, I just don’t like the excessively formal dishes.” she replied, but it was obvious that she was hungry.

“Do you want a hayburger?” I dumbly offered. Flash, what the hay are you doing? I reprimanded myself. Luckily the others were lost in their conversation- about some sort of vampire book series- to notice my embarrassing situation.

“U-Uh...sure! I mean um, thank you”, her lavender cheeks turned a slight pink tinge. Is she blushing? What? No! You’re just imagining things, I think you are. “Will you shut up?”, I mumbled to myself, then noticed the look of confusion on Twilight’s face.

“What?” She probably thought I was insane.

“W-What? No Nothing! Here’s a hayburger!” I said, while clumsily giving her a hayburger. Thinking to myself in second person is driving me nuts.

I was surprised that Twilight was a sort of messy eater, which was cute. But I was also unsurprised that Fall was a messy eater, though it didn’t look cute. TA and AA were talking the whole time; Saphie was lost in a book, and hadn’t even touched her hayburger; Fall was too busy eating, then there was me, smiling like an idiot. And then there was Twilight, blushing adorkably. I met her amethyst eyes again, then looked away to the other tables in the Mess Hall, buzzing with conversation. The Mess Hall. Wait.

“Twilight, if you don’t mind me asking, why exactly are you here?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. Her face fell. Flash, when will you stop messing up?

“I-I just decided to eat here, with some old friends and...stuff...” She wore a fake smile, lacking all the warmth from before. “I’ve known Auri and TA for a while.”

“Well, looks like they’ve known each other for a while.” I sparked up some more conversation. Can you shut up and be more normal?

“Yeah.” She replied.

Awkward silence. Come on, stop being an idiot.

“Twilight!” Shining Armor approached. “Why not the Banquet Hall?” He asked, taking a sideways glance at me.

She wrinkled her nose again, which made me want to laugh so much. “I hate fine dining.” She replied to her brother.

He looked amused. “This isn’t Ponyville, Twilight. I’ll see you round. I think Flurry will want to see you,” he winked, and walked up to the front. “Break’s over. Let’s get back to work!” He shouted.

Have a look at my luck, everypony. Well, at least there’s no way I can make Twilight think I’m even more insane.

TA and AA raised from their seats, waved at Twilight, and walked out, followed by Saphie and Sunny, who was still not over the fact that she met Princess Twilight.

“Um,” I said awkwardly, “Bye.” I walked briskly out, and I could feel her eyes on me, but I didn’t dare look back.

How To Understand

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“Sentry, focus!” TA shouted for the millionth time when I zoned out, “What in Equestria are you thinking about? Like, you’ve been daydreaming for several hours now!”

“Uh…”

“Yeah...okay, that’s not an answer.”

“Do I have to answer?”

“Unless you want me to personally report you to Captain Armor, then yes.”

I gulped, hopefully she won’t report me if I do tell her. But what if she does? I can’t put my job at risk.

“I’m waiting.” she persevered, impatience in her voice. I could tell that she would only stop once I told her; so I gave in.

“Promise you won’t tell anypony?” I said, defeated.

Tinted put a hoof to her lips and formed a zipping-like motion, “My lips are sealed.” Sigh, here goes nothing...should I lie? There’s my honesty going bust. “I am… thinking about my life.”

“I’m not buying it.”

“I didn’t tell you to buy anything.”

“You’re lying. As an expert liar myself, I can tell.” Beads of perspiration formed on my forehead. Well that didn’t help whatsoever. “Since you want me to talk to Captain Armor so dang much, I guess I can’t argue-”

“OKAY OKAY! I’ll tell you!” Just come out clean, Flash. No more hiding, from TA at least; she does not have mercy. Sigh, “I am thinking about...a pony.”

“And?”

“It’s a mare”

“Go on.”

“I think I like her”

“Ok...who is it?”

I mumbled her name quickly under my breath. “What?”, she pushed further.

“Twilight Sparkle.” her mouth hung open in surprise. For once, Tinted Assistance had nothing to say.

“Um...” She was seriously puzzled. There you go, ego. Something like hours later, TA spoke again, although not breaching the subject about my crush, but instead highlighting the key things we needed to look out for when guarding the Crystal Heart: reporting anything unusual, making sure everything was in its place- all that jazz.

“Oh, and Flash, since we need somepony to guard Princess Twilight’s room, we’ve decided that you’ll need to alternate. So, today, you’ve been guarding the Crystal Heart with me and tomorrow you’ll be guarding her room, so on so forth.”, she added, with noticeable reluctance. Can this possibly get any worse? Yes, yes it can. Murphy’s law is about to get me, I can feel it.

“Right, Flash, I think-” she looked up at the clock, “-that the day is over - dinner time.” She added at the end. I realised that it indeed was getting dark and wondered how the day had passed so quickly. “I think I’ll eat out tonight”, I said, “just in case ‘you-know-who’ is in the Mess Hall again.”

She sighed. “Whatever. Wait, can I tell my friends? You know, Sunny, Auri, Saphie…”

I considered it. I was kind of expecting her to ask that. Just say yes. “Um, uh, you can’t tell anyone other than them.” What in the name of Tartarus? What have I just done? What am I? A pony? AM I PONY? Guess not. Sweet Celestia, help me.
Well, she would probably have threatened to tell everyone if I didn’t agree to it…

“Come on, TA!” Her friends surrounded her.

“Do you wanna eat out?” Saphie offered.

She took a sideways glance at me and smirked. “Yeah! We should invite Twilight as well, you know, so that Auri and I can catch up on what’s been going on in her life, and hopefully Sunny can talk to her properly.”

Great. Should have known.

Auri looked at me suspiciously. TA laughed, and whispered something in her ear, and her mouth dropped open. Great. I think it’s time to get lost before I get humiliated by these idiots.

As we were walking to the Crystal Empire’s Restaurant Row, I pulled TA behind and gave her a scowl, “I thought I was eating out alone.”

“You never said anything about eating alone”, she said with a smug grin on her face.

“Well, maybe not, but I did say I didn’t want Twilight to be there,” my eyes narrowed.

She sighed. “Well maybe you did, but did I say that I would listen to you?” she smirked. Well I’m going to die. At least I was right about it getting worse. And...it's getting even worse. Auri told us that Twilight would be meeting us at Restaurant Row, and it was up to her to decide where we were going to eat. All I’m hoping for is that we don’t get hayburgers.

“Wait, but who said I was gonna eat with you?” I asked, trying to bring back an argument.

She shrugged. “This is a restaurant. I can always set up a date for you and Twilight, which could happen very easily if I ask Auri to-”

Shoot. “Okay, okay.” I said to her, as Auri caught up with us, and the quartet walked through the doors of the restaurant, followed by stupid, idiotic, stupid me. Twilight is going to be here! Spark up some conversation.

Fall started jumping up and down again. “Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh is that-”

Auri rolled her eyes. “Yes, it is.”

They all walked over, sat down, and I picked the seat furthest away from Twilight, just because.

“Hi!” Twilight said.

“Hi!” The girls chorused back.

“It’s been ages, Twilight!” TA sparked up some conversation. At least she’s doing better than you. Ugh! What did I say about the second person?

“I know! I’ve missed you all, and I told all my friends about you guys. I hope you get to meet them someday!” She looked at them, and then raised her eyebrows at me. “Flash? What are you doing here?”

“Oh, just hanging out with the cool girls.” TA looked like she was gonna burst out laughing.

And Saphie actually burst out laughing. I tilted my head over to her, and she looked up from her book. “Sorry. Reading.” They all gave her a weird look, and she rolled her eyes, and put her book down. “Whatever.”

“Right. Flash, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with-” She stopped speaking, as Princess Cadance walked into the restaurant, followed by Flurry Heart. “Why is this happening to me today?” She mumbled.

“AUNTIE!!!” Flurry went crazy, flying around and appearing and disappearing and reappearing, and ended up landing on Twilight’s head. She sighed. “I need to go. We’ll do this some other day, okay?” She said, and left to talk to Princess Cadance.

“The cool girls? Seriously?” Auri started, before the four of them burst out laughing. “Never gonna let you live this one down.”

I grunted. Why was I in love with this Princess? There was probably already someone in her life. She’s the Princess of Friendship. Not the Princess of Getting Dates. If she was in love with someone, he would be as famous as her.

I suppose there was always Sunny, Auri or Saphie to date, right? I couldn’t be with TA… she would scare me my whole life.

TA was just my annoying thought processor.

Sunny’s cute though. Wait, did you just think that?

I’m in love with two mares. Cheery.

TA, Auri and Saphie were talking about a book series. Morganville Vampires? And Sunny was walking behind them.

“Um, Sunny?” I called. What in Tartarus are you doing? What about Twilight? You’re in love with TWILIGHT SPARKLE not FALLING SUNSHINE. You got the name terribly wrong.
“Yeah?” She trotted back, and waited for me to say something.

“Um.” I stood there, like an idiot. My name should be changed to Idiot. Flashing Stupid, and the nickname can be Idiot. Then, I won’t have to change the initials on my guard armour. “Can you help me ask Twilight on a date?” Phew, at least I didn’t mess up that time, “and do you want to go on a date with me?” What did I just say? I hate myself. Double date. Interesting.

“Looks like somepony's confused.”, she laughed. That was not the reaction I was expecting. “Listen, if you like Twilight, then just tell her! And please don’t start mixing your feelings up. You’ve never shown much interest in me, I know you’re just confused. So, just go and ask her!” she continued.

“Wait. Um...what?” Did she just reject me? Wow. Okay then.

“No, you don’t understand! I’m not rejecting you. You didn’t even ask me out.”, she explained.

“But…I did”

“But your feelings didn’t. Like I said, you’re confused.” Can she read minds now?

“No I can’t, but I can understand what you're thinking from your expression” Well that’s not weird at all.

“Just. Ask. Her”, she persevered, “Ask her NOW!” Okay, okay calm down. “Good.”, she started pushing me towards the door.

“Wait! When you said ‘now’, you meant ‘now, now’?” I flailed my hooves around the mare’s surprising strength.

“Yes, of course I meant ‘now, now’!”, she replied, “Run and catch up to her! And don’t worry about us, we’ll just be heading to the dorm. See you in the morning go tell her go talk your heart out go go go!”

I started running, so fast that my hooves were burning, but I barely felt it. Run faster! You’ve got to catch up to her! RUN! The Crystal streets whizzed past my line of vision as I headed towards the Crystal Castle. Reaching the Square, where the Crystal Heart was located, I felt relief. Until the guard stopped me.

“Halt! Who goes there!”, he commanded. What the hay? I’m a guard! They should know that! Oh...wait, I’m not wearing my armor.

“Hehe, hello! I am Private Flash Sentry and I forgot my armor in my dorm...so”

“You may not enter,”

“What! Why not? I need to speak to Princess Twilight! It’s urgent!”

“A guard would know of letting a stranger into the castle to speak to the Princess. Only Shining Armor can allow letting a stranger in.”

I sighed. “But I’m not a stranger!”

“Flash Sentry?” Twilight emerged. “Uh, he’s not a stranger. You can let him go, Sir.”

“Sorry, Princess.” He replied.

She smiled. “It’s fine. Flash?” She left the door open, and I followed her in and closed the door behind me. “So, is everything okay?” She asked me.

Um, no. I was in love with you but then I was in love with Sunny so I asked her out but then she was like ‘no, ask Twilight out’, so I am trying to confess my love to you but this situation is driving me nuts. “Um, yeah.”

“Okay. So, Flash, if you don’t mind me asking, why exactly are you here?”

Great. She’s asking me what I asked her. Things aren’t going to plan.

“Um. Twilight, I wanted to tell you that…you...are...nice” Are you kidding me? That’s the best you could do?

“Uh...thanks?”, she smiled sheepishly.

Nope. You’ve made it so far, Flash. Well, not really, but here’s your chance. Just do it.

“No that’s not all.” sigh, here goes nothing, “Twilight, you’re amazing and you never fail to care for anypony. You’re smart, and kind and beautiful...and I wanted to tell you that...I...I love you, Twilight Sparkle.” Without thinking, I leaned forward and brushed my lips against hers. We stayed like that for what seemed like a thousand years. Eventually, our lips parted and our faces were only inches apart. I could feel her short, shallow breaths. Time stood still. All I could hear was my own heartbeat. And all I could see was Twilight’s face, distraught. What on Earth did you just do, Flash? Did you just kiss a Princess? She didn’t do anything but stand there silently, her mouth hung open.

“What?” Twilight whispered. She started breathing heavily. Look at what you did. Don’t even think about asking her if she’s okay, because she probably isn’t.

Again, without thinking, I walked out, straight to the dormitory.

Twilight doesn’t like you. No mare will.

Need to get up. Get up! I couldn’t get up. I couldn’t face the world. Not after that.

“Flash, get up! Shining’s gonna kill you, literally!” Thunder Spark shook me awake.

Better get up and face the world. Not. “I’m up.”

I got up and walked to the Mess Hall. I looked around to see if the quartet was there. They were sitting in the corner, and I walked over to them and dropped into a seat opposite them.

“Looks like somepony had a bad night.” Officer AA said, before sliding a bowl of pancakes in front of me. “Twilight wanted to see you. She came a few minutes ago.” She said.

They know something you don’t. “Okay, what is it that you’re not telling me?” I asked.

“Okay. It’s just that we know that you asked Sunny out and…stuff.” She bit her tongue to stop herself from laughing.

Right. “Okay.” I replied, unable to know what else to say.

“Look, you’re nice and all, but don’t ask us out ‘cause we’re just your friends, okay?” Sunny replied.

I’m talking to a bunch of stupid girls who think I’m nice. “Okay.”

“Now, tell us. How’d it go with Twilight?” Auri asked, interested.

They’re asking me to trust them. “You probably don’t want to know.” I replied, having a mouthful of pancakes.

“Oh, trust me, we do.” Auri said in a convincing tone. I shook my head. “Trust me I can do this the hard way.” What hard way? Probably girls being stupid.

“No.” I replied flatly.

“TA, do your thing.” Saphie insisted.

Oh no, not TA! “OKAY FINE!”

“Sure. Start talking.” TA smirked.

Great. I started explaining last night’s events with Twilight; how she saved me from those guards, how I confessed my feelings to her, how we kissed. And how I ran from the situation. Sunny’s face fell, Auri looked horrified, TA face-hooved and Saphie shook her head.

“Wait! You’re telling me that you went through all that, and you didn’t even ask her out?”, TA shouted. My hooves started trembling and my lips started quivering.

“Tinted! You’re scaring him!”, Sunny reprimanded her before gently patting my back in an attempt to calm me down. I’m not ready for this. “Well, at least you tried, Flash. And you...well yeah, you tried”, she tried and failed to reassure me. Why can’t I just handle it like normal ponies do? Why do I have to screw up so much?

“Aw, no, you’re not a screw up, Flash”, she continued, “Your heart was in the right place. And I’m sure Twilight appreciated your compliments.”

Sigh, not again with the mind reading.

“What are you? Some sort of love expert? She was panting, she looked like she was terrified! There was no way she could appreciate anything from me if she was afraid of me!” I cried. I’ve waited for so long. How much longer do I have to wait?

“No, I don’t think that’s it. You’re too wimpy for anypony to be afraid of.” TA teased. No point in arguing I guess. I am wimpy for making such an awful move, I probably scarred her for life. And considering what villains she’s faced, that’s saying something.

Auri rolled her eyes. “You didn’t scar her for life, Flash. She wants to talk to you again, and that’s the thing that’s saying something.” She replied. “And TA, forget it, I know what you’re gonna say, shut up!”

Seriously! What is with the mind reading?
Sunny beamed brightly and embraced me in a giant hug, “Hugs make everything better!”, she said and pulled the others into it, forming some sort of invincible group hug. I smiled at that, and remembered what Sunny had said a few minutes ago. “Don’t ask us out ‘cause we’re just your friends, okay?” As those words rang in my head time after time in our never-ending group hug, my smile only grew bigger. I told them all of this. They supported me and helped me, even when I messed up. And I trust them. And they’re my friends.

Not Pulling Any Punches

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“I have decided that from now on, there will be training after lunch, every day. I’ve been seeing a lot of you slacking off lately and I want to make sure that you will be able to defend the Crystal Empire if the worse does occur. You got that?” Officer Night Star commanded us. “I will also be pairing you up so there will be Officers with Privates.” He stated.

I hope I don’t get TA. That would be like Tartarus mixed with Sombra.

“Okay. Sunny, you’re with TA, ah, Sentry? You can be with Officer AA. And Sapphire…” He continued saying names.

“Hi!” Auri said, walking towards me.

“Hi.”

“Okay, that’s every pony sorted. Now, this isn’t about magic or flying - it’s about self defence.” He said, before leaving the room.

“Finally. That guy creeps me out.” Auri whispered.

“I know, right?” I replied, “Nice armor.”

“Well I am an officer! I can get a few nice things!” she retorted, “Thank you.” I stayed silent. “Are you still thinking about last night?”
I didn’t respond. “Don’t worry, okay? I’m sure she’s not mad-”

“No it isn’t that.” I started, “It’s that, since I was a foal, my dream was to work in the Royal Guard as an officer. I trained everyday in Canterlot, until they finally accepted me. Then I transferred to the Crystal Empire and...I guess I’m not good enough for the job.”

“Oh my gosh…” She whispered, before pulling me into a hug. “Okay, self defence.” She went back to the topic. “What do you know about it?” Auri asked simply.

Well, that was the simplest question ever, but it looks like I don’t know the answer to it. “I… It means… Um… I don’t really know.” I said simply. At least this isn’t TA.
“Okay. Well, self defence isn’t about… I dunno… killing your opponent. It’s about teaching them a lesson, both mentally and physically.” She started. “Flash, are you okay?”

“Huh? Yeah.” I snapped back into reality. Less drifting into thoughts, more doing what you actually need to do.

“Lesson One - attention. That includes thinking. Strategies. Your actions require a purpose. Do what your opponent least expects. Find their weakness. Pay attention to what they’re doing. Don’t be predictable.” She stated. “Punch me.”

What? You wouldn’t punch a girl, and she’s, like, a year younger than you! “No! I can’t...” I started.

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t want to hear it. Punch me.” She persevered.

“Great.” I mumbled, closed my eyes, and punched, hard.

She appeared behind me, and I turned around. “Flash. Your weakness is your heart. Your friends. You’d never want to punch me, Sunny, Twilight or Saphie, right?”

I shook my head. “No…”

“Okay. Imagine that I have a ploy against Twilight, and I’m planning to kill her, say. Now punch me.” She told me. “Oh, and, don’t close your eyes. They can hatch a plan at the blink of an eye.”

I tried to imagine that, and then I punched her, and she just took a step back to dodge.

“Better.” She said. “But it still feels like you're busy thinking about something.” She stopped my hoof. “What are you thinking about?“

Great. I hate these mind readers. “Oh, um, you know, Twilight.”

Auri rolled her eyes. “You need to stop thinking about her for that reason. She’s in danger in our scenario. There is a world around you, ya know?” she started, “And it does not revolve around you or your feelings.”

She’s right. “Okay.” But it’s much easier said than done.

“Lesson two - deception.” Auri started. “Your opponent could be very deceptive. Queen Chrysalis disguised herself as Princess Cadance herself. You need to be ready to fight someone who might be a friend. Trust only those who you know are reliable. Even Shining fell for it.”

Auri sighed. “You got all that, Flash?” The training session finally ended, as Shining Armor came and told us that we had ten minutes to get to our stations.

“Huh? Yeah.” I said. I felt dizzy.

“Gosh, you sound drugged. Is that what two hours of training gets you?"

“YES!” I felt exhausted.

“You really need to be tougher than that, Sentry.” She punched me in the stomach.

Ow. “Ah-ow...ow...what was that for?”

“For... reasons.” Auri sighed. “Toughen up, you're probably gonna meet Twilight in a bit.”

Oh yeah. But I’m too tired too. “Uh.”

She rolled her eyes. “It’d be a thousand times worse with TA.”

Yeah, it would be.

Time to get ready to meet Twilight.

I was guarding outside Twilight’s bed chambers again, expecting Twilight. But I’d been standing there for what seemed like hours, and she didn’t come. So I lost hope.

Good things come to those who wait. Nice try, ego.

The dusk looked beautiful, and it reminded me too much of the flowing colours of her mane and the sunlit sparkle of her eyes. Sigh.

I walked calmly over to the Mess Hall, and like every day, the quartet were sitting and chatting.

“Hey, Flash! How’d it go?” Sunny asked, as I dropped into the seat next to her.

“It didn’t ‘go’ at all.” I replied

“So… wait, what?” Auri was shocked.

“She rejected you?” TA asked.

“Um, no. She didn’t come.” I said.

“So if the girl doesn’t show up, you go look for her,” TA retorted. Everyone gave her the look. “What?”

“It’s fine, don’t worry.” Sunny assured me.

“It’s really not fine.” I sighed.

“Sunny, Flash, it’s not fine.” Auri said, pointing to Twilight who had walked through the door. “Pull yourself together, Flash.”

Pull yourself together, Flash. “Hey, everypony, how’s it going?” Twilight came and sat next to us, and unfortunately for me, the seat next to mine.

“Absolutely splendid!” Auri answered, “But, I’m sorry, the others and I really need to discuss that vampire book series that you and Flash haven’t read yet. So, we’ll sit at that table over there so we don’t give you any spoilers.” TA, Saphie and Sunny smiled sheepishly and nodded. They rose and went to the table next to ours, Auri nudging me in the shoulder as she did so, “Toughen up.” she whispered. Oh no, I’m going to die.

“Um, hi, how’s it going?” I asked dumbly. Flashing Stupid sure has a great reputation, doesn’t he? Wait, I’m going third person now?

Twilight sighed. “Um, Flash, about yesterday-” Oh.

“It’s fine I was an idiot don’t worry-”

“But-”

“I shouldn’t have even thought it-”

“Flash-”

“But it was stupid of me-”

“Flash-”

“I’m sorry... I probably scarred you for life-”

“You didn’t-”

“I wasn’t thinking straight. I’m the worst-”

“But Flash-”

“I’m an idiot-”

“You aren’t-”

“Who would even think-”

“But-”

“Twilight, I’m sorry-”

“You-”

“I lost my mind-”

“No-”

“I’m an idiot-”

“FLASH!” She shouted at me, “I LOVE YOU!”

It took me moments to register what she said. She loves me. Twilight loves me. Wait, Twilight loves me? I quickly glanced at her in shock at what I just realised. But, she already ran out of the Mess Hall, leaving me with my unreliable mess of thoughts. I heard her wrong, right?

The quartet sat back down at our table, mouths wide open. “Did I just hear what I just heard because if I did then…” Auri said.

I dunno. I’m not sure if I heard that myself.

“She rejected you?” TA guessed.

Saphie rolled her eyes. “Edward might have left Bella, but if that’s gonna happen, not yet. They’re barely together.”

“No. This is their story.” Sunny grunted, “They’re not a book… although...Twilight would like that- NO! They’re not books!”

“How is this meant to help again?” I rolled my eyes at their irrelevant books invading my love life.

“Guys! Focus! Twilight just said to Flash that she loves him, am I correct?” Auri caught our attention.

“Yes? No? I’m not sure, Auri. It happened so fast, and when I went to ask her about it, she left.” A bad feeling in my stomach led me to believe that I’d hurt Twilight more than I originally thought. I could have at least let her talk! But no! Flashing Stupid has to come to the rescue and totally wreck everything!

“Flash, if Twilight said she loves you, then she does.” Auri said.

I shook my head. “She probably doesn’t want me to be sad because she doesn’t want anyone to be sad so she said she likes me but then she probably doesn't and you know what I don’t care anymore. I’m probably just going crazy. I just want to forget all this ever happened.” Again. Easier said than done. I stood up and started making my way to the door, “Bye, guys”, I said, defeated.

My room looked dim in the evening light of the moon. A mess of a bed in the corner, a small cupboard next to it; my armor on the floor as I rushed to put it away before dinner; the small wooden table with an empty coffee mug with books and newspapers under it- it was just the same as I had left it. It was definitely much smaller than the room next door, where Thunder Spark slept. But, it was still the only home I had in the Crystal Empire. Tired and exhausted, I fell into my bed, my soft blanket soothing me from my troubled state and warming me from the northern cold. Eventually, my eyes closed, and I drifted to sleep...

The emerald grass surrounds me and I lie down to admire crystal clear sky. Until somepony else comes into my line of sight.

“How are you?” A beautiful smile is formed by her lips. I return the smile to respond. “Can I tell you something?” she continues in her heartfelt, calming voice. I get up and she leans her head on my shoulder, while I take a blooming flower and place it in her wavy hair. Dusk lurks around the setting sun as the hues and tints of pink and purple intermingle with the golden glow. “I love you.”

Those three words echo over and over again.

I just smile and hold her in an embrace. “I love you too”, I say. I gaze into her amethyst eyes, that fill me with a silver lining in my clouded heart. As I gaze into those oceans, those dreamy eyes…

I woke up with a start. The only thing I could process was my dream and I started to look at the events of the day before in a different perspective. So...she actually liked me? This whole time?

Time to face the world, Flash.

I dropped into the seat next to Auri and Sunny. TA wasn’t there, and Saphie was absorbed in a book. She probably didn’t even know I was there.

“You okay?” Auri asked, giving me a cupcake.

Sigh. “No.”

“Lemme guess... a dream?” Auri asked. Not much of a guess if you’re mind reading.
“Yeah.” I simply said.

“Don’t worry, Flash!” Sunny reiterated. “Trust me, everything will be fine.”
“I hope so.” I replied.

Next, training session. Try not to die, Flash. Imagine if you were being trained by TA.
“Flash? Don’t worry, I’m not gonna kill you.” Auri said appearing from behind me.

Oh no. “Oh…”

“Don’t worry. I know I was really hard on you yesterday.” We walked into the training hall. “So, what did you learn yesterday?”

“Um… attention, deception, strategies, and disguise.” I recalled.

“Good.” She said.

Officer Night Star went to the front. “You will need to group up with another pair, and you are allowed to train together, to see how much you’ve learnt.” He said.

“Um, Flash, who do you want to partner up with? TA and Sunny?” Auri asked.

No, not TA! “Um, sure…” NO! What did you just do, Flash?

“Hey.” Sunny walked towards us, which was followed with a scowl by TA.

“Have you been teaching him okay? He doesn’t look dead just yet.” TA asked Auri.

“Uh. Tinted, you’ve been the same for ten years.” Sunny sighed.

“Okay. Well, Sunny, Flash, you need to, uh, fight.” Auri said.

Great. I can’t do this. Turns out these idiot girls aren’t such idiots. “Uh, okay.”

Sunny sighed. “Why did I agree to do this again? Oh, right, I didn’t.” She gave TA a look.

“Ay, Auri, we’ll see who is the better teacher.” She held her tongue to stop herself laughing.

“Oh yeah? Bring it on.” Auri replied.

Flash, you’re going to die. Flash, you’re going to die.

“Okay, ready?” Auri asked us.

TA rolled her eyes. “Whatever. No-one’s gonna ask you if you’re ready in a fight.”

Auri nodded. “That is why this is called training, Tinted. Okay, ready? Fight!” She announced.

Sunny and I just stood there staring at each other. Tinted and Auri both shook their heads.

“Seriously?” Auri sighed.

“Oh, come on!” TA continued shaking her head.

I didn’t know what to do. Just fight, Flash! Just. Do. It.

Sunny closed her eyes. Do something, Idiot! I punched her under the jaw, and then near her nose. Blood started rushing from her nose and drenching her whole face. She stood there, stared at me, and swung back to kick me. But ‘attention’ was something I learnt from Auri - I didn’t let that go to waste. With speed, I ran to the side of her, and wrestled her to the ground. She squealed, and I thought that was the right time to stop.

Sunny started breathing heavily. “Sunny, you okay?” I asked, concerned for her safety. Flashing Stupid messed up bad. Again.

“I…” She fell unconscious. You just killed her.
“Oh my gosh…” Auri fell to her side, followed by TA.

“Is she alive?” I asked dumbly. You’re a murderer.

“Of course she is!” Auri stressed.

Thunder Spark walked to her, his eyes widening. “A concussion?” He asked. “It was this scary?”

“Uh, no, Thunder. Flash was good enough to knock her out.” Auri replied.

“Looks like you’ve done a good job training, then.” He replied, dumbstruck.

“Excuse me? My friend is dying over here, forget about my terrible training methods, make her freaking alive!” Auri shrieked.

“Yeah, I’ll get Shining…” He raced out of the room.

Auri sighed. “Well, Tinted, guess who won?” She asked with reluctance in her voice, like she was choking.

TA rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, you’re a better teacher, whatever…”

You did this. You did this to her. I started to feel dizzy. I looked at her face, drenched in blood and her fiery mane, with dead flames. She’s my friend, and I did this to her.

Shining Armor stormed into the room, followed by Thunder Spark who had an anxious look on his face. They rushed towards Sunny, and Shining Armor sighed. “You did a great job of killing her, Sentry.”

“Wait, what? SHE’S DEAD?” Auri said, horrified.

“Of course not! She’s tough, but seriously, Sentry, I didn’t know you had it in you.” He said.

“My gosh, Shining, shut up! Make my dying friend alive!” She shrieked.

Saphie slowly approached. “Wait, is that…” Her face became full with shock. “Captain…”

“I’m on it.” He replied, and took her to the hospital.

Nearly Saying Goodbye

View Online

I waited in the waiting area outside the ward, where Auri, Saphie and TA were waiting anxiously. It’s my fault. I nearly killed her.

“Don’t worry, Flash, it was a FIGHT.” Auri reassured me, but she still looked like she was going to burst into tears.

It is your fault, Flashing Stupid Murderer. “Yeah, but it was my fault, I shouldn’t have done that… she could have DIED…”

Auri laid back and closed her eyes. “Do you think she’s gonna be okay?”

“Of course she is!” TA replied.

“M-hmm.” A stallion with a doctor's jacket was in front of us. “You can meet Falling Sunshine, she’s a bit tired though, so keep that in mind.” He walked away.

“Oh my gosh.” Auri swiftly got up and rushed into the room.

“Auri!” Sunny coughed. “Auri, what am I doing here? What happened?”

Auri opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Saphie stood next to her, but she didn’t know what to say either. TA stood on the other side of the bed, mouthing something to Auri.

“Sunny… I… it was me. During training… we had a fight… and…” I ran out of words. You did this.

“What?” Sunny asked. “What?” She started breathing heavily.

“Sunny, don’t worry, calm down, we’ll tell you everything soon…” Saphie tried to comfort her.

“Is she okay?” Thunder Spark stormed in.

Auri sighed, like she knew something that we didn’t.

“Auri, tell me what happened…” Sunny insisted.

“It’s fine, Sunny, we’ll tell you afterwards…” Auri sighed.

“No, please tell me now…” She persisted.

Auri pursed her lips. “Sunny, as Flash said, you got… extremely hurt in a fight with Flash. How do you feel?” She asked, worried.

“Tired. But other than that, I’m okay, I guess. Thunder Spark?” She looked over at the dark blue stallion. I’d known Thunder Spark for years, yet I’d never seen him look so upset.

Auri exchanged a look with TA, who had a small grin on her face. “Um, Sunny, I think we should go… um… Flash might have something to say to you.” She rushed out of the room as quickly as she came in. What in Tartarus was that all about?

“Um, sorry… I’m… sorry.” I concluded.

“Flash… it’s fine.” She ended. “When am I gonna be allowed to go?”

The doctor had told us two days maximum. This is what Flashing Stupid does, everyone. “Up to two days.” I replied.

She sighed. Time to go, Flash. I walked out of the room, and TA, Auri and Saphie were standing outside, waiting

“Why aren’t any of you eating?” Thunder Spark asked us at dinner.

“Our friend nearly died. Give it a break. And it’s not like you’re eating.” Auri started.

He looked down. “We should go then.”

“Yeah, we should. Before the guys get all touchy. Don’t say anything cheesy, please.” TA replied, sticking her tongue out in disgust.

I walked silently into the dorm, locked myself in my room, and dropped into my bed. Today was interesting. You nearly killed your friend. What a nice friend you are, Flashing Stupid.
It wasn’t long until I drifted into an uneasy sleep.

She glares at me. I can tell she is upset. “I’m sorry”, I say, “I didn’t mean to. I didn’t mean for any of this.” Tears start flowing from my eyes. Her amethyst eyes hold my gaze. She doesn’t break our eye contact, and doesn’t let me either. Her face becomes colder.

“You did this to my friend”, she points to a frail body of a pegasus lying in a desolate hospital bed. I take a closer look and see her blood drenched face. “You did this.”she says, raising her voice, “How dare you.”

Her once beautiful smile is no more, only replaced by fury. “How dare you do this to her. How dare you do this to me.”, her nose starts to bleed, staining her lavender cheeks. “The blood is on your hooves. This is all your fault.” she steps forward, forcing me to step back. She corners me. Her horn fully ignited, sparks flying and threatening me. Her dusk hues of her mane covered in blood. Her eyes narrowed, her teeth gritted. Her breaths are short and harsh. “I hate you. I hate you so much.” With that, she blasts me-

I started breathing heavily. I couldn’t stop, the traumatizing event of the day haunted my dreams and turned them into nightmares. Flashing images of Twilight’s face appeared in my mind. She hates me, she hates me, she hates me. I keep messing up, everything is my fault. First the kiss, then hurting my friend- I’m the worst. Flashing Stupid. That’s all I am. In an attempt to pacify myself, I took one deep breath and exhaled slowly. But then my panting returned with the scarring memories terrorizing me. Realising that it would take me more than breathing slowly to calm myself down, I got out of bed and opened the window, trying to distract myself with the view of Luna’s gorgeous night. The moon shone on the crystal streets, glimmering like the stars in the sky. I tried to count each of the twinkling stars in the distance. One, two three, four, five, six… I stopped.

I noticed a silhouette walking around the corner of the Crystal Castle. I gasped as she stepped into the moonlight. What is she doing outside this late? Twilight stood next to the Crystal Heart and paused. I could see that her eyes were closed. Was she sleepwalking? Maybe I should help her back...or at least wake her up.

I left my dorm and made my way to the Square. Upon reaching, Twilight was still asleep and was wandering away into the streets. Does she do this every night? I stood in her way and she clumsily bumped into me and sat down, sleeping. We’ve got to stop bumping into each other like this. I rolled my eyes. Not knowing how to approach waking up a princess, I placed my forehooves on her shoulders as she quietly snored. I gently shook her and called her name a few times, until I noticed the change in her breathing pattern. She’s awake.

“F-Flash?”, her eyes widened. She stood up quickly and eyed me with confusion, “What are you doing here? What am I doing here?”

Why am I just realising how awkward this situation is?

“Uh...you were sleepwalking...and I saw you...and I decided to wake you up...I guess”, I spoke with intense hesitation. She facehooved in an attempt to hide her blushing. But in vain, since I could see it easily.

“Why does this always happen to me? I can’t stop messing up, not even this one time.”, she seemed frustrated. Nice knowing I’m not the only one who’s struggling. “Didn’t any of the guards on duty catch me?”

“Maybe they didn’t want to wake you. Or they just saw you and let you pass, thinking that you’re fully awake.”They need some training from Auri, honestly. Attention is everything. She facehooved again.

“Why? Why me?” she sighed, “Why doesn’t this ever happen to Cadence? Or even Shining?”

Um, I dunno. “Um, you okay, Princess?”

“Why the formality? I said you can just call me Twilight.” She seemed annoyed, so I agreed with her.

“Oh yeah, hehe, sorry, Twilight.”

“Better.” She looked at me again, ”Do you wanna come inside? Um, since you woke me up...and I don’t think I’ll be falling asleep again anytime soon...I’d like the company”, she smiled sheepishly.

I couldn’t help but return it, except I looked really dorky. “Okay”

We walked together through the hallways silently, to not alert any guards around. I didn’t have my armor with me so I was thankful that Twilight was there. When we approached her room, the guards looked puzzled.

“Oh yes, I just brought some company. I was totally awake, I swear.”, she stammered and they let us through. Her room was massive, with a crystal vanity desk and a bed, with shelves of books to embellish it. I’d never been in a Princess’ room before and my reaction was very much noticed by her. She giggled, “Yeah, I suppose you’ve never been here before. This is my room every time I visit the Crystal Empire. Usually I share it with my dragon, Spike, but I came alone this time.”, her face fell.

Finally getting the courage to actually do something instead of standing like an idiot, I placed my hoof around her and her face flushed pink. Ugh, now you’re being more of an idiot. My conscience snapped me back to my senses and I retracted my hoof.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, concerned.

Oh, the only thing wrong is that I’m a murderer and I’m Flashing Stupid and I’m madly in love with you and somehow you love me but you hate me too. Now that is what you call complicated. “ Um...I...I’m just having a hard time, I guess.” That's all I could say to respond.

“I understand. How’s Sunny doing? I heard about the accident.”

“She’s doing okay. But, it’s still all my fault,” I whispered, “I’m the worst.”

“What? Of course you’re not, it was an accident. It could’ve been anypony, especially if it was in a real battle”, she stroked her hoof through my blue mane comfortingly.

“So...you don’t hate me?”, I closed my eyes. When I opened them again, Twilight’s face was only a few inches away from mine.

“Of course not. Why would I hate you?” Her gleaming eyes watered. I was lost for words. So...she doesn’t hate me.

“I don’t hate you too.” Well you just made it dumb again. Well done.

She smiled and leaned forward. My heart started racing as she pressed her soft lips against mine.

Her face was glowing pink from her blushing, and my face felt hot. “Yeah, I don’t hate you at all.” She concluded.

She doesn’t hate me. Flashing Stupid is flashingly stupid when he’s an idiot. He’s even more stupid when mares he likes don’t hate him.

“Flash?” she leaned on my shoulder, “Flash, I do love you.”

There, Flashing Stupid. Point proven. I think Sunny hit you hard and this is all a dream. I took a step back. What a nightmare. Or fantasy. I’m not even sure anymore.

“Flash?” She asked, confused.

You’re being an idiot! “I… need to go.” I said, and without thinking I rushed out of the room.

“Why in Equestria did you leave her? Flash, you really screwed up this time.” TA shook her head at breakfast, and left with Saphie, leaving Auri and I talking.

“Well, Flash…” Auri closed her eyes. “I dunno. Are you scared of her or something? You always run away…”

Good point. Both times, I ran away. “I don’t know Auri. I don’t understand what’s happening…”

“We’re gonna go see Sunny.” Auri blurted. “Thunder, Saphie, TA and I.”

“Wait, I’ll come too.” I replied, sure that I would go as well. At least you can apologise properly.

Auri looked away. “Officers are only allowed to take one friend.” She sighed. “I’m going with Saphie… TA’s going with Thunder Spark.”

Wait. TA’s in love with Thunder? “Wait, what? They’re together? Huh?” You’re really dreaming.
“What? No! Of course not. It’s… complicated. Don’t get any thoughts.” She added.

Right. So am I gonna go? Who am I gonna go with? “But I really need to go. I need to apologise…”

“This might be crazy… should I ask Night Star?” She asked.

Um, not so crazy. “There’s nothing weird about that… is there?”

“He has a crush on me.” Auri replied, shaking her head.

Not what I expected. “You sure?”

“Positive.”

“How’d you know?”

“Oh, I know. He told TA, and TA told me. And…” She pointed a hoof at him, who was looking at us suspiciously, but he looked away instantly. “I’ll talk to him.” She replied.

“What? Right now?” I asked dumbly.

“No. Of course not. I’ll ask him at training. I’ll see how you do with TA.” She winked, and got up.

TA. No. “No!”

“Yes.”

“No!”

“Yes.”

“No!”

“Yes.” She walked away, probably over to her own guard station.

TA. Time to die.

I’m gonna die. I’m gonna die. I’m gonna die. Now I know how Sunny feels.

Saphie approached from behind me. “You’re not gonna last one minute with Tinted… she took it really easy with Sunny… you’re lucky Auri’s there to keep her sane.”

Thanks a lot, Saphie. Really helps. “I know.”

I walked into the training room, and TA was waiting for me. I saw Auri talking to Night Star.

“So. What have you learnt so far? Which moves have you learnt?” TA asked me.

Well. Auri didn’t exactly teach me that many moves. “I learnt about attention, deception, strategies and disguise. And I learnt a few basic moves, just, you know, punch, jab, strikes, blocks, kicks.” I replied.

“You’re not such a wimp anymore.” TA replied.

“Flash, you’re allowed to go with Night Star.” Auri appeared from behind.

I turned around. “Hey, Flash, how about you do a fight with Auri and see how that goes.” TA suggested.

You’re not killing another one of your friends. “No.” I replied.

“Sentry, I’m not gonna die from a couple of punches.” Auri replied, amused. “Okay then. Tinted, I’ll fight.”

Hell no. “No, not happening.”

“Flash, you might have nearly killed Sunny, but you’re the one who might die if you fight Auri…” TA replied.

“No, I’m not doing it.” I replied. Flashing Stupid, The Murderer’s back.

“Okay, well. Get ready, guys, because you’re doing it whether you like it or not. No no no no no. I do not want to fight her.
“Don’t worry, Flash, I’ll take it easy on you.” Auri said confidently.

“Flash, you have a choice of weapon.” TA said. “Auri ‘doesn’t use weapons’ apparently. Well, neither do I really. Knife?” She asked me, and I reluctantly nodded. “Okay, fight!” TA announced.

She stood there for a second, studying me, before rushing to both my sides, and punching them, hard. Ow. That’s gonna leave a mark. She punched my nose. I cut her straight across the cheek, and I grabbed her hoof. She gave me an evil look, and then wrestled me to the ground.

So much for killing her.

“Flash?” Auri stood next to me, offering her hoof. “You okay?”

Toughen up. “Yeah, great.” She pulled me up.

“And the winner is… Auri, duh.” TA announced. “Sentry, you look quite dead. And she didn’t even use a knife.” She turned towards Auri. “Do you want to go talk to Night Star about that?” She pointed towards the cut on her cheek.

Auri frowned. “I’ll be fine. Just a cut.”

TA turned towards me. “Sentry, your nose is bleeding.”

That was when I realised that blood was flowing down my mouth and my head was throbbing. “I’ll just… go clear myself up.”

“Flash, you’ll be okay. Don’t worry; you stress more than Twilight does.” Auri said to me, as we walked into Sunny’s room, who was sitting up, talking to the doctor.

“Falling Sunshine is ready to leave. She can guard, but keep off extreme training.” The doctor nodded at us, before leaving.

“It creeps me out when I hear my full name. Okay. Why are the six of you here? And - Night Star? Thunder Spark?” She looked at Thunder Spark, and then glanced towards Night Star.

“Are you ready to go?” Auri asked. “Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything. Come on.” She pulled Sunny up, who stood up.

“Ow, that hurts.” Sunny sighed.

“Sorry.” I stupidly said.

She smiled. “Forgiven and forgotten.” She said, holding onto Auri for support. “Ow. Maybe not forgotten just yet…”

“I’m sorry…” I repeated. Good thing she didn’t actually die.

“It’s fine. Auri, did someone try to kill you?” Sunny asked.

“What in-” Sunny pointed at the cut on Auri’s cheek. “Oh. Um… long story. I told you I’ll explain everything. Come on, everypony.” I walked out. At least she didn’t die.

“I’m sorry…” I repeated at dinner.

“Oh my gosh, Flash, it’s fine!” Sunny repeated, a little annoyed now. “Oh, and, Auri, you still haven’t explained EVERYTHING, like that cut. Spill.” Sunny said to Auri.

Auri bit her lip. “It was the fight. In training. Um…” She paused.

“Oh.” Sunny understood.

“Um, by the way, Sentry, it might not hurt that much now, but it’s gonna bruise. Auri punched you hard.” TA burst out laughing.

What in Tartarus? Bruise? Shoot.

“Sorry.” Auri said quickly.

“Should we go?” TA asked.

“I guess, yeah, sure.” Sunny said.

They’re avoiding me. They’re never this weird. Is it because Thunder and Night Star are here?

Sunny, Auri, Saphie and TA left, which left Night Star, Thunder Spark and I on the table. You’re the only one sitting like an idiot, Flashing Stupid.

“Was that weird to you?” I asked stupidly. Hey, someone’s back. FLASHING STUPID.

“Do I look like a girl?” Thunder Spark asked.

Night Star and I burst out laughing. That one is never gonna grow old.

“So, why exactly did you come with me to see Sunny, then, um, Officer?” I didn’t know what to address him.

“Just… call me Star. I just… Auri…” He sighed. “See you tomorrow, Flash.” He got up and left.

“Wasn’t that weird?” Thunder commented, before we both burst out laughing.

“So, Thunder, now you can tell me what in Tartarus is going on between you and Sunny.” I started.

A flush of pink filled his cheeks. “I have a crush on her.” He mumbled.

I guess I kind of realised.

Something's Changed

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I kept twisting and turning. Everything should have been comfortable, yet somehow I couldn’t go to sleep.

Not with these bruises, anyway.

I had too much to focus on. Nearly killing Sunny. Twilight. Flashing Stupid and how he’s gonna be the hero and ruin the day.

That was when I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

“Flash, you okay? You’ve been zoning out a bit much lately…” Auri asked me, “Is it about...Twilight?”

I sighed. “Yes...and no, I guess. I can’t stop thinking about her. But when I finally manage to stop for just a moment, I think about the hundreds of other problems in my life. And it’s honestly quite overwhelming. Ow.” I shifted to a weird position. I could feel pain all over me. What a good impression you’ll make on Twilight. Ugh, and I’m thinking about her again!

“Are you serious? He thinks about her 24/7.” TA commented.

Sunny and Saphie dropped into the seats, followed by Night Star, and then Thunder Spark who could not take his eyes off Sunny. Classic.

I took a bite of my pancakes. This is interesting.

“Um, so how’s everyone?” Sunny tried to spark some conversation.

“Hey everyone!” Shining Armor approached. “Sorry, I need to talk to the Officers about stricter guarding and safety measures.”

Auri bit her lip. “Shining, is it the Heart? Is some pony still trying to steal it?”

Shining sighed. “Not some pony. It’s some ponies. Come on.”

TA, Auri and Night Star raised from their seats and left.

I was still confused. “I’m… gonna go…” Thunder Spark got up and left. This is getting weird.

“Okay. Will someone tell me what in Tartarus is going on between you and Thunder?” I asked Sunny.

A huge flush of red filled her face.

Saphie bit her lip to stop herself from laughing. “Sunny has a crush on Thunder.”

Great. They’re crushing on each other. Should I spoil it to her? “Um, Sunny, believe me when I say this… Thunder is crushing on you as well. He likes you.”

“Seriously? It’s April Fools already?” Sunny rolled her eyes, and had a mouthful of her pancakes.

“No, seriously I mean it. It’s March. A few more days until April, I think.” I reassured her.

“Seriously, Flash, I dunno what guys do all day, but if it’s jokes when it’s not April Fools Day, then someone needs to take you to the doctors.” Sunny rolled her eyes, once again.

“Sunny! I mean it! He told me!” I was annoyed now. Keep it together, Flashing Stupid. Keep. It. Together.

“Uh-huh.” She nodded unconvincingly. “Wait. Oh. My. Celestia. It’s March! March 30th! Do you know what this means?” Sunny suddenly blurted.

“Oh yeah. Did you get her a present?” Saphie replied, much more calm than the hyper pegasus.

Present? What present?

“Oh my Celestia, Flash!” Sunny randomly facehooved, “You have no idea do you? How do you expect to win over a mare if you can’t even remember her birthday?” Uh… what? Wait… is it? Oh shoot. Nope… I do not have a present.

“Ugh! Come on Saphie! Let’s go shopping with Flash,” She forcefully pulled me, wincing slightly. I rolled my eyes and pulled myself away from her.

“I’m coming don’t worry. I’m the one who forgot anyway. But...I also haven’t seen her since...the incident.” I shrugged. Saphie smirked as Sunny tried to pull me again.

“Sorry about her, she wants you two to be together already.” Saphie remarked, shaking her head. Like that’s gonna happen. I forgot her flipping birthday! She’s a princess! Everypony knows… everypony except for Flashing Stupid, I guess. Wait, how did this even happen? I’ve been thinking about her 24/7 and it didn’t even occur to me?

“Uh, guys, what’s happening?” Auri asked, followed by TA.

“Flash forgot Twilight’s birthday.” Saphie said, whilst Sunny tried to pull me out of my seat. “So we’re going shopping.”

“Oh my gosh! Who are you going with?” Auri asked.

“Um, okay. Auri, come with us, please!” Sunny complained.

“Uh. I can only go with one of you.” Auri sighed. “TA? Up for a spending spree?”

“Definitely not. We get a holiday once a week and I’m not wasting it on Sentry. I’m going to the library. See you at training.” TA said, before leaving.

“I’m gonna join her. See ya!” Saphie followed TA out.

“Uh. Flash. You better buy her something good or I’ve just wasted my day, okay?” Auri said, annoyed.

“Okay, okay, can we go now?” Sunny urged.

“Yeah, sure, if we’ve got another officer.” I sighed. I wish I wasn’t Flashing Stupid.

“How about Night Star?” Sunny asked Auri.

Auri bit her tongue to stop herself laughing. I’m probably Flashing Stupid, the comedian now. “You think I’m gonna ask him?” Auri shook her head. “No way.”

“Uh. Why not?” Sunny sighed, getting much more impatient than she already was.

“You already know. Also… TA told me this yesterday… when we went to visit you, everyone thought there was this double date thing going on.” Sunny and Auri burst out laughing, and I was left there, standing like an idiot. Hey there, Flashing Stupid. How’s it going?

“Please. Guys.” I sighed. My head was throbbing. Every inch of my body felt broken.

“Okay. See you two at training.” Sunny waved and left.

“Okay then Flash. What exactly are you gonna get her?” Auri asked me, when we were walking across the shops. “Any idea- oh my gosh.” She stopped talking abruptly.

“What?” I asked stupidly. Flashing Stupid, what a nice surprise.

“Twilight!” Auri brought me back to my senses.

“Hey!” Twilight walked over to us. “What are you doing here?”

“Just wanted to buy some stuff. You know. I’ll leave you two. Um. To go. And buy stuff. Like a normal pony. Meet you here in half an hour, Flash, okay?” Auri ran off.

AHHH. Flashing Stupid, don’t screw up. “Hi, Twilight.” I started.

“Hi Flash. You okay?” She asked me.

No. I’m in love with you, nearly killed Sunny, forgot about your birthday present, and then you show up so technically, I can’t buy anything for you. Sweet. “I’m fine.” I lied.

“You sure?” Twilight frowned. There you go, Flashing Stupid.

“I’m fine.” I repeated.

Just then, I heard a sound like the slow trotting of hooves, and I froze. This is dangerous, idiot. Do something! Twilight turned around, and glanced at me.

The trotting of hooves got closer and closer until Shining Armor turned the corner. Well that was unexpected. I felt relieved at seeing him, though I had an annoyed expression on my face which Twilight seemed to notice.

“Private Sentry! There you are!” Shining said to me. I saluted to respond. “Twilight…I need to talk to him...alone.”

She grunted and left. Something’s obviously bothering her. But before I could gather my thoughts properly Shining spoke again.

“You know a little bit about the plot, don’t you? I’m supposing Officer Aqua Aura has told you.” I nodded.

“Well...a new guard has been recruited. And he will be able to take some of your work off you.”

“Come again?”

“You’ve been partly guarding Princess Twilight’s bed chambers and the Crystal Heart. Now, with a new guard, you can focus on protecting the Crystal Heart with Officer TA.” I stayed silent. This is totally fine, isn’t it? I mean...this doesn’t really change much...does it? I gulped. I wish all of this made sense! But it just doesn’t. How am I meant to tell Shining that I’m distracted by his sister?

“Is that clear?” He snapped me from my thoughts once again. I just nodded to him and he walked away.

Who is this new guard anyway?

I wandered off around the streets of the Crystal Empire. I still have to get her a present. But what does she like? Oh I know! Books! I need to get her a book...but what book has she not read yet? But she seemed angry...what if she changed her mind?

What if she doesn’t like me anymore because I forgot her birthday? I didn’t even wish her...I probably hurt her bad. Again. I hadn’t noticed, but I’d started walking back to the Square without even reaching the shops. Ugh, why can’t I just do this normally? Do I have to embarrass myself in front of her every time? I can’t say a proper sentence to her without sounding like an idiot!

I blindly passed through the hallways of the castle, my thoughts with complete control over my direction. I plucked a flower from some nearby crystal bushes. I can’t- I just need to see her! I want to see her now! I want to see her smile, her hair, her eyes...I shook my head, realising that I was distracted again. But it was too late, I was already in front of Twilight’s door. Well done, Flashing Stupid, you did it again! I rolled my eyes at my stupidity. Should I knock? No, maybe...maybe this was a terrible idea...even though I had no idea I would come here. But my hoof only did otherwise. I panicked as I heard three knocks on the door. Sweet Celestia, what is wrong with me?

Twilight answered the door almost immediately, she seemed excited, though she quickly frowned when her gaze met mine.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

“I’m fine” She responded.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m fine.” She brushed me off. She acted just like how I did earlier. Well done, Flashing Stupid. I choked.This is all your fault.

“Twilight, I’m really sorry…” I didn’t know what to say. What have you done? “I’m sorry…” I repeated.

“It’s fine.” She said flatly, like she wanted to get rid of me. “What exactly are you doing here?” She asked bluntly.

“Um…” I sighed, “Happy birthday.” I noticed the flower I’d brought with me and placed it in her hair. She didn’t even look at me.

“I’m sorry I’m not any better,” She said reluctantly. She took the flower out of her hair and threw it on the floor, walking away.

I felt my knees weakening and I trudged to a nearby window to take a deep breath. I glanced at the flower and I couldn’t control the tears forming in my eyes. “I’m sorry I’m not any better.” What in Equestria did she mean? What did she mean? Why can’t I stop thinking about her for one flipping second? Why do I care so much? Why couldn’t I have just gotten her a present? That might’ve worked instead of giving her a random flower! I started banging my head on the wall. Stupid. That’s all you are...that’s all you can ever be! Just Flashing Stupid! My head was beginning to hurt, but I kept going. The commotion attracted some guards close by. They tried to pacify me and pulled me away from the wall as my forehead was bleeding. My head spun and the last thing I remembered was my name being called.

I pick the flower, it has pink petals which match Twilight’s highlight perfectly. I pluck each petal. “She loves me...she loves me not...she loves me...she loves me not...she loves me…” My eyes water as I pluck the last petal, “...she loves me not.”

My eyes opened to a blinding light. I couldn’t tell what was going on around me; all I could hear was chatter around me. And a familiar voice calling my name. Make that several familiar voices.

“Flash?” Auri asked me, as I opened my eyes. “Thank Celestia, what in Tartarus happened?” I looked around me; we were in a - hospital? And Sunny was looking at me anxiously. “Someone didn’t try to kill you, did they?” I shook my head, tears swelling up in my eyes. “You were on a suicide mission?” She guessed. I shook my head, trying to keep the tears in, but I could feel them pour down my cheeks. “Oh, Flash, don’t cry, it’ll be okay…”

“It won’t be.” I croaked.

“What happened?” Sunny asked. She sounded like she was going to burst into tears. Nice one, Flashing Stupid.

“Twilight…” I managed to say. “Why am I here?”

Auri exchanged a look with Sunny. “Your head had a deep cut in it, your nose was bleeding, and you had some sort of concussion. Wait - Twilight did this to you?” She asked.

“No. When am I gonna be able to go?” I said, taking heavy breaths.

“Well, the doctor said tomorrow… but Flash, are you okay?” Auri asked. Sunny practically had tears pouring down her cheeks.

“I…” I dozed off.

“Flash.” Twilight gives me an angry stare.
I sigh. “Twilight-”
“I hate you.” She simply says, and punches me in the face.

“Flash?” Auri repeated. I snapped awake. “Flash, you’re drugged. You have about a minute before you go to sleep. Flash, you’ll be okay.”

“Is he okay?” Night Star rushed in. Sunny and Auri both put their hooves on their heads.

“I’m fine.” Circles of darkness started blurring my vision. “Happy Birthday Twilight.” I whispered.

Auri closed her eyes to keep tears in, and Sunny continued crying, with deeper sobs.

“Bye… ” I whispered, before drifting asleep.

Finding The Pieces

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“...I don’t know what I said to him…” I could hear Twilight say. I jerked awake.

“Are you sure about that? Because he kept mumbling your name. Did anything unusual happen?”

“No.” She replied. I slowly opened my eyes. “F-Flash! You’re awake!”

Next to her I could see a cream coloured stallion, who I assumed was the doctor.

“I’ll leave you two alone” He said before leaving the room.

Twilight stared at the floor intensely before glancing up to me. But as soon as we had eye contact, she turned away.

“Are you okay?” She asked, still not looking at me.

“No.” That was all I could manage to say.

She bit her lip. “Okay.”

“How are you?” I cleared my throat.

“Fine.” I could tell that she was levitating something with her magic.

I sighed. “Happy-” That was when I remembered it was morning and likely, the next day, “-birthday.” I muttered under my breath.

She turned towards me. “Thanks.” She whispered, walking to my side. I glanced at the flower she was holding - the same one I gave her. “Sorry.” She whispered. “Sorry.” Tears started falling from her eyes, “I’m so sorry… ” She sobbed and covered her face with her hooves.

A lump formed in my throat. “For what?” A princess like her wouldn’t like a stupid guard like me.

“For everything, Flash.” She pressed her lips against mine, and pulled her face back , a few inches away from mine. “I love you.” She pulled back, and walked to the door. “I’m going back to Ponyville in three days.” I heard the bang of the door close behind her.

“I love you too.” I whispered.

“Flash Sentry?” The doctor entered the room, and I sat up. “Aqua Aura, Falling Sunshine, Tinted Assistance and Sapphire Moonlight are here to see you back. If you have any headaches, come straight back.” He nodded at me before leaving the room.

“Flash?” Sunny walked in, followed by the others. “You okay now?”

No. You’re heartbroken. That is not any better. “I guess I’m better.”

“What exactly happened, Flash?” Auri asked anxiously.

I closed my eyes. “Nothing.” I started to feel the pain in my head, “I’m fine.”

“Flash, please tell us. We’re here for you.” Sunny said.

“Nothing. I just messed up as usual.” I sighed, “How many times is that now? Four times? Or is it five? Either way, I’m a failure.”

I headed for the door. Ugh. Nothing makes sense. I’m sick and tired of this. Around her, I mess up so bad. I hurt her more than once. How could she love me? Although...she did say that she loves me. Now I’m just confused!

Suddenly TA shoved her hoof on my mouth to prevent me from talking, except she did it with such force that I felt like my jaw was breaking. “Listen here, Sentry. If you call yourself that one more time, then I’ll kick you so hard that you’ll be in hospital for another year.”

I shuddered at the thought, “Okay okay, I won’t call myself that anymore.” When she gave me another dark glare, I squeaked so loud that little fillies would’ve been proud of me. Way to go again, Flashing Stupid, you’re such a wimp.

“You also need to cut the ‘Flashing Stupid’ thing, honestly.” Auri said matter-of-factly. Wait- How- When- What! HUH? WHAT? How did she flipping know that- oh right, mind reading, never gonna get used to that.

“No, not mind reading.” Sunny interrupted my thoughts, “Auri and I were walking past your dorm a few days ago when we heard you shouting ‘I AM FLASHING STUPID’ and when we called out to you, you didn’t respond, so we figured that you were sleep-shouting.” She shrugged. Well that’s embarrassing. No wait...I remember that. I was awake, thank Celestia, I thought I was going insane. I didn’t reply because I probably wanted them to leave so I could hide my embarrassment. Which...didn’t work.

After getting distracted in our weird conversation several times, we finally made it out of the hospital.

“Okay, so before I hit you again, spill. What in Tartarus happened?” TA demanded.

Um, remember. Hospital for a year. “Um, nothing, it’s fine, forget it…” my voice trailed off. Do you want her to kill you?

Auri sighed. “Flash, please!”

“Sentry, if you don’t tell us, you’re gonna die, and it’s gonna be painful.” TA threatened. I shrugged. No don’t shrug, you are terrified of her! Didn’t you say a few days ago that she doesn’t have mercy? And that you shouldn’t hide things from her? I rolled my eyes at my inner thoughts. Have you gone insane? Well, me, I have most definitely gone insane if I’m arguing with myself in my head. Well that disproves what I said to myself earlier about not being insane. Yes, I’ve lost all my sanity.

“You know, I’ve read books with the weirdest of characters, yet not being scared of Tinted at all right now makes you weirder than ALL of them.” Saphie commented. That further reinforces my point. Point taken. Well done. Just...say what happened. No more hiding.

I held my hoof up and breathed in and out slowly, signalling to my friends that I needed a moment and I would tell them once we reached the castle. At least I hope that’s what they got from that.

As we slowly approached the castle, with Saphie and Auri leading the way, to what I think is the Mess Hall, Sunny on my right, occasionally giving me a sympathetic smile and TA on my left, glaring at me the whole time. That’s what I get for messing with her, I guess. I snickered. Heh, ‘messing’ with her, because we’re going to the ‘Mess’ Hall. Sunny must’ve been reading my mind again because she facehooved, I just grinned sheepishly.

Out of what I could hear, Auri and Saphie were fangirling about another vampire series they read, Sunny was too busy invading my thoughts and TA was watching me like I was King Sombra and she was my escort to prison. Nice one, Flashing Stupid.

Sunny bit her lip to stop herself laughing and shook her head.

“What do we do with you?” She muttered, though more to herself than to me.

Oh right, the mind reading. What was that about a vampire mind reader? “Um, Auri? Saphie? Who was that vampire mind reader?”

“Edward Cullen.” They chorused. Sunny facehooved again and TA continued glaring at me.

“Uh, right, thanks.” Well, that was stupid, Flashing Stupid. “Wait, what time is it?”

“Um, it’s nearly noon.” Sunny sighed, “Which is exactly why we’re about to have lunch.”

“Oh yeah...hehe.”

“Seriously though-”, she whispered, “-you gotta stop calling yourself that.” What? How does she know that I still- it’s Sunny don’t question it. Only Flashing Stupid can forget that his friends can read minds like Princess Luna walks through dreams. Sunny stopped in place and glared at me darkly, as if she was going to kill me too. Eh. I don’t think she can do that. She raised her eyebrow and gave a sly smirk. Her expression was screaming to me that she had ideas. Ideas that I probably wouldn’t like.

“Okay! Okay!” I fell on my knees and placed my hooves together, pleading to her, “I’ll stop just PLEASE don’t do anything stupid!”

“No promises.” She ran to catch up to all of us, since she was falling behind by standing still to look threatening.

So much for that idea.

TA glared at me. “Sentry, hurry up! Starving to death isn’t the ideal way to die. Plus, I for one, do not want to die that way!”

Well, that makes two of us. Sunny rolled her eyes again. “Sunny! Don’t you get annoyed hearing people’s thoughts all the time?”

“Well duhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Why in Equestria do you think I facehooved three times in the span of five minutes? Even though I already told you that I DON’T READ MINDS!” Sunny sighed. I just rolled my eyes.

“Uh, calm down!” Saphie and Auri chorused, turning around and letting us catch up to them.

“Yeah, yeah…” I started. THEY’RE STILL MIND READERS.

Sunny and Auri facehooved once again.

“Okay, now you need to tell us about what happened. Or then, forget about TA, I’ll personally kill you. It’s gonna hurt.” Auri started.

I took a bite of my hayburger. What the hay am I meant to do? “Um-”

“Choose your words wisely.” TA interrupted.

WHAT THE HAY AM I MEANT TO DO?! CELESTIA, HELP ME.

“Flash, don’t worry. We’re here for you.” Auri sighed. “Please.”

I started explaining what happened.

“So that’s it?” Saphie asked.

“You guys are made for each other. Neither of you can have a proper conversation without one of you running away or something. And I thought Bella and Edward together was weird.” TA snickered, whilst Sunny facehooved. Again. Doesn’t her head hurt after all that?

“You’re not helping!” Sunny shook her head.

“How the hay is this meant to work? She’s a princess, and I’m just a random guard. She lives in Ponyville, whilst I’m ages away in the Crystal Empire. This is never gonna work. It’s just a far fetched dream.” I let my feelings out.

Saphie was too absorbed in a book to be listening to what I was saying. TA couldn’t care less. I mean, she’s TA. Why would she care? Auri bit her lip. Sunny opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.

“Flash, it’ll be fine.” Sunny finally said.

“It’s never fine with me. Every second of my life, there has always been something that didn’t work. It has never been fine. I never had any friends, and I was bullied and-” I instantly stopped when I realised I said too much.

“Hey everypony!” Shining Armor glanced at me before he looked at the rest of us. “I need you to be on duty today. Especially you, TA. You know how important taking care of the crystal heart is.” TA nodded. “Sentry? You’re guarding Twi- Princess Twilight’s chambers today.” And he left.

“What with my luck.” I muttered.

“Oh, don’t worry. You can talk things through.” Sunny smiled.

“I hope so…”

I had been standing at the guard post for hours. And there was still another ten minutes until I could go to training.

That was when I spotted Twilight. With another pegasus that I couldn’t forget.

Winter Gust.

“-I had so much fun, thanks Winter!”

“Until next time, Princess…”

She giggled. “I love you…”

“Love you too…”

That was when I couldn’t see any more. My eyes filled with tears.

She loves someone else.

“Flash?” Auri asked again. “Flash, seriously, if something’s wrong then-”

“I’m fine.” I lied.

“Come on, it’s us. We know when something’s up.” Sunny came from behind.

“I’m fine.” I repeated.

Auri glared at me. “Sentry, I didn’t ask ‘how are you’.” Woah. She sounds like TA. “Tell us what’s bothering you. What are friends for?”

I gulped. “You know who.”

“You mean, Voldemort?” Auri rolled her eyes.

Who’s Voldemort? I gave Auri a look, and she facehooved. “Twilight?”

“Yeah, her.” I couldn’t bear to say her name anymore. How could I love and hate someone so much?

No. It wasn’t her who I hated. It was him. Winter Gust. The one who made my life like Tartarus.

“Flash?” Auri snapped me back into reality again. “Flash, please. There’s two minutes before we do the fights. Please tell us what’s up. You have friends now. Don’t think that you’re alone.”

I sighed. I should probably tell them. “Winter Gust is-”

“Okay, everypony. For the past few days, you have been doing training to improve yourself as a guard, so now we will be doing some fights between different guards. And no weapons. But no magic, and no flying, got it?” Shining Armor informed us. “So, the first fight will be between… Aqua Aura and Night Star!” He informed us.

Auri facehooved.

“Alright then. Fight!” He announced.

Auri did that thing where she just looked at him in the eye. She stood there motionless. She’s probably waiting for him to make the first move, right?

Night Star looked confused. Ha, serves you right.

Shining Armor grinned. “Okay then.”

Night Star turned his head to look at him, and as soon as he broke eye contact, she kicked him in the nose, which instantly started flowing with blood. Ow. Night Star grabbed her hoof and twisted it. Okay, that’s gonna hurt. Auri bit her lip in pain. She kicked him in the sides, and twisted both his hooves. Payback, I guess.

He punched both her sides and Auri held her breath in pain. “Sorry.” He said.

“I don’t need your apologies.” Auri punched him in the face.

Well, it went interestingly after that. Let’s just say that Night Star kinda almost died.

“Okay, the next fight will be between… Flash Sentry and Winter Gust.” Shining Armor read off of a scroll.

Winter Gust. Winter Gust . WINTER GUST. WINTER GUST.

So he was here. Winter Gust was here.

“Flash!” Sunny nudged me. She had an anxious look on her face.

“It’s him.” I simply said.

Sunny sighed. “Yeah, it was Night Star. Oh my gosh, they just fought the life out of each-”

“Winter Gust.”

“Winter Gust?” She looked at me, confused. “Yes, it’s Winter Gust! You need to go fight!”

I walked up, and stood there motionless. IT WAS Winter Gust.

“Okay, you can fight!” Shining Armor announced.

Remember everything Auri taught you. Attention. Deception. Strategies. Disguise. Use it. It’s not like you’re battling Night Star. Or some sort of villain. See how many villains Twilight has faced? This is Winter Gust. An idiot.

Idiot now. Idiot always.

Sometimes I hate you, brain.

I looked up and saw Winter Gust running towards me. Attention. I just walked out of the way and he fell face flat on the floor. Well that was funny. PAYBACK, WINTER. As he got up, I shot him a look, and punched him in the face, chest and sides which instantly started to bruise. I pushed my hoof into his neck. “How dare you.” He started making choking noises.

“I did what I had to.” He choked.

“Flash!” Shining Armor shouted.

But I hated him too much. This could get me fired. But it didn’t matter. I could die. That didn’t matter. Winter Gust had to die, whether or not I had to die in the process.

“Private Sentry!” Shining Armor repeated, trying to pull me away from Winter Gust.

But no. He had to die.

“Flash? Flash, please. What’s wrong with you?” Auri asked.

Sunny and Auri tried to pull me away from Winter Gust. But he had to die. He had to.

“Everyone, go.” Shining Armor told everyone in the training hall, and they started going.

Auri sighed, and Shining Armor whispered something to Auri.

“No, Shining. I’m not going to do that. There’s a clear reason he’s doing this. He knows him.” I heard Auri say.

Of course I did. How could I forget what he had done. Now and before.

“Just… try.” He sighed, all of them trying to pull me away from Winter Gust.

“It’s what he’s thinking. He’s thinking about how he hates him.” Sunny started.

Of course I hate him. After what he did to me when I was younger. Forget about me. After what he did to Twilight. And if he did anything to Twilight, he had to die.

“He did something to Twilight.” They chorused.

“Winter Gust. Did something. To TWILIGHT?!” Shining Armor sounded angry.

“Flash? Please.” Sunny continued.

“Flash Sentry. I am an officer for the Royal guard and if Shining Armor isn’t going to fire you, I will. You know I’m not afraid to fire you. As I told you, trust no-one. They use deception and disguise as well. This anger inside you - move past it. Twilight is a grown mare. She can make her own decisions, and if she chooses to be with another… then if you truly love her then you would respect her wishes.” Auri sighed.

That was what made me think. I love her. So I’ll let her go.

I let go of Winter Gust who gasped in relief. Suddenly, the lights seemed dimmer and the hall seemed like it was spinning around me. My head was throbbing. And the last words I remember hearing were from a familiar voice, though it took me several seconds to register what it was saying.

“I hate you.”

I jolted upright, again. Luckily, this time I was in my own bed, in my own dorm and not in hospital. There was only silence pervading the room, so I figured that I was alone. However, I didn’t want to break it; I could still feel the throbbing in my head, though it wasn’t hurting as much as before, but even the sound of a pin drop made me feel like my brain would burst. I tried recalling what happened before I passed out. “I hate you.” I thought I recognised the voice, but in the deafening quiet in my room, I couldn’t put my hoof on who said it. So, I decided to push that thought aside for a few minutes.

Instead, I could do something I haven’t done in a few eventful days: think. Thinking about what the hay happened, try to actually make sense of everything. And of course, try not to panic or… get distracted, like I usually do.

So, first off, Twilight told me that she loves me. She also kissed me. But, on her birthday, after I kind of ignored her, she ignored me and threw my flower and said that she’s sorry she’s not any better, or something like that. Later, when I woke up in hospital, she came and had the flower with her and told me she loves me...again. But then, I see her with Winter Gust and she says that she loves him. Winter Gust! Out of all the pon- no, Flash. Focus. Twilight’s leaving in a few days. She continuously tells me that she loves me, but her actions...fluctuate. A lot. It doesn’t doesn’t add up.

I look at my hooves. I’ve been acting differently too. I shift my gaze towards the rest of my darkly lit room.

Something’s not right here.

Love Is Fragile

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“Flash?” I heard Sunny’s voice.

“Huh? What? I’m up.” I lazily opened my eyes, to see Sunny, Auri and Saphie. Well, Saphie was absorbed in a book.

“Three accidents in less than a week!” Auri stated with a small smirk.

“We didn’t even get to do an April Fools trick on you.” Sunny sighed sadly.

“Yeah. I even got Tinted fooled. It was hilarious.” Auri rolled her eyes.

“So, has Princess Twilight left?” I asked.

Auri looked at me. “Flash, you need to forget about her.”

“I… yeah.” I sighed. “Wait… what are you doing in my room?”

“Talking to you.” Sunny yawned. “Your sleeping habits aren’t very convenient.”

Before I could ask what time it was, Auri sighed. “It’s the middle of the night.”

“Why-”

“Nearly everyone’s awake, Flash. They heard about what happened.” Auri said simply.

“Of course they did.” I mumbled

“So, Flash.” Thunder Spark came into the room with a hayburger, and passed it towards me.

“Um, thanks.” I said, taking a bite of the hayburger.

He snickered. “Crushing on the princess?”

“THUNDER!” Auri and Sunny chorused.

“What?”

“Is Private Sentry awake?” Shining Armor entered my room. “I need to talk to you.”

Auri nodded and the four of them left the room. Great. Shining Armor and I are ‘bonding’.

“Flash, um, I need to ask you something. What exactly is going on between you and my sister?”

Um, I don’t know. It’s like the flower. She loves me, then she loves me not, she loves me, then she loves me not. What in Tartarus is going on? What am I telling him?

So, what the hay are you saying, Flashing Stupid?

“Flash, please.”

“I don’t know.” I simply stated.

“You… don’t know?” He shot me an inquisitive look.

“No… I don’t.” I hung my head, as my mind filled with confusion again.

“Are you sure? Something must have happened.”

“Trust me, a LOT of things happened between us. I honestly don’t know what we are anymore.”

“Have you said anything to her? Because, she’s acting different, lately”

“Not that I know of. But Twilight herself can’t make up her mind on what to say to me. And...now that I think about it, I’ve been acting differently too...”

“I...see.” He gingerly glanced at me, as if he was examining me to see if what I was saying was true, “And you’re right. Strangling Winter Gust was very unlike you, Sentry.” I flinched at the mention of his name.

“Just the strangling bit though, I hate him with all my heart.”

“Really? May I ask why?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Okay then. Twilight can’t make up her mind on what to say to me either, at least about you.”

“What did she say?”

He bit his lip, “She kind of said that she likes you-no wait- loves you.” My eyes widened. Ugh, that just adds to my list. She loves me. She loves me not. Aaand she loves me again! “Well, in that particular example, she kind of told Cadence and I kind of listened in on the conversation…” He muttered under his breath with a sheepish expression.

“You were eavesdropping?” I asked, amused.

“NONONO! Just...um...checking in…” He ran a hoof through his mane awkwardly. I tried to stifle my snickering. He cleared his throat, “Anyway, she also talks a lot about you with Cadence. And from what I heard, and what she said to me, yeah, it makes sense that she-ahem- loves you.” I started mentally counting the seconds before everything turned around and nothing made sense anymore. 3...2...1...and-

“But when I asked her about it yesterday, she completely brushed me off. At first I figured it was because I’m not the love expert that Cadence is which actually makes me jealous sometimes.” He grunted, “But, when I told her that you got hurt today, she seemed...apathetic about it. And suddenly, when I mentioned that Winter Gust was also hurt, she literally ran past me to his room to make sure he was okay. Didn’t even say goodbye to me or anything.”

My eyes narrowed, So Winter Gust has something to do with this! Why didn’t I see it before?

“She changed again a few minutes before I got here, near tears and asking if you were alright. She wanted to see you bad, but I told her I needed to talk to you first. I’m sure she’s waiting outside as we speak.”

I don’t know how to feel about that. On one hoof, she was acting dangerously strange, and she could have eavesdropped on our conversation if it runs in the family. Shining, as though he could read my mind as well, which is seriously annoying, said that he put a soundproofing spell on the room, so, forget Twilight, nopony could eavesdrop on us. So I didn’t have to worry about that anymore. Okay, let’s try this again.

On one hoof, she was acting dangerously strange and she had not only hurt my feelings, but had also taken some interest in my worst enemy. But on the other hoof, she was my friend. Wait is she? I mean, I care about her, definitely. She...um...seems to care about me, when she isn’t acting weird, that is. Shining Armor just said that she was near tears. I hummed in thought.

“Can I talk to her?” I finally asked.

“Sure. But Flash, one more thing. You are one of the best guards of your rank; even though you really hate Winter Gust, try not to get distracted, especially at a time like this. The threat against the Crystal Heart remains, it is of utmost importance that you, and all the other guards stay focused.” He formed a small smile and nodded. I nodded back in response. He enveloped his magic in a pink aura as he removed the sound proofing spell and opened the door.

He nodded again, but to a lavender alicorn mare instead. She cautiously glanced at me as she entered my room before glancing away. I realised that it was the first time she’d been to my room, as far as I knew, and she took the time in silence to observe my messy chambers. Following her gaze, I could tell she looked over the walls, floor and ceiling about three times, never making eye contact with me. Her horn glowed pink and she closed the door.

We shifted uncomfortably as the only wordless exchange. Moments passed. I looked at her and caught her looking away from me. Neither of us said anything.

“I can’t do this anymore.” I finally broke the silence, “This is ridiculous!” I grunted and covered my face with my hooves in exasperation.

“Yeah...it is, isn’t it?” Twilight mumbled with a soft giggle. This ‘giggle’, though, sounded deflated and miserable. I lifted the hooves from my face to see Twilight’s face. She was looking at the floor with a distant and intense glare. She probably noticed me watching her, as she abruptly turned to face me. Something’s definitely wrong. Her normally radiant eyes were dull, bloodshot and puffy, implying that she’d been crying. Her mane and tail were not their usual smooth and neat style, but instead ruffled and messed up. Her lip was quivering slightly, and she was taking soft, ragged breaths.

“Are you okay?” I asked dumbly. She forced a smile and nodded vigorously, before slowing down and transitioning into shaking her head depressingly.

“No. No I’m not.” Her eyes watered again.

“Don’t worry.” I whispered and gently pulled her down to sit next to me on the bed.

“How can I not worry? I have no idea what I’m even doing!” She snapped, then proceeded to sob into her hooves, “Ugh! I’m so stupid!”

My mouth hung open slightly in bemusement. She just...called herself stupid? Hmm...why does that sound familiar? I sadly watched the mare curl herself into a ball as my mental insults hurled themselves at me. Flashing Stupid. Flashing Stupid. Flashing Stupid. I shook my head. That doesn’t matter right now. I rubbed Twilight lightly on her shoulder. Startled but the sudden contact, she arose from her ball of tears and looked at me with her watery amethyst eyes. I reached out my forehoof to her. After a moment, she grabbed it and leaned into me, crying into my shoulder. I embraced her and stroked her back with my hoof comfortingly.

“It’s okay, Twilight.” I whispered.

We stayed there for a few minutes, neither of us willing to release hold of each other.

And that was when I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

Wake up, Flash. Time to face the day.
I opened my eyes drearily to see a lavender mare lying next to me.

Wait. I glanced towards the time. It’s 4pm. I’ve been sleeping for hours. And training starts in just an hour.
I jerked awake. Yay, I’m fired.

“Flash.” Twilight yawned, and sat up. “Waitttttttttttttttttttt. Oh my gosh it’s four already?!” She started panicking. “Love you, Flash. Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…” She rushed out of the door.

Great. I love you too.

I walked into the training hall, where everyone’s stares just couldn’t leave me. Oh, come on.
“Hi…” I said to Sunny and Auri.

“Hi.” Sunny struggled to keep her eyes open, whilst Auri yawned.

“Why are you so tired?” I asked. Oh, right, that was a stupid question.

Auri rolled her eyes, and Sunny walked away to TA. “We were awake all night. Anyway, lesson…” She paused. “Whatever lesson number it is. I should probably tell you a thing or two about your own weaknesses.”

“My weaknesses?” I frowned.

“Everyone has a weakness. And it is very easy to understand what yours is.” She sighed.

“It is?” Flashing Stupid, Flashing Stupid, Flashing Stupid!

“It’s your love for Princess Twilight. It’s true, love can be a strength. See… Cadence and Shining. But it’s also a huge weakness… ugh. How do I say this? The more heart you give, the more your heart will hurt. Well, you’ll probably figure that out as time passes… there’s not an actual way to explain it, I guess.” She sighed. “Okay. I’ll let you decide - what do you want to learn?”

Um, I never really thought of that. “I don’t know… just teach me something useful, I guess…”

“There’s your next weakness. It’s how unsure you are-”

“Okay, everyone. We will be continuing with the fights that we were doing yesterday.” Captain Armor glanced at me and returned his gaze to the scroll. “Aqua Aura and Tinted Assistance.”

“WHAT THE HAY?!” Auri shook her head. “NOPE. NOT. HAPPENING. Besides, I already fought Night- Officer Night Star last time.”

He shrugged. “There’s an odd number of people.”

“UGH.” She muttered something under her breath as the two mares walked forward.

“Fight!” Shining Armor announced. “Oh, and don’t kill each other. I’m kinda expecting that.” He added.

TA instantly lunged into Auri, who kicked her in the stomach. Ow. Sighing in anger, TA punched the side of her head, (Again: ow.), and Auri’s hair came out from her usual loose fillytail.

“UGH, seriously?” Auri rolled her eyes and punched TA in the face.

That was when I spotted Twilight in the corner of the room.

“Hi.” She said as I approached her.

“Hi.”

“They’re gonna kill each other, aren’t they?” She giggled.

“All’s fair in love and war...I guess.” I replied, trying to act as cool as I possibly could.

“Um...if you don’t mind me asking, why did you...um, try to hurt Winter Gust yesterday?” She didn’t keep her eyes off Auri and TA.

I felt myself stiffen at the mention of his name.

“Well...basically...it’s complicated.” I said with a sigh. My mind went back to when I saw Twilight and Winter Gu- him talking, the words they said, I gritted my teeth at the thought. “Say Twilight, what were you doing with Winter Gust after I came out from hospital?” I was scared to hear the response. To both my relief and dismay, she didn’t give me one. It was almost as if she didn’t even hear me.

“Uh, Twilight?”

She finally glanced at me, “Why do you ask?” She raised her eyebrow, “Why do you think we did something?”

“Well, I was stationed at my post, and was just about to leave, when I saw you two. Though, you didn’t see me, clearly”

Her eyes widened, “You saw us together?” I nodded, “What did we say?”

I tensed at the memory, “You said that you loved him, and he said he loved you.”

Her face was expressionless. “Oh.” She turned to face the training that was going on, away from my gaze, “Is that why you attacked him?”

“Kinda. But...there’s more to it than that.”

“Oh, okay.”

There was a tense silence around us, despite the noise coming from the fighting between the guards.

She was the first to break it, “Well, I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Whatever happened, with Winter Gust, I mean. And also on my birthday, sorry about the flower, I actually really like it.”

I shrugged, “It’s just a flower…”

“No, it’s not. I cast a preservation spell on it to keep it alive. It’s so much more than just a flower to me, Flash.”

She sighed softly, “And I’m really sorry, for everything. If I’m being honest, this Princess Summit was much lonelier without my friends. I’m just glad you’re here, and Tinted, Auri, Sunny and Saphie.”

“What about Princess Cadence and Shining Armor?”

“Of course, and I love spending time with them, except, with the threat on the Crystal Heart, they’ve been working on different protection spells and working on new armor for the guards. I’ve barely got to talk with Cadence other than our meetings.”

“What are you talking about in your meetings? I was just wondering because Princess Celestia and Luna aren’t here this time.”

She chuckled, “Sorry, Flash, I can’t tell you.”

“Eh, worth a shot.” I smiled.

She smiled too. She looks absolutely radiant when she’s happy. I suddenly noticed her smile transform into a sly smirk. Wait, can she read my mind too? Oh, come on!

She burst out laughing, “Why are you looking at me like that?”Oh okay, she can’t. Thank goodness.

“You look cute.” I quickly covered my mouth with my hooves. Oh my Celestia! Did I actually just say that!?

She froze, then burst out laughing again, loud enough that others in the hall were starting to look our way. I was about to facehoof so hard that my brain would fly out of my head and rocket into outer space. And explode. Twice.

Captain Armor glared at me and turned to face our onlookers, “OKAY! Concentrate everypony. Princess Twilight and Private Sentry are just on break, you can ignore Twily’s weird laughter.”

Twilight stopped laughing and flushed immediately, sending a deathly glare towards him. If looks could kill, Shining would’ve died at this moment. Twice. Actually maybe more than twice. I honestly didn’t want to find out. I stood dumbstruck as he giggled. How is he not dead yet? I would’ve screamed like a little filly if I was in his position.

Thankfully, the awkward situation turned less awkward when the rest of the guards resumed with their training. Phew, that was NOT one of my brightest moments.

“So…”

“So.”

“Here we are.”

“Indeed we are.”

“This is awkward.”

“I can see that.”

“I just want you to know that I forgive you.”

She smiled sweetly, “Thanks.”

Then, she unexpectedly leaned forward and kissed me, covering our little scene with a wing so that the guards-including an overprotective brother- didn’t see us. I quickly melted into the kiss, I was still tired from last night to panic and run away again. Not that I could in the vice grip of the Princess of Friendship.

We lasted there for several seconds, or maybe minutes, or maybe even hours; I wasn’t even paying attention. She finally pulled back and whispered, “Maybe, it’s a bit too soon for this”

“Huh? What do you mean? I thought we were okay…”

“No, of course we are. It’s just, maybe we can get to know each other a bit more?”

“Um sure.” I shrugged.

She giggled softly, and I could feel her warm breath on my face. “How about we eat dinner out tonight? Just the two of us?”

“Of course.” I sighed dreamily.

She beamed and started trotting towards the door, “Great! It’s a date!”

“A date…” I sighed. Before my brain finally processed what just happened. “A-A date!? She just asked me out!” I facehooved, probably harder than I intended. I’m going on a date! With her! With the most amazing pony in all of Equestria! Woohoo! I mentally squealed. But then it dawned on me. Wait, I’ve never been on a date before. OH MY CELESTIA I’VE NEVER BEEN ON A DATE BEFORE! I’m gonna mess up so baddddd.

I returned my gaze to the two mares who were still fighting. Okay, Flash. Take your mind off it. Then when it happens, Flashing Stupid is gonna kick in and ruin everything. NONONONO! We’ve been over this! He. Is. Not. Coming. Back. I hope...

I walked over to Sunny who was biting her lip, looking at Auri and TA.

I glanced at them, and I could see that this was going to be the final strike. TA punched Auri in the side, and she went down.

“And… Tinted wins!” Shining Armor shouted.

“Good fight.” TA pulled Auri up.

“You really are a trained assassin aren’t you?” Auri laughed.

“You could say that.” They both laughed and walked over to us.

“YOU GIRLS! That lasted ten minutes!” Sunny sighed and continued biting her lip. “Don’t tell me I’m next…”

“Okay… the next fight is between… Falling Sunshine and Sapphire Moonlight!” Auri facehooved.

“NONONONONONONONONONO. Not good.” Sunny walked to the front.

“Okay. Fight!” Shining Armor announced.

“So. What happened between you and Twilight?” Auri asked.

Um. Nope. Don’t think about anything. No. Clear mind. Auri cannot read my mind.

Auri sighed. “Flash.”

“I asked her on a date. Or, well, she asked me on a date. I don’t know!” I blurted.

“UNSURITY!” She rolled her eyes. “Well, when?”

“Tonight.”

“Tonight?!”

“Tonight.”

“What in Tartarus are you tonight-ing about?” TA snapped.

“Um, nothing.” I said quickly.

Auri eyed me, and then sighed. I returned my gaze to the two mares who were now approaching.

“Well, I died.” Sunny sighed.

“Didn’t we all…”

Getting to Know You

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“What?!” Sunny asked, as I was telling her and Auri what happened.

“I messed up, didn’t I?” I sighed.

“No, no, it’s great!”

“Huh? Yeah, Twilight’s great.” I rolled my eyes. “Stop trying to make me feel better.”

“Seriously, Flash? Think of it this way. A week ago, where were you? And now where are you? Don’t worry. It’s all gonna be good. Two negatives is a positive.” Auri reassured me.

“I guess.”

Okay. I’m going on a date with Twilight. I’m going on a date with Twilight. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. AAHHH.

I walked down the Crystal Empire’s Restaurant Row, where I saw Twilight standing outside one of the restaurants. Okay. Don’t do something stupid, Flash.
As I started approaching her, my mouth hung open. She looked beautiful. She was wearing a silver dress with purple highlights to compliment her colours and her mane was done in a neat bun, accented with silver stars. The moonlight shone on her with a gleaming silver; she looked as if she were glowing.

“Hi.” She said with a small smile.

“You’re… You-uh look very… wow.” I replied, suddenly forgetting how to form coherent sentences.

She just giggled, “Thank you. You look great too!” I felt embarrassed as I was wearing a suit that Thunder lent me. Very uncomfortable, by the way.

Twilight curled her hoof around mine, I froze, not knowing how to respond. I settled for staring at the door for a few long and suffering seconds. The Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, dating Private Flash Sentry. That random guard she bumped into that one time. I pointed my hoof towards the door. She nodded and we sat down at a table at the back of the restaurant.

Okay. I’m hungry. UGH! Sometimes I hate you, brain!
I looked down at the menu. What exactly is this stuff? What the hay? Oh come on. Where’d the hayburgers go?

Ahem. I’m sitting next to a princess. Of course things are going to be all fancy. I shot a quick glance at Twilight, who was squinting at her menu. Say something, Flash. DO NOT MESS UP.

“You okay?” I stupidly asked her. Messed up already, Flash. Keep. It. Together.

“Um, yeah. I hate fine dining…” She sighed. Well, that makes two of us. Phew. “I’m just going to order a hayburger.” She said finally.

Say something normal, Flash. “Yeah, same.” I put down the menu.

The waiter walked swiftly to our table. “What would you like to have today, Princess Twilight?”

Twilight wrinkled her nose in a way that made me want to burst out laughing. Do not laugh. FLASH?! DO NOT LAUGH. “Um, just two hayburgers if that’s fine with you.” Twilight replied.

“Are you sure you don’t want anything else, princess?”

“I’m sure, thanks for asking.” The waiter left as fast as he came.

She sighed. “Okay, Flash. How about you tell me a bit about yourself. Ya know?”

A bit about myself? Hi. I’m Flash Sentry. I work in the royal guard. I never really had to tell someone about, well, me! What are you saying, Flash? Better be now than never.

“Um. I’m originally from Canterlot. I was transferred to the Crystal Empire as a Royal Guard…” I hesitated. “What exactly do you want to know?” I asked. Another stupid question.

“What do you think I should know?”

“Um… I should probably tell you that…” I sighed. Should I really tell her that both of my parents have died?

“Flash? Are you okay?” Twilight asked me as the waiter placed two hayburgers on the table.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. You should probably know that both of my parents aren’t here… ” I took a deep breath, and tried to keep tears in. Toughen up.

“Where are they?”

“They’re gone.” I said flatly, irritated.

“Oh… I’m…” She choked. “Sorry…”

“I-It’s fine. I don’t know. I guess you should know I have no siblings… um…” I just didn’t have the power to say any more. I took a bite of my hayburger. Well. I never imagined that this would be my first date.

“Maybe I should tell you a bit about myself.” She said after a while. I looked up at her and she bit her lip. “W-well, my best friends are Starlight Glimmer, who used to be my student before she graduated- I’m so proud!- Applejack, a member of the Apple family and proved to me that I can never be a farmer, Fluttershy, sweet and innocent and caring, loves animals, Pinkie Pie, um...the one who defies the laws of physics and ...somehow remembers everypony’s birthday...” she trailed off, ” Rainbow Dash-”

“Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah, Rainbow Dash. The Wonderbolt, it was her dream to become one . ‘Everything needs to be about 20% cooler’.” She said while doing a I’m-assuming-Rainbow-Dash impression. “Oh, and Rarity.” She added.

Wait, that name seems familiar. “Rarity? As in-”

“Yeah, the one. The fashion designer, she runs three boutiques! One in Ponyville, one in Canterlot and one in Manehatten! ‘Of all of the things that could have happened, this is the. Worst. Possible. Thing’!” She said in a high pitch voice and tried to mimic a posh accent. Emphasis on ‘tried’. She grinned and started giggling, taking a bite of her hayburger.

Wow. I didn’t know that seeing Twilight happy would make me happy.
‘Hey, doc. I think there’s something wrong with my heart. I have a feeling that I’ve given it to someone.’ Oh right, now I need a transplant.
“And then there's my B.B.B.F.F.” She started. B.B.B.F.F? What? I gave her a look. “Big brother best friend forever.”

“Um, okay.” Big brother best friend forever? Oh. My boss, duh.

“I used to live in Canterlot too. I’ve lived with my dragon, Spike, ever since I got my cutie mark.”

My eyes widened, “You’ve mentioned him before. Can’t say I’m surprised; everypony talks about Spike the Brave and Glorious here.”

She chuckled, “Yeah, but praise like that feeds his ego. He’s like a little brother to me- he’s always there when I need him. Most of the time because he’s my No.1 assistant, but other times for… moral support.”

“Moral support?”
“I tend to have some-ahem-’episodes’.”

“Sure.”

She smiled. “Well, this was interesting.”

“Indeed, it was.” I sighed. “So, you enjoyed today?”

“I guess I did.”

She sighed suddenly, “But…”

“But?”

“But I need to leave.”

“Leave?”

“For Ponyville...tomorrow morning.”

“Oh.” So...this is it?

“Yeah… I’m sorry.” She sighed again, “... For everything.”

“What do you me-”

“For all the trouble I caused you… I know what’s been going on, Flash. I… I don’t think… I don’t know if this will… work out. What am I saying? Ugh I-”

“You don’t think we’re right for each other?”

“... No… I’m sorry, I do like you but… I have to go…”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s...it’s alright.” I gave her a weak smile.

She returned it… and disappeared before my eyes.

Could it Have Been?

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I stared at the pale ceiling of my room. She… loves me not? Why can’t anything I do be right? Why does life never listen to me? All the work - anything I do… it always turns out to be something I didn’t expect.
Private Flash Sentry. Princess Twilight Sparkle.

She only dated me because she thought it would make me feel better. She didn’t really love me. She knew she had to go. Why would she give her heart to a pony like me?

But love doesn’t fade away. Months - years after, you remember, and you feel the ache in your heart.

Then my mind drifted back to Auri’s words. The more heart you give, the more your heart will hurt.

That was when I realised something. I didn’t lose her.

She lost me.

The next few hours passed as boring as ever. And training time came again, and it seemed like we were doing fights again.

“Flash?” Sunny practically skipped towards me. “So how did the date go? Sorry we couldn’t ask you this morning. It’s just that-”

“It went fine.” I grunted.

“Flash? You okay?” Sunny asked.

“Nope. I’m not.”

“W-wait. Flash. What happened?”

I saw Auri and Tinted walk into the training room from behind, bags under their eyes. Well, I wasn’t the only one who had a wink of sleep. Auri walked in our direction. “Hey.” She yawned. “How’d it go, Flash?”

“Fine.” I said bluntly.

“Flash.” She squinted at me. “She’s left…gone back to Ponyville.”

Ah, the mind reading again. “You’ve been Midnight Reading?” I changed the topic.

“There was another attempt… people are still trying to steal the crystal heart…”

“Right, everyone!” I turned around to see Shining Armor addressing us. “A new guard has transferred here, Private Galaxarium Binary.” I glanced at the midnight blue unicorn standing next to him, and then shifted my gaze to the pink unicorn standing next to her.

Sunny’s mouth dropped wide open. “Is that-”

“Gally?” Auri asked.

“Due to the lack of Officers, I will be pairing one officer with two privates.” He continued, eyeing Sunny and Auri. “Officer Tinted Assistance will be partnered up with Private Falling Sunshine and Private Thunder Spark, Officer Aqua Aura will be partnered up with Private Flash Sentry and Private Galaxarium Binary, Officer Night Star will be partnered up with Private Sapphire Moonlight and Private Shadow Storm, Officer Comet Trail will be partnered up with Private Winter Gust…” I felt pain and hate just hearing his name. Winter Gust.

“Flash?” Sunny and Auri asked. “You okay?”

“Hmm?” I returned to reality.

“Flash.” Sunny pulled me into a hug. “Come on. She moved on. So should you. Every moment passes. So will this.”

I pulled out of the hug. “But what if I can’t forget her? Love doesn’t just fade away. It stays in your heart, even years after.” I sighed. I thought I was past this.

“Flash, if there is something you should remember, it’s this. Sometimes it’s better to leave the pieces of your heart wide apart than cause yourself more pain by putting them together. Don’t stress what could have been. If it should have been, it would have been.” Auri pulled me in a hug.

“Thanks, guys.”

“WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?” Sunny jumped into a group hug.

“Kay, well it’s time for training, right?” The Midnight Blue mare said once I pulled free of the hug.

“Oh right, this is our friend, Galaxy. We’ve known her since high school.” Sunny said.

“Right. Hi!” I said to Galaxy.

“Hey.”

“So now maybe you can explain to us what kind of brain tumor you grew overnight. What in Equestria happened?” Sunny asked.

I bit my lip. “Um, you need to train with-”

Auri rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, forget about Tinted. I’ll deal with her. Flash, what happened?”

I shook my head. “No-”

“WHAT HAPPENED?” TA shouted from behind.

“AGH!” I jumped right into Thunder Spark.

“Give it a break, Flash.” He said whilst I got back up. “Just tell them what happened. Or their ghost will haunt you forever.”

“He said it. NOW, SPILL.” Sunny shouted.

Um. Um. Um.

“PRIVATE FLASH SENTRY!” Someone shouted.

“AGH!” I fell into Thunder Spark again.

“You gotta stop doing that.” He rubbed his stomach.

“PRIVATE SENTRY!” I heard the voice again.

“Do not fall on me again!” He closed his eyes. “Phew. Captain Armor is calling you.” Captain Armor? This can’t be good.

I sat down. What should I do now? Celestia, where is Auri when you need her?

“Flash Sentry.” Shining Armor sat down. “I have evidence that you are responsible for these continuous attempts to steal the crystal heart, not to mention helping Sunset Shimmer a few years back. Do you have anything to say?” He placed five pictures in front of me.

“But-”

“Private Sentry.” He repeated. But I didn’t do this! I didn’t! What- How- UGH! I gulped. How could Shining Armor do this? I didn’t do anything. I didn’t! “Private Sentry, this is your first and final warning. One hoof out of place and you. Will. Be. FIRED!” He shouted. Fired. But I can’t get fired! This is my home. My dream. He couldn’t take this away from me! He couldn’t! “You may leave.”

“Flash? Good, you’re back. We were just-” Auri looked at me. “Woah. Flash. What’s up?” Nothing other than me nearly getting fired. “Wha-” No. Auri. No. Talk later. “Kay.” She turned back to Galaxy. “I’ve taught Galaxy some of the simple stuff. But I want to see you two fight.”

“You sure I’m ready?”

“Definitely.”

“But-”

“No buts, just do it. No-one’s going to wait for you to get ready in a fight. But yeah, it’s training. Fight!” She announced.

“Okay…” She said, and her eyes focused on me. Oh no. This can’t be good.

She punched me in the face, followed with my right side. I felt my nose start flowing with blood. “Sentry, wake up”! I heard Auri’s voice, as I saw Tinted, Sunny and Thunder walked forward, and Tinted said something to Auri, and she nodded. I could hear Galaxy’s breathing behind me, as I blew a kick into her face and sides, until she was on the floor.

“Um, sorry, hehe.” I pulled her up.

“Not bad, Sentry.”

“That was good. Just, Galaxy, attention, okay?” She turned to Tinted. “Um, we’re gonna try doing some fights outside. Like, together, our groups are going to merge for a few days.” She said, tying her hair up into a high ponytail. But, wait, it’s raining outside!

“Um, but, Tinted, it’s… it’s raining!”

“All the better!” TA and Auri chorused, and leaded outside.

“Just checking how much hardcore you really have.” TA commented.

“Oh my Cele-e- es-ti-a. It’s free-e-zing!” Sunny shivered.

“Right, ten laps around the Crystal Castle. GO!” TA shouted.

“Oh, come on!”

I relented and started running. Wow, these girls are really fast. Save for Sunny, of course. I glanced briefly at the cyan pegasus panting and sprinting like her life depended on it. Then panting again. And I’m sure a few times she stopped breathing. Somehow, as I ran, I realised that I’d run much, much faster across the empire to get to the castle. Well, to be fair, I was running to Twilight at the time. Twilight…
I stopped, my hooves suddenly giving out.

“Oi! Sentry! Why the heck did you stop!?” I could hear Tinted shout. I shook my head and took deep breaths. Sunny, in the midst of her flailing- or running as she’d call it- came over to me.

“GUYS! CONTINUE RUNNING!” Auri shouted at me.

“Flash, are-”, she panted, “you o-”, she panted again, “kay-?”, she plopped down onto the crystal street.

“FALLING SUNSHINE, YOU GET YOUR FLANK RUNNING THIS INSTANT!”

“Eep! Um...sorry TA- I-I mean Officer! I’ll get back to running in juuuuuuuuust a second!” She shouted back.
“UGH MAKE IT QUICK!”

Sunny picked my forehoof and tried- emphasis on ‘tried’- to drag me the castle to be out of the others’ way.

“Need some help?” I asked.

“NO! I CAN DO THIS!” She retorted, “JUST. ONE. MORE. PULL-ugh no I give up. Little help?”

I smirked and walked backwards to the castle facing Sunny, who had a very unamused expression on her face.

“Okay Mr. I-Can-Walk-Backwards-Looking-Smug, you’re not very impressive.” She rolled her eyes.

I shrugged, “Maybe not, but I can still run without flailing my hooves like a dying bird.”

“HEY- I mean whatever, Mr. I-Can-Walk-Backwards-Looking-Smug. Anyway, what happened?”
“I stopped running.”
“I can see that, but why...?”

“Um...I was tired?”

“For someone who apparently doesn’t flail their hooves while running and is still tired, you seem to be quite unsure.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!?”

“Nothing at all...just that I don’t buy it!”

“Ugh.”

She faltered for a moment, “Please don’t tell me...”, she facehooved, “You were thinking about Twilight, weren’t you?”

“How’d you know?” was all I could say. I plastered a wry smile on my face. Sunny looked at me with sympathy and brushed my wet bangs of hair out of my face.
“Flash...are you sure you’ll be over her?”

“I don’t know. The simple thought of her makes me...”

She wrapped her arms around me in a hug, “It’ll be okay...Don’t worry.”

“AY! Guys, don’t get cheesy round me, ya still have one lap left.” TA stuck her tongue out at me.

“Guys. ONE MORE LAP. GO!” Auri shouted. “ONE MORE LAP AS PUNISHMENT!” She shouted.

I raised my eyebrows. “Who sounds like TA today?”

“JUST. RUN!” Auri shouted.

“Yeah, yeah, on it!” Sunny panted.

“HURRY UP!” TA shouted in our faces.

“U-h-yeah-h, I’m done.” Thunder Spark came running, followed by Galaxy.

“Scratch that, that’s extra laps for you two next time.” Auri said.

Auri sighed. “Right, so the next thing we’re gonna do is-”

“Hi!” I heard Night Star’s voice. TA and Auri turned around to see Night Star, Storm and Saphie. “You’re going for the tough training as well?” He asked Auri.

“Um, yeah.” Auri sighed.

“Mind if we join you?”

“Um, no…” Auri turned back to us. “Okay, next is going to be weapon training. You’re all going to be using knives…”

“Right, you guys all cool?” Tinted asked us while Auri took back the knives.

“No, Tinted, we are definitely not cool.” Sunny grunted.

“Don’t worry guys, you’ll be fine.” Auri said.

“Hi everyone!” Captain Armor approached. He glanced at me with a regretful look, before returning his gaze to everyone else. “Tough training, eh? It is pretty cold now. I’m- I’m just thinking… it’s not… ugh, never mind.”

“Wait, Shining, you don’t think… you don’t think it’s…”

“I do. I think it’s him.” He sighed. Wait, who’s him?

“Fill us in?” Thunder storm asked.

“You don’t think so!” Sunny gulped.

“Guys, what in Tartarus-” TA paused, and pointed at a forming dark barrier around the crystal empire. “-is that?”

“Sombra.” Auri whispered.

“Sombra?” I asked. As in-
“Yeah. Sombra. This wasn’t just any annual storm, was it?” Auri bit her lip. “Shining… I… I think you need to call your sister and her friends.” Auri sighed, and looked down at my hooves. Twilight.

“Twily, what do you think we should do?” Captain Armor asked her.

Twilight sighed. “I… I don’t know, Shining. I just… I just need time, okay?”

“Twilight, let me be honest with you.” Auri pointed at the window. “That thing is giving us anything but time.”

“I know, it’s just-”

“Twilight, dah-ling, we’re here for you, no matter what, okay?” A unicorn said. Rarity, right?

“Twilight, y'all know that we’re here for ya, kay?” Whelp, that accent.

“You know that I’d never leave my friends hanging.” Oh, so she’s the wonderbolt.

“Yeah.” Someone squeaked. Um, okay, sure.

“Let’s partyyyyyyyyyy!!!” A pink earth pony jumped in with a canon. Not the time, pink pony.

“Let’s do this, girls.”

“Oh. My. God.” Sunny blinked a thousand times in the space of one minute. “A- am I seeing what I’m seeing or am I just seeing things?”

“I have no clue.” Auri bit her lip. “TA, am I just seeing things or did Sombra… just… blow up into a thousand pieces and disappear?”

“I- ahem- um…” TA stood speechless.

“Woah.” Galaxy stared at the six mares in front of her.

“Oh Celestia, am I seeing things? What in Tartarus- I’m definitely seeing things.” Thunder Spark sighed, awkwardly putting a hoof through his mane.

“Um- uh- this seems like a fairytale.” Saphie said.

I sighed. “Nope, that actually happened.” I reassured them. This is craaaaaazy.
“Well Twily, you did it again.” Shining Armor forced himself to say. “I- well, wow.”

“AUNTIE!!!” Flurry Heart shouted, appearing in Twilight’s hair, which put a smile on everyone’s face. “YUPEEEEEEEE!!!”

I sighed. She just defeated Sombra. Am I meant to congratulate her? “Flash?” Sunny’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “Flash. Why don’t you go talk to her?”

“And say what exactly?” I asked bluntly.

“Well - I dunno. Tell her you still love her, and ya know, something romantic, I don’t know. AGH DON’T ASK ME ASK SAPHIE OR AURI THEY KNOW ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IN BOOKS AGH!” The corners of my mouth curled into a smile.

“That would be an interesting conversation. Hey Saphie! Well, I just wanted to ask what I should say to Twilight.” I started,

Sunny rolled her eyes. “Oh, well, Saphie would reply something like ‘READ SOMETHING FLASH!!!’”

“Where is everyone anyway?” I looked around. “Auri and TA were here just a minute ago…”

Sunny sighed. Well, I hope my thoughts are blind to her, because this has definitely got something to do with Twilight. “They’ve all gone… to say bye to Twilight. They’re seeing her to the tra-”

“BOOOOOO!” TA jumped in from behind, followed by Auri who rolled her eyes.

“GAH!” Sunny fell back.

“Tinted.” Auri giggled and gave her a look.

“Whaaaat? If you're gonna make an entrance, ya might as well make a dramatic one!” TA rolled her eyes and pulled Sunny up.

“Wait. So if your HERE, then WHERE is Twilight?” Sunny asked, attempting to kick her after she got pulled up, but TA dodged. Stay silent, Flash. You’re past this.

“Oh, we’re meant to meet up with them near the train station.” TA recalled. “What ya waiting for? Let’s goooo!”

As we approached the train station, I saw six mares staring at us. Oh, Twilight and her friends. I stayed back. You’re past this.

“Bye Twilight, it was nice seeing you again!” TA gave Twilight a hug.

“It was nice meeting you all! We hope to see you again soon.” Auri also gave Twilight a hug.

“Of course, girls. I’ll be back soon.” She glanced at me, before looking away. “Bye!”

“Bye!” The four girls chorused.

“Flash.” Sunny asked as the train approached.

“Flash Sentry.” Auri’s voice came from behind. “You have five seconds to give that poor mare a proper goodbye, or you. Will. Be. FIRED!” She shouted.

No. Flash, pull yourself together. “No. I’m past her.”

TA rolled her eyes. “Sentry, you can see it in her eyes.” See what in her eyes?

Saphie looked up from her book. “It means that she’s not over you juuuuuuuuuuuuuuust yet.”

“But I’m over her.” I said flatly.

“Times up, Sentry. You’re-” Nononononononononononononono.
“OKAY OKAY OKAY I’LL GO GOODBYE!” I ran away from them, but I could almost see a sly grin growing on their faces.

I paused when I was behind Twilight.

“Flash?” I heard Twilight’s voice.

“I- uh- I just wanted to say goodbye.” I finally said.

“Um- I- So- B-bye.” She stuttered. Told you, guys. This is the end.

“Yeah, um, bye, have a s-safe journey, I- I guess.” I replied, trying to keep the tears from swelling up in my eyes.

“Yeah.” She mumbled, looking down.

I carelessly brushed my lips against her, and without risking a glance back, I ran away. So much for that idea, Flash. What in Equestria were you thinking?

What Should Have Been

by Sunny_and_Auri_23

Just Another Day

How To Understand

Not Pulling Any Punches

Nearly Saying Goodbye

Something's Changed

Finding The Pieces

Love Is Fragile

Getting to Know You

Could it Have Been?