> BlueStar: Defender of Equestria
>  by BlueStarBrony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Journey to the Guard
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the story of BlueStar. A young and complicated Pony. One that’s not quite like all the other Ponies out there, he’s always been different, unique, but he’s always wanted to serve something greater.  That’s what his father did, his father was a member of the Royal Guard for several years, but then he was injured and he was forced to drop out. So he devoted his attention to the sciences, and finding ways that he could help out the Royal Guard. Sadly his project didn’t really go anywhere, and was cancelled. He simply retired. But then the tragic day. He took his son boating, and sadly they both capsized, and the father, though usually bright, wasn’t wearing his life jacket. The son survived but he did not. 
BlueStar took it very hard. He loved his father very much, and appreciated the things his father had tried to teach him, BlueStar was not like the others. He was blue, and his hair was a slightly brighter color of blue with a bright yellow streak, messy and almost like lightning. He was also smaller. He would never think so, but weaker than the others, and sometimes they teased him, and teased him quite hard. And his father had tried to teach him to do what he can to not let those feelings come and hurt him. And he always trusted his father. So when he was gone it really hurt him, he no longer had someone to tell, but his mother was there. One day, he was being teased by two of the major bullies and he ran off, and just wanted to be alone. He went off, and just had fun doing things on his own, realized that sometimes he could have more fun on his own than trying to be with others. He would never realize it but this was a major turning point for him. 
Just as it was when he got his Cutie Mark. It was ironically to protect those same bullies, who had run off into the Everfree Forest, he had somehow, some reason, followed after them to try to get them to come back. The two bullies were being attacked by timber wolves, they were cornered, they were certainly done for. When he saw this, his first instinct was to turn around, and run home. To perhaps get help, but he realized that if he did, they would most likely not be alive when he got back. He was afraid. He knew what he should do, but he had never trained to use his unicorn powers like he should have. He wasn’t afraid of getting hurt, he was afraid of failure, though while he didn’t particularly care for the two ponies who were in trouble, he didn’t want to see them get hurt. He didn’t want them to be killed. And that surprised him. In a way it shouldn’t have, but it did nonetheless. 
So when he looked back, and he saw them in trouble, cornered, helpless, he couldn’t run away. He knew what he had to do. So he did. He ran in front of the timber wolves and tried to be strong, brave, and heroic like he knew his father would have. And at first he was. But his fear got the better of him, he stepped back, one, two, three steps, and on the fourth he realized how close he was to the ones he was trying to protect, and realized he couldn’t step back anymore, that he had to hold his ground. He closed his eyes and just tried to find the strength inside to stand where he was. 
He tried to remember everything his father had taught him. About what it had meant to be in the Royal Guard, to stand and fight for Equestria, for those he loved, and cared for, for those he would never know, and how much it meant to, and again he tried to think what his father would do. And the answer was simple, to do what he can, so when he opened his eyes, he was still afraid, but he did what he could. He dug deep down inside himself and found where all magic comes from, the heart and he drew it out, forced it out via his horn, and tried to drive away the first timber wolf, his horn glowed with a brilliant yellow, almost golden light, and shot a beam out at the timber wolf, which at first did nothing to it, but a moment later, the timber wolf backed away slightly, but stood still, looked towards its companions, confused, but undeterred, and still, unafraid. And his heart sank. This is the best he had done and all he could was simply annoy the timber wolf. 
Fear took hold of him once more, when he looked back and saw the frightened faces of those two bullies who he’d, a few hours ago wouldn’t have lifted a finger to help, he saw their fear. He knew they were depending on him. He knew he couldn’t run away. Not now. It was certainly not what his father would’ve done. So again, he reached inside himself, to find the power and strength, and courage to stand, this time he found it. 

This time he found it in the memory of his father, what he had tried to stand for, and for the ponies behind him, who needed him, and in his mind he thought “I will not let you hurt them. I will simply not let you hurt them. You have to go through me first.” 

And once again his horn glowed, with that brilliant yellow hue again, but this time it struck the timber wolf so hard that it busted into a million pieces, and one of those pieces struck a timber wolf beside it, it almost broke its leg clean off. This time he felt different, he felt strong, he felt powerful. He let his heart simply guide him, and drive him to where he needed to be. He pointed his horn at a second timber wolf, and shot again, and it too was busted into pieces, while the onlookers could only look amazed, then a third and a fourth, finally he turned to the fifth and final timber wolf, who just looked at him, afraid. He paused, hesitated, he was in his element, he was what he knew he was going to be. But as he looked into the creature’s frightened eyes, he felt compassion and then he fired again, but not at the creature but at the ground before it. He fired again, this time the creature took notice, and simply turned and ran. He had never felt something like this before. He had never been in such control, such power, but not only that, this is who and what he was. A guardian, a protector. This is what his destiny was, to stand and defend those who needed him. That power, felt good. 
As quickly as it came, it vanished just as quickly. His legs couldn’t hold him, his eyes were too heavy to stay open. And he fell, he fell to the ground, collapsed, tired, exhausted. The last of his strength being expended. And the world turned black and cold, but just a moment. For a moment he felt his father reach out to him and tell him how proud he was of him. His father warmed his heart, and restored its power and strength, and just simply stayed there with his son. He knew what it had cost him to save those he did not call friends but ponies he cared about nonetheless. And he stayed and just was there for his son. 
Slowly, BlueStar opened his eyes, tired and weak, uncertain of what was real and what was not. He had seen his father before him, but he knew that this was not real. But to him, this would always be a special moment for him. His father was proud of him, not for what he had done, but what he had found inside. He had found what he had been, what he hoped his son would always be. Someone strong, powerful, and loving, and kind. So when he opened his eyes and found the two bullies standing there, he must admit he was surprised, he was surprised they were still there. Not exactly perfectly apologetic, they didn’t want to admit that the very person they had tried to hurt had just saved them, but they were grateful. And BlueStar was grateful that they were alright. Then they pointed to something as they tried to help him up, that something had appeared on his side, on his flank. 
It was a simple thing, but it meant the world to him. It was a star. But not like any other star, a star made of three arrows, one pointed up, two pointed down, each one that was down pointed slightly at an angle, so that each star made a triangle, a blue circle in the middle, and around the edge of each of these objects, a yellow, almost golden highlight. This was his Cutie Mark, and when he looked at it he saw him. He saw everything he was, what he wanted to be. He knew what his destiny was, even though he didn’t fully understand it yet. But today was a very special day. So when he went home, showed all his friends and his family, they were all happy for him
That night he went to the spot in the river bend where his father had passed on, and paid his respects, and simply said how much he appreciated him, for helping him find the strength inside. This place would always be special for him, although it was a place of great pain. It was also a place of reflection, discovery, and sometimes of peace. A place where he would come to when he needed a special connection with his father, and just simply to understand some things that he needed to understand. This was the first time he had come here, at such a time. But it would be not the last. The next would be when his mother examined him, and looked into his eyes, and saw a little bit of his father, his eyes, which had once been blue, softer but now they were hard and sharp, and though this, honestly to her displeased her, she understood why it was happening. He was becoming more like his father, the warrior, whose skill in marksmanship and accuracy had been untold, and he had those same eyes. When he competed, his eyes would go hard, sharp, focused, controlled, and she could see that in her son’s eyes, and she knew it was time. BlueStar’s father had left him something, something that he had been forced to abandon a long time ago, and had been locked away, secure and safe. She had always wondered if she should ever show it to him. She never really appreciated or supported what his father did. It had been hard for her to raise their son by herself, his duties in the Royal Guard, even when he was just a scientist often took him away, they would rarely see him, and that made her sad, not only for herself, but for her son, the father that he would never fully know. 
Fortunately he had found the time to spend time with all of them when it truly mattered. And so when she opened the box and showed him what was inside, she knew her husband would be happy, but she still couldn’t help but be afraid for her son, because she knew what he saw inside, the mysterious object and what it was meant to do, it would set her son on a path that she could probably never turn him away from. 
But his Cutie Mark, the reason why he had been brought into this world, had made it clear to her, that this was his destiny. The object inside might look familiar to some humans, but to a Pony, especially him, it was a strange looking device. It was oval, with a strange looking metal tube in the middle, and a trigger wrapped around a protective guard. Buttons and switches, levers and controls, a simple note on the inside explained what it was. His father left it to him, but he had been forced to abandon the project. 
He had been attempting to find a way to store and use magic, to increase a unicorn’s power and capabilities, to find a way to store the magic and be able to release it in a single burst, but he hadn’t been able to find a way to store enough of it to really do the user any good, it only fired once and that really didn’t do anyone any good. So he was forced to abandon the project. But he had every confidence that his son who he knew had just as much capabilities in the sciences and designs as he had, would probably be able to find a way to make it work. And when he did it would mean so much to the Royal Guard. Because it was more than simply a way to increase power, it was a way of changing everything, the guard had remained the same for thousands of years, he knew very well that the threats to Equestria were changing too. 
The guard had to change. They had to be able to engage all kinds of threats, and he figured this was the one way to do that. Because with this, they could not only attack targets much further away, but engage multiple targets at once, thus increasing their effectiveness. They were still holding spears, and relying on their basic abilities which, considering the threats that have been apparently made, was no longer enough. And so the son, in time, went to work. He tried to understand what his father had done. And just try to understand what he could do to make it better, to complete his father’s work. He had taken it out, tried it, and saw what it did and that it worked quite effectively, but as his father had said, that it took considerably time to charge it, with his own magic. And that it only fired once. He was still quite young, and had much to learn, and he understood this, so he put it aside for now, and learned, and grew, but he still couldn’t stop thinking about it. And time to time he found himself drifting towards it, thinking of ideas of how he could improve it. 
So when he became older, when he was more on his own, he was able to begin the work again. But he had been unaware that it had cost him dearly, that his focus in time would all be put towards this device. And less and less to his friends. He was still teased and laughed at, he was still weak in the eyes of so many around him, despite what he had shown. He would always be the little Pony who, was never quite fast enough, or strong enough. He was never good enough in their eyes. In his own eyes sometimes he was never good enough. So for a long time this caused him to struggle. 
One day he just wanted to give up, but then he knew that that wasn’t what his father would’ve done. He grew, matured, soon, he was an adult. He had gone through many different jobs, but he knew what he wanted, to be a member of the Royal Guard, but so far, it just hadn’t happened. He had tried, but failed to get in. They didn’t let just anyone be a member of the Royal Guard. At first it was his glasses, that caused him the most problems. He did his best to show that, even without the glasses he was able to cope. He had practiced sensing with his mind the target, and hitting it, even when his eyes were closed. It was only after this that they started to entertain the idea of letting him in, after much trial and error and hard work, and quite a few rejections, he finally got in.  
He was accepted into what was basically a trial run for new recruits. If they made it they would become members of the Royal Guard. If not they would be sent home. And he was determined to succeed this time. He worked hard, trained hard, it drove him nearly to exhaustion to do so, but this time he made it. Or at least he thought he did. There was one last thing that he had to do. Just about every member of the Royal Guard was either white or grey, but he was blue and yellow. Those Ponies who were not white or grey, there was only one thing, that they had to do. For most, it wasn’t a big deal, but for him, it was one of the hardest things he had to do. Each pony had to walk into, a big pool of white dye, that would dye their coats, the brilliant white of the Royal Guard. Even though it was a temporary dye, it would fundamentally change the way he looked. And some even said the way they acted, behaved, that the dye was not just a dye, but something more. A Pony just had to simply walk into the pool with their eyes closed, weights on their ankles to keep them on the bottom, and simply walk across and allow the dye to penetrate their coats. 
They were told simply to not swim, but just to walk, and trust that when they step out the other side that they’ll be a guard. Although it wasn’t an official test it was always considered that a Pony who tried to get out of the pool before they reached the other side would fail, that they would always be looked down upon as being weak or afraid. 
And it wasn’t this that BlueStar was afraid of, it was the fact that for the first time he realized that being a member of the Royal Guard meant going along with the crowd, no longer being unique, but just being another guard, and when he stepped into that pool, his color, his mane, his Cutie mark itself, would simply be covered over. 
No one would know who or what he was anymore, he would simply be just a guard. But as he stepped closer to that pool, he realized that this was still what he wanted. He still wanted to stand and fight for Equestria. Even if that meant to stop being BlueStar, and just being a guard. This was what his destiny was, this was what his Cutie Mark was telling him, but as it was his turn to step into that pool, he was afraid. 
He knew not just because of what would happen to his individuality, but what it meant to walk into that pool, of the commitment that came with it, once he stepped into that pool there was no going back. So they gave him a moment, but just a moment, so when he was pushed closer he was quite scared. But then he thought of his father, what would he do, what would he think, what would he have felt. He looked into the pool, filled with white, and realized that this is what he wanted. 

So he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and thought to himself, “I’m ready.”

And as he stepped, each step, he knew he was. Until he got closer to the lowest stage, then the steps started to go away. He knew that that last step would probably be the last he would take as BlueStar, that the next would most likely begin his journey as what he truly wanted to be. A soldier, a guard, someone who would always stand and fight for Equestria. So when he felt that last step fade away to nothing, he held his head up one last time, took a deep breath, and allowed himself to just simply slip under. And he kept walking. 
He could see nothing, he could hear nothing. All he could do was feel everything around him and simply trust that with each step he would get closer to exiting the other side of the white, and he kept walking. And soon his lungs ached to return to the life-giving air above. He tried not to panic, he tried to remain calm, but he couldn’t feel the other side. He felt the other side was further than he could go. 
He told himself that this was all in his mind. And then he gasped, but held it back, he realized he was in trouble. He realized that he was drowning. And so he stepped faster, harder. Still the side didn’t come. At last he decided that he didn’t want his journey to end here, despite what ridicule he might have, he had to reach up, he had to get to the surface again. So he planted his back hooves into the pool’s edge, and kicked hard, pushed himself up towards the surface above, keeping his eyes shut the entire time. 
To his relief, the top of his muzzle broke the surface, and stayed above it just long enough to let in some of that cool air above, before disappearing below the surface again. And as his front hooves came down, they managed to come down on the reassuring hardness of the step of the exit ramp. And so with his front hooves he pulled himself back up, and then bit by bit pulled himself onto the first step and the second and the third until eventually he was out of the pool once more. He didn’t know whether to be relieved or afraid, whether he had failed or passed this final test, a seemingly minor one, but important in his eyes nonetheless.

And as he exited the ramp and stepped onto the side, he heard somepony say, “I want that one.”
> Chapter 2: Dreams and Destiny
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

And as he exited the ramp and stepped onto the side, he heard somepony say, “I want that one.” 

It was a voice he had never heard before, but somehow sounded familiar. It was, a dark voice, but somehow soft and reassuring at the same time. But dark nonetheless. He would love to have opened his eyes to see who the voice was, but he could not. Other Ponies came and, using their magic, lifted towels to his side to wipe off all the excess dye, and bit by bit dried him off.

And all he could do was wait and listen as the voice spoke, apparently to someone nearby, and said again, “I want that one.” 

He wasn’t certain, but he was assured that the voice, which by now he could tell was a mare, was referring to him. But he preferred not to think this way, perhaps she was referring to somepony else. Perhaps to the Pony that had just come up before him. He tried not to get his hopes up, then again didn’t know who exactly this Pony was, or what they wanted. So he just simply listened. 

Then another Pony, one that sounded slightly older, but he started to recognize after a moment, but still couldn’t quite figure out who it was. But it was definitely a warm, charming voice, but carried, somehow, a slight authority to it, “Hmm, are you sure little sister?” The voice said. Another female voice. “He is most unusual, he was afraid.”

“That’s why I want him. He looks, different. He’s not like the others. He has fear, but he doesn’t let it control him. We have a lot in common. I’d like to know him more. I think Twilight would like him. He’s complicated.” 

“Hmm, I agree little sister, but it’s too early to know for sure, I want all of them to like him. It is too early.” 

“You are right of course big sister. But I’d like to investigate on my own, if that’s not a problem.” 

“Go ahead little sister. I’ll watch the others, maybe we’ll find what we’re looking for there.” 

“You do that big sister. I’d like to question him myself now.” 

“In a moment maybe, I think we need to give him a moment. He’s just been through a lot. He’s just been through a big change, let’s let him take it in.” 

“Hmm, you’re right big sister.” 

It was after this that he realized who this voice was, who they both most likely were. The big sister was certainly Princess Celestia. He had never met her personally, but he had heard her speak many times. But he had never actually met her, or been this close to her before. The other voice he suspected was most likely Princess Luna. Formerly known as Nightmare Moon, who had been turned back from the dark side by the Mane 6 Ponies from Ponyville. He had never heard her speak. She had only been back a short time, it was said though that she had changed much since she was released from Nightmare Moon’s power a mere year before. 
He wondered what they could want with whoever it was they wanted. It was obvious they were searching for somepony, but who and what for, he had no idea. These were recruits. If they were looking for someone for a special mission why would they not pick one of the older Ponies? But he decided not to concern himself with this, he was still convinced that they were talking about somepony else, and not him. And so he just stood there and allowed the others to dry him off. 
Finally one of them spoke and told him that he could open his eyes, and when he did he looked in the mirror that had been placed before him. At first he was proud, his coat was now a shiny, brilliant white that was everything that symbolized the Royal Guard, clean, pure, and strong, unique. 
Few Ponies in Ponyville or anywhere for that matter were born with this kind of white coat. That’s why it was so special. Few were ever born with it, and those who were chosen to wear it were truly honored to wear it. And as he looked upon himself and his new form, he was proud and he knew that somewhere his father was happy for him. And as he turned and looked at himself, and at his flank and how it was a simple white, no longer the brilliant star that had for so long been a symbol of him and the strength he had tried to find, all of that was gone. He knew it wasn’t really gone, it was just not visible to the outside anymore. It was simply hiding underneath. 
And as he looked at himself again, he no longer saw BlueStar, but someone he didn’t know, someone that he didn’t want to know. He wanted to be BlueStar, but he also wanted to be a guard. And right now as he looked into the eyes of this unknown Pony before him, he really didn’t know who or what he was looking at. But he tried to keep this to himself, he tried not to look disappointed, he tried to look proud as so many of the others were. 

But then he turned and saw Luna walking towards him, and when he realized that she was looking at him, he turned away to pretend that he had not seen her, but he knew that it was too late, so when she spoke directly to him, and asked him what was his name, he could only reply, “Me?” 

She looked at him strangely, like, why would he ask such a question? “Yes, you. What is your name?” 

And for a moment he hesitated, and thought, “I really don’t know what my name is anymore.” He was almost going to say that to her, but something in his eyes seemed to communicate it to her, she looked at him and understood, but he knew he had to give her an answer, and so he did, “My name is BlueStar. I want to be a guard, but I’m not sure of who or what I am anymore.” 

“Hmm,” she said, “I understand. For a long time I didn’t know who I was, I thought I knew, but I didn’t. You intrigue me. You have, fear, pain, and yet you are here. I’d like to know more about you. I’d like to understand you. There’s only one way that I know to do that, I’d like to have your permission to enter your dreams. And have you speak to me. Understand that this is a very personal, and deep thing. I don’t ask it lightly. We don’t always like what we find, but if you’re willing I want to understand you.” 

“Why?” He asked, perplexed, uncertain. 

“Hmm, you remind me a lot of me, uncertain, afraid. We have a lot in common, you and I. We both have darkness inside, we both have things that have held us back. But, I believe you will not let them stop you. I want to see if that’s what truly drives you. If it is, then, we have something special for you.” 

“I don’t understand.” He replied, uncertain. 

“Hmm, you will. As I said you don’t have to do this, I’m not going to hurt you. What happens is just between us. I won’t think any less of you if you say no.” 

He paused, uncertain, confused, and in honesty afraid. He did not understand what the Princess was asking of him. Or why. Why would she care what he thought, why would she want to understand him? He didn’t understand what she said when she said ‘We have a lot in common’. He’d heard the story of what had happened to her, how a long time ago she had tried to take over, and overthrow her sister, because so many of the Ponies had disdained her, looked down on her, and hurt her, and didn’t give her the love and attention that she deserved as the Princess of the Night. But then, he began to understand. She had been alone for a thousand years on the moon, with only her feelings and her pain. And this was something that he understood very well. He had been alone, for a long time, he had never fit in. He never wanted to, he was who he was, and at some point he had simply tried his hardest to fit in, but now he no longer tried. It just didn’t seem his destiny, to be with others, to be friends, he would always be the outsider. He would always be alone. So when he looked into her eyes once more, he understood why she thought of him this way. They both had been alone, and so he bent down and allowed her to do as she had asked. 

He simply said, “I will allow you into my mind Princess Luna, but I don’t know if you’ll like what you’ll see. I’m, afraid.” He said honestly to her. 

“It’s alright, you’ll be alright. I’m not going to hurt you. And I’ve seen many things from many minds. I think, I’m going to like what I see in your. If not, it’ll be alright. Now, go to sleep.” 

And with a simple touch of her horn to his, he felt heavy, and tired, his back legs, still standing, but slowly, bit by bit, relaxed and collapsed under the weight. And he could almost feel himself falling, as his eyes got heavy, his body got tired, and for a moment he was that young child, fighting off the timber wolves. He had used almost all his energy to protect those he had barely known, and he remembered collapsing onto the ground, tired, exhausted, and weak. And then it passed, his eyes got heavy and closed, his breathing changed, and slowly, he felt like something had simple knocked him away into a world of dark, and at first he was afraid. At first he didn’t understand, he was scared, he knew he was asleep, and that he was dreaming, but he had never entered a dream quite this way before. And so he was afraid, his body still the brilliant white that he had chosen to become, but he did not feel like the brave Royal Guard that he had tried to be, instead he felt like that frightened child, turning, looking for someone in the darkness, but finding no one. 
He called out, expecting to find Luna, but didn’t find anypony. All he found was dark. And then the ground beneath him disappeared, replace only by dark water, and he fell into it. Taking a deep breath before disappearing below its surface, he struggled and fought, and failed. Then he heard a voice call out to not fight, to not struggle, to be calm, and let the change happen. As he desperately tried to keep his head above water, to keep from drowning in whatever darkness he had fallen into, he did not believe the voice at first, and kept struggling. 
But soon realized that the voice was right. And so he just let go and let the water carry him where it would. And he could feel it changing him, altering him slightly, he closed his eyes and allowed the change to come. To his surprise, he found himself at the surface once more, and slowly took in a breath and allowed himself to just simply be, and relax on the surface. He found he could just stay there relaxed, and lay his head back on the water’s surface, and let the change come. His eyes closed, unafraid, not because there was nothing to be afraid of, because he had accepted what was happening to him, and trusted in the voice. 
A moment later the change was over. He opened his eyes at the voice’s command, and looked upon his surface once more, and once again he was BlueStar. And this made him happy, to see the brilliant blue of his body, the gentle blue of his hair and the yellowish lightening streak that went along it. And most of all the brilliant Blue Star that was emblazoned on his flank that meant so much to him. 
Then, he grew slightly sad, realizing the symbol of what he had strived so long and hard for was gone. But he did not let it hurt him, he knew that this was what he was and what he wanted. As much as it meant to be a guard, to be there for Equestria, it meant even more to him to just be BlueStar. It was only then that he felt the solidity of land underneath him and was able to pull himself out of the dark water, which no longer frightened him, because he thought he understood that all it had done was turn him back into what he truly was, instead of merely what he wanted to be. And as he turned back away from the water and looked ahead of him, he saw Luna, standing there before him, barely visible in the darkness that was around him. 

“Hmm,” she began, “this is definitely your color, I like you better this way.” 

“I like myself better this way too.” He replied. “Why am I here?” 

“That’s a good question, why are you here?” 

“I’m here because, I want to serve, I want to defend Equestria. I want to be there, for those who need me, but I don’t want to stop being me. I want to be BlueStar. But I know I can’t be both.” 

“Hmm, perhaps, not the way you think. Walk with me.” She said. And they walked along the slight path that appeared before them. “You’re an interesting creature.” She said to him. “You mind is very dark, and yet there are, positive bright things here, why do you hide them?” 

Then, almost on cue, a brilliant memory flash briefly before him, one of him and his father, those many years ago. And then another, of him, slightly older, just simply enjoying being with his friends. Another, looking on the machine, the device his father had built, and enjoying watching it preform the way he had intended it to. 

Then several more, too quickly for either of them to understand, then he didn’t have an answer for her, and simply replied, “I don’t know.” 

“I let the dark control me for a very long time.” She said. “I can see they control you too. I told you not to be afraid, why didn’t you believe me?” 

“I don’t know.” 

“I do. You were afraid because you don’t trust me. You thought I was going to hurt you, that I was going to let you get hurt.” 

“I don’t know you, Princess, respectfully Princess I don’t know you. You expect me to trust you, but I don’t know you.” 

“I understand that, but I am your Princess, don’t I deserve your respect? And your trust?” 

“Yes, you do. I’m sorry.” 

“Don’t be. This may have been asking a little bit too much of you all at once, but you’ve never trusted in anyone have you? Not since you were a child.” 

“Princess Luna, did you really come here to analyze my childhood?” 

“No, but it’s important to you. Your father, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” 

“How could you have? It was a long time ago.” 

“Yes, but that wound still hasn’t healed. I hope it does soon. The wound between me and my sister didn’t heal for a very long time. And the interesting thing was that, it was never healed by me and my sister, it was healed by somepony else. Somepony, that I would never have trusted. Trust is important, friendship is even more important. I see that you and I truly are alike, we’ve both been alone. We both wanted friends, but never really knew how to get them, or how to keep them. Hmm, you and I could learn a lot from each other, I like you.” He looked at her strangely, not understanding what her intent was. “Hmm, yes, I think I could learn to like you a lot. But, that’s not why I’m here. I’m here because I have a special job for someone like you. It’s been my experience, that those who have the most to learn, end up being the best qualified to teach.” 

“I don’t understand, about what?”

“Friendship. You know the story of the Mane Six, how these six friends who barely knew each other were able to overcome my dark magic, by simply being there for each other. I think you need to learn these same lessons.” 

“That’s, very nice, but what does…?”

“Simply, that I want you to go to them, to watch over them.” 

“What? They’ve never needed help before.” 

“No, they haven’t. But someday they might. There may be times when we can’t be there for them, and in those times I want someone like you to be there for them. Not just as a protector, or guardian, but as a friend. I must say that this isn’t a job that me and Celestia can do very well. 
Hmm, I’ve heard much talk about Celestia. About how she’s a hard, uncaring ruler, the truth is, she’s always cared. She loves her people very much. But we both know that sometimes the best thing to do is to let the people solve their own problems. That’s what the Mane Six are all about. 
We could go down and fix most of Ponyville’s problems without even trying, but what would be gained, what would be learned, how would they grow? We can’t do this for them, only they can. 
But, we know we need to be there when they need us. Sadly, we haven’t been there for them when we really could’ve been, I admit that. So I need you, to watch over them for me. And be their guardian, their protector, and their friend when they need it.” 

“But, why me?” 

“As I said, you have much to learn, as do they. I’m confident that you’ll learn together, and you both will be made stronger together. 
Remember, the greatest power here is togetherness, friendship, love, community. As long as you have that, you will always prevail against whatever threat comes to you. But when you try to fight alone, that’s where failure comes. 
That’s why I asked you to trust me, I was asking you to let me help you. To trust that, together, we can handle any problem. No one here accomplishes anything on their own, this isn’t our way, it never has been, it never will be. Which is why I want you, you need this lesson. You need to learn this lesson yourself.” 

“I guess I should be flattered.” 
“Hey, I had to be zapped by the Elements of Harmony to be reunited with my sister, I understand what you’re feeling.” 
“Hmm, what about Celestia?” 
“What about her?” 
“She doesn’t seem to keen.” 
“She’s just cautious, that’s all. There are a lot of other candidates to look at. And I’m not saying you have the job just yet, but I have faith. I have faith, because I know what you need, I know what you’ve been through. 
As I said, we’re a lot alike, you and I. We both understand what it means to be alone. Be there for them, be their friend, and I’m sure it will make you all stronger. Now, it’s time to wake up. Wake up BlueStar. Wake up guardian. Don’t be afraid, everything’s alright. I’m not going to hurt you. As long as I’m here, no one will ever hurt you.”
In a moment, his eyes lightened, and he felt his strength returning to his body. And he slowly opened his eyes, slowly, slowly, the light almost hurting him. He regained a little of his strength, and managed to lift his head of the floor, and was surprised to see Princess Luna, bending down in front of him, her eyes closed, her horn just above his, and she too opened her eyes slowly, awakening from the dream. She too, seeming slightly tired, as though the experience had been draining to her, and he felt sorry for her. He had heard the stories, the rumors, that Princess Luna spent time in other ponies dreams. To see now what that might have cost her, worried him. 
And she moved to slowly lift herself, BlueStar tried to do the same, but turned to realize that he was no longer the white, the brilliant white that he had so hoped for, but was once again the blue and yellow that was BlueStar. And this time, he didn’t know what to feel. And he realized that everyone around him was looking at him, realizing that most of the ponies in the room, were the same brilliant white of the Royal Guard, and here he stood, after passing through the pool, for a brief moment he thought would cost him his life, was still standing here the same pony he was. So he could only hold his head in shame. Despite what had just happened in dream, he felt shame. 
Then Luna spoke, “Do not be afraid, or ashamed, BlueStar. In my eyes you will always be a member of the Guard. And if I do not choose you, you may still be a member of the Guard. Don’t give up. Your destiny, is still uncertain. 
But I still believe one that will be worth fighting for. Now rest, me and my sister have a lot to discuss. Take him back to his room.” She said before turning briefly to a member of the Guard who wore his brilliant golden armor, and simply led him away to where he had been staying the past few days while he had tried to pass his trials. And he did what he was told, and simply lay down and rested, something that he, honestly, needed to do for a very long time. And in that time he dreamed, he must admit that he expected to see Luna there, at least once or twice. 
But, probably realized that she had spent enough time in his head, and that she had other places and things to do. Being in such contact with the Princess had changed him somehow, it had allowed him to see a part of himself that he had simply pushed away, part that he was ashamed was there. 
Though he had grown, and was now an adult, the events of the past, the events that had driven him away from really making friends, everything from the teasing, to the hard work he had poured into mastering the device from his father, just simply being a Royal Guard, he realized how much it had hurt him. But now, just simply tried to let it go, easier said than done, but he tried to accept and just let go of all those feelings and all those things that had happened so long ago, and realized that he was at peace now. That this time, he was ready, truly ready, to be what he wanted, and needed, to be. 
His fear would always be there, fear of failure, rejection, of being alone. But now he had accepted them, he realized what they were, where they had come from, and bit by bit, managed to simply deal with them, and in time, they no longer hurt him the way they did, his soul was free. He could simply lay his head down on his bed, and not be afraid, just relax. Just let dreams carry him, he was no longer afraid. But fear would always be there, and he knew that and now he developed new fears, fears of the future, uncertainty, fears of ‘what’s going to happen to me?’ 
He was still disappointed of what had happened, that the brilliant white that he should be wearing was no longer there. But he couldn’t deny that he was happier this way, that he was still him, he was still BlueStar, and always would be. And he admired his Cutie Mark, and what it meant to him. More than he had ever done before.
> Chapter 3:  Unfinished Work
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bluestar was in his room, admiring his Cutie Mark and simply enjoying everything that it represented to him, it represented strength, love, control, and of course himself. This was something that belonged to him, and meant so much to him, and a part of him would never give it up again. He had made that mistake once, he won’t make it again. Still he wondered what it had cost him, to bear this mark. It appeared to have cost him everything he had truly wanted. To serve, to be a Guard, and he didn’t want to place his selfish desires above serving, but he couldn’t stop being who he was. 
His Cutie Mark might have been telling him to walk into that pool, but it was also telling him now to not let go of who he was. That this wasn’t the only way, there was a different way, perhaps a better way. This way, he didn’t quite know what that was, he was afraid, afraid that, maybe that path wouldn’t lead anywhere, that his own selfish desires might be his undoing. But, inside he knew to walk this path, and have faith that it would lead where he wanted to go. Where he needed to go. 
Then there was a knock on the door, and it brought him back to reality. In the place inside, he was simply playing with his emotions, and letting them wash over him. Now he was back to reality. The door opened and a guard came in, and said that they were ready to see him now. He asked who, and he said the two Princesses, Princesses Luna and Celestia. He shouldn’t have been surprised, but he was. 
So he walked nervously out of the room with the guard. He didn’t know where he was taking him, just that it wasn’t quite where he was expecting. It was outside, in the courtyard. There were three other Ponies there, all recruits, all white, with matching armor, it wasn’t gold, just silver. Training armor, given to recruits. 
The golden armor that the guard wore still had to be earned. He was told to stand beside them, so he did, and a moment later the two Princesses, one of day and one of night, came out and stood before them. And each bowed in respect and reverence to their leaders and mentors. BlueStar closed his eyes as he bowed, momentarily afraid to look them in their eyes, and as he came back up again, he opened his eyes, and saw them looking at him. 
Then, glancing at each of the other three, and then Celestia spoke, “You four are our final candidates for a truly special mission. Each one of you are capable, but I’m afraid only one will be chosen.” She turned to Luna, and paused for a moment, considering, 
“Each one of you, is powerful, strong and brave, but we still need an answer. We do not know which one of you will go on to this task, only that today that decision will be decided. Here, now. We have a series of tests for you. Some physical, some mental. Some that will test you in ways you never thought possible. The one that passes will be the one that we choose. You have one hour to prepare whatever you need. Before, the tests were limited for fairness, but now this is a test of you, of your character, of your gifts.” She glanced at BlueStar for a moment, as though she was speaking directly to him, but turned away before the others could realize it. “This is your time to shine. Show us what you can do. Dismissed.” 
The two Princesses walked away, leaving the four Ponies to stand there, almost alone. And each looked at the other, not certain, sizing up the competition. Then they turned to him, and looked at him, and realized what had happened. That he was not the same white that they had and as they walked by, some of them were angry, because they had been willing to make the change, but he was not. 
At first he didn’t say anything, he felt like he didn’t have an answer for them. He didn’t feel that they were wrong, but he didn’t feel that they were right either. And he had been willing, it just wasn’t him, he just couldn’t be like everypony else. It wasn’t his destiny. And so they were escorted back to their rooms. And each prepared in their own way. And it was here that BlueStar broke out something that he had brought with him, but didn’t expect to use. One of the two devices that his father had constructed, and two more he had made himself. 
He had made himself a small piece of armor that each of the devices bolted to, so that one was on each side. Right now they were facing backwards, so they would be out of the way, but when in use they would pivot forwards, and with his mind he would aim each individually, so that his horn and each of the devices could be aimed together, or perhaps at three separate targets. He had practiced this for many, many days, until his mind hurt. 
He had found a way to complete his father’s work. It had happened unexpectedly one day. He was out in the fields, depressed, sad. He had been working for so long, and he had no answers. His heart was heavy, and he sat down in the tall grass and just simply wondered why he couldn’t find the answer. He just wanted to give up. For a moment he did, laid his head down between his hooves, and inside just cried, until a tear finally came through and rolled down his face. Still the answer didn’t come. He picked himself up and began the walk home when he saw something in the grass, it was a simple peapod, how it had gotten there he didn’t know. He didn’t pay any attention to it, and kicked it aside, and began to walk away when he saw what was inside. Just the simple round peas contained inside the pod came rolling out. 
And at first, he didn’t seem to take notice, but slowly inside his head, something sparked, an idea, a concept, perhaps even an answer. And bit by bit, the answer came. He saw what he needed to do. He saw, something more than a simple peapod, perhaps an answer. As he walked home, he found that he was excited, inside he knew he found something, and he rushed to make it happen. 
He pulled out the devices that he had been working on, he had been trying to improve their design, basing them off his father’s first device. Then he realized that he finally had the answer, that it wasn’t possible to store enough magic in a single container, a single pod as his father had called it, it just wasn’t possible. So he had to have multiples of that pod, and find a way to detach it and add a new one. And each one, he knew had to be like the others. It had to contain the cells, round, just like the peapods, and some kind of container. So he made a simple box and placed the cells inside it, and was able to throw it aside when it was spent, and put a new one in that was fully charged with magic. With this he was able to find a way to finally make this device work, to fire more than once, and be able to be continually used, even when the magic inside had been used up. 
He built a prototype, it didn’t work. He looked at it, and didn’t understand why it didn’t work, then looked closely and saw a flaw, repaired it, and tried again. It fired twice, then didn’t work, again another flaw, minor, but important nonetheless, then repaired it, and the next, and the next, and the next, and eventually worked out its design. Then he built several of the devices that he simply called the magic pods, that stored the energy that made this weapon work. 
He made several, and he made each contain a different kind of magic, one for stunning, one for destruction, he built two of these pods to the side of each of his devices that he simply called Castors, because they Casted spells. Then he built his armor, a simple piece of metal that looped around him, and mounted each Castor on a pair of swivels, that enabled each to be manipulated separately. And it took some practice to get used to lifting back the pods with his mind and placing them into position. After a long hard and difficult struggle, he still found there were still issues to work out, as there always were. But soon those issues were just a memory, and he had finished his work. His father’s work. And he was happy, he had accomplished what he had wanted for so long, he wanted to rush to show some pony. 
Then realized there was no one for him to show, besides his mother, who had always been there for him. And this made him sad, but he realized that maybe it just wasn’t time yet. But that his time would come, and he was right. The time had come. He had not been allowed to use these Castors in the original trials because it was unfair, and he agreed, Luna had basically told him that this was his time, this was his time to show what he was really capable of, perhaps they wouldn’t be needed at all. This time, he’d be ready, they’d be ready. 
So, he placed the Castors on his side, made sure that each of the pods were charged, that each was secured to his side, ready and waiting, then tried to prepare himself. He knew that whatever tests lay ahead, he knew that they would most likely be the most important of his life. That perhaps everything he had ever worked for would come down to the following tests, the following hours, perhaps the following minutes. And he was afraid, he was scared, he didn’t want to fail. In his mind he was more afraid than he had ever been. 
He thought he shouldn’t be, so he relaxed, calmed himself, remembered how hard he had worked and trained, that he was ready for this, he had done all he could, and if he failed it would not be because he did not try, it would be because the others were better. But he would fight with everything he had, and do what he could. The only thing left to do was just to close his eyes, and prepare, and store what strength he had, and be ready to use it when the time came. He did this until a guard knocked on the door again, and summoned him back to the courtyard. Taking a deep breath, he walked out the door to go face his destiny.
> Chapter 4: The Trials
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once again the Princesses were waiting for them, and all eyes turned briefly to BlueStar, and the strange devices on his sides. It was certainly unexpected but the other ponies had a range of equipment, some had nothing, some carried other equipment in saddlebags on their backs. But no one had ever seen devices quite like them, except for the two Princesses. Luna looked at him, not surprised, in fact she seemed please. But Celestia however was confused, and looked at him and seemed to suddenly realize, or remember where those devices had come from, and looked at her sister, then looked back at him. For a moment, they had nothing to say, but he could tell that she sensed something personal between Luna and BlueStar, and she did not like it. 

And then Celestia spoke, “Recruits, I am glad that you are here. We have an important task for you, but only one of you can be chosen for this task. The first test is one of skill, strength, determination. Each one of you, will hit as many targets as you can and whoever does the best wins.” 

And they were led to an area to the side, where a number of targets had been set up. BlueStar was confident, this was what he was good at, since this was what he trained for. But something didn’t feel right, there was something else. Then he saw it, something in the sky, he noticed the shield above him for the first time. The others soon noticed as well. 

Celestia spoke, “Don’t worry, Shining Armor is practicing. He will be practicing with each of you later, worry about what is before you, not what is above you.” 

Then she pointed to the first of the candidates and told him to stand at the front of the line. As he did, the others looked at each other curiously, they may not have know who Shining Armor was, but BlueStar did. He had heard of him while researching the Mane Six, and learned that he was Twilight’s brother, that he had a very powerful defensive magic, one that he was pretty certain that his offensive magic would not break, and seriously hope that the next test would not involve fighting Shining Armor. His attention then turned back to the first Pony, who pointed his horn at the first target and fired, and struck it hard, then another, and another, striking each with precision. Then a bell rang, and his score was tallied. He had done well, but BlueStar was confident he could do better. The next came, and he tried as hard, but he did not beat the score of the first Pony, nor did the third, then it was his turn. BlueStar stepped to the line, and closed his eyes, and prepared himself, he saw his Cutie Mark inside of him, glowing, and as it glowed it began to spin, growing as his power increased, ever brighter, until it spun so fast and glowed so bright it was brilliant ball of bright blue. 
And when it was time to begin, he simply let his heart guide him once more, as it always had, and allowed it just to flow to control that power that was his heart, and guided him to where he needed to be. Then he lowered his head and pointed his horn at the first target. At the same time, he used the power of his mind and his heart to turn his Castors forward and pointed at several more, and then fired at three targets at the same time, striking each, then turned his attention to another with his main horn and struck it. And in his mind he saw the targets, feeling with his magic. 
So he closed his eyes and let his heart and his mind guide him. And soon the targets fell, all of them. He couldn’t keep track of how many times he had missed, but he destroyed the targets before the time had run out. But he must admit it had cost him, he was tired, and he had emptied two of his pods, only three more remained on each Castor. He looked back up at the Princesses. Luna was happy, Celestia, a little confused, almost frightened. 
The others, were angry. One spoke that he thought and he had cheated. And the others joined in as well. They protested that he didn’t deserve to have such a high score, and this made him angry. After all he worked so hard for, trained so hard for, they thought it was easy. He assured them that it was not, even after the Castors worked, learning how to control them proved to be very difficult. He had earned each one of those targets and that he would not let them take it away. 
Then Celestia stomped her hoof, so loud and hard that it seemed to shake all of Equestria, silencing them, and said that her sister and her would have to discuss this and decide what to do. Luna was clearly upset at the idea, most likely she thought that he had acted fairly, he was surprised that Luna was so supportive of him. And so the minutes passed, nothing seemed to happen. 
The others just glared at him angrily. He decided not to say anything to them, he knew that there was nothing that he could say. As he waited there were times he felt that maybe he had cheated, maybe it was unfair, he didn’t really know. He didn’t want to win by cheating, he wanted to win in a fair fight. He wanted to prove that he was the best not because of what he had, but who he was. So when Celestia and Luna came back, Celestia looked at him disapprovingly, but somehow sympathetic. Luna was worried, she asked that he took the test again, but without his Castors, and he agreed, believed that he could still do better. And so he took off the piece of armor that held his Castors, and used his magic to lower them to the ground beside him, and stepped forward. And unlike the others he had no armor, just him. 
And once again he summoned the power that was in his heart and forced it out through his horn. This time he trusted completely in his senses, his training, and did not open his eyes, but let himself, his heart his mind, everything that was him, guide him, trusting that he would hit his mark, that who he was would bring him through. One by one, targets seemed to fall, he knew that time was running out, he didn’t bother to count them, but he knew he hit every single one he could, but his strength was waning. He did not know how long he could keep that up for. He tried not to think about how tired he was, how much each shot had cost him. And soon he became exhausted. With his sights set on one more target, the bell rang, and he fired just after, too late. Then he collapsed to the ground, tired, exhausted. The others looked at him, still surprised. But not as surprised as before. 
He looked at Celestia, she shook her head no, he had managed to tie him. One target more, and he would have won. He could only feel despair, like he was back in that black water in the dream, and no longer how hard he struggled, there was no way out, and could only give in. Luna looked at him, sad, disappointed, as though looking at a failure, then smiled. The test was just the first, not the last, and with his Castors he still prevailed. They did not say which results they were going to use. He decided not to give up hope yet, there were still two more tests to go.

For the 2nd trial they were led away to another court yard nearby. This time, it was a simple rope, tied on a wall, and a heavy suit of armor, unlike any he had ever seen. It was made of heavy metal, didn’t shine and was not decorated. It simply looked like a piece of heavy metal. And when the first Pony picked it up and tried to put it on, it was clear that that was its intent. The goal was simple, to pull themselves up while wearing that heavy suit of armor. 
The first, the one that was currently his biggest competition, slowly made his way up, struggled, but ultimately prevailed and reached the top, and just held there, then slowly let himself down again when he was told that he could. The others, surprisingly, did better. The second did a little bit better, the third almost went up that rope like it was easy. Then it was BlueStar’s turn. The armor was about the heaviest thing that he had ever worn in his life. It felt so heavy that he felt that if he fell to the ground it would crush him. 
And as he picked up the rope, and looked at how high it was, he was afraid. In his mind, this task was too hard for him. But, again he thought what his father would do, what would his father want him to do, what would his father think of him if he just gave up. He knew he had to do this, he had to give it his best, so after a brief moment, he found what he needed. Then it was time to go, so he climbed, struggling at first to find footing. Bit by bit he managed to climb, slowly, but climbing nonetheless. He tried to go faster, and somehow pull himself up that rope. But his muscles were strained, and he knew that if he pushed too hard he would simply fall off, but he decided to get to that top, and not to fail. So slowly he inched up that rope, closer and closer to the top. He struggled, and as he neared the top, he almost felt his strength would be gone by the time he got there. 

Inside him, he said, “I will not allow myself to fail. I will make it to the top, this is too important to me to give up. I will do what I need to do.” 

And almost as he finished thinking this, his hoof just barely reached the top, so lightly that almost, those looking from the ground didn’t notice, and when he reached for it again he managed to wrap his hoof around the top, and hold himself there. And when they said for him to come down, he slid down the rope, almost too fast, his muscles ached too hard for him to do anything. When he slid to the bottom, the suit of armor collapsed his legs and he also collapsed to the ground. Several of the guard came and helped him and loosened the armor. To his surprise every pony seemed pleased for him, even the competitors, perhaps because the competitors knew how hard it was to climb that rope with that load, and he was grateful. Then, the final test came. They were led away to the courtyard. Shining Armor was waiting for them. He was a large, strong Pony, dressed in purple armor, his mane was covered by his helmet, and his tail showed blue and cyan. 
This was the first time he had ever seen Shining Armor, captain of the Royal Guard. Some pony strong and powerful, and if things went well, would probably be his commanding officer. Perhaps a friend definitely someone he looked up to. He was, serious, when he looked at each one of them, his eyes sharp, his eyes clearly indicating a leader, one to be respected, and he respected him greatly. He knew that in an emergency, he was the one who was responsible for protecting Canterlot personally. 
His own shield would be used to protect an entire city of ponies. With his experiences in magic, he knew what a terrible burden that must be. He wondered if there was any pony for him, that would stand by him. He couldn’t imagine doing a spell like that for so long without somepony special to just be there for him. Then he looked and saw her, Princess Cadence, and remembered that they had been dating for several years. It was rumored that they were going to be married soon. He believed those rumors, and he now knew where the power came from. He wondered if the others did. Then each of the recruits stood before Shining Armor and bowed in respect. Then something unexpected happened. Shining Armor pointed his horn at one of the recruits and fired at him. The recruit, unprepared, fell to the ground, stunned. 

And he said firmly, “Your final test, is to fight me. Whoever wins, goes on.” 

The other recruits, were shocked and surprised. Shinning Armor was simply the most powerful Pony there was, other than the Princesses of course. They didn’t stand much of a chance, even all four of them against him. Then he fired again at another Pony, this time the Guard was able to deflect the attack away. The first Pony who got hit managed to wake up and pull himself back up, but afraid. Each looked at the other, uncertain what to do. It almost seemed as though Shining Armor had gone mad. Then again he fired at another one of the recruits, who turned the attack away, surprised that he had been able to do so. 
Shining Armor turned towards BlueStar, and fear took hold of him. He couldn’t believe this was happening. He didn’t know what to do. When the purple beam of energy came at him, the only thing he could do was deflect it away, not with his magic but with one of the sides of the Castors, which fortunately he knew, when struck by a magic beam of that type, would attempt to store it and cast it away, which is exactly what happened. The beam struck the Castor, absorbed it and fired it out behind him. 
A desperate act that he had done purely on instinct, which had fortunately worked in his favor. The other three Ponies decided to surround Shining Armor, several attempting to move around him. He moved to do the same, but Shinning Armor stood there, undeterred, unmoved, unafraid. The others glanced at each other, some pony said they should fire together, and it seemed to be the right idea. So they all pointed their horns at him and fired together. The shield that had surrounded Canterlot disappeared, and suddenly appeared all around Shining Armor. And each of the beams that had been meant hurt him were deflected away and struck their attackers. 
BlueStar was just amazed to be stuck by his own spell, and he collapsed to the ground as its crippling power came over him. He couldn’t move, all he could do was try to stay conscious. But he failed, and he fell into dream, into memory, into the black. And at first he didn’t know how to get back out again, then a memory came, he was training, a long, long time ago, he was still learning the basics of magic, how to use it most effectively. He had gone to the lake that the river his father had passed away in led to. And he trained, to learn how to use his powers, to use different spells. One of the hardest was to learn how to perform these spells under pressure. Especially the harder, more complicated spells. 
His father had taught him magic. He had taken him to a cliff, not a very high cliff, but a cliff nonetheless, about twenty or thirty feet high, overlooking the water. To his shock, he saw his father jump off and vanish over the edge. A second later, with a flash of light, his father appeared behind him, magically teleported from where he was falling to behind his son. And told him this was a vital lesson he had to learn. But he knew that he wasn’t quite ready yet, but it was important to show his son this lesson. 
Perhaps he knew that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to teach his son when he was ready. And many years later, he stood at that same cliff, and like his father he jumped off, and tried to teleport himself away before he struck the water, and failed. Fortunately he was not hurt but he wasn’t surprised he had failed. The sheer panic broke his concentration completely, it was hard to think about anything but falling. So he tried again, and again, and again, until he felt sore from all the failed attempts. All he could do was just lay down and be glad the day was over. He knew that this was not an easy thing, but it still disappointed him that he could not do it, at least not yet. Then he remembered something else, how his father made it a point to just play at the end of each day, when his muscles ached, they would just play, or rest, or sometimes float in the lake. 
He remembered the special time, his father had taken off his armor and simply put it aside, let it rest on the ground, and they walked into the water and just swam, and played. Just a father playing with his young son. And he said this was an important part of training, that rest and joy were just as important as working hard, because without it there’s nothing left to fight with. At the time he didn’t understand, now he did. 
His muscles ached from all the training already, and wished that he could just go to sleep, he was tired, and in his mind there was nothing else to do, just sleep. He didn’t know what to do now, he knew he had to move, he could not, he was afraid again, he was drowning once again. 
Then he slowly found the strength to open his eyes once more, and came back to consciousness. But his body ached, and was sore, he did not try to move, he didn’t want Shining Armor to see that he was still awake, and feared that he would knock him back into his subconscious again. So he opened his eyes slowly, carefully and tried cautiously to stand up. Two of the other Ponies were still down, one was trying to fight off Shining Armor. He decided to run around Shining Armor, trying to keep away from that powerful horn of his. Shining Armor was doing his best to keep up with him. 
Part of BlueStar wanted to stay down, go to sleep, admit defeat. But he decided this was the last thing he could do. But he didn’t know what to do now. He couldn’t possible fight the powerhouse that was Shining Armor, and he still didn’t understand why, did they really expect them to be able to defeat him? He decided that he had to find out why, so he stood. 	
He just stood and looked Shinning Armor in the eyes, trying to be as brave as he could. Then remembered, what his father had taught him. And inside his head he began to understand, perhaps this was a different test, perhaps it wasn’t his power that would end this test. But he wasn’t sure he could do what he knew he had to, he had never fully mastered the exercise at the cliff. It was only twice that he had come close to succeeding. He stared at him, and Shining Armor noticed him, and looked at him hard, like he was surprised that he was still standing. BlueStar’s eyes were defiant, and he sidestepped a little to the right, and stared at him, still daring him to make a move against him. 
For a moment, Shining Armor’s eyes were no longer hard, they were soft and sympathetic, almost proud, like he liked what he saw. But then in an instant the hardness returned, and his horn glowed, and a beam shot at him again. BlueStar didn’t think, he could only feel. This time instead of fear it was the spell, the spell that he knew he needed to cast. 
He closed his eyes as hard and fast as he could, and focused only on the spell, and he vanished, disappearing for just a moment, and in that moment, no unicorn could only describe how it felt, to be for a moment in nonexistence, and then suddenly reappear. But when he reappeared he saw what happened to Shining Armor. 
The beam that Shinning Armor had shot at him struck a hardened wall behind him and bounced right back at Shining Armor, who was too surprised to do anything but see it strike him. With the power of his own beam weakened him and hopefully his shield just enough that maybe they had a chance to beat him after all. BlueStar pointed his horn at Shining Armor and fired, and again the attack was deflected by his shield, and the other Pony, who had taken notice of what was happening fired as well and still it did nothing. This was a problem… 
The other Ponies began to wake, and Shining Armor was angry, he didn’t like being deceived, so he shot again. This time BlueStar decided to fall to the ground and avoid the attack, which gave him just enough time to pull himself together to teleport away to somewhere else before Shining Armor could fire again. But he knew this wouldn’t work forever. They needed a new plan. Then realized the only way they had a chance of defeating him was together, he remembered what Luna had told him, and realized why they were failing. Each one was fighting for himself, not for each other, and that had to change. He knew he needed all of them. So he teleported himself next to one of the Ponies that was still unconscious, and used his magic to shield them both while he attempted to wake the Pony. 

The other Pony who was trying to stay out of Shinning Armors way, shouted at him, wondering what he was doing. BlueStar said, “We need to fight him together, we need to fight him as one, we need all of them. Do you understand?” 

He didn’t seem to agree with him, but after a narrow miss from Shining Armor’s attack, he decided that perhaps it would be better to fight together than alone. And the other Pony moved to protect the other Pony, who was still dazed, confused, and protected him with a shield as well. 

Shining Armor decided that this was a good time to recover and rest, since he had clearly used a lot of energy attempting to fight off these four Ponies, and said defiantly, “You can’t hide beneath your shields forever, sooner or later you have to deal with me.” 

And BlueStar knew he was right. He tried desperately to wake the sleeping Pony, Shining Armor had decided to look only at him, and he was afraid. He was afraid of what he saw in those eyes. Power, power that he knew he couldn’t match on his own. This frightened him. It frightened him a lot more than he would have ever thought. Then with a gentle nudge, the sleeping Pony woke, wondered what was happening. 

BlueStar decided that he need more help than a simple kind word, and touched his horn to his, and gave some of his energy to that Pony, whose strength began to recover, and asked, “What are you doing?”

“I’m helping you. Because, I need you, we all need to fight him together.” 

This Pony didn’t seem to understand quickly, and when he saw Shining Armor staring at them, he asked, “OK what are we going to do?” 

“I don’t know just yet, but I know we can’t win alone.”  BlueStar said uncertain

“So that’s your great plan?”

“It appears so. You got any ideas?” BlueStar asked

The other Pony didn’t understand, “Why are you asking me?” 

“Because I don’t have any ideas either. I just know we can’t win alone.” 

“Hmm, you figured that out by yourself?” 

“Actually no.”  BlueStar said truthfully remembering what Luna had told him.

“Wow, you’re really inspiring confidence in me. BlueStar wasn’t it?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Well, I think you’re crazy, but, I’d rather just stay down honestly.” 

“Me too, but I don’t want to lose.”  

“We can’t beat him. No pony can.” the other pony said sadly as he lowered his head

“I know, but I intend to try nonetheless, and I need your help.” 

“Why should I help you?” 

“Because if I fail, we all fail, you fail, I fail, we all fail. I don’t think this is about you and me, but us.”  BlueStar said

“Hmm, you are crazy. But you know what, let’s give it a shot anyway, I don’t like losing either. If you go down, just promise me we’ll go down fighting.” 

“You got it, what is your name?” 

“Hmm, Shining Star.” 

“Well Shining Star, let’s do this together.”  BlueStar said confidently.

And with that, he helped him up. And they both stood together. Across from them, they could see the other two Ponies standing beside each other. And each nodded to the other, signaling they were ready. And together, they dropped their shields. 
BlueStar and Shining Star ran, they ran faster than they ever thought they could. They tried to run away, so they could escape that powerful beam, and just when it seemed that it would catch them, the other two Ponies fired as well, catching him by the side, but Shining Armor was aware of their presences and deflected their attack. And each turned together at the brief distraction, and each fired their magic. Shining Armor, caught slightly off guard, couldn’t decide which attack to defend against first, and their combined power simply overcame him, and for a brief moment, then his shield came on again. This time, the shield came slamming at them, throwing them against the wall. And each of them collapsed to the ground as the shield came off. 

And Shining Armor walked towards them as each fell, a crumpled heap, eyes still angry and hard, and then he smiled. “Well done recruits, you did well. I’m sorry I had to be so rough on you. Princess Celestia told me how important it was for each of you to show what you all had, and each of you did well. Farewell. I hope to see each of you again.”

And then he simply walked away. And the recruits just couldn’t believe it happened. They didn’t understand just yet, and at the moment they were too tired to really care. It had been clear that Shining Armor had toyed with them, all that time, how easily he brushed them all aside. Apparently, he had seen all he had needed to see in their final attack, and had decided to end the fight. And BlueStar felt hurt, that he could be brushed aside so easily. Then he thought, this was Shining Armor, supposedly the strongest unicorn, second only to the Princesses. What shame is there in being beaten by him? But it still hurt him slightly. Then the two Princesses, one light, one dark, came up to the students, and looked at them. And had compassion. 

Then it was Celestia who spoke, “Well done recruits, well done. I’m sorry that we had to rough you up so badly. True tests of character are never easy. I am proud of each and every one of you. Now, it’s time for you to go back to your rooms, rest, recover, and in the morning we’ll inform you of our decision. Be proud recurits. I know each of you will serve us well.” 

And then Celestia walked away, but Luna stayed for a moment, and looked at each of the recruits, and felt sorry for each. Then she turned to BlueStar, clearly intending to say something. But, knowing better, joined her sister and walked away. Fortunately none of the recruits were hurt physically, but they had aches and pains that made the walk back to their rooms hard, and difficult. 
The bed of his room never felt so good, so comforting. He collapsed into it and just relaxed, and rested. This time there was little else he could do. He just, once again sunk into dream. Allowed it to carry him, hold him, ease all his pain, fear, and anxiety. He didn’t understand what had happened. Hmm, he never seemed to. It was clear that the Princesses had their own plans, the tests that they had posed the recruits were more than they could understand at first. There was no clear winner, at least not to them. So he simply followed his father’s advice, and just rested. And in his mind played, was back at the lakeside, just floating, letting the water heal everything that was broken, that was sore, that was hurt. And in that moment, that memory, he could rest. And then he fell asleep. This time, he dreamed something different. He dreamed Luna was with him. 

And he knew this was no dream, he knew Luna was here. “Well done. Well done BlueStar.” 

“What did I do?” He said to her. 

Surprisingly, he found himself back on the ground, too tired to move. He just lay there, tired, broken. And somehow, strong, victorious, despite what happened. It felt that he had won somehow. 

“You did well. You truly did. Hmm, I was worried for you. Don’t tell Celestia this, she didn’t want me to pick favorites, I was worried for you. I wanted you to win. The others had heart, strength, but I knew it was you I wanted. Still Celestia was right, they were all worthy. Be proud, regardless of who we choose. You did well. I truly mean that” 

“Thank you Princess Luna. Thank you for believing in me.” 

“Thank you for trusting in me. You’re one of the few that have. Now, go to sleep. You’re tired, you need rest. And I do have much to discuss with my sister. I just wanted to let you know, that your father would have been proud of you. And I’m proud of you. The others don’t have pain, the way you do, the way I do. We’re a lot in common, and one way or the other, I hope to see you again.” 

“Me too, Princess Luna.” BlueStar bowed in respect.

“Thank you, go to sleep. Tomorrow is a big day. Go to sleep.” 

Then she touched her horn to his, and he just fell, peaceful and quiet, despite how his body felt. He just relaxed, and calmed down, just let the black carry him, just let everything go. In his mind he could feel her walking away, disappearing, but he could still feel her presence, as though she wasn’t really gone, just watching over him, calming him. He was surprised by this. It reminded him of his mother, when he was younger, when he was scared, that she would just stay, just be there.
He didn’t know how to respond, except to just relax, and go to sleep, just accept what was the Princess was offering him, whatever she was trying to do for him, he no longer fought. Just relaxed. And just slept, and rested, in the cool reassuring calmness, and peace of the dream. He was happy. He had done what he could. And he was proud. It may not have been the way he wanted, but he had not faltered, he had not given up, he had risen to the challenge. 
Perhaps not passed it, perhaps not win the war, but he had done everything he could to win the battle, and so he fell asleep. Knowing that he did his best. That simple truth, brought joy to his cold and sometimes troubled heart and found it calm and reassuring. And then there was only black, and peace, and thought just went away and he fell asleep. Morning would come, it would come in its own time. For now, he just rested. And was grateful, that he was here, for all he had done, all those he had done it with. He knew, he had done well. He owed those three other cadets something for that. Somehow he knew he couldn’t have done it without them. With that last thought, finally he gave in to sleep. And he didn’t wake until the following morning.
> Chapter 5: Past and Future
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BlueStar Once again fell into dream seeking rest and understanding. It had been a hard day but he knew something else going on. Not all was as it what appeared. Instead of rest he found a memory of something that had happened so long ago that he had tried so hard to forget. But he just couldn’t seem to. It was the day his father passed away. And where he had almost lost his life as well.

He and his father had gone out kayaking down the river and BlueStar and despite his fathers warnings grew further and further away from him. BlueStar turned behind him as his father called out to him and BlueStar struck a rock and capsized and found himself in the water and fought to keep himself above it. He heard his father calling him but he saw his father strike the same rock and fall over into the water. All he could do was watch as his father disappeared below the waters surface, then the water grabbed BlueStar and pulled him under. 
BlueStar fought and struggled and for a moment he thought he wouldn’t see the surface again but almost as if the water released him he floated back up to the surface and took in a much need breath. Once again searched for his father but he could not see him, but then he felt something hard strike him as his head struck a rock and he was sent into a world of black, cold and pain. 

When he awoke his head throbbed from the force of that impact. He opened his eyes sleepily not knowing where he was. It took a moment for him to realize he was in the middle of a large lake and that his kayak and his father were no where to be found. And for a moment he panicked.  He didn’t know where to go and what to do. All he knew was he was in trouble and he was on his own. He also knew he was cold he must have been in the water a long time. The river must have carried him from the river into the middle of this lake. Even now he could feel the remnants of the current pushing him further away from shore, further away from safety. 

His first instinct was to swim to shore, but as he gauged how far away it was and how cold he suddenly became, he realized he wouldn’t make it. The cold would rob him of his life before he could get to shore. Again he searched for his father but he knew he wasn’t there. A part of him knew his Father was gone, there was nothing he could do to help him. Again panic set in and he stroked for shore but again realized that would be a waste of his energy. He tried to remain calm, closed his eyes and simply relaxed and calmed himself. He told himself he would find away to get out of this. That even if he couldn’t he wasn’t going to give up. He had made a promise to his father long ago that he would always fight to the very end, that he would always do so bravely and nobly. 

So he would not allow himself to panic or let fear control him. And it took a moment but he managed to bring his fear back under control and he turned his mind to how to get himself out of the situation he was in. Again he couldn’t think of anything. He knew he couldn’t get out of this on his own. He needed some pony to come and save him. But there wasn’t any pony that could help. Then he turned towards the sky thinking, “Is this the end for me?” but then an idea came to him. A spell his father had taught him long ago. That if he was ever in trouble to use and he would come for him. Although he knew his father would most likely not be able to help him. He remembered the spell and focused on it. Pointing his horn toward the sky, his horn glowed a brilliant yellow and a beam shot up into the sky. And a moment later it flared into brilliant spheres of light that would hopefully attract some ponies attention. 

This Flare Spell, he had used it once before when he was lost and once he used it his Father was able to find him. But again he knew his father couldn’t help him. A part of him could see feel that he was gone but hasn’t going to give up. Maybe he was still out there somewhere.
So BlueStar with the only course of action he could come up with just floated there wrapping all his legs around himself to conserve his energy and his heat. For a moment fear took him again as he realized his life jacket had been the only thing that had saved him so far and soon maybe even that wouldn’t be able to save him. As he could feel the cold slowly taking him, his eyes began to close and he continually forced them open and every few minutes send a flare up into the sky. Hoping that some pony would rescue him. But as time passed he began to lose hope. 

No pony was coming for him….

His eyes began to close again. He knew if he let that happen he would probably never wake up again. He continued to fight but soon he now longer had the strength to do so. And he knew he could only do the flare spell one more time. So he focused whatever energy he had left and made it as strong as he could and once it was gone he just collapsed in the water. He just couldn’t fight anymore. He could feel his eyes closing, he couldn’t keep them open anymore. So he finally closed his eyes and started to go to sleep and he was scared and afraid but even so he would not let go. He wasn’t ready to go yet. 

There was so much more he wanted to do, he didn’t want his journey to end here. And a part of him was sorry. Sorry for what had happened to his father. It was his fault. If he had listened to his father none of this would’ve happened. And he thought to himself I’m sorry Father I hope you can forgive me. I’m sorry…

Then he heard a faint voice. A voice as though off in the distance. He didn’t know whose it was but he tried to force his eyes open one last time but was unable to. But he heard the voice coming closer. He knew some pony was coming for him. He thought "Please help me. I can’t fight anymore. I need your help."

For a moment he thought they were moving away. His heart sank once more but he still refused to give up. He wasn’t going to give up until he couldn’t fight anymore but he knew that time was coming soon. Just when he thought it would come he felt some pony reach for him and pull him from the water. He was still too tired and weak to do anything but listen as the ponies carried him and placed him in what he thought was a boat. 
One of them was worried almost afraid. For a moment he thought BlueStar was gone. But another pony said “No he’s still alive”. He could feel them taking off his life jacket and then wrapping a blanket around him and another pony hugged him trying to keep him warm. And BlueStar could do nothing but just stay and not let go. But eventually he was able to force himself back. Back enough so he could open his eyes and he lay his head against the pony that had saved him.

He could feel the other ponies relief that BlueStar was still alive. And BlueStar himself felt relieved that he was going to be all right now. So for a few minutes they just held each other this way. BlueStar was gratefully just to be alive. But then he realized he still didn’t know what had happened to his father. So he looked into the eyes of the unknown stallion before him and the unknown stallion looked into his eyes with great sadness. Saying “I’m sorry but he’s gone” and he’s eyes drifted to a tarp on the other side of the boat and BlueStar could tell his fathers body was underneath. And the stallion said “We did our best but there was nothing we could do for him. I’m sorry”

“I’m sorry too” BlueStar said “I couldn’t do anything for him either” and then laid his head against the stallions chest and he just cried there was nothing else he could do. 

Then the memory seemed to fade and shimmer away. He seemed to mature in a instant from that young child to the adult that he now was. But he still found himself embraced by a pony and strangely this pony felt strong, large, warm and reassuring like he was still a child wrapped in the embrace of a adult pony. He didn’t understand but this embrace brought him comfort and warmth to his heart. So he did not fight it until the unknown pony spoke.

“I’m sorry BlueStar. I’m very sorry. As I said I did not know”

When he realized that this was the voice of Princess Luna his eyes snapped open and he was afraid. He was embracing the Princess of the Night and he tried to push her away. But she held him there and spoke reassuringly to him.

“No BlueStar don’t fight me. It’s alright. It’s alright” She said trying reassure him that all was well.

“I’m sorry Princes Luna. I’ve always wanted to respect you. I would never ask you to…” BlueStar said almost afraid.

“Again BlueStar it’s aright. " Princess Luna said warmly "Don’t be afraid. I’m here because I care. Because I want you to understand. I want to help you BlueStar." Princess Lunas eyes then turned sad "But I did not know. I simply did not know. But I’m glad I can help you in this way. We all have pain, we all have fear, regrets and things in our past we wish were not true. I have a feeling you know what mine is. And I thank you for sharing yours with me.”

“I don’t understand” BlueStar said uncertain “What do you mean share with you?”

“I can only go where I am needed and where I am wanted." Princess Luna replied " There are those ponies that would not want me to help them. They are too afraid to share their pain, their feelings with me and I am glad that you are not one of them. I am glad that you have begun to trust me. I’m very glad for that BlueStar. As I said you are a interesting creature and I’m glad that I choose you. Despite everything you’ve been through, you’ve still managed to be strong. You’ve never given up even when you had every reason to. You’ve always found a way to keep going. I’m sure your Father would be very proud of you. “

BlueStars eyes lowered for a moment, as the newly reawakened memory of losing his father hit him. And Princess Luna seemed a little sad. 

“I’m sorry BlueStar but it wasn’t your fault. Even if it was you have a excuse. You were young and we all disobey our parents sometimes” Then she lifted his chin up so he was looking into her eyes and a warm smile reappeared on her face. 

“But you also listened to your father and remembered everything he taught you. You did very well and I know he’s proud of you because through it all you were strong. You were everything he wanted you to be. I’m sure he forgives you for what happened. But regardless BlueStar, let it go. It happened so long ago. And if you still need help I will be here for you. But I forgive you BlueStar. I forgive you, if that helps. And I am very proud of you because I know you will always fight for us. You will not give up. Even though you have fear and pain those things will not control you and you will fight on always. I would be honored to have you beside me and if someday need be to fight for me. This is why your father would be proud of you. This is why I am proud of you”

“Thank you Princess Luna. Thank you." BlueStar said proudly " It would be my privilege and my honor to fight for you. To serve you and Princess Celestia. It’s what I have always wanted and I know it’s what my father wanted to.” 

“Hmmm. I’m sure it was. Your father taught you well. He taught you very well. I never knew him he seems like a good stallion and a good father. Thank you for sharing his memory with me. What little there was I like. Now BlueStar I have a question for you.”

“A question?”

“What do you think this dream is about? Why do you think you’ve seen this now? Because I can see it in your eyes. The uncertainty the questions. But there’s one question in your head right now. Why” 

“I honestly don’t know Princess Luna. All I know is that it hurts me. I’m afraid” BlueStar said with difficulty as the memories pain hit him.

“Why did it make you afraid?”

“What are you getting at Princess Luna? I don’t understand what you are trying to do. I have a feeling you know the answer.” BlueStar asked confused and uncertain.

“Yes I think I do. But it does not matter if I understand. It only matters that you understand. The thing with dream is that there’s almost always a reason, there’s almost always a why. But it is usually up to the dreamer to discover that why. I want to teach you how to learn to find that answer on your own. Because I can’t always be there for you. I can’t be here to tell you what the answer is. So I want to help you understand.  “ Princess Luna spoke reassuringly.

“I see Princess Luna. I see. Thank you” BlueStar replied with a better sense of  Princess Luna's intentions.

“You’re welcome BlueStar. You’re welcome. Now why does this dream frighten you?”

“Because there was nothing I could do” BlueStar replied trying to hide the stab of pain he felt.

“Do for what. Or for whom?” 

“I couldn’t do anything for myself. I couldn’t do anything for my father. I could barely save myself. There was simply nothing I could do.” Tears began to appear in his eyes and slowly they fell to the ground below him. 

“I’m sorry BlueStar." Princess Luna replied sympathetic to the pain these memories had brought him "The past can be painful but sometimes understanding is the best way to heal. How else does this frighten you? How else does it make you feel?”

“Cold…Helpless. Like no matter how hard I fought I simply couldn’t win. All I could do was wait for someone to come for me.” With that he began to understand why the dream had come to him today. He looked into her eyes with understanding lighting his eyes. 

“Just like today. No matter how hard I fight my future, my life is going to be decided by you and Princess Celestia. And all I can do now is just wait. Wait to see if you’ll save me or not.”

“Well done BlueStar. Well done. " Princess Luna said proudly as he began to understand " You’ve taken your first step towards understanding things that don't appear to not have a point or a reason. But usually there is. I’m proud of you and you’re right. In a way for now you’re not in control of your future all you can do is wait. I know how difficult that is. I waited for a very long time. A very, very long time.”

And BlueStar bent his head low in respect. “I’m sorry Princess Luna. I’m sorry that you had to go through that.”

“I am too. " Princess Luna replied sadly but then a warm smile appeared on her face "But everything worked out in the end. Don’t be sad for me. It’s all right now. Me and my sister are back together again and I assure you that I will never let something like that happen again. Just as I’m sure that you will never let what happened to your father happen to any pony else. I commend you for that. But I also warn you. " Princess Luna's face turned surprisingly serious" Don’t let I consume you. But let that drive to fight against failure consume you. Do you understand?”

He looked at her not fully understanding, still knowing enough to know what she was trying to warn him of. That path could lead to something very dark. 

“Yes I do understand Princes Luna. Perhaps not completely but I understand. Thank you. I will try my best. You have that promise.  I will always be there for you and Princess Celestia as best as I can.” He said this with the utmost sincerity as he held his head up proud to stand and fight for the Princesses of Equestria. 

And Luna’s eyes were somewhat surprised almost shocked. But then that smile came back to her face. 

“I’m sure you will BlueStar. I’m sure you will. Because you will be a member of the Royal Guard. I’ve convinced my sister of that much. We can definitely use someone like you fighting for us.”

And BlueStars eyes widened as joy began to fill them and Luna began to smile as well. But then a slight frown appear on her face as she turned towards the darkness as though something was calling her and then she turned back to BlueStar.

“I’m sorry BlueStar but I have to go now my sister is calling me.  I must say she was not very pleased when she learned of the time we had spent together.”

“Princess Celestia knows?” BlueStar said concerned

“Yes she does. I don’t keep secrets from my sister not anymore. Don’t worry I didn’t tell her anything too personal, but she knows and she was angry at first. She simply doesn’t want me to pick favorites, but once she started to get to know you she started to see what I saw in you. You’re a good and strong stallion, BlueStar. Never doubt yourself BlueStar because you always had the strength inside, you’ve just needed to find it. But now I have to leave you now. I promise this won’t be the last time I see you, especially in dream.”

And she turned to go but BlueStar called out to her one last time. “Wait Princess Luna can I ask you something?” She turned to him surprised and said that he could. 

“Does it hurt you to be in Ponies dreams this way? Because I would never want to do anything to hurt you. “ BlueStar asked concerned for Princess Luna.

Her eyes grew surprised and confused again but once again a smile came upon her face. 

“Do you know you are one of the few ponies to ask me that. It’s a long story, one I don’t have time to tell. But in short it used to, but now it doesn’t, because now I understand. I know how to control the images I see, how to protect myself from them and also understanding often takes the images power away. As I am sure soon you will discover. But don’t worry about me BlueStar, this is my way. This is my way to help those who need me because I can touch them in a way that no other Pony could ever imagine. When I entered your dreams for the first time you slowly began to reveal to me the things you didn’t let any pony see. I know in time this darkness will be lifted and you will be able to trust me. And that wouldn’t have happened without me entering your dreams so I don’t regret it. I don’t regret it one bit BlueStar. So don’t worry about me but thank you for caring and respecting me.”

She turned briefly to the ground
“Few ponies have” then she turned back to him with a gentle smile upon her face.

“I’m glad to see that is slowly changing. A long time ago I was Nightmare Moon. I tried to hurt all the ponies. But now that I am just Luna again all that fear is slowly going away. And now they can see me for who I always was and that I always did care for them. I just wanted them to love me the same way I love them. Thank you for being one of the first.”

She bowed slightly to him in respect and he bowed in return. But then she turned to the darkness once more as Celestia was certainly calling her. 

“This has been an interesting discussion, but I’m afraid Celestia is insisting that I come to her. We have much to discuss.  You’re fate is still uncertain but I know there are good things waiting for you in your future. Until we meet again BlueStar. Until we meet again. Goodbye”

“Goodbye Princess Luna. Thank you.” BlueStar said gratefully.

“You’re welcome. Oh I have one small gift for you before I leave. I know it has been a hard day for you and I think this in a way may help you heal. Rest well BlueStar. Rest well. Just sleep. I hope your heart knows peace now.”

“You too Princess Luna and thank you.” And Princess Lunas horn glowed with that sliver light that BlueStar was starting to get to know and everything just disappeared and BlueStar found himself at the side of the lake where he had once struggled and fought for his life and at first he was confused. He didn’t understand. He hadn’t come here in a long time and it had always been to seek answers not rest. 
But then he listened to the gentle waves lapping at the side of the beach, the gentle moon light above and something inside him just felt tired and just wanted to lay down. And so he did. He laid down in the sand and at first was afraid as all the painful memories came back to him. As he laid down in the sand he just listened to the water, the water seemed to sooth him, calm him and helped mend those painful memories. And instead of this being a place of pain it slowly became a place of rest and quiet. And so BlueStar closed his eyes and just fell asleep, relaxed and quiet and in this way he rested and slept. To his surprise he just felt rest and peace this way. And he did not wake until the following morning.

Princess Luna opened her eyes sleepily as she forced herself awake and she could still hear Princess Celestia calling her and so she wasn’t surprised when she looked up and saw Celestia above her trying to wake her. And she was surprised to see there was a slight worry in her eyes. Then Luna turned towards her and slowly got up and asked “What’s the matter sister you look worried?” 

“I was worried for you Luna. I tried to wake you but you didn’t. Usually it’s not that hard for you to come out of dream.“ Princess Celestia replied concerned for her sister.

“Well this time I was having a interesting discussion with one of our recruits. And I must say you had right to be concerned about him. " Princess Luna said as a serious look appeared on her face "There is great pain in his past. There are a lot of things that hold him back. But I assure you that he will overcome them. He will be strong. He has much to learn but I’m confident that he will. I have a feeling that’s not why you have awakened me.”

“It is and it isn’t my sister." Princess Celestia began " It’s time for us to make this decision and I am still uncertain. I know you’ve already made your choice but I need to know more about him, I need to understand. I need to know he’s the one that we’re after. You know how important this is, how important they are.”

“I know big sister.  I know. " Princess Luna said sympathetic to her older Sister and her concerns "But he will do fine, he’s the one we want. I know it.”

“I’m not so sure." Princess Celestia replied unable to remove the doubt from her voice" I know I wanted some pony who had something to learn because they all need to learn, including him but he may be too weak for this. I can not have the guardian of the Mane 6 fail when he’s needed the most.”

“I understand that Celestia. I assure you he will not.” Princess Luna replied confidently.

“I must be certain” Princess Celestia said as a gently smile appear on her face “You are clearly his friend even though you do not want to admit it. I know you care for him in some way.”
“Yes I do. " Princess Luna admitted with a smile "  But nothing like that, he’s just a friend. He reminds me of me when I was younger. " Princess Luna's face turned slightly sad " I had pain Celestia. I had great pain. I had no pony to help me just like he does. I wanted to simply tell him he’s not alone.”

“I understand Luna. "Celestia said sympathetically wishing she could've done more for her sister"  I’m very sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. I can never make up for what’s happened or what didn’t happen. “ 

“We’ve been over this Celestia. I forgive you." Princess Luna said as a smile appeared on her face" I’m just glad we’re together again. Being without you was much more painful than anything I went through and I don’t want to be without you again sister.”

“Nor no I little sister. I missed you too. "Princess Celestia replied happy her sister was back but then her face turned slightly sad "But maybe it’s best that BlueStar just becomes a Guard. He’s brought back all these painful memories, in all of us.”

“Perhaps but sometimes that’s the only way we heal” Princess Luna said confidently

“You could be right little sister. You could be right. But I still have to know. I still have to know if he’s ready. I have to speak with him myself. I know what I must do. I know you will not like it. I know I don’t like it. But I feel it’s the only way.” 

And she told her, she told her what she planned to do and she was right. Neither of them liked it But Luna agreed that it might be the only way.
> Chapter 6: The Royal Guards
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BlueStar awoke from dream sleepy but grateful for Princess Lunas appearance. It surprised him but he appreciated the Princess helping him to understand and to heal from the past.  As he got up he knew that today was going to be a very important day as he came out of the dream world and the memories of the waking world returned to him.
Knowing that he was going to be a Royal Guard one way or another was reassuring but the chance to watch over the Mane 6 was a exciting opportunity that he knew wouldn’t be offered again. He had read so much about them and he knew how important and special they were. Other than the Princesses they were no other ponies he would be so proud and honored to watch over.
But as he got out of bed he realized he was getting ahead of himself as he prepared a simple breakfast for himself. There were still 3 other ponies that were competing for the role and he may just end up as a Guard.  Not that would be a bad thing, to be a Guard and to Defend Equestria is what he wanted most but he would be lying to himself if he denied that he really wanted to be given a special assignment like watching over the Mane 6. Again he was getting ahead of himself or more precisely letting himself get ahead of everything.
So for the rest of the morning he tried to just relax as he waited for what would happen next. Time seemed to pass slowly as he continued to wait and it was especially long since no pony had come to give them any news. Finally BlueStar decided to go out into the small courtyard surrounded by the buildings the new Guards had been temporarily staying in. He saw some of the other Guards including the ones from yesterday and uncomfortably walked up to them. Two of them were talking and BlueStar quietly walked up beside them trying to listen in but once they noticed him one of them said “Hello there I don’t think we’ve really had a chance to talk. What was your name again? Blue…”
“BlueStar” he said with a somewhat shy tone in his voice.
“Oh right I remember now. I’m Sure Fire and this is Stone Wall” Sure Fire replied in a almost cheerful voice.
BlueStar said hello to Stone Wall a rather large strong looking unicorn who looked at him with a serious expression.
“Hello to you too. Do you have any idea what’s going on?” Stone Wall said in his deep voice
“No I was hoping that one of you two knew something” BlueStar said
“Well sorry but we haven’t heard anything yet either.” Sure Fire replied “But they are the Princesses after all. I’m sure they have a lot of decisions to make”
“I guess so” BlueStar replied
“You bet they do, I’m surprised they even have time for little old us” Stone Wall replied grumpily
“Well I’ve always liked to think the Princesses cared about all the ponies. Even us” BlueStar said
“You’re dreaming. We’re just guards. We are completely expendable to them.” Stone Wall replied
“Then why are you here?” BlueStar asked confused. Stone Wall looked insulted with a grumpy expression on his face. “Because I may not like everything the Princesses do but I love Equestria and I want to do everything I can to protect it”
“I think we all do” Sure Fire added in trying to defuse the situation.
“On that I think we can agree” the last pony said as he approached them “Name’s Steel Line, by the way. Hey BlueStar, you were that pony that helped me during our test with Shinning Armor. Thanks.”
“Oh you’re welcome. Just trying to help”
“Well good, but this is still a competition, one that I intend to win” Steel Line said confidently
“We shall see” BlueStar said not quite as confident
“Yes we shall” Sure Fire said “But regardless we’re still on the same team, right?” He stuck out his hoof towards them “Right?” he said again and they all put their hoofs in the center in agreement.
“So where are you all from?”  BlueStar asked trying to be friendly 
“It doesn’t matter. We’re just mindless guards to every pony, even the Princesses” Stone Wall said grumpily. 
“What is your problem?” Sure Fire said
“Nothing, I’m just telling you the way it is, but you’ll find out soon enough”
“Now that’s enough of that Guards!” a new firm voice appeared from around a corner as a Royal Guard dressed in his golden armor came around a corner a serious and disapproving look on his face. They all snapped to attention as the Royal Guard who appeared to be a sergeant approached them.

“So you are the ponies the Princesses have chosen to watch over the 6?” he said seemingly examining each of them as he past. BlueStar struggled to keep his eyes forward pretending that the rock wall across from him was the most interesting thing in the world and kept his eyes locked on it.

“I rarely question the Princesses judgement but of all the ponies in Equestria she picked you four? All of you look like you couldn’t stand watch over a six year old much less six of the most important ponies of all of Equestria!” He shouted at them harshly. At first this kind of…treatment had been hard for BlueStar but slowly he had learned to deal with it since the enemy wasn’t going to be any nicer to them. 
“I’m I right Guards!?” He shouted
“No Sir” they all replied
“What was that!? I can’t hear you!”
“NO SIR!” They all shouted

“What!? So you think you’re worthy, well you’re not and to show you how unworthy you are put on your training armor, get back out here and give me 20! I bet all of you will be begging for mercy after just 10! Maybe that will teach you to bad mouth me and the Princesses!”  
“Yes Sir!” They all shouted and ran off back to their rooms put on their training armor and ran back out to avoid the wrath of their new drill Sergeant. Once there then each did 20 push ups while the drill sergeant gave his “encouragement” to help them along. 
BlueStar initially had struggled with this a lot at first but slowly he managed to deal with it. Still it was not fun doing push ups in heavy armor with a angry drill sergeant in his face, but of course it wasn’t supposed to be.
After there “lesson” was complete they were ordered to stand at attention.
“Well I guess you aren’t completely useless, but  if it were up to me I would send you all home right now along with all the other kiddies where you belong!” The drill sergeant shouted but then began to talk slightly softer “But fortunately for you, that is for the Princesses to decide and now they will see each of you one at a time. Remember that few ponies ever get to talk to the Princesses one on one so you better show them the respect they deserve. Soon you will have the honor of standing guard over them and if need be to offer up your worthless little lives for them. Make sure you don’t make fools of yourselves. Now Stone Wall come with me, the rest of you be ready, soon I will be back for you. Guards Dismissed!” 

They saluted and each of them relaxed a little as Stone Wall and the Drill Sergeant walked away towards the palace. Once they were gone they tried to get to some more friendly conversation.
“Sorry about that” Sure Fire said “His family have been in the Guard for a long time, including his brother.”
“So why does he hate the Princesses?” Steel Line asked
“He doesn’t hate the Princesses it’s just that his brother was killed in a ambush meant for Princess Celestia. The thing was she sensed the attack coming and ordered the Guard forward anyway.”
“But why?” BlueStar asked stunned 
“Because there was no other way but to go forward, but Stone Wall still blames Celestia for ordering his brother to go first, which lead to his death.”
“I can understand how he feels but if I was Celestia I probably would’ve done the same thing. What else was there to do?” Steel Line said
“I agree. We’re Guards it’s our job to keep the Princesses safe and if that means going first than we go.” Sure Fire said and they all nodded in agreement “I’ve known Stone Wall since we were fouls, he doesn’t let go of these things easily, I guess in this case how could any pony, but still he is a very strong pony and I would trust him with my life. Back home he once fought off an entire pack of Timberwolves by himself. It was incredible”
“So you were there then?” Steel Line asked curiously 
“Yes I was, but I was rather tied up at the moment shall we say. I was pinned under some logs after a Timberwolf had thrown me into them. I would’ve been done for if Stone Wall hadn’t fought them off.”
“Oh so why are you here then?” Steel Line asked
“Well I assume for the same reason all of you are that we all want to protect the Princesses and Equestria?” Sure Fire replied a little unsure but began to sound more confident when they all nodded yes. “Besides seeing Stone Wall fight that day made me want to be just as strong as he was, maybe even stronger. I think from then on I knew I wanted to be a Guard and stand and fight for Equestria”
“Yeah me too” BlueStar said in agreement “That sounds a lot like when I knew I wanted to be in the Guard after fighting off some Timberwolves to protect some of the local kids. My dad was in the Guard and I wanted to be just like him.”
“Well it sounds like we might have something in common then. I’m the first of my family to join the Guard but I bet your dad had lots of interesting stories about the Guard maybe we can swap stories or something later.”
“I think I’d like that” BlueStar said genuinely looking forward to having someone in common to talk with maybe even making a new friend. Then all eyes turned to Steel Line.
“Well I guess it’s my turn to tell my story?” he answered sarcastically “Well there’s not much to tell, my dad was in the Guard and his dad and his dad before him, each were exceptional in the Guard. So it was only expected that I join the Guard too and keep up the family honor.”
“So do you want to be a member of the Guard?” BlueStar asked cautiously
“Hmm in some ways no, but in other ways yes. I look forward to completing my tour of duty and beginning a career of my own choosing, but I am proud to uphold the families tradition and honor.”
“So I’m going to take that as no then….”Sure Fire said
“Oh don’t get me wrong I am more than happy to be here and defend Equestria, after all some pony has to show you all how it’s done.”
Neither BlueStar or Sure Fires expressions indicated they were not very happy by Steel Lines response. It almost made BlueStar wonder why he was one of the 4 ponies that could be watching over the Mane 6. I guess it was because he had something to learn, of course they all did. Luna had said they wanted a pony that would learn along with the Mane 6 and boy did he have something to learn, but again so did he. 

BlueStar was a very solitary pony who had much to learn about Friendship so he wasn’t going to judge Steel Line. But it did start him thinking why these ponies, why him? But Sure Fire spoke again before he could finish the thought.
“Well that’s hopefully the introductions done. What do you think is going to happen now?”
“I’m not sure, but it sounds like we’ve each got a visit with the Princesses and probably some more waiting” BlueStar said
“Really? Do you think it’s going to be more tests? Or maybe they will question us? What questions do you think they will ask us?....” Sure Fire spoke quickly with obvious anxiety. 

BlueStar was surprised by this sudden burst of anxiety seeing how cheerful Sure Fire had been, but then he began to feel anxious himself. Even though he had some brief encounters with the Princesses as a foul, he had never talked to either Princess directly outside of dream. Most ponies would be lucky to just see the Princesses with their own eyes much less talk with them directly one on one. Anxiety began to rise out from his chest but seeing his new friend so worried helped him to focus.
“I don’t know but I’m sure it will be ok. We’ve all made it this far” BlueStar said to Sure Fire to try to calm not only him but himself as well. It appeared to be working as their anxious faces relaxed just a little, until Steel Line spoke.

“Relax the both of you. There’s nothing to worry about. I’ve talked with members of high society before it’s not that bad. You just have to know what you are doing.”

Sure Fire and BlueStar both looked at him unhappily but then decided to put aside his comment.
“Thanks for your concern but I think we will do fine” BlueStar said while Sure Fire was still appearing a little anxious.
“Well good then luck. I guess time will tell. Now if you excuse me I think I will go brush up on my etiquette we are about to meet the Princesses after all.” Steel Line said before walking away leaving BlueStar and Sure Fire by themselves.
“Well he’s sure a fun guy” Sure Fire said sarcastically “Do you think he will be just as fun after all this is over?”
“I’m not really sure I want to find out, I can’t imagine that he can be even more fun that he is now” BlueStar said and they both giggled in agreement.
“Well it was nice meeting you BlueStar, but I guess we should go both and prepare now. He is right that it still is a competition.” Sure Fire said reluctantly
“I guess so. However it was nice meeting you too. I hope later I can tell you some of my fathers stories and maybe a few of my own.”
“Of course BlueStar regardless of what happens I hope we can still be friends. I have a feeling none of us have many of those.”
“Yeah you’re right” BlueStar said in agreement
“Hey don’t be sad, it’s just one more thing we have in common.” Sure Fire said encouragingly offering his hoof “Whatever happens friends?”
“Friends” BlueStar said in agreement shacking hoofs with Sure Fire
As they turned to go Sure Fire said one last thing
“Stay Strong and Pony On BlueStar”
“What was that?” BlueStar asked surprisingly
“Oh that was something I once heard”
“Well I like that I think I’m going to remember that” 
“Well good BlueStar until next we meet, Stay Strong and Pony On BlueStar”
“Stay Strong and Pony On Sure Fire” BlueStar said and they both walked back into their rooms anxiously waiting for their turn to speak with the Princesses of Equestria.
> Chapter 7: Princess Celestia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After what seemed like a eternity a Royal Guard came to BlueStars room saying only that Princess Celestia wanted to see him and lead him towards the palace. So it was finally his turn to face the Princess of Equestria herself.  He was excited but couldn’t hide his anxiety of not only formally meeting the very Princess he would soon serve, but also that his destiny would be decided by this meeting. He couldn’t help be a little scared but soon he used his training to hide it away and focus on the task at hand and soon his fear disappeared beneath the Royal Guard stare. 

“Come on BlueStar” BlueStar told himself “You’re a Royal Guard now you can handle this. You have to handle this. Besides it’s just a meeting you’ll be fine.” His child hood memories of his previous brief meetings of Princess Celestia came back to him and he remembered her being strong but also kind and supportive. She was the kind of pony one could feel comfortable around, but cross her and it might not end well for you. “No don’t think like that relax” BlueStar thought to himself trying to prepare “It’s going to be fine. Princess Celestia may be a Princess but she just wants to talk with you. You can handle this.” He once again called upon those kinder images of Princess Celestia and reassured himself all will be fine regardless of what happened.

Finally he arrived in front of the door and on the other side lay Princess Celestia and his destiny. So he took a breath, put on that brave Royal Guard stare, opened the door and stepped inside. 
There she stood Princess Celestia, the brilliant white Princess of Equestria that he had respected and admired almost all of his life. She seemed to almost shine in the sunlight as she stood staring out a window until she took notice of BlueStar and turned her head towards him and said warmly 

“Hello BlueStar I’m very pleased to meet you.” It was so strange to hear her speak his name that he froze for a moment before he bowed to her in respect and said in a clearly Royal Guard like way  “I am pleased to meet you too your highness” 
She smiled at him 
“You can relax BlueStar” she said with a friendly giggle “I do not want to address you as a Royal Guard but just as a Pony I want to understand and get to know. Here why don’t you stand beside me.”
BlueStar was a little surprised and afraid so it took a moment for him to start walking towards her.
“Come BlueStar it’s alright” she said reassuringly as he uncomfortably stepped beside her. He never thought in his life that he would be standing so close to the Majesty that was Princess Celestia. She had saved and ruled Equestria all this time, was beloved by her ponies and he was standing right next to her. He also had to admit that it was kind of strange and intimidating standing next to a pony that was so much larger than he was. Still it was pretty awesome to be standing next to a pony that was so physically and emotionally strong and in that moment he thought “I will do everything I can to protect you”
“See that wasn’t so bad, now was it” She said warmly
“No I it wasn’t your Highness”
“Remember for this meeting there’s no your Highness just you and me” she once again said warmly “I asked you here so I can get to know you better so I can decide which of you is the best to watch over the Mane 6”
She turned back towards the window and asked him “What do you see?”
He didn’t know how to respond so he clumsily described what he saw, the castle grounds, Canterlot and far off in the distance Ponyville where the Mane 6 now lived. But as he finished he thought “This is my home and I will always do what I can to defend it”
“True, but I also see great beauty, love” she pointed to a couple down below “ Friendship ” pointing to a group of friends  "and all of the ponies in Equestria. These are the things I love so when I need a reminder of what I am fighting for I come here”
“I understand your…I mean Princess Celestia” he caught himself “I love Equestria  too.” He finished nervously.  Princess Celestia let out a small smile then said.
“I am very pleased to hear that, now come let us go outside and we can take a better look from the palace garden.” She began to walk away and once again BlueStar was hesitant to follow but then she turned her head back to him with a expression that said “Come now, BlueStar it will be alright” So he nervously followed after her and soon they were outside in the royal garden that was attached to the outside of the castle with beautiful  trees, flowers and bushes. 

But what really caught his attention was the breath taking view from the balcony.  Even from where he stood he could tell the view from the window paired in comparison to the wide unobscured view from the balcony. It almost seemed that if you stood at the balcony’s edge the whole of Equestria was below you.

They walked slowly towards it while Princess Celestia occasionally stopped to examine the beautiful flora in the garden. “What do you see?” She asked BlueStar as she smelled one flower of many on a beautiful rose bush. Again BlueStar did not know how to respond
“A beautiful bush of flowers” BlueStar said unsure
“Once again true, but look closer and you will see each flower even though they look the same each is beautiful and unique in its own way”
BlueStars face shone with confusion. He knew she was trying to get at something but he couldn’t understand what.
“It kind of reminds me of a group of ponies that I think you are very familiar with” she said and that got him thinking
“The Mane 6?” he answered unsure
“Hmm” Celestia thought a moment “Not a bad answer but not the one I was thinking of”
BlueStar hesitated for a moment unsure of what to say “Oh then what were you thinking of?”
She smiled “The Royal Guard” she answered with a giggle
“Really?” he said surprised loosening up a little “In what way?” 
“On the outside their armor, even the color of their Manes is all the same, but each is beautiful, unique and special in their own way. But those who underestimate them should be careful because like a rose they all have thorns.”
“Hmm I’ve never really thought about it that way” BlueStar said intrigued “Thank you Princess Celestia”
“You are welcome BlueStar, I’m glad to see you are beginning to trust me, even just a little”
“Oh of course I trust you…” BlueStar said clumsily
“I know as a Royal Guard you do, but as just a pony well I know trust doesn’t come easily for you. Given your past I can understand.”
“You do?” BlueStar said surprised.
“Yes a long time ago you were hurt and now you just don’t want to get hurt again. I can understand that. But I also understand that you can’t let that fear keeping you from trusting others. Because if you don’t you will forever be alone.”
BlueStar looked down slightly ashamed and a little afraid. But then Princess Celestia came and with her hoof gently raised his head up to meet her warm and loving eyes.
“But I am sure that is not going to happen because I know inside you are a brave and strong pony.” At first he was surprised to hear this from Princess Celestia but once he had accepted it filled his heart with pride that slowly appeared on his face as a warm smile.

“Thank you very much Princess Celestia” he said appreciatively as she stepped back slightly.
“You are welcome BlueStar now lets walk and see what else we can see” So they continued their walk through the garden while Princess Celestia asked him about things that at first didn’t seem important. What kind of music he liked, what his favorite color was, it seemed more like the kind of conversation you might have with a casual friend then a interview with the Princess of Equestria. But as the conversation went on BlueStar began to feel more and more comfortable and the answers became easier for him to say as he began to trust her. Until….
“Why should I pick you and not the other ponies?” She asked suddenly
This question caught him off guard and stopped him right in his tracks, “Which perhaps was the point” he thought to himself. She stopped and looked at him waiting patiently for his response.
He thought about it and at first didn’t have a answer, but he knew he quickly needed one and said 
“Because I will never give up. I will always do what I can for Equestria. Also I love the Mane 6 and everything about them. They are worth fighting for.”
“Why?” Celestia asked.
“Because their Friendship truly is Magic and is worth protecting. I know because I’ve never had friendships like theirs and I probably never will…”
Both Celestia's and BlueStar's eyes filled with sadness as he finished. He could tell Celestia wanted to say something but instead she waited for him to finish.
“So I know how valuable their Friendship is and I will always protect it.” BlueStar finished confidently.
Celestia seemed pleased with this answer and then asked 
“Why did you want to be a guard?” He closed his eyes took a breath then reopening his eyes with new found strength said 
“I love Equestria. I love everything that it stands for and if something were to happen I would want to be there to Defend it.”
Celestia seemed pleased with this answer but then said 
“Even enough to die for it?”
Again BlueStar hesitated. The thought of course had entered his mind but he had never fully realized the thought that he could get hurt, even die, now it frightened him . But then he looked into Celestia’s warm reassuring eyes and somehow that gave him the strength to say
“Yes I would”
“Are you sure?” she asked. Once more he hesitated because he was not sure. He knew the fear of death was still inside him and he did not know if he could conquer it. But then he had a new fear that he was unworthy and that he was letting down the pony he had admired for so long. However her reassuring expression seemed to say to him “It’s all right you can tell me the truth” So after taking a breath he did…

“I’m not sure Princess Celestia. All I can promise is that I will do what I can” He started afraid but finished strongly since he knew it was the truth and a approving smile appeared on her face
“That’s all I ever ask of any pony. Thank you for trusting me with how you really feel . Now come lets keep walking” she said with a hint of pride in her voice and they continued walking towards the gardens edge. For a few moments there was silence as they neared the edge but then Celestia spoke
“I know that wasn’t easy for you. As I said trust doesn’t come easy for you, but I’m glad that you have started to trust me, because I trust you. “
That statement stunned BlueStar into silence. “You trust me?” he wanted to say but just couldn’t say the words. 
“Yes BlueStar I trust you. I trust you with my life. As I trust every pony in the Royal Guard. If I did not then you would not be here” she said confidently but BlueStar did not believe her.
“Ahhh I see you still have a trust issue.”
“No I trust you Celestia” BlueStar tried to say reassuringly
“It’s not me you don’t trust, the pony you don’t trust is yourself”
BlueStar was stunned by this because she knew she was right. He had never had trust or faith in himself. He had always doubted himself. This brought shame and sadness to his face and he turned his eyes away from Princess Celestia.
“Your right Princess Celestia.” He sadly agreed
“That’s all right BlueStar” she said reassuringly “We all have doubts and fears. Even I doubt myself sometimes.”
He looked at her his expression saying “You! You doubt yourself?” and she smiled warmly in response
“Of course BlueStar. But what matters is that you find the strength inside to do what you need to do.” She stopped and looked BlueStar straight in the eye a tone of seriousness came across her face.
“BlueStar my sister was right, you are not a weak pony even though you think you are. You have the strength inside, you just need to find it. Do you believe me?”
Another hesitation but afterward he answered truthfully 
“I still have some doubt but yes I believe you Princess Celestia. Thank you for believing in me.”
Again that warm, approving and comforting smile came across her face.
“You are welcome BlueStar. How could I not believe in a pony willing to give up himself for me. Now come it’s a beautiful day.”

They were approaching the edge and the view was truly breathtaking especially as the railing began to disappear from view and it truly felt as the whole of Equestria was below them. Princess Celestia began describing the view when she suddenly stopped her head turned suddenly, her eyes sharp searching for something in the distance. 
BlueStar turned too in the same direction and after a few moments found the source of the Princesses distress. Four large dark unicorns wearing dark cloaks appeared on a balcony above. He could not see their faces but their appearance was dark and threatening.  

The fear of uncertainty ran down his spine as they yelled “Death to Celestia Tyrant of Equestria!” 
He turned to Celestia uncertain of what was happening but their was something he thought he would never see in her eyes…Terror. She was paralyzed with fear and did nothing to defend herself even as the unicorns pointed their horns down towards her.

It was at this moment he realized “They are going to kill her…” but BlueStar himself was frozen by fear and he turned back to Celestia but she still did nothing to defend herself. Then that thought came again “They are going to kill her…” He closed his eyes for a moment and thought
“No, I will not let you hurt her. I will NOT let you hurt her. You have to go through me first…” 
With this he found his strength and jumped in front of her even as his fear said 
“You’ll die” 
In response he thought 
“I don’t care. I won't let them hurt her.”
As he leapt through the air he tried to raise his shield but when he heard the sharp sounds of their magic being unleashed he knew it was too late. The four beams combined into a single dark beam that struck him and threw him into the side of pony he was trying to protect. He collapsed to the ground as his side stung with pain but then suddenly faded away. He sat up and said "I'm not dead..." 

"You sound dissapointed" Celestia replied
"I'm not but I was not expecting this to end well for me." BlueStar admitted

Celestia's expression changed to pride as she spoke
“Well done BlueStar well done, I’m proud of you” she gently stroked the side of his head reassuringly “I was right to put my trust in you.” 

Then BlueStar noticed the four dark ponies in the distance throw off their hoods revealing ordinary unicorns underneath, then casually walk away. Celestia was completely unconcerned and he looked at Princess Celestia suspiciously because his instincts were telling him something was up.

“I am truly sorry that you had to go through that” she said sincerely sorry for what had happened “but true tests of character are rarely easy. I hope you can forgive me.”
BlueStars mouth almost dropped in shock.
“Yes I forgive you Princcess Celestia but this was all a test!” he said “But why?”
“Because I had to know and I think you need to know as well” she said calmly 
“Know what?” BlueStar asked surprised
“Which was stronger your fear or your strength. That you would be willing to do die for Equestria. I am happy to say you passed with flying colors”
“But I was afraid I hesitated…perhaps fatally” he admitted in shame
Celestias face glimmered with disapproval then sympathy
“No BlueStar. No. You hesitated because you were caught off guard so perhaps there is room for improvement but you did what any Royal Guard would do, give up their life for Equestria.”
She raised his head to meet her eyes which shone with pride and gratitude
“It may have only been a test but you gave up your life to save mine and for that I am eternally grateful” and she lowered her head slightly in gratitude.
“You are welcome Princess Celestia. I’m glad that you are ok” he said grateful and proud
“No BlueStar thank you for being brave and strong right to the very end. I’m glad we were right about you. You had the strength inside you just needed help finding it.”
She stood up and beckoned a pony nearby to help him and together they walked back inside the palace.
“May I ask you something Princess Celestia?” he asked and she replied that he could
“So did you put all the others through this test?” he couldn’t help but ask.
She smiled and said “No just you”
BlueStar looked at her puzzled and asked “Why?”
She smiled again and said “Because you needed it”
“Your right I did” BlueStar smiled as well “So what were the others tests?”
“That’s between those ponies and me just as what has happened today is between you and I”
“Of course Princess Celestia I understand. Thank you. So what happens now?” BlueStar asked
“Once you’ve gone back to your room and rested we will summon you back for the ceremony.”
“What ceremony?”
“All of you will officially become Royal Guards and one of you will be sent to watch over the Mane 6.”
BlueStar froze for a moment as he realized all that meant. He was officially going to be a made a Royal Guard, receive his armor and maybe be sent on a special mission to watch over the Mane 6. Or perhaps not but either he was going to be a Royal Guard and be ready to Defend Equestria.
“I’ve enjoyed our time together BlueStar. " Princess Celestia said reassuringly " Until next we meet I hope you fair well and rest up BlueStar. I’m sure you will serve Equestria well.”
“Thank you for everything Princess Celestia. By the way I appreciate everything you’ve done for us!  I think you are a great Princess. Thank you” he said proudly as he was walked out of the room and the door closed behind them.
Princess Luna stepped out from the shadows to meet her sister.

“So are you sure now?” she asked Celestia. She answered with a smile and said “Yes I am sure now. I could see the strength inside him but I simply needed to be sure. I’m glad you were right”
“Of course I’m right I’m always right sister” she said cheerfully
“Well perhaps so” Celestia replied equally cheerfully “But I think we still need to talk this over before we make our final decision”
“Of course sister let’s talk. I think we’ve kept them waiting long enough”
> Chapter 8: The Decision
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BlueStar waited nervously mostly for the Princesses decision but also because of what had happened during his test. In the end it had only been a test but it really gave him a lot to think about. He had secretly never dealt with the fear of what could happen to him as a Royal Guard and there were times he wondered if he would raise to the occasion or crack under the pressure. Now he knew. At the same time he didn’t know how to process nearly "dying" trying to protect Princess Celestia… Sort of anyway. He decided that this was probably something better kept to himself.
He let out a small chuckle to himself but at the same time he was grateful that he had faced a fear he had truly needed to face. Now he was truly ready to put on that armor and become a Royal Guard…As soon as the Princesses made their decision…
Eventually one of the Guards summoned him to the palace hopefully for the last time. Soon he and the other hopefuls stood outside the door of a large hall that seemed strangely familiar to him. When he saw the beautiful carving of three Royal Guards above the door he began to remember. This was the hall of the Royal Guard a place of Ceremonies and meetings for the Royal Guard. 
As a young foul his father had brought him here for functions of the Royal Guard or when his father had no choice but to bring him. This was where his father and all the Royal Guard had been commissioned and had received their armor. It had also been where his father had been decommissioned after his injury and BlueStar had been there to see the ceremony.  But BlueStar quickly dispelled that sad memory from his mind and focused on the positive.
On the other side of these doors lay his destiny, and for better or for worse in that room he would become a Royal Guard. His father had once told him “I was a member of the Royal Guard and despite what happened nothing will ever change that. For that I will always be Proud” 
“I hope you’ll be proud of me father” he thought to himself but then realized he almost certainly would. He had fought hard to become a Royal Guard and in a few moments he would become what he had always wanted, a Royal Guard, a Defender of Equestria and whatever happened nothing would ever change that.
So BlueStar tried to slow his breathing and relax and put on that stern Royal Guard stare but then Sure Fire came up beside him and said “So I guess this is it then?”
“Yeah I guess it is” BlueStar said trying to hide his anxiety “Are you nervous?”
“Of course aren’t you?”
“Yes definitely” BlueStar answered truthfully
“See I told you we had some things in common” Sure Fire said cheerfully “But I’m sure those two are just as nervous as we are” he pointed to the others who were keeping their distance
“Yeah well I guess we’re all good at hiding how we feel” BlueStar said
“I guess so…I wonder how much longer we have to wait” Sure Fire said impatiently
“Not much longer recruit. Be patient” one of the Royal Guards nearby said “Are you in a hurry for your next Ceremony?”
“Next Ceremony?” Sure Fire said confused
“Oh after this one we have our…own ceremony to welcome new recruits”
BlueStar and Sure Fire looked at each other with the same “I don’t like the sound of that” look on their faces. But before they had a chance to consider what the other Royal Guards had in store for them the door opened and the others motioned for them to enter. BlueStar closed his eyes, took a deep breath then opened his eyes with newfound strength and walked forward to face his destiny.
As they walked forward there were Royal Guard of various ranks everywhere and they all stood before facing them as the walked down a long corridor in between with Royal Guards on each side. BlueStar couldn’t help but look from side to side at the beautiful carvings on the walls that surrounded the beautiful windows on each side. But then he remembered now he was a Guard and focused his attention forward. Finally they reached the front of the Hall where both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were waiting for them. Once they reached the front all the Guards pivoted round in unison to face the front. There the four of them stood, the Royal Guard behind them and the Princesses before them and BlueStar thought “I’m Ready”
Then Princess Celestia stepped forward towards them.
“Good evening Royal Guards, fellow ponies and Recruits who are about to be inducted into the Equestrian Royal Guard” she began in her strong regal Princess voice they all knew so well
“Our beloved land of Equestria is a place of Friendship, Love and Peace but it is not without its dangers. Our land could not exist without strong ponies willing to Defend it. That task was once mine and my dear Sisters alone, but it has proved a task too great for even us alone. We needed a group of strong Ponies to join us. Ponies who would always fight to Defend our home and our very way of life, no matter the cost. For this task we created the Royal Guard. This task you will now take up. Recruits please lay down as you take the oath of the Royal Guard”
Each of them laid down on all fours as a sign of humility and service, while Princess Celestia towered over them. 
“Will you always be strong and fight for those that cannot Defend themselves?”
“I Will” they all answered
“Will you stand on the lonely bridge and allow no threat to pass?”
“I Will”
“Will you stand Guard in the dark places where no one will stand?
“I Will”
“Will you serve the Princesses of Equestria and Equestria itself with your dying breath?”
When BlueStar began to say the words there was a hint of fear but then he repeated to himself “I am Ready” and he looked Princess Celestia straight in the eye and strongly said
“I Will”
Princess Celestia smiled and said “Then close your eyes and bow your heads”
Each of them did so as the sounds of metal clanking were heard nearby. BlueStar couldn’t help but smile inside and out.
“I am proud to have such ponies stand Guard over me and the ponies for Equestria. Ponies that will Stay Strong and Pony On no matter what. So while you stand Guard over us may this armor stand Guard over you and protect you wherever you may go.”
One by one Celestia lifted the armor with her magic onto each pony and BlueStar could only wait in excited anticipation. “This is it” he thought “I’m finally going to receive my armor” 
He also thought once that armor went on there was no turning back, but once again he thought 
“Come what may, I’m Ready” Almost at that moment he felt the armor touch him wrapped in the warm glow of Princess Celestia’s magic. It surprised him as the cold metal touched his body and its weight caught him off guard but as the blue strap magically slipped underneath him and secured itself he couldn’t be more proud. 
A few moments later the last pony received their armor and Princess Celestia spoke again 
"Now rise my Royal Guards.”
In unison they each raised themselves up bearing the full weight of the armor for the first time. Initially it was difficult but soon BlueStar stood up proudly opening his eyes directly into Princess Celestia’s a proud smile upon her face.
“Congratulations and Welcome to the Royal Guard. May you serve long and well”
At that the Royal Guards behind them started applauding and cheering and the Princesses motioned for them to face them. Seeing all those Guards in front of him made him very nervous but the fear soon passed as he celebrated with his friends and quickly received a hug from Sure Fire who was nearby and to his surprise he saw his mother nearby who also gave him a proud hug. 
He could almost hear his father saying “I’m proud of you son”. 
“Thank you father” he thought to himself. With the initial excitement over they each looked at each other in their new armor. BlueStar had never felt so good and strong as he stood in his new armor, almost like he could take on anything. But as he looked to his Cutie Mark all he saw was golden metal. This made him a little sad and couldn’t help but think that maybe there was something he could do about that. But that was for another day.
For the next few minutes the new Royal Guards mingled with family, friends and their new fellow Royal Guards. Slowly every pony but the new Royal Guards and the Princesses walked out of the hall. In all the excitement they had forgotten there was still one very important matter that needed to be settled.
The Princesses made their way back to the front of the hall and once again they stood before them awaiting their decision.
“Congratulations and now that you are officially Royal Guards I have your first assignment” Princess Celestia began but then turned to her Sister “Are you sure you don’t want to tell them?” she said jokingly but even Princess Luna was not amused by her sisters little joke while the new Guards groaned internally “No I think our new Guards would appreciate just receiving their first assignment. I think we’ve made them wait quite enough”
“You are quite right sister.” She turned back to the new Royal Guards who waited impatiently but then she switched to a more serious tone “This was not a easy decision but the pony we have decided to watch over the Mane 6 is….” Princess Celestia paused for dramatic effect much to the other ponies dismay 
“BlueStar”
BlueStar didn’t move because he did not believe it but then Princess Celestia asked him to step forward and called his name and then the reality of the decision hit him. He could see the disappointment in the others faces, particularly Steel Line who looked like he had been cheated. Even Sure Fire looked disappointed and this made him a little sad but still he proudly stepped forward.
“BlueStar you are strong and brave and I know you will always do your best for us and the Mane 6. So I am sending you to watch over the Mane 6, to aide them only in times when they can not help themselves and if need be to alert me and your fellow Royal Guards when the situation is too big for all of you. I trust the Mane 6 and I have faith in them and so should you. They have much to learn but I’m sure they will learn as their Friendship continues to grow.”
Princess Luna stepped forward and said “But there are times when we all need help when a problem or danger that is just too great for us alone. That is why the Royal Guard were created to aide us when the threat was too big for us to face alone. So in those times we need you to be there for them from the shadows as much as possible. You must do everything possible to not let them know your mission or even that you are a Royal Guard.”
“I trust the Mane 6 with my very life but as my sister has said sometimes we all need help. This is a difficult mission” there was a smile on her face “But you will not be doing it alone because your fellow Royal Guards will be there to help you.”
They each looked at each other in surprise.
Princess Luna continued “Watching over 6 ponies even in a small town like Ponyville might be a little much for one pony to handle by himself“
Princess Celestia continued “For the most part BlueStar will remain in Ponyville but sometimes one or more of you will stay in Ponyville as well in those times BlueStar is unable to fulfill his duties or when he needs help of his own”
“At the same time the fewer ponies there are the less likely some pony will find out what’s going on, so I would recommend just 2 ponies on a regular basis” Princess Luna said “I have a feeling I know which ones”
“Those are details for another time. Consider yourself all members of a team. You will spend some time with your fellow Royal Guards so you can get to know them and receive some final training. Then you will be sent to your new home in Ponyville. Once again congratulations my new Royal Guards and I have every faith in you”
With that they were dismissed and they each turned around and walked out of the Hall of the Royal Guards each with a mix of emotions. BlueStar was of course happy but surprised and uncertain since it seemed clear that they would choose only 1 pony but BlueStar guessed the Princesses decided that in the end one pony would not be enough. This change made their future once again uncertain but BlueStar told himself that he could rest easy knowing that he would definitely be going to watch over 6 of the most important ponies in Equestria. Nothing could have made him happier.
“Well I guess congratulations are in order for all of us” Sure Fire said cheerfully 
“It appears so” BlueStar agreed “I look forward to working with all of you”
“Speak for yourself” Steel Line replied grumpy “I was the superior choice”
“Well the Princesses didn’t think so.” Sure Fire replied in return
“Now look aren’t we all on the same side here?” BlueStar said calmly stepping in between the two of them trying to diffuse the situation. Sure Fire backed down but Steel Line continued to look defiant
“Right?” BlueStar asked again a little more strongly
“I guess we are but this isn’t over” Steel Line said and walked away. The rest of them were stunned but then Sure Fire spoke.
“Yeah that guy is a lot of fun” he said sarcastically “Hopefully in time he will cool off, but anyway I’m definitely looking forward to working together” He reached out his hoof towards him and BlueStar  gladly touched his hoof to his new comrade. They were both surprised when a third hoof touched them both and turned to see Stone Wall standing beside them.
“So am I. I am glad to be part of this team” Stone Wall said happily
“Well I’m very glad to have you all be a part of this team” BlueStar said happy to have the support of his new comrades.  Then they each walked to the barracks which would be there new home at least for now. When BlueStar walked inside some feint memories of when he had visited his father came to him. It was a functional room with simple beds but it made BlueStar feel almost at home. Until he heard a group of ponies shout “Now!”  BlueStar looked up just in time to see the ponies above him as a river of floor poured over them.  
Several Guards appeared from their hiding places and the guards above dropped down next to him. BlueStar was not amused by their little joke. Neither was Sure Fire who spoke first.
“Hey what gives!” Sure Fire shouted
“This is just our way of welcoming new recruits” One of the Guards said
“Well this is some welcome” Sure Fire grumpily replied
“Since you’ve received your nice shinny new armor we’d thought we’d break it in and you with a nice flour bath. Now you and your armor are no longer new”
“So welcome to the Royal Guard!” another spoke while around the room the Guards laughed at the newly initiated Royal Guards.
BlueStar had been caught completely by surprise and was not amused as he stood there covered in flour before a room full of ponies laughing at his expense. He had heard of such things but this was the first time he had experienced it for himself. He knew they meant not real harm and it was all in good fun but he still was not amused. He could tell his comrades felt the same way.
Then a officer stepped forward and said “Ok you’ve all had your fun. Time to let our new Roayl Guards get settled. Go back to where ever you are supposed to be and make sure some pony cleans up this mess”
Each Guard walked away giving them genuine greetings and welcoming them to the Guard while the officer lead them to their bunks. 
“Don’t take it too hard Rookies” the officer said noticing that they were still not amused “They don’t mean anything. It’s just a harmless prank”
“Well I will have to clean all this junk out of my armor” Sure Fire complained
“Well that is kind of the point and it’s just a part of being a Royal Guard. Except on certain occasions you will each be responsible for taking care of and cleaning your armor. So it’s just another day in the life of a Royal Guard.”
“Still I look forward to getting a little payback” Stone Wall said clamping his hooves together
“Oh don’t worry you will. Someday you will…Initiate new Royal Guards yourself. Those two that dumped the flour on you were recruited about a year ago. Ahh here we are” They stopped in front of four empty beds and in front lay a trunk with their personal items inside.
He then told them the details of the barracks when they should report for duty etc and once again welcomed them to the Royal Guard. It was strange for BlueStar sleeping near so many other ponies most of which he didn’t know. So BlueStar found it difficult to sleep especially after so much had happened, but finally he managed to calm himself and go to sleep. Once in dream he heard the voice of Princess Luna say to him “I’m proud of you BlueStar”
He turned towards the voice but could not see through the darkness and once again he fell into the dark water. He panicked for a moment before calming himself and just let himself float then swam forward until he found something solid and pulled himself out. At that moment Princess Luna appeared with her horn covered in a sliver glow.
“I see that you are still afraid” she said in that calm pleasant voice he was getting to know so well.
“Yes Princess I am” he admitted a little ashamed. But she let out a gentle smile
“But I can also see that are you starting to learn how to control that fear and your mind is a little less dark” she pointed off in the distance as the horizon began to lighten as a memory of him with his new friends began to light up the darkness.
“This is also why I am proud of you BlueStar.”
“Thank you Princess Luna” he said gratefully to her as he bowed in respect. As he rose he was surprised that in a flash of light his armor suddenly appeared on him.
“That armor suits you. I like seeing you this way” she said cheerfully
“I do too Princess Luna”
“But I sense you might have some ideas for some…improvements” she asked playfully
“Perhaps your highness but how did you know…” He asked confused and a little defensive
With a smile she pointed behind him to a image of some modifications he might make to his armor, including adding his Cutie Mark to the outside. 
“Oh I see…” BlueStar said embarrassed
“Don’t worry BlueStar I won’t tell any pony. But I would like to see what changes you come up with. I think Celestia would like to see them too.”
“Really?” he said excited and surprised
“Well the armor hasn’t been changed in…A long time I think we’d all like to see something different. That’s why I’m glad that you remain your natural color instead of the classic Royal Guard colors. What makes a Royal Guard is not on the outside, it’s what is in here that makes a Royal Guard” She said calmly pointing at his heart.
“So congratulations BlueStar on becoming a Royal Guard and for being sent to watch over the Mane 6. I know it’s a job that you are very well suited for.”
“Thank you very much Princess Luna and for believing in me. I don’t think I would’ve made it without your encouragement” he said truthfully to her. Princess Luna seemed surprised by this but then let out a gentle smile.
“You are welcome BlueStar but I always knew you had the strength inside, you just needed help finding it. And thank you for believing and trusting in me. I know you do not trust easily but I am pleased that you begin to open yourself to me and your new friends. I wish the very best for you.” Then she turned to go and BlueStar quickly asked “Am I going to see you again?” 
She turned to him and had a sad expression on her face that almost seemed to answer his question
“I don’t know BlueStar, I honestly don’t know. The world of dream is a big place and there are many ponies that need me. I don’t have time to visit all of them”
“I understand. Is this good bye then?” 
Princess Luna then let out that warm smile again as though she could see something that would banish the sadness from her face
“No BlueStar, no. As Princess of the Night I may not see you in the waking world, especially once you move to Ponyville” she moved towards him and place a hoof under his chin in support “But if you ever need me here in Dream I will be here for you.”
BlueStar couldn’t help but smile and gratefully say “Thank you Princess Luna. Thank you very much”
“You are welcome and I do hope we see each other again, no matter what world we meet in.” she turned to go as the Moon appeared above them.
“Until then BlueStar goodbye and I wish you the best of luck wherever your journey takes you.” She said genuinely then leapt up into the sky and flew towards the Moon
“Good by Princess Luna I will never forget you” he said before she flew into the moon and disappeared. BlueStar then quietly fell back into gentle rest a little sad that he might never see Princess Luna again but regardless he was eternally grateful for even the brief time that they had spent together.  However something inside him told him he would see her again
For the next few days they learned the Palace, the Royal Guards procedures, some final training and getting to know the other Royal Guards before they took up the life of a typical Royal Guard.  For the next few weeks they would be assigned a location to Guard and would simply stand there at attention for hours on end with nothing to do. BlueStar was grateful when any pony came by even the ponies who cleaned the rooms, just to have something new come along. Fortunately BlueStar was good at keeping busy in his mind and he let his mind wander as the hours passed but still being able to pay attention when he needed to.
Still he was proud to be standing Guard over the palace and he would do it to the best of his ability. But he was relieved when the order came that he would go to Ponyville to start his new mission. For now he would go alone, setup his new home and get to know Ponyville and the ponies that lived there. So when the others arrived they would have a better idea of how to fit in. It had been decided that when all three of them were in Ponyville they would each cover a 1/3rd of Ponyville and find their own place to call home. While Steel Line had cooled off he was still not fitting in and was reluctant to become a part of the group and had decided to stay in Canterlot in “reserve”. For now this suited the rest of the group who were eager to move to their new home.
But as BlueStar got on the train to head to Ponyville he found it difficult to leave as he started to get adjusted to life as a Royal Guard. But he told himself his new home and hopefully new friends awaited him and he was ready for this.  It also felt strange to be without his armor after he had gotten used to wearing it but he knew he would have to adjust to this too since the other Ponies couldn’t know he was a Royal Guard. They all knew at some point the others would discover or it would be revealed they were Royal Guards and BlueStar could only hope that when that moment came they all would handle it well. 
The Mane 6 didn’t need a body guard there were perfectly capable of taking care of themselves as their Friendship was strong enough to overcome any dangers. This was something he was very proud of and he would do his very best to protect that Friendship. So he hoped they would realize it wasn’t a matter of them not trusting them the Princesses just wanted some pony to watch over them in case there was a situation they couldn’t handle on their own. 
This is why the Royal Guard had been created in the first place to be there for the Princesses when there was something the Princesses couldn’t handle on their own. When the time came the Mane 6 knew who he really was he hoped they understood that.
The train ride seemed to be the longest in his life as he eagerly awaited arriving in Ponyville his new home. When he finally arrived he was surprised at how big it actually was since all he photos and maps he had seen made it look really small. Of course it was definitely a small town but it reminded him of his own town where he grew up.
He walked to his new home a lone house on top of a hill that overlooked Ponyville. It was the perfect place to keep on eye on everything that was going on in Ponyville. He decided to setup a blacksmith and machinery repair shop where he could earn a living and also where he could continue the work on his Castor.
In time the others came and found their own homes around Ponyville. They would come and go as needed since they soon discovered that when something was going on in Ponyville it didn’t take long for every pony to hear about it. So Sure Fire and Stone Wall became delivery and trading Ponies that only passed through Ponyville once and a while, but if needed to could spend several days without attracting attention. So BlueStar often spent time in Ponyville alone but when the others were there, they would come to BlueStars home and discuss how things were going and to just hang out as friends. In time they each got closer together. 
BlueStar slowly got to know the other ponies in Ponyville and in time got to the know the Mane 6 as well. He was generally a shy pony to begin with so he kept mostly to himself and didn’t speak with them that often. But he did start to get to know them a little bit when he ran into them in Ponyville.  
So from then BlueStar watched them from the distance of the shadows and watched them grow as Ponies and as Friends. The more he watched them grow the more he understood them and the more he admired them and their Friendship. He began to realize they would probably never need his or anyone ponies help and he was proud of them for that. 

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

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

Stay Strong and Pony On
BlueStar Out