What Path to Choose

“Hi everypony this is your friendly purple pony Twilight Sparkle. I’m here to tell you on the author’s behalf that we are going to dive back a few years to spread more light on Drako’s past some.”

“But Twilight how do you speak for the author when he is writing this right now?”

“Pinky you’re ruining the fantasy.”

“But I don’t understand.”

Sigh “Pinky pie just sit back and be quiet please so we can continue the story.”

“Ok but what happened with Drako and Rainbow Dash, also with Luna and Derpy and all that? I want to know what happens next.”

“I know you do and so does the rest of the readers but it will have to wait; now be quiet Pinky.”

“Okey Dokey Lokey.”

Sigh “Enjoy everypony.”

Canterlot, the royal city, and home to Princess Celestia, probably the most regal pony in Equestria. It was larger than he had expected when he first left. He was used to Cloudsdale which in itself was still a large city but it was nothing to this mountain side city with its palace over looking it. He shook his head and heading down the main street which he hoped would take him to the palace so he could inquire about joining the Army.

To his relief he was right and soon he found himself standing at the large gold gates flanked by two large unicorns. They both barred the way as he approached and one said in a deep voice “What business do you have in the palace?”

“I’m here to inquire about joining the army to help protect our borders.” Said Drako gulping a bit as he looked at the Unicorn who was almost as large as he was.

“Wait here while we grab the captain of the guard. He is in charge of who joins the military.” Said the guard turning and walking in leaving him with the other guard who stood tall and ignored him

It took a few minutes for the guard to come back with a tall unicorn who had a white coat and a blue mane, his cutie mark was a large shield. He smiled wide at Drako and said in a kind voice that wasn’t as deep as you would have thought from his size “Hello there, my name is Shining Armor, I’m the Captain of the guard here at the palace. I hear you want to join the Army.”

“Yes sir I do. I’m strong, smart, and one of the fastest flier to come out of Cloudsdale.” Drako said standing as tall as he could but still wasn’t as tall as Shining Armor

He chuckled and said “Come on in and show me what you can do kid.”

He led him inside the gate and took him to a large training field. Drako took one look at it then back at Shining Armor and said “So what do you want me to do?”

“Go through the entire cores. I will go first to show you how it’s done then all you have to do is get as close as you can to my time. Also there is no flying in this course, you have to act like you have a broken wing and do it all on hoof. Your flying skills we will do later.” Said Shining Armor then he went to the starting line and at the ding of a bell he took off.

Drako watched in awe as Shining Armor ran the course. After a little bit the large unicorn finished and smiled at him “If you can do that in a good time then I will be impressed. If you get close to my time I’ll be even more impressed, I hold the record for the fastest time on this course.”

Drako gulped hard and walked over to the starting line. He waited for what seemed like forever, then finally the bell rang and he was off. He didn’t think about the time or that he was being watched right now. He only took off and kept his mind on the task at hand. He had to get a good time and prove he was a strong pony. He hadn’t thought out any other plan, so if this didn’t work he had no idea what he would do.

Finally he made it across the finish line panting hard and sweating. He looked up at Shining Armor and frowned when he saw an odd look on his face. He looked almost shocked “Did I do ok?”

He took a moment to answer but after a few minutes he said “You…did better than ok Kid… you beat my best time. That was nothing short of amazing, and you did it without flying.”

“I have always said that your legs and body is just as important to keep fit as your wings.”

“Well if you fly as good as you did that course then I think you would be perfect to join us.” He said

“I’m a much better flyer. I was the teacher for a little bit at Cloudsdale Flying Academy as the main flight instructor for the varsity squad.” Said Drako proudly

“That is impressive. I know that most of the Wonderbolts come from there. Well I can’t see why you shouldn’t join I know we could use you. You would have to do some training to work on your fighting but that should be easy. Only thing first is all new recruits have to pass an inspection from the Princess. She gives the final say on everything involving her Army or Guard as she likes to call it.” Said Shining Armor

“When would I be able to do that?”

“Right now, to be honest. I was going to bring another recruit for his inspection today but he had a family emergency so he couldn’t make it but she has the time cleared so you came at a good time.”

“I’m glad to here that, the sooner the better.”

“What was your name again, I don’t think I caught it?”

“Drako Moon.” He said

“That is an odd name…but some people think my name is odd too.” He said chuckling again. Drako liked him already he was a nice pony that seemed relaxed and happy.

So they made their way off toward the castle and soon into the large Throne room that Drako would come to know so well over the years. But right now he was lost in how beautiful it was, and not just that he was mesmerized by the beauty of the Princess. He had never seen her up close like this before and he could now see why she was talked about so much about her beauty. He bowed low at the foot of her long and large throne just like Shining Armor did.

“Shining Armor is this the new solider you told me about?”

“No your highness he just came in today. The other one had an emergency and couldn’t make it today. But this pony; Drako is his name; came today wanting to join. He is quiet impressive I have to say and I hate to admit it but he beat my best time on the Training Course. I figured since we set this time up to meat a new Recruit I could let you meet him instead.”

She smiled at them and said “Drako was it? I have heard of you before, your parents were the ones who passed away a few weeks ago are they not? I thought you were working as a trainer at the flight academy back in Canterlot.”

He bowed low and said “Yes your highness but I felt I needed a change in career. My cutie mark symbolizes a fighter I believe or a defender and what better way to do that then to join the Army.”

“You are right but from what I heard you had a little sister to look after. Is she here in Canterlot with you and if you do join the Army it would keep you away for a long time where would she go?”

“I left her in the care of my friend Rainbow Dash. They don’t know I am here your highness.”

“So in other words you abandoned her.” Said the princess her smile fading to be replaced by a frown

“I left her with a pony that can look after her better than I can. I am going to send them money once I start. I know Dash will take better care of Scoot than I will.”

“You do realize that what you did is a crime in my kingdom don’t you?”

He looked worried at that and took a step back but still stood tall and strong “I did what I had too. If you won’t let me in then I’ll be on my way. I’m sure there are other places in Canterlot that will hire someone like me.” He turned to leave before he lost his temper

The princess stood when she saw his cutie mark and said in a powerful tone “Wait Drako Moon!”

He stopped and looked back at her “Yes?”

“So I can see that what I heard about your Cutie Mark is true. You carry the mark of the Crescent Moon with a sword crossing it.” She said walking down to him

“I do what of it?”

She ignored him and looked at Shining Armor “Shining what do you think of him as a Soldier. Would it be a good idea or would he be more suited to the C.P.S.F.?”

“Well your majesty I can’t say for sure yet but if he is as good as his trial showed then I’m sure a soldier would be a waste of his talents”

“What are you two talking about?” asked Drako

“I agree with you Shining Armor. But he will need to be tested and trained.”

“But what about his crime?”

“I have an idea.”

“WHAT ARE YOU TWO TALKING ABOUT!” yelled Drako finally losing his temper.

She looked over at him and smiled “Drako Moon you are lucky because that Cutie Mark you bare is a rear thing. Because of it and your Talent on the Training Course I’m sure you’ll be a good addition to my Guard. But do to your crime I’m in a bind. So if you want to join what I will ask of you is to sign a contract to serve me and do whatever I ask of you for at least five years. At the end of the contract there will be one life changing thing I will have you do if everything I have planned goes right. If you do this I’ll let you join my Guard and if you do well I’ll let you join something even better. I will also over look your crime of leaving your sister behind.”

“And what if I decide your all nuts and leave?”

“Then you will be arrested and serve five years in the dungeons.” Said Shining Armor

“I guess I have no choice then do I?” he said

“You always have a choice Drako Moon. It was your choice to come here and to leave your sister behind. From what I can see you’re running away from your old life and trying to make a new one. Though I do not approve of this I will let you do as you see fit but if you do this you won’t see your sister or friends for a long time if at all. Your life will be mine for at least the reminder of your contract.” Said the princess

He bowed low again and smiled “You do drive a hard bargain but I do believe I will enjoy this new life.”

“Good. Also there is one more thing, on paper you will be seen as someone who has not done well in any job I give you. To most pony’s you’ll be a screw up to hide what I am really training you for.”

“And what is that?”

Shining Armor smiled at him and said “There is a group of Pony’s who are the best of the best in the Guard known as Celestia’s Private Special Forces or C.P.S.F. You will be sent to train with different parts of the Army but not be a soldier. Once your Training is over you’ll be a member of the C.P.S.F. and you can never tell people who you really work with.”

“I take it you are a member yourself Shining Armor.”

He laughed at that “No not me. I was asked to join but I have family and I wouldn’t leave my parents and Little sister along. I also have a pony here who I am starting to fall for and I would like my chance to be with her.”

“Speaking of Cadence I think you should have been off duty a while ago now Shining Armor. I can take things from here why don’t you go see her and take a day off.” Said the Princess

“As you wish.” He said then bowed and walked out

Drako found himself looking up at her now alone. He cleared his throat and said “So what do I do from here?”

“First you sign the contract then I’m sending you to Manehattan to train. Welcome Drako Moon to my Guard…”

Over the next few months Drako worked with many different ponies. It all started with the Black Smith’s, then the armor guard, the border guard, and so on. Over the year he was taught how to fight, protect, build, and many more things. Even though he wasn’t a Unicorn he had to learn things about magic and how it worked so he could identify a spell and know what it did. He had to learn how to do flying moves that he would have never thought possible. He grew in strength, both in mind and body.

As he trained he learned to control his anger much better and focus it into his attacks or defense. He also made sure that his pay was split in half and sent to Rainbow Dash for Scootaloo. He was paid well so it was never a big deal for him. After six months of being gone he started to send letters to Scootaloo and Dash telling them how he was and he was ok. He hoped he would hear back from them but not a single letter ever came to him. He was sure at first they were mad at him for leaving but once a year hit and he still didn’t get a single letter back he knew they wouldn’t speak to him ever again. But he still kept sending the letters even if they didn’t want to hear from him.

It was after he finished his last training about a year after he met with the princess that he was summoned back to Canterlot by Celestia herself. So doing as he was contracted to do, he made his way back. This time he met with her in her privet gardens where she was sitting on a large bench enjoying the light of the bright full moon.

“It’s a little late to have a meeting don’t you think Celestia?” He said as he landed next to her

“One would think but its times like this that I can’t help but look up at my sister’s image in the moon. Even if I do have a meeting to attend. It calms me and gives me time to think which is hard to do now days.”

“How long has it been since you trapped her up there. If the stories I hear are right that is.”

She smiled “They are, but it was the only way I could save her from herself. Nightmare Moon was evil and I didn’t have the power to stop her. It will be one thousand years in a few months.”

“I wish I could have been around when she was still your sister Luna. I would have shown her there is at least one pony out there who loves her night as much as she does.” Said Drako sitting down and looking up

“She would have found you interesting I’m sure. I hear you have been given a nickname by your instructors now that I think about it, Night Stalker I think, was it not?”

“Yeah I have a knack for fighting at night. Most ponies don’t like the outdoors at night time or fighting in it but I find it easier and much more peaceful in the dark. It was instructor Quick Draw who started calling me that.” Said Drako “Now what is it you called me here for Celestia?”

“You really have lost a lot of your manners over the past year haven’t you?” she said giggling

“Can’t be helped you never told me to call you Princess Celestia. And don’t you start now it’s too late.” He said with a smile

“Don’t worry about it. I like being called Celestia now and then the Princess or your highness gets tiresome after a while. But yes anyway I wanted to invite you here to let you know you have finished all of your training and you are ready to join your unit with the C.P.S.F.”

He smiled at that “Well it’s about time I thought you were going to keep me running around Equestria until I was and old Stallion.”

She laughed at that “Well I did think about that. Anyway you will be based out of Canterlot; you can find their base on the top of the mountain that overlooks the castle.”

“When will they be expecting me?”

“They were expecting you about ten minutes ago. If I were you I would get up there before the commander flips her lid.” She said laughing

He sighed at this “And you wonder why I have a lack of manners when I’m around you Celestia.”

“See you later Drako Moon.” She said ignoring his statement

He just shook his head and flew off toward the top of the tall mountain. He saw a small landing pad next to a large door. He figured this had to be the place and landed lightly and walked up to the door and knocked on it.

After a moment or so a shutter opened next to him and a mare’s voices said “Who’s there, this is a base for the royal guards for Princess Celestia no civilians aloud.”

“I’m not a Civilian my name is Drako Moon I was just with Celestia and she sent me up here. I am the new Requite that just finished his training. I’m supposed to meet with the commander and I think I’m a little late.”

“The commander doesn’t like it when ponies are late to meetings with her and I don’t see your name on the new requite list.” Said the Mare

“Check again maybe you missed it its Drako Moon, Drako with a K.”

“There is only one name on my list and it doesn’t start with a D only an N so I don’t know who you are but unless you have two names leave before we make you.”

He swore and said “I figured she would do this to me.”

“Do what?”

“Put my nick name down. Do you have a Night Stalker on there?”

“Are you him?” she asked

“Yes!”

At that the shutter shut and the big door opened and a beautiful pony with a dark blue coat, a silver main and silver tips at the end of her wings stepped out. She had a cutie mark of what looked like a cat’s claw. She smiled at him and said “My name is Commander Silverwing. Sorry about that but Celestia said we had to mess with you a little before we let you in. but you are late and I don’t like when ponies are late to anything.”

He stood up straight and said “Sorry Ma’am won’t happen again.”

“Hmm well you do have some manners. From what Celestia told me I was figuring you would be a rude Stallion who would be a problem for me. I was at least expecting you to blame Celestia for you being late.”

“It was her fault yes but I still won’t blame her. I should have expected her to do something like that and made sure it didn’t happen. As for my manners they are only lax when I’m around the princess.”

“So your real name is Drako Moon. I think I like Night Stalker better, normally we don’t allow nick names around here but your real name stinks so I’m calling you Night Stalker from here on out, UNDERSTOOD!” she said the last words coming out in a shout

“Yes ma’am.”

“Good well come on in and meet the others you’ll want to get to know them quick before our next mission.”

He followed her in and as the doors closed he asked her “So how many are in this unit?”

She laughed at that and stopped looking back at him and looking into his eyes with her beautiful Green ones that almost matched his “You are in the hardest to join unit in all of Equestria and the most secret, we only have four other members so with you and me that is six.”

She laughed at the look on his face and started to walk away as she said “Welcome the Celestia’s Private Special Forces, Night Stalker…”