The Search for Light: Finding New Hope.

Sibling Rivalry

“That’s amazing!” Silver exclaimed, as he saw what his brother was holding. “You were really accepted into the academy?!?”  Gold nods, smile on his face as he puts the letter to the side. “Yeah, Though was there any doubt that I wouldn't be picked for Celestia’s Guard?”  Gold says as he runs his hoff through Silvers hair. SIlver swats at his brothers hoof. “Yeah, did any letter come for me?” Silver asks, the anticipation clear on his face. Gold shakes his head, much to the disappointment to Silver. “Sorry bro, your still just in training. You still have a year or two. Maybe longer” Silver flops down, onto the ground, laying flat on his stomach. “So? I’m just as good as you are, if not better.”

Gold leans down to his depressed brother, running his hoof through his hair again, chuckling slightly . “I wouldn't say as good, but pretty close.” Gold says teasingly.  “Just you wait though. You’ll get accepted, I know you will.” Silver looks up at his brother, swatting his hoof away “Do you really think so?” Gold nods “Yeah, now get up, and lets go train a little before the ‘rents get back, ok?” Silver hops up excitedly “Yeah, lets go. I bet I can beat you this time.”  Gold chuckles as he slowly follows his brother to their backyard training ground “Ha! You wish.”

Chapter 1: Your Brother.

I stand there, in a line of all the other Guards. I keep my head forward, my eyes following the commander as he speaks. “You are all here today, to hopefully join the Guard. You each may have your own purpose. But in order to join, to really prove yourself, you have to set aside all of those. For the sake of everypony who you will be protecting, you can not let your own goals interfer. You have to put your life and soul to the front lines, to protect the innocent. Do you hear me!?” There is a small pause, of total silence. Some people nod, while others look away. “Yes, sir!” I shout to him. I feel his gaze meet mine, instantly, analyzing me, judging me. “Step forward” He barks out and I follow his order. He walks around me. “Whats your name?”

“Silver Shot, Sir.” He puts his hoof to his chin. “You have a brother don't you? In Celestias Guard?” I nod “Yes, sir, I do. Gold Shot.” He move back and nods “Yeah, I remember him, A good cadet he was. And an even better soldier.” He pauses and smirks “Hope you can be as good as him?”  I breath in slowly, not letting my anger get the better of me. “No, sir. I already know I am as good. If not better.” I keeps that smirk on his face “You sure about that, cadet? Why dont we just see how good you are?”  He barks out to some others, and the fetch a bow and quiver. With no words, he points down a range, marking three targets. “Those, feel free to take your time.”  I take the bow, and strap the quiver to the cadet armor. “From where, sir?”

He shrugs “Anywhere you please, cadet.”  I nod “And how many arrows, sir?” He smirks again “As many as there are targets.”  I nod again. Three targets, three arrows. Full concentration now. I pull out the first arrow, pulling back the string of the bow. Breathing in slowly as I take aim. “I know I said take you time, cadet, but don't take forever.” I snort at the commander, and lose the arrow, hearing the thunk as it hits one of the targets. I quickly fire off the other arrows, both reaching their mark. I  turn to the commander, hoping to  see the smirk wiped off his face, but I am met with his cold stare. “Well? How was that?” I say in a confident tone. “I thought you said you could do better, apparently, that isn't so.” I grit my teeth. “What do you mean?” I say, my tone hard and loud. “I hit all targets, right in the center.”

The commander nods “I can see that, yes. But you said you could be better.” I grit my teeth harder, as I glare down the commander “H-how is that not better?” I ask, my voice full of anger. “Your brother would have done it quicker. There’s no time to hesitate, or wait in battle.  And your brother wouldn't let his anger get the better of him. Anger would only cloud your mind, and make you act irrational. ” The commander speaks harshly, stepping closer to me with every sentence, till he is snout to snout.  “And, your brother knows how to respect authority. He knows his place. Do you?” He says in a low tone, almost a growl. “Well, if you couldn't tell. I’m. Not. My. Brother!” I snap at him. I close my eyes, and turn away, tossing the bow to the ground. “We’re through here. Cadets! Return to your quarters. Silver, you're coming with me.”

The commander shouts, adding that last part in a low angry tone to me. I stand in the grounds a while longer as every one, and there hushed whispers, leave. After another minute I go to the commanders office. I go to knock on the door, but just walk right in instead. “What took you, cadet?” I am greeted with is harsh tone instantly.  “Sorry, sir. I just took a moment to cool down. I am sorry for the way I acted.” I speak through gritted teeth, still angry at him. “No your not. You are far from sorry. But, I do have to say, you were a fine shot out there.” He nods, slowly. “Infact, you were good enough, I might just let into full training, as a Guard. ” My eyes widen at this, But I regain my composure quickly. “Might, sir?” He nods again, and steps over to me. His hoofs hitting hard on the wood floor. “I can't just pass you up, you still have to take the final test.”

“But, are you sure that you can pass it?” He asks, his tone serious. I nod “Yes, sir. I know I can pass it.” He laughs “It’s not a cake walk like the range out there. This test is designed to test every skill that you would need to be apart of the Night Guard.” I nod slowly “Yes sir, I am sure.” I repeat. “This test is going to push your limits, and you only get one chance.” I look at the commander, confused “Why only one?” He sighs “Because, Many have tried, but none have succeeded. .” I cut him off “The tried and failed? So only one chance?”  He shakes his head and looks down. “No, they tried. . And they died. Thats why theres only one chance. Now Silver, are you sure?”

I gulp, taking in what he just said. I give him a confident look and nod. “Sir, I know I can handle it.” I say as I turn towards the door “One question though. When do I get official Night Guard armor?”  I hear him laugh, and I think I even saw a smile smile from him too. “Silver, you’ll get that armor when, and if, you survive.”