"Thank you for visiting me! It brings me joy to talk with Spearwing's grandcolt!"

Zephyr had opted to stay in Canterlot the day after Twilight's birthday while his friends and sister went back to Ponyville. Fluttershy was a bit disappointed he was staying behind, but accepted that Zephyr wanted to talk to one of the Canterlot ponies that was close to his grandpa. What he didn't tell them was that the one he wanted to talk to was Fancy Pants.

"It's no problem, though you probably already know I'm not biologically related to him..."

Fancy Pants gave a comforting smile. "That matters not. You grew up with him as your grandfather and even then Spearwing wasn't one to care about blood relations when it came to family."

The two of them had been chatting about Spearwing for a good portion of the morning. Before 11AM, Fancy Pants noted that he has an engagement to go to and needed to cut the conversation short. "I must ask, is your lodging situation fine?"

Zephyr chuckled at that. "No worries there. Princess Celestia herself led me to a single-bed guest room in Canterlot Castle after everypony else left. Though... I do kind of feel like I'm coasting by off my grandpa's influence rather than anything I myself have achieved..."

"You at least acknowledge it, which is more than I can say for a lot of other ponies. It's up to you to make something of yourself." Fancy Pants looks at his watch. "Now, as much as I want to keep chatting, I must go. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Canterlot!"

After waving goodbye, Zephyr wandered the streets of the lower section of the city aimlessly. Huh... I liked doing this better with my family. Nowhere near as-- Is that..?

Over by a Canterlot-themed warehouse, Big Mac had finished talking with the pony in charge of it. When he turned to leave, he noticed Zephyr flying up to him and smiled. "Howdy."

"Fancy seeing you here, Big Mac! What were you doing?"

"Shipment of apples. Even Canterlot likes to have a stock of 'em. Today was a slightly special case. Original courier couldn't make it, so ah had to deliver 'em mahself."

Looking at the warehouse, Zephyr tried to make sense of the logistics. "I recall hearing that the Apple Family ships their produce around Equestria. Is Canterlot one of the destinations for Sweet Apple Acres in particular?"

"Eeyup."

"I... don't get why your family isn't more well off..."

Big Mac sighed a bit. "Our apples are popular... partly because we try to make 'em affordable."

That got a wince from Zephyr. "Sorry, wasn't trying to imply anything." Big Mac nods, accepting the apology.

"Is anypony willing to volunteer to be a Royal Soldier?!" The two stallions look over to see Shining Armor looking desperately around. "There is an important mission, yet the Royal Soldiers are unable to fulfill it due to other operations!"

Big Mac and Zephyr look at each other. "Want to see what this is all about?"

"Eeyup."

Captain Shining Armor was beginning to think he will have to make the trip alone when he noticed two ponies approaching, one of which looked familiar. "Zephyr Windstorm? Is that you?"

"Captain Shining Armor, what's going on?"

The Captain sighed in disappointment. "Yesterday most of the Royal Soldiers were dispatched to Vanhoover to help the local authorities deal with a major smuggling ring. Unfortunately, we received a missive from Fillydelphia that a carriage that was en-route to Canterlot was attacked by bandits in the Foal Mountains. I can't take any Royal Guards without leaving the city under-defended, hence why I'm looking for volunteers."

Zephyr found something odd. "How... did you hear about the carriage? Unless somepony is actively scouting around that area, I don't think you would heard of an attack until much later."

A dour look came across Big Mac's face. "Ah have a bad feeling 'bout this..."

Shining Armor grimaced. "You two have good instincts. Yeah, word of the attack came too quickly to the point even I suspect foul play. However, there's still the off-chance innocents are there and I can't ignore it. Though at this rate, I might have to go by myself..."

There was a brief pause before Big Mac and Zephyr glance at each other with determined looks and nod. While both had friends and family to get back to, their own sense of duty told them not to ignore the plight. "Then we'll help you, Captain!"

That caught Shining Armor off guard. "You will? I understand if you're too busy to--"

"Ah can't just ignore somepony potentially in danger. If ah did, ah'm not an Apple."

Zephyr thumps his chest with a confident smile. "I agree. Besides, I'd besmirch my grandpa's good name if ponies heard his grandcolt cowered away from helping those in need!"

Looking between the two stallions, Shining Armor felt hope well in his heart. "I understand and accept your assistance with gratitude. Take these brooches and head to the Canterlot Castle Barracks to kit yourself out with armor and, if you want, weapons. While it'll take less than a day's march, we must be prepared to be deployed for at least 2 or 3 days so prepare accordingly!"

After saluting to the Captain, Zephyr and Big Mac rushed off towards the castle after receiving the brooches. When a maid of the castle saw the two, she knew immediately who sent them and escorted them to the barracks.

As Big Mac browsed for Earth Pony armor his size, Zephyr perused the Pegasus armor, one worry in his mind. I'll probably have to keep my secondary wings under-armor. I just hope I can fit my primaries through the wing-holes considering they're more forward on my anatomy compared to a regular Pegasus...

"Actually, Sir Zephyr, I think there's a special set of armor for you here." The maid pointed to a set of cobalt-blue armor that was at the end of the Pegasus armor room. As if it was made specifically for Zephyr, it had two wing holes instead of just one.

If Princess Celestia had that made with the foresight that I would need it, I'll have a greater amount of both fear and respect for her.

With the help of the maid, the armor went onto Zephyr and fit snugly onto his body. He confirmed that both sets of wings have complete maneuverability for flight and folded over the armor fine. While it did weight him down, he knew it was a small price to pay for proper protection should a fight break out.

Back into the main room, Big Mac wasn't long after Zephyr. He was wearing a set of bronze-colored armor that fit his larger-than-average stature. "Ah swear the Princess made this fer' me..."

"You too, huh? Well... let's not think too hard on it and meet with the Captain."

The maid suddenly stopped both of them. "I have orders from Princess Celestia herself to give you something else. One moment, please." With that, she disappears while the stallions look at each other in confusion.

After a bit, she reappears with a special-looking spear and a pair of spiked leg-guards. "These leg guards will help protect your legs and are enchanted to increase the striking power of the wearer. While I don't doubt your power, Sir Big Mac, I'm sure you'll appreciate the extra protection.

"As for you, Sir Zephyr, this spear once belonged to Captain Spearwing." That got a shocked look from Zephyr. "While it holds no enchantments, it is made of a special Aerolite alloy that aids in piercing defenses while being relatively lightweight."

Zephyr took the spear, still looking shocked. "But... am I worthy enough to wield what my grandpa once did..? I'm sure Captain Shining Armor would--"

"Captain Shining Armor does not use physical weapons on account of being a Unicorn. In addition, Princess Celestia has full confidence you will put the weapon to good use in the service of your mission." Zephyr merely said nothing as he hugs the spear before magically attaching it to his back. "I wish you both luck in your mission. Worry not, your families will be informed of your deployment and when you will be expected to return. Above all else, come home safe."

After thanking the maid for her help, Big Mac and Zephyr rush out to where Shining Armor was waiting. Noticing they were prepared, he has them stand at attention. "Now, I won't be as stringent on the Royal Soldier speaking and actions on the road, but please know that I expect you to follow my orders to prevent unnecessary complications. Am I understood?"

"Sir, yes sir!"

"Good! Private Apple, you'll be in charge of anything requiring raw power. There will more than likely objects that neither me nor Private Windstorm can move."

"Yes sir!"

"Private Windstorm, You'll be our scout and point stallion. Help keep an eye on the road ahead and inform us of any potential dangers. Don't get reckless and request permission to go further ahead before doing so."

"Yes sir!"

"In the event of a skirmish, don't be afraid to retreat behind my shields. I'll also do my best to protect you wherever you are on the field--"

Zephyr knew he had to speak up here. "Permission to speak, sir?"

"Granted. What is it?"

"I might end up canceling out your shields due to my inherent immunity to Unicorn magic, sir! In addition, I need to keep in mind my vulnerability to getting magically drained by Earth Ponies in the event of a rescue mission!"

That info caught Shining Armor off guard. "That... thank you for informing me, Private Windstorm. I'll keep it in mind when I attempt to shield you. It only happens through direct contact, correct?"

"Affirmative sir!"

"Then we're clear. Alright, let's move out!"

Due to the need for haste, the three stallions didn't bother with bringing a carriage of their own, seeing it would slow them down. As ordered by Shining Armor, Zephyr stayed high above the other two to keep a close eye on the road ahead, both for danger and for the carriage that got attacked.

Along the way, Big Mac got to flex his raw power when a few massive boulders were discovered on the road. While it would've taken multiple Earth Ponies to move, Big mac made short work of them with his enchanted leg guards equipped. Shining Armor noted that the boulders seemed deliberately placed, as if they were intended by somepony or something to slow down those following the road.

The only time the three soldiers engaged in combat was when a Manticore decided to try and have a pony snack. Zephyr's fast aerial strikes with his spear, Shining Armor's defensive shields and magic blasts, and Big Mac being able to toss it around it was a rag doll made it retreat, acting like it was now scared of ponies.

After half a day of constantly moving, only stopping once for a water and ration break, Zephyr spotted a wrecked carriage in the mountains. "Captain, carriage spotted! It's in rough shape."

Shining Armor felt a bit glad the info was correct, but still couldn't shake the bad feeling he had. "So there was a carriage... let's get to it and confirm if anypony is still alive!"

"Permission to go on ahead, sir?"

"Granted, but be careful. It could still be a trap!" Zephyr salutes at that and flies ahead to the wreaked carriage while the two ground-bound stallions redouble their speed.

When Zephyr reached it he saw that it was, somehow, flipped over. Checking underneath, he saw a Pegasus mare cowering while holding an Earth Pony colt and a Unicorn filly in her wings. "Are you alright?!"

"L-look out! T-they kept us alive as bait!"

Zephyr, realizing what she meant, launched himself away from the spot just in time to avoid a crossbow bolt. "Hostiles!"

Shining Armor grimaced when he heard Zephyr. "So it was both a genuine carriage attack and a trap..."

"Worry 'bout that later." Big Mac increased his gallop even more, determined to make it there with Shining Armor following suit.

Nearby, the Griffon bandit that shot at Zephyr clicked his beak in frustration. "Not only did we get a pitiful turnout from the Royal Soldiers, I couldn't even pick one off from the get-go... that Pegasus will be a pain."

A nearby Unicorn grunted. "Don't get complacent with their low numbers. Their Captain is here personally, though it'll be great if we can take him out!"

"We're meant to divert a number of the Royal Soldiers away from our cohorts in Vanhoover! If we failed that, the least we can do is take out these ones in revenge!" Another Unicorn bandit hissed out.

"Then let's get them!"

Zephyr dropped back down to the overturned carriage to make sure nothing would get at the family stuck underneath. "Don't worry, I'll get you three out of here if it's the last thing I do!"

"It WILL be the last thing you do, you Pegasus freak!" Zephyr ducked under another bolt launched at him before drawing his spear to clash with the Griffon that lunched at him.

One of the Unicorn bandits lined up his crossbow sights onto Zephyr while he was stuck in his clash, only to get blocked by a magic pink shield made of hexagons. "Accursed Captain!"

"You won't get away. I'll make sure of that!" Shining Armor was now in full-on business mode as he shot the offending Unicorn with a magic blast.

With the bait having served their purpose, the second Unicorn bandit moved a massive boulder with great effort before dropping it down the side of the mountain. He watched it with glee as it rolled towards the overturned carriage, both the family and the Pegasus in the way.

His glee was short lived when Big Mac promptly launched the boulder over the bandit's head with a full-on tackle. "Nnope!"

"Wh-how?! How freakishly strong is this Earth Pony?!" In a panic, the bandit lit his horn and drew two crossbows, akimbo-style, in his magic and aimed at the now approaching Big Mac. After the first few bolts were deflected by the leg guards, the bandit dropped one crossbow and managed to pick up Big Mac in his magic. Managing to reload his other crossbow, Big Mac couldn't do much as the bandit aimed right as his exposed neck.

Shining Armor, noticing Big Mac's predicament, launched another magic attack at his quarry before erecting a shield between Big Mac and his captor. This broke 'magic line-of-sight' and freed the Earth Pony to quickly dodge the bolt and swiftly knock out the offending Unicorn. The Captain then quickly blocked a few crossbow bolts aimed at him before scoring a knockout on the other one via head-shot.

While the Unicorn bandits were getting their flanks hoofed to them, Zephyr and the Griffon bandit had taken to the air. It became apparent that Zephyr's lack of spear training was not doing him any favors, something the Griffon was doing his best to exploit. However, the Pegasus' speed and maneuverability made sure to keep him safe, both from counter-sword strikes and from crossbow bolts.

Especially so when, paired with his 'strafe', Zephyr suddenly started doing strange 'dashes' from a standstill in the air, complete with what looked like a wind effect. Zephyr himself wasn't sure what was going on, but decided to try and use it to his advantage to ensure a take down of the Griffon.

"Bah, this is a lost cause already. Those Unicorns were useless, one couldn't even dispose of the bait properly." The Griffon leers at Zephyr while considering his options before grinning savagely. "I wonder what you'll find more important. Capturing me, or--" He suddenly aims and fired a bolt at the mother under the carriage. "-- Saving THEM?!"

"You..!" Zephyr knew he would be letting the Griffon fly away free doing so, but he chose to fly as fast as he could to protect the family. Shining Armor couldn't activate a shield fast enough and Big Mac was busy with the Unicorn he knocked out.

Zephyr made it in time just to have the bolt pierce his wing and go into his side. The family cries out in shock when the Pegasus collapsed from the hit.

The scenario made Shining Armor snarl up at the retreating Griffon, but knew there was no point in attempting pursuit. "Private Windstorm!" He rushed over to the Pegasus to see how badly injured he was.

Big Mac had just arrived himself when Zephyr let out a short gasp. "Ow... I'm so glad I can't feel pain as much in my main wings..."

As it turned out, the bolt only pierced his wing and merely dented his armor where it hit. Zephyr was more-so winded by the impact than anything.

Any leftover tension evaporating, Shining Armor gave a relieved smile. "That was reckless of you, Private Windstorm, but I commend you for prioritizing the safety of civilians. How is your wing?"

"It'll be fine, Captain!" Even after extracting the bolt, it didn't bleed too much. Zephyr made sure to turn to the family. "Are you all unharmed?"

"Y-yes. Thanks you and your fellows, all four of us are just shaken."

Big Mac raised an eyebrow. "Four?"

"Goo!"

With the danger passed, the mother revealed that she was holding a tiny Pegasus foal in her arms, much to the surprise of the three soldiers. "I had hoped to move all my children in with my husband in Canterlot... but to think we got caught up in a bandit raid and used as bait..."

"That is one calm foal..." Zephyr observed. He would have figured the poor thing would be kicking up more of a fuss in that situation.

"Yeah, she's a calm one, alright. Anyways, thank you all so... so much!" both her and her older foals, after some help getting out from under the carriage, bowed in gratitude.

Shining Armor smiled. "We are just glad you and your family are safe, my lady." Turning to the two unconscious Unicorn bandits, he gives them a glare. "What to do with these two... I don't want to cause undue stress bringing them along with us to Canterlot."

"Captain, sir! I can bring them in to the Fillydelphia authorities!" Zephyr had already noticed that the city was clearly visible from where they were. "I can quickly transport them there for arrest and return to help escort everypony!"

"Will you be fine carrying two Unicorns, Private? If they wake up mid-transport, they could use their magic to--"

"Not a problem, sir! I can render Unicorn magic useless through contact with their bodies as well. I feel this makes me uniquely suited for their quick transportation!"

Shining Armor looked at Big Mac, who nodded, before turning back to Zephyr. "Then do so. We'll repair any damage this carriage sustained and use it to transport everypony to Canterlot. Just follow the road until you find us once you're done!"

Zephyr saluted, picked up both Unicorns, and flew towards the nearby city. While he did that, Big Mac and Shining Armor got the carriage flipped back over and repaired any damages sustained from the attack.

By the time Zephyr returned from transporting the convicts, the group had already made camp for the night. Shining Armor informed him that, now that the mission was pretty well accomplished, they no longer need to speak like soldiers. This allowed the three stallions to relax and ease their weariness after a long day.

One thing everypony noticed was that the Pegasus filly seemed oddly attached to Zephyr, loving to play around in his wings, mane, and tail. He was only able to free himself from her once she fell asleep, much to the amusement of everypony else.

With Shining Armor discussing something with the mother and Big Mac protectively sleeping around both fillies, Zephyr noticed the Earth Pony colt somewhat disconnected from the group. "What's wrong?"

The colt gave a start before looking sad again. "It's just... I wonder if I'm meant to be part of my family anymore... I'm just an adopted Earth Pony in a family of Pegasi and Unicorns..."

Recognizing the colt's doubts, Zephyr lays down beside him. "I understand your concerns. I have been adopted and have adopted a little sister myself. You get plagued by doubts over whether you truly belong or not."

"Y-you too?"

"Once that fear takes root, it never goes away even as you grow older. Even though I didn't know about my adoption until I was much older, that doubt always lingered in my mind from the moment I was told. But... don't let it consume you. I highly doubt your adoptive mother would have tried to protect you if she didn't love you at all."

"I... guess you're right, but... it still lingers in my head."

Zephyr decided to give straightforward advice. "Rather than bottle your feelings up, it's best to just tell your adoptive family about them. I'm sure your mother and father will understand why you have such thoughts. As my own adoptive family has proven, there's more to family than just blood relations."

The colt looks down for a bit before smiling back up. "Thank you, mister soldier. When we get to Canterlot and get settled in, I'll... talk to my parents about my doubts."

"That's a good colt. Don't let doubt destroy your chances at a happy family life."

The two didn't realize it, but the conversation was overheard by Shining Armor and the mother. "I wonder... am I showing too little affection towards him lately?"

Shining Armor shook his head. "I don't know know your family life but like Zephyr said, such doubts are inevitable to the adopted. Because I'm not a father... yet, the only advice I can give is to be sure to listen to his concerns once he comes forward with them."

That got a giggle. "Oh? You have a special somepony in your life?"

"That I do, actually. After I get my situation as Captain of the Royal Guard sorted out, I plan on proposing to her."

"Well, I hope you get the answer you're looking for!"

It was late on the second day of traveling back to Canterlot did the group finally arrive. Not even past the gates, they were beset upon by a Unicorn stallion Noble who thanks the three soldiers profusely for protecting and escorting his family. He stated that it'll be a debt he'll never be able to repay.

After getting debriefed at the castle, both Zephyr and Big Mac learned that Princess Celestia did indeed predict that the barracks would need armor for the two of them specifically. Shining Armor made sure to reassure them that it happened to him as well when he first joined.

As it turns out, Princess Celestia ordered Shining Armor to take a break for the night and next day, so he invited Zephyr and Big Mac out for drinks. Now that he was of legal age, Zephyr could drink in a Canterlot pub.

"Cheers to a job well done, you two!" Shining Armor cried out as the trio clinked their different glasses together. Big Mac went for a beer, Zephyr got a pina colada after not knowing what to get, while Shining Armor went for a glass of wine.

"Cheers! Honestly, I thought I was going to mess up somewhere." Zephyr admitted as he took a small sip. Thankfully the sweetness of the drink off-put the burn of the alcohol for him. "Though I still wonder why the Captain of the Royal Guard is leading the Royal Soldiers."

"Ah, yeah. A requirement to becoming Captain requires you to spend time as both. Once you've done that AND shown the necessary leadership qualities, can you earn that honor."

"Ah was wonderin' 'bout that. Anyways, ah think ya still need more confidence in yer'self, Zephyr." Big Mac reassured the Pegasus.

Shining Armor smiled. "Indeed. Though it's a shame you won't join the Royal Soldiers or Guards proper, I feel you made your grandfather proud with your performance." That got a blush out of Zephyr and the Unicorn laughed. "Who knows? Maybe you'll find your special somepony or somponies once you start exuding more confidence!"

"Hmm... I doubt that'll happen for other reasons." That got a worried look.

Big Mac nodded. "Ah haf'ta agree. Ah'm married to my job an' farm, so ah doubt ah'll be pursuing anypony..."

"Don't give up, you two! I'm sure you'll find the ponies for you. They could either be somepony you have yet to meet... or somepony closer than you think! I would know because my fillyfriend specializes in love."

Zephyr was still doubtful but decided to change the subject a bit. "So you have a fillyfriend?"

That got a bright smile out of Shining Armor as he began talking about his love. It surprised the other two to hear that she was the Alicorn of Love who he had the chance to meet because she was a foalsitter for his little sister. It wasn't the only subject matter as the three stallions chatted until they retired to the castle for the night. Big Mac was surprised that Princess Celestia allowed him to sleep in as guest room as well.

By next morning, Zephyr and Big Mac were headed back to Ponyville with a fairly large sum of bits as thanks for helping as Royal Soldiers. Big Mac mentioned that Zap Apple season was getting close and that he needed to help his family prepare for it. When they arrived, they were shocked to see it in a destroyed state, with Big Mac dumbfounded that the trees in his family orchard were not only barren of apples, but even leaves.

"What... happened here?"

Author's Note

Before anyone says anything, I know I had his chapter take place during "Secret of My Excess". In the intro of the episode, Spike said it'll be his birthday in a week and that's clearly not what happened here.

One thing I noticed is that the episodes... don't really follow a strict timeline (more obvious examples are like the episode Winter Wrap Up where it takes place BEFORE Fall Weather Friends when it technically should be the other way around).

In this case, I decided to have Spike's birthday fall closer to after Twilight's (roughly 2-3 days later) and that the intro to the episode played last week. The reason why Rarity didn't bring the Fire Ruby was for safe-keeping more than anything.

Also, might as well put it here, the chapter dealing with Hearth's Warming Eve will be much later as well. Not because I'm outright skipping it, but because I wanted to go through more of the rest of the episodes before getting to it in a way that makes sense... if that makes sense...

idk, timelines are both funny and agonizing sometimes...