Chapter One

The Canterlot train station was busy as usual again. Even on the weekends, Twilight Sparkle still couldn't believe the number of upperclassmen traveling throughout Equestria. She was on her way to the Saddle Arabian desert to discuss trades for the third time that year. Her only problem with leaving was that her bodyguard was late. Again.

For one of the best of the Royal Guards, his punctuality sure is lacking, Twilight thought as her bags were loaded onto the train.

“Is he still not here yet, Twi?” her husband, Flash Sentry asked as their children Solar Flare and Starlight roamed around not too far away.

Twilight nodded and looked over at their children. As twins, Starlight and Solar Flare were both alike and different in many ways. While both liked reading as much as their mother, Solar Flare didn't read as much as his sister. He was more into training to join his father with the guards. Starlight preferred reading to study twice as much as her mother.

While that set them apart, both were joined by overcoming desires to follow their parents. Solar Flare wanted to join his father and defend Equestria. Possibly becoming the Captain of the Royal Guards as well. Starlight studied and studied to improve her magic, hoping to aid her mother in running the country one day.

Thirteen years... I can't believe they're that old already, Twilight thought as Starlight's hands started glowing as pink as her hair. In contrast, Solar Flare was ruffling his beige wings.

As she watched her children, Twilight felt someone directly behind her to her left. Even in such a crowded area, he was still able to approach her unseen and unheard. Her bodyguard truly was talented.

“You decided to be late again, I see,” Twilight said without looking.

“You know me,” her bodyguard replied, “I wanted to make sure I was prepared. The desert just isn't my favorite area.”

Twilight started giggling, “It's good to see you haven't changed, Eclipse. Is it just going to be you again?”

Eclipse Shadow walked in front of her, his face calm. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, I will be all you need during your travel. I would like to ask: which of your children will be joining us to speak to the Saddle Arabian ambassador?”

“I decided that Solar Flare should come with. It will be a good experience for him,” Twilight replied.

“As in the trip, or the fact he can talk to a Royal Guard that is seen rarely by the civilians?”

Twilight looked at her son speaking with his father. The small sword he had received as a gift hung from his waist like always. Twilight turned back to Eclipse with only one answer.

“Both, Eclipse. He needs both.”

Eclipse stared at her before giving her a rare grin. Taking his bag off his back, he nodded and walked over to Flash to talk to him. Up till then, Solar Flare had only talked to his father about becoming a guard in the future. Speaking with Eclipse would be a different experience all together.

After Eclipse was close enough, he decided to make himself known, “Hello again, Flash.”

Flash turned around and gave a half smile as he saw Eclipse, “Hello again, Eclipse. Late again to go with Twilight, I see. How are you?”

“I've been well, thank you. As to why I was late, I had to make sure I was well prepared for the desert,” replied Eclipse.

As he heard that, Flash drew a puzzled look on his face. “Prepare for the desert? I thought you just took a vacation to Las Pegasus two weeks ago?”

“That was my first experience with sand and the storms. I am more prepared now. My armor won't get as much sand in it as it did last time.”

“You wore your armor on the trip there? That just seems odd in my book.”

Eclipse sighed at this, “I like saving as many bits as I'm able. You travel for free that way, remember Captain?”

As Flash started laughing, Solar Flare walked up and asked, “What armor? You're hardly wearing anything. Not to mention your sword is the weirdest of all the guards.”

“Even more so than Bronze Wings' custom spear?” Eclipse asked.

“Definitely,” replied Solar Flare.

“Hmm. Looks like someone's getting a story on the train ride. Also, Flash. Your wife would like me to teach your son somewhat. She feels having a second, trustworthy example for him to know about joining the guards is a good idea. I'll only do so with your permission, however.”

Flash took a moment to look at his son. He then turned back to Eclipse. “Don't go to hard on him. He doesn't have your speed, after all.”

Eclipse grinned. “I can get him there. It'll be rough, but I can promise you he will learn.”

Flash smiled. “That's what I like to hear, Eclipse. Just one thing though. Don't break his sword. He's very fond of it.”

Eclipse started laughing at that, drawing a glare from Solar Flare. Once Eclipse was able to straighten his face again, he turned his attention towards Solar Flare.

“Grab your bag, your sword, and open your ears, young prince. What I'm going to teach will be much harder than your father's training. Are you up for the challenge?” Eclipse asked Solar Flare.

“Of course I am!” exclaimed Solar Flare. “My father's Captain Flash Sentry. If I can do his, then I can do yours.

Eclipse looked at Solar Flare, and his gaze darkened after hearing him. Crouching down to get more even with Solar Flare's face, he looked at him straight in the eyes, “Young man, you have no idea what I went through at your age. Now, let's not keep your mother waiting any longer.

With that, Eclipse stood and moved to onto the train to take his seat. After Flash had given Solar Flare a hug, Twilight stole a kiss from her husband, and promised to be back sooner than the two months. After Twilight and Solar Flare had secured their bags (the majority being books in Twilight's) and Eclipse's sword was stored safely, the train started moving. Saddle Arabia was in sight within three day's time.

Little did they know, Eclipse had a guest waiting right after they arrived.

Author's Note

Hello there everyone! I'm back with a new story and it feels GREAT to get this one out of my cranium at last!

I've been brewing on this story for probably six months now, so I hope I can deliver what I've been cooking up.

I know the chapter is rough, but that's the way I like it. If there's anyone out there who can do a good pre-read and edit, please step up and help with what I hope to be my best work of fanfiction.

Peace!