It was just a touch past noon as Jack stretched out in a yawn. It took him a few blinks to get used to the brightness of room and his usually early wake up. Taking his time he pulled himself out of bed and began meandering about the room. Looking about he sought out to find his plate armor which he had haphazardly scattered across the room last night. He was grateful that Star had retired to her own bunk in the morning, rather than trying to crash in his bed like the night prior. Having her around might have been fun, but it would have made getting up on time a bit more difficult.

After gathering his armor Jack caught sight of himself in his mirror. The dull shine of the metal reflecting with the afternoon light, he took a deep breath as a mall pang of shame washed over him. In the mirror, he could see the armor wasn't in the best of shape, especially for being only a month old. Small scuffs and scratches dotted the surface, there was evidence of small stains on the metal. He needed to do something about the condition. So he sat on the edge of his bed, and with a bit of cloth took a few moments to polish some of the scuff marks out, making sure everything was above reproach.

As he cleaned, his hands shook slightly with nerves. The only interactions he had with the Captain Prince hadn't gone that well and the guard always seemed to have an air of distaste for the human. Even before he became a guard, Shinning armor was cold towards him. Not to mention that the Captain was a known stickler for details. If Jack was to have any hope of getting advice from the Captain he needed to make a good impression today. It had to be today of course, since Shinning was scheduled to head back the Crystal Empire later in the day after his inspection and training session was completed.

With one last scrub Jack was satisfied with the armor's condition. Before he left his room, he took a moment to stand in front of the mirror and carefully attache everything just right. Taking his time, he hid each strap, and ensured each snap was snapped.

Time was running out, and he quickly wandered the hallways, trying to find the captain. The castle was large and he had no idea where the Captain would be. Since this was Shining Armor's last day in Canterlot he was bound to be doing some final last minute surprise inspections. Jack spoke to every guard he passed, asking where Shinning Armor was. Each guard pointed in a different direction sending the human jogging on a wild goose.

“Oh Shining? Yeah I saw him in the courtyard I think.” Responded one guard.

With that Jack made his way to the courtyard, passing a few of the Day and Royal Guard on his way. Most ignored him; a small few were puzzled to see the notoriously late Night Guard up so early.

Once in the courtyard he wandered around, looking for the captain. After several minutes of aimless wandering, he gave up and asked a blue coated colt walking around in golden armor.

“Shining? He was here an hour ago. Should be in the barracks now.” the guard pony responded with a shrug.

Taking a few breaths, Jack started jogging towards the barracks, vaguely aware of the time passing by.

Arriving at the barracks he found himself empty handed again. The frustration in Jack's face evident to all around him. Reaching out he grabed the nearest guard he could find and asked him between grinding teeth where Shining Armor was.

“The Captain? Should be meeting with Celestia in the throne room I think.” The guard responded with an air of fear at human's unstable behavor.

Jack sighed, partially out of breath at this point. If nothing else this was giving him a much needed work out. Picking up the pace, he nearly ran to the throne room, aware that his legs were burning. In his mind, he made a mental note to try and pick up jogging later.

Entering the distant throne room he found there where a handful of Royal Guards who squinted at Jack with mild disapproval. In the center of the room was one of the Rulers of this kingdom, Princess Celestia. Jack immediately realized his brashness and saluted the Princess.

Noticing the human, she smiled warmly to him and put down the scroll she was reading. “Well, if it isn't Jack, one of our newest Night Guards. Is there something I can do for you?” Her slight smile belied a hint of knowledge having some idea what the human wanted. Even though the princess was clearly busy, she was also sincere in her desire to help him.

“Uh, begging you pardon Princess, I was just looking for Shining Armor. I was told he might be here.” Jack held back his nerves but a small shake in his voice could be heard.

“Oh? You just missed him actually.” Celesta looked back to the scroll and signed something with a floating quill, before setting both down again.

Jack sighed, and was about to turn around when Celestia stopped him “Jack, before you go may I ask you a question why you're here?”

“O-of course Princess Celestia. What do you want to know?” Jack stammered slightly as his nerves began to over take him. He was not used to talking to Celestia. Even with her caring and soft demeanor, she was always a bit intimidating. The only princess Jack had talked to at all recently was Princess Twilight, who made it a point to talk to Jack at least a few times a month.

Celestia continued to smile at Jack, as she motioned for her guards to leave them alone for a few minutes. Once the guards left Celestia shut the chamber doors with her magic. A faint click echoed through the chambers as she locked the doors.

*Click*

“So, have you spoken with my sister recently?” Her voice was soft, but Jack could sense something slightly amiss from behind it.

“No, not recently. Since I've become a Night Guard Luna has kept her distance.” Jack rubbed the back of his head and looked down in a bit of shame. He thought he knew what Celestia was going to accuse him of.

“Yes, my sister always tried to be more formal then myself. Even when we were foals she tried so hard to fit into her crown.” Celestia had a looking of longing, as if the thought of a younger Luna pained her.

“My sister is quite beautiful, isn't she?” Celestia's smile grew slightly as Jack's expression of shock and embarrassment grew across his face. It was not the question he expected.

Celestia chuckled very lightly under her smile. “Don't worry Jack, you aren't in trouble.” He could almost sense that there was an unspoken 'but' at the end of her sentence.

“Luna came to my chambers yesterday to talk about some... things she had been feeling recently.” A slightly concerning frown crossed her face.

“I remember when you first arrived in Equstria a year ago. Luna spoke of you quite frequently and fondly; you seemed to connect with her. Then when you became a Night Guard, she stopped.” The look of longing ebbed slowly into sorrow for just a moment.

“Jack, you aren't in trouble, but my sister is still very delicate. Please try not to hurt her.” Celestia reopened her chamber doors as her guard walked back in.

“Thank you for the time Jack, but I must get back to work.” She picked up another scroll and began reading it over.

“Oh. Just one more thing. I think you'll find the Captain down the next hall over.” Jack returned Celestia's smile and jogged out of the room.

As he turned the corner of the nearest hallway, he nearly ran over the poor captain he had been searching for.

“Watch where you're going Night Guard. If there's not an emergency you shouldn't be running around.” Shining berated the human and turned to walk around him.

“Sorry, Captain Shining Armor. But I was hoping you had a minute?” Jack held up a hand to try and stop him from running off.

He took breath and began to explain his request to the Captain who was quickly becoming more annoyed with the human as the conversation went on. Shining had all he could do not to sneer as the human finished by asking the crux of his concern “I hope to one day become a Captain myself and I was wondering, how you became a Captain?”

With that question Shining Finally had enough, “Ha!” he laughed at the human.

“Are you serious?” Shining shook his head and turned around, walking away from the annoying human, not wanting a response to his rhetorical question. Shinning Armor would take the long way if it meant leaving this annoyance behind him.

But instead Jack caught up with him and jogged next to the unicorn, trying to keep up with his quick trot. “Shining, I get that you probably don't like me, but I could use the advice.” Jack spoke with an almost pleading tone.

Shining rolled his eyes, “Liking you has nothing to do with it.” He shook his head, “Look rookie. Becoming a captain is hard work. It took me six years, and I'm considered by most to be a military genius.”

Realizing that the human wasn't just going to leave Shining Armor slowed down to more of a walk. “Why do you want to be a captain anyway? You aren't just interested in Princess Luna's plot are you?”

Jack thought about what to say. While Shining's question was crass and direct, it wasn't wholly inaccurate. Jack reasoned he could just lie to the captain, but his mind winced at that idea. He looked at Shining Armor, the captain's head was held high, there was pride in his walk. It was obvious to anyone that Shining cared about being a guard, he cared about his duties and protecting this kingdom. Shining Armor was an honorable colt, and Jack couldn't just lie to him. The human had to much respect for the Captain, even if the Captain wasn't fond of him.

Taking a deep breath, Jack began clearing his mind. “When I first came here I was confused. This world this place is so different from where I came from. I was lost and I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going…” He paused to collect his thoughts. “Honestly, I guess it wasn't that different from my world. I had no idea what I was doing with my life back there. But here, after talking with Luna about things...” Jack took a big breath and shook his head, that wasn't the right thing to talk about.

“This place, Equstria it's great; it's peaceful, happy, and prosperous. I wanted to...” He searched for the words. Words he had said a long time ago on another world. “I want to protect it, and to ensure that it remains that way. No place should this good or kind ever have to worry about war, or the safety of its people, errr ponies I mean.”

Shining raised an eyebrow at Jack's credulous statement. “And that's all this is? Just a desire to better protect the realm?”

Jack couldn't look him in the eye of course there was more, “No...” he looked Shining in the eyes this time “I...” He took another breath. To say the human was nervous would be an understatement. Truthfully, he still didn't fully understand all the reasons himself, but in his heart he knew this was the right choice. To become captain, to be with Luna.

“You weren't completely wrong, about the princess I mean. I do like Luna. I thought If I was captain, maybe I'd have a chance to be with her. Like how you became captain and married Princess Cadance.”

Shining shook his head, and quickened his pace. “I knew it.” he huffed under his breath.

Shining tried to dismiss the human, but he still wouldn't leave. “Look Rookie, I knew Cadance before I became captain. My relationship with her is separate from my rank. If you want to get in Princess Luna's bed then find another way.”

“Captain, please don't just dismiss me. I'm serious about this.” Shining Armor stopped in his tracks and gave a long hard look at the Night Guard Rookie. There was something in his tone that made the Captain think.

He nodded the human, “Ok, you say you're serious than convince me.”

“Ok, I do have an interest in Princess Luna, I won't hide that. But my desire to save this world, to help Equestria is true. On that I swear my life” Jack pleaded with Shining, hoping he might listen to him.

Shining Armor was never one to question a solder’s loyalties, he wanted to trust that what he heard was true and pure, but there was just something different about this human. Something he had a hard time trusting and believing in. “Jack, even if you're serious, I don't know what advice I can give you. I'm the wrong captain to talk to. You'd need to talk to Night Blade. He's your captain. If you want to know what you need to do better talk to him. Now if you excuse me I have some more training and inspections to do before I head back to the crystal empire tonight.” Shining picked up the pace again glad that the human stayed in the hallway behind, no longer following him.

'The nerve of that ape. Just wants to get in the princess's bed.' The captain thought to himself while walking. For just a moment though, a single thought crossed his mind 'Maybe there really is more?', he quickly shook that thought out of this head. That ape only had one thing on his mind, Shining reminded himself.

The hallway grew empty as the Captain turned the corner, leaving Jack alone for a moment. He took that moment and thought about what little Shining had actually said. The fact was he didn't give Jack much to work with, and it was clear the Captain didn't trust in his abilities. His relationship with Cadance existed before he became captain, so there wasn't too much he could help with there. Shining Armor's position felt so different from his own.

'Is this really what I want?' Jack thought to himself. Did he really just want to get in Luna's bed or did he want to actually be a better guard too? He walked up to the nearest window and looked outside at the Canterlot Castle court yard. A small formation of new recruits stood in formation. They were Royal Guard ponies. New Rookies just like Jack was.

One day if they worked hard they would become first class guards, maybe 3rd class and eventually Squad leaders, one or two might even become captains. It was barely half a year ago that Jack saw a similar site on his first visit to Canterlot. Princess Twilight Sparkle was with him, along with her friends.

They had brought Jack up to Canterlot to watch the Hearth's warming eve play that was shown during the winter months. The play was ok, but what came before it had changed the direction of his life. Jack had wandered around the city, lost in thought. Twilight had followed behind him, trying to find and help the human company on that cold.

Up till that point Jack had survived day to day just doing odd jobs. Trying and failing to start a new life in Equestria. Truthfully a large part of that effort was because of his friend Twilight. She blamed herself for Jack's predicament. She had said as much, and on more then one occasion Jack knew she had cried for him.

Twilight had done everything in her power to make jack happy and comfortable, but it wasn't enough. There was something missing in his life, that had always been missing. It was one of the things him and Luna had discussed many times before.

Then just as they had turned a corner on their way back to the castle to rest for the night, they encountered a small squad of new recruit for the Day Guard. Being marched thought the city by their Captain.

In that moment, Jack had a realization. He knew what was missing in his life. Even if he had screwed up on earth, he had another chance here. A chance to get it right this time. It was in that instant Jack had deiced to join the Equstria Guard.

He gazed through that window, the thoughts of that winter's night melting away as he remembered the real reason why he joined. A reason beyond just Luna's plot. Jack knew he had to talk to Night Blade about this, but he was dreading it.

“JACK!” a very familiar voice yell his name from across the hall. Behind him, a smaller purple princess was waving at him.

A smile grew across his lips and he waved back at the peppy Alicorn “Hey Twilight. What brings you to Canterlot?”

“Visting my brother and talking with Celestia about issues in Ponyville.” She responded as she trotted over to him. Twilight nuzzled into his side ing a pony sort of hug. Jack returned the hug as best he could, but their was something missing from it.

Twilight picked up on Jack's absent mood immediately. “Are you ok Jack?” Twilight gave an empathetic frown, hoping to coax the human into talking. She knew from experience that he could be very tight lipped about his feelings.

“I'm fine princess, just thinking about somethings...” he trailed off.

Standing still made him uncomfortable, he needed to move. So he continued walking down the hallway, towards Night Blades office. Twilight followed him in tow, the silence between the two was almost painful. Jack not saying anything in fear of upsetting Twilight, and Twilight doing the same. Finally, she broke down and just asked.

“Well, do you want to talk about it?” She queried meekly.

“Yeah, I suppose. I just got done talking with your brother about something.” Jack felt a rush of different emotions as he thought about the conversation again, and descended once more into silent thought.

After several moments, Twilight realized that the only way this conversation would continue was with her leading. “So, what were you talking about? Nothing serious I hope?”

He shrugged and looked out a nearby window, “I asked him about becoming a captain, and what it takes.” He finished with another shrug, seeing at the futility of his own statement.

The comment was unexpected and for a moment Twilight wasn't completely sure she heard him right. It was something surely lacking the last time he talked to her. Even in his entire time in Equstria, the human never seemed to be all that responsible, and never focused on tomorrow. Seeing Jack looking towards his future here brought a smile to Twilight's face, it was a good sign that he was finally becoming comfortable in Equstria. Ultimately, it was a large weight off her shoulders too. Still, the question burned inside her, what changed in him? “Well, I can understand why you might want advancement. But why captain?”

'Why indeed,' He though. Uncertainty rolled off his face as he debated what to tell her exactly. He could lie, there was no real reason she needed to know about his love life. Telling Twilight the truth could be awkward, she might even try to convince him it was all a bad idea. Thought she probably wouldn't be wrong about that.

The deep magenta eyes of the small Princess sparkled at him. Those eyes, he couldn't lie to them. She was for all intensive purposes the first friend he made in this world, and she was far too over protective him. Even after a year and a full absolution by Jack, Twilight still held herself responsible for the ascendent that him to Equestria. If she knew he had lied to her or with held the truth, it would crush her. He couldn't do that. “Honestly... I was hoping that if I was captain...” He paused, trying to figure out how to say this with out sounding sappy, pathetic, or just horny. “That maybe I'd have a chance to be with some pony. Some pony special.”

The ears on Twilight's head perked up at his confession. “Oh? Does my friend finally have a very special some pony in his heart?” The small smile on her face belied the great excitement in her chest. This was great news she thought! Not only was Jack considering his future, but he was willing to open up to somepony. One of Twilight's greatest fears was being lifted off of her shoulders. If Jack could find true happiness here, maybe she could finally forgive herself.

“Yeah.” A lump in his throat stopped him from saying anything more, much to Twilight's annoyance.

“Well who is it?” Twilight was practically gleaming at this point. If she could find out who it was she might be able to help, or get her sister in law to help! The possibilities for her to play match maker seemed endless.

Closing his eyes, Jack took a deep breath before speaking, “Princess Luna.” A sweet and sour mix could be heard in his voice. Hidden beneath was the somber thought of how far out of his league she was and how foolish his desire actually was.

“Oh.” Then it really hit her “Oh! You're serious?”

She paused for a moment in thought, putting the pieces all together. Luna would be a massive challenge. Over the past few years she had already rejected numerous suitors.

“Well, my brother was able to marry Cadence because he was captain of the Royal Guard.” She waived her front hoof in the air in front of her, as if she was reciting to a class. “Historically it's actually not that uncommon for a princess to marry a captain or general, but it's not really considered appropriate by traditional standards. Even if it did happen frequently.”

Her hoof rubbed at the fur on her chin as she fully considered the actual gap between Jack and Luna, and the difficulty such a union would pose. “But with Luna, I don't know. Being a captain is the only real choice for a normal pony to marry into royalty. But Luna is much more traditional then Cadance or myself, plus there's also the age factor.”

Age had never even occurred to him, “I don't see how age is a factor Twilight?”, queried Jack.

“Well, Luna is much older than both Candace and I, she will also be around much longer then the two of us. Longer then even you Jack.” Her voice rang with a somber tone.

Jack had never really considered the immortality factor when thinking about Luna. “Are Celestia and Luna really immortal?”

Twilight shrugged, “Honestly, I don't know. No one does. I'm not even sure they know.”

The human's expression sour some. This wasn't what she wanted to do, Twilight didn't want to crush him, just bring him back to reality and make him realize that this wouldn't be easy. “Look Jack, I'm not saying it's impossible. But it will be very difficult.”

A rather unpleasant thought hit her as she considered what his motives might actually be, “Hey, you're not just after her plot are you?” It was a crass statement she knew, but in the back of her mind was the worry that Jack was just listening to some primal ape instinct.

Tossing his hands up with mild bemusement and anger, Jack responded “No! Why does everyone keep asking that?”

Twilight reeled from Jack's loud response, “Oh, sorry. It's just that...” Pausing to consider what to say, something that wouldn't upset her human friend and still explain everything. “Well it's just that you're an-”

“An ape?”, He interrupted.

“Sorry. I didn't mean it like that. It's just... I've heard some rumors today and...” Twilight pushed her ears back and put her head down. This wasn't the direction she wanted this conversation to go. She had no desire to upset her human friend, but they were so different that at times it made things difficult.

Any eyebrow went up over Jack's eye, “Rumors? What rumors?”

“That you're involved with a Guard, a bat pony or some such.”

“Oh... You mean Star Screech.” The thought of what Star and him had done making him blush slightly. His face turned from Twilight in mild embarrassment. In truth Jack did like the bat pony, but only as a friend. All be it one with benefits. Still, he wouldn't say they were involved in anyway, serious or otherwise.

“So the rumors are true?” Twilight queried.

“I mean, I've been with this one Guard a few times, but it was nothing serious. We're just friends. Honestly, Luna is the one I want to be with.” As Jack spoke those last words a slight bitter taste appeared in his mouth. He did like, no, love Luna. But he didn't feel right just dismissing Star Screech like that.

“Ok...” Twilight frowned and thought about it for a moment. She didn't like the idea, but Jack was different from her, with different ideals and ideals. Maybe she was just being a prude? “Well, so long as you don't let this relationship with that bat pony hurt Luna, I guess it's not an issue?” The last part of her statement was more of a question. Probing Jack's feelings and thoughts, she was just out of her game here.

Jack stopped walking and sighed. “Celestia kind of said the same thing to me...”

“Celestia talked to you about your feelings for Luna?” A slight air of surprise escaped her voice. If Celestia knew, and hadn't locked him in the dungeon or banished him to the moon, than that had to be a good sign.

“Not exactly, apparently Luna talked to Celestia about somethings. I don't know what though, she said for me to be careful not to hurt her sister. I'm not sure if that was a threat or not.”

Jack wanted to go back to the original conversation, he could deal with the ape prejudices later and courting Luna later. After be became something worthy of courting her. “Anyway, how would I become captain?”

“Well, it usually takes years, often decades. Shining did it in less than ten years, but he's a prodigy.”

“Like you Ms. book worm?” Jack smirked at the slight ribbing he gave his friend.

“Hey! It's princess book worm thank you very much.” The two both shared a laugh at that.

Jack wanted to talk with Twilight more, but he had things he needed to get done, one thing in particular. “I have to get back to work princess.” Jack hugged Twilight before departing.

She spent just a few more moments then necessary watching her friend walk away. She felt like there was more she had to do for him. He was her friend, and ultimately she considered him her responsibility, like she was an older sister.

“Good luck Jack.” Twilight whispered as she thought about what more she could do.

Author's Note

Reedited on Dec. 31, 2015