Canterlot, Equestria, and Anything

Thursday

On a warm summer day, Dusk Strider had been asked to meet with Princess Celestia at the Royal Port near Canterlot Castle. Dusk arrived earlier than she was asked because her close friend, Cloud Treader, wanted to talk before she started her shift for the day. While waiting at the farthest dock on the third station, Dusk was greeted by a different pony than she had expected.

“Heya Dusk, what are you doing here today? Don’t you start later tonight?” said the white stallion unicorn, clad in golden armor.

Caught off-guard while watching the sky, Dusk took a moment to find her words, “Oh, hey Search Light; I’m actually here because Celestia asked me to be. I’m also waiting for Cloud; she said she wanted to see me before Celestia got here. What are you doing here this early?”

Adjusting his armor, Search Light spoke, “It’s a nice day today, and I didn’t want to spend it inside at home. A few extra hours of work isn’t so bad if the day is nice enough…the extra pay doesn’t hurt either.” He finished with a smile.

Dusk joined in on his mood with a smile of her own but quickly replaced it with a hoof over her face when she came to a sudden realization, “I forgot about your present!” before she could continue, the sound of clanking metal came from behind Search Light.

The source of the noise emanated from a shining peach mare pegasus walking uncomfortably towards Dusk with a smile on her face. In her smile though was a bag with decorations meant to celebrate the day the pony it was meant for, was brought into existence. She gave the bag to Search Light before taking her place at her friend’s side.

When she came to a stop, she looked up towards Search and spoke, “Dusk is still a little tired from having to wake up so early. She asked me to bring the present we got you with me before I left the house; we hope you enjoy it.”

Search Light took the present in his mouth but put it back down realizing it was rather difficult to speak, “Thank you very much to both of you. Means a lot that somepony actually remembered my birthday. I should probably let you both talk, bye for now.” He took up his present again and trotted off with a cheer in his step.

With Search Light now gone, Dusk and Cloud laid their eyes back to each other. Dusk gave Cloud a hug before she spoke, “Thanks, did I really ask you to bring the present?”

“Nope, you definitely forgot.” Cloud held a cute, smug smile that nopony could really be mad at, especially Dusk.

Dusk stuck her tongue out in a more jokingly than mockingly way before speaking, “Well, thank you again.” Noticing that Cloud was in her guard’s regalia that she hardly ever wore, a question crossed Dusk’s mind, “What’s the special occasion?” she asked, giving a few taps to the metal armor.

“Today’s the graduation of the new recruits; Captain Bullhorn and I will be ushering the Aerial Day Guard into their new posts. I just have to wear this for the ceremony…at least that’s what Bullhorn said.” Cloud tried to adjust herself to the weight of the armor.

“That’s right…I was meant to be at the ceremony with Captain Nightingale for the new recruits in the Night Aerial Guard, but Celestia had something else in mind for me to do.” Dusk shifted her gaze to the docked airship before looking back to Cloud with a slight frown.

“At least you don’t have to wear this clunky armor now.” Cloud gave a light chuckle to try to cheer Dusk up but to no avail, “Don’t worry, I’m sure Captain Nightingale will understand.” Cloud would have continued, but the sound of hoofsteps caught her and Dusk’s attention.

Their sun monarch had been making her way towards the pair along with her dear sister, Princess Luna. The group exchanged smiles before Celestia spoke, “Good afternoon Dusk and Cloud.”

“Good afternoon Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,” said Dusk and Cloud simultaneously, happy to see their rulers before them.

Luna responded with a smile and a quirk of her head.

Celestia continued, “Cloud, will you take my sister and show her around the preparations for the ceremony. It’ll be nice for her to get a glimpse of what she’ll see for the evening version of the ceremony.”

Cloud gave a nod and readied her wings for flight. When Luna showed she was ready, they flew their way towards the castle grounds. After a few waves of goodbye, Celestia and Dusk turned their attention back to each other.

Dusk felt ready to begin the mission that was about to be laid upon her, so she was the first to speak, “Princess Celestia, you wanted to speak?”

Celestia gave a sly grin before responding, “I actually wanted to ask if there was anything important for you next week.”

Dusk held a confused look upon her face, “I’m sorry Princess, what do you mean?”

Still holding her grin, Celestia continued, “I was just wondering if there was a special day for you next week.”

Dusk gave it some thought, but finally shook her head.

Ever persistent, Celestia kept prodding, “A special day where two ponies should be celebrating together…?”

“Do you mean the Sisterhooves Social? If you do, I don’t think my sister could make it…and I don’t think the Sisterhooves Social isn’t until for another few months.” Dusk looked up and just blinked at Celestia.

Celestia changed her expression from sly to slightly astonished, “You really do not remember what is happening next week, do you?”

Dusk continued her blinking towards Celestia, not even giving thought to the question.

Celestia moved her way behind Dusk; she then lowered her head next to Dusk’s ear. She then began to whisper, “It is your…anniversary.” She finished by making her way back in front of Dusk.

Dusk reacted in a matter suited for a pony in her position; that being, a pony that forgot their own anniversary of when they made a sacred vow with their closest partner and friend. First was the shock, stone solid and unable to move or breath. Second was the awe; she screamed as loudly as she possibly could in great shock. Finally was the realization; she had a week until her anniversary and she still didn’t have a gift, nor did she have an idea for a gift. Before she can let out another scream, she felt hooves resting upon her shoulders; she looked up to see Celestia’s reassuring and confident face.

“I knew it would slip your mind to no fault of your own.” Celestia let her hooves slowly fall onto the ground but still held her appearance, “The reason I asked you to come here was so I would be able to help you.”

Dusk was able to calm herself and her erratic heartbeat. When she felt every part of her was now settled and under control, she spoke, “Thank you for reminding me Princess Celestia, what was the plan you had in mind?”

Celestia looked over to the airship then back to Dusk, “This airship will be traveling to Trottingham today with a special guest of mine who will be joining us shortly. It will take two days for the journey going there and two days for the journey back, you will have two days for yourself to look for a present. In total, you will be gone for six days; you will be back on the morning of yours and Cloud’s anniversary day,” before she continued, a chariot flown buy two pegasus guards landed next to Dusk and Celestia.

The chariot didn’t stay too long after it had dropped off its passenger. With the passenger now uncovered, it was easier to see who it had been. It was a unicorn stallion, a very renowned unicorn stallion with an upper-class suit. He had a white coat with a long blue mane and tail to match. If there were any distinguishing features, it would have been his triple-crown cutie mark and his moustache.

After realizing who she had been looking at, Dusk let her ‘proper etiquette-training’ take over, “Good afternoon, Fancypants,” she said as she curtsied.

Celestia joined in on greeting one of Canterlot’s most esteemed residents, “Pleasure to meet you, Fancypants.”

After making his way towards the group, he dropped his bearings and gave his greetings, “The pleasure is all mine, Princess Celestia,” he gave a bow, but when he met his eyes on the pony beside her, he was a bit flummoxed, “Hello…I’m sorry, I find myself at a disadvantage, Ms.…?”

“Strider…Dusk Strider; Dusk though is fine,” said Dusk, giving a look of embarrassment.

“Ah, well, pleasure to meet you as well, Ms. Strider,” looking back to Celestia, “I believe you were in the middle of a conversation, please do continue.”

With her thoughts gathered once again, Celestia continued with her plan, “Now that you have met our special guest, you should know what I would like you to do. Officially, Fancypants will be going to Trottingham to visit his family and to check on his businesses there. Unofficially, he will be carrying the bits meant for whatever present you are going to purchase for Cloud. Your part in this though is that you will be his escort service. Trottingham is a dangerous place, many hooligans and thieves. We could send a few guards, but we thought it to be a better idea to send somepony with more experience and reason to go. Dusk, since you and Cloud are my sister’s and mine’s personal guard and friends; we have allowed you many privileges. One privilege that will come in useful will be that you do not have to wear your armor. It will be easier to protect Fancypants if you kept a low profile, and if anypony does try to cause harm to him, you will have the element of surprise for your advantage. Do not worry about your charges here; your friend, Vesper, said she would look over them while you are away,” seeing that Dusk had a worried look over her face, “and do not worry so much about what you will get for Cloud, I am sure she will hold dear whatever you get her.” Celestia finished with another of her patented reassuring smiles.

Dusk mulled over the info she had just been given, she came across a question in her mind, “How will I be able to look for a gift if I must be by Fancypants’ side the whole time?”

Celestia was about to answer but quickly stopped when Fancypants spoke first, “You do not have to worry about me the whole time, my dear. When we visit my family for the first day we are there, you may take a walk around the city. My family and I can take care of ourselves when we’re together in their estate. For the second day, when we visit my businesses, it will almost be as if we are shopping. My businesses are mostly made up of high class clothing and jewelry stores, so I am sure we will be able to find something then, if you are not successful the first day.”

Feeling satisfied with all she has heard, Dusk gave a firm expression, “Sounds wonderful, I’ll be ready to lift-off as soon as I say goodbye to Cloud first,” before she could lift off though, Princess Luna and Cloud had already been on their way down towards the group; Dusk relaxed her stance once again.

“Greetings everypony,” said Luna as she gently touched down.

“Hello all,” said Cloud when she tried to copy Luna’s graceful landing but instead gave off a loud clattering sound.

“You’re just in time, Dusk and Fancypants were just about to leave for Trottingham,” Celestia walked over to stand by her sister.

Dusk looked over to Cloud who was giving a small frown, hidden from the rest of the group, “Don’t worry, we’ll be back next week.” She slowly walked in front of Cloud; she looked into her eyes for a brief moment before giving her a strong hug that sunk warmth past the cold metal armor.

When the rest of the group said their farewells, Dusk picked up Fancypants’ bags and they made their way on board the airship. The airship wasn’t like the usual ships that Dusk was placed on before. It was much smaller and needed fewer ponies to manage it. Even though it was small, it didn’t make it any less luxurious. The rooms down below were just as fancy and roomy as the ones in Canterlot Castle. The airship was made for comfort and quick travel, perfect for casual trips to other destinations outside of Canterlot or Equestria that the Princesses made with their usual guards or special guests.

As the airship was about to leave, Dusk and Fancypants made their way to the stern of the ship and gave a last wave of goodbyes to the group below. The view grew further and further as the ship began its voyage. As soon as both groups were out of sight of each other, they returned to their duties. Cloud went back to help prepare for the Aerial Day Guard Graduation; Celestia prepared herself for all the graduations that would happen during the day; and Luna went back to sleep, feeling she was prepared enough for the night graduations that would be held all night long.

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Saturday

It was night; the moon filled the sky with its bright gleam. The air was crisp and motioned as a slow, comforting breeze. Nights like this usually helped Dusk out of even the worst of moods, but tonight, it just wasn’t enough. She spent the night above the ship’s deck, watching how the waters below reflected the moon and the stars overhead perfectly as if using a magic of their own to do it.

She heard hoofsteps behind her but didn’t break her gaze away from the waters. Instead, she spoke, thinking it was just one of the crewponies trying to send her back to her quarters again, “I thank you for the concern again, but I’ll go back to bed when I am ready, please just leave me to my thoughts.”

With a very gentle voice and Trottingham accent, whoever was behind her spoke, “How about a bit for your thoughts, Ms. Strider?”

Recognizing the voice, Dusk turned back to see Fancypants without his suit. She was quick to replace her look of surprise with a look of regret, “I am very sorry Fancypants; I didn’t realize it was you.”

Waving off the comment with his hoof, “Don’t worry, my dear, think nothing of it. Do you mind if I join you?”

Still suffering from being caught off guard, Dusk’s words came out differently than she wanted, “Oh, um…sorry, I mean…no, I don’t mind at all. Please, do join me, it would be my pleasure.” She offered a position beside her while giving an awkward smile.

He gave a nod before taking the position offered to him, “Thank you.” He looked out to the sea, enjoying the same sight that Dusk had been, “I dare say, this has to be one of the most beautiful sights I have seen in a while.”

Dusk looked back out to waters below, trying to ease her way back into comfort, “This is probably the second ‘most beautiful view’ for me.”

Fancypants let his curiosity guide his next few words, “Is that so? What, if I may ask, is the first?”

Dusk let loose a genuine smile that hadn’t been seen since she left Canterlot, “The first would have to be when I first laid my eyes upon the pony I knew I would marry.”

Fancypants could feel there was more to what she would say and that if he let her continue, she might even find herself in a better mood, “Why, now that does sound like a very lovely sight to behold. Would you mind shedding more light?”

Dusk relaxed her head upon her hooves as she leaned upon the railing of the ship, still looking out to the sea and holding her smile, “I don’t even know where to start…”

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Filly Years

“Come on Dusky, I know you could do it,” said a peach mare to her plum friend.

“I don’t know Cloie, it’s a long way down,” said Dusky as she leaned over her cloud perch.

“You know if you do fall, I would catch you, just like how you would catch me. I know you can do it!” Cloie cheered her friend on from the cloud perch beside Dusky.

The pair was just a small ways outside of Cloudsdale, practicing their casual hover flight for class the next day. Cloie was a bit more advanced than Dusk was when it came to casual flight practice and was helping Dusky to control her wing control. Whenever it was Dusky’s turn for flight practice, her nervous energy had caused her to flap her wings as quickly as a Hummingbird. When she took flight, she ended up making her way to the finish line quicker than she was meant to and more often than not, crashing through several obstacles and students in the process.

“Just remember what Fluttershy said and take a deep breath,” Cloie was motioning herself taking in deep breaths by raising and lowering her hooves and by inflating and deflating her chest.

Dusky took her eyes off the sickeningly long fall below and looked to her current objective. It had been a cloud not far from where she was. A simple hop, skip and a jump would suffice to making it, but that wasn’t the point. Dusky was meant to ready her wings, hover slowly over to the next cloud, and finally land. She took many deep breaths but to no avail, still nervous as ever, her wings begun to flutter quickly. As she stood, feeling as if there was no other way to calm herself, she made ready for lift off. Before she was able to take off though, she felt a hoof upon her shoulder; she quickly turned to see whom it had been. She had seen that it was Cloie; tilting her head and giving a smile that caused Dusky’s heart to skip a beat. She focused her gaze deeply into Cloie’s gray eyes. A sudden relief washed over Dusky, she felt all the nervous energy be replaced by a more confident energy; her wings now moved to a more normal beat. Whatever fear she felt was now gone, Dusky looked back to the cloud across the way. She slowly lifted herself up, a slow and steady beat of her wings kept her from touching back down onto the cloud. She made her towards the next cloud in front of her in a confident and stable manner. She finished by gently landing and folding back in her wings; she looked back to Cloie in joy.

“Woohoo, you did it! I knew you could do it!” Cloie leapt for joy at her friend’s success.

Dusky floated back to Cloie in the same matter that she floated away. She gave Cloie a great hug before speaking, “Thank you, I don’t think I could have done it without you.”

“Good Job,” said a voice near them.

“Yay!” said another, softer, voice.

Dusky and Cloie looked up to see that it had been Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

Grateful but a little confused, Dusky spoke, “Thanks, but where did you both come from?”

Rainbow Dash had been the one to answer, “We were coming to get you since it was almost dinner time.”

Fluttershy continued, “When we saw you practicing, we hid so we wouldn’t distract you. You did a great job.”

“Thanks, but I owe it to Cloie, she was really a major help,” Dusky tightened her hug enough to express her added appreciation.

“She just needed a little extra reassurance.” Cloie looked back to Dusky who looked back to her. Remembering they had company though, they looked back to their hovering friends, “So, dinner?” The pair hovered next to their friends.

“Yup!” said Rainbow Dash, “Race ya!” she then turned herself in the direction of Cloudsdale.

“I’m game,” said Dusky, taking position next to Rainbow Dash.

“I think we’ll just take our time,” said Fluttershy, floating beside Cloie who had nodded her head at the idea.

“Ok, your loss!” Rainbow Dash gave a determined looked towards Dusky who returned one back, “Ready…Set…GO!” and then they were off.

Cloie and Fluttershy followed at their own slow and steady pace. Half way to their destination, Fluttershy asked the question she had on her mind for most of the trip, but in an offhand manner, “Well…?”

Cloie just looked back to Fluttershy with a hot-red blush enveloping her face.

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Saturday

“It was odd; I didn’t actually see her as somepony I would marry then, but it didn’t change the way I felt,” said Dusk as she stretched before going back to leaning over the railing.

Fancypants gave a light chuckle, “Why, that’s not odd at all, my dear. It just takes time for what you see, to catch up to what you feel. Speaking of which, when did your eyes finally meet your heart?”

Dusk looked towards Fancypants, thinking she would find something of note. When she determined she wouldn’t, she looked back out to the sea, “I believe it was during our final exam for joining the guards…”

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The day of the final exam

Out on the edge of the Everfree forest, the guards-in-training were preparing themselves for their final exam before they’re inducted into the prestigious ranks of the Royal Guard. The trainees were separated into two different groups of fifteen; one was made up of the Day Guard, mixture of earth, pegasi, and unicorn ponies; and the Night Guard, with the same mixture of ponies. As everypony was still preparing, seven stout ponies took their positions on top of a podium in the middle of the mass crowd; there was two of each of pony kind except for there being three unicorns.

The eldest of the seven had stepped forward to address the rookies, “Attention all trainees,” he waited until silence had befallen the entire encampment, “I am Stalwart Defender, Captain of the Guard.” He motioned to one of the other unicorns behind him to join him, “This is Shining Armor, he will be giving you the details of what you will be doing today and how it will affect your chances at joining the Royal Guard.” Stalwart Defender went back to join the rest of the captains.

Before he spoke, Shining Armor willed a clipboard in front of him, “Hello, I am Shining Armor, Captain of the Mystic Day Guard. We thought we would make your final exam more interesting than we have in the past years. We will be testing you through a war game—,” he was cut off by the uproar of cheering. With a smile, he tried to calm the group by waving his hoof through the air before continuing, “Easy now; before we begin the exam, you will be given a belt with two flags. If your flags are taken by the opposing force, you must make you way out of the forest. Don’t worry about being lost; at the end of the game we will sweep the forest for anypony still in there.” He flipped a page on his clipboard before continuing, “Your main goal is to acquire a flag housed inside the Ancient Castle of the Royal Princess Sisters. Do not think this will be easy, before we actually let you inside the forest, we will cause a blanket of fog to encompass the area, making it very difficult for even pegasus to see. The fog will be too dense and too strong for any of you to either blow away or use your magic to will away. As you may have realized, the battle will be between the Day Guard and the Night Guard; you will start at different sides of the forest. Both divisions will be broken up into smaller, three pony squads. Each squad will have one of each pony kind, and in the end, there should be five groups of three on both sides. The first squad to make it the goal and back will pass with flying colors. For everypony else though, you will be graded on your teamwork abilities. We have spread out magic sentries throughout the forest to watch how you work as a team. Even though you are competing against each other, you are still comrades. I expect you all to help each other if anypony is in danger from whatever lies within the Everfree forest. In addition to the wildlife, we have left many surprises for you as you make your way through the forest. That is all, report to your captains to be assigned to your squads. Do your best and good luck.” Shining Armor stepped down from the podium along with his fellow captains.

While the other ponies had been getting their flags or assigned to their squads, Dusk Strider was searching for Cloud Treader. Luckily, Cloud decided to take place at the very back of the crowd.

“Are you alright?” asked Dusk, seeing that Cloud was having a hard time not causing a loud racket from the shaking she was doing in her armor.

Looking back to Dusk, Cloud stood up from her comfort zone, “Just a little nervous energy, I’m fine,” she said as she gave a very unconvincing smile.

“You’ll do great, I’m sure of it.” Dusk placed her hoof on top of Cloud’s shoulder and gave a more supportive smile.

“Don’t worry Cloud, you will do fine,” said a sultry French accented voice beside the pair.

They looked up to see that it had been Captain Nightingale, captain of the Night Aerial Guard; Dusk hesitated but was the first to speak, “I’m sorry captain, just making sure Cloud was alright.”

“It’s ok but we must prepare, come now. Cloud, you should probably report to Captain Bullhorn now. Good luck and remember, don’t worry, it’s just like any other test,” Nightingale and Dusk walked away to their starting positions. Cloud waved goodbye as Dusk looked back one last time to give another reassuring smile before disappearing into the crowd.

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Saturday

Seeing that Dusk took another break to stretch, Fancypants made his thoughts heard, “From your first story, I would of thought that Cloud was the more…courageous of the both of you; no offense to you of course.”

Keeping to her tired expression, Dusk responded, “None taken; I was a bit more timid back when I was a filly, but I grew out of it. Cloud…well…Cloud was always shy; she was usually quiet and mostly kept to herself. The only times I could remember her not being so shy would be whenever we were alone together. However, even then, she would have a difficult time sharing her words or thoughts. It never stopped her from doing her best as a guard though. If it were ever her turn for an exercise, she would do it as quickly and as professionally than any of the instructors would have expected. When she was done, she’d quickly take place either next to me or in the back of her class,” as she lay on her hooves again upon the railing, she hid her face away from Fancypants, “If there was anything I’d be embarrassed to admit…it would be that I was a little jealous of how good she actually was.”

Fancypants was at a loss of words, he tried to change the subject, “Hmm, you were talking about your final exam. How and when did you realize Cloud would be the mare you would be bonded with?”

Dusk returned her gaze back towards the sea, “A few of the squads from both sides had already been eliminated. My squad was attacked a few times; I had just lost both my compatriots. I only managed to make it because I escaped into a tree…”

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Day of the final exam

“I knew I heard something, ugh, good match,” said the dark colored unicorn stallion in dismay.

“At least we took one of them out,” said the grey colored earth stallion.

As the duo walked off into the distance, a white unicorn mare trotted after them. When she caught up, they made their way out of the forest together.

With the trio gone, the remaining two ponies were conversing, unaware that they were being watched from the treetop above.

The brown earth mare was the first to speak, “What happened to their pegasus?”

Beside her, a tan pegasus stallion gave his two bits worth, “I’m not sure, I think she flew off.”

Looking to the left and right of her in frustration, the earth mare continued, “I thought we would get them like the other squads we eliminated.” She slammed one of her hind hooves into the tree behind her, causing it to tremble.

Fearing what his partner might do next, the pegasus spoke up, “Maybe we should try and search—,”

A loud crashing sound came from behind the earth mare. When she turned back to see what it could have been, she saw that the pony of their conversation had fallen on top of her partner. When she noticed that a flag had been in the pegasus mare’s hoof, she tripped backwards over a rock in shock. Before she could get back up, she knew her flag had already been taken from her side.

Dusk offered the downed earth mare a hoof of generosity that was quickly rejected. The earth mare slapped Dusk’s hoof away and stood herself up. After dusting herself off, she gave a huff before walking off. Dusk was about to give the other mare a piece of her mind but quickly noticed the still downed pegasi beside her. She offered the same hoof of generosity, vulnerable to another quick rejection by the pony in front of her. That wasn’t the case though; unlike his partner, he took the hoof with appreciation.

When he had himself fully standing up, he began to speak, “Thanks; I’m sorry for my partner’s rudeness, she isn’t really used to losing. Being an earth pony trying out to be a guard, she feels that she has more to prove.”

Knowing the type of reputation earth ponies received in the guard, Dusk understood well, “It’s alright, I understand. Are you ok? Landing on you wasn’t really part of the plan.”

“I’m alright; I can make it back to the others on my own. I better catch up with my friend before she gets lost.” He extended his hoof towards Dusk. When she extended her own, they shook hooves. With that over, he flew into the same direction as his friend and vanished.

As Dusk looked about her surroundings, a sudden cry shot out from the distance. Not really knowing where she was, she soared quickly in the direction of the loud shriek, hoping to find somepony who knew the way to the primary goal.

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Starting to hear fighting ahead, Dusk slowed her speed and took cover behind a tree. Unable to see where the noise was coming from as she peaked from her cover; she advanced closer from tree to bush to tree until the sounds had been right on top of her. When she peaked again, she had seen that two ponies had been battling a pack of Timberwolves. Dusk was quick to join the fray, knocking down the closest wolf to her. The other wolves took their hungry gaze from the two other ponies and looked back to see who had hurt their kin, but as they did, they themselves were knocked to the ground. Feeling as they were out matched, they let out a howl before retreating back into the woods.

While watching the Timberwolves run away, Dusk was suddenly pounced by an unseen force. With her eyes still closed from reeling in pain from falling on a jagged rock, an application of pressure befell her lips. Instead of feeling that she was being taken advantage of, she felt the same emotions she had when she stared into the eyes of her closest friend. With that feeling, she left her eyes closed and instinctively went along with the motions. When she felt the pressure lessen, she slowly opened her eyes to the most magnificent sight she had seen to date. It was of a peach mare with a shining smile that helped overlook the bruises upon her face and disheveled mane from the battle.

Cloud took a step back to help Dusk up off the floor before she spoke, “I’m so happy you found us when you did; I thought we were goners.” Cloud looked around to find her partner. When she did find her partner, he had his back turned towards the pair as to make sure he wasn’t intruding on their fond moment, “Calyx,” called out Cloud in a happy tone.

“Uhhh,” had been what Calyx blurted out before a long awkward pause, “Are you two done kissing? I mean…it’s not as if I was peeking or anything…just…well…are you done?”

Cloud giggled before responding, “Yes Calyx, now please come over here.” As Calyx made his way, Cloud turned to Dusk, “He’s a bit shy and easy to make blush. Both of our squad members had been eliminated earlier, so we decided to join each other.” Before she could continue, Calyx had arrived.

“Hello, my name is Calyx, trainee to the Mystic Day Guard.” Calyx wanted to motion a salute but was for some reason too nervous to do so.

“My name is Dusk, trainee to the Night Aerial Guard.” Finally realizing why Calyx had been nervous from how his horn was flickering, Dusk addressed the issue, “I don’t think it would be a good idea to fight one another right now.” Calyx’s horn had stopped flickering but he was still shaking, “Let’s team up instead.”

Calyx stopped moving all together, “Wh-what?”

Amazed at the proposition, Cloud joined in on the confusion, “Are you sure? Is that even allowed?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s allowed. This test is about teamwork anyways, isn’t it?” said Dusk, shifting her eyes between the two.

Never one to dismiss a chance to be with her friend, Cloud changed her expression from amazed to happy, “Yeah, it is isn’t it? Ok, let’s go and find that flag!”

“Well…it would be better than traveling alone, strength in numbers and all; Ok, I’m in as well.” Calyx plastered on his best smile.

With everypony in agreement, the hybrid squad made their way through the dangerous and mysterious forest in hopes of finding their key to victory.

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Sunday

“…I could go on and tell you that when we did arrive at the castle, the flag had already been gone. I can also tell you that whoever had the flag, who became one of our friends after the match, had also left a great many active traps and an angry Manticore waiting for us. In the end though, we did manage to get top scores…even if we didn’t have the flag. We performed with the greatest of teamwork amongst all the squads; even beat the squad with the flag who had lost points for bickering about who would be the one to present the flag. I could go on but…you just wanted to know when my eyes and heart finally agreed on whom I would tie the knot with,” said Dusk as she withdrew from her position on the railing and stood on all four hooves facing Fancypants.

Seeing that he wouldn’t be getting much more from Dusk that night, Fancypants withdrew from his position on the railing before facing Dusk, “I thank you for sharing your story with me, Ms. Strider. I believe we should retire to our quarters before we arrive into Trottingham; we have much to do tomorrow.” Fancypants started making his way towards the stairs to the lower levels.

Before Fancypants made his way down the stairs, Dusk spoke in a solemn tone mixed with appreciation, “Thank you for keeping me company.”

Fancypants turned his head just enough to reveal the smile he had been hiding before continuing to walk down the steps.

Dusk took one last look towards the moon laying in the horizon, nearly ready to let the sun take over the skies. The view of the sea was now dulled as waves and boats swirled the waters below. Feeling as if they were mere hours away from their destination, Dusk made her way down the same path as Fancypants, to retire for what was left of that beautiful night.