Flare of Hope

"So, Prince Flare, how long have you been in Equestria?"

"Myra, you know I hate being called by titles." Flare and Star were taking a stroll through the Canterlot Market, after their reunion. And for some reason, the mare just couldn't stop teasing the young prince.

"Then stop calling me Myra. That's not my name anymore. It's Falling Star. If it helps any, you can call me Star. You used to, anyways."

Flare was quiet for a second, as he thought back on his relationship with Myra in the human world. Admittedly, he Had called her by her last name a few times out of habit, but not enough to call it a pattern. "How about I just call you 'baby?'"

"Then I'll call you 'your highness' for the rest of the week."

"Ooooh. That's harsh. What's got you in such a mood?" Flare looked at his new advisor and teacher with a look of slight worry. "You know whatever it is, you can tell me about it."

Star stopped in middle of the sidewalk, and sighed, looking at the alicorn with a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It's just that… the whole time I've been in this world, I've wanted so badly to see you. I missed you so much. I missed the way you would hold me close when it was cold outside, and the sound of your heartbeat, as we would sleep. Well... and... other things. And now that I finally see you again, you're something I can't have."

Flare lifted her chin up with a hoof, causing her to look into his eyes. "And what is that, Star?"

She jerked her head away. "You're royalty!"

Flare laughed, and moved his head around to look into her eyes. "No I'm not. So what if I'm an alicorn? I'm just the average pony... with wings, a horn, and a huge untapped magical capacity."

"You're the son of the princess, Flare. The princess of the night, no less! You've got an advisor, and you live in a castle!"

"...And?"

"That makes you pretty damn royal."

"Okay... so what if I'm royalty? Who's going to tell me who I can and can't lo- er.... be with?"

"Imagine how the public will react when it gets out that one of the royal family is in a relationship with a commoner."

But you're not a commoner, Star. You're my advisor."

"That... doesn't make it any easier."

"Acrually, it makes it a lot easier. We'll always be around each other. We just have to be mindful in the public eye."

"You've just got everything planned out, don't you?"

"I try. So, where are we going?"

The unicorn turned her head to look at her old friend, and laughed. "You really don't know?"

Flare raised an eyebrow at his new advisor. "No... know what?"

"Ugh... the Grand Galloping Gala is in a few days, and your mother and aunt wanted me to help you look the part of royalty when they introduce you to Equestria."

"But I don't want to look the pa- Did you say the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Uh... yeah."

Flare smiled widely. "Then I suppose I'll need a date, Star."

Falling Star shook her head, and frowned at Flare. "I'm sorry, Flare, but I can't. I'm your ADVISOR. That means I'm not allowed to be your date." She immediately noticed the sadness in the Alicorn's eyes, as his expression shifted. "I mean, I'd love to be with you, but if we were to be together openly, that would be like Cadance dating Shining Armor..."

"Cadance dating who?"

"Like Admiral Greenert marrying BM3 Rosa?"

"Ooooooooh. That kind of makes sense. But still, Myr- I mean Star... It's not exactly like we can forget our time together. At least I can't."

"And neither can I, Flare. But if this prophecy is true, then you've got a very important future ahead, and... I just... don't know what I'd do, if anything happened to you because of me."

"Flare stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, and looked at the young teacher. "So... the reason that you're trying to ignore the life we had before is because of some old prophecy? Look... Falling Star, I will not be defeated by some great darkness, and I definitely won't let anything happen to you. I swear."

She smiled at the prince, and kissed him on the cheek. "Fine, Flare. You win. But nopony can know about us until the time is right, okay?"

"Understood, Boss. Wait... did you just say 'nopony?' How long have you been here?"

"A few months. See, when the ship was going down, I was in CIC. They sounded general quarters, and next thing I knew, the entire ship was being crushed around us. Just before the compartment flooded, I remember thinking that I would do anything to see you one more time, then I passed out, and next thing I knew, I was here. The Princess said that she somehow knew that I was a very magically adept person in the human world, and then she appointed me as a teacher in her school for foals. So, in a way, I guess my feelings for you saved me."

Flare smiled for a second, until the thought of his last good friend, Marton came to mind. He frowned subtly, but apparently not subtly enough, because the unicorn beside him immediately noticed.

"I don't know what happened to Erik. Last I remember, I heard that he was on the flight deck, launching jets to fight whatever was attacking."

"Do you think he could be here, too?"

Falling Star stopped in front of a carriage with two of the Lunar Guard attached to the front of it. "Like I said, Flare... I don't know. Now, come on, or we'll be late for your appointment."

Flare reluctantly stepped into the carriage. "Appointment? Where are we going?"

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Ponyville. The sun was beginning to settle on the horizon, as Celestia's day was preparing to give way to Luna's night, in the most beautiful of ways., and despite her reluctant behavior hours before, Falling Star was leaning against her prince, sound asleep. Flare couldn't help but smile at her sleeping form. As the carriage began its descent, Flare nudged the sleeping unicorn, bringing her back to consciousness. Wake up, oh trusted advisor. We're here... I think."

The unicorn stirred for a moment, and eventually woke up. "Shut up, your Highness." She sat up, and looked around. "Ah, yes. We're definitely here." She pointed a hoof at a building down the street. "Now, see that decently sized building right there?"

Flare nodded, as he recognized the building, both from his favorite show, and his worst nightmares. "Yeah, Carousel Boutique. What of i- Oh no..."

"Surprise, dear."