The Mysterious New Program
The Mysterious New Program
Chapter 1: The Mysterious New Program
In the city of Canterlot, the day was just about as Normal as another day with ponies going about their business. Some shopping, Some out having a fancy lunch and others just walking around enjoying the beauty of their city.
But at the Royal castle, the day was but regular. Princess Celestia had asked Shining Armor to come all the way from the crystal empire to talk about some sort of special assignment. She wasn't very specific in the letter he got, but the princess assured that she would explain everything once he got to Canterlot.
As Shining walked down the castle halls, he pondered to himself about what exactly this was about. It wasn't normal for the princess to just ask him to come to canterlot for some sort of assignment. But if it was that important, then he knew that something was up.
Shining just couldn't wrap his head around what was this all about? Whatever it was, he was going to find out soon enough.
Shining approached the giant throne room doors that were guarded by two white stallion guards wearing golden armour.
The guards saluted shining armour as shining saluted them back.
"Sir, the princess has been expecting you. I'll inform her that you've arrived" said the guard on the left.
Shining nodded and The guard disappeared threw the door of the throne room.
A few moments passed by and Shining looked around aimlessly to pass the time before the guard returned.
The guard them reappeared through the throne room door. "The Princess will be seeing you now"
Shining armor proceeded through the throne room doors, Entering the room to see Princess Celestia herself sitting on her throne.
"Shining Armor, I'm glad you could make it" Celestia said Smiling.
Shining smiled. "It's nice seeing you again princess."
"Good to hear, how's Cadence been?" The princess asked.
"She's been doing pretty well, I mean she has her days but don't we all?"
Celestia giggle to herself. "Indeed we all do".
Celestia paused for a second before continuing in her conversation.
"I assume you're wondering why I called you to come all the way from the crystal empire?" The Princess asked.
"Yes Princess, I have" Shining said.
Celestia turned to her guards by the door and waved them to leave the room.
The guards nodded, turned and left the throne room. This action took Shining armor by surprise, what could it be that she wants to keep so secret.
"Shining, what is are main defense for our nation of equestria?"
Shinning was overtaken by the question. "Well it's our royal guards of course, and the elements of harmony"
Celestia nodded "And when danger has struck upon equestria, which one of the 2 has been the one to protect our home?"
Shining raised an eyebrow. "uhh both?"
Celestia shook her head. "No, that's not the case."
Shining armor looked confused. "What do you mean Princess, our Royal guards have been called to serve and protect since the founding of Equestria"
"What I'm trying to say is, that we rely too much on the elements of harmony to be our only defense for equestria" Celestia started. "Our last attack from Terik, we almost lost our entire land, at the time if Twilight hadn't gotten to us sooner. All of Equestria would have fallen"
"But the elements of harmony could have saved us even if my sister was too late, her and her friends could have still saved us" Shining stated.
"Not when separated they can't. That last attack was too close of call, I can't risk that and the lives of ponies like that again. We can't put everything on the line on one defense, The Elements requires all 6 of its holders for them to work. What if something happens to one of them in the next attack". Celestia argued.
Shining just stared at Celestia.
"I can't afford to take that risk again, I refuse too. As helpful as the elements are, it's still a risk if something happens and they can't be used" said Celestia.
"Where is this all getting to Princess?" Shining asked.
"I want to make another defense besides the elements of harmony"
Celestia then levitated a small proportion of documents in a folder over to Shining armor.
Shining armor took it from Celestia's levitation and opened up the document.
"The Noble program?" Shining armor said looking up.
"Yes, I am putting you in charge of this program shinning armor. It will be your job to be the head of this program, to create a new form of soldiers for equestria" Celestia said.
"You mean like a new sort of rank or like a new type of solider?"
"Well...kinda both, you see what I'm looking for from this program that has faster, stronger, and a more durable group soldiers. Ones that can protect equestria similar to the elements of harmony"
"So you just want me to go out and create a new legion of super soldiers?" Shining armor said still a bit confused.
"No, I want this to be a test. I want this program to have up to six participants. I'm not looking for an army Shining, I'm looking for a team at the moment" Celestia said. “Just a group to stay on par with defending Equestria in dangerous times of need, for now”
Shining Armor looked back at the document, then back to Celestia.
"So you want me to do the whole thing? The training, selection of who, designs and what must be done?" Shining asked. “All me?”
Celestia nodded. "Precisely, now Shining armor. Can I trust you to take on this assignment to lead this new program"
Shining armor just stared at the document for a second then looked up at Celestia with a certain look. "Yes ma'am, you can" said Shinning.
The Princess smiled. "Thank you Shinning Armor, I trust that you'll do you best"
"I will princess" Shining. "But is this new program only between me and you?"
"Myself, you and Luna already know, you can pass the news on to Cadence and I'll let your Twilight know soon enough. But when the time comes when the program is ready for go. That's when we let the Royal guard know" Celestia said.
"Understood Princess, good day to you" Shining armor said starting to walk out.
Celestia smiled and waved goodbye. "Good day to you too shining armor, have a safe trip back".
....
It was near midnight in the crystal empire and Shining Armor was still up trying to figure this whole Noble program business.
This wasn't anything he had ever done before. Instead of learning the training that he did when he joined the Royal guard, he would have to start from scratch and make everything over again. New fighting and tactical techniques, new armor, new everything. And Shinning didn't even know where to start.
Shining armor signed. “This...this is heavy”
“What's heavy Shiny?”
Shining almost jumped at the sudden surprise and turned to see his wife cadence trotting up behind.
“Oh hey sweetie, you almost scared me there” shining chuckled.
Shinning, it's really late. You should really be getting some rest” said cadence.
Cadence the smiled “Plus you shouldn't keep your wife waiting”
Shining smiled back at her but then frowned. “I'm sorry cadence, but it's going to be a little longer before I retire for the night.”
Cadence frowned. “How come? You've been looking over those documents for a little over 6 hours now, I haven't seen you go over anything this important since your academy finals”
“Well, you're welcome to take a look and see what you think. Celestia did tell me to inform you, but I guess I just got lost in all this paperwork and how much of a load this actually is”
Cadence walked over to his desk to inspect what all these documents are about and what was so important about them.
Cadence then looked over it briefly for a few seconds. “The noble program? Shining what is this?”
Shining armor signed. “The princess basically wants me to make a whole new class of soldiers. New armor, new training, new everything. I honestly don't know where to start with this”
Cadence chuckled. “Sounds like the Princess put you in charge of something that might have taken you by surprise”
“You're telling me. There's gotta be something so genius yet so cheesy, that it actually might work” Shinning pondered. “Mind helping me brainstorm Hun?
Cadence thought for a second. “Well this may sound a bit silly and strange, but I think it's a start”
“Cadence” Shining started. “Right now I'll take about anything you throw at me an idea, let's hear it”
“Well, haven't you ever wished like a certain super hero or the gadgets they used were real?” Cadence said.
Shining pondered. “Well now that you mention it, there's been plenty of times where I wished I had certain super powers and at least certain machinery that existed”
Cadence smiled. “See, now maybe you can brainstorm off some of those ideas and that could get you started”
“Well I like it, but the some of the stuff I either read, played or watched had things in it that would be nearly impossible with today's technology” Shining signed.
“Well I'm sure there has to be something that can reference off of. there has to be something you saw that could reference off of if you put your mind to it” said cadence. “What even about military fiction comics? For as long as I've known you you've always been interested in the royal guard, wasn't there at least something”
Shining took a second to think, he knew there was at least something he saw once or read in his younger years.
Shining finally found his answer. “Well now that you mention it, there was this one th-.......”
Shining suddenly froze but then got a huge smile on his face.
Cadence looked at her husband in confusion. “Shining are you oka-mmph”
Cadence was cut short by Shining embracing ️her in a pasionate kiss.
After a moment went by, shining broke the kiss. “Cadence I love you so so much!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!”
Cadence blushed. “Wow you went from zero to 100 really fast”
“I've finally found my answer, I think this idea could work! It may take some time and be pretty expensive depending what we end up using, but I've done it” Shining cheered. “Sorry Cadence I don't think I'll make it to bed tonight, I've got work to do!”
With that said Shining Armor turned to his desk, pick up a pencil and started writing various lists of things down for his new idea.
Cadence chuckled. “Oh Shining, once you start something there's usually no stopping you. Goodnight dear”
And with that cadence walk away back to the bedroom as shining armor worked away with passion in his heart
…
30 Months later..
…
A ringing alarm went off in a small dimly lit room. The sun was bright out in the sky and beaming through the curtains, just enough to be able to see around the room.
A groaning voice was heard from under the bed sheets of a full size bed, as if hearing the alarm wasn't the first thing the voice wanted to hear this morning.
The groaning voice sat up revealing a Naples yellow unicorn stallion with a messy Tuscan tan mane. His eyes were still adjusting to his surroundings due to the sudden wake up call his alarm.
He looked over at the alarm and turned it off, yawning as he got out of bed and trotted to his door and into the kitchen.
He stopped at the fridge which had a big calendar on it, on the calendar all the other days seemed to be marked off leading to the current date that had a circle around it saying, ‘big royal guard ceremony announcement’.
“Welp” he said. “Today's the day I suppose”
Indeed today was a special day, not that it was his birthday. But apparently the majority of the entire Royal guard will be attending this big ceremony that's “going to make history” for the Royal guard from what he's heard word around.
He's been in the guard for quite a few years now and something like this was really unheard of, at least to this extent.
Even though he's heard word and rumors for what it's about, nopony really knew what was going on. But to the stallions most concern, this was just some orientation to a new sort of drill perhaps.
He chuckled to himself and then opened the fridge. There wasn't much inside, just a few eggs, half a gallon of milk, jelly and some left overs from the other night.
“I guess I'll just have some left overs, needs to be eaten anyway” the stallion said to himself.
…
About half an hour later the stallion was all freshened up for the day and was Putting the rest of his uniform armor on.
He had just finished strapping on his gold back plate armor and was about to put on his helmet. Once the helmet was fit upon his head, he trotted to the door, opened and closed it behind him locking the door as he did.
He was about to start heading toward his destination when is was suddenly greeted by a nearby pony.
“Hello there, Open helm”
The stallion turned to see an older lime green mare with dark green curly mane and tail. He knew her as his next door neighbor.
She was outside tending to her garden from what he could tell. She was a nice mare, they'd talk occasionally from time to Time and Open liked that she was friendly with everypony.
“Oh, good morning Mrs.Four Leaf” said Open.
The mare smiled at him. “Heading to work I see” said Four Leaf. “Going to go protect our beautiful city of Canterlot today?”
“Yes ma'am, though today is a little different” he said.
The older mare perked up. “Oh...how so”
“Let's just say something might change” he said. It wasn't that he didn't trust the mare but everypony that's attending was told to tell as little as possible about it to family and friends.
Not that it was classified of anything but more on the case that they wanted to keep it on the down low till afterwards.
“Getting a promotion?” She asked.
Open chucked. “Oh no, it's not like that”
“I see” the mare said. “But Hun when are you going to bring a nice young filly home one of these days, all I see you do is come and go to work day after day. It's not healthy you know”
“It just hasn't been one of my concerns” said Open. “Plus I like working, keeps me active”
She smiled. “My point is; not that it's not any of my business, but I just think should get out and have a little bit more of social life. I think it would make you really happy” said the mare.
Open chuckled. “I'm pretty happy with my life right now Mrs.Four Leaf, but I appreciate you looking out for me.
The mare smiled. “Don't mention it dear, I'm just trying to help”
The stallion smiled back. “Well, anyways I have get going or I'm gonna be late. It was nice talking to you”
The stallion then started to trot toward the castle.
“You too dear! Be safe” said the mare.
Open liked Mrs.Four Leaf, it was true though he didn't really do a lot of social activities besides work. But it was nice living next to great neighbors especially ones like Mrs.Four Leaf.
Open continued his way to the castle for another day of guarding and patrolling, and the mysterious event that he will soon get answers to.
…
Open was heading toward the ballroom where the event was supposed to take place, and by what Open could tell.
It was going to be….PACKED!
Everywhere he looked he could see a lot more guard around the castle, just chit chatting before everything started.
From what he was over hearing There were guards all the way from manehattan to Las Pegasus, heck he even saw some crystal ponies from the crystals empire.
Was this really that big of an event? He had seen a lot more ponies in town for the past two days, almost like a new tourist attraction opened up or a convention was taking place. But for a majority of them to be Royal guards visiting for this event didn't seem to shock him considering how packed the castle was today. At least he knew where most of the crowd was here for.
Then again this was a pretty interesting site to see, after all it's not everyday you get to see a castle full of Royal guards from all over Equestri-
THUD!
It took Open a second to realize what had just happened, but he had ran straight into another Royal guard with an orange colored coat.
“Oh I’m sorry” said Open. “I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings I suppose”
The other stallion chuckled. “It's okay, I'm used to being ran into, it's kinda like invisible you know?”
Open gave a sheepish smile. “I guess”
A moment of silence went on between the two before the stallion spoke up.
“Anyways, I'm Flash. Flash Sentry. Where are you from?”
“Oh I'm from here, in Canterlot. I'm Open Helm, what about you?” Asked Open
“I'm up in Crystal Empire, crazy to think there's guards here from all over Equestria” said Flash. “But I highly doubt this every ‘single’ guard in Equestria”
Open nodded. “I know what you mean, there's still other guards on patrol by the ballroom and the whole castle”
“Maybe it has to do with limitations, I mean we can't just leave some areas unguarded. They probably just brought what they could here” said Flash.
Before Open could say something back, the ballroom doors open and a white coated guard stood there about to make announcement.
“LISTEN UP! I need everypony to form two single file lines in front of the ballroom” the guard started. “When you get to the door you will take a small slip from these ballots”
The guard then pointed to the two ballot machines one each on the outside of the ball door.
“On the slips is a letter and 3 numbers, these are how you will get in. DO NOT LOOSE THESE! You will need them with you for this event as wel, is that clear!?” The guard exclaimed.
YES SIR!!
The voices of every Royal guard outside the ballroom echoed throughout the walls of castle. The guards then started line up in front of the ballroom door and entering one by one while taking a slip from the ballots.
“Is one of us going to win the lottery?” Flash questioned.
“I don't know” said Open. “I thought this was going to be something completely different, guess I was wrong”
Flash grinned at the stallion. “Well we aren't going to find out by just standing here, come on let's get in line”
Open nodded and followed Flash to the big line of Royal guards. It took a little while of waiting but they were finally near the ballroom doors.
In Opens mind, he didn't know what to think. His assumption of what this was about was totally thrown out the window, he didn't know what to think anymore.
And it honestly made him a little nervous. What was everypony here getting into?
The time finally came when Open made it to the front of the ballroom doors. Flash took a slip from the ballot machine and walked into the ballroom then open stepped forward at the entrance.
“Take a slip please” said the guard standing next to the ballot machine.
Open nodded and reached out and took the small thin piece of paper from the machine.
He examined it for a second before Flash got his attention.
“Hey what did you get?” he asked.
Open walked over to Flash, standing off to the side waiting for him. “Come again”
“The letter and numbers on the slip. what did you get?”
“Oh yeah” said Open looking back at the slip of paper he took.
He didn't really get a good glance at it when he took it from the ballot box, but since Flash asked he might as well now. He glanced back at the slip he had took from the ballot box and read what the slip had on it aloud.
“S 117” said Open.
“Really?” Flash chuckled. “That sounds cool, I got B 334. Yours sounds cooler though”
“They’re all the same aren’t they, a letter and a few Numbers” said Open.
Flash pondered. “True, maybe it's just me. But hey let's get a good view before we end up getting stuck in the back”
Open nodded in agreement and the two walked through the ballroom getting as close to as to the stage that was put up for the event as they could. The whole Ballroom was packing with royal guards and was only getting for full as more continued to pour in.
Flash and Open managed to get about halfway from the stage to door and could see clearly from their perspective at least.
After some more time of waiting had gone by every guard from outside the ballroom had made it in the ballroom and the event started.
There were a few white coated royal guards on the big stage, judging by why they were up there and not down on the main floor with them was probably their rank.
Then coming forward to the stage of Open could see the Captain of the Royal guard, Shining Armor, approaching the front of the stage. stopping in front of a microphone in the middle of the stage
Shining cleared his voice then started speaking out. “eh hello? Oh there we go”
“Welcome everypony, to this exciting event that I have gathered you all here today. And I know what you're thinking” said Shinning. “No refreshments? Pfft douche”
About a ¼ of the guards in the room chuckled from the comment Shining made.
“I'm sorry that was a horrible joke, but all jokes aside. You all being here today is a great deal” Shining started. “A lot of you have been curious about what this event is about, and rest assured all your questions will be answered. Right now as a matter a fact”
Everyone in the room was dead silent at this point, waiting for what the captain was going to say that had been a well kept secret until now.
“Indeed today is a day that will go down in the history books gentlecolts” said Shining. “For 2 and a half years now I have been working on a new program for the Royal guard assigned by Princess Celestia herself”
“A new program? What kind of program? Open thought.
“Now some of you may wonder what exactly this program is, this program will produce a new breed of soldiers to the Royal guard called The Noble program!” Exclaimed Shining.
The guards in the audience continued to listen without taking an eye off of shining armor for even a second.
“Some of you may wonder ‘well what does that have to do with us if it has yet to be put into commission” shining started. “Well, we want to test this program to make sure it is right for Equestria or not. Out of everypony here today, six of you will be randomly selected to be initiated into the Noble program”
At this point chatter was beginning to start around the ballroom of various conversations from comments of questioning and others of wondering if they will get selected.
“So that's what the ballot slips were for” said Flash.
“Now you all see why you had to pick up slips from the ballot machine before you came in and why we said don't lose it” said Shining. “Before we move on I'm going to be honest with you all, from one Royal guard to another”
The room went dead silent again. Shining armor looked around the room before taking in a deep breath and then exhaling.
“This program will be intense, the training for it will be more tough than the one you went through at the academy, the exercises and above all...it will be pretty dangerous” said Shining.
At this point everypony gasped and started speaking out.
“Dangerous?!” One called out
“What are you trying to pull, are you saying we could die!” Said another
Shining then started to put up his hoofs in defense and calm everypony down.
“Now now everypony calm down, No pony is going to be tested on. It is simply an experiment to see of this program is right for Equestria” said Shining. “Now everything else put aside, let's start the selection shall we”
The chatter died down and everypony in the room went dead silent once again, but this time some were in shock, some in fear and others waiting calmly about the situation.
Open helm however was one of the ones with fear.
“What in Equestria is this...this can't be why everyone was called here. They aren't really going to be drafting ponies into a solider program that we barely know anything about can they?”
A guard on stage then brought forget a big rectangular box like machine with numerous buttons and glowing lights. and on the side that shining was standing on there was a lever and below it was a slot that Open could only believe it to be where they would find out who got picked.
“Alright, now those of you who will get selected will need to come up on stage once you're letter and numbers are called out” said Shining. “Here we go”
With that said Shining put his hoof on the level and pulled it. The machine started making noises like an actual slot machine you'd see in casinos. The sounds went on for a couple more second and then a small piece of paper popped out of the machine followed by a ding sound.
Shining levitated the paper in front of him and the ballroom couldn't be more silent.
“B 264” Shining said into the mic.
Everyone looked around for a second trying to spot who the first pony to be picked could have been.
After a second, Open could see the crowd of ponies opening some space for the pony to get on staged followed by a couple gasps.
A white coated Pegasus pony then appeared walking up the steps and on the stage. once in front of shining armor, the pony took off their helmet revealing something that shocked everypony.
The pony was a mare. Revealing her long smooth magma red hair.
Open knew there were mares in the Royal guard but the majority of the ponies in the Royal guard were all stallions. The fact that a mare had been selected for this program out of all the stallions here was shocking.
“Wow what are the chances, a mare being picked first” said Flash.
Open didn't say anything back. He was to focused on the stage to pay attention to his surroundings.
“Alright now for number two” said shining pulling the lever again.
The machine started making noise again, and then the machine made a dinging noise popping out another small piece of paper.
Shining again levitated it front of him and read the paper aloud.
“L 627”
Again everyone looked around trying find the individual whose letter and number matched what shinning.
Finally there was some rustling through the crowd and it followed all the way to the side of the stage.
The pony finally came into view trotting up the stage revealing a dark gray pegasus stallion wearing glasses giving a light smile to everyone in his view.
“How can anyone be smiling at a time like this” Open thought to himself.
Once he was in front of shining armor, he removed his helmet revealing his frost white mane. The pony then went over to stand next to the mare that had been picked before him.
“Now for the third participant” said Shining.
He then pulled the lever on the machine again making it go off. So many things were going off in Opens mind, who could be next?
“What if….”
No that couldn't happen, there's like thousands of guards at this event. The chance of him getting picked was like one in a million right?
The machine continued to make noise and then finally stopped by making yet another ding sound, popping out another small piece of paper.
Shining armor levitated it in front of him and in that moment Opens heart skipped a beat and everything around him froze.
He couldn't move and it felt something was holding him down, keeping him in place from moving at all. He just stood there frozen not looking anywhere but in front of him, for the first time in his life. He had never experienced this level of fear. He was paralyzed.
“S 117”
Chapter 2: Denial
Open helm just stood there in silence, in the crowd of Royal guards unable to move his body. Everything around him had frozen and time all around him stopped. This can't be, it had to be a mistake. Maybe he said it wrong and Open thought he said his numbers by mistake.
A minute passed by and everypony was still looking around to see if somepony was heading towards the stage. But no pony was coming forward. Shining armor looked puzzled and read the slip again, maybe they didn't hear him the first time.
“Uumm S 117” Shining repeated.
Again another minute passed by and not one pony was coming forward to the stage. Everypony in the crowd was just as much confused as Shining armor was.
Open however was shaking in fear, he know knew for sure they called his number. He didn't want to be a noble, he was happy with his current status as a normal guard as it is, being drafted was the last thing he wanted. He didn't know what to do.
Flash whispered to Open. “Open..”
No response from the colt.
Flashed tried again but this time tapping on him and speaking a little louder. “Open”
Open jerked his head in Flash’s direction in relatively quick motion but then signed when he realized it was only Flash.
“Sorry, I was uhh thinking” said Open.
“Open...didn't you say your number S 117?”
Open paused for a second, he didn't want to lie but then again he didn't want to attract attention around him. “Well you see uhh…”
Shining armor stepped away from the mic and looked at one of the guards beside the machine.
“Hey, we wouldn't happen to have any extras that could have been called out do we?” Shining asked.
The guard by the machine shook his head. “No sir, every guard at this event has been accounted for before they even came here today. We requested a roll call by their higher ups before they were sent for the event”
Shining nodded.
The other two ponies on stage that got picked were looking at the Shining curiously, what were they going to do?
“There's no mistake captain, somepony in this room has those numbers, we made enough slips for everypony. No extras were made” said the guard.
“I understand” said Shining.
Shining armor then turned back to the mic but this time a more serious look on his face. “I don't think some of you understand how big of a deal this actually is. If your letter and numbers are called, then you have to come up and be a part of this program. This is an order, not a choice”
Opens whole body started shaking, this was an order. He can't just ignore this, He had to do this otherwise he'd probably be either forced to go up or worse”
Shining signed. “I'm sorry if this is coming off as wrong, but this is the fairest way for everypony here. Rather than just picking them out of the crowd. Now I'm going to call your number one more time and I want you to come up and join these other two ponies up here. S 117”
Open helm exhaled and looked at Flash. “Yes...S 117 is my number”
Flash looked at him in shock, but before he could say anything Open starting to trot through the crowd but could tell his legs were still shaking a little.
As Open continued to make his way through the crowd, he heard many whispers and chattering as he trotted by. Even making room for him to come through. In his mind he knew this was it, from here on out everything was going to change. He didn't want it to but what choice did he have.
Open had finally made it to the side of the stage and walked up the steps. He was still shaking a little bit, but he didn't want to embarrass himself and tried to suppress it as much as possible.
He looked over at the other two ponies standing in front of the machine. They were both looking at him, the mare was giving him a blank stare and the gray stallion smiled at him. Open sill didn't understand why he was but at least he seemed nice.
Open continued forward until he stopped in front of shining armor. Shining gave him a quick glance over him.
“You okay there soldier? You shaking a little” Shining said.
Open blushed, he thought he was doing a good job at holding it back and hiding it. Now he knew that ponies were still noticing it which didn't make him feel any better than he currently was.
“Oh yeah I'll be alright”
Shining nodded and turned back to the crowd.
Open then walked up next to the dark gray stallion and stood beside him. He figured since that's what the other two were doing, that they would want him to stand next the then as well.
Open then removed his helmet and set it beside him, looking back at the crowd as Shining continued.
Psst…
Opens eyes and ears perked up as he heard the stallion beside him try to get his attention. He looked his way and saw the gray stallion smiling at him.
“Hey are you okay? You looked a little scared coming up” the stallion said.
“Oh uh no I'm fine” said Open.
The stallion look puzzled at him. “Really, I mean I could I have sworn when you were walk up you shaking like a-”
“Yeah I know, I couldn't help it” said Open.
The stallion gave a surprised but disappointed look at Open. Open wasn't trying to hurt the stallions feelings but he's already had to deal with a lot at the moment and all he wanted was for this Ceremony to be over with. Shining then pulled the lever on the machine which was now right next to where Open was standing
“Well gee i'm sorry, I just th-”
“Hey” said the guard in the other side of the machine. “Stop talking”
Just the machine spat yet another slip of paper. Shining armor levitated it in front of him.
“D 527”
Open looked through the audience to find who had been called. But then saw a light red stallion that was now close to the front make his way to the stage. Once he came to the side of the stage and started to trot up the steps. Open noticed he looked pretty upset.
It almost looked like he didn't even want to be here or he was simply annoyed. He walked up to shining armor and stopped.
“Well you look thrilled ” Shining chuckled.
The stallion chuckled back. “Believe me my excitement is overwhelming me in every part of my body”
Shining just chuckled and motioned him over toward Open and the two other guards next to him. He did as he was told and stood besides open taking his helmet off revealing his pure black spiky mane. And setting the helmet beside him.
“Well shit” he said.
Open looked over at him in a second but then back to the crowd. “I feel you there man, I don't want this either”
Shining once again pulled the lever on the machine. After a bit of making noise another slip popped out and shining levitated it in front of him.
“A 491”
Open once again looked towards the crowd to look for who was coming up, but after a minutes passed by he still couldn't find anyone coming forward.
At this point shining decided to speak again. “Look guys I already sai-..oh wait there you are, didn't see you there. You must have been all the way in the back”
Open tried to see where shining armor was looking, then he finally found him in the center of the room making his way to the front. Once he came into a better view, Open could make it out to be a stallion with an army green coat.
As he made his way to the side of the stage and up the stairs. Open noticed that he looked pretty calm, in fact it didn't look like he was showing much emotion for being up on stage.
Once he was in front of shining armor he took off his helmet revealing his short, near buzz cut mud brown mane.
“Sorry for almost calling you out, that was probably quite the trip getting from the back to up here wasn't it?” said Shinning.
The stallion nodded and walked over to the mare, standing besides her putting his helmet down.
Now the time has finally come, the last pony drawn for the program.
“Last one everypony, who's it gonna be?” Said Shining pulling the level.
As the machine was going off Open couldn't help but looked back and forth between him, looking at the 4 other ponies besides himself that got picked for the program.
He supposed he'd be with these guys for quite a while, but there was still one more guard from the thousands here that would join them.
The machine finally spat out the last slip of paper and shining levitated in front of him.
“F 126”
Open was about to start looking around but something near the front of the stage caught his eye. A stallion with a light blue coat and lunar armor, had a shocked expression on his face but after a moment he exhaled and started to walk towards the stage.
Once he started to trot up the stage and closer to Shining armor. The Royal captain took a good look at him and then smile.
“One of Princess Luna's guards huh? I didn't expect one of hers to get picked for the noble program” said Shining.
The Lunar guard smiled. “Neither did I sir”
Shining armor then turned back to the audience of guards. “Gentlecolts, thank you all for coming to this event, you are all dismissed”
Shining armor then turned to the 6 ponies standing behind him. “As for you six, come with me”
The guards nodded and picked up their helmets putting them back on their heads.
As ponies left the ballroom Shining armor followed by the six guards, trotted their way down the stage and into a private room that was close by the side of the stage a little trot away.
Shining opened the door for the 6 ponies, letting them all in one by one before closing the door behind him.
Open was a little nervous about what was going to happen next, but at least they were in private rather in front of everypony shaking nervously or in fear.
“Alright you 6 line up” shining ordered.
The 6 ponies did as they were told and lined up side by side. Open was now standing near the middle of the line next the the army green coated stallion and the light blue lunar guard who hadn't take off his helmet like the rest had.
Shining cleared his throat yet again. “Well first off I'd just like to congratulate you all on being selected for this program, now I know some of you may be nervous and some not. But you 6 will make history”
The 6 continued to stand there silently, nodding to what shining was telling them.
“Now do you guys have any questions before go on?” Shining asked.
“I do sir” said the Mare.
Shining smiled at her. “Alright proceed”
“What exactly is this Noble program? I know you told us what it basically is, being a new rank and breed of soldiers as well as commenting on how it could be dangerous. So my question is, what Exactly is the Noble program? What makes it so tough and dangerous?”
Shining pause for a second, pondering on how to answer the question the mare have him. “That's a good question, however I'm not sure if I can answer the way you want me to. It's kinda hard to explain without showing you visually as well”
The mare nodded.
“The Noble program is like I said, a new rank and breed of soldiers for Equestria, however it's a little different than just achieving the rank or simply going through a new training procedure. What you 6 will be going through is nothing we have done before in equestrian history and honestly this program was a little expensive to fund, which you guys will see why tomorrow. I'll get to tomorrow in a second”
“So that's why my taxes have gone up in the past 2 and half years” Open thought.
“Any other questions or concerns?” Shining once again asked.
No pony said a word and stood there in silence for a few second before Shining spoke once again.
“No? Alright then, as for what's going to happen next to you guys is we will be leaving tonight for the crystal empire. You must be at the train station by sunset, you have from now until then to pack whatever you may need for this but try to keep whatever you pack within reason. Once again we want to keep this program on the down low as much as possible, so only tell your family what you can” said shining.
“Then what do we tell them?” Asked the dark gray Pegasus.
Shining armor pondered for a second before answering. “You tell them that you've been promoted to a new rank and are being sent away for new training and basic procedures. Which isn't a lie, this is technically a promotion and you will receive new rank. It's just so we aren't revealing anything secretive about the program.
“Anything restricted to bring?” Said the light blue stallion.
“Oh yes thanks for reminding me, what you can't bring is just about the same as if you were going to the academy for basics. No drugs, alcohol, electronics, etc,etc. you know, just don't bring anything you know that will get you in trouble” Shining started. “Oh and your armor, you won't need it. Don't bother to bring it along unless you feel like you absolutely need to”
“I have a question” light red stallion blurted out.
“Yes go ahead” said Shining.
The stallion chucked. “Now, I'm not trying to be smart or funny. But what if we don't show up? What if we don't feel like it?”
Shining gave them a smirk. “Then it will be the same if you decided to not come up on stage, we would hunt you down. Once again these are orders, not a choice. So if you want to skip out and make a break for it, then go ahead by all means. But we’ll know, let's just say if it were me. I wouldn't run”
This sent shivers down Opens spine, as much as he didn't want to be in this program there was really no way out of it. Disobeying orders was definitely not up for debate in his mind. But the thought of not wanting to go and being hunted down just sent chills through his body.
“Now, I'm pretty sure you guys have some work to do before we head out tonight. So I'll let you all go pack what you need, enjoy the rest of your day and I'll see you at sunset” said Shining armor. “You are all dismissed”
All six of the guards saluted Shining armor and then started to head out of the private room one by one.
“Oh you there, with the yellow coat, 117 I believe. Can I talk with you for a second?” said Shining.
Open helm froze in his tracks and turned back to shining armor with a sheepish smile. “S-sure..Er-I mean yes sir”
Open then started to ease his way back to Shining armor as the others were heading out the room and closing the door behind
Once they were finally alone, Shining approached Open and looked at him with concern. “Can I ask you something?”
Open was taken back by the question but complied with the guard captain. “Yes sir”
“How come when I called your slip, you didn't come at first. And waited till I got on to everyone about the situation?” Shining asked.
Open didn't know how to answer this, he knew the answer but he didn't want to tell him the excuse and only to be scolded for it. If he was planning on doing that, however what else was he going to tell him? He can't just lie to the captain the Royal guard.
“Oh...well you see” Open started.
Shining perked up waiting for Open to say why he wasn't exactly complying when he was called out.
“It's because I was scared, nervous and above all afraid, not of being up onstage of course but of going into this program. I know that this is an order and it's my duty, but I've never gotten something of this level of importance at all or anywhere close to it for that matter” said Open.
Shining nodded as he continued.
“Point being, I'm a little scared of going through this program, more scared then I have ever been in my life. I just don't know if I have it in me to go through it”
Shining’s frown turned into a light smile and then he put his arm around Open.
“Look here umm...I really don't want to refer you as a number, what's your name?” Shining said.
“Open Helm sir”
“Well Open Helm, let be the first to say I know how you feel. And I'm pretty sure some of the others are in the same boat you're in” Shining started. “I know this may seem scary to you but rest assured, you'll get more out of this then you think you will and I don't mean that in a bad way”
“So...you're saying this a good thing?” Open asked.
“Well..yeah, you're getting a chance to be one of the best soldiers in the entire Royal guard. Many would kill for the chance that you've been
Given” said Shining.
Open gave Shining a light smile. “Well when you put it like that I guess I feel a little better. But I'm still worried, it's kind of a new environment for me”
Shining chuckled. “Believe me, it will be for you and the 5 others that were chosen. Try not to think too much on it soldier, now why don't you head home and start packing. I'll be seeing you soon solider.
Open saluted Shining armor. “Yes sir, thank you sir”
Shining saluted open back and Open headed for the door and walked out of the room.
…
As Open trotted back home, numerous things were going through his head. Why out of everypony there was his number called? What kind of training will he be going through? What else is he going to see that he hasn't been told about yet?
Whatever the answers were to those, he had no time to slack off now. He needed to get home and start packing, he might need somepony to watch his house too depending on how long he'll be gone.
He finally turned the corner to his street and started approached his home, he could still see Mrs.Fourleaf tending to her garden next door. As he got closer, the mare looked up from what she was doing to see the stallion coming her way.
“Oh! Open Helm, back already?” She said.
Open continued to walk into his yard without looking up. “Yeah…”
Mrs.fourleaf looked at him puzzled. “Is something wrong dear? You seem...off from how you were this morning”
Open stopped in his tracks, signed and turned the older mare. At this point Fourleaf knew something had to be up with the young stallion. His facial expression didn’t seem normal for him and looked rather off.
“Has something happened?” she asked again this time with a little more concern.
Open was lost for words, he couldn’t tell her about the noble program. But he was about to leave later today for who knows how long, she might even get worried. He need to tell her what he was feeling but without revealing anything about the noble program, but how?
“Well…” he started. “Lets just say, my whole life...has just changed. I don't know if it's for better or for worse, and honestly it's made me a nervous wreck. I’m going to be leaving as of today for while, I’m not sure for how long. But I just can’t shake the feeling of being nervous and a little scared, even with what some have told me”
The mare smiled at him. “There are many things that we fear and even get nervous about in life, that's what makes us who we are. Now Open whatever has happened I’m sure it's for the best, I may not know exactly what's going on but this life changing experience might just be what you need”
Open looked at the mare a little confused. “It is? I'm not sure if I understand”
Fourleaf chuckled. “Open Helm I’ve been living next to you for quite some time now, and even though we don’t talk much I see you day in and day out doing the same thing. I believe this change could be a really good thing for you”
“But I liked that routine, it kept me busy and of course liked my job” Open Objected.
“That may be so dear but that's the issue” the mare started. “I bet once you start this new path of yours, you’ll never want to go back to the original”
Open stood there taking in what she just said. Maybe doing something different might be good for a change, but then again he didn’t think Mrs.fourleaf knew how big and potentially dangerous the Noble program was nor could he tell her about it. Regardless rather he liked it or not The Noble program would be a big step in his life.
“Now go on and go have a new adventure, always remember that no matter what happens in life. Everything in our lives happens for a reason” said the mare. “So have no worries”
“Well I don’t know about an adventure but i th-”
“Open” she said Bluntly.
“Yes?”
Fourleaf signed. “Don’t think too much, just go out and experience your new surroundings”
“O-oh sorry, I got it” Open said slightly blushing. “But do you think you can watch over my home till I come back?”
The mare gave Open a big smile. “Of Course I can dear”
…
The sun was near set and Open was just around the corner from the train station. He was carrying saddlebags on his back and was all packed and ready for the trip he was about to take.
He made sure to say goodbye to Mrs.fourleaf, make sure she knew where the spare keys were and straightened up the house before he left so he didn't have to clean it when he can back, if he did at least.
He finally came into view of the station and saw the train stationed where it usually should be, except there weren't as many ponies as their usually are during the day. He could see Shining armor standing by the train, but he was looking at something and smiling.
As Open continued to walk forward toward the train he wasn't sure what he was looking at, but as he got closer he caught something out the corner of his eye.
Near the train was that dark gray stallion from earlier, except he was hugging and kissing this tangerine coated Pegasus Mare with curly light burgundy colored mane. As Open got closer he could start to hear them a little more and more.
“Now I hope you'll be alright Helping, but I am very happy for you” said the mare.
The stallion chuckled. “Don't worry I'll be fine. Sorry that I'll be leaving for a while, but it was on very short notice”
The mare kissed him again and smiled. “Don't worry about it Hun, this weekend couldn't have been more perfect. I'm glad I got to come with you”
The two smiled and kissed again. Open continued forward until he reached shining armor.
“Looking at those two I see” said Shining.
Open chuckled. “Well I saw you looking that direction too and I couldn't help it, they looked happy”
“Yeah I couldn't help it either, my wife and I used to be all lovey dovey like that. We still are actually, just seeing them reminded me of us” said Shining.
There was a pause between the two before Open spoked up. “This our train?”
“Ah yes it is, this boxcar in fact” Shining said tapping on the boxcar behind him. “You guys get a whole car to yourselves”
“Oh, can we go in now?” Asked Open.
Shining perked up. “Of course! Heck there's already 2 in there so go right along”
Open nodded and trotted on ahead into the train, once he opened the door to the train car he saw the white coated mare on the second row on the left to the front from where he was standing facing away from him and the light red stallion 3rd row on the right facing toward Open.
Open made his way through the train car looking for somewhere to sit, as he was looking for somewhere to sit the red stallion spoke up.
“Welcome to the club” he said.
Open gave him a small smile “Uh thanks” said Open.
The stallion chuckled. “I wasn't being serious, but you're welcome”
Open started to think the stallion was coming off as a little rude but decided to just carry on. He ended up finding the seat behind the stallion and decided sit by the window so he can look out and see the world around him. He then set down his saddle bags and levitated then under the seat.
Seconds later the dark gray stallion came on to the train looking around for some place to sit, he then spotted Open sitting by himself behind the red stallion. The colt smiled and trotted his way over to Open.
“Excuse me”
Open looked away from to the window and toward the aisle to the see the dark gray stallion looking at him.
“Is that seat next to you taken?” He asked
Open looked at the seat for a moment and then back to the stallion.
“Oh no not at all, go on ahead” said Open.
That stallion smiled and sat down next to Open, putting his own saddle bag under the seat next to Opens.
“Thanks, I appreciate” he said
“It's no problem at all, it's just a seat” said Open.
A moment of silence came between to two before the darker stallion spoke up. “Well anyways I'm Helping hooves”
Open looked back at the stallion. “I'm Open Helm.
“It's nice to meet you Open, I'm from Las Pegasus. Where are you from” said Helping.
“Here in canterlot” Open said.
“Ooo fancy” said Helping smiling.
Open smile back at the stallion, he seemed nice and friendly.
“Hey listen” he started. “Sorry about upsetting you on stage earlier today, I wasn't trying get you upset or anything. I just wanted to make sure you were alright”
“No it's alright” said Open. “My mind was just all over the place, and I couldn't think straight”
The stallion chuckled. “Yeah, but you did look pretty scared, wouldn't be surprised if everypony in the front row noticed”
The stallion continued to chuckled and Open simply signed in return.
It was going to be a long train ride.
