Chapters It was a beautiful day in Equestria. Everypony goes on their jobs, school, and business. It was a peaceful day, for everypony; but not all ponies are happy. At the Crystal Castle, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, was still mourning the death of her Parents and her crush, Flash Sentry; who died valiantly to the enemy forces during a war. Twilight felt alone and had no pony to fall for.
Spike walks into her chambers and asked the saddened Princess, "Twi. I know it's hard and all. But how about you and I go out to spend time with friends and all. Would you like that?"
Twilight turns her teary eyes onto Spike and nodded, "I'm not sure if that's the right time now, Spike. I mean, I need time alone right now." She then buries her head into her arm and started to cry.
Spike felt her pain, and he does his best to cheer her up. He walks up to the crying Princess, and sits next to her and starts to talk to her. "Listen, Twilight. You're a princess. And you have to be strong and look forward to the future that you and your friends have to ensure Love and Friendship in Equestria. Everypony cares for you and those you love dear. No matter how hard things will get, good things will happen. Don't focus on the death of your parents, but know that you can make things better for everypony, and make them happy."
Twilight wipes her tears and turns to hug Spike, her beloved assistant. "Thanks you, Spike. I will be strong and I will try to make everypony happy with Friendship."
"That's the spirit!" Spike nodded, "Now I'll let you be alone for a little bit, and we'll be seeing your friends afterwards."
Twilight shook her head, and watched Spike walk out her room. She then turns away and starts to cry more. She then thought taking a breather, and flies out her chambers, outside her castle.
At the train station, everypony exits the train and heads to Ponyville for a visit or to live there. Among them is a Vampony named Ofnir, who was also a royal guard trainee.
Despite being a vampony and would consider him a hostile to ponies, he's friendly towards those around him. He's kind-hearted, caring, lovable towards ponies, helpful, and a little shy around everypony, specially mares and the Princesses. He also has interest of being a new royal guard for Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, and would like to work on any work that was recommended anywhere at Ponyville.
Ofnir walks his way though the town, receiving a welcome by everypony came into his way. He then ran into Twilight's friend, Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie Pie notices that Ofnir is a Vampony and nodded energetically, "Oh my gosh! Are you one of those vampony that ponies were talking about? It's been a excitement to meet you? Who're you? What are you doing? Are you new here?"
Ofnir then responded to her nervously, "Oh, I was just looking for the city hall and the castle in Ponyville. You know where they`re at?"
Pinkie Pie tells where the city hall is and the castle. "Okay. You walk through there and turn right and you can see a huge building. As for the castle, where my good ole friend, Princess Twilight Sparkle, is at the crystal castle right over there. And you're at your destination!"
Ofnir shook her hands and introduced himself, "Thank you. By the way, my name`s Ofnir!"
Pinkie Pie then introduced to him, "And I'm Pinkie Pie! Nice to meet you, Ofnir!"
Ofnir then heads out to city hall and then head to where Pinkie Pie was talking about.
As he met up with Mayor Mare at the city hall and talk about moving into town and got his duty as a first Vampony to be a royal guard for Princess Twilight. Ofnir then heads to the crystal castle to be hired by the Princess of Friendship herself. Ofnir got in front of the castle doors and knocks onto them. He waits for an answer, until the door opened. It was Spike.
"May I help you, Mr. Vampony sir?" Spike asked Ofnir.
Ofnir then introduces himself, "My name's Ofnir! And I'm Twilight's new royal guard for Princess Twilight sparkle!" Spike then nodded, "And I'm Spike. Nice to meet you! You seemed to be a nice vampony."
Ofnir then politely asked Spike, "Is Princess Twilight Sparkle here?" Spike then nods his head no. "I don't know where she is. I think she's having a time alone herself, cause her parents pasted away. and her crush from Crystal Empire named Flash Sentry who died at action during a war."
Ofnir then felt guilty for Twilight, understanding that she needs her period. Ofnir then nodded, "I'm sorry. I really am. I feel her pain and all."
"It's fine. Sometimes everypony needs a time for herself or himself." Spike nodded. "That's true." Ofnir responded.
Spike let Ofnir in the Castle and gives him a tour around. He then shows him a position that where he needed to guard Princess Twilight's throne room. As Ofnir became settled, he then turns to Spike and nodded, "Hey, Spike. I'll be back for a little bit, I'm going out for a walk."
"Sure thing. Now be back here, so Twilight could get you settled and give you orders for her duties and things like every royal guards needs to do for every Princesses orders." Spike told him, as Ofnir goes out for a little walk.
As Ofnir talks a little stroll through the Ponyville's amusement Park, he was giving a warm welcome from the two mares; a Unicorn(Lyra) and Earth Pony(Bon Bon). He then walks half way around the lake, and he was stopped by somepony crying.
Ofnir then turns to walk towards the crying noise. The bush was in the way. Ofnir pokes his head out of the bushes, and saw a figure on her knees crying on top the edge of the lake shore.
It was Princess Twilight Sparkle, which Ofnir didn't realized.
Ofnir then walks up to her and asked her, "Excuse me, miss? What's wrong?"
Twilight turns up to Ofnir and then stated in a crying tone, "My parents passed away, and Flash died in action."
Ofnir looks at her and begins to knew that was Princess Twilight Sparkle.
"Oh! Your highness!" Ofnir startled as he immediately took his knee, bowing to Princess Twilight Sparkle. "My sincere apologies to bother you, your highness." He nodded.
Twilight then took a breathe and stated while still crying, "It's alright. I'm just in need of time alone. But I'm glad you came up to me anyway. Who're you suppose to be?"
Ofnir then stood up and nodded, "My name's Ofnir. And I'm your new royal guard for your castle and duties. It's an honor to meet you, Princess."
Ofnir then reach down to Twilight and helps her up. As Ofnir got her onto her two hooves, her eyes and Ofnir's made a contact onto each other. Ofnir then begins to blush, as he lad his first sight on such beautiful eyes he'd ever looked at.
"Uhmm? Are you okay, Ofnir?" Twilight wonders, as Ofnir jerks back. "Uhmm. No no, I'm alright! It's just...Just..." He stated with a red face, as Twilight giggles.
Twilight then took her hands and grabs Ofnir's left hand and shook it.
"It's nice meeting you, Ofnir. Thanks for your help." Twilight smiles, but she then resumes to her teary eyes of her mourning of those she loved dies.
Ofnir then nodded with a gentle smile, "Princess Twilight. If you want, you want me to walk with you back to the castle? Or you want time alone?" Twilight smiles at him and said, "It's alright. You can sit with me if you want."
So Ofnir sits beside Twilight and had a conversation with the Princess of Friendship.
Conversation and meeting the Elements of HarmonyView Online
Conversation and meeting the Elements of Harmony
As Twilight and Ofnir had a discussion, Ofnir began to know how she was upset of her family and her loved one was killed in action. Ofnir then felt heartbroken for her, as he started to tear up for her sympathy of her loved ones no longer lives.
"That's sad to her." Ofnir nodded while wiping a tear from his face. "I know how it feels when you lost a loved one or a family. Because I lost my Father, who died from cancer and all. But my Mother's doing fine and she's right now having heart cancer. But she's still fighting and hanging in there."
"That's terrible." Twilight said, while she got out her handkerchief and wipes her tears. "I'm glad that you're not the only one. Neither me also."
"Yeah. I know what you mean." Ofnir Chuckled, as he moves closer Twilight. Twilight knows that Ofnir would want to be there for her, and to try to cheer her up.
Twilight smiles at him and said to him, "Ofnir. Thank you for being somepony to talk to with my problems. You're very kind." Ofnir then nods with a smile.
"It's not a problem. Even though, I felt like that too. Like you said, I'm not the only one with sad issues and all." Ofnir stated.
"Yeah. You're right." Twilight responded, as she got up and Ofnir and her were about to walk to the castle to get settled for Ofnir's duties as Princess Twilight's first royal vampony guard.
"Okay, Ofnir." Twilight began. "We're going to head back to the castle, get you settled, and then you're all set."
"Alright, Princess. I'll-" Ofnir was cut off as Twilight said to him, "You can call me Twilight if you like."
"I'd rather call you Princess Twilight since I'm you're first royal guard. I don't mind calling you 'Your Highness', 'Princess', or 'Princess Twilight' if you want." Ofnir nodded, as Twilight nods her head 'no.'
"No, really. It's fine!" She nodded.
"Okay." Ofnir responded politely.
So Ofnir and Twilight heads back to the castle to get things settled and be a full-fledged royal guard for the Princess of Friendship. Ofnir looks back at the Princess and sees her tearing a bit. Ofnir knew that she would need somepony to cheer her up and get that stuff out of her mind.
As they made their way to the castle, Twilight insisted of Ofnir going in. But Ofnir declines and states to her, "Ladies always goes first, Twilight."
"Aww. Thank you Ofnir, you're very sweet." Twilight nodded as she hugs him.
Ofnir blushes and mumbles nervously, "You're...Uhmm...Welcome."
Twilight giggles, and then walks in the castle. Twilight saw Spike and her friends were waiting for her and her new royal guard. Ofnir knew that it's dinner time, and felt that he's hungry for something nice for dinner.
"Ofnir. Are you coming?" Twilight asks him, as Ofnir came along with her.
Ofnir and Twilight walks in the dining room where her friends, the elements of harmony, were in there. Pinkie Pie hops around of Ofnir and talks in sugar rush tone, "Oh hi, Ofnir. How are you? Didn't you met Twilight? How's your royal guard duties?"
Ofnir laughed, "Whoa whoa, take it easy, Pinkie! Twilight's trying to get me settled and then I'm a royal guard."
Pinkie then introduces Ofnir to her friends. "Ofnir, I want you to meet Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack. And oops, also-"
"We've met." Spike nodded as he knew that she's gonna mention him.
"Oh. Sorry!" Pinkie nodded, as she winked.
"So, you must be Twilight's new royal guard, and ours, right?" Rainbow Dash asks Ofnir.
"Yes I 'am. Miss Dash." Ofnir politely stated, frowning Rainbow. "Sorry." Ofnir nodded, when Rainbow then waved in her sign language, "Whatever."
Rarity then stated to him, "My, my, darling. You, sir, are the cutest vampony I've ever met!" Ofnir felt red headed, as he backed off a bit. Rarity looks at him and asked, "You alright, dear?"
"Well," Ofnir started in a funny tone, "A pretty-looking mare like you; say something like, a cute-looking vampony, is something very nice to say something to somepony, is a great thing to say! Thank you, but I'm fine with being a friend to you. Not your boyfriend."
Rarity giggles, "You're not only the cutest, but the funniest AND the nicest vampony I have ever met in my life!" Spike looks at Ofnir with a frown. Ofnir then turns to Spike and whispered, "Sorry about that. I'm not actually a fan of being her boyfriend, really."
Spike nodded with a smile, "It's fine. I know what you mean."
Ofnir then asked Twilight, "What's for dinner, Twilight? Or who's making all of us for dinner?"
"We're having Hayburgers and hay fries for dinner!" Rainbow Dash stated, as she show the bags from a fast food restaurant.
"Oh! Goodie!" Pinkie Pie commented with excitement.
Spike and the girls gather around at the dining room for diner, as Rainbow Dash announced, "Let's dig in!" And everypony was grabbing their seats and Twilight grabbed Ofnir a seat next to her.
Rainbow Dash stated with humor, "Aww. Ofnir gets to sit next to THE Princess of Friendship? How cute you and Twi be lover birds!"
Everypony laughed, except Twilight and Ofnir.
Ofnir with a smiling grin and responded, "Maybe. But I'm just her friend-friend. AND who and where is your boyfriend? If you got one." Everypony burst out laughing, as Rainbow smirked, "Oh hahaha! Very funny."
Twilight giggled to Ofnir, "Good one."
So they carry on eating dinner. As they enjoy their dinner and talked about things throughout today.
After everypony finished dinner, they then get stuff square away and cleaning up trash after finish eating. Twilight then left to head to her bed chambers, and started to cry again. Ofnir knew that she was still saddened of her loved ones passing, and follows after her.
"I'll be back for just a moment, girls. Twilight has something bothering her." Ofnir said to the Mane 5.
Applejack nodded, "It's alright, Ole timer. You're her new royal guard after you started today. Besides, we'll take care of the mess here!"
Of nor then smiles and nods, "Okay! Thanks!"
So Ofnir then heads to Twilight's bed chambers and comforts Twilight from depression.
As Twilight to her bed, she then buries her face onto the pillows and starts to cry again.
She had a feeling that she's not going to stop crying for her loved ones that had passed, cause she loves them all dearly.
"Oh Flash!" She sobbed, "Mom. Dad. Why did you all have to go? Why?! I don't want this to happened, neither does Shining Armor! We need you to be here with Mom and Dad!"
She dug her face into the pillow, crying her eyes out. As she wasn't thinkin of her parents, she heard the door opened. She looks up and saw Ofnir. Ofnir knew that Twilight still thinks of her parents and Flash. Ofnir then thought wanting to; not only guarding her, but wanted to help her to put her sympathy away.
"Twilight." He asked, "If something's still bothers you, would it be alright to talk about if you want?"
Twilight then stated, "It's alright. I'm just not in the mood for that. But, I mean, I wouldn't mind talk to you, though."
Ofnir then closes the door, and comes up to the Princess, and sat next to her. He looks at her and then starts to talk.
"Listen, Twilight." He begins, "I really do know how it felt to lose a loved one. It maybe hard to let them go, but it will affect your lungs if you don't stop crying. When I was at middle that time, my Father, which I loved very much, past away. He served in our nation's military from the enemy at the end of the war, within the enemy's capital city. I always thinked of him when I was growing that time. My Mother then told me, 'It's not going to make you feel better when you think of him to much. But it's alright to let him go, and move on.' And it made me realize that, when I was at military school that time, I just found out, that not only he sacrificed his life for out nation, but for mine and his family he loved dearly. And I have responsibility to be the stallion of the house. So I took care of my Mom when I was out of the academy on weekends. And my Brother, Grabacr, and I had time, talking about how's thing's going on at life. I knew my Father is still there in spirit, proud of what I do right now, and he's still watching me."
Twilight then understood what he was talking about, as she knew that he gave his best to make her happy. She also had a feeling that her parents and Flash Sentry is still with her and their loved ones; in spirit.
Twilight smiles and rubbed her teary eyes and smile, realizing that everything's going to be fine. She then finally felt her sympathy lowered, and felt joyful that she doesn't need to worry about anything at all.
She jumps at Ofnir, wrapping her arms around him and said with a tear streaming her left cheek, "Thank you Ofnir! Thank you." Ofnir blushed a bit, but her ignores his nervousness and hugs her tightly.
"You're welcome, Princess." He stated, "If you want to talk, ask me. And I'll help you with your problems."
"Oh, Ofnir! Thank you." She sobbed a bit. Ofnir and Twilight looks at each other's eyes, and Ofnir then felt his heart rate increasing. He then ignores his anxiety, took a deep breathe, and then said to her, "Wow, Princess! You do have such beautiful eyes I've ever seen in my life! And I love to look at them."
"Awwww! Thank you, Ofnir!" Twilight cooed.
Twilight stops hugging him and looks at him in the eyes. "You're very kind. I am very happy to get to know you. You're sweet, caring, kind, and compassionate. You're such a wonderful vampony, and I'm very lucky to have you as my personal royal guard vampony with a good heart."
Unexpectedly, she kisses Ofnir onto his lips. Surprised by this, Ofnir never thought that meant something to her, kindness and love. He then closed his eyes and wraps his arms around her.
As they finished kissing, Ofnir looks onto Twilight and said with a smile, "Princess. I never expected you to be a wonderful kisser!"
Twilight giggles a bit and sighed, "Thank you."
He and the Princess of Friendship got their eyes onto each other's eyes and felt a feeling, a romantic feeling. Ofnir then asked her, "But your highness. If you want or would like, would I consider you my special mare?"
Twilight then joyfully sighed, "Yes!"
She leaps up to hug him, and Ofnir wraps his arms around Twilight.
"Twilight," Ofnir begins, "No matter how hard things could be, no matter what will happen; I will protect you and your friends. And I promise I won't abandon you."
"Oh, Ofnir." Twilight sighed, as she gave a kiss to him, a passionate one, and she moaned with their shared kiss. And Ofnir felt her tongue made entry into his mouth, and blushes all over his face. As they finished, Ofnir then sighed, "I-Uhmm... Uhh..."
Twilight then said to him, out of the blue, "I love you, too."
As they smile to eachother, she let out a yawn, and the Ofnir felt the same.
"Well, Princess." Ofnir state to her with a bow, "I'm about to hit the hay." He walks out by Twilight then stops him.
"If you want to, you could sleep with me tonight." Twilight added, making Ofnir blushing.
Ofnir then ignores her anxiety and gets into the covers of her bed. He takes off his Jeans and leaves his shirt of on. Twilight giggles of his blushy face.
"You're blushing, aren't you?" She asks him.
Ofnir responded, "Uhmm. Yes, Twilight. Sorry."
"It's alright. Well, good night, love."
"Night, Princess. See you tomorrow."
So they go into a peaceful sleep, Ofnir cuddles with her. And Princess Twilight wraps her arms around him. Unaware, Twilight's friends were about to head to bed into the chamber room, catching by their surprise.
Rarity smiles and whispered, "Awwww. How's precious they are together."
"Shhhh. They're asleep!" Fluttershy hushed Rarity. "We can't disturb them."
Pinkie Pie smiles and then quietly sighed, "Awww. Ofnir and Twilight's so cute together."
"Shhhh!" The group s hushed her, as they made their way to bed, and about to get a good night sleep. As they put covers and blankets and about to sleep, Applejack took a look at Ofnir and her friend, smiling. She then lays down, and went into a peaceful sleep.
Understanding and Standing Ground
After Twilight Sparkle and Ofnir became coltfriend and marefriend, Ofnir swore to protect the Princess of Friendship from any harm come to her and her friends. Ofnir considered Spike a Brother figure, and Rainbow Dash a Sister to him. Ofnir also helped Spike with his crush, Rarity, to develop romance between them, advising Spike, "Don't let anything worry you, but believe you can be her very special dragon: That cares for her, loves her, and even wanted to be there for to be happy." Spike took that advice, and now Spike goes out to date one time, and it took to a romantic turn, as he expressed his feelings for her. And Rarity was teared by his expression and accepts him as a very 'special somedragon'. Spike thanks him for his best help, and both Ofnir and Spike develops a Brotherly Friendship.
Until things begins to turn for the bad. Ofnir met Shining Armor, Princess Cadence's husband, Captain of the royal guards and the big Brother of Twilight Sparkle. Shining Armor took a look at Ofnir, with a angered expression towards Twilight's relationship with the vampony.
"So, you're Ofnir, aren't you?" Shining Armor smirked angrily at Ofnir, making him startled. "Answer me what I'm talking to you!"
"Shining! Ofnir's a kind and a gentlecolt. He'll never hurt me or done something bad to me!" Twilight said to him frustratedly.
Shining responded, "But Twily! He's a vampony, and I'm not sure if he's going to bite you and suck your blood!"
"SHINING! HE'S A KIND, WONDERFUL GENTLECOLT!! HE WILL NEVER DO SUCH THING, AND HE CARES FOR ME, EVEN IF I'M IN HARM WAY!!" Twilight shouts angrily at him, defending Ofnir.
So after hearing enough, Cadence then nodded, "Well, uhmm, shall we do something before dinner?"
"Yeah, sure is a great idea, Cadence!" Twilight nods. Hopefully Shining Armor would just get to know Ofnir's true nature and personality.
Ofnir looks at angry Shining Armor, nervously and politely walks past him, still looking at Ofnir.
Shining Armor then angrily states to him quietly, "You better not hurt my sister, or their will be trouble!" Ofnir responded respectfully, "Like she said, I never will let any harm come to her. I'm not a monster and will do such things."
"Whatever!" Shining Armor Stutters, as still didn't trust him.
They all walk out of the castle, and run some arrands at Ponyville.
As they went to Sugercube Corner, Ofnir assists them to go first.
"Ladies first." Ofnir nodded, opens the door for Cadence and Twilight, as they thanked him. Ofnir let's Shining Armor to go in, as he still looks away angrily. Ofnir didn't say anything. Ofnir then comes in last, and meets up with them at the table they were seated.
They then had a talk about other things and stuff on what's going on in their lIves before and after the funeral.
"So then," Twilight started, "I was pretty upset and all, until the day Ofnir came here for his first day as my royal guard, is also a day we talked about our personal problems, and helped me to put my sympathy aside. We then already developed a romantic feelings for eachother."
"You don't say?" Cadence nodded, as Ofnir nervously turns his eyes at the angry Shining Armor, clinching up a fist for him.
Twilight explains how Ofnir told her that he was like that and it made her day. And she mentions that Ofnir was kind and caring enough to talk with her in her bed chambers, where he mentions to her that his father served in their nation's military during a war couple years ago.
"And so then, Ofnir said that he can feel his father still watches over him in heart, and tells me to never worry and all, cause I know what he meant to me." Twilight stated. "So that's when he; not only he has a duty to guard me, but he also wanted to make me feel happy and never worry about anything at all. I know that Mom, Dad, and Flash are still their with anyone of us, watching over us. It meant a lot to me to know that Ofnir would want me to be happy, cause I still got you, Shining, Spike, and my friends here and now."
And with those words were said from Ofnir to his sister, Shining Armor started to understand Ofnir, realizing that he really cares for; not just Twilight, but him, Cadence, Twilight's friends, and others. He started to walled up in tears, touched by those words on what Ofnir was trying to make everypony's day good from their darkest times.
Twilight and Cadence looks at Shining Armor crying. Ofnir pats his back and said, "That's what I wanted to do. I promised to her that no pony or anything will come and harm her. That's how much I care for her, you, and others that lost a family."
Shining Armor then turns to him and finally smiles at him, putting his anger aside. "I'm so sorry for my judgment towards you, Ofnir. I didn't realize that you care for my sister. It really means a lot to me to make my sister smile, and even tell me that Mom and Dad maybe gone, but are still in our hearts."
Ofnir smiles, "It's alright. I forgive you. Like I said: I promise I will not let anything hurt Twilight or her friends and family. I'm not saying this, but, you got a wonderful and beautiful sister as a Princess, and I'm honored to be her personal royal guard."
"You're a good and kind vampony. I'm glad that you helped Twily with her personal problem. Thank you." Shining Armor stated, hugging him.
Ofnir then stutters, "Whoa, buddy. I'm staight! I'm fine to be your buddy and all!"
Twilight, Shining Armor, and Cadence laughs.
As they finished eating cupcakes and desserts, a yellow pegasi stallion goes off on both Pinkie Pie, claiming that she's not doing the job right and slaps her.
"That'll teach ya for not doing your job, bitch!" He yells at crying Pinkie Pie.
For the first time at Ponyville, Ofnir felt something caused him to turn his joyful attitude, to becoming outraged. He immediately stood up and angrily walks up Pinkie's offender.
Ofnir storms angrily to him and yells, "Hey, asshole! Leave her alone!!"
The pegasi turns to him with a laugh, and started taunting him, "Oh, are you standing up for your marefriend?! You'd better back off, freak!"
Just like that from those words, Ofnir suddenly snapped, as he shoved him out the store.
"YOU BETTER GET OUT, I SWEAR I'LL BUCKED YOU UP! I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT YOU TOO, OKAY?" Ofnir warned him.
The yellow stallion refuses, and then throws his fist at him, Ofnir blocks his punch, then he punches him into his abdominal area, and Ofnir pushed him away, yelling, "GET OUT, NOW! AND NEVER COME BACK, BUB!"
Shocked with fear, the yellow pegasi turns around and ran. The crowd behind Ofnir claps for him, and Pinkie Pie hugs him and said, "Thank you so much, Ofnir! You'd just put him in his place just for standing up for me!"
Ofnir looks at Pinkie and asks her, "Are you hurt, though?"
"Nope! I'm fine, thanks for asking." She stated.
Ofnir looks back and saw Princesses Twilight and Cadence, and Shining Armor, shocked. Ofnir then felt numb with anxiety, realizing that he was a bit violent in front of them. Scared to look and confront them. He turns away, as the crowd quiet down. Twilight walks up to him and asks, "Ofnir...Are you alright?"
"No." Ofnir said to her politely which not looking at her, "I may did what I do for your friend. But I knew that you, Cadence, and your brother saw what I did. And I regret it. I'm sorry."
Twilight then smiles and wraps her arms around, said to him, "It's alright. You did the right thing to stand up for Pinkie Pie, and just make him think about what he did is wrong. I know you would never commit violence and all, and you did what you have to do. Thank you again, for standing up for my friend. That's very brave and kind of you."
Shining came in front of him with a smile and said, "That's true, you did a heroic thing that I didn't expect from a vampony, and I'm honored to get to know you. And even have you as a friend; like a brother figure."
"That's the toughest thing I've seen from a kind vampony like you." Cadence stated.
Ofnir smiles and then nod, "Thank you guys. I'm glad that you care for me. And even I would want to make you guys happy."
"Yeah. We know what you mean, buddy." Shining Armor nodded.
Cadence then ask Ofnir, "What is it you want to do, Ofnir?"
Ofnir replied, "Anything you guys want. I'm fine with you guys do what you want."
Twilight thinks and told them that she'd like to go to Applejack's place to hang out with AJ and others. And so they head their way to Apple anchers.
As Twilight, Ofnir, and Princess Cadence and Shining Armor made their way to the Apple farm, they encountered AJ's big brother, Big Mac. Big Mac took a bow for Princesses Cadence and Twilight. Twilight told him that it's fine to not bow for her and Cadence. As Big Mac got up, he was startled to meet Ofnir, backed off a bit.
Big Mac then asks him, "So...Are you Ofnir?"
Ofnir smiles and puts his hand out to shake his hand. "That's me. And I'm Twilight's personal royal guard."
Big Mac then smiles and shook his hand, and noticed that he's very friendly. "Well, Mr. Ofnir. It's a pleasant to meet you. My sister, AJ, told me about yea!"
"It's an honor to know a big brother of the element of honesty! You had a wonderful sister and all. She's like anypony's sister." Ofnir stated, as Applejack smiles.
"Aww shucks! You're very nicer like always, you know that, buddy." She nodded with a wink.
Ofnir smiles,waving at her. As Ofnir and the group was welcomed by AppleJack and Big Mac, a filly appears running to towards them, with the other two fillies.
"Cutie Mark Crusaders reporting for duty!!" The group shouted together with a salute.
"I'm Apple Bloom!" The yellow Earth Pony filly said.
"I'm Sweetie Belle!" States the white Unicorn filly.
"And I'm Scootaloo!" The Orange Pegasi filly finishes.
Apple Bloom and the Crusaders looks at Ofnir, noticing that he's the one that Applejack was talking about Twilight's personal royal guard. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shook his hand and greets him welcome, despite that Ofnir's been around for nearly two weeks, and haven't got a chance to meet him.
"So you must be Ofnir, right? It's very nice to meet ya!" Apple Bloom states, as Ofnir smiles and kneels. "Why yes I 'am, Apple Bloom. It's very nice to meet you and your friends too!"
Ofnir thought that Apple Bloom's really the cutest and sweetest filly he ever met, along with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. He booped her in the nose while saying, "You're it! If you wanna play tag."
Apple Bloom shouted, "I love tag! You're gonna get it now, ole timer!"
Ofnir and the Cutie Mark Crusaders starts to have a game of tag. Applejack and the Princesses watches as Ofnir would enjoy his time with AJ's sister and friends.
"He's very sweet, getting along with everypony in other ways. Even he likes to play games like that." Cadence stated with a smile. Shining Armor smiles, as Ofnir reminds of his time playing with Twilight when she was a filly back in the good old days.
"Yeah!" Twilight sighed, "He reminds me of how Shining and I play this game a lot back in the day."
"I know, right!" Shining nodded.
"Good times."
Twilight and Shining Armor decided to join in, rejoining their old memories with Ofnir and the Crusaders.
After the sun was about to set for evening. Twilight and the group heads back to the castle to get ready for dinner. Ofnir, Shining Armor, and Princesses Twilight and Cadence had a wonderful time with playing tag with Apple Bloom and her two friends.
"Ofnir. We had a wonderful time with you and the girls. Thank you for funny times!" Twilight smiles, while holding his hand.
Ofnir then nodded with her and them, "Yeah! Even despite that we're old, it's still a fun game to play!"
"Yeah you're absolutely right!" Shining Armor acknowledged with a smile. "And I really got to admit: You're a good vampony, and a very kind-hearted stallion. You get along with the fillies just fine. You're right royal guard for the job, bud."
"Yeah. I know. Even; like I said, there's more of them like me out there! Like my brother, Grabacr!" Ofnir stated.
"You also made my day full of fun and joy," Princess Cadence said to him. "You're not only a kind and sweet vampony, but you're funny, enjoyable, and very compassionate towards those around you. You're easy to get along!"
"Yeah, I know." Ofnir nodded with smile, as he hoped that made their days joyful and happy.
As they entered the castle, Spike was sitting in the dinner room, with a sad look. Ofnir walks up to him and asked what's the problem.
Spike took a breath and stated, "Ofnir. It's your mom, shes's sick with the heart problem. And she's at the Canterlot Hospital."
With that said, Ofnir's heart stopped, beginning to worry for his mother and felt paralyzed. He started to cry, falling to his knees. Ofnir start to have thoughts racing into his mind. He then kept on thinking that the worst would yet to come.
"Why..." Ofnir sobbed. "Why did this ha...Have...To happen? Why?!"
Shining Armor and Twilight looks at each other, as they had a thought that he and his mother were very close in the family with his brother. Twilight then walks up to Ofnir with Shining Armor, as they try to comfort him in the sad time like this.
"Oh, Ofnir." Twilight sighed, hugging him. Her tears streams down to her face. "I'm sorry about your mother."
"Same here, pal." Shining Armor stated, as he fought his tears.
Ofnir sobbed, "She's all me and Grabacr got. She our only family. And now she's sick."
Princesses Cadence and Twilight, Shining Armor, and Spike starts to tear up, knowing that he loved his mother dearly. They also knew that Ofnir went too much, despite of him being in Ponyville, and he went through darkest times without his father.
Cadence hugs him and said to him, "There, there, Ofnir. Everything's going to be alright. All we need is to hope for the best. Cause you got ponies getting along with, and loved you. We'll never let anything bother you, even bigger and little problems."
Spike pats Ofnir on his back and said, "Like you said, don't let anything worry you, but believe that you can make things better, even in the darkest times. You're a wonderful vampony, and you're like a brother figure to everypony."
Ofnir then starts to stop crying and looks up to Spike, smiling.
"Thank you, buddy. And thank you all for believing that I'm a very good vampony to you." Ofnir sighed, and continues, "You know, I'm glad I met Twilight Sparkle, because despite she's a princess and I'm her personal royal guard, I'am honored to consider her a friend, and very special pony for me. And I'm honored to have her friends as like a family to me, cause friendship my be magic. But, it's about consider everyone of us, like a family. And you guys are my family."
"Awwww!" Cadence and Twilight sighed, touched by his words. Shining Armor also started to tear up, and hug him. Spike, and Princesses Twilight and Cadence joins in hugging Ofnir.
"You are a wonderful friend I'd asked for, buddy!" He said to Ofnir, "And I'm glad to consider you a brother to me."
Ofnir teared up, knowing that everything's going to be fine. Twilight brings his face to hers, and kisses him onto his check, and said to him, "You're a wonderful special somepony to me. You have a kind heart, like Flash. But cares for those around us more than yourself."
"Thank you, Twilight." Ofnir said to her, with tears streaming his checks. "Thank you all."
Revenge and Fighting Back
As Ofnir was cleared from his saddened mood, things goes back after the sad news. But Ofnir still believes that her mother would fight it and would recover from heart problem. Shining Armor and Princesses Twilight and Cadence had a thought of going out to dinner for the evening before getting a good night sleep, which Cadence and Shining Armor would stay with Twilight for the night.
"Ofnir. If you want, would you like to stay and have left overs for dinner, while me, Shining Armor, and Cadence go out? It's up to you." Twilight insist to Ofnir, as she felt that he'll get upset again.
But Ofnir said to her, "No thanks. I would rather go with you, because I'm your personal royal guard after all."
"Oh, right." Twilight nodded, realizing that she forgot about that he's her royal guard.
"You're welcome to come with us, bud!" Shining stated, "And you made a point to my sister."
Cadence smiles and said, "That'll get the problem out of your mind. Hopefully your mother would be fine, she'll recover."
So, Ofnir walks out with the group, as they head out to get dinner for the evening, before getting settled for bed.
As the group heads to a new restaurant that was opened, Ofnir felt that his depression is disappearing, as he thanked Shining Armor and Cadence for the comfort with Twilight and Spike.
"That's the spirit, buddy," Shining excailmed, "You have nothing to worry about at all bud."
"That's true. You're the one who helped Twilight with her depression, now we helped you!" Cadence stated.
Twilight and Ofnir looks into each other's eye's, and Ofnir said to her, "Wow, Princess Twilight! You really do have such beautiful eyes I'd seen in my life."
"Aww, Ofnir!" She sighed, kissing him on his lips for a second, and then said, "Thank you. And you do as well."
Twilight and Ofnir were getting behind Shining Armor, Cadence, and Spike. As Ofnir and Twilight were partly sepearated from the group were half way to the new restaurant, they were ambushed. It was the same yellow Pegasi that hit Pinkie today. The pegasi punches Ofnir in his face, and held Twilight hostage with a knife.
"Ofnir hel-" Twilight yells out, but her mouth was covered by the pegasi's hand. Ofnir gets up and saw him, wielding a knife infront of Twilight, down to her cleavage.
"So we meet again, huh punk?" He said to Ofnir. "I got your marefriend, or so-called princess marefriend."
"Twily!" Shouted the worried Shining Armor, as he, Spike, and Princess Cadence ran to help Ofnir.
"She's a beauty, isn't she?" He taunted Ofnir.
"Let her go!" Ofnir shouted to him. "I'm the one you want. Not her! If you want to get me back for earlier, deal with me!"
The yellow stallion laughes. He then uses the knife, dig in the middle of her cleavage, and rips a small part of Twilight's dress, showing her cleavage still.
"Hmm, isn't she hot?!" Taunting the yellow pegasi, as Twilight starts to tear up from terror.
Ofnir's temper raised to the roof, becoming more outrage than back at the Super Cube Corner.
He yells out to him, "YOU SON A BITCH!"
Ofnir jumps his one leg, and kicks the knife off of the stallions hand. He then grabs Twilight and gently pushes her out of the way. He then turns back to him and starts to fight him. The Pegasi then blocks his punch, and knuckles him in the face. Ofnir fell back a bit.
The pegasi then continues to taunt him for the last time before giving him a final blow, "Come on, is that the best you can do? Maybe you're just a coward after all, like your father."
With that said to Ofnir, he was about to punch him. And Shining was about to do something to help Ofnir. Ofnir then immediately got up, dodging the attackers kick to the face. Ofnir felt something clicked, something snapped him a bit deeper from his rage.
Ofnir's eyes were yellow. Now turn to light blue. He balls up a fist, as blood drips from his gripping fists. That brings horror to Twilight, Cadence, Shining Armor, Spike, and the yellow pegasi.
Ofnir then said to him, "You don't bucking, ever, put your hands onto the Princess! And threat to kill her! And YOU, DON'T EVER, TOUCH THE MARE LIKE THAT, YOU PERVERTED PSYCHOPATH!"
Ofnir then punches him the stomach, hard then last time, and then kicks him in the face. Ofnir then stops there, while the pegasi recoils with fear.
"Please!" He said with fear, "Don't eat me! I'm sorry."
Ofnir then stated to him, "I will never do that to you! And I will not tolerate this by your actions to the Princess."
Ofnir then angrily stated to him, "Don't you, ever, hurt somepony again! If you're gonna hurt somepony, there will be trouble coming your way!"
As Ofnir left the pegasi, paralyzed with shock and fear, the two police stallions shows up. They looked at Ofnir and asked him about what happened.
Ofnir then told the officer, "Well, me, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, Spike, and Princess Twilight; were on our way to the new restaurant. And this sicko ambushed me, holding Twilight hostage, treating to harm her, and I stood my ground for her safety and hit him couple times."
Twilight then explained to the officer about how it happened. And Twilight pressed charges against the stallion that threatens them. So the officers handcuffed the pegasi, and took him away.
The officer then said to Ofnir, "You did the right thing to protect the Princess from harm, defending yourself, and give us a good explanation about what happened. He's also the criminal that escaped from prison. Now we're going to put him so no pony would never get hurt."
Ofnir thanks him, and greets the officers a 'thanks for your service' handshake.
As Ofnir felt calm from his anger, he got his attention to Twilight and the group. He started to get upset, knowing that he should'very never let that happened in front of them.
He walks past Twilight and said, "I'm sorry." But Twilight stops him, grabbing his hand and pulls him, gicing him a hug.
"It's alright, Ofnir." She said, "You saved my life, and put that psycho in his place. I'm happy for you to protect me."
Shining Armor said to him, "You don't need to be sorry. You didn't do nothing wrong at all! You protected my sister from the asshole, and you put him in his place for her!"
"That's true!" Cadence stated. "I'm very pleased of you on saving my sister in law from that sicko."
Ofnir smiles, knowing that he was doing the right thing after all. He then felt better, taking a breathe, and let roll off of his back.
Twilight then said, "Well, shall we go and grab dinner?"
"But, Twily!" Shining shrugged, "Not without changing your dress that sicko ripped."
So they head back to the castle for Twilight could change her dress.
After Shining Armor, Princesses Twilight and Cadence, Spike, and Ofnir got back to Twilight's castle, Twilight heads to her bed chambers to change her cleavage ripped dress from the incident on their way to the new restaurant.
Twilight told Ofnir that he can sit on her bed and wait for her to get dressed. So Ofnir sat on her bed, and remembers that he bought Twilight a wedding ring, which she didn't know the time that he went to the jewelry store four days ago. He puts it in his right pocket, and making sure that he would kept it from falling.
The door creaked open, and Ofnir turn. It was Twilight, dressed with a dark red dress with a V shaped cleavage, and Twilight brushed her mane to dress nicely to look fancy for dinner.
"So, what do you think, Ofnir?" She asked him, with Ofnir blushing all over his faceand felt his heart racing. Twilight finds it cute, and giggles.
Ofnir shook his head and then stated softly, "Wow, Princess. You're more beautiful than any mare I've ever seen with that dress! I love it on you!"
Twilight enjoys the complement and sighed, "Awwww, thank you, Ofnir."
Twilight and Ofnir shares a hug and kiss to the lips. Twilight's wings flips open, startled Ofnir.
"Haha. I'm sorry about that." Twilight laughs, as Ofnir chuckles, "It's alright. I really find you more attractive than Rarity. Cause I mean, you're the most beautiful mare of all Equestria I've ever met. And I'm very lucky to meet you and be your royal guard and all."
"Awwww thank you. You're always very kind to me, and I'm lucky to meet and have you as my royal guard. Cause you're very sweet." Twilight stated.
As they were about to kiss again, Spike walks in and stated, "Hey, love birds! We're about ready to go."
Ofnir and Twilight jumps, saying, "Okay."
Ofnir then stated, "We're just friends, that's all."
Spike raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Oh really? Why did I hear you two make out, and Ofnir complemented to her that she's beautiful and all? Huh?"
Ofnir blushes and stutters, "W-well, you see...Uhmm, we're just hugging and all, like a friend-friend thing."
Twilight giggles, and said to Ofnir, "It's alright. Spike's kidding around. That's all."
Spike then nods, "Yeah, buddy." He then complimented, "And you two made a great pair!"
"Hey!" Twilight and Ofnir shrugs, as Spike laughs. But in same time, Ofnir agreed to his point. Twilight and Ofnir looks at each other's eyes, and smiles.
"Even though, Princess Twilight, Spike's right." Ofnir nodded, with a light blush.
Twilight agrees and said, "Yeah. I'm very lucky to have a very special stallion, who's very caring, compassionate towards those around us, and is the knight in shining armor; who protected me and my friend earlier and this evening today."
Twilight got her arms around him, as Ofnir and Twilight looks at their eyes. "Wow, you really do have beautiful eyes, Princess." Ofnir sighed, as Twilight smiles.
"Aww, how precious!" Spike teased. "So, c'mon! We gotta go, I'm starving."
"Okay!" The two stated, as they walk out with them holding hands. Spike and Twilight looks at each other, smiling.
As they arrived at the new restaurant, no pony was there, except the waiters, waitresses, and Ofnir and the group. The front desk manager, that Ofnir met while he was around Ponyville, said to him, "Hey Ofnir, buddy! How're you doing?"
Ofnir smiles while shaking his hand, "You know, royal guard duties and all. And we're here for dinner."
Front desk waiter asked, "Table for five?"
"Yes sir!" Ofnir nods, as the front desk manager picks out five manuals and guides them to their table.
As Ofnir and the group got their seats, he insisted on pulling a chair for Twilight, and pushes her politely to the table. She smiles, "Thank you. Like always, that's very kind of you."
"Anytime, your highness." Ofnir stated with a bow. And he grabs his seat, but accidently missed his chair, falling on his butt.
Twilight and Cadence looks down at him and Cadence asked, "Are you alright?"
Ofnir got back up and chuckles, "Well, it's better off for me on not sitting on the chair, cause it didn't like me at all! Like it had a mind of its own!"
Cadence, Twilight, Shining Armor, and Spike laughes along with Ofnir, which he made a funny statement that he's alright.
After they were settled to order, the waitress, Lyra Heartstrings, asked them, "Okay, your highnesses. What's something you'd like to drink before ordering up dinners?"
So the Princesses and Shining starts to make up their minds and order their beverages. Twilight knows what she wanted, and orders first.
Twilight answered, "I would like a glass of wine, and then water once I'm finished with a cup of wine."
Cadence then orders, "I'll get the same as Twilight. But a small sized glass."
Shining Armor stated, "I got for glass of water please."
Spike then asked, "You guys have any types of drinks?"
Lyra answered, "Well, we got sweet tea, cherry tea, peach tea, pink and original lemonade, and orange juice."
Spike then acknowledged, "I would like some pink lemonade."
"Okay. I'll be back with your drinks, your highness and subjects." Lyra bows, and walks back to bring them drinks.
Twilight looks at Ofnir and asks, "So, Ofnir. Are you sure you feel any better about what happened, with that jerk and your mother?"
Ofnir smiles and nods, "Yeah. Like Spike told me not to worry, just like I helped him with love problems and all. Besides, sometimes it's better to move and enjoy on what's ahead of me and us."
"That's true!" Shining Armor said, "You made our day wonderful; full of fun and joy, protecting my sister from harms way, and put that perv in his place, for Twily. You have the heart full of courage, love, and compassion. And that's your true nature."
Princess Cadence stated, "You're a wonderful vampony: You're caring, kind, gentle towards Twilight and others, and you made everypony's day! We're glad to meet a kind and wonderful vampony."
Ofnir teared a bit, touched by their words. He realized that he's valuable royal guard to Twilight, and the elements of harmony.
Ofnir then sighed, "I got to use a bathroom real quick."
"You want me to come too?" Shining Armor asked, as Ofnir nods his head yes. And they head to the stallion restroom.
At the Stallions restroom, Shining Armor and Ofnir finished using toilets and washed their hands. As they got down drying their hands, Ofnir asked Shining Armor, "Can I talk to you, Shining Armor?"
"Sure! What's on your mind, buddy?" Shining asked him.
Ofnir felt his anxiety sky rockets a bit, not futher. He ignores his anxiety, and took a breath.
"Shining Armor," He started, "I was hoping you don't get mad and all."
"No no! It's alright. You're in love with my sister. Right?" Shining Armor asked him, making Ofnir a bit confident, but still anxious.
"Yeah." Ofnir answered, taking a big breathe, and continues, "As I met Princess Twilight, I never seen the most beautiful mare I've ever met from the start when I came to Ponyville. When she explains with me of her situation of her parents passing and Flash Sentry's death during a war, I felt guilty of her going through the darkest times like I did. So I thought that she deserve me to be there for her, not only to do my duties as her royal guard. But to make her happy, and help her to put her sorrow and depression aside, and help her to understand that she's not alone, and she has her friends, you, Cadence, and Spike. I mean, when we got close, like a romantic feeling, I wanted be her special somepony that cares for her, her friends, and her loved ones; and make everypony happy, and help them out of their darkest times."
Shining Armor started to understand. He knows that Ofnir had something in his mind, something that he wanted to give Twilight, and everlasting love and happiness. Shining Armor then thought of him will be there for Princess Twilight, and help her with depression of her parents' passing and to move on.
Ofnir then stated, "But right now, I wanted to ask you something."
Shining asks him, "And what's that?"
Ofnir then asks him, "May I ask you that I could marry Twilight Sparkle? And if I have your blessings?"
Shining Armor has tears coming out on each of his checks, thinking of having him as a brother-in-law, and him that cares for Twilight so much that she'll never felt alone beside her being with her friends, and her friends. He then knows that Twilight grows up to be a beautiful mare as a Princess.
Shining then gave the answer, "Yes. I'm honored for you to marry my sister!"
Shining Armor hugs Ofnir with joy, proud of considering him a brother he never asked for.
Ofnir said to him, "I promise that I will not abandon her, and I won't let anything happen to her. And I swear on it!"
"You're a good vampony, Ofnir. And I'm very honored to have you as a future brother-in-law. You're not only a right pony for the job as her royal guard. But you would make a wonderful husband for her!" Shining Armor stated to him with a smile.
Ofnir nods with a smile, "Thank you, Shining Armor! And you made a wonderful brother-in-law to me. And Cadence a sister-in-law."
Shining Armor asks him, "Would you like propose to her after dinner, so you can surprise her?"
Ofnir nods his head 'yes.' And awaits the moment to come.
Ofnir and Shining Armor walks out of the restroom, and heads to their table to order dinner and enjoy time together as friends about to become family. With smiles on their faces, they not only enjoy their time together, but was looking forward for what will come in the future.
After they finished eating and pay for their dinner, they head back to the castle. As they got to the front door, it was quiet and dark throughout the castle.
Twilight turns to Ofnir and asks, "Ofnir! Can you get the light at the dining room?" Ofnir nods his head and heads to the dining room.
As he feels the wall of the dining room for the light switch, he felt it. And he turns on the light.
All the sudden, multiple voices shouts out, "SURPRISE!"
Ofnir jumps with a shocked look onro his face. It was the entire Ponyville ponies, that would gave Ofnir a surprise.
Pinkie Pie joyfully hops to him and told him, "This was a belated Welcome to Ponyville party just for you, Ofnir!"
Ofnir started to tear up, touched by him being welcomed to Ponyville; not as Twilight's personal royal guard, but as a new friend of Ponyville.
Mayor Mare, Mayor of Ponyville, came up to Ofnir and said to him, "What an honor to meet a royal guard of Princess Twilight, and a hero at Sugarcube Corner who defended Pinkie from such offender! Welcome to Ponyville, Ofnir!"
Everypony cheers for Ofnir, and starts to party. And Pinkie shows him around to meet everypony.
As they made their way while meeting some ponies that Ofnir didn't met, Pinkie introduces him to the Princesses of Equestria: Princesses Luna and Celestia.
Princess Luna asks Ofnir, "So, thou must've been Princess Twilight's royal guard, are we correct?"
Ofnir bows and grabs the Night Princess' hand and kissed it. He got and said, "Name's Ofnir, your highness! And yes I am!"
Celestia then smiles, "It's an honor to meet you, Ofnir. Twilight's friends told me and Luna about you, and kind deeds you've done!"
"Thank you, your majesty. It's an honor and my humble duty to serve for Princess Twilight." Ofnir stated, as Celestia and Luna smiles.
Ofnir then walks around and found Twilight talking with her friends. Ofnir walks up to her, and asks Twilight, "Princess Twilight! May I see you outside?"
The curious Princess then responded, "Sure!" And they walk outside at the front door.
As Ofnir and Twilight were alone, Twilight then turns to Ofnir and askes, "So, what's the occasion, Ofnir?"
Ofnir felt his anxiety isn't there this time, as he know that he felt confident to take on this moment. Ofnir took a deep breath, and begins, "Princess Twilight, I have something to tell you."
"And what's that you want to tell me?" Twilight asks him.
Ofnir took another breath and speaks up from his heart, "Ever since I got to know, and help you dealing with you grief for your family, I now felt that I enjoyed on everything I do with you, your friends, meeting your big brother and sister-in-law, and other ponies today and previously, I really cherish every living moment; not as your royal guard and a very special somepony, but also as a somepony who really loves and adore her ability of spreading love and friendship. I'm glad to met you, Twilight! And you're the mare who shines my day with your royal good looks and beauty. Princess Twilight Sparkle, I love you!"
Twilight was touched of his words, as tears flow from her eyes.
"Oh Ofnir!" She sobbed with joy, and was about to hug him. But he stopped her.
"Twilight Sparkle." Ofnir begins, as he took one knee, and pulls out a wedding ring. He then breath out, "Will you marry me?"
Twilight was baffled, tears continuously flows from her eyes. She began to realize that Ofnir wants to be there for her, and to protect her with him keeping his promises.
She then joyfully sighed with a sof and squeak, "Oh...Yes! Yes I do!"
They then shared an embrace and a kiss. As they finish kissing, Ofnir then states to her, "No matter how many ups and downs we'll have, and no matter what happens, I will protect you."
"...Ofnir." She sighs with joy, as she shares another kiss with her stallion that becomes her husband.
Just then, cheers and claps were sounded from the front door. Ofnir and Twilight looks up and saw Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining Armor, and everypony cheering for Ofnir proposing to the Princess of Friendship. They knew that from Shining Armor. Twilight and Ofnir got up to their two hind hooves.
"Way to go, buddy!" Rainbow Dash cheers to Ofnir.
"Congratulations, darling!" Rarity said to Ofnir.
"Yay Ofnir!" Pinkie streaks with joy.
"Yeehaw, Ofnir! You're the colt!" Applejack shouts out while waving her hat.
Fluttershy smiles but didn't say anything as a timid mare.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders runs up to Ofnir and hugs him, said to him, "Congratulations!"
Shining Armor starts to tear up and crys, proud to be a Brother-in-law to Ofnir, Twilight's new husband.
Cadence's walks up to Ofnir and hugs him, and grabs his hands. She then said to him, "Congratulations, Ofnir! You're the colt just for Twilight. You care for her and her friends, you're truly compassionate, and very kind. Thank you for making Twilight happy and help her with her problem from the funeral!"
Ofnir then sighed, "And I want to thank you, and your husband to help me with my worry for my mother. You gave me hope for her to heal, and to recover. You're like a family to me, your highness. And I'm honored to be you Brother-in-law!"
"Awwww." The crowd awed, touched by Ofnir's acts of kindness and caring of what he done today. They thing join in a group hug.
Twilight and Ofnir looks at each other's and shares a kiss.
Wedding Day and Urgent News
About two weeks after Ofnir proposes Princess Twilight, things went better. His mother's getting well, became a hero to Twilight from the yellow pegasi;which revealed that he's a charged for tempted kidnapping and raping of Princess Twilight Sparkle and sent to prison for twenty years, his brother, Grabacr, came for his wedding and meets everypony that Ofnir befriends and met while he's been around Ponyville, as Twilight's personal royal guard. Shining Armor cries with joy of Ofnir getting married to his sister, and was honored to be his best colt, and Princess Cadence as the Mare of honor.
Grabacr and Shining Armor had a good conversation, and got to know each other. Shining Armor said to Grabacr, "And you know, Grabacr! Your brother, Ofnir, is very kind-hearted and a wonderful stallion for Twily. Everypony's glad to get to know him, especially Twilight and her friends. I'm very honored to consider him as a brother-in-law, and for you as a cousin-in-law."
"Yeah," Grabacr sighed with tear flowing from his eye, "I'm very honored to be Princess Twilight's brother-in-law. Ofnir's been a good brother and a wonderful family colt. He's very friendly and easy to get along with."
"Yeah! That's true!" Shining exclaims with a smile.
Shining Armor then asks him, "Are you also in the military with your brother?"
Grabacr answered, "Yep! Me and him are in a Air Force, as pilots. But we flew in different squadrons, and he decided to become a royal guard for your sister, since he saw a poster about Princess Twilight's need for a royal guard. But he still in active duty as a pilot. As for me, of course, I'm now Princess Luna's royal guard. And I'm still on active duty as a pilot."
"Wow!" Shining nods with interest, "That's awesome, and it's been a pleasure for you two to be apart of our military in the same time!"
Grabacr smiles, "Yeah, I know!"
Grabacr then mentioned, "Also, Princess Luna and I are in love, which we go out on a romantic date at the Canterlot Café, and yesterday; her sister, Celestia, gave me permission to marry her. Which is would be few days after Ofnir and Twilight's wedding!"
Grabacr then told him on how things went on between him and Luna, and how Luna understand to realize that Grabacr would always adore her night, and her beauty. Shining Armor was surprised to hear that, stating, "Wow! That's really wonderful how you and Luna would fall in love like Ofnir and Twily fell for each other. And really? First my Twily going to be married to your brother, and then Princess Luna's marrying you! That's great!"
"Yeah." Grabacr sighed, as they continue to talk more about his and Ofnir's duty with the miltary.
As they talked, Ofnir and Cadence walks in, and Grabacr got up and comes up to his brother, hugging him. Ofnir and Grabacr were glad to see themselves for the first time in the while.
"Grabacr!" Ofnir smiles, while Grabacr then responded, "My little brother! How're you and Twilight?"
Ofnir then smiles with an exciting news that he's nervous, but in same time happy to let Grabacr, and Shining Armor and Cadence to hear.
Ofnir then sighs happily. "Before our wedding that is tonight; Last night, Princess Twilight and I were up because Twilight have to use a bathroom before going back to sleep."
Shining Armor asked him, "Something terribly bad happened to my Twily?"
Cadence then smiles with excitement, "No."
"What is it? What is it about Twilight?" Shining Armor asked curiously, but in same time knowing that it's something personal.
Ofnir then took a breathe then answered, "Princess Twilight's pregnant!"
With those words came out of his mouth, Ofnir thought that he's going off on him, and Ofnir closes his eyes. And he thought that Shining would angrily react and would punch him for it, as he felt a bit regretful for it.
But, Shining Armor, happily estatic of the news, he runs up to Ofnir and hugs him. He cries with joy, saying to him, "Congratulations, Ofnir buddy! It also means that me and Cadence, and your Brother are going to be uncles and aunt!"
Grabacr cries more than Shining, he sobbed happily to Ofnir, "My little brother's having foal!"
Ofnir smiles, and said to Shining Armor, "I really thought you'd get mad to hear. And even Princess Cadence too."
Shining Armor stated, "Are you kidding me? I'm not mad, not only you're going to be a good husband to Twily. But you'd made a good father for your child, while Twilight would be a good mother! I'm so glad you were a good vampony to her. And I'm very honored to have you as my brother-in-law."
"Thank you, Shining Armor! Thank you." Ofnir sighed. He then added, "Despite Twilight's pregnant, me and her didn't have sex at all. No mean to bring something up."
Cadence then smiles, "It's alright, and that's okay and all. Sometimes pregnancy would occur either with or without a romantic relationship in a sexual ways or not."
"That's true!" Said a voice from behind them. It's Twilight Sparkle, with a smile. She walks up to Ofnir with both lovers hug and kiss each other.
Twilight then stated to Ofnir, "Even though, my love. You prefer not to have a sexual relationship with me, but you prefer a friendly and gentle romance for me. You're love and caringness means a lot to me like Shining Armor and my friends said! You're a true gentlecolt, Ofnir. You're kind, gentle as lamb, caring, compassionate towards those around us, and you put your life on the line against that perverted psychopath, just to protect me. You're my hero, and a wonderful vampony that I've met in my life."
Ofnir smiles and sighed, "Thank you, your highness! And it's been a honor to serve you, and to be your special colt."
Ofnir and Twilight kisses again, as Ofnir and Twilight's eyes made contact, with their wings slowly flips open.
After they finished kissing, Ofnir looks down at her dress for a second, and brougot his eyes up to his lover's and said, "You look beautiful, Princess Twilight. It looks great on you."
Twilight slightly blushes and sighs happily, "Thank you, love. Rarity made this for our wedding day. I'm glad you liked it."
"Princess Twilight," Ofnir begins, "I wanted you to know that; since we're going to be married, I wanted to be there to make you happy. And I wanted to continue to help you, your family, friends and loved ones to bright their darkest of times from day to day, despite I'm like you all. And I'm very lucky to meet you and your friends and family. And I alays hoped you were lucky to have a special somepony that cares for you, and to make everypony's day good."
Twilight smiles, with tears streaming out of her eyes, and leaps up to embrace him. "Oh, Ofnir! I'm so very lucky to meet a very kind-hearted stallion like you. You made me and everypony happy, you consider Spike and my friends a brother they never asked for; who brightens their day, and you made me to realize that I still have my friends, Spike as always my best assident, my brother, and Princesses Cadence, Luna, and Celestia that are there for me. And now; ever since our Mom and Dad are not here, I'm glad that you helped me to put my grief aside and to help me to know who I am now. You're my light in my darkest times, and I want to thank you for everything."
Ofnir and Twilight shares a kiss, and looks at each other's eyes. With smiles on their faces, Cadence and Shining Armor, and Grabacr were touched, as tears streams on their faces.
"I love you, Princess Twilight." Ofnir sighed, as Twilight responded, "I love you too, my love."
As soon everything was set up for the wedding, everypony got there in time as the wedding was underway. Princess Celestia was not only happy of Ofnir helped Twilight with her grief, but also spread happiness and joy amongst the ponys at Ponyville. Shining Armor was the Best Colt, while Princess Cadence was the Mare of Honor. Shining Armor cries a bit, trying not to let a loud cry, like at Dinky Donkey and Matilda's wedding.
Ofnir gives Shining a napkin and said, "Here you go, buddy." Shining Armor smiles and nods, "Thanks, Ofnir. You're a not only a good husband for my Twily, but a good and wonderful true friend to others."
Pinkie Pie excitely said, "Oh I'm so happy, Ofnir. You and our friend, Twilight, becoming like a big happy family! You're the bestest friend we've ever asked for."
Ofnir smiles and nods, "Thank you, Pinkie. You and your friends are like sisters to me and Grabacr. And I wanted to thank you guys for all the times, good and bad, we had together."
"Aww. That's very sweet of you." Rarity cooed with tears coming out of her eyes, messing up her make-up.
Celestia then announces, "The ceremony may shall begin! Bring forth the flower fillies!" With that said, the CMC skip walks while sprinkling flower petals on the flower for the bride, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Apple Bloom then comes up to Ofnir and hands him the flower from her bow.
"Here ya go, Ofnir. Ah got a flower just for you." Apple Bloom nods. Ofnir then smiles while taking the flower from her, and got onto his one knee and gives Apple Bloom and the Crusaders a hug.
"Aww, thank you Ofnir!" The CMC cooed, feeling very happy of Ofnir giving them a hug. Ofnir smiles, feeling good of himself to be a colt to make everypony happy.
Tear streamed out of his eyes, and Sweetie Belle uses her handkerchief to wipe away his tears. "Here you go." Sweetie nods with a smile, as Ofnir responded, "Thank you."
While seeing Ofnir gave a greet to the flower fillies, Celestia tears up a bit, touched by Ofnir's acts of kindness that he'd done when he arrived at Ponyville.
She then announces, "Bring in the Bride!" The music then started to play 'Here comes the Bride.' It's Princess Twilight Sparkle, smiling while tears streaming her eyes with joy. As she go up to the altar, Ofnir whispered to her, "You look beautiful, Princess Twilight."
"Thank you, my love." Twilight sobbed joyfully. Not only she's getting married to Ofnir, but she and Ofnir are going to have a foal.
Celestia then started to speak to the witnesses, "We are gathered here today, to honor and to cherish this lovely moment that the two race would bond as one. Ofnir, the groom, was a wonderful example that shows, not only that he's proudly to marry my beloved student, Princess Twilight Sparkle, but he helped the Princess of Friendship of to rid her grief for her loved ones who passed, and to make her happy. He's a kind-hearted vampony that cares for those he would put himself to help with personal problems, and to put a smile on everypony's faces to make them feel good about that your loved ones have passed on, but are never forgotten from yours and their hearts. And he's the vampony would put his life on the line against those who would do harm or a crime against to those who're victims and targets. Ofnir saved Twilight from harm, showing how much he cares for; not just his job, but for Princess Twilight and her friends. And I wanted to show my gratitude to him for his acts of kindness, love, and giving hope to others."
Celestia turns to Ofnir and ask him, "Ofnir the vampony. Will you take Princess Twilight Sparkle to be your wedded wife, to swore and to promise not to abandon her, and to protect her from harm. And includes her friends?"
Ofnir sighed with tears, "I do."
Celestia smiles and then turns to Twilight and asks, "Princess Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. Will you take Ofnir the Vampony to be your wedded husband, to swore to promise not to abandon and to cherish him to be apart of your life?"
Twilight sniffed with tears of joy, "I do!"
Celestia then finishes by announcing, "By the power infested in me, I hear by announce you Mare and Stallion! You may kiss the bride."
Twilight and Ofnir looks at each other with smiles on their faces. Ofnir wipes tears off of Twilight, and kisses the bride.
"Awwwww!" The crowd cooed, and Shining Armor let's out a small cry, not only proud of Twilight being married, but was honored to be Ofnir's brother-in-law. Princess Cadence uses her magic aura with her handkerchief to hand her husband to wipe his tears.
Celestia then announces for the final time, "Fillies and Gentlecolts! I pronounce you Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Ofnir!" The crowd cheers for Ofnir and Twilight, as they made their way to the wedding party.
As everypony enjoys their time at the party, Ofnir and Twilight was given a welcome as a wedded couple. Everypony greeted Ofnir "Congratulations" for being Twilight's husband. Ofnir then got his attention to Spike, and asked, "What's up, buddy?"
Spike then said, "It's your mom, shes's done with surgery and is recovering!" With that said, Ofnir then told Twilight's friends and family members about that. They then understood, and lets him go to see his mother. Grabacr came along. But Twilight, her friends, Princesses Luna, Cadence, and Celestia, and Shining Armor then follows them.
As Ofnir and Grabacr got to the hospital, they made to their mother's patient room, and waited for her to wake up. They were told by the doctor that they successfully transplanted the healthy heart to her, and she's doing much better. The mother woke up and saw her beloved sons, "Ofnir. Grabacr."
"Mother!" The brothers cries, hugging her. "Thank goodness that you're alright. We thought we would lose you!" Grabacr said, with tears streaming down to his face.
The Mother laughee and sighed, "Yeah. I must've worried you guys. I thought I would be with your father. But honestly, I believed that I thought I was going to die, leaving my two boys. I'm sorry about worrying you two."
Grabacr sighed with relief, "It's okay. It matters that you would get well and just relax and all, while the doctors try their best to heal you."
The mother smiles. Ofnir then said to her, "Mom. You heard that I'm married, right?"
The Mother then nods, "Of course! I'm so proud of you. You made your father very proud as well."
Ofnir then started to cry and reconciles, "Mom. I always think about father, since he died from action. And I thought I was a failure. Despite of my kind deeds and love I shown to ponies at Ponyville, I thought I was s complete stranger. And I doubted that I'd blind in with them. I wanted to make everypony happy, and help them out of their darkest times, like I did, when Father's not around. I wanted to be a wonderful vampony to everypony and make them all happy. That's why I...I choose to do so, by put smile on everypony's faces."
Princesses Cadence, Luna, Celestia, and Twilight, Shining Armor, and Twilight's friends started to walled up in tears, touched by his words, including Grabacr and Ofnir and Grabacr's Mother.
Ofnir then sobbed with the question to the mother, "Do you hate me for it?"
The Mother then responded to him, "Don't be silly, Ofnir. In fact, I'm like you too. I always think of him when he's gone, but I know that he's in a better place without suffering. He even mentions to me about both you and Grabacr are bunch of unique colts to grow into wonderful stallions. He said that on his last letter that I shown you. He's very proud of both of your accomplishments from the day you two were born, till now. You do kind-hearted deeds to those ponies around you, and you shown love and hope for them. That means a lot to me and your father. Don't let anything bother you or ruin you times like this, but know that I'll be there in your heart. I'm very proud of considering you my son, Ofnir. And I'm also proud of your brother as well. And thank you for all the times we shared. If I'm not going to make it still, just wanted you two to know."
Ofnir and Grabacr, started to tear up, hugs their mother and cries. "It's alright, boys. You know that I'll be alright."
Twilight and everypony comes up and comforts Ofnir and Grabacr. And they cry along with them, touched by Ofnir's confession and conversation with his mother. Ofnir then introduces Twilight to his and Grabacr's mother.
"Princess. I wanted you to meet our mother." Ofnir sobbed to her, as Twilight took his mother's hands and states, "It's an honor to meet you."
Ofnir's mother responded, "Likewise, and it's a pleasure to you, dear."
Twilight then told her of how she and Ofnir first met, helped with her grieving for her parents' passing, and how wonderful and kind that Ofnir is. This brought tears to the mother, happy of Ofnir becoming a true gentlecolt.
As they had their conversation, Princess Celestia then said to everypony, "If you all please. I'd liked to help Ofnir and Grabacr's Mother to heal, as I will use my healing magic. So please, leave us."
And so everypony got out of the patient room, and awaits for hopefully a miracle.
As time went by for about an hour, Ofnir and Grabacr were eager of their mother would heal, as Celestia was told that she'd rather do it instead of the doctors to give her a shot to walk out of the hospital in couple days.
As they waited, the door creaked open. Celestia walks out, and then smiles. And then follows was Ofnir and Grabacr's mother, which she walked out just fine. Ofnir and Grabacr were full of joy, as they run and embrace their mother, who's now feeling much better and was able to be healthy.
Celestia then states, "My magic successfully healed you mother, and she's able to come out with full health."
Ofnir and Grabacr tearfully said to her, "Thank you, your highness! Thank you."
"Not a problem at all. Now, we can head back to celebrate Ofnir and Twilight's wedding!" She said, as everypony celebrates, not for Twilight and Ofnir to get married, or Ofnir and Grabacr's Mother to be healed, but do all together.
They head back to the wedding party, with someponies are still there, and celebrates.
After Ofnir and Twilight got married, Ofnir gave his and Grabacr's thanks for healing their mother, and was considering Celestia like an aunt figure towards him. Ofnir turns back to Twilight and her brother and brother-in-law Shining Armor and sister-in-law Princess Cadence to thank them for helping him to never worry about his problems like Twilight's. With Ofnir and Twilight's marriage started, Ofnir refuses to be accepted as a prince, Dispite of being married to Princess Twilight, which he'd consider to be Twilight's personal royal guard still. Which Twilight and her friends would rather him accept to be a prince instead of him doing royal guard duties, but still could be a royal guard anyways in the same time.
Few days later, Grabacr and Princess Luna got married, and Grabacr decided to remain as Princess Luna's royal guard, and was given a promotion to the rank of First Lieutenant of the air force for Vampony's country, while Ofnir got promoted to Second Lieutenant, and would be his wingman for future missions and apart of his elite squadron. Princess Luna would later became pregnant with a future prince, named Golden Star.
Days after Luna and Grabacr's wedding, Spike proposes to Rarity, and Rarity became famous for her fashion design, thanks for Ofnir's and Spike's help. After Rarity and Spike's wedding, Rarity became pregnant with a female foal, and Spike would named it Emerald Gem.
As five months passed, Twilight was about two monthes away from her dew date. On the New Years Day, Twilight reveals to Ofnir that she's pregnant with twins; male and female foals. Which this brings surprise and joy to Ofnir to his face. But after Twilight's results to mood swings, Ofnir still forgives her for her attitude to him, and refuses to lose his temper towards her.
Followed by a month later, one day before Hearts and Hooves Day:
"Happy early Hearts and Hooves Day, Love." Ofnir said to Twilight, handing her a pack of flowers and a box of Chocolate.
"Aww, Ofnir!" Twilight sighed joyfully, accepting the gifts from him. "Thank you!"
Twilight's about to kiss him, but Ofnir insist of giving a kiss to Twilight's stomach, where the baby is, and making Twilight smiles. And Ofnir and Twilight shares a eight second kiss.
After they finished kissing, Twilight then stated to him, "You made a wonderful father, Ofnir."
"I know, Princess. And you made such a beautiful wife and mother." Ofnir responded, as she sighed, "Oh, Ofnir."
As they're about to share a kiss, Twilight suddenly started to wincing in pain. Ofnir then ask her, "What's wrong, Twilight?"
Twilight then puts her one hand her stomach, and the other on Ofnir. She then winced, "It's...Nnngh-TIME!"
About to think for a second, he to realizes that the babys' coming. Twilight's then friends then shows up, and they looked at Twilight with concern.
"Uhh, Ofnir darling? What's wrong with Twilight?" Rarity asked, and then the Princess of Friendship yells, "THE BABIES COMING!!!" THey look at her with worry, and they look back at Ofnir.
Ofnir then stutters and state, "Uhmm-Okay let's go!" He then carries Twilight onto his arms, and then flew out of the open window.
As Ofnir and Twilight arrives at the hospital, Nurse Redheart then sees Twilight and Ofnir and asks, "What seems to be a rush?"
Ofnir then said in a rush, "My wife, Twilight, is about to give birth to the twins. And we need a doctor or whoever to get her started, now!"
Nurse then startle, "Uhh, WE HAVE BABIES COMING, NEED A DOCTOR OVER HERE!" The doctor then rushes over and then tells Ofnir that he needs to wait until the labor is finish. Ofnir then said, "No. I need to be there for Princess Twilight."
But Twilight then said to him while wincing in pain, "It's okay love! Nngh! I'll be alright!" So, Ofnir then took a seat at the waiting room, as Twilight's friends shows up. Shining Armor and Cadence, Ofnir and Grabacr's Mother, and Celestia and Luna shows up. Ofnir begins to worry for Twilight, which Shining Armor knew by Ofnir's look.
Shining Armor then stated, "Hey, buddy! Don't worry about my Twily! She's going to be just fine. And I know that she'll get it through till the end."
"Yeah! Everything's going to be alright!" Cadence said to him, patting his back.
Ofnir begins to get his mind clear, understanding that Twilight will get through the labor, and she'll be able to get through it, like how Ofnir and Twilight went through mood swings and him of never worry about his Mother, which she's healed by Celestia.
Ofnir smiles and sighs, "Thanks, you guys. Thank you."
Ofnir turns to Celestia and reconciles, "Your highness! I wanted to thank you, for healing our mother. It means a lot to me and Grabacr."
Celestia smiles and then hugs him. And she said to him, "You're very welcome, Ofnir! You're truly a kind and wonderful vampony to my dearest student. And I'm very honored to have you as my cousin-in-law."
Ofnir sighed with a smile and hugs her, and the group smiles, as they gave Ofnir a group hug.
At the operating room, Twilight was in pain while she's about to give birth to the twins. The doctor tells her to give all of her strength to push the babies out, one at a time.
"Come on, your highness!" The Doctor said to her, "Push hard! We can do this together!" With those words, Twilight then pushes everything she got to get the labor done.
As she pushes hard for her first born twin, she sighs, "agghh! Arghh! Arrggghhhh!" As she felt the amount of pain she could hear a cry of the foal. And the Nurse states, "It's a colt!"
"Good job, Princess! We're almost done!" Doctor said and adds, "One more baby to go!"
Twilight's eyes teared up, and the doctor asks her, "Are you ready?!" Twilight nods her head for approval, as she breathes in and out.
The doctor tells her as he counts, "Okay! One, two, three, push!" And Twilight pushes hard for the finally foal to be given birth.
"Arghh!! Arrggghhh!!!! AARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!" Twilight screams in pain, as she hopes for it to end. She then hears another cry, realizing that was her second and final foal. The nurse stated, "It's a mare!"
"Outstanding, Princess!" Doctor said to her, as the nurse hands her the twins. "Ohh, they're beautiful!" The other nurse sighed with joy, tearing up a bit.
Twilight took a look at her and Ofnir's foals, seeing the twins look alike of Twilight's parents. She then tears up with joy and cries.
As Ofnir and the others awaits for the labor to finish, Nurse Redheart comes up to them and announces to them and turns to Ofnir, "The labor is successful! Ofnir, Princess Twilight wants you to meet your children."
With that, Ofnir heads to the room where Twilight was, and the group follows.
As they arrived to the room and Ofnir walks up to Twilight with her carrying her newborns, Ofnir then asks, "Are you doing just fine, Princess?"
"Yes, Ofnir. I'm glad that it's done." She responded, and then said, "I want you to meet your son and daughter."
Twilight looks up to Ofnir, as he started to tear up more than Twilight. Twilight told Ofnir, "Aww, Ofnir. Don't cry. I'm here, cry baby." She then hugs him.
Ofnir then fights back the tears, and Twilight asks Ofnir, "What should we name them?"
Ofnir then begins to name their children. "I think our son should be named Night Light Jr. And our daughter's name shall be Twilight Velvet II."
Twilight then sighs, "Those are the perfect names for our children, and they do look like my parents! Those are wonderful names for them."
The babies opens their eyes and looks at Ofnir, smiling at them. The babies then smiles back, waving their hands to him. Ofnir then turns back to Twilight and said, "Princess Twilight. Thank you."
Twilight then responded, "No. I should be thanking you, for helping me. And I'm glad that you're apart of mine and everypony's lives today! You're a wonderful friend and husband."
Ofnir smiles, and Twilight embraces Ofnir with a passionate hug.
"Awwww!" The group cooed, and Shining Armor and Pinkie Pie walled up in tears and lets out a cry. "Waaahahaha!" They weep, with one arm's wrap each other's shoulders and cares a tissue.
The group rolls thein eyes a bit with a smile, and sighed, "Oh Brother!"