A Tale of Brothers and Crowns

First Day on the Job

Checkmate woke up about 6 o'clock in the morning and proceeded to do his daily routine. First he stretched to get out the kinks, then he fix some brown sugar and maple oats for breakfast, and making a mental note to get some more bacon, next he did his exercises, and finally took a quick shower. After getting out of the shower he looked into the full length mirror, he looked the same as always, a short green stallion with clear muscle mass, but a bit of belly. "I'm never going to thin, no matter how much I work out." he thought disdainfully, even after all these years he still couldn't quit sweets and scarlet nectar. He resigned himself to this fact and then combed his mane, to left with a slight upwards curl, and made sure his moustache wasn't too long or shaggy. "Perfect." he thought.

He put his armor on and went up to the throne room, and going over his schedule in his head, "First: See Princess Celestia about orders and talk to her about the changes I want, Second: See to the troops, hand out schedules, check out the new recruits(if any), assign daily tasks, and make sure they all respect me. Third: Do the paperwork, make rounds to see things are running smoothly, and speak with Paragon. Fourth: Have lunch with Renegade. Last: Finish any paperwork, have dinner with Renegade if he's available, and go to bed."

He hoped everything would turn out like the schedule he planned, however unlike chess, events in life didn't follow the rules, especially Renegade. Checkmate hated when things don't go as planned, but from living with Renegade, who seemed to exist to make his life chaotic, you have to be willing to adapt the strategy in order to win the game. He finally came out of his thoughts as he reached the throne room doors. The two unicorns saluted (it's so nice to be in charge), and opened the door. The Princess was on the throne as expected. "So far, so good." he thought silently.

Checkmate did the customary bow to the princess who responded with her own after a moment. She seemed to be deep in thought and had a strange expression he couldn't identify. "Good morning, Princess."

"Good morning Captain Checkmate are you excited about your first day?" she asked with her usual polite smile.

"I am a bit nervous, but I'll manage. Anyway, I've come to see if there are any new orders for today."

"No please proceed with the standard orders."

"Understood," he acknowledged with a bow before continuing, "Princess there are a few items I would to discuss with you if I may?"

"Certainly."

Checkmate cleared his throat and began, "Princess, as you know, I have a talent with potion making and tend to use them on the field to enhance my abilities or heal minor wounds." He paused to see the princess acknowledging his words before continuing, "Well I feel that adding certain potions to the arsenal would be an excellent move, healing potions especially, as I've observed that medic unicorns need time and concentration to heal injured soldiers. Healing potions work in seconds and revitalize the user."

"That does sound like an excellent suggestion are there any others you wish to add?" The princess inquired.

"Yes, there are also strength potions, which enhance physical strength, agility, and speed. I often use this particular potion myself especially against a much bigger opponent, however it only last for about an hour. Then there is a potion that causes widespread sleepiness, a potion that petrifies enemies, and this one, " he pulled out a black ink-like potion, "will instantly kill any living creature within a mile radius."

Celestia clearly did not like that potion. It was common knowledge that the princess hated killing and had only executed five ponies during her rule. Checkmate waited in silence before she finally answered.

"Captain Checkmate, I do agree that adding these potions to the arsenal would be beneficial except that last one. Perhaps I will allow it as a last resort."

"I understand your Highness," Checkmate stated with a bit of disappointment, "Would you be willing to set aside some troops to brew the potions or would you prefer to contract a private company?" he asked.

"I think I would best to train some of troops in potion making as there aren't any private companies that manufacture potions commercially except for a few pharmaceuticals. It is still considered to be a skill that only zebras, unicorns, and traveling salesponies have. It's still in the same vein as herbal remedies and organic food."

"I'm aware Princess. It's sad that other ponies don't recognize what a valuable commodity potions are."

"Is that all Captain?"

"Actually Princess there is one more thing. I want to start a training exercise to deal with larger stronger opponents like dragons, though hopefully we will never need them."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. The Wonderbolts were all but useless dealing with a greed driven Spike. Please make some plans and send them to my study."

"I will Princess." Checkmate said with another bow.

"Is that all?"

"Yes your Majesty."

"Alright then you may attend to your other duties." Checkmate bowed once more.

Just as he was about to leave Celestia asked, "Checkmate would you wait a moment?"

"Certainly." He answered as the regal alicorn stepped down off her throne.

"Something happened between me and your brother last night."

Yeup Renegade only existed to make his life insane. "What was it your Highness?"

"Well he and I were talking when he blurted out that he has a crush on me."

Checkmate inhaled deeply to prevent himself from shouting, "I was aware of his infatuation with you, however I have repeatedly tried to tell him that any relationship with you would be impossible, but he's a snowpony who wants to see summer. He knows he's going to melt, but does it anyway just to see the sun."

"I understand, and this is not the first time that a pony professed their love for me. I would like you to check up on him to make sure he isn't too upset with last night, when you have the chance of course."

"I will Princess, if that is all I need to see to my other duties."

"That is all, thank you. You may return to your duties." With a last bow he turned and left.

Checkmate's mind was running at high speed reworking his strategy. He added in dealing with Renegade's nonsense, and hoped he wasn't too distraught. This was nothing new to Checkmate, even as a colt, he always had to calm or comfort Renegade's moods. He often felt like he always had to deal with the crises of everypony around him. Guess that's a valuable skill for the Captain of the Guard. Well he had other things to focus on so he put that thought on hold. It was time to move the pawns and knights into play.

First, Checkmate went to inspect the troops. Everypony knew their duties, and behaved accordingly. A little while later he had a meeting with the senior staff. They went over the usual, recruitment numbers, morale, efficiency, and finally Checkmate issued the new orders for the day.

Second, Checkmate inspected the armory and proceeded to the training field. The Drill Sergeant was a tough, but fair stallion, and he seemed to be doing well with the new recruits. Checkmate did notice however that there were very few female recruits. "Note to self, try to encourage more mares to join the Guard, and look into the sexual harassment reports." he thought to himself.

Third, Checkmate went to the south eastern corridor and searched for a unicorn guard. It did not take long to find him as he was always chatting with the other guards about his accomplishments. His name was Golden Spark. He was the third in a line of guardponies, and came from a well off family in Canterlot. He was a talented soldier and very popular among the troops, but he was also an arrogant, vainglorious, glory-seeking, and irritating asshole. They never got along and he was also the other choice for Captain, so naturally there was some animosity between them.

Checkmate approached the guards clearly in conversation, most likely about him, and cleared his throat. The Guards stopped and stood at attention. "At, ease," Checkmate responded. The other guards relaxed and so he approached the white unicorn with the gold colored mane. "Lieutenant Golden Spark, I would like to see you in my office please."

"Yes sir." Golden Spark responded with thinly disguised distain. Checkmate glanced at the guards as he past, and they had a nervous look about them. Clearly he was right about their conversation being about himself. They were probably discussing some nonsense about his weight, height, or maybe spreading rumors about him mounting the other guards or something. His anger boiled until he calmed down and thought, "Dismiss it, you always think the worst." It was true that he tends to go to dark and absurd thoughts when he thinks other ponies are talking behind his back. His thoughts were finally cleared when they reached his office. He went in and sat down in his new chair which was surprisingly soft. He looked up and noticed that Golden Spark was looking around with a baleful expression, probably envy and resentment.

"Sit down." Checkmate ordered and Golden Spark obeyed. They stared at each other for a moment before Checkmate, "Golden Spark, do you know why I've brought you in here?"

"To get rid of or demote me." Golden responded with all pretense of respect dropped.

Checkmate sighed and said, "No, while I admit that I don't like you and you clearly feel the same way, you are the best combat unicorn we have so I want us to put aside any strife, and try to work together. I'll even make you my right-hoofed pony. You just have to stop spreading rumors and disrespecting my position. Well what do you say."

"Right-hoofed, Pony!" Golden shouted and standing up and continued shouting, "My family has apart of the royal guard for three generations, I spent my whole life training for it, I am the bravest, toughest, and most powerful guard here, and I won't be talked down to by some earth pony coltcuddler!"

The anger Checkmate always tried to keep in check finally burst out. "You listen to me you arrogant little prick, " Checkmate stood and shouted back, "I got to be captain, because I know how to lead, I know how to use my men's talents to their full advantage, and I would to point out that both the ex-captains, and the Princesses choose me over you! You, who is nothing but a glory hounding show off who rushes off and tries to fight every monster on his own, and yourself looked good rather than the whole team. A captain is only as good as the group he commands, and I understand that you don't. So get this through your thick skull, I AM THE CAPTAIN, AND YOU WILL NOT SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN!" Checkmate declared as he whipped open a box and threw a green powder on Golden Spark's before he could react.

Golden Spark tried to get the powder of, but it took effect too fast. His eyes became unfocused, and has a slight green glow to them. Checkmate calmed himself down before he spoke, "Golden Spark from now on you treat me with respect, and you will follow my orders like a solider should, do you understand?" Golden Spark nodded and then Checkmate said, "Dismissed."

The glow faded and his eyes refocused. He saluted and said nothing, but deep down in his eyes Checkmate could still a hint of anger. He then left the office to return to his post.

When Golden Spark left, Checkmate placed the box containing the green powder into the bottom drawer. He couldn't help but think of the two long months it took to make that mind control powder. He needed this one because it was the only mixture that wouldn't make the victim act like a zombie or alter their personality. This was very handy to have around. Checkmate wonders if he should tell the Princess about this powder. He thought that the princess might disapprove of these methods, so ultimately it would be better to keep this secret until it was necessary to reveal it. This also led to him thinking, would he have used it on the Captain if he didn't get promoted?

No I had to earn this job, I deserved it. Whether this was him clearing his conscience or not he wasn't certain, but that was irrelevant now he had to attend to his brother What a great first day. He thought sarcastically.

Checkmate made his way up to the top of the tower where Renegade's lab was all the while trying to brace himself for whatever state his overreacting brother was in. He finally reached the top and slowly opened the door. The lights were off and all the curtains were closed. Checkmate proceeded inwards careful to avoid the various gadgets, gizmos, and chemicals all over the pace, How does he live like this? Checkmate thought. He finally spotted Renegade lying on the floor next to his bed with a bottle next to him. A surge of panic went through, thinking that the drink was Scarlet Nectar, and rushed over and shouted, "Renegade!," he began shaking him, "Renegade answer me!"

"Stop it!" Renegade finally responded and then slowly got himself up with some difficulty. Checkmate was relieved and was finally able to make out that the bottle was apple cider, the alcoholic kind from the way he was swaying and rubbing his head. "Oh, my head, why'd you have ta shout anyway, can't a pony drink his problems away in peace."

"I thought you were dead, so sorry for caring about you." Checkmate responded with his usual cheekiness.

"Well I might as well be dead. I made a complete ass of myself last night," he responded taking a swig out of a bottle before spitting it out, "Yuck gasoline, why do I have gasoline in a cider bottle?"

"I don't know. I've never be able figure out how your mind works." Checkmate responded before taking a deep breath and saying, "Listen Renegade I know about what happened last night, and I want you to know that the Princess is not upset or embarrassed about the whole thing. Heck she mentioned that other ponies have confessed their love for her in the past, so don't be so hard on yourself."

"Oh great, I'm not just a loser, I'm a loser in a long line of losers. What was I thinking, I could never be good enough for the Princess!" he cried and added, "Where's the gasoline?" He found and tried to drink when Checkmate knocked out of his hooves.

"Stop that! Honestly why are you such a drama queen. You acted the same way when Misty Morning broke up with you."

"I'm a sensitive pony, Mister I-Repress-All-My-Emotions. I let out what I'm feeling, unlike you who didn't cry at our grandmother's funeral."

"I accept mortality and I do feel, but I always had to be the strong one whenever you and Mom were upset."

"Whatever, it doesn't matter. How can I face the Princess after this!"

"Easy you look up."

"Oh you're such a comedian Checkmate! I bet my whole life is one big joke to you isn't it."

"Look," Checkmate said with as much sympathy as he could muster, "you can't hide up here forever. You're going to have to face her eventually so why don't you get it over with. It'll be like ripping off a bandage. So sober up, clean up, and get your things in order. Tomorrow is when you have to present your findings isn't it?"

Renegade suddenly looked up with dreadful realization. "Holy crap you're right, I've got to get my notes in order." Renegade began rushing around getting his notes, grafts, and formulas in order with his usual brand of insanity so Checkmate felt that his job was done. He left, finished the remainder of his duties and went to bed, hoping the next day would be smoother.

The Next Day

Renegade woke up and groggily made his way into the small kitchenette that he set up. He brewed a cup of coffee, the only thing that makes him function in the morning. He soon drank the bitter liquid, and his mind started to wake up. On the forefront of his thoughts was the fact that today he would be showing Princess Celestia his new internal combustion engine, and then the events of other night came back and the sense of dread overtook him. He definitely needed something stronger than coffee this morning, but he was all out cider. He sighed and decided to just get ready. The Princess would be expecting him at 10:00 so he had a few hours to get ready. He made breakfast which included the bacon he loves so much Thank you griffins. he thought. Afterwards he took a shower, and shaved. He then took his yellow hair dye and applied it to the tips of his mane to give it a flame-like look to it that he always loved. He then went around checking if any of his notes were missing or any adjustments were needed on the engine. He finally got everything organized at about 8:00 so he started to see if there was something to do. He looked at some of his unfinished projects, there was a new weapon that was supposed to fire a small metal ballistic, but he couldn't figure out where the trigger should go or how to carry it. Then there was a plan to build a machine that would allow several ponies to fly in air like a blimp or balloon, but was faster and had wings, he kept getting nowhere with it. Maybe my engine would make it? Mental Note: Apply Internal Combustion Engine with Flying Machine Idea. He then looked over to a picture he had taken at the Summer Sun Celebration a year ago that had Princess Twilight Sparkle, her five friends, and Spike. He remembered he was very excited to meet them, and probably bugged them until he let them take a picture. They even autographed it. He couldn't help but think of how much they did to protect Equestria, and then of how they might all be in danger if something happened to them.

This got him on a line of thought that if they were to die then who would protect Equestria, yeah there's the Princesses, and the Royal Guard, but the six of them seemed to be the ones who always saved the day. The thought was still in his head as he noticed some notes he missed. However he realized that they were his backup notes in case he lost the originals. Wait, Lost the originals, backup. Inspiration struck him like a bolt of lightning and rushed to get some clean papers. He sat down and started writing and drawing up plans. It took a while, but his plan was finished. The plan was simple, he would create duplicates of the element wielders and should something happen to one or more of them he could bring out a copy to replace. Of course he needed to figure out how to transfer memories and personalities into the copies, and how to create the copies, after all cloning is still a new science. He would need to study it and figure out the physical aspects before he tackled the mental.

When Renegade felt that he had a plan going he looked at his watch and noticed it was 9:58. "Oh crap, I'm going be late!" he shouted to nopony. He levitated all of his materials and then put on his favorite pair of goggles and went downstairs.

Renegade spends so much time up in his that he tends to forget how big the castle really is. He took several wrong turns, wound up in a mare's bathroom, which resulted in a bruise on the cheek from a hairbrush. He finally found the right room where Princess Celestia was sitting behind a desk. He quickly set up his equipment and paused to catch his breath. He finally looked up at the beautiful princess, and said nervously, "G-Good Morning, your Majesty."

Celestia smiled kindly and said, "Good morning, Renegade."

Renegade hesitated for a moment and finally said, "Your Majesty, I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable the other night. I know that you would never consider dating me, but I hope you'll still let me work for you."

"Renegade," Celestia responded sweetly, "I am not upset, and while I admit that your confession caught me off guard, it's not the first time a stallion has declared their love for me."

"Yes Checkmate told me." Renegade interrupted.

Celestia nodded and continued, "Please understand that this does not change my feelings towards you. I value your intelligence and inventiveness, and won't allow you to leave over something like this."

A great sense of relief washed over Renegade as he responded with, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

She nodded once more and said, "Now I believe that you have a new invention to show me."

"Yes," he levitated his notes and proceeded to his charts, "This is the Internal Combustion Engine, a revolutionary machine that I believe will change the transportation industry. This baby will power carriages and make them move faster than an entire team of stallions. I feel that this will enable ponies to move across Equestria quicker than going on hoof, and carriages with these engines will allow ponies to travel in terrains that even trains can't reach. This can also be applied to boats and even air travel, although I haven't quite work it out yet. Would you like to see how it works?"

Celestia nodded, stood up, and trotted over to Renegade. She looked at the engine, admiring the mechanism. Renegade couldn't help but look up and admire just how beautiful she is. She then looked at him and he suddenly found his hooves very interesting. He stalled for a moment until he coughed and began explaining the way the engine functions. She listened intently though the whole time he kept looking at her every time he could and he noticed how radiant she looked with the sun behind her. "So the engine is fueled by some sort of liquor?"

It took a moment to register her question, but finally he said, "Uh, no technically Scarlet Nectar has no alcohol, but it does have a few similar properties. I tweeted the chemical formula a bit so it can run the engine and so it's fumes won't kill anyone."

"Is the nectar the only fuel source?" Celestia asked.

"No, but it's just the safest for ponies and the environment. Gasoline, a type of fossil fuel, also works but overtime we would run out and it would cause environmental problems. However I should clarify that pure Scarlet Nectar would be dangerous as a fuel, so we need to produce my mixture, which I haven't named yet, and make sure that ponies know to use that rather than buying the nectar and using it."

"Yes, we will need to make sure of that." she said deep in thought. When she finished contemplating she said, "Renegade I do believe that this invention will indeed be a benefit to all Equestria, however as to the vehicles, I will need to see some prototypes at least by the end of winter so I can fully endorse this."

"I understand Princess. I already do have some ideas about the vehicles, I just need to perfect them." he responded eagerly. "Will that be all for today Princess?"

"Yes I believe so."

He began packing up his presentation with a zeal of having a success and the fact that Celestia wasn't mad at him. He started to leave when he heard Celestia say, "Wait a minute."

"Is there something wrong, Princess?" he asked worried he screwed up somewhere, his thoughts racing trying to find a flaw.

"No Renegade, I just..." Celestia had a slight blush and a look of nervousness on her face, "I've been thinking about our conversation the other night, and I've been thinking that maybe I should try to enjoy life a bit more. It would also be nice to be a pony who sees me as an individual rather than royalty. So Renegade would you be willing to accompany on a little outing this weekend."

I'm dreaming, I must dreaming. he thought. He used his magic to pinch himself, and the pain confirmed that he was awake. However the shock of having the mare of his dreams asking him on a date. He then noticed Celestia's expression and realized that he had be staring for a least a minute so he blurted out, "YES!," he then cleared his throat and more calmly responded with, "yes I would consider it an absolute honor to go with you." He then paused and building up courage asked, "Would this be considered a date?"

"For the moment let's just think of it as two friends having fun on the town, but it is possible that it may turn into a date. We'll see how things go." She finished with a slight sultry tone and left the room.

Renegade felt like a Pegasus and a young colt all at once. A giant smile spread across his face and he began hopping back to his tower with a giddiness in each step, completely ignoring the stares from the other ponies. What did he care what they thought, he was on cloud nine and wasn't coming down.

There was on thing that Checkmate hated about this job and yet it was the most familiar. It was the paperwork. He read over and made out reports upon reports. He started doing this with Cpt. Shield since his eyesight was getting worse. He knew that this would be a pain in the flank, but it still didn't make it any easier. He finally finished and took a swig of nectar. He looked at the clock and noticed that it was dinnertime. He got up and proceeded to Renegade's lab. He and Renegade have been dining together for years, mostly because they didn't have dates. A soldier normally ate in the mess hall, but since he and Renegade were related and Renegade had a tendency to blow things up they let them eat together. Last night Renegade was asleep so he ate with the rest of guard. He definitely liked Midnight Wind, the commanding officer of the Lunar Pegasi, but he hated talking to Spitfire who usually talked about the Wonderbolts' tours and maneuvers.

He reached the tower door and knocked, "Come in." he heard Renegade chime.

Checkmate entered and asked, "Hello Renegade, how did your appointment with Princess go?"

He was then assaulted by his brother who threw his forelegs around him in a hug and said, "Checkmate! Have I told you how much I love you big brother."

Checkmate responded by pushing him off, "Get off me." Renegade seemed unaffected by this and simply giggled. "Did you inhale some chemical fumes again." he asked with clear discomfort and confusion.

"Nope," an overly cheerful Renegade responded. "The most wonderful thing just happened!"

"You made a break through in your experiment?" Checkmate guessed.

"Actually yes, but that's not it, try again."

Checkmate thought for a moment, but his impatience go the better of him and asked, "I give up, what is it."

Renegade once again violated his personal space and said, "I going on a date..." he paused, "with Princess Celestia!"

"What?" Checkmate replied with a mixture of shock and confusion. "This is a joke, right?"

"No, she actually asked me out! Well, okay it's more of "friendly outing" than a date, but hey it's a start." he finished prancing over to the table where two hamburgers( actual meat not hay ) and French fries were set out.

It took a moment for Checkmate to completely process this information and finally he spoke, "Renegade, listen I don't want you to get your hopes up too high, after all she's an immortal demigoddess. I'm sorry if I'm being harsh, but let's face it, this probably won't last."

Renegade's smile wavered and he replied, "I am fully aware that it might not last, but Checkmate this is the best thing to ever happen to me, and I want to enjoy even if it only lasts for a short while. I know she will probably outlive me, but I still think it's worth it, so don't bother trying to change my mind."

"Alright, I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"Thanks, so let's eat before it gets cold."

They proceeded to enjoy the meaty goodness of the hamburger. They didn't talk for a while until Checkmate asked, "So how did you and the Princess wind up planning a date."

"Glad you asked," he paused swallowing his hamburger, "I was presenting my Internal Combustion Engine, and when I was done talking, she asked me out. Apparently she is lonely and would enjoy some company, especially from a smart, handsome stud."

"Really so why did she make a date with you?"

"Hey, I'll have you know that all my ex-marefriends thought I was great in the hay. Little Renegade knows how to please mares, plus the fact that about 13 inches don't hurt." Checkmate hated when Renegade brought up his size. Checkmate himself was average at best, and yet another surge of inadequacy went through him.

"True, but I highly doubt the Princess and you will heading to her bedroom, and besides she's much bigger than the average mare, you might not measure up to her standards." Checkmate retorted.

"Well I still get to go on a date with the most beautiful mare in Equestria, so there." he finished while sticking his tongue sticking out like a foal.

"Careful what you say, the Princesses may be listening, and think you're only after her body."

"Well I'm not just after her body, she's so...amazing, so wise, so elegant, and so loving. I hope she'll like me."

"I'm sure she'll like you, although I'm not sure to what degree."

"Well it's getting late, and I've got two days to prepare for my date and work on my motorized carriages prototypes so good night."

Checkmate was going to ask what exactly a motorized carriage was, but decided against it. "Alright, good night."

Checkmate left letting Renegade get into his mess of bed, and Checkmate going down to his private quarters in order to sleep and prepare for the next day.