Guard Tiara: The Grand Guard Games

It can't be, Diamond Tiara thought. Here, of all places? Blue eyes wide, she turned around to look.

Standing there was a gray earth mare with a silvery mane and tail. A smirk tugged at the edges of her mouth as she looked at Diamond Tiara from over a pair of glasses.

"Silver!" Diamond cried out excitedly. Running up to her friend, Diamond threw her forelegs around Silver Spoon, pulling her into a hug. "I can't believe you're here. It's so good to see you."

Grinning, she pulled back to look at her friend, and saw the look of concern on her face.

"Is something wrong?" Diamond asked.

"You've... never hugged me before," Silver Spoon stated.

"What? We've been best friends for years."

"Yeah," Silver agreed, "but you've never hugged me."

"I haven't?" Diamond asked. That could not be right. There had to have been times when she had hugged Silver. They had been friends forever. Even when Diamond Tiara was being a total brat that was pretty much obsessed with power and control.

And showing affection at a time like that was not something she did at that point. Because doing so was "uncool" and would be an indication of weakness. She had never even been genuinely affectionate toward Snails in public while they were dating, except to make it abundantly clear to others that he belonged to her.

"Well consider it something I'm trying to work on," Diamond said. "So what are you doing here? Is Pipsqueak with you?" This got a grimace from Silver Spoon.

"I'm actually here for work," Silver answered. "They want me to take some notes on the behavior of the other cultures. As for Pipsqueak..." Shifting, she chewed at her lip. One of her forelegs moved to rub at the other.

"...We broke up..."

That was a surprise Diamond Tiara. Silver Spoon and Pipsqueak had really seemed perfect for each other to her. They spent plenty of time together (more than Diamond liked at first actually; she had admittedly been jealous of their time together when they started), had a lot in common, and seemed to be able to help balance out each other's moods. Of all the relationships she thought would work out... well... Sweetie Belle and Spike were at the top...

But Pipsqueak and Silver Spoon were up near there... somewhere...

"Do you wanna get something to eat and talk about it?"

"Something to eat sounds nice," Silver Spoon answered, "but there's not really much to talk about."

The two of them started walking, looking around the town as they went to find a sign of a cafe or dining place.

"Really, it seems like we just drifted apart," Silver explained as they went. "At first we were spending all of our free time together, two ponies in a new place who knew nopony else. I got an apartment and job, and he came to spend all of his off time from training with me. As time passed, we just kind of started spending less and less time together. When we did, it was less like a relationship and more like a friendship. We hadn't even... you know... in a while...

"So, finally we talked and decided that it just wasn't working out between us anymore. It was time for us to end the relationship and move on." She let out a sigh. "We both agreed that we would try to stay friends, but I honestly doubt that's going to happen."

The two of them continued to walk for a while. Diamond Tiara felt like she should say something to Silver Spoon on the matter. Something to help console her friend, to help her feel a little better.

"Well it's his loss," she finally huffed out. "There is no way that he is going to find another mare that is as good for him as you. Although you could do totally better than him. I bet in a couple weeks, stallions will be knocking down your door."

"I don't know," Silver Spoon sighed. "I kind of went to Canterlot to be with him, figuring I could get a job anywhere. Now that we're no longer together, I'm not sure if I want to stay there. I could return to Ponyville and be around ponies I know, or even move to Manehattan and start a whole new life of my own."

"Well if you ever need to, you can stay in my old room," Diamond said. "Dad always liked having you around, and it's pretty much just him now." She paused, her step hesitating. "Although... now that he's divorcing mom, he might want to be alone a little more..."

"What?" Silver cried out in surprise. "I know you mentioned that your father was planning to do that, but I didn't know he actually had."

"It just happened," Diamond answered. She then proceeded to tell Silver about going to visit her father, only to find him in a shouting match with her mother. Diamond even included the part of getting mad, hitting her mother, and leaving in a rage.

"So how are you doing?" Silver Spoon asked.

"Apple Bloom helped me get over the worst of it, although I'm still mad at... I don't even want to call her 'mom' right now..."

The pair of friends continued to walk along, talking about what had been going on since their last letters to each other, and looking for a place to eat that did not seem too crowded. The last part was actually rather difficult to do. With all the visitors and such in town, a lot of places were very busy. Great for the economy of The Crystal Empire, but that made it difficult to find a quiet spot to have a chat while eating.

Eventually, they managed to find an outdoor cafe that served warm sandwiches and crystal fruit drinks. After placing their orders, the two of them relaxed. It was nice to find a quiet place and catch up with an old friend. Diamond Tiara was glad to she ran into Silver Spoon.

"Well, well," a voice said. "Look who it is."

Of fucking course she's here! Diamond Tiara thought, fighting the urge to let out a groan and roll her eyes. Instead she closed them and took a deep breath, reminding herself that she was supposed to behave as a representative of Twilight Sparkle, her guard, and Ponyville. Slipping one of her front hooves under the tablecloth and took a hold of the table leg.

The nearly invisible scar across her nose itched.

Feeling like she could keep herself under control, Diamond Tiara opened her eyes and turned to look.

Aura stood there, eyes narrowed as she glared at Diamond Tiara (and probably Silver Spoon as well). The mare was dressed in deep blue armor with red accents, a pair of swords at her side. She was flanked by two griffons and had an axe-wielding minotaur at her back, all dressed in similar armor.

"Hello Aura," Diamond said, smiling (don't grimace or snarl, she reminded herself). "You seem to be doing well. I take it you remember Silver Spoon." She motioned to the other mare, who gave a small wave.

"...yes..." Aura said slowly, blinking at the gray mare. She then returned her attention to Diamond Tiara. "What are you up to?"

"Up to?" Diamond repeated, eyes wide and blinking. "I'm not up to anything."

"Don't give me that!" Aura snapped moving forward until her nose was practically touching Diamond Tiara's. "What are you doing here in The Crystal Empire? And why are you acting so... so... nice?"

Diamond's grip tightened on the table leg, squeezing it until she felt the muscles start to strain. Her jaw tensed as she tried to keep a friendly smile, to resist the urge to attack. Oh how she wanted to attack. Especially since Aura was right there. It would be so easy. One quick lunge, and Diamond could bite her on the nose. Granted, she would get in trouble for it, but there was no way they would kill her in public. At the very least, it would mean that Aura would end up with a scar on her own snout as well.

Although such a thing could very well cost her, possibly being kicked out of the guard. She had barely started to be one, and was far from being good at it. Or a good pony. She still had a lot to make up for. Probably better not to add more to it so soon.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and counted to ten. Soon she felt back in control.

"I'm here because our platoon was selected to observe The Grand Guard Games," Diamond Tiara finally answered. "As for why I'm being nice: I'm not. I'm being polite. How else would somepony act in public while surrounded by powerful figures from not just Equestria, but all across the world?"

Aura's eyes went wide. Taking a step back she looked around. Diamond Tiara did the same, taking note of the few other races that were also in armor (although of different colors and styles than Aura's) who were watching the two of them intently. One of them -- a zebra with a scar of his own running from cheek to collarbone -- had a hoof resting on a bag at his waist: most likely some sort of magical powder. At another table, a griffon was not looking in their direction, however one claw was holding onto a bow. They were surrounded by experienced soldiers, who had picked up the skills of sensing tension and preparing for a fight without inciting one.

With a sigh, Aura took a step back and straightened up. She brushed a hoof along her peytral as she returned her gaze to Diamond Tiara.

"So you're not participating in the games then?" Aura asked. "How unfortunate. Because I am." She grinned. "You see, after you got me kicked out of guard training, I managed to join up with some mercenaries." Aura waved at the griffons and minotaur. "We were recently hired on by Prince Blueblood, and have been registered to participate on his behalf. When we win, it will prove that having a standing guard is a waste, and will be eliminated as they are replaced by independent mercenary groups."

"That's not going to happen," Silver Spoon stated.

Aura turned to glare at the other mare, eyes narrowing. She moved to step around the table, keeping her eyes on Silver Spoon. A snort escaped Aura as she approached.

"Oh? And what makes you so sure? Think we don't have a chance or something? Are you psychic now?"

"No," Silver Spoon. "I mean it won't work. Starting with the assumption that you will win. You are facing trained fighters from all around the world, most likely veterans who have been in the service for years if what we've seen here is any indication. Every group participating is going to send their best and brightest, to show how capable they are in combat. Included among them are the guards of the four princesses of Equestria. One of them is a group of standing guard that has been honed and perfected for a thousand years, adjusting to modern methods as necessary, but still having a strong tradition and pride to go with it. One is a group that is loyal to their princess despite her missing for a thousand years, the talents and capabilities of which are still not fully known since their disappearance and subsequent return. One is formed by a group of ponies that lived under tyrannical rule for years and now have freedom and respect, which they will do anything and everything to keep; plus they are being trained by a former guard captain who has experience in kingdom level threats. Finally we have one that is trained by the youngest princess who: has protected the entire kingdom on multiple occasions; was one of the smartest and most powerful ponies even before her ascension; and has an extensive understanding of teamwork seeing as she is the princess of friendship. And that's just the princesses from here in Equestria. We have no idea what kind of training the other nations use. Although you might because of your griffon and minotaur associates. Which brings me to my second point."

Silver Spoon paused to take a drink before continuing.

"You have already said that you were kicked out of guard training, meaning you have gone through some. I'm assuming that at least two of your other group right here have similar training, and one of them has actually served in a guard. Correct?"

There was a moment of silence as the four in blue armor looked at each other. Finally, the griffons and minotaur nodded.

"See?" Silver said. "Most mercenaries -- if not all -- have at least some form of official training. In fact, the majority of mercenaries are former guards who left for one reason or another, be it to seek out greater excitement, money, or having been discharged. If you manage to win, you're not going to be able to eliminate the guard in favor of mercenaries because mercenaries rely heavily on the guard system. Supposing you managed to do away with the guards entirely, you would then need to create a system of training for those who wished to become mercenaries. Plus, some of the nobles will want to be sure to have a constant number of fighters who are constantly available and somewhat loyal to them, as opposed to simply working for the highest bidder. Essentially, the result is going to be that eventually you will end up with a system that is basically the same as the guards, but with a different name."

Diamond Tiara, Aura, and her mercenary group all stared at Silver Spoon, with their mouths hanging open as Silver returned to her drink. Slowly, the shock on Diamond's face gave way to a smirk. It was a very impressive job of a pony politely and logically tearing another down. It was also surprising. Diamond Tiara knew Silver Spoon was smart and observant, but had never known she could do something like that. Normally, Silver deferred to her when it came to something like that.

Suddenly, Diamond Tiara was a little glad she had never really gotten on Silver Spoon's bad side.

"Whatever," Aura huffed out, turning away from the table. "Even if the whole 'eliminate the guard' thing doesn't work out, we will still win." She looked over her shoulder at Diamond Tiara. "I'm disappointed you won't be participating. It would be fun defeating you once and for all in front of so many." Looking away, she started walking. "I guess I'll just have to settle for defeating your oh so precious guard instead."