Another day, another chance at greatness. Or a chance of failure and complete and utter embarrassment. Depends on who you ask, really.
The rooster crowed outside of the window of the barracks, signaling the start of another day. Flash Sentry rose up slowly and stretched his wings. He wiped the sleep from his eyes and open the curtains of his room.
"Good morning, Crystal Empire," he murmured to himself, taking a brief moment to admire the view, "Ready for another day."
He brushed his mane and teeth, then quickly put on his armor and helmet. He stood for a moment in front of the mirror, looking at himself cautiously. Do I look okay? he wondered. He wanted to make sure he looked presentable. Royal Guards have to keep up their appearances at all times. At any moment, one of them could be chosen for an important task, and they had to be ready for anything.
He looked over at his beside table. A small portrait of his family sat next to the alarm clock he'd never bothered to use, since the rooster was loud enough already. He gazed fondly at his family. His kindly mother Lily Shine, who'd encouraged him to follow his dreams ever since he was little. His stern but well-meaning father Copper Glint, who'd raised him to be honorable and truthful. And his cheerful little brother, First Base, who'd adored Flash ever since he was born.
He was the reason Flash had chosen to join the Royal Guard, to show his little brother that he really could be a hero. A hero who battles monsters, stops invasions, and saves princesses. A hero somepony would be proud of.
A loud knock on the door startled Flash. "Hey Flash, you awake?" a loud yet familiar voice called out.
Flash chuckled to himself. He'd recognize that voice anywhere. "Yes, Silver Sheen," he called back, "I'll be right there."
He opened the door to see the familiar grey face of his good friend. Silver Sheen was a unicorn who'd been stationed in the Crystal Empire along with Flash, and the two were very close. Silver was one of those ponies who laughed at his own jokes and wasn't above the occasional prank. But even so, he was understanding and truthful, and was a friend you could always count on.
"How's it going, buddy?" Silver asked, playfully punching Flash in the shoulder. Flash winced briefly at the impact, though it honestly didn't hurt. Silver would never intentionally hurt someone.
"Well, I'm still breathing, so that's a plus," Flash joked, closing the door behind him. Silver chuckled in response.
"Well, we better head down to the mess hall, or it's leftover oat bran for breakfast if we're late," Silver said, quickly glancing at the clock in the hall. Flash nodded and the two set off.
After the two made their way to the mess hall, they quickly grabbed themselves a meal and went to find a place to sit.
"Hey, Flash! Silver!" a red pegasus guard called out to the two, waving to them, "Over here!"
Flash and Silver quickly walked over to the table at which the red pegasus sat. "Hey, Storm Clash," Flash said as he sat down, "What's new?"
"Well, I might get elevated to a higher rank soon," Storm replied, "My superior officer said he was impressed with my performance during drills yesterday."
"Sounds fascinating," Flash responded, munching on an oat muffin. Storm Clash had always been one of the best recruits, topping some of the more experienced members within mere weeks of his arrival. Flash looked up to him as a model of greatness, someone he could strive to be like. Yet, he could more often than not, barely meet the standard.
Flash always had the hardest time catching up to his peers. He felt like he was almost always was behind, and when he did try to better himself and match the other stallions in his squadron, he would barely make the standard. He'd gotten into the army on a pure chance, having barely made the entrance qualifications. He tried as hard as he could to be better, yet the response from his commanding officer was always the same: Not bad, Sentry. But you can always do better.
Suddenly, a loud voice silenced the noise of the mess hall.
"Soldiers! Attention!"
Everyone turned to see Captain Shining Armor standing in the doorway of the mess hall. The captain was often busy with his multiple responsibilities of being both the Royal Guard Captain and Prince of the Crystal Empire, but he always stopped by to check on his recruits.
"I want everypony to assemble in the courtyard outside immediately!" he commanded. He swiftly turned around and marched out the door. All the soldiers in the hall quickly finished off their food and followed the captain. Flash, Storm, and Silver hurriedly followed the crowd.
"What do you think he wants?" Silver asked, wiping crumbs from his mouth.
"Not, sure," Flash replied, "But whatever it is, it must be important." Ever since the birth of Princess Flurry Heart, Captain Shining Armor had been very busy with the new responsibility of being a father. Even with Royal Crystaller Sunburst's assistance, caring for the new princess was a lot of work. Whenever Shining Armor would stop by, it was more often than not for something very important.
The three friends picked up their pace and soon arrived outside in the courtyard by the Crystal Palace. Captain Shining Armor stood at the head of the crowd on an elevated platform as he spoke.
"Gentlecolts, I have brought you here for a very important purpose," he addressed the guards in a loud voice, "After the failed attempt to conquer Equestria by the changelings' former queen, the lack of security surrounding the town of Ponyville has becoming alarmingly apparent."
Silver stifled a laugh. "That's because Ponyville has no security!" he snickered under his breath.
"Exactly, Silver Sheen," Shining Armor said sternly, shooting Silver a harsh glare. Silver quickly quieted down. He knew that the captain had little tolerance for troublemakers.
"So, in an effort to combat future threats," he continued, "Princess Celestia has decided to establish a Royal Guard branch in Ponyville to improve security, and most importantly, ensure the safety of Princess Twilight Sparkle."
Flash couldn't help but blush at the mention of Princess Twilight's name. Ever since he'd met her not very long ago, he'd been fascinated by her. Even though he'd only seen her a few times: once at the Princess Summit, once at the train station when he was serving as Princess Cadance's royal escort, and again at the welcoming of the duke and duchess of Maretonia. But those were only brief glimpses; he'd barely even gotten to speak with her. Regardless, he couldn't get her out of his mind.
"And so," Shining Armor spoke once more, snapping Flash out of his daydream, "After conversing with Princess Celestia, it has been decided that a small selection of stallions will be drafted into the newly formed Friendship Guard!"
He looked up to the balcony above them, where a servant unfurled a banner with a crest on it. The crest was Princess Twilight's cutie mark surrounded by six different colored gems, likely representing the Elements of Harmony.
"Now, this is something that you'll have to work for," Shining Armor spoke again, "Not all of you will be chosen. A total of sixty stallions, twenty from each separate branch of the Royal Guard, will be chosen to travel to Ponyville as members of the Friendship Guard. And of that number, one stallion will be the captain of this new guard."
Flash's ears perked up at this revelation. Captain of my own guard?! he thought to himself, This could be my chance!
Each separate branch of the Royal Guard has its own captain, although Shining Armor had the highest authority over all three branches. The Day Guard has Solar Flare, the Night Guard has Moonstrike, and the Crystal Guard has Noble Truth.
This was the moment Flash had been waiting for! This was his chance to prove himself worthy of being a Royal Guard!
But this wasn't going to be easy. Shining Armor said that this was an opportunity that had to be earned. Flash would be competing for this position with some of the best of the best. Even if he did make it into the Friendship Guard, he'd probably just be a low-ranking soldier.
But that didn't mean he couldn't try.
I'm gonna do it, he decided, I'm going to work as hard as I can to join this new guard. I'm going to prove to everypony that I can be the best Royal Guard ever. For my family. For me. For Princess Twilight.
Once Shining Armor dismissed the soldiers, everpony went to their daily jobs. Flash, Silver, and Storm had basic town patrol.
"So, who do you think will be chosen for the new guard?" asked Silver as they walked.
"Not sure," Storm replied, nodding hello to a passing crystal pony, "But whoever does will sure be lucky!"
"Yeah..." Flash muttered, not paying attention. His mind was focusing on something else. Or rather somepony else.
Yes, he was thinking about Princess Twilight. But he couldn't help it. She was just so captivating. The instant she came to his mind, it was nigh impossible for him to get her out. But then again, was that really so bad? She was so graceful and kind; so angelic...so beautiful...
The trio stopped by a flower stall, and Flash was so caught up in his own daydream, he didn't notice the fact that he was staring blankly at a bouquet of violets.
Silver noticed this, and grinned impishly. "I guess members of this new guard will get to spend and awful lot of time around Princess Twilight..." he teased.
Flash blushed furiously, and attempted in vain to hide his face.
"You'd like that, wouldn't ya, Flash?" Silver continued to rib on his friend, who by now was covering his face with his wings.
"Shut up, Silver," Flash said through gritted teeth, his voice muffled by his wings. Any mentions of Princess Twilight was Flash's weak point. He could barely focus on anything whenever her name was brought up.
"Don't you pretend, Flash," Silver continued, "It's no secret that you have a thing for her."
"I do not!" Flash protested, angrily jabbing Silver in the shoulder. Silver winced, then began to laugh. Flash growled in frustration. Silver's inability to take things seriously was one of the most annoying aspects of him.
"Silver, leave him alone," Storm scolded. Silver shrugged and walked a short distance away, leaving Flash and Storm alone.
Storm placed a hoof on Flash's shoulder. "You want this position, don't you, pal?" he said quietly.
"More than anything," Flash responded, thinking back to his earlier thoughts about Princess Twilight and how he'd decided to do this for her.
"Well, you're gonna have to work hard for it then, right?" Storm asked, pacing around Flash in circles, as if inspecting him.
"Yeah, I guess..." Flash replied.
"Well, then let's get to work!" Storm declared, pumping his hoof in the air, as if celebrating a victory.
"YEAH!" Flash cheered. He bucked his back hoofs in the air and struck a noble pose. "I will join the Friendship Guard!" he declared firmly.
Storm nodded in approval. "That's my pal," he said proudly.
Flash smiled in thanks, then called over to Silver, who was chatting up a pretty blue and pink crystal pony with a daisy cutie mark. "Hey, Casanova! Care to join us?"
Silver looked over, rolled his eyes, quickly said something to the crystal pony, then walked back over to join his friends.
"Did you guys really have to ruin the moment?" he complained. He quickly looked back to the pony he'd been chatting with, who shot him a flirty look. Silver winked back, and she blushed.
Flash and Storm rolled their eyes. "What's so special about this one?" Storm said, "You get a new girlfriend every other week."
"Hey, I can't help it if the mares dig me," Silver responded, "Besides, Daisy Chain is a real sweetheart; I offered to take her out to dinner once my shift's over tonight."
Flash couldn't help but laugh. Silver was such a ladies' stallion. He flirted with almost every pretty mare he came across. Dated tons of them, but hardly ever kept them.
But Silver's love life wasn't of Flash's concern right now. It was time to train. It would be a long process, but Flash was ready.
From that day forward, Flash took his training much more seriously.
Every morning, he got up well before the rooster crowed, ran down to the mess hall for a quick meal, then it was out to the training yard. Storm had agreed to be his coach during this time. And he did just that...in his own way, at least.
"Come on! Move your hindquarters!" Storm barked as Flash flew from one end of the yard to the other, "You call that fast? My grandma Rain Drizzle is faster than that! Put some effort into it!"
Storm might have been a little harsh in his methods, but Flash knew that his friend meant well. He challenged Flash to push himself to limits he didn't even know he had.
Every morning, day after day for almost a month, Flash honed his skills to the best of his ability, testing himself both physically and mentally. And Storm was right there alongside him the whole time.
"A Royal Guard has to be ready for anything!" Storm reminded as Flash ran through an obstacle course Storm had set up, "You have to be on your hooves at all times!" Just as he finished that sentence, A cardboard cutout of a thief pony sprang up in Flash's path. Instinctively, Flash quickly turned around a bucked the cutout in the face, leveling it off its foundation and sending it flying across the yard. Storm looked on in approval.
Then it was time for laps around the yard. Storm timed Flash on a stopwatch as he zipped around the yard, flying faster than he'd ever imagined. Going faster and faster with each lap, for a moment Flash thought he'd caused a tornado.
When he finally stopped, Storm looked at his stopwatch and blinked in shock. "Ten laps in two minutes and thirty-nine seconds?!" he exclaimed, looking at his friend in surprised joy, "Flash, that's a new academy record!"
Flash was too exhausted to be excited. His wings were sore and his chest was burning, but nevertheless, he felt proud of himself. Of course, this training wasn't going to guarantee him a spot on the new guard, but it at least gave him a shot.
The following day at noon, Captain Shining Armor returned once more. This time, to announce who would be joining the Friendship Guard.
"I will call out the names of those who have been selected," he spoke loudly, " And let me say this with all sincerity, this was no easy feat!"
Flash looked over at Storm, who gave him a reassuring grin. Flash smiled back at his friend.
"Golden Hilt! Indigo Blur! Alabaster Arrow!" the captain called out. Flash straightened up and tried his hardest to pay attention. He didn't want to miss his name being called. That is, if his name was called at all.
Out of the corner of his eye, Flash could see two other guards whispering to each other. They were looking straight at him.
Flash sighed. He was honestly used to being gossiped about. He tried not to focus on it, though, It brought back too many painful memories...
"Silver Sheen!"
Flash jerked his head up in surprise. Silver had been drafted? He quickly turned his head to see an equally surprised Silver walking up to join the other stallions who'd been chosen.
"How did he get drafted in?" a blue unicorn standing next to Flash muttered under his breath, "That rodeo clown hasn't taken his training seriously since the day he got here!"
Flash knew for a fact that was a lie. While Silver was a bit of a goofball, he still took his responsibility of being a royal guard seriously. Flash couldn't help but feel that this stallion was jealous.
"Storm Clash!"
Now that was no surprise to Flash. He'd had a feeling that Storm would make it into the new guard. He smiled in support as Storm went up to receive his new armor. The new armor was almost identical to that of the Day Guard in terms of design, but they were silver-purple in color rather than gold, and the emblem was a magenta six-pointed star.
Shining Armor continued to call out names and Flash continued to listen. But with each name called, he felt more and more discouraged. Maybe he wasn't good enough for the new guard after all.
Finally, the captain had called out the final name. The group of nineteen stallions stood in a small group clustered together, chattering among themselves excitedly.
Then Shining Armor spoke once more. "Now, I will address the new captain of the Friendship Guard!" he announced.
Flash squeezed his eyes shut and breathed deeply. He didn't expect to be chosen; there were so many stallions who were much more qualified than he was. But a small part of him still hoped for the best.
Silence fell across the courtyard as Shining Armor called out the name in a loud, clear voice...
"Flash Sentry!"
Flash's eyes flew open and his jaw dropped. Did he just hear that right? Did the captain just call his name?
Instinctively, Flash made his way through the crowd, squeezing past the other ponies and muttering apologies as he went.
"Lucky break..." "How in Celestia's name?!" "Out of all of us here, they choose him ?!"
Those were just some of the things Flash heard his peers whispering. Flash sighed. He felt like he should be used to this by now, but he somehow wasn't.
Flash shook off these feelings and quickly went up to the platform where Shining Armor was standing. Shining Armor smiled in approval as he handed Flash his new armor and helmet. The captain's helmet was slightly more detailed than those of the regular soldiers. An expert hoof had taken the time and effort to carefully engrave a pattern of stars in the silver-purple metal. With stars being a motif of Princess Twilight, this seemed rather fitting.
Shining Armor then placed a hoof on Flash's shoulder. "You're going to be a great leader, kid," he said kindly, "Congratulations."
Flash smiled in appreciation. "Thank you, sir," he said, giving the captain a salute.
After dismissed the other soldiers, Shining Armor spoke to the newly-formed guard. "You will all depart for Ponyville later today," he told them, "Barracks have been constructed in town near Princess Twilight's castle, so those of you not on duty will have a place to rest. The train comes at noon, so I suggest you all get your belongings together and hurry to the train station immediately."
"Yes sir!" The stallions all said in unison.
And with that, everypony hurried off to the barracks to collect their belongings.
"Well, isn't this a coincidence?" Silver said as they walked, "All three of us got chosen!"
"Yeah, who would have guessed?" Storm replied. He then looked over at Flash and smiled.
"Congratulations, buddy," he said sincerely, "I always knew you could do it."
Flash was still trying to process what had just happened. Of course, he was thrilled that he'd received this position, but it was so much to take in all at once.
As thrilled as he was, Flash couldn't help but second guess himself. Did he really deserve this title? Had there been some sort of mistake? Was somepony else meant to have this position, but the captain read the wrong name by accident? He shook his head to ride himself of these thoughts. Knock it off, Flash, he thought to himself, Be grateful! After all, this is what you wanted.
"Uh, Flash?"
Silver's words snapped Flash back to reality, and not a moment too soon. He'd been so preoccupied with his own thoughts that he'd almost walked right into a building. Silver grabbed him by the tail in his magic aura before Flash's muzzle met the wall.
"You okay there, pal?" Storm asked, "You seem a little distracted."
Flash shook his head once more. "I'm fine," he said, "I just can't believe that I actually got the position!"
"Well, you deserve it!" Silver said with a grin.
"HA! As if!"
The three friends turned around to see a red-orange earth pony in Royal Guard uniform standing behind them. And he wasn't there to make pleasant conversation.
"Captain Shining Armor made a HUGE mistake in choosing you of all ponies to be the leader of this new guard!" he sneered, pointing at Flash, "We all know that I was the best choice!"
Storm and Silver rolled their eyes.
"Get lost, Jasper," Silver said coldly, "We don't have time for your nonsense."
Jasper Fen was another recruit stationed in the Crystal Empire. He was one of the most arrogant, obnoxious, uncaring, and conceited stallions in the ranks. He constantly bragged about how amazing he was, and that he was the greatest Royal Guard to have ever lived. And while he was extremely full of himself, he did have the skills to back up his boasts. And he was sure to let everypony know that.
Jasper laughed and ignored Silver, keeping his focus on Flash.
"Out of all the stallions here, he chose a loser like you?" he snickered, circling around Flash, "We all know that you're a complete failure. And you call yourself a Royal Guard? Do you actually think that you have what it takes to serve and protect Princess Twilight? With you on the job, she'll get fillynapped the second you take your eyes off her! You're no hero!"
He leaned in close to whisper in Flash's ear, so close that Flash could smell the alfalfa on his breath.
"You're just a joke."
In a sudden burst of fury, Flash lashed out. He struck Jasper in the face with his left hoof, the impact punctuated with a loud CRACK. Jasper stumbled back in surprise and pain. For a split second, Flash believed that he'd broken Jasper's jaw. Jasper stood up straight and grinned deviously.
"Tough guy, huh?" he snarled, crouching down, as if preparing for a fight, "Let's see if you can actually take on an opponent. Put your training to the test."
Flash's heart was pounding; his mind racing. He wasn't sure what to do. Jasper was challenging him to a brawl, and in any other circumstance, Flash would've gladly taken up challenge.
But now wasn't the time.
Not only was it broad daylight, meaning others would see, but he had a schedule to keep and a train to catch later that day. There was no way of knowing how long the brawl would last. Plus, a public confrontation like this would likely do damage to his career, and he could be discharged. As much as he wanted to beat Jasper's smug face in, Flash knew he had to be the bigger pony, and refuse.
"Not this time, Jasper," he said firmly. He nodded to Silver and Storm.
"Let's go. We have more important things to do."
As they turned to walk away, Jasper shouted one last taunt. "Spoken just like a coward!"
Flash ignored him. Jasper didn't deserve his attention; Flash had better things to do than argue with a stallion who had the mental age of a colt.
After collecting their belongings, the new guard all gathered at the train station, awaiting their departure to Ponyville.
Flash's family had stopped by from Canterlot to see him off.
"Oh, Flash, I'm so proud of you!" his mother cooed, hugging him tight, "I always knew from the moment you were born that you'd be destined for greatness!"
Flash grinned sheepishly. His mother had a habit of exaggerating.
He looked over at his father, who was surveying the other recruits as they boarded the train.
"A bit of a mixed bag, wouldn't you say?" he mused.
"Well, I'm sure that Shining Armor made the right choice in selecting each of them!" Flash replied.
His father looked over at Flash. "Well then, Champ," he chuckled, "You're the one in charge of them now! It's your job to keep them in line, so I wish you the best of luck."
Flash smiled. "Thanks Dad."
First Base on the other hoof, was jumping up in down in excitement.
"This is so cool!" he cheered, eyes wide with glee, "You're gonna be the captain of your own guard! You're the coolest brother ever!"
Flash smiled at his brother and ruffled his mane.
"You better behave yourself while I'm gone," he told him, "Because if you don't, I'll know about it when Mom sends me letters."
First Base placed one hoof over his heart. "I promise!"
Suddenly, the train whistle sounded.
"All aboard!" the conductor called out, "Last call for Ponyville!"
Flash quickly hugged his family, grabbed his suitcase, and rushed on board. He sat down in a seat next to Silver and Storm.
He looked out the window and waved goodbye to his family. He continued to wave until the were out of sight, then he settled down into his seat.
"Next stop: Ponyville," he murmured.
This was it. The moment Flash had been waiting for. In just a few hours, the train would be arriving in Ponyville, where all of his training would be put to the test.
It was time to prove himself worthy of this position. And he was ready.
