Royal Pains (Remastered Version)

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1 The First of Many
Chapter 2 Love & Scorn
Chapter 3 Shadows and Hunters
Chapter 4 Introductions
Chapter 5 Love and Travel
Chapter 6 Reunions & Love

Prologue

It had been a regular day in Ponyville, the temperature was warm, and the breez was cool, the ponies of Equestria were going about there regular tasks.

Celestia had finished her royal duties for the day, and decided to visit Twilight, who was simply going through her mountains of Friendship reports from Ponyville. She had already solved Vinyle scratch and Octavias' problem, and she was about to help Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara with their problem, when Twilight heard a familiar voice comming from her door way.

"My dear Twilight, how would you like to take a break from your duties, and spend sometime with an old mentor."

"Oh celestia, a break sounds delightful, but I have so much work to do today. I can't possibly have a rest." Twilight replied, shocked at her mentors sudden appearance.

"My dearest Twilight, if you keep working, you will burn out. Everypony needs a break once in awhile. Even princesses." Celestia chuckled, in a motherly tone.

"you make a good point, I could take a small break." Twilight, reluctantly agreed.

The duo left the castle, after Twilight hesitated a few times, knowing she had so much work to do. Celestia and Twilight were heading to Celestias' favourite restaurant in Canterlot. As they were winding their way through the streets of Canterlot. Celestia couldnt help but notice that everywhere she walked, she saw couples.

After a few more minutes of walking, the group made it to the place they were going. They sat down, ordered their meals, and while they were waiting, Celestia noticed that this place happened to have a deal for couples.

When Celestia looked at Twilight, she remembered a time she was Twilights age, and how she wanted so badly to find that special pony to hold her, and gaze lovingly at her, while the stallion of her dreams would whisper sweet nothings into her ear, making her feel like the most special mare in Equestria. This was a time, when her father and mother were around, before a great tragedy took them away from her, and her sister.

When her parents died, she had to become the responsible ruler she is today, but in turn, her first sacrifice, was that she could not fulfill her hearts desire. As she thought of this, she felt a tear roll down the side of her face, from the pain brought to the surface, from the memory. She quickly used some magic, to vaporise the tear, hoping Twilight didn't notice.

After the two ate their meals, Celestia set the sun, and Luna rose the moon. while Celestia made it back to her castle, she couldnt stop thinking about the many couples around. They had reawoken her desire to find somepony, however she knew she couldnt find her dream stallion. She thought back to Twilight, and realised that she still didnt have a coltfriend, or any suitor. Celestia soon had an idea, she would help Twilight find her happiness.

Just because she couldnt find love, it didnt mean that Twilight couldnt. She would make sure she could help Twilight, find her special somepony, so she wouldnt have to live alone for all eternity. She didnt want her most beloved pony, next to her sister, to deal with the suffering she had to deal with.

Celestia started galloping back to the castle, to tell Luna about what she wanted to do for Twilight. After a brief gallop through the night, she entered her castle, and told Luna about her plan.

"Tia, thats a wonderful idea. Twilight deserves to find somepony. She has been dreaming about finding a partner, among other things. I'll gladly help you with your plan. Though, where do we start?" Luna said, clapping her hooves together.

"Well, I have already found a potential suitor for her. There is a young knight from Trottinghem, who is single, he is a decent looking Stallion, and he is really well known in his country. He's brave, and kind. Here, take a look." Celestia stated, before handing the scrying stone to Luna.

"Oh yes, I believe he is a good fit, for our Twilight." Luna stated in agreement.

As the sun rose on the next day, and Celestia was well rested. She started making her way to Twilights castle, to tell her of the good news.

After a few hours of travel, she had finally made it to Twilights castle. Celestia knocked on the door, and Spike answered the door.

"Good afternoon Celestia, come in, I'll get Twilight for you." Spike respectfully stated.

Celestia sat down at the table of Friendship, and waited. It wasn't long before Twilight came trotting down the stairs, leading from the library.

"Hello Celestia, what can I help you with?" Twilight inquired.

"My dearest Twilight, its not what you can help me with, but what I want to help you with. You are always spending so much time alone in this castle, with no pony else, but your friends, and spike. I want to help you find your special somepony." Celestia excitedly replied. She expected Twilight to be elated, but instead her actuall reaction was more or less expected.

"Thats okay, I'm not interested in dating, im completely fine being alone. I dont need a Handsome stallion to keep me company, and to hold me tightly, as we stare deeply into each others eyes. Besides, Im far too busy to have a coltfriend." Twilight stated, failing to realise what she actually thought aloud.

Celestia didnt reply, she just rose an eyebrow.

"Okay, I do get lonely, but I still dont want to date a pony." Twilight stated, realising that she couldnt hide anything from her mentor.

"I know Twilight, and I knew you would say that, that's why Luna and I are dropping you in the deep end. We have set up a date for you, with a knight from Trottinghem." Celestia stated, knowingly.

"You mean, you didnt even ask me!" Twilight stated, shocked at what she heard.

"Twilight, I dont want you to be alone for eternity. I'm sorry for not asking first, but I knew you would never agree with it. you're too stubborn." Celestia stated.

"It doesnt matter, I'm not going, you can just tell him that I changed my mind." Twilight stomped her foot on the ground.

"Twilight, you will go, and I'm not going to take no for an answer. You will enjoy yourself." Celestia said, in a raised tone sounding more like a mother lecturing her daughter.

"You cant make me!" Twilight stated.

"Im sorry Twilight, but you will go on this date, and you wont be late! He will be arriving at 7:00, so you best get ready." Celestia stated once more, in a stern tone, before leaving the room.

"OUF! WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER!" Twilight growled, to no one in particular, kicking her hoof in frustration.

Chapter 1 The First of Many

Twilight did as her mentor requested, and started getting ready. Although she protested at first, she was sorta looking forward to the date Celestia had planned. She had been more nervous then ever before, this was the first date she had ever gone on. The first place she went to was Carousel Boutique, she had to get rarity to make her a dress for her date. Twilight entered the store, and noticed rarity organising an order for somepony.

"Hello dear, what brings you here?" Rarity welcomed.

"I need a dress for a date." Twilight stated.

"Oh do go on dear, who is the lucky stallion." Rarity excitedly asked.

"He is from Trottinghem, apparently." Twilight replied, blushing slightly.

"Oh mon chere, how romantic. I have just the dress." Rarity cooed, before walking to the back of the store.

After Rarity left Twilight waiting, Twilight could hear her utter a few incoherent sentences, with the subtle sound of Rarity rummaging through fabric. After a few moments of waiting, Rarity came out from the back of the store carrying a beautiful red gown, with a white sash, with pink rose broaches attached to it. Twilight saw the dress, and fell in love with how it was designed. It was gorgeous.

"I had hoped you would find somepony dear, I have been saving this dress for you, its simply perfect for you. Now the mane, we will make sure we let your stallion know just how lucky he is to have you for his date." Rarity stated.

"Whats wrong with my mane?" Twilight inquired.

"I'm sorry dear, but your mane style is just so last season, we need to give you a more tres chic style. As I always say dear, dress to impress." Rarity Clapped her hooves together.

After a little bit of walking, Rarity, and Twilight, made it to the ponyville spar. Twilight thought this was too extreme, not to mention the more she did to make herself look stunning for her date. The more nervous she became, she was uncomfortable with this type of situation. She was so uncomfortable, that before visiting Rarity, she spent an hour searching for books on date etiquette, in the Canterlot library. Although she wasn't keen for this date, she didn't want to offend the stallion she was spending it with.

Soon after entering the Spar, she heard Rarity being welcomed by the attendant, then she heard rarity tell the attendant that Twilight required the Celestial Special, and that Rarity wanted a full Pony Pampering treatment. Soon after Rarity finished explaining to the attendant what they wanted, the attendant escorted Rarity to her location for her beauty treatment, and then guided Twilight to a grand luxurious mane dressers, with marble floors and golden seats.

"Bonjure madam, please view our catalogue of mane styles, tell me when your ready. Though if the madam would like what I suggest, I believe this one will suit you the most." The mane dresser pointed to a style in the catalogue.

"Ah... okay... I'll go with your choice." Twilight stated awkwardly fidgeting with her hooves. Twilight was not familiar with these specific mane designs.

"magnifique, please sit down." The mane dresser stated, in a delightful french accent.

After an hour of cutting, dying and enchanting, Twilights' mane was done. She realised why this was called the celestial treatment. Twilight had an ethereal midnight blue, pink, and purple, streaked mane, with stars flowing through the entire mane.

She also noticed that her mane seemed to move on its own, like Celestias did. It would sway gently in the windless sky, regardless of physics, Twilight made a mental note to research this type of magic, at a later date.

After her mane was done, she made it back to the parlour where she saw a refreshed Rarity. Rarities face lit up like a Christmas tree, when Twilight came into view, with her stunning new mane style.

"You look gorgeous dear." Rarity exclaimed.

"Thank you Rarity. Is it too much?" Twilight stated, shifting her front hooves nervously.

"It's perfect dear." Rarity assured.

Luna trotted in, soon after Rarity reassured a nervous Twilight.

"Oh my goodness, Twilight, you look amazing!" Luna stated.

"Thank you, Luna." Twilight replied.

"I'm glad I could find you, I want to help your night go smoothly, so I'm going to design a special night sky just for you, and your stallion. Think of me as your wing pony." Luna winked, playfully.

"You really dont have too." Twilight replied, becoming overwhelmed quite suddenly.

"But I must, Twilight, I want this to be the best first date in the world. Hopefully the last." Luna replied Encouragingly.

"Okay Luna, thank you." After Twilight finished speaking to Luna, she started making her way with Rarity, to Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight and Rarity were heading there to collect some apple cider. Rarity had ordered some for her, and Sweetie Bells' enjoyment.

Though wherever Twilight would walk now, the ponies of Ponyville would stare. They usually stared when Twilight was around, but this time their reactions were different, some of the reactions were a surprise, some stallions' would actually wolf whistle at her. She had to chuckle at one stage, when a stallion whistled at her, and his wife was an ear shot away, and the stallion received a swift hoof slap, across the snout.

As Rarity, and Twilight, made it to Sweet Apple Acres, they saw AJ working the farm, with the help of Apple Bloom and Big Mac. They had been harvesting this seasons, apple harvest.

Twilight and Rarity, approached the trio hard at work. When Big Mac saw Twilight he dropped his bucket of apples, from how pretty Twilight looked. He Cursed under his breath, then started picking up his apples again.

"Howdy Twi, yur lookin mighty fine today, sugar cube. what's the occasion? I can bet my apples, it's not fur Big Mac." Applejack chuckled.

"Twilight has a date dear. Isn't it exciting." Rarity chimed in.

"Well shucks Twi, that's one mighty lucky stallion. Yah sure do look great." Applejack stated, hiding her despair.

"Thank you Applejack, is everything okay? You sound sad." Twilight Inquired.

"Yah, I em all right, sugar cube. What brings ya'll here, anyhow." Applejack inquired, resuming with her task at hoof.

"I'm here to help Rarity collect her cider." Twilight Answered.

"Okay Sugar cube, I'll just go and grab yur Cider, Rarity." Applejack stopped what she was doing and trotted towards the cellar. After a few moments of waiting, Applejack returned with the cider, and a small bottle.

"Ther yur go Sugar cube, and Twi, I also av somethin for yah too." Applejack handed the small bottle to Twilight, before explaining, "I quickly whipped yah up some perfume, for yur date tonight." Applejack concluded.

Soon after Twilight said thank you to AJ, she walked Rarity back to Carousel Boutique, and on the way back she happened to run across Rainbow dash, and Twilight explained to RD, what was happening tonight, Rainbow Dash had an Idea to help with Twilights date tonight, also.

She would wait for the couple to come home, before causing it to rain Rose petals on the two of them, when they would share their first kiss. After Rarity, and Rainbow Dash, left to do what they had to do. Twilight made it back to her castle, and what she saw on her bed, was a present from Luna.

Twilight opened the present, and saw a beautiful piece of black lacy lingerie, leaving very little to the imagination, with a note attached to it.

This is to help you set the mood, so you can fulfil what you have been craving, in your dreams ; )

Luna

Twilight sighed in exasperation, and threw it in her chest of draws.

2 hours later

Twilight was now ready for her date, however her date was 1 hour late, and when Twilight finally heard the knock at her door, she was not impressed with how he carried himself. Twilight answered the door, and greeted the knight with a curtsy. The only reply the knight gave her was.

"Firstly, your welcome for my time, for I am the brave Knight Star Shield. Many would only dream to join me on a date. Secondly, your privileged to be in my presence." Star Shield arrogantly stated, he thought he was better then everypony else, He loved himself more then Trixie loved herself.

"Oh this is off to a great start..." Twilight thought inwardly, faking a smile.

"So where will we dine tonight, hopefully someplace fitting for a knight of my calibre. Away from the poor folk preferably, I might catch something if I dine with the commoners." Star Shield stated.

"How about the trash heap..." Twilight thought to herself, before speaking, "There is a nice place in Canterlot we will be eating at Tonight."

"Delightful, I have one request, it cannot be less then 4 stars." Star Shield Stated.

"It is a 4 star restaurant, I wouldn't dare take you anywhere else..." Twilight replied, trying to hide her irritation.

After the brief, and irritating conversation, Twilight and her Date, made it to the restaurant. The entire walk there, all Star Shield did was complain about how he had to walk, and didn't have an entire royal entourage following at his heels. Once they sat down they actually didn't eat anything for 3 hours.

Star Shield would order a special type of dish made to his preference, but would send it back, claiming that it wasn't made right. When the chef ponies made it to his new preference, he would change his mind again. Twilight felt sorry for the waiters bringing out his meal, and the chef pony making his meal.

When they actually started eating, the knight wouldn't stop speaking about himself, and all of the heroic things he did, if that wasn't bad enough, he would talk with his mouth full of food, spitting it all over Twilight. Twilight had to continually wipe the spit, and food particles off of her face.

After all the work her friends put into this night, it was a complete and utter waste on such a stallion. Luna even enchanted the sky, with special pink stars creating the shape of a heart, with two ponies kissing each other in the centre of it.

After an hour or so of the terrible date, and being thoroughly ignored, she had finally had enough of his company, and made an excuse, for why she had to go. Twilight just wanted to go to sleep, to take herself away from this terrible night.

Twilight made it her resolve to personally tell her mentor, and Luna, about how much she hated the date they chose for her, and how this was a terrible idea to begin with. Twilights mother always told her not to go to sleep while she was in an angry mood, but this time she didn't care, she just wanted this night to be over.

Author's Note

Well I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. I have drawn a picture of what Twilights' mane and Twilights' dress looks like. If you want to see, click this link ---> https://photos.app.goo.gl/atwz8V7TiYXKLp5B2

Chapter 2 Love & Scorn

As Twilight awoke the next day, she was still seething, she walked down to the throne room, and when she made it to the throne room, she heard a knock at her door, she went to the door and opened it, and standing before her was Celestia, and Luna, the two ponies she wanted to see the most.

"Hello, my dearest Twilight, how was your date last night." Celestia greeted.

"Hmm, let me think about that dreamy date. HA! It was a living nightmare, I would of rather been imprisoned for 1000 moons in Tartarus, then gone on that pointless night. He was the most egotistical, narcissistic, jerk face I have ever met! he thought he was better then everypony else! So no I did not enjoy the date, one bit, and it just proves that its a waste of time to date, or even find somepony!" Twilight stated, exploding with rage. So much so, that Twilights' mane lit on fire, her eyes turned red with fury, and her pelt turned a blazing yellowy white.

"Oh Twilight, I'm so sorry for choosing such a suitor, and he will be reprimanded for the way he acted. I'll make sure that he is stripped of his Knighthood. My dearest Twilight, the next date will be better, Luna picked this stallion out. He is an alicorn, he's handsome and known through his land as the kind hearted prince. He will be arriving at 8:00." Celestia replied, infuriated at how this knight treated her Twilight. Though Celestia felt a portion of regret for her bad judgement, to put Twilight through such mental stress.

"You already organised another date, you knew that we weren't compatible!" Twilight accused.

"We did have our doubts Twilight, but I did want it to workout for you in the end." Celestia admitted.

"Not to mention, he has everything you have dreamed about, he's strong, brave, handsome, knowledgeable, skilled with magic and he's great at organising, and his timing is perfect. He is kindred to you, and he's your age in alicorn years. He was even so polite as to tell me his girth, and it's exactly what you imagined in your dreams." Luna added, trying to reassure Twilight.

"Oh, if he's soo good, you date him!" Twilight snapped, in the royal Canterlot Voice. Twilight was surprised at her new found ability, she didn't know she could use the Royal Canterlot Voice. However as Twilight finished her sentence, a cunning plan came to her mind. "Why don't you date him? Twilight you're a genius." Twilight thought to herself.

After Celestia and Luna heard what Twilight said, they saw her suddenly calm down. Which would of been normal, if it wasn't to do with the current circumstances. "Twilight, are you okay?" Celestia asked.

"Oh I'm completely fine Tia, I just realised that I better prepare for my date. After I let Lunas' words sink in, it actually sounds nice. I would like to meet him." Twilight replied, sounding more sinister then sincere.

"Okay... Twilight, are you sure you feel alright?" Luna inquired a second time.

"Yes, I'm actually looking forward to this date. Though you two better get going, you must be so busy being Equestrias' Princesses. You must have mountains of duties to complete. I also have a mountain of friendship problems to solve, before my date." Twilight replied, ushering the two princesses out of her door, before shutting it.

As Luna, and Celestia, made it to their carriage and sat down. The carriage started making its' way back to Canterlot.

"Do you think Twilight could be thinking of something sinister to do to us, in retaliation for forcing her to date?" Luna inquired.

"Our Twilight, sinister? it's impossible, she is a good student, and the princess of friendship. She would never do anything to hurt somepony. I think she has finally accepted what we are trying to do for her." Celestia replied, reassuring herself, and Luna.

"hmm, There was something that didn't sound right about how she said; she was looking forward to the date we planned. I believe we should use the scrying stone on her date this time, to make sure nothing goes wrong. I really want to make Twilight happy." Luna suggested, to her sister.

"I believe it would be the best for our dearest Twilight. We both want Twilight to find somepony." Celestia agreed.

While Luna, and Celestia, were attending to their royal duties, Twilight quickly finished hers with remarkable speed, and wrote a letter to Cadance and Shining Armour asking them to visit her, to help her with something. Twilight didn't mention what it was. But her plans were in place now. All Twilight had left to do, was get ready for her date tonight.

After she was prepared, the clock struck 8, and as if on cue, she heard a knock on the door. She opened the door, and standing before her was the most handsome stallion she had ever seen. He had a snow white pelt, golden eyes, a platinum blond mane, with stars shining through it.

"Salutations your majesty, my name is Zephyr Star Strider, would you do me the honour of joining me on this night?" He Introduced himself, with his deep smooth voice, before kissing her hoof gently.

"H.. e lo.. my ah Twi...ight... kle." Twilight attempted to say flustered, before thinking to herself. "Good on you Twilight, you just made a fool out of yourself, and he is your type." Twilight took a deep breath to compose herself, then tried again. "Good evening Zephyr, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I would love to join you on this night." Twilight curtsied.

"You look magnificent tonight, miss Sparkle," Zephyr formally complimented, before escorting Twilight to his carriage. He opened the door for her, let her enter first, then followed her into the carriage.

"You live in quite the beautiful palace, who was the crystal mason who built it?" Zephyr inquired.

"Actually it wasn't built, but was made by magic. My friends and I carry a really important responsibility, we are the guardians of harmony." Twilight replied, feeling a little more calmer around this pony. Which surprised Twilight, she wasn't use to feeling comfortable around stallions, let alone other ponies she wasn't friends with.

"That sounds interesting, please do tell me more." Zephyr stated, genuinely interested in Twilight. He had never been so interested in any princess before, but there was something about her that he really liked. He liked That spark of intelligence in her beautiful amethyst eyes, and her regal persona, yet, she was humble.

As the duo continued to their destination, Twilight told him all about her adventures, and the adventures of her friends, and how they became the bearers of the elements of harmony. He told her about what his responsibility was, and his very own adventures.

Once they made it to the restaurant Twilight chose. He opened the door for her, and helped her down gently with his hoof. Once they entered the restaurant, he pulled a chair out for her and seated her, before seating himself. They continued to talk the night away while they waited for their meals.

"Tell me Zephyr, what's your country like?" Twilight asked.

"I would love to show it to you, it's very beautiful there. It has brilliant waterfalls, and beaches. The breeze in the summer, is always at the best temperature, cool, but not cold, warm, but not hot." Zephyr explained.

"That sounds lovely, I will have to visit it one day." Twilight replied.

"Would you like to come with me, when I leave tomorrow? I really enjoy your company." Zephyr offered.

"I would love to Zephyr." Twilight stated, before thinking to herself, "What are you doing Twilight, you only just met this pony, and you already want to be whisked away by him, off to a distant land." Twilight had been confused, she never felt so attracted to anypony before.

"Okay Twilight, we will leave at first light, in the morning. Would you mind if I stayed at your palace tonight?" Zephyr asked, nervously fidgeting. He really liked Twilight, and didn't want anything more, then to just be there with her.

"I guess that would be okay." Twilight replied, becoming very nervous all the sudden.

As the two were finishing their meals, a silhouette perched itself on a nearby roof top. The glint of steel in the moonlight created an eerie scene. He was watching Twilight, and Zephyr, enjoying their night out together. waiting for the moment to strike, like a predator watching its pray, with a vengeful glare in his eyes.

Twilight and Zephyr finish their meals, paying for the food, before they started making their way out of the restaurant, back to the Carriage. As they left the restaurant, Zephyr heard a faint click in the distance, causing his ears to twitch. Zephyr started to scan around wondering where the click came from. He recognised it from his time as a warrior, it was the click of a crossbow being loaded.

The silhouette set his sights on the leaving couple. He knocked his bolt, and started to line up the shot, he wanted to make sure he hit his target perfectly, so there was no chance she could survive. He controlled his breathing, his breathing was calm, collected and slow. As the silhouette exhaled, the sound of the sudden thrum, broke the stillness of the night. The bolt flew true, directly at Twilight, an evil smile appeared on his face.

Zephyr heard the thrum of a crossbow, he looked to the direction of the sound, and he saw the bolt spiralling towards Twilight.

"TWILIGHT!" Zephyr shouted with urgency.

Celestia, and Luna, had been watching the date unfold, and were happy they made the right choice. They could see the soon to be couple getting along really well. Celestia was overjoyed as she watched the two make it to the restaurant. Though, soon Celestia saw something worrying, she saw a hooded Silhouette jumping from roof to roof, before setting up something. She had a bad feeling something bad was going to happen, very soon.

Celestia felt helpless, she could not teleport that far, let alone fly fast enough. she could only pray, and watch helplessly from the side lines. She hoped that she was just paranoid, and it wasn't anything bad.

Author's Note

Hi, I hope you are enjoying the story, and the cliff hanger. If you want to know what zephyr looks like, you can take a look here.

Chapter 3 Shadows and Hunters

Celestia, and Luna, watched on the edge of their thrones, as they saw something being released from the strange object, as they watched, they saw Zephyr push Twilight out of the way. The two sisters soon recognized what that object was, and what it launched. It had been a crossbow, releasing its' sinister steel bolt towards Twilight.

The two sisters started making their way towards the restaurant, that Twilight, and Zephyr, were dining at. Teleporting every now and then, to shorten the travel time, with the Royal Physician close in toe.

Zephyr pushed Twilight out of the way, moments before the bolt met its' mark. The bolt soon punctured his side, and he fell to the ground with a groan of pain, bleeding profusely from the injury.

"ZEPHYR!" Twilight ran over to Zephyr with a sense of concern, she was expecting the worse case scenario. "Please be okay," Twilight thought to herself. She looked towards where the bolt was fired from, and she saw a mysterious and sinister pony, vanish suddenly, in a flash of red light.

After a few moments, Celestia and Luna, made it to where the would be couple, were having their date.

"Twilight, are you okay!" Celestia asked Twilight, circling her, making sure there wasn't one hair out of place .

Twilight didn't notice her mentor fussing over her, all she cared about, was whether, or not, Zephyr was okay. "Is he going to be okay, Dr Tender Hooves?" Twilight said anxiously.

"He will be fine, but I must take him to the hospital immediately." The doctor professionally stated .

Twilight didn't reply, she just teleported the doctor, Zephyr, and herself, to the hospital. After she did, the world faded to black, as Twilight fainted from the exertion of magic.

"Code Blue!" The doctor announced, and three nurses came rushing to his aid, with 2 stretchers. The Physician, and the nurse, picked up Zephyr. While the other two nurses picked up Twilight, and put her on the second stretcher also. After a few hours Twilight woke up, and saw Celestia pacing back and fourth in the ward she was in. Celestia realized that Twilight had woken up and ran to her.

"Twilight, what were you thinking! teleporting such a long distance, carrying three ponies with magic! Do I have to remind you, that magic comes with a cost?!" Celestia Chastised.

"Is Zephyr alright?" Twilight, didn't notice her mentor chastising her.

"Yes he is fine Twilight, he is just resting now. As for you my young pupil, you're in a great deal of trouble!" Celestia stated condescendingly, resembling a mother telling her daughter, how stupid she was.

"I know I shouldn't of used so much magic. I just wanted to protect Zephyr." Twilight cringed, under her mentors steely gaze.

"It's alright Twilight, I understand, I would of done the same thing for my sister, but do you know how dangerous and reckless that was? you know that magic requires both physical, and mental strength. Any further, and you would of... you would of died!" Celestia took a deep breath, before continuing, "I'm sorry for being so harsh on you, but you're so much like me, and that's what I'm afraid of. Do you know who attacked you?" Celestia had realised that Twilight was only acting rash because of her emotions, and her Twilight had gone through enough tonight.

"No, I don't know who he was, he vanished too quickly." Twilight got up out of the stretcher, and started making her way to visit Zephyr, she had become so worried about Zephyr. Twilight thought it was strange, that a stallion could have such an impact on her, no pony had ever had that affect on her before.

Once she made it to Zephyrs' ward, she saw him stir.

"Twilight... I'm glad your okay. I know you used magic to teleport all three of us here, you shouldn't have done that, it was too dangerous. Enough ponies have been injured tonight." Zephyr said gingerly.

"I...I was worried about you!" Twilight began to weep, when she saw the pony that she had such a good night with, injured so badly.

"Hey, hey, no tears please. I wouldn't expect anything less from my mare friend. I'm just happy you're okay." Zephyr reached up a weak hoof, and wiped a tear away from her face, lovingly.

"Mare... mare friend?" Twilight stated with a mixture of emotions.

"Yes Twilight, one thing I realized since I saved you, is that I don't want to leave your side ever again. I have only reserved that service for kings and queens, and one day, I hope you will be my Princess." Zephyr reaffirmed.

"I'd be happy to call you my colt Friend, Zeph." Twilight replied in excitement, however, one thought came to Twilights' mind, for the future they both hoped for to happen, and to become a reality, she needed to find this assassin, and stop him from causing harm to her, or her new colt friend.

While Twilight, and Zephyr, were spending time with each other, the would be assassin had been planning a new plot to eliminate Twilight, and now he had a new target. That new Target was Zephyr, he may of thwarted his first attempt on Twilights life, but he knew he would succeed if he eliminated Zephyr first.

He started researching Zephyr, and he found out where his favourite spots were, when his guards would change, and where he would commute from day to day. He also researched who Zephyrs family were, and what he did for a career.

"So he served in the griffin war, 20 confirmed kills and he's a sergeant. I may need some help taking this target out, perhaps its time to call in some old marks. Oh don't you worry Twilight, I will have my vengeance for what you stole from me. I'll ruin your life for taking mine, my little mauve friend." The assassin stated to himself, as he was going over the research he had found, before continuing.

"Now that's an idea, I'll take everything from her. She will feel the way I felt. When she ruined my career, my lineage, and my renown. I'll start with your friends to begin with, I'll kill them, nice and slowly; and I'll make sure you have a front row seat so you can watch their demise. Then I will make you beg for death, and I'll grant your plea, but only after you have suffered unimaginable torment, and pain." He thought aloud, before he threw a knife at a picture of Twilight. The blade flipped end over end, landing solidly in between Twilights eyes, in the picture.

Author's Note

You can only push a man so far before he does something rash.

Chapter 4 Introductions

After Zephyr had fully recovered, Shining Armour and Cadance, had arrived at Twilights Castle. Cadance gave Twilight a big hug when she arrived from the Crystal Empire, with the young Flurry Heart. Flurry Heart was old enough to talk, and walk now. She had aged faster then regular ponies, due to her being a pure blood alicorn. She had been roughly 5 years old now.

"Aunty Twilight!" The little filly screamed with glee.

"Oh my, how you've Grown Flurry." Twilight cooed, embracing Flurry Heart.

"Yep, I'm a big girl now." Flurry exclaimed excitedly.

"She's so precious." Zephyr stated, while he made his way down to the foyer of the palace.

"Twilight, I believe introductions are in order, who's this fine stallion." Cadance inquired.

Twilight blushed at first, from her embarrassment as Zephyr embraced her.

"Cadance, this is Zephyr, he is my colt friend. Zephyr meet my niece Flurry Heart, Shining Armour, and his wife Cadance." Twilight introduced, with a bright blush still upon her face.

"Look shiny, our Twily is all grown up. It's a pleasure to meet you Zephyr, my name is Cadance Mi'amore Cadenza." Cadence happily introduced herself.

"Hello Zephyr, I'm Flurry Heart, and Twilight is the best Aunty ever. In the whole history of Equestria. Are you going to be my uncle?" Flurry Heart stated with innocent honesty.

"Ha, ha, ha, its very nice to meet you Flurry Heart, Twilight has told me so much about you. Maybe I'll be your uncle one day, but for now lets just be the best of friends, okay?" Zephyr replied, gently ruffling her mane. He couldn't help but smile at the little filly, she was so adorable.

"Okay, best friend Zephyr!" Flurry heart skipped down the hall, leading into her play room, that Twilight made for her.

Shining Armour looked him over, with his keen eye, before bluntly stating, "Are you going to look after my sister?"

"Shining!" Cadence jeered at her husband.

"It's alright misses Mi'amore, I would expect nothing less from the former Captain of the Celestial guard, and the brother of Twilight. Yes, Shining Armour your sister is safe with me." Zephyr replied in kind.

"He has already saved me once!" Twilight indignantly snapped.

Cadance, and Shining were both shocked at what they heard.

"What happened?!" Shining was the first to ask with brotherly concern.

"Somepony tried to assassinate her on our first date, but I saved her, and she saved me from bleeding to death." Zephyr explained.

"Oh Twilight, I'm so glad you had Zephyr to protect you. Who would try to hurt a princess, they must of known it would of meant their death." Cadance replied angrily.

"If I ever find this villain who tried to hurt you Twily, I'll bring them to justice!" Shining stated. He was fuming at the thought of someone hurting his sister.

"It's in the past now. I asked you both here, because I would like you to look after the castle, while I go to see Zephyrs country, but I also need your help with something." Twilight stated, in an attempt to change the subject.

"Sure Twilight, anything for you. What do you need help with." Cadance replied.

"I want you to help me find a special somepony for Luna, and Celestia." Twilight answered.

"That sounds lovely Twilight, I think they should be happy too, but how did you come up with this idea?" Cadance inquired.

"Well they were the ones that helped me find Zephyr, and I just want to return the favour." Twilight replied.

"They played matchmaker?..." Cadance rolled her eyes, she knew that they liked to play match maker, they were the ones that set her up with Buck Withers.

"They thought I needed to find somepony, and they were right, I needed to find my Zeph." Twilight replied, embracing Zephyr. "What do you think about helping me b.b.b.f.f?" Twilight continued.

"What do I think, I think that I don't feel good about letting you go to another country, while that assassin is still out there!" Shining stated.

"It will be fine Shiny, she has Zephyr with her." Cadance tried to reassure her husband.

"I still don't like the idea! Zephyr will you show me how well you can protect my sister. Spar with me, I only want to find out if you can fight, or not." Shining stated, determined to test this stallion who captured his sisters heart in combat.

"Is that really necessary, Shining armour." Twilight stated bitterly.

"Yes it is." Shining Armour stated, unwavering in determination.

"There is no..." Twilight started, before Zephyr touched her shoulder, Comforting her, "Its alright Twilight, my sister would probably do the same to you. It would be an honour to Spar with you Shining Armour." Zephyr replied humbly.

"Twilights' right Shiny, there is no need to do this." Cadance tried to convince her husband, but she knew that when he was like this there was no stopping him.

"I need to do this." Shining replied calmly.

"I guess that if you need to do this, then we can't stop you. Come on Twilight, we will find a suitor for Luna and Celestia." Cadance kissed her husband, before pulling away, "Please don't hurt him. Twilight would never forgive you."

"I won't." Shining replied.

"Sorry about my brother, he can be over protective." Twilight kissed Zephyr on the cheek, then she followed Cadance.

While Cadance and Twilight started searching for suitors, Shining transported his sword, and Zephyr summoned his lance. The two stallions stepped outside onto the court yard, in front of the castle.

"Show me all that you have Zephyr, I wont be going easy on you, because you like my sister." Shining stated.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Zephyr replied.

Soon after the two said what they had to say, they charged at each other, with their weapons wielded with professional precision. Zeph raised his lance and tried to stab Shining, but shining dodged the strike and kicked Zephyr, knocking him back.

However Zephyr used his wings to halt his fall. He swooped towards Shining Armour, attempting to tackle him, but Shining Armour fell to his back as the lance flew millimetres away from his body.

He lifted the approaching alicorn, with all 4 hooves, sending zephyr over the top of him, he then teleported while swinging his sword towards Zephyr. Zephyr blocked the attack with his lance, he slid Shining Armours' sword out of his grasp.

The sword was sent skittering across the floor, but Shining Armour didn't worry about his weapon. Instead he grappled Zeph with magic, causing him to drop his lance. Shining then round housed Zeph, but Zeph caught the kick and flipped Shining over. However shining recovered too quickly by teleporting behind Zephyr, tripping him over.

Zephyr was caught off guard. He fell to the floor, and Shining Armour teleported his blade to his side once more, within an instant. He pointed it down to Zephyr, in a statement of defeat. After the moment passed, he helped Zephyr up, and teleported Zephyrs lance into his grasp, then he handed it to Zephyr.

"Thank you, you are very skilled in sword play, and hoof to hoof combat, but how do you fair in magic combat?" Shining asked.

"Thank you, its an honour to have such a legendary soldier say that to me, you didn't disappoint either. The stories of your heroism are true. They have spread far, and wide, telling everypony of your exploits in the griffin war. We would of lost Canterlot were it not for your tactics, and fighting prowess. Many soldiers in my land only wish to be at the level of mastery that you are at. As for magic, that is what my strength is." Zephyr replied enthusiastically.

"Okay Zephyr, show me your magic skill, I'll use my most powerful shield. See if you can break it." Shining stated, as a bright mauve shield surrounded him.

Zephyr did as he was requested, and released a small, and weak burst of energy, that happened to be more then enough to shatter Shinings' shield with ease.

"Wow, you are strong with magic." Shining exclaimed with shock. his shield had never been broken before, unless he was fatigued.

"It's really nothing, I can assure you it's just something I'm good at." Zephyr humbly explained.

"You need to give yourself more credit, Twily is lucky to have you, I feel much better knowing you will be with my sister on your travel. Please keep her safe, I don't want to think about her being injured somewhere. I'll say it now, though its still too early in the relationship, but welcome to the family. We should spar again sometime." Shining approved of his sisters choice in mate.

"I would like that, but we should probably go and see what our fair mares have cooked up for the two rulers of Equestria." Zephyr stated.

"I actually feel sorry for Celestia, and Luna, when Cadance and my sister get together there is definitely going to be mischief. you should of seen what they did together, when I was at high school. I'm grateful, because without Twilight, and Cadance, working together, Cadance and I wouldn't of gotten together." Shining replied in agreement.

I would love to hear that story, maybe sometime we can get a pint of cider each, and you can tell me." Zephyr replied with interest.

"Sounds good, I look forward to it." Shining concluded, as he entered the castle with Zephyr.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, this specific chapter is a tribute to the best comic book of the MLP series, I have ever read. click the link to read it yourself.

http://readcomiconline.to/Comic/My-Little-Pony-Friendship-is-Magic/Issue-11?id=21199

Chapter 5 Love and Travel

Cadance, and Twilight, were hard at work searching for suitors, while Flurry Heart played quietly with her toys, in her play room. They had found a couple of suitors, but the ones that Cadance knew that liked Celestia, and Luna, were two reformed villains, the one that liked Celestia, was Discord, and the one who liked Luna, was Sombra.

As Zephyr and Shining Armour entered the library, after their sparring session. They saw books, and old highschool albums spread wide, and far, on the table, in the centre of Twilights library.

"How is the search going?" Shining asked the two princesses.

"welcome back honey, the search is going well. How do you feel about Twilights mate now?" Cadance inquired, approaching her husband.

"My sister is lucky to have such a fine stallion." Shining replied in approval, as he embraced his wife.

While shining was Embracing his wife, Zephyr had walked over to Twilight, and embraced her lovingly.

"I'm glad my brother didn't Hurt you Zeph, I would of been beside myself if something happened to you." Twilight replied with acumen, embracing Zeph in return, and pecking him on the cheek.

"Your brother would never hurt me, Twilight, he knows how much it would hurt you. He cares deeply for you, some would only wish to have a brother like that." Zeph reassured.

After the mares welcomed their respectable partners back from their sparring session, the two princesses filled them in on their choices of suitors for Celestia, and Luna, and who they had chosen first. For Luna, Cadance, and Twilight, had chosen to set up a date with Sombra; and for Celestia, they chose Discord.

Cadance knew her mentors well, and she knew that Celestia, and Luna, had crushes on these two ponies. She got the magical feeling she normally got, when she helped a pony find their special somepony.

Cadance had a strong feeling, that these matches would end up working out for Celestia, and Luna. Once that was decided, a fire message was sent off to both Sombra and Discord telling them of the recent decision. After the message was sent, and she received her reply from the stallion, and draconequus. Cadance, Twilight, Shining, and Zeph, started making their way to Canterlot, to tell the two princesses about their dates.

After a few hours of travel, the group made it to Canterlot castle, and entered the throne room; where they saw Luna and Celestia going over their daily royal duties.

"What has happened?" Celestia immediately asked, when she saw the group, she thought that something was attacking Equestria again.

"Nothing has happened Celestia, we have came here to tell you of your date." Twilight stated calmly, trying to calm her mentors nerves.

"My date?" Celestia asked tilting her head to the side in perplexion.

"Yes, and not only you, but your sister also." Cadance added.

"what? I don't recall having a date." Luna was taken back.

"Yes you do, we organised one for you, because you helped me find my stallion. I want to help you both find yours." Twilight explained.

"Twilight, we as princesses, cannot possibly go on a date with another pony, we are too important to do anything selfish. I know that much from my own transgression." Luna replied, Luna still felt regret for her refusing to lower the moon, and turning into nightmare moon.

"I figured you'd say that, that's why you wont have the option to decline. As stated in article 9, section 8, of the Equestrian Political Obligations. If a Princess is requested in attendance of any such meeting, the princess is then required by political obligation to attend the meeting. The law is hard, but the law is the law." Twilight stated as she smiled, she knew she had out thought her mentor. She knew that her mentor was now required by obligation to attend the date.

"Damn that law, I did that to keep the politicians happy, but I never thought it would be used against me in such a way." Celestia thought to herself, before she replied."Very well Twilight, the law clearly states that Luna, and I, have to attend the date. What time are the stallions suppose to be arriving, and what are their names." Celestia replied curtly, she was proud of her student for out matching her, but she was also slightly irritated that she would have to go on a date, even though she knew that she couldn't have a relationship, with anypony due to her age, and her immortality. She had also already lost the only one she wanted to be with, when her parents died, and he wouldn't like how she was now, she was sure of it.

"I'm glad you asked. For you Celestia, we have organised a date with Discord. Luna we have matched you with Sombra. They will be here at 8:00." Twilight explained.

Luna nearly fainted with shock, at hearing Sombras' name, she thought her secret lover was killed when he was evil. What was more surprising, was how did they know; even Celestia didn't know of her secret lover, so how did Twilight find out.

Luna had become quite nervous all the sudden, she could see her old lover again, and maybe, just maybe, he will be the way he was before that amulet took control of him, and turned him into a demon, Luna couldn't recognise as her lover.

When Celestia heard discords name, she instantly figured out that Cadance had chosen that one, she was the only one, who figured out that she had fallen for Discord, a long time ago. It was still a surprise though, she had thought that Discord, and Fluttershy, were a thing these days, so she would always feel jealous over Fluttershy.

however it turned out that it was not needed, she wondered if Discord had fallen for her too, However she disregarded the thought, it was impossible, she had to grow up, and had to stop pulling pranks and having fun with Discord, then she was placed on a pedestal for the world to look upon.

She felt like no one could love her because of her esteemed position, she thought she had been, ascended too high by grace, for any stallion to believe they have enough worth. She had been on this pedestal for so long now, that she had forgotten what ground level was, she couldn't hope for what she wanted so badly, it was only an aimless dream.

Soon after the date was organised, and Luna and Celestia were getting ready. Twilight had to start getting ready for her own extended date, to Zephyrs' country. When she arrived back at her castle, she packed her bag, and she waited till Zephyr was ready to leave, antsy with excitement.

Zephyr noticed that she was prancing on the spot, there was a pleasant buzz of excitement in the air, he figured that it was because twilight had been so excited. She reminded him of a filly, who had just got there cutey mark, he thought it was adorable.

Soon after they both were ready, Twilight said goodbye to her brother, and sister in law, then the couple got in their carriage, and started making their way to Zephyrs' country.

Chapter 6 Reunions & Love

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