Author's Note

This story's chapters will be around this long, maybe one or two longer, but there will be many more chapters included in this story! More WILL be added as the inspiration to write comes!

Chapter One: A Prince's First Step Toward Growth

After a decade of attempting to find his role in the Royal Court, Drew was advised by Princess Celestia herself to go on a journey, one to discover who he has truly become. Drew sighed as he considered this nearly a year go, but thought it best to not follow through with it.

"Prince Drew, a soldier does not belong in politics, but you are no longer a soldier. You once told me that all you knew was war, so I believe it is time for you to take a journey, to see that there is more to life than just war. You can be so much more than a soldier, so please, journey the world, and learn who YOU truly are, now that your time as a soldier has ended." Celestia said with a genuine smile on her face. Luna nodded and placed a hoof on Drew's shoulder. "We agree with our sister Drew, the time has come to learn who you really are." Luna repeated.

Drew sighed and nodded, and Celestia placed a hoof under his chin to make him look up at her. "You're always welcome to return at any time you wish Drew, so please, do not feel like we are sending you away because we do not want you around. ll I ask is that you be safe!"

Drew gave another nod and a soft smile, hugging Celestia gently. Celestia blushed for a moment, having not expected the hug. She giggled and hugged him back, and Luna gave a slight laugh.

A knock was heard and one of the unicorn guards came in. "Princess Celestia, Twilight and the others are here. What would you have me tell them?"

Celestia giggled again and waved a hoof. "Let them in." She said and the guard nodded, exiting. A moment later, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie came in. Drew gave a wave to each, and walked over, hugging them which ended with a group hug. Drew chuckled some as Celestia informed them of Drew's journey. Applejack seemed to be saddened by this news, and Rarity too!

Fluttershy seemed worried for him, and Pinkie Pie insisted she throw him a going away party, but Drew politely declined. Twilight gave a look of jealousy, having wanted to travel for the past five years now, but never had the chance.

Drew looked off to the side, remembering Rainbow Dash wasn't here still, and sighed to himself. Pinkie Pie saw this and gave him a hug, seeing that he needed one. He gasped at first and smiled, returning in. "Thank you Pinkie." He said and wiped the welling tears. He still wasn't over Rainbow's death.

Celestia stepped up to speak now. "So, Drew, where will you be going first?" She inquired, but Drew shrugged. "I don't know Celestia, maybe East, or South." He said simply. Celestia nodded and gave a kind smile. "Just remember to pack lightly, and don't overexert yourself, ok Drew?" She asked of him, concerned as the East was a bit dangerous, and the South was a desert.

Drew simply nodded, and looked to a guard, nodding who began to gather the supplies necessary for either direction in two separate bags, and set them down by the gates for him. Drew requested a meal, well, more of a feast for his departure. Celestia nodded and looked to a guard, who nods and teleported into the kitchen to get things prepared.

Drew headed up to his room to check his room, and make sure everything was set for his absence. He brushed a hoof over the glass dome that now covered the last thing Rainbow Dash gave him, her Primary Feather. A spell had been cast upon it to keep it preserved for all time, and an alarm spell had been cast on the glass dome, alerting both himself and Celestia that some pony had tampered with his most precious possession. After a very nostalgic pause in his room, he turned to leave it for the last time for quite a while.

Reuniting with the others in the diner hall, he sat down, and appeared to be a bit sad. Pinkie and Fluttershy picked up on this quickly, and offered smiles in his direction. He hadn't noticed this, and Twilight decided to pull him aside when she caught that Drew hadn't noticed Pinkie and Fluttershy's smiles.

"Drew, what's wrong?" Twilight asked after the two were alone. Drew simply sighed. "I don't think I WANT to go, but Celestia is right, I do believe I HAVE to go...." He explained and Twilight simply hugged him softly. "Well, you're always welcome in my castle whenever your journey begins to be too much for you." She said and gave him a caring nuzzle. Drew blushed as a result and returned it. He had gotten more fond of the others since that fateful day ten years ago, and relaxed a bit more. The two returned, and Drew cracked a smile at the others, and Pinkie beamed.

The group ate their dinner, shared some laughs and enjoyed Drew's company for one last meal for quite some time, and he began to head out shortly before the evening.

(To be continued)