Trials of Prince Blueblood

We stood as still as statues in the hall like any other pair of guard ponies. Our steel armor was polished to perfection and unlike our golden compatriots focused on function over form. It was another blessed day under Celestia's sun and things were looking up for one pony, the other knew what they were waiting for. His heart was filled with dread and not wishing to share this dread kept his muzzle shut with his subordinate.

"Do you think we'll do patrol in the Everfree? Or perhaps the Frozen North? Someplace exciting for sure! We don't do easy, ya know!" The female guardpony, Aurora, enthused with her slitted emerald eyes darting about in contemplation. He was amazed she was still holding position instead of vibrating in place.

She had a deep sea blue coat with a neon colored mane of violet, red, yellow and green. What was left of her mane was braided by some ancient fashion for pegasi warriors and her probable hooficure was covered by her armor. He once found the rumors were true; if it got dark enough her mane and tail gave off light. Not enough to read by but she had no need of a candle to light her way. Some blamed the pegasus vesper hybrid blood she had for it, but it helped given she had no night vision. The stallion, though, felt it sucked for stealth missions even when it was bright out.

Knowing a bit of their orders already he sighed internally. "V.I.P. escort." he said simply. "It'll definitely will be something to talk about." he added.

"Vigil, tell me more!" She exclaimed fuming at the lack of details, details that were normally shared. Their squad was the only squad they knew of where envelops mark 'Top Secret' were read aloud when given.

"I refuse." Vigil said stoically.

Before Aurora could say more the main doors they stood in front of opened and Kibitz of all ponies stuck his head out. His old weathered features still contained much strength as one should have as Celestia's personal assistant and royal scheduling advisor. Raven would eventually be his replacement but while she still had youth was the one putting the miles in for anything outside the castle.

"Commander Vigilant Charger, Master Chief Aurora Skies, the Princess will see you now." With that he turned away while the door opened fully with his magic.

"When did you get promoted?" Vigil asked with real emotion in his voice. It was real news to him.

"Two weeks ago when I got my hoof nails scratched, my hair ruined and my armor received authentic. Battle. Damage!" Aurora said in rising volume and enthusiasm as she flew and he walked into the throne room.

"Mmm. The same fight that broke three ribs and cracked your skull?"

"You bet." There was a pregnant pause. "You really don't remember my promotion? I know you were drugged up and all."

"My body's familiarity with hydra poison was the only reason the detox saved me. The first week was a blur." Aurora wilted at his words so he decided to add something he wasn't going to say. "I do remember what you did when you first got out of bed."

Her face managed to turn a shade of purple which he found delightful to look at. "Don't bring that up, please. I'm kinda sorry."

"I only wish I was healthy enough to return the advance." Vigil cursed his luck at his body's complete failure to be a stallion.

Her flight faltered a moment. "Y- you. I mean. *ahem* I attacked you."

"And it is my best memory during my recovery. Let us do it again sometime soon." Vigil said as quietly as he could as they stopped at the foot of the stairs to the throne. Atop them were two ponies and neither needed introduction, at least in Canterlot for one of them; Princess Celestia and Prince Blueblood.

"Your Highnesses." They declared together followed by a bow.

"Welcome." Celestia almost glowed with happiness as she looked at the two. "I am glad to see you have both recovered. In addition I hear the last injured member of your unit will be allowed back on active deployment tomorrow. It is for that reason I am giving all five of you a special assignment."

"Anything, Princess! We're your ponies! You name it and we can do it!" Aurora exclaimed with a hoof pump into the air as she rose to be almost eye level with the Princess. Vigil noted she hasn't looked at Blueblood once thus far.

"Oh I know my top monster hunters can handle anything but I was thinking of something more unorthodox for now. With three of you needing major surgery after your last hunt I figured I would start you off slow for the remainder of the year." Celestia said with a smile...

Which turned a shade or two devious as she looped one forelimb around Blueblood and brought him into a hug; which he accepted with more grace than he had ever shown in public. "Speaking of unorthodox my dear nephew here is going on an expedition to find a fallen star in the north."

"I beg your pardon?" Aurora said with some trepidation. Vigil would have scowled had she not managed to remain smiling but he saw her eyes were no longer participating in the smile.

"It is as Auntie said, Guardpony. I am going to the north to retrieve a fallen star. Perhaps we can visit some villages along the way. It is not as if the star is going anywhere and the common pony needs to see the majesty of a pony like myself. Such a noble sight will be sure to lift their spirits." Prince Blueblood said with much enthusiasm.

"Of Course they will be!" Aurora said without a hint of irony.

"And I cannot think of anypony better suited to guard him than the five of you." Celestia said with all the calmness and serenity she was most well known for.

"It will not be a simple walk in the park with a bed in the castle each night." Vigil warned Blueblood. He wondered what the royal would say and how many servants would he bring? He knew his squad; one or two steps away from prison bars on a bad day and not likely to tolerate him for too long.

Blueblood sniffed dismissively. "A few days of 'roughing it' is no concern for a pony of my stature." He looked around for a moment nervously before putting his 'noble' face back on. "Being an aged military pony I will delegate all logistics to you. Surely you must know what we would need for such a trip. I plan to bring only one valet to attend to my needs."

"Of course your grace. When shall we be leaving?" Aged!? Vigil fumed internally. I am barely over thirty.

Blueblood scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I would like to be on my way the morning after tomorrow. Auntie I must beg my leave. I have affairs I need to settle before I leave; You understand?"

"Of course nephew." Celestia and Blueblood bowed to each other before the later left. Once he was well and truly gone she turned to them. "I know my nephew can be trying but he is a good pony deep down. He needs this, and so does the kingdom. I can't do this all alone or with him here, in Canterlot."

"Mission?" Vigil stated.

"Help recover my old nephew." Celestia replied without hesitation.

"Remove his stallion rod from his own rump. Got it!" Aurora said to Vigil's horror and Celestia's giggle.

"Seriously though; I need him alive. Getting to the star is only a distraction, I'll have more lined up when you get back. Get him to open up to ponies not from Canterlot. Let him see what life is like for the less fortunate." She paused. "Maybe conduct an easy hunt?"

"No hunt is without injury." Vigil stated grimly.

"Oh boy, this will definitely be something to talk about." Aurora said giving Vigil a glance with a smirk.

"Mmm."