A Royal Visit

Chapters

Arrival
A Royal Tour
Surprise Blast from the Past
A Paladin is Born
Afterthoughts

Arrival

As the city came into view, Princess Twilight Sparkle could hear the teeth grinding of the mare next to her, and suppressed a sigh. She could only hope the guard did not ruin this. Too much was riding on this visit.

"I still think we should have brought more than just a couple of Royal Guards," the Pegasus grumbled next to her grumbled as she glared down at the city.

Twilight rolled her eyes for what felt like the thousandth time since they had left Canterlot. "Yes, Captain Rose. As you have been telling me ever since we left Canterlot. You would think we were entering an active war zone with how often you have told me this."

Pearl Rose bit her lips. She knew she was treading a very fine line with the princess on this. But as she had often been told ever since becoming Princess Twilight's personal bodyguard, speaking her mind was something Twilight encouraged. "What do you want me to do, Twilight? You didn't let me plan this out. I've got nothing to go on with any potential threats. For all we know, this is a trap."

Twilight's ears fell. She could feel the anger and frustration in Pearl's response, but something more as well. "That is not all to it I feel?"

Pearl shook her head as the airship began to descend, allowing her a better view of Zephyr Heights. "Some of my family was banished here when it was first founded. On pain of death if they ever returned to Equestria."

Twilight's eyes widened. This was news to her. She knew members of the Storm family had been among the city's founders, but nothing like this. "Why? I have never heard of this."

Pearl nodded. "Plotting to have you murdered. Not everypony was happy when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna retired. Some even less so than others. My great-great-grandmother found out about it and banished them. We never mentioned why because she feared our whole family would pay the price."

Twilight's heart fell right out of her. While she had been many things in her earlier years, she would have never done that. It wouldn't have been fair to punish all for the sins of a few. "Then let me put those fears to rest, Pearl. I never would have done something like this. Why should your whole family pay?"

Pearl smiled at this, for she knew that when Twilight made a promise like this, she truly meant it. A Pinkie Promise in all but name, if she remembered her fillyhood stories right, as they finally touched down, allowing her to see the welcoming party below.

Twilight saw them as well and smiled widely as Pearl and her squad fell into line. "Let us not keep our hosts waiting, shall we?"

Pegasi guards snapped to attention as Princess Twilight and her entourage exited the HMS Harmony. Pearl eyed them like a hawk, assessing just how much of a snowflake or a real guard they truly were. She was impressed that none of the stallions looked too comfortable. Maybe there was hope yet.

Twilight's eyes, however, were on the three Pegasi that awaited her at the end of the red carpet. While considerably shorter than Twilight herself. Queen Haven carried herself with the dignity and respect of a true ruler. Only a slight shiver showed her nervousness, something Twilight could relate to.

Next to her, Princess Zipp tried her best to look the part, but Pearl could see she would be rather anywhere else but here. Princess Pipp wasn't even trying to hide how bored she was with all of the formality as they stepped forward.

Coming to halt several paces away, Twilight bowed. "Your highness."

Queen Haven and her daughters next did the same. "Your Highness. Welcome to Zephyr Heights. I never thought I would see the day the Ruler of Equestria would visit," she intoned formally, but with respect as well.

Twilight chuckled as they rose. "The honor is all mine, Haven. I only wish I had come sooner. Your city is beautiful." She gestured to Pearl, who was doing her best to look imposing. "This is my personal guard, Pearl Rose. She will be with us throughout my stay. Please make her as welcome as I am."

Zipp, meanwhile, was eying something on Pearl's breast. An intricately carved broach, before looking at the guard's flank, and seeing the same symbol. Her eyes widened. "Is that what I think it is?"

Pearl sighed in annoyance as she looked down at her broach, her own cutie mark fused with Princess Twilight's own. Here it came. "It's nothing special."

Haven saw it as well, and her smile grew. "Most would say otherwise, Knight Paladin Pearl Rose. It is truly an honor."

There was an audible gasp from the family's Royal Guard contingent, earning an eye roll from Pearl, and a giggle from Twilight. "It's no big deal. I don't even notice most days."

Pipp gasped, whisking out her phone in excitement. "Are you kidding?! There's only ever been two Knight Paladins. Two, counting you. She died centuries ago if the stories are true. Is it true? Soulbound to your princess, never to die unless she dies? Or releases you from your bond?"

Pearl blushed as Twilight laid a wing around her. "It is. Sadly, I didn't know Luna's for very long, but she was as loyal and brave as Pearl is from all she told me. Refusing to follow her princess into darkness. Going into exile in shame for what Nightmare Moon tried to do."

"Next time, I'm letting the dragon eat you," Pearl grumbled, but she was smiling all the same.

Everyone chuckled as Pipp typed furiously into her phone. Her Pippsqueaks were going to love this. Haven, meanwhile scratched her chin. "But why go around the Everfree Forest? Surely there is nothing you need to worry about, Princess Twilight?"

Twilight shook her head. "I learned long ago that it is better to leave the Everfree alone. It is what its guardian wants, and I will respect his wishes on the matter. He is very passionate when it comes to his forest."

Zipp blinked. "Wait. Are you saying the Everfree is alive?"

Twilight nodded. "In a way. It is hard to explain. I met him not long after my coronation, and while calling us best friends is a stretch, I like to think we have gotten along quite well ever since. Leave the forest alone, and the guardian does not care much about what ponies do otherwise."

Pearl rolled her eyes. Not this again. She still didn't buy into any of this the princess said, and from the looks the royal family was sharing, they were thinking the same thing.

After a moment, however, Haven shook her head. "Shall we move this inside, Princess Twilight? There is a storm scheduled for later, and I would rather not get caught out in it."

Twilight nodded, as their guards fell in line alongside them. "Let's."

Author's Note

Was bored, and watching Winter Wishday got this idea stuck in my head. Also was inspired by a story by Nineveh Orion. But these two universes are not connected.

Yes, Twilight does know Kohaku personally. She's one of the few ponies who know what is going on with the Everfree Forest. She's also the only one on a first-name basis with him. A privilege she does not abuse I might add.

A Royal Tour

"So how are you enjoying our fair city?" Haven asked as the group passed through downtown Zephyr Heights. "I admit that I've sometimes compared it to Canterlot."

Twilight smiled as she looked around the bustling streets. While Pegasi predominated, ponies of every tribe could be seen laughing and having a good time. If they could ever look up from their phones that is. "There is a certain resemblance. But Canterlot is everything Equestria once was, while Zephyr Heights is everything Equestria has become and will become."

Pearl rolled her eyes. "No matter how hard she tries. Someponies are just stuck in the past, no matter what their princess says. It beats Cloudsdale for sure."

Twilight nodded sadly. "Canterlogic all but given up on making Canterlot get with the times. Odd, given their name. It is why I have such high hopes for Maretime Bay and Bridalwood as well."

Zipp rolled her eyes. "If Sunny and Hitch have anything to say about it, then Maretime Bay will. And Izzy with Bridalwood."

Twilight blinked. "How do you know them?"

Zipp and Pipp both giggled. "We all went to the School of Friendship together. Sunny makes the best smoothies in Equestria, hooves down," Pipp replied. "How do you know them?"

Twilight smiled sheepishly. "Sunny is my biggest fan, according to her. She came to Canterlot some time ago with her friend Hitch. It was something she had always wanted to do as he put it. I've been teaching her off and on whenever I get the chance."

Pearl snorted. "Please. The only reason she's not your student officially is cause neither of you wants to move. She has a teleport circle in her room so they can even get together at all."

Twilight pouted while everypony laughed. "That does sound like Sunny," Zipp replied. "She was always going on about you in school whenever she had the chance. It drove someponies nuts, but she didn't care."

Pearl giggled as Twilight groaned. She actually liked the mare. Besides making mean smoothies, Sunny didn't go gaga every time she saw Pearl's broach, while everypony else did. She really couldn't ask the first Paladin how she had handled it, and Luna was secretive on the matter.

No matter how hard she and Twilight tried to get her to open up about her. Celestia was even worse in that regard, only smiling enigmatically before changing the subject.

Haven saw the annoyance in Pearl's eyes, and her heart sank for the young mare. "We have rooms for both of you in the palace, princess. Right next to each other in fact. And I see now that it was a wise idea to do so."

Nopony could miss the slight blush that came to Pearl's face at that, or how Twilight's breath hitched slightly at the idea of the two being so close to each other. None had missed the looks Pearl had given Twilight's flanks more than once, nor how Twilight looked at Pearl's floof when she wasn't looking.

Haven's smile widened. "And you have picked a wonderful time to visit as well, Princess Twilight. There is something special to come later today, and I would be honored if you would join us."

Twilight blinked in surprise. "What is it? I can always use a break from all this tedium."

Pipp puffed up proudly. "My first real concert. I'm done doing small-time gigs. Time to go big or go home."

Pearl's jaw dropped. "That's today?! Dang, it. I've been waiting for this for months now! I'm such a huge fan." She poked Twilight with a smirk. "While this princess wouldn't know good music if the fate of the universe depended on it."

Twilight rolled her eyes, while Pipp's grew large in shock. "A Knight Paladin is a fan of mine...?!" She squeed excitedly before fainting with a huge grin on her face. Zipp rolled her eyes as she rolled a pillow underneath her sister's head before it hit the seat itself.

Twilight burst out laughing at the scene, memories of a certain unicorn coming to mind. Haven gave her a worried look. "Are you alright your highness?"

After a moment, Twilight nodded, wiping away her tears. "Yes. I'm sorry. A friend of mine once reacted the same way to big news, and I couldn't help it. Rarity would have been proud."

Pipp nodded in a daze. "I've always been a huge fan of hers. I've never wanted the throne and damn anypony who says otherwise. I'm the spare in the family. Only around if something happens to my sister. Which I don't want."

Zipp nodded glumly. "I'd rather trade places if it's all the same. Too much to remember, and gods only know what'll happen if I mess it up."

Twilight's heart sank, as Haven pulled her daughters close. Oh, how she hated the 'heir and a spare' system. A relic of a more backward time. Just look at Cadance and Flurry Heart. While her niece knew all that was required to rule and accompanied her mother if and when it was needed, Flurry had a life of her own. One that wasn't dictated by the rules of rulership. One that Cadance had been more than happy to give her daughter.

Pearl felt her heart drop right out of her. She knew what it was like to be in line to inherit her family's legacy. Being an only child, she had known it her entire life. It was why she had joined the Royal Guard. She loved her parents deeply, but she didn't want what they wanted for her.

But that was beside the point, as the chariot came to a halt in front of the Royal Palace. They were here to relax, and to hear her favorite singer live of course. Worries could come later. Assuming nothing happened of course.

Why did it feel like something going to happen though? Pearl could feel it, though she had no idea where it was coming from.

Down at the Zephyr Heights Hot Air Baloon Station, two ponies were just disembarking from the latest arrival. As the younger of the two paid their fair, the elder could just make out the HMS Harmony docked at the Airship Dock.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

Author's Note

Here's how Twilight looks in this universe. I hated how she looked in The Last Problem. It was done by LimeDazzle.

No, I'm not sorry about doing this with the Mane 5. Xanderfox was right in guessing Maretime Bay was founded by earth pony sailors, and Bridalwood by unicorn hippies. Why not? And Opaline is the only G5 character removed from existence. Misty is still around somewhere though.

Surprise Blast from the Past

Twilight smiled as she sipped on her drink from the balcony of the cafe. Pearl, meanwhile, was going gaga over the various treats on the dessert cart. The princess could almost have done a spit take from the familiar voice she heard from below.

“I can’t believe you got us tickets. I have been trying for weeks,” Luna said strolling to a booth with her companion. “I thought I was going to have to write Twilight to get these. How didst thow manage it?”

Twilight lowered herself as she saw it was the retired princess. And next to her sat a familiar-looking unicorn. Forest green with an amber horn and a long, bouncy, bark-colored mane. Twilight was certain that was Luna’s Paladin judging by the broach which bore Luna’s insignia. Twilight’s eyes widened when she heard the Paladin speak. The voice was not unfamiliar but not the one she remembered Luna’s Paladin using last she saw her...

But that was also impossible. She was dead. Twilight had seen her enter the Everfree Forest herself, no matter how hard she had tried to get her to stay.

“Well, I know how big of a fan you are of her music. So all l did was to help to guide most of the Canterlot promoters through the Everfree on their way here.” Luna’s Paladin smiled softly at her. Placing her hoof over hers. “They were so grateful they just gave me the tickets.”

“So thow used thy position as the forest guardian to sneakily get royal box tickets?” Luna smirked raising her eyebrow. “Kohaku, how couldst thow do that?”

“Quite easily. And do I have to bring up that little incident about a princess who used her royal name to get first access to the latest gaming console a month before it was in stores?” Forestsong chuckled seeing Luna blush and shift a little. Giving a playful look away.

“I hast no Idea what thow is speaking of. I would never use thy royal name for such a trivial matter.” Luna closed her eyes looking away with her nose up before a light proding to her side with her Paladin’s hoof caused her to look back into his eyes and smile. The two of them shared a laugh. “Okay, I give up. I guess we are both guilty of that.”

Running her hoof down the Paladin’s broach she looked up into her Paladin’s amber eyes. “Does thow mind if I ask why you are wearing that? It is not needed any longer.”

“Well, I am still your Paladin. And have been since I was a wide-eyed adolescent and you a love-struck filly. It does seem only right I ware it still.”

“Except I am no longer a princess of Equestria. And at the moment, I know how frustrating it is for thow to pass for a mare.”

“Would you prefer I use my true form?” Kohaku gave a sly grin leaning in.

“Let us not. The world is not yet ready for thy true self Kohaku. I only wish we did not have to hide what we are.” Her response was only a soft and deep kiss. One Twilight was certain they had shared many times before by the way Luna caressed the side of her Palladin’s cheek.

“Hey princess what are you looking at?” Pearl taped Twilight on the shoulders. Making her nearly leap ten hooves in the air.

Pearl rolled her eyes as her princess came back to earth. You’d think she’d seen a ghost with that reaction as she saw Luna and her Paladin, and nearly did a spit take herself.

That was impossible. Amber Orchid had been dead for centuries, and only she had ever been allowed to wear that symbol. Anyone else caught using it was severely punished. Fillies and colts got off easy, however, for Pearl couldn't count the number of ponies she had seen wearing some version of it. Usually on Nightmare Night, and more than once, Luna herself had commended the pony in question on their work.

Amber saw and smirked looking up having, heard the commotion, as she bowed her head to Twilight. “Princess.”

Twilight finally found her voice. “How? And why did Luna use that name? Only one creature I know has it, and last time I checked, he was a boy.”

Amber only smiled wider. “Come now, princess. I thought you knew enough of my kind to know better.” Amber’s voice had changed and deepened. “Or have you forgotten about Starswirl’s little journal?”

Twilight’s eyes widened. While it had only been a few times in her life, she knew that voice anywhere. “Kohaku?”

“Let us have an easier chat,” Luna smirked and with a flash teleported herself and her Paladin up to the balcony and into the same booth as Twilight and Pearl. “I trust this is better than calling down to us and bringing everyone’s attention with it?”

Pearl’s head was spinning as she groaned irritably before pointing a hoof at the two. “Will somepony tell me what the hell is going on?! Why am I seeing dead ponies now.”

Twilight nodded. “That is what I want to know.”

“Well, reports about my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Amber said politely taking a sip from her tea now back to using her pony voice, “I mean it’s a lot better than letting everyone know I simply went back home and wept for a hundred years after the loss of my Princess.” Luna sighed bowing her head. Fully remembering the incident. “In truth, I have not used this form or name since then. But Twilight has met me on various occasions. In my true form.”

“But seeing as this is Pipp’s biggest concert to date coming up. And Luna was dead set on going. Well, I could not let her go alone now could I? I’d be one lousy Paladin and mate otherwise.”

Twilight allowed herself to relax. She still had so many questions about all of this. But she would not ruin Pipp’s big day with this. She was supposed to be relaxing. So she would. But she would get to the bottom of this.

Even if it meant pulling princess rank on Luna. Something she had never wanted to do, though more than once, the thought had crossed her mind when dealing with Celestia's penchant for still being secretive and not telling her everything she needed to know.

Luna looked at her Paladin who only nodded. Reaching out, the former Princess took Twilight’s hooves in hers. “Fear not Princess. I shall tell thee all you wish to know. Just not here.”

Author's Note

To clear a few things up. Luna being at Pipp's concert isn't such a big deal for Twilight. Sure, she would have been shocked to see her there. But Luna has every right to attend just like anypony else does.

A Paladin is Born

Celestia stood there on the rampart of the Castle her light pink hair flowing in the light winds flowing up from the exterior walls. On the walkway she could see her mentor Starswirl make his way back out of the Everfree Forest. She raised an eyebrow as next to him was a smaller figure, half his size, dressed in a hooded cloak similar to his without the bells. While she couldn’t hear what was being said, she knew the pair were in deep conversation.

Taking a deep breath, Celestia watched as her parents came out to greet him. She watched as the small figure made a polite bow. She knew what they were talking about. And it wasn’t something she desired in all of her seventeen years. Why did she have to have an arranged marriage to some small colt she never heard of before? With a huff, she turned away and stomped back to her bedroom.

Opening the door to her room, Celestia sucked in her breath as she found her eight-year-old sister Luna bouncing up and down on the large sun-shaped bed.

“Hey sis. It’s it great. Starswirl’s back.” Luna grinned as she continued to jump up and down on her sister's bed. “I wonder what he’ll teach us this time?”

Sighing Celestia walked up to her bed and stared down her sister. “I don’t know, and how many times have I told you NOT to jump on my bed Lulu.”

Stopping her jumping, Luna pouted a little. “But your bed is so much bouncier than mine.”

Rubbing her temples with a hoof, Celestia just shook her head. “I don’t care sister, just please stop.”

Reaching up, Luna placed a hoof on her sister's leg. “You okay Tia?”

“No,” Flopping down on her bed, Celestia sighed again. “No, I’m not.”

“Anything I can do to help?” Luna flopped down on to her belly and pressed her nose up to her sisters.

Celestia smiled as she looked into those dark eyes. Reaching out Celestia grabbed her sister and started tickling her. The young filly laughed hard until there was a knock on the door. When it opened there stood one of their mother’s celestial guards.

“Your parents wish to see you princess.” the guard stoically stated before stepping aside. “Please come at once.”

The princess sisters looked at each other then nodded before trotting out the door.

Starswirl smiled as he stood there. His young companion was more interested in following a multicolored butterfly with his eyes than anything else around him.

“Remember where you are little brother,” Starswirl spoke softly but sternly, earning a low groan from the boy’s lips before slumping down a little. Starswirl could appreciate how uncomfortable his brother was. “I know this is unsettling, but it’s something I promised your sister so long ago. To make sure your future is secure in this new world. And this is the best way I can start.”

“How do you know we’ll even be compatible?” the young boy’s voice whispered through his hood.

“She is the firstborn alicorn in thousands of years. She’s intelligent, strong-willed, and quite powerful. As a child of the moon, you should appreciate being paired with the Sun.” Starswirl placed his hoof on his brother’s shoulder. “Plus she is the only pony other than myself who can understand and appreciate what you are.”

“Fine…” the boy sighed and shook his head. Looking up he watched as the two princesses walked into the bar. He had seen images of the older one. The pony his brother was intent on setting him up with. But his eyes were drawn to the dark blue filly beside her. His eyes went wide. “Like the night sky…”

“Did you say something?” Starswirl raised an eyebrow.

“No… nothing.” the young boy blushed and looked away, but still turned his eyes to the younger princess.

“I Queen Solarus present my eldest daughter Princess Celestia.” the Queen smiled stepping forward.

“And I, Starswirl present my little brother, Kohaku Everfree.” Turning to his brother he nodded. “Remove your cloak.”

Looking up, Kohaku watched as his brother nodded. Undoing the clasp he flung his cloak around in a flourish and placed it folded in front of him. The entire court gasped. The king and queen exchanged looks as before them stood a creature not seen for millennia. His green fur shimmered as his amber markings glowed under the light. His three tails swished about.

“A pleasure to meet you.” Kohaku politely bowed.

Kohaku sighed as he sat there up against the wall. In the far corner he watched as his ‘intended’ argued at the top of her lungs with her parents and his big brother. Closing his eyes he lifted his head up and let all other thoughts and sounds escape him but the soft whispers of the potted plants. It wasn’t until he heard the soft breaths of another nearby that he blinked and found himself staring into the stary eyes of the youngest Princess.

“What are you?” Luna tilted her head as she poked at Kohaku with a wing.

“I’m me,” Kohaku smirked as his response made Luna laugh.

“I’m bored, you want to go have some fun?” Luna smiled wide.

Lifting his head up and looking past the filly to the trio near the thrones. Kohaku smiled and then turned back to Luna. “What's your name?”

“Luna.”

“Kohaku. Let's go.” With everyone paying more attention to the arguing. The two snuck out and ran out towards the gardens.

Luna sighed as she relaxed atop the dock. Her hoof swished about the water. Looking to the side she saw Kohaku resting up against the post a book open and supported by two of his tails. The third brushed her tail with an ivory brush. She had known him for six years now, and her feelings had only grown. “How can you bear it?”

“I thought you liked when I brushed your mane and tail?” Kohaku looked at the princess from the top of his book.

“Not that you fluffhead.” Luna huffed as she pulled her tail away from the brush, lightly slapping it across his mussel before sitting up. Her back to him. “Your betrothed to my sister. And yet we’ve been dating for the last four years behind her back.”

“There’s a fair difference between being betrothed and being in love.” Kohaku rubbed his cheek for a moment with a chuckle and went back to reading. “Your sister is a great mare, but there’s no love lost between us and she knows it.”

“I just feel bad for hiding what we have from her and your brother.” Luna bowed her head and closed her eyes.

With a sigh, Kohaku closed his book and set it aside, and just looked at his midnight princess. It had only been a few years but his eyes settled on the crescent moon cutie mark on her hip. His father always told him a young tod always looked for a woman like his mother. Luna was everything he looked for. Dignified but knew how to cut loose. Enjoyed a good prank and had a great sense of humor. And her powers drew on the moon itself. Just like his Okaassan. Shaking his head he rested both his for legs behind his head.

“I think they know. I mean they aren’t stupid. But they’re probably looking the other way out of obligations.”

“You really think so?” Luna looked over her shoulder. Her dark blue mane draped down making Kohaku’s heart jump a few beats.

Gulping a bit he quickly rested his tails across his lap. “Yeah. and your sister is probably thinking this would be an easy out for our ‘engagement’.”

Luna saw how quickly his tails moved and gave a smirk. She may be fourteen but even she knew what that meant. With a giggle the princess moved in closer, standing directly over him. “I suppose. I mean it’s not like we go out of our way to hide it.”

“Indeed.” wrapping one foreleg around Luna’s barrel. Kohaku pulled her down and planted a tender kiss on her lips, which was returned.

An explosion erupted outside of the castle, making the area around it shake. Kohaku stood in the center of an open clearing by a precipice as dark as the stallions holding the princesses at knifepoint. two of his newest creations stood next to him, Timberwolves he called them. The pair half lowered and growled loudly. They wanted blood and so did he.

“Back off freak boy. Or the girls get it.” the lead earth pony stallion chuckled as his two pegasus cronies held one leg around the princesses throats and a hoof knife ready to cut. On the horns of both princesses was a magic restraining ring.

“Just do it Kohaku, we’ll be fine,” Celestia called out to her betrothed who just stood there watching.

Kohaku heard Celestia’s words but his eyes were on Luna. who while scared held herself firmly. Her own eyes fixed on his. Closing his eyes listened to the uneasy breathing of the kidnappers. Physically they were no match for the eighteen-year-old kitsune. They wouldn't have been a match for him eight years ago.

The attack on the castle kept all the guards busy and his Oniisan was busy on the other side of Equestria. Even by teleporting it would be hours before he showed up. With a wave of his paws, his two Timberwolves moved to the sides, flanking the scum that took the mare he loved and her sister. Looking up, he knew getting them back wouldn’t be easy. Even for him.

“You can’t win. Just give them up.” Kohaku calmly stood there. His sharp amber eyes looked at the lead stallion. “Your mercenaries are no match for the Royal Guards and you are no match for me.”

The earth pony watched as the two wooden monsters paced back and forth along the eastern and western escape routes. All he had to do is get past this one boy. “I don’t care. The unicorn kingdom is going to fall today. We’re tired of living under their oppressive rule and we won’t accept a monster like you on the throne either. Now step aside or we’ll just kill these two princesses. Or do you want to see the mare you love die?”

Kohaku knew it had been public knowledge for years now that Kohaku was betrothed to Celestia. He shook his head. He cared for Celestia but it was Luna he was concerned about. Taking a few steps to the side he kept his eyes on the trio.

The earth pony made a wicked grin as he watched the fox step aside. The trio slowly made their way from the edge slightly just before the captain of the guard showed up. Uttering a curse he shouted, “Kill them!”

Kohaku saw the battered and bruised captain as he barrelled past the tree line. At the words spoken by the earth pony, Kohaku growled and dashed forward. The world moved in slow motion as the pegasus bucked Luna in the gut and off the edge. He didn’t have time to register the captain dashing forward. A bark of command to his loyal pets he saw two brown blurs run past him.

The pegasus grinned, glad he had just ended one line of the unicorn kingdom with one kick. Looking up he saw that his joy was short-lived. The fox who was a field away was now in front of him. The pegasus saw nothing but the lust for blood in the fox’s eyes. Before he could fly away, his throat had been shredded and his chest laid bare. A shower of red flashed before his eyes as the world quickly ran cold and dark.

Kohaku barely had any time to enjoy his kill. He didn’t even notice that the Captain had reached Celestia. His heart pounded in his ears so loud he didn’t even hear himself call out to Luna. Diving off the cliff, Kohaku tightened his body and made himself as thin as possible to fall faster. Passing his midnight princess he rolled to his back and wrapped his limbs around her. Seconds later he felt the sharp pain of a tree branch slamming against his spine and another against the back of his head.

Luna held her eyes closed the whole flight down the second she felt Kohaku’s limbs about her body. Despite the sound of breaking tree branches. She didn’t feel anything hit her. As they hit the ground together, Luna rolled off several hooves away.

Shakingly standing up, the princess placed both hooves on the magic ring and pulled it off. Looking around she found herself at the bottom of the ravine. Taking a few steps forward she felt her hoof step into something warm and wet. Looking down her body went cold. Laying limp in a pool of his own blood was her beloved fox, Kohaku.

“This cannot be allowed to happen again.” Luna cried as she paced back and forth in the throne room. Her parents, Starswirl and Celestia stood by just watching her. The quartet just learned the truth about Luna’s relationship with Kohaku. While not surprised, they just learned to accept the truth of it. Luna was the one he chose, not Celestia.

“I agree,” Starswirl spoke up to the surprise of the King, Queen, and Celestia. “I often consoled that the royal family needs more protection.”

“Are you calling our guards inadequate again?” The Queen stepped forward narrowing her eyes.

“They are quite adequate in their jobs. But the fact remains that Celestia and Luna were captured IN the palace.”

Holding back his wife the King looked at the old sorcerer. “What are you suggesting?”

“Personal guards. Guards that will be around the princesses at all times.” Starswirl sat straight.

“I don’t need a personal guard!” Celestia huffed.

“I agree with my daughter. I hardly think having a whole regiment of guards around our daughters will make a difference.” The queen looked to the sorcerer with her husband.

Narrowing his eyes Starswirl sighed. “My little brother fighting for his life in the recovery room says otherwise. If the princess had protection to keep from being kidnapped. My brother wouldn’t have had to risk his life to save them.”

“He saved Luna more than myself,” Celestia muttered louder than she wanted. Drawing all attention to her.

“I don’t think I’d feel comfortable having a whole patrol of guards around me.” Luna fidgeted with her wings. Her nerves aching since she had gotten back.

“I don’t think we need a whole patrol. One highly skilled protector should be enough.” Starswirl closed his eyes. “I thought long and hard about this for years. And tonight Kohaku’s actions made me certain of what would work. A single lone Paladin who will devote themselves to the protection of the Princess.”

“Well. He certainly didn’t prevent the kidnapping of the princesses.” the queen scoffed.

“But he did risk his life to get us back.” Luna shot her mother a look that silenced the queen.

“Well, I don’t need one. I’m powerful enough alone. It was only because Luna was taken first that they got their dirty hooves on me.” Celestia stood next to her sister. “But I think Luna would benefit from a lone protector.”

“Well if we DO Starswirls foolish idea. It would take years of training before we have anypony skilled enough to protect Luna. so who could we possibly choose.” The queen sighed.

“Me.” a weak voice came from a curtained door. Everypony turned their heads to see Kohaku standing there on three legs with one of his forelegs resting on the wall. His paw gripping the bricks. Half bloody bandages wrapped around most of his body. “I’ll do it. I’m the only one skilled enough to not have to be trained.”

“Kohaku.” Starswirl rushed to his little brother's side. Holding him up with magic, earning him a grateful smile.

“Out of the question!” the Queen shouted waving her hoof. “The boy seems utterly infatuated with her. Despite being betrothed to Celestia. And it would not do to have a boy protect her day and night?”

Starswirl sighed. “I can understand that. But Kohaku is right, there is no other best suited for the job. And he’s proven he will give his life to keep her safe.”

Luna grumbled slamming her hoof down. “Don’t I get a say in this?” her royal voice echoed through the room.

The king slowly nodded as he rubbed his ear. “Of course you do daughter. What do you want?”

“I want Kohaku to be my guardian.”

“I still do not think that a boy… what would the people say. Think of the rumors.” the queen started but was swiftly silenced as two Timberwolves entered the room. One of them carrying a bloody neckband the earth pony kidnapper had.

“I can fix that.” Kohaku sighed lowering his head.

“Kohaku... You mean?” Starswirl blinked.

“You’d have no objections if it was say a mare protecting your daughter? Would you?” Kohaku smiled as the queen shook her head.

“Well no. but..” Kohaku’s paw raised silenced her.

“Kohaku that kind of magic does drain you. Can you hold it?” Starswirl helped his brother walk closer.

“I haven't exactly been sitting on my flank here ya know niisan.” Kohaku smirked. Taking a deep breath his body shimmered as a flurry of leaves came from the ground and circled him. Starswirl taking a step back. As the leaves left a leaf-green unicorn mare stood where Kohaku had been. A Long mahogany mane curled down her head with an amber horn glinted.

Everypony nearly jumped when they heard the mare speak. Her voice was as soft and rich as honey. “I trust this is more acceptable?”

“How?” Luna reached out and touched Kohaku’s new form. She felt that familiar warmth through her hoof.

“Shapeshifting is a natural ability. I mostly use it to change into plants, this is my first time becoming a pony.” Looking up at the Royal trio several paces away he smiled as Luna hugged him. “Does this not solve your problem?”

The king and queen looked at each other as Celestia smiled nodding.

“Well, I still have my reservations.” The queen folded her wings.

“Kohaku are you sure you want to do this?” Starswirl asked his brother again. Making sure there was no doubt. And smiled when he nodded.

“A few things. First. My betrothal to Celestia is hereby dissolved. It's been uncomfortable for us both since the very beginning. I love Luna. and it’s to her I give my heart.”

“Done, and what else?” The King smiled.

“If possible could I get a very large fish? I’m hungry.” Everypony soon erupted with laughter as the King waved a servant to fulfill the second request.

“So how are we going to do this?” Luna blinked as she held tight to Kohaku’s mare form. More to keep him from falling over than anything else.

“There is an oath of binding that will suffice. It’s usually used in the old days to bind a mortal to a long-lived creature’s lifespan after marriage and lasts until death.”

“Wouldn’t that basically mean Luna would be married to Kohaku?” Celestia quirked an eyebrow.

“Yes, technically,” Starswirl smirked.

“We can deal with that another time. How do we do this?” The queen sighed

“Kohaku.” Starswirl nodded as Kohaku returned the nod. “You know the oath.”

“I should, my father created it.” Lightly pushing away, Kohaku in his mare form knelt down on two legs with the left front hoof placed in Luna’s and the right one over her heart. Instantly a circle of moonlight flames erupted around the pair.

"From this day forward, I give my body, heart, and soul, to the Princess whom I love. No plea for help shall find me wanting. No obstacle will stand before me. No evil will taint the heart bequeathed unto me. When the clarion call is sounded, I fight in the name of my Lady. That which is sacrament, I shall preserve. That which is sublime, I will protect. That which threatens, I will destroy, for my wrath will know no bounds. For this day until your last, I will be your Paladin."

“And what shall I call my Paladin?” Luna stood tall. Filled with more energy than she had ever known in her life.

“In this form, while I serve, I am Amber Orchid.” Amber’s head bowed in fealty.

Luna smiled and held up her hoof, placing it over Amber’s shoulder. With a flash, a broach appeared with Luna’s insignia. Taking a step back she didn’t even realize what she had just done. Only knowing it was appropriate. “...did I do that?”

Nodding Starswirl chuckled. “You did indeed.”

Luna looked at her family who looked on. For the first time in her life, she saw Celestia with a small spark of jealousy. That brought a smile to the princess’s lips. Turning back to Amber, Luna regained her composure. “Rise Paladin Amber. First of your order.”

“Wow…” Pearl muttered as everyone sat in Twilight’s royal quarters in the pegasus palace. “That’s some story. I knew the oath was special. But…” Looking up at Twilight she blushed, “Married?”

Luna giggled as she leaned into Kohaku’s shoulder. Having assumed his true kitsune form. All nine tails wrapped lovingly around his princess. “Well, what else is marriage but a binding of two lives.”

Pearl and Twilight shared a look. Well, when it was put that way… “We’re not married though. Even though I do prefer mares myself,” Twilight said.

“Same,” Pearl added. “Not like it’s a secret though. But good luck finding anypony willing to look past my title and just see me. I’ve tried. Gods, have I tried.”

Luna smirked, for she had seen the looks Pearl had given Twilight’s flanks and Twilight eyeing Pearl’s floof when she wasn’t looking. Subtly was not their strong suit. “Fear not. There is someone for everyone. Both of you just need to remove your heads from the clouds it seems.”

Twilight bit back a snort. Was she being lectured like a filly right out of Magic Kindergarten on her love life? Or lack thereof?

Pearl thought the same and didn’t bother to hide her snort and eye roll. But the story had given her new hope, for a fillyhood dream she long thought buried and forgotten.

Many of her fillyhood friends had dreamed of joining the Royal Guard and becoming Princess Twilight’s Paladin. Every filly and colt from the Crystal Empire to Maretime Bay grew up on stories of Luna’s.

Pearl had been no different, she was always wide-eyed and attentive hearing about all the first Paladin had accomplished. Memorizing every adventure, every battle, and sadly every defeat. And while most of her friends had eventually outgrown the daydream of being the next Paladin, she never had, but not only for the reasons others had dreamed of it.

Perhaps there was hope yet. For a fillyhood dream Pearl had long ago thought impossible and just a silly fantasy.

Author's Note

No. There are no plans for a Twilight and Pearl romance. In a sequel maybe. Right now though? There are no plans for a sequel. Might change though.

Afterthoughts

"I wasn't expecting two alicorns today. Let alone both Paladins as well," Queen Haven chuckled, as everyone relaxed in one of the side rooms of the palace. "It is quite the honor, Princess Luna."

Luna waived it off. "The pleasure is all mine, your highness. I have long been a fan of your daughter's music." She harumphed and pouted. "Tis harder to get tickets than I had thought it would be."

Twilight rolled her eyes, as Zipp caught a fainting Pipp, a wide smile on the younger's face. "If I had known, Luna, I would have gotten you one. It was all over Equestria. Everyone in Canterlot was talking about it."

Zipp looked out toward Silver Shoals. "Princess Celestia didn't want to come?"

Luna cackled. "Ha! Tia wouldn't know good music if the fate of the universe depended on it. No. She is off visiting Cadance and Flurry Heart at the moment. On purpose of course. Flurry is also a fan of Miss Petals."

Pipp looked like she might explode from the sheer excitement of knowing just how many royal fans she had. Her Pippsqueaks would love this.

Off to the side, Pearl was already bored, while 'Amber' snickered beside her. It was days like that she wondered why she'd thought joining the Royal Guard had been a good idea. But here she was.

A persistent urge to beat the ever-living horseapples out of Kohaku would not leave her alone, however. Which was odd. Not only had he not done anything to earn her ire. But Luna and Twilight would both kill her.

Plus, this was the first Paladin. Someone who Pearl had idolized her entire life. Meeting her had been a dream come true. It still was. She would not mess this up by doing something stupid now. Even if she did, Kohaku could easily rip her to pieces if he wanted to.

Pearl might not have been the smartest pony in her class. But even she knew better than that.

"Was it worth it?" Amber asked, giving her a sideways look.

Pearl blinked. "What?"

Amber smirked. "Was it worth it in the end? You bound yourself, body and soul, to Twilight for all time. It mattered little for me and Luna, since both of us will live forever. But now you will as well. It is part of our oath."

Pearl thought about that for a moment, before nodding. "It was worth it. I grew up listening to your stories. It's been my fillyhood dream to be her Paladin. I don't care how powerful she is. She needs someone there at her side at all times. Cadance and Flurry Heart don't have that. I can see it's driven them mad Shining refused the honor, though from what I understand, he earned several times over."

Amber nodded. "Oh yes. For his many faults, Prince Shining Armor well and truly earned his title of Captain of the Guard, and Prince of the Crystal Empire." He chuckled. "Being a goofball and all."

The pair chuckled, as Twilight joined them. "I see you two are getting along quite well," she smiled.

Amber nodded, stretching. "Oh yes. Once I got Rosie here to lighten up a little, there is a heart inside of all that tough girl and blustering."

Pearl snorted as the others joined them as well. "I must ask, Miss. Rose," Haven asked, pausing for a moment, before pushing forward. "You are the heir of the Storm Family, am I right?"

Pearl nodded. "Yeah. For all that it means now. I'm not getting into either Mom's or Dad's business. Whether they like it or not. They did say something about having another kid though, and I'd love to be a big sister," she grinned.

Everyone chuckled. "I ask because there are several members of the founders of Zephyr Heights with that name as well," Haven continued.

Zipp nodded. "I think one of them even helped designed the palace."

Pearl sighed. "Yeah. Some of my ancestors were part of the founders. There's a reason why though. But it's a family secret, and no offense, but royalty or not. You don't need to know about it."

Twilight laid a wing around her shoulders, while Luna and Amber both nodded. Luna had some idea, for she remembered particular dreams from that time period from members of the family.

Haven looked to Twilight, who only shook her head sadly. "I see. They are well respected here if it matters at all."

Pearl didn't say anything, but the dark look in her eyes said this was not a subject she wanted to be discussing. Haven took the hint, thankfully, and smiled. "Be that as it may, you are all welcome to stay for as long as you like." She smiled to Luna. "Personally, I always liked you more than your sister."

Luna grinned, while Twilight and Amber rolled their eyes. Twilight was more than happy to take the queen up on her offer, as she pulled Pearl close, unable to miss how the Pegasus leaned into the embrace. They both needed the vacation, now that most major business had been taken care of.

It had been too long since she'd had one. Especially with one she loved. And the same went for Pearl as well.

Author's Note

Sadly. I'm ending the story here. I had no real plans past this point in the plot, so I feel it's better that I end it now before it becomes too bloated. I might come back and do more with this universe one day though.