The war hero's shadow

Her voice was smooth but still had a few squeaks. For a child she sounded mature just by her mannerisms and voice but the playful tone and eyes full of innocent fun were dead giveaways. Cecil giggled himself and rested his hands on his hips.

“Wow, a princess. I haven't met a princess yet. Are you Princess Twilights' daughter and why are you here? I thought a Princess would be in Canterlot?” His enthusiasm made her laugh as she processed his questions coming a million miles a minute. He was funny and curious in her eyes.

“And I haven't seen one of you before and no, my mommy is Cadence. We live in the Crystal Empire. Where do you live and whos your mommy and daddy?” as she said all this she could watch Cecil's eyes widen in joy. He was so happy to hear all this about her.

“Im a human and my daddy is Alex Steel.” He pointed back toward the bar with a smile “And I live over there. Daddy says its not for kids though.”

She looked at him quizzically “Why not? I thought a home was a welcome for anyone?”

Cecil shrugged and smiled as he looked at the castle “So do you stay in that big castle 'cause that would be super cool!?”

She shook her head and pointed with her hoof in the direction of the school of friendship. “Im just visiting the school. Mommy says it would be a good lesson for me to be there but I've already known everything.”

Cecil was confused at her words. If she was supposed to be there why is she here? It didn't make sense to him because if he ever disobeyed his father then he was in trouble and sometimes it was more than a scolding.

“If you're supposed to be at the school then why are you here?”

She shrugged with a innocent smile like this was nothing to worry about. “It was boring and I wanted to see the town. Mommy says it's called princess privileges.”

Cecil rubbed his chin and shrugged his shoulders. In his five year old mind he couldn't really form an argument against that. He did the best thing he could after that and offered to take her for a tour of the town which she happily agreed to. The two ran through the town Cecil leading her around every corner and cranny. They visited Pinkie Pie and got some yummy treats which hyped them on a sugar rush. The two were wild as Cecil tried to cram all of Ponyville inside one trip. Finally, the sugar rush was wearing off and he decided to go to sweet apple acres. A nice shade tree and apples sounded immaculate to him right now.

Laying under the tree the two pointed out cloud shapes using the vivid and wild imagination of a child to tell stories or laugh at funny shapes. The two spent so much time under the tree relaxing neither one could have said when an afternoon nap took them. Cecil was the first to wake up and stretch out with a yawn. His fuzzy vision cleared up quickly and he noticed he wasn't alone. Seeing Flurry Heart took a second but he remembered why she was here. The two had lots of fun and for the first time Cecil had a idea of what having friends was really like. He looked to the sun and figured they had been asleep for maybe an hour or two. Feeling a disturbance Flurry slowly opened her eyes with a cute yawn and blinking to get the sleep out of her eyes. Cecil saw this as a opportunity to be nice and offered her a shiny red apple.

“Fhank you.” She said taking a hearty bite out of the apple. Cecil just giggled a little and laid back down with his arms behind his head.

“You know you are the first friend whos hung out with me and not had to leave.”

She swallowed and laid down next to him on her stomach with a arched eyebrow.

“Really, but your fun to be around.”

He looked uneasy and turned to her with a smile “So does that mean we're friends?”

She smiled with her teeth full of apple pieces and nodded “Of course it does silly! I've had the bestest time ever being with you.”

Cecil buried his face in his shirt trying to hide the blush on his face. She caught it but said nothing and instead finished eating her apple.

“I’ll be here for two more days. Two more whole days of fun with you!” She explained with excitement.

“Why don't you like the school?” Cecil asked as his brain started working again. He didn't want to scare her off but he wanted to know why she didn't like the school.

“Its booooooring. Mommy and daddy want me to be a Princess but I wanna have fun and hang out with ponies like you.”

Cecil nodded and once again he couldn't argue with her logic

“I understand. Ponies at my school are mean to me. I like them and try to stay out of trouble but I always get in trouble even if I don't do anything.” He said in a sad tone. Realizing what he said Cecil immediately changed the subject but Flurry Heart caught him.

“What did you mean you don't like your school ponies? Arnt they nice to you?”

Cecil rubbed the back of his head as he bit on his lip. He’d done it now but daddy always said to be truthful.

“Yeah….they bully me and be mean to me, especially three colts. Just today they got me in trouble and then fought me when i was in detention.”

Flurry Heart gasped when she heard that. She felt bad for Cecil and his bullying though she had nothing to compare it to. The best she could do was place a hoof on his shoulder and smile.

“I'm sorry Cecil I wish I could do something about it.”

He smiled sadly and looked down then an idea came to his mind

“Maybe you can. Your a princess right?”

Flurry Heart nodded

“Then you could order them to be nice to me.”

Her eyes lit up with new hope as she followed what he was saying. She could order them to be nice to him. Why she didn't think of this before didn't matter as long as the plan went out. Jumping up with new vigor she smiled and looked down on him “Then what are we waiting for lets goooo!”

Cecil got up and then realized he had no idea where they were.

“I don't know where they’ll be at but I know they’ll be at school….but Daddy said I don't have to go tomorrow but i’ll be there the day after on your last day.”

She pondered it and walked around using her mind to try and foresee how this would play out. In her mind she was the queen who showed up and told them to be nice and then the colts would be Cecil's best friends.

“Yeah that sounds great and it gives us all day to hang out tomorrow.”

He nodded grinning like a mad fool. “It does. Do you wanna go see flutter shy’s hens? I heard that the chicks just got their feathers in.”

Flurry Heart nodded and the two took off to Flutter Shys’ cottage. It was an eventful day but when the sun started going down Cecil and Flurry parted ways with promises to meet up tomorrow and have all the fun in the world. Cecil had such a fun time that when he got home he had the energy to hug all that needed one and get tucked in by his father. The next morning He scarfed down his breakfast like a starving wolf. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary since Alex ate the same. The odd thing was his effervescent personality. Normally he had a fatigued expression on in the morning and it called concern from Alex. When questioned Cecil simply answered he had a new friend. He explained what they did and she was a princess. Alex listened intently and other than the apple eating he saw nothing wrong, passing the princess thing off as wild imagination.

Cecil was off like a bullet out of a gun once he got the all clear to leave. He meet Flurry outside the castle of friendship like they did yesterday and this time she showed him her world inside the school since he never got to see inside and it was more magical than he could have envisioned. The grounds around the school were immaculate and clean. Not even a blade of grass was out of line. All the colors, grand statues, and architecture, it was like stepping into a new world for Cecil.

Flurry Heart couldn't help but giggle when she saw his dumbstruck look as his wide eyes tried to soak everything in as they walked the halls with the rest of the students. Their trip was cut short when Flurry Heart had to pull him aside. He was about to say something but she put a hoof over his mouth and from their stairway hiding spot he watched as Starlight walked by with a worried expression on her face. Next to her stood Applejack with her iconic stetson.

“I don't know where she could have run off to Applejack. This makes two days in a row that she has vanished from her classes.”

The country mare sighed and tipped her hat back a little more “I know sugar cube. Shes got us all worried runnin' off like she does but maybe we’ll find her.”

Starlight nodded and looked ahead with new vigor

“Come on we won't find anything just standing around. I’ll check the cafeteria again if you check the gym.”

Applejack nodded and the two mares split off going different ways. Once the cost was clear the two children emerged from their hiding spot.

“We shouldn't be hiding. We could get in real big trouble, Flurry.”

Cecil said as he looked around trying to keep an eye out. Flurry wasn't doing much better as she had a shameful look on her face. She rubbed a foreleg against her other one in a fit of nervousness.

“I know but they don't understand. I don't wanna be here it's just not fun and when classes get done im still not allowed to leave other then heading to the castle.” Her eyes lit up and she got a idea “Hey why dont we head to the castle? Theres plenty of games we can play like hide and seek or board games.”

Cecil thought about it. He had been warned by his father never to go in there but he wasn't sneaking in he was invited in so that means it should be okay to enter right? He shrugged nervously and nodded. The two snuck out of the school and headed back to the castle where Flurry Heart pushed through the door like she owned the place. Once again Cecil was awestruck by the beauty and new sights. They explored around until they heard giggling. Curious they peeked their heads around and saw the main throne room with the table of magic and the tree roots falling through the ceiling. That would have been an impressive sight but sitting at the table was more impressive. Princesses Luna, Celestia, Candance, and Twilight all sat around the table with Shinning Armor and Spike. After Twilight's coronation the two sisters retired and went on a well deserved vacation.

The two trouble makers were eavesdropping. Listening to the adults talk was always an experience kids seemed to be fascinated with especially when it came to adventurous stories. The ponies were reminiscing about the old days and some topics that made the mares blush and the kids either look at each other in confusion or disgust. It was going as planned for the children until Celestia mentioned working with Alex. She was talking about when he first arrived and Cecil could hardly believe what she was saying. Against his better judgment, and Flurry Heart trying her best to hold him back, Cecil stormed out of their hiding spot blowing their cover.

“That's not true! He’s not a monster he's my daddy!” All eyes were on him and Flurry hiding around the corner. Once the adults realized what was said Celestia smiled warmly at the kids while Shining Armor and Princess Cadence sighed. Twilight, Luna and Spike kept neutral expressions waiting to see how this would play out.

“Flurry Heart what are you doing here? You should be in school.”

Flurry Hearts mother insisted causing the filly to back away slightly. She looked to Cecil and once he realized what he had done his own eyes grew wide with fear but Celestia raised a hoof and silenced everyone. A sign that retirement did not mean she lost the respect she once held.

“Come, children sit with us and enjoy some cookies and tea after all more company is always welcomed.”

Her warm voice and soft smile coaxed the children enough to relax and gave Spike a cue to leave for more treats and tea. They knew they were in trouble but how things were going it might not be as bad as they thought. Looking at each other they both walked to the table like guilty cookie jar thieves. Sitting down Celestia smiled and held her hoof out as a greeting for the kids.

“Tell me how has your day been Flurry Heart and you Cecil have you two had fun playing together?”

The two children looked at each other trying to figure out what to say. It was obvious that they were nervous sitting in front of the most powerful ponies to walk the face of Equestria. Cecil gulped and dared to speak the first words.

“Y-yes….we have had a fun day playing together. W-we went to the school….i-it was fun.”

Luna arched an eyebrow and then looked to Twilight with a knowing smile. The Princess of magic smiled back thinking the sight was adorable. Celestia was enjoying the moment all to much in a way. Children were always her favorite to be around. They had a limitless imagination and thousands of questions that were all important. They were innocent and free of all burdens a luxury adults only achieved when retirement age succumbed to them. Flurry Heart leaned on him a little closer fearing the gazes her parents were giving her.

“Thats wonderful to hear my little human, im sure your father would be pleased to know you made a friend.”

Cecil slowly nodded with a hot blush on his face. His heels kicked together and then he looked to Flurry leaning on him. His gaze followed hers and he saw her parents calmly sipping their tea waiting for their turn to speak. He was brought out of his thoughts when Spike set the cookies and milk on the table. He went to grab one but stopped looking at Celestia asking with his eyes if it was okay for him to take one. She giggled and nodded even using her magic to grab two to place in his hand. He looked confused then he caught her mouthing Flurry Heart. He realized and took one of the cookies to her.

Seeing the cookie in front of her Flurry was distracted from her parents as she looked to Cecil with a smile. She thanked him quietly and wrapped her hooves around the cookie to take small nibbles out while Cecil seemed to scarf the tasty treat down. The sight was adorable and the relaxing atmosphere was enough for the two children to relax enough for Celestia to ask the questions Shining Armor and Cadence had in mind.

“I do have a question for the two of you. Why aren't you in school?”

The question was soft and motherly. She wasn't mad but simply asking a question. Cecil was the first to speak again but this time because Flurry still had a mouth full of cookie.

“Daddy let me skip today because I was in a fight at school yesterday.”

That caused alarm to fill the room and all the Alicorns to stiffen except for Celestia who once again showed how beneficial a poker face can be.

“Really? While I do not condo-excuse fighting im sure there is a valid reason for the conflict?”

Cecil nodded and proceeded to tell once again his experience in school yesterday. The ponies in the room listened carefully at his tale. If this had been a colt it would have been a simple brush off but Cecil had the misfortune of being Alex’s son. A man who brought a new age of war to the peaceful Equestria and showed them how insignificant and dated their military might was. After the exclamation Celestia sighed on the inside knowing it was self defense. She would be a fool if she expected him not to encounter obstacles like this. Children are blunt and are more open to expressing how they feel without thinking of the consequences.

“Its good that you defended yourself but the takeaway from this is you waited. Cecil you are a gentle soul and one day I have no doubt that you will grow into a handsome young man whos heart is made of gold. Keep showing kindness and one day you shall receive kindness in return.”

He nodded not really understanding what she meant. Next was Flurry who now meet the soft gaze of Celestia. She was asked the question again. Her reasons were a little more guilt worthy and so she paused twiddling her hooves, leaving her parents in apprehensive silence.

“I…..i think the School...I think the school is boring. Aunt Twilight told me everything and after class I cant even leave. I want to have fun and not sit in a castle all day.”

Celestia let her smile drop a little but it did not deter her from walking over to place a hoof on Flurry’s shoulder and smile warmly at her like her own mother would.

“I know school can be tedious or troublesome for you but learning hooves on and studying books is a better way. Twilight can teach you many things but ultimately you can only learn from your own experiences and maybe we can lift some barriers?”

She asked the question more to Shinning and Cadance who looked almost like Flurry did once they realized why she was running away from the school. It had been a good idea at the time for Flurry to attend the school for a few days and make friends but pushing that on her so quickly might have been a rushed decision.

“I have to agree Princess. I think Cadance and I both agree that Flurry needs a little more growing before she goes to a school like that. No offense Twilight.”

Twilight waved a hoof as she giggled. “None taken brother. I know I was a bookworm at that age already and Flurry is a bright filly for her age but everypony is different and sometimes it's easy to forget she is a filly with the title of Princess.”

Flurry Heart smiled as she nuzzled into Celestia's hoof causing the retired Princes to hug the adorable filly. “Now my little pony I think its time for you to leave and go play elsewhere and enjoy the time with your new friend.'' Flurry Heart smiled and after the embracing warm hug jumped down.

Cecil watched her stand next to him with an excited smile on her face. It didn't take long before he was out of his chair and the two were running off again to play games and enjoy the freedoms of childhood. It was a eventful day for the two children but when the sun started to set Cecil had to leave and Flurry had to get ready for bed. With another exciting day under their belts the two didn't take long to get sleep. Already their excitement for the next day was threatening to spill over after classes were done. Cecil still had the idea of her talking to the bullies but just seeing her was good enough for him.

Flurry Heart was laying in her bed cuddling in her blankets with a smile ear to ear. Cecil was going to be the reason all her dreams were filled with happiness and fun. He had shown her a world outside of the school and the castle a world of slow relaxing days that didn't mean you had to have fun all the time. Sleeping under a shade tree or waking up to nibble on a apple was more then enough to replace a fun game of tag. As she slowly closed her eyes she wished that she could spend all day tomorrow with him but her parents would be ill with her if she skipped another day of classes and besides Cecil had his own school to go to. That brought on a whole new worry. She hoped that he would be okay and those bullies would be nice to him.