Royal Guard Program II: A Familiar Debate

After leaving the castle, Shovel and Starlight immediately went out to get something to eat. There would be time to purchase clothing, and for some strange reason, maybe something to do with the change in genders, but both of them were incredibly hungry. Going to a decent restaurant, the two of them. Finding a good seat, one that was somewhat out of the way from the other guests, the two sat and ordered their food. While waiting, the two of them looked at each other over and over again, still taking in what had happened to them.

The restaurant exuded an air of elegance, bathed in the soft, warm glow of candlelight and the mellow notes of a saxophone playing in the background. Seated across from each other at a discreet corner table, Shovel and Starlight indulged in the fine-dining experience, all the while engaging in a candid conversation about their transformed bodies. Shovel, her long chestnut hair cascading gracefully over her shoulders, felt a persistent curiosity about her newfound femininity. She leaned in, her eyes shimmering with inquisitiveness, as she sampled the delicate flavors of her dish.

"You know, Starlight, it's still quite weird for me." Shovel commented, looking at herself over and over again. "This new body, being a mare...it raises so many questions."

"I completely understand, Shovel." Starlight, whose once gentle curves had given way to a more masculine physique, nodded empathetically. "I mean, being a stallion feels...well, it's different." He paused, her fork hovering over her plate. "Okay, here's one. What's it like to have facial hair? Did it feel strange when it first started growing?"

"You could say it was an adjustment, like having a little forest on your face." Shovel laughed, running a hand over where her meticulously groomed beard used to be. "At first, it felt foreign and itchy, but you get used to it. Now, it's like an accessory that you can style in various ways." She nodded thoughtfully, contemplating something else. "What about...well, the monthly cycle? How do you manage it?"

"Oh? Oh!" Starlight's cheeks tinted with a slight blush as he cleared his throat. "Ah, that's a rather personal topic, Shovel. But yes, it's a thing. You learn to handle it over time, and there are products designed to help." Then he paused for a brief moment. "I mean, I know we've been changed, but I don't think you'll have to worry about that. And even so, probably not even during the week or so we're gonna be like this." Shovel winced, realizing her bluntness, and decided to steer the conversation in a different direction.

“Alright, so I have some questions about anatomy.” Shovel commented, seeing how far she could push this discussion. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Of course, I’m sure I can explain some things for you.” Starlight replied, not wanting to show the slight nervousness on his face. “I admit, there are some things about this body I’m trying to get used to.”

"Alright, your turn, Shovel." Starlight asked, looking somewhat nervous about his question. "What's it like having...well, you know, stallion anatomy?"

“Oh yeah, that.” Shovel chuckled a little. "Ah, the stallion anatomy. It's different, to say the least. There are certainly quirks to it, but it also has its perks. It's like getting a new tool to navigate the world, and, well, it has its moments of, let's say, empowerment."

“Empowerment?” Starlight asked, seeing the smug look on Shovel’s face. He rolled his eyes. “By all means, explain.”

“Well, for starters, there’s the fact you have to worry about awkward boners.” Shovel explained, her tone holding a much more smug attitude than before. “This is an issue all stallions have to deal with one way or another. Basically, it means that there could be times, often at the worst possible time, you’ll get an irritating erection.”

“So what? Wouldn’t that mean pants that stallions wear are designed to accommodate for that?” Starlight asked, only to raise a curious eyebrow as the mare was stifling a chuckle. “What’s so funny?”

“No, no, that’s a good question. Which makes this next part so funny.” Shovel chuckled, struggling to compose herself as she was gathering her thoughts. “No, no, not in the slightest. Unless you plan to tie it up, or wear some cage or something, when you get a boner, it’s gonna happen.”

“I highly doubt it.” Starlight commented, remaining resolute in his resolve. “Whatever causes it, I’m certain I can-”

“Really? Then how about this?” Shovel commented, quickly looking around. Upon seeing that nopony was looking in their direction, she flashed one of her tits to the stallion. “How about this?”

“What the fuck?!” Starlight gasped, unable to look away from the exposed breast. His face erupted into a sudden blush. Leaning in, he whispered, quickly looking around to see if anyone had noticed yet. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“Proving a point. Come here!” Shovel playfully whispered back, reaching out to grab at one of Starlight’s hands. Pulling it towards her, she pressed the hand against her exposed breast. “There we go, feeling anything?”

Starlight started, wide eyed and shocked as he felt the softness of Shovel’s breast. Not only was it large, and squishy, but even the plump sensation of her nipple, getting somewhat hard and shivering against his palm caused a tingling to rise up between his legs. After several more seconds, Shovel let out another small giggle, and released the stallion’s hand. Covering herself back up, she stared at him, smug in her success.

“So? Feel anything?” Shovel asked, but only laughed some more as she saw the embarrassed blush on Starlight’s face, as well as the stallion’s poor attempts to settle himself. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

“You’ve made your point.” Starlight grumbled, struggling to settle the growing arousal in his pants. “I assume it goes down eventually? Cause I’d like to finish my meal in peace.” Shovel only playfully shrugged, followed by a giggle. “Yeah, yeah, laugh now. When we’re done here, it’ll be my turn.” Shovel only maintained her confidence, while the stallion plotted their next destination.

“You really shouldn’t be showing those things off all willy nilly.” Starlight sighed, rubbing his temples. “You’re a mare now, have some decency.”

“I suppose, I might as well keep the good stuff for myself.” Shovel chuckled, seemingly struggling to adjust herself. “Hmm, that’s weird.”

“What is it?” Starlight asked, raising a curious eyebrow. “You look like you’re struggling with something.”

“It’s this bra.” Shovel bluntly answered, almost shoving her hands under her shirt to try and adjust something. “Like before, it was fine. But now, it feels like my nipples are rubbing against it.”

“Probably because you got aroused.” Starlight sighed again, trying not to look directly at the mare awkwardly fixing her top. “When you made me grope you, you felt like your nipples were getting hard.”

“Oh, that’s all?” Shovel asked, groping herself again under her shirt for a moment. “Weird, I never knew they’d be this sensitive.”

“Oh yeah, they can be.” Starlight chuckled, still looking away. His voice became almost a whisper. “Unless your nipples are inverted.”

“What was that?” Shovel asked, finally adjusting herself as she looked over to Starlight. “I didn’t quite hear that.”

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Starlight replied, almost smirking as he wanted to make Shovel figure out the answer on her own, especially after tricking him to grope her. “Anyway, let's finish our food.”

Once their main meal was finished, Shovel and Starlight were enjoying a small desert of teas, coffees, as well as a few small cookies, and cakes. It was a comforting, sweet end to their meal. Both ponies were feeling the subtle changes to their new forms. Shovel wasn't shoving down as much food as she could stuff down back when she was a stallion. While Starlight was taking much larger bites than he used to consider as a mare. Her long brown hair cascading gracefully over her shoulder, leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful.

"You know, Starlight, I've always wondered why you decided to become a guard." Shovel asked. "It's not something you hear about often for unicorns." She then paused for a moment. "I know unicorns have been in the guards forever, but aren't you from a lesser nobility?"

"You're not wrong, my family is considered in the lesser noble caste." Starlight explained, setting down his tea cup and met Shovel's gaze with a knowing smile. "My family has a long history of serving in the Canterlot Guard. My parents, grandparents, and even a few great-grandparents were guards. It's practically a family tradition."

"Oh, oh wow." Shovel raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "That's quite a legacy to live up to. Did you feel pressured to follow in their hoofsteps?"

"There was definitely a sense of expectation, but it wasn't a burden." Starlight nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I respected my family's commitment to protecting Equestria, and I wanted to contribute in my own way." He then looked at the mare. "What about you, Shovel? Why did you decide to join the guard?"

"I guess since I asked, I might as well tell you." Shovel took a moment to sip her coffee, her gaze distant as she reminisced. "Well, for me, it was more about a desire for adventure and a strong sense of duty. Growing up, I read countless stories of knights and heroes, and I felt a deep yearning to be a part of something greater than myself. Joining the Canterlot Royal Guard seemed like the perfect way to achieve that."

"Oh, okay, I honestly can see that." Starlight smiled, clearly impressed. "So, you've always been drawn to the idea of heroism and protecting others?"

"Absolutely. It's in my nature, I suppose. Shovel nodded, her eyes shining with conviction. "I wanted to make a difference and be a guardian of peace in Equestria. And now, even with our recent changes, that commitment hasn't wavered." She adjusted her position in her chair, her eyes fixed on the flickering candlelight. "You know, Starlight, my family had a different path in mind for me. They wanted me to follow in their hoofsteps and become a scholar, like my parents and grandparents before me. But I couldn't shake this feeling that I was meant for something more."

"So, you chose the path of a guard over academia?" Starlight leaned forward, intrigued by Shovel's confession. "That must have been quite the decision."

'It was a difficult choice, and my family had their reservations, but I knew I needed to follow my own path." Shovel nodded, a wistful smile on her face. "I wanted to be out in the world, defending Equestria and making a tangible difference. It was a calling I couldn't ignore."

"That's quite brave, Shovel." Starlight commented, realizing Shovel was more than just a smug pony, but she had more to her than she let on. "To go against family expectations and follow your heart's calling."

"It was a bit rebellious, I suppose." Shovel chuckled softly. "But I'm grateful for their support, even if it took them a while to come around."

"You know, Starlight, it's funny how life can take unexpected turns." Shovel commented, leaning forward slightly, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "When I first joined the Guard, I never imagined I'd be sitting here having dinner with you, discussing the most...interesting...transformation we've gone through."

"Indeed, Shovel. Life has a way of surprising us." Starlight said, smiling at the irony. "But I have to say, I'm grateful for the chance it's given us." He paused for a moment before continuing. "But don't get me wrong, I'm still gonna prove you wrong."

“Oh? We’ll just have to see, won’t we.” Shovel commented, her lips curling into a playful smirk. “For now, let’s finish up our dessert!” Starlight only sighed, and nodded, looking at the last bits of food.