A Shielded New Year

A thick layer of snow covered Canterlot. Once again, holiday cheer was singing throughout the city to celebrate New Year’s Day. Meanwhile, Sword Shield, a Lieutenant of the Royal Guard, was sitting at his desk inside the barracks looking at a picture of his parents. It had been years since they moved out of Canterlot and to Manehatten, and he had rarely been able to see them since. He sighed and put the picture back down, slowly getting up and making his way back outside into the snow.

“Sir, permission to sign off for the day?” asked one of the Royal Guards waiting outside.

“Granted, you may take leave. Happy New Year.” said Sword Shield without emotion.

“Thank you sir. Happy New Year to you too.” The guard saluted and trotted off.

Happy indeed. Sword Shield trudged through the snow towards the castle with no-one to celebrate the grand holiday. It was all orders, orders, orders. How did the Captain ever get a break? The Lieutenant was constantly receiving and sending guards to and from their posts all over the city throughout the morning and afternoon.

Before the Crystal Empire catastrophe, he used to celebrate with Shining Armor and Cadance, but since they left to rule the Crystal Ponies he was unable to do so. The Captain had instructed him to run the Royal Guard in Canterlot while he was away.

“Some New Years break I get.” Sword Shield grumbled to himself.

He walked into the castle to check with Princess Celestia, who was busily sending off servants to and fro for setting up decorations.

“Hello, Sword Shield. Is there anything I can help you with?” asked Celestia as she supervised the preparations for tonight’s fireworks.

“No, I was just checking in,” replied Sword Shield. “Is everything going smoothly?”

“Everything is wonderful.” started Celestia, but was distracted with more servants before she could finish, “Oh, yes... put those wreaths right over there. We need a team to start setting up the fireworks in the courtyard as well. Thank you.” she turned her attention back to Sword Shield, “Would you like to help set up the fireworks?” she asked.

“No thank you, I’ve got... other plans.” lied Sword Shield.

“Very well. Happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year, Princess.” Sword Shield bowed and walked back outside. He watched as the decorators slowly put together a large amount of fireworks together.

“Hello Sword Shield!” said one of the mares around the castle. Sword Shield looked over and recognized her immediately.

“Hey Rarity, what are you doing here?” asked Sword Shield. He had run into the fashionista from time to time, eventually being introduced to her by Pinkie Pie the day he moved into Ponyville.

“Oh, I had to pick up something from the castle that I accidentally left here last time I visited. I think I might do some shopping while I’m here too. There is a much larger selection here than in Ponyville.” answered Rarity.

“I see. Are you still working on that tuxedo I ordered?” asked Sword Shield. His old one was starting to show wear and had asked Rarity to make him a new one, for the right price of course.

“Yes, it’s almost complete and it looks marvellous. You’ll look smashing at the next Grand Galloping Gala,” answered Rarity, “Are you going to be in Ponyville for the celebration? I know Pinkie Pie has a very big party set up.”

“I’m sure Pinkie does... No, I won’t be there I’m afraid. I have to keep tabs on the Royal Guard here in Canterlot.” replied Sword Shield.

“Suit yourself. New Years really is my favorite time of the year, besides Hearth Warming Eve that is. The beautiful snow, the glamor of the lights, the wonderful dresses and stylish coats everypony wears, all the new possibilities the new year brings. Which reminds me, I have things to buy. Happy New Year!” said Rarity. The fashionista quickly trotted off towards the Canterlot markets, presumably to buy loads of clothing and gifts.

“Happy New Year.” sighed Sword Shield after she left.

He walked back towards the castle barracks to get back to ordering the Royal Guard around the city. On the way he was hit by a running guard and knocked off his hooves. The guard skid to a halt and quickly ran over to Sword Shield.

“Lieutenant Shield! You must forgive me, I did not see you.” apologized the guard as he pulled Sword Shield back onto his hooves. The guard happened to be one of Sword Shield’s old recruits he had trained, Swifty Wishes.

“It’s alright Swifty, I like you enough not to throw you in the dungeon, but why were you running so quickly?” asked Sword Shield.

“I had just finished my shift, so I was looking to report back to you.” answered Swifty.

“I see. Well next time try to keep a trotting pace, I know how fast you can be sometimes so watch out for others. Dismissed” said Sword Shield.

“Yes sir. I’m ready to get my New Year spirit on.” said Swifty with an excited stomp on the ground.

“Good for you. I hope you have a Happy New Year.” said Sword Shield and started his way back to the barracks again.

“Wait, Sir? What are you doing this New Year?” asked Swifty.

“Nothing. I’m busy with orders. Family and friends are all out of town.” said Sword Shield feeling slightly lonely.

“I see. Well... why don’t you organize the Royal Guard together to celebrate the new year? I know a lot of the other guards don’t have family to celebrate with this evening either, I’m sure you could put something together.” suggested Swifty. He trotted off and joined up with one of the other guards to have their own little celebration.

The Royal Guards celebrating New Year together? That was a new idea, but it would have to wait. Sword Shield arrived back at the barracks and continued to send guards around the city. The sun began to set and the day guards were all allowed to leave their posts and the night guards who had been celebrating during the morning were put up in their positions.

After Sword Shield finished giving out orders to the night guards he walked to his tent. The tent wasn’t much for a Lieutenant, but Sword Shield didn’t care, as long as it was a place to sleep it was good enough for him. His true home was in Ponyville, but he was only able to visit every once in awhile. He pulled out his sword from underneath the bed. There was a large accumulation of dust on it as there hadn’t been any sort of use for it lately. Equestria was entering another one of its peaceful phases. Sword Shield hadn’t even been using the sword to fly on like he used to, but he felt now was the perfect time to feel the sensation of flying.

“How are you, you darn old sword?” asked Sword Shield. He looked outside to see if anyone noticed him talking to his sword, but there was no-one in sight, “Are you ready to fly again?”

            It was a strange phenomenon. Back when Sword Shield had begun training as a recruit for the Royal Guard he built his own sword, and using the help of one of his magic professors he was able to enchant the sword using three crystals in the hilt. Surprisingly, it allowed for him to change the shape of the sword freely and fly on it like a surfboard and a lot of other small magic tricks.

It had been a few months since he had flown on it, usually just using it as a teleport beacon, but soon stopped using it for that too. Sword Shield held the sword with his levitation magic and walked out into the snow. He used transfiguration magic on the sword and grew it to the size and shape of a surfboard. He hopped on and slowly levitated himself upwards, wobbling a bit.

“Guess I’m a bit rusty. Let’s see if you still have some kick.” said Sword Shield as he hovered in the air. He slowly flew forward to get used to flying again, once he felt he remembered how to keep his balance and fly he took off into the snow storm.

Sword Shield was hardly slowed by the cold, he cast a heat spell around himself to keep warm, and flew over Canterlot. He looked down at all the New Years decorations below. There were many lights, candy canes and bubble wreaths everywhere. He got to a higher point and the entire city looked like one big light show. He let it all in with a long inhale. It had been too long since he had flown atop his sword, and the sight was amazing as ever, although obscured from the falling snow.

His short flight had gone on long enough. He let his magic drop and he began falling to the ground along with his sword. He laid back and relaxed, letting the cold air whip past him. Before he hit the ground his adrenaline kicked in and with one quick flash of his magic he teleported safely to the ground. Sword Shield gasped with excitement. For a moment he had forgotten how intense flying through the air can be.

“That’s it!” he thought suddenly, “This New Year will be a good one!”

Sword Shield trotted off to the Royal Guard Barracks and searched for the Guard Intercom. The intercom was normally used for citywide orders, but this time Sword Shield was going to use it for something different. He found it standing on Captain Shining Armor’s desk and picked it up. Before he spoke into it he stopped himself and looked around the barracks. It was plain and dull, no decorations had been set up yet.

“Needs more lights.” thought Sword Shield. He dashed off towards the Canterlot markets in search of one pony who might be able to help.

Sure enough, there was a white coated unicorn mare with multiple shopping bags trotting along the streets.

“Rarity! Do you have a moment? I could use your help.” said Sword Shield.

“Oh, of course. What is it that you need, Lieutenant?” asked Rarity.

“I need your help with... decorations.” said Sword Shield slightly embarrassed.

“Decorations? But of course I can help! Where do you need help with?”

Two minutes later...

“The BARRACKS?! Oh my goodness... look at this mess. Too much grey and military green. Ewww. We must fix this crime against color at once!” exclaimed Rarity. She began rummaging through her bags, “Aha! This should do the trick!”

Rarity brought out a long strand of lights. She used her magic and laced them gracefully throughout the main strategy room. Sword Shield moved the strategy tables out of the room and dealt with moving other ‘Non-Fabulous’ items out of the way. Rarity instructed him to find a small statue of Celestia for the center-piece while she finished with the rest. He quickly went out into the city markets, flying on his sword to get there, found a small statue that would fit inside the barracks and quickly purchased it with the few bits he had and hurried back to the barracks.

“Here we gooo-- whoa...” stammered Sword Shield.

As he walked into the barrack’s strategy room his jaw dropped in awe. The room was filled with colored lights and bulbs, bubble wreaths, colorful helmets and ornaments hung from the walls. Four long benches surrounded the middle of the room with an empty spot for the statue in the middle.

“Do you like it?” asked Rarity while batting her eyes.

“It’s amazing, thanks so much for doing this Rarity, it will mean a lot to the guards. Do you think this statue will work?” asked Sword Shield levitating out the statue of Celestia.

Rarity took the statue into her own magic and placed it down in the center of the benches, “I think it will work lovely. I’m so glad I could help, but I must be off to Ponyville. My friends are having our own celebration and I simply cannot miss it.” she said.

“Sounds great. Thanks again for all the help, I’ll see you later.” said Sword Shield as he continued to take in the newly decorated room.

“Goodbye! And Happy New Year!”

Sword Shield quickly went back to Shining Armor’s desk and spoke into the Guard Intercom.

“All day guards report to the barracks at once.” ordered Sword Shield.

Within minutes the entire of the day Royal Guards showed up in front of the barracks. They all looked at their Lieutenant in confusion.

“Is there something wrong?” asked one of the guards.

“No, there’s nothing wrong. I called you all here for something I’ve been thinking about. How many of you are celebrating New Years with family or friends?”

An assortment of ‘I’m not’’s and ‘Not me’’s were said

“I see. Well tonight I’ve planned a celebration, just for us. Why don’t you all come inside?” insisted Sword Shield.

All the guards slowly walked into the barracks behind Sword Shield and came into view of the strategy room, with all its lights and decorations. Each guard’s face lit up like a firecracker.

“Amazing! Lieutenant Shield, did you do this yourself?” asked one of the guards.

“No, I had some help from a generous friend,” answered Sword Shield, “Everypony take a seat.”

The guards all sat down on the benches or floor surrounding the small statue. Sword Shield brought out his sword and morphed its shape into a round table with a hole in the middle for the statue to fit.

“Alright, now I know I don’t really have anything I can give you guys to celebrate with, but I do have something to say,” announced Sword Shield, he cleared his throat.

“You’ve all been doing a great job. I know these past few years have not been very kind to us; the Nightmare Moon incident, which I still fully blame on myself, Discord, Chrysalis and her changelings, the Crystal Empire,” some groans and huffs were heard from the audience, Sword Shield frowned and continued.

“I know these were not our brightest times, and I know some of you might be feeling a tad upset because of them, I feel this way myself. But I just want you all to know that you are appreciated, by the Princesses and by all of Equestria, our work in the guard helps keep everypony safe,” Sword Shield pointed at the statue of Celestia.

“Without us, the Princess wouldn’t have known about the Crystal Kingdom and Equestria might have fallen. You were all there on that terrible night during the Summer Sun Celebration when Celestia disappeared, ready to fight for Canterlot if needed. Even though the changelings succeeded in their invasion you all fought to delay them till their defeat valiantly,” Sword Shield pointed confidently at the Royal Guard’s star symbol on his chest plate.

“Who did this? We did. The Royal Guard,” he walked around the room pointing at each star on the guard’s chest plates, “Now I know there isn’t much we have to celebrate for, but I wanted to let you all know that your work is very much appreciated.”

“Hear hear!”

“A fine job we have sir!”

“Thank you sir.”

“You’re all welcome. Now, does anypony have some playing cards? We need something to do while we’re here!” said Sword Shield.

“I’ve got some in my bunk.” said Swifty.

“Get mine too.” said another guard.

Swifty ran out to the other rooms and fetched multiple decks of card games and spread them out. The guards held a vote for which game to play first. For the rest of the evening they all played their card games, they sang some songs, told jokes and sung The Heart Carol.

“The fire of friendship lives in our hearts

As long as it burns we cannot drift apart!

Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few,

Laughter and singing will see us through!

We are a circle of pony friends,

A circle of friends we'll be to the very end!!”

After the song Sword Shield had a couple of servant ponies bring in drinks and refreshments.

“A toast to the Royal Guard!” shouted Sword Shield cheerfully holding his mug of hot chocolate.

“And a toast to our Lieutenant!” added another guard.

Before they could all drink the door burst open and a gust of cold winter wind rushed through the room. Standing in the doorway was a white unicorn stallion in purple and gold armor.

“Room for one more?” asked the stallion who had come in. He walked into the light of the room and the guards immediately stood up to salute him.

“Shining Armor! What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be back in the Crystal Empire with Cadance?” asked Sword Shield with astonishment.

“I heard you on the G.I.D and had to know what was so important that you had to call in half the Royal Guard.” answered Shining Armor.

Sword Shield’s face dropped, “Oops. I suppose I should have been more clear, but I wanted it to be a surprise. Sorry Captain, did I waste your time?” he asked.

“Of course you did, but while I’m here I might as well join you all in your celebration. I’m guessing all is going well here in Canterlot?” asked Shining Armor, sitting down in his own spot.

“It’s been going perfectly fine, glad you could join us. How is it up in the Crystal Empire with Cadance?” asked Sword Shield.

“It’s tough, getting the kingdom running back up to speed has done a number on me and Cadance, but we’re getting there, and the crystal ponies have been very helpful.” answered Shining Armor, “I have to thank you for keeping things in order here in Canterlot, I know it can be hard sometimes but it’s got to be done.”

“It’s no sweat. You had to leave somepony in charge that couldn’t ruin everything that you’ve done.” said Sword Shield sarcastically.

“I’ll be sure to leave it in better hooves next time. Now weren’t you all giving toasts?” asked Shining Armor.

“Oh right!” Sword Shield gave Shining Armor his own mug to drink and held up his own, “To our great Captain Shining Armor! May he valiantly throw all of your wives to save the day!”

All the guards clashed their mugs together and laughed at the toast.

“You’re never going to let me live that down are you?” asked Shining Armor after drinking from his mug.

“Not a day goes by that I will, Captain.” answered Sword Shield as he took another sip of his hot chocolate.

The lot of the Royal Guard laughed and soon they all gathered into Canterlot's courtyards to count down to the new year.

"Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One!"

Fireworks immediately began firing off. All of Canterlot was cheering loudly as they watched the magnificent flashes of color in the sky. After the fireworks all the guards headed for their bunks to catch some rest. Shining Armor left for the Crystal Empire and Sword Shield took one last midnight flight on his sword over Canterlot

“A Happy New Year to all, and to all a good night!” he shouted, "Wait... that's the wrong saying, nevermind!"

The End?