A warm breeze ruffled the manes and tails of an assembly of ponies on a cloudless late spring day. Stallions held their heads high with pride and mares eyes glistened with joy, both gazing adoringly at the small group of late teen fillies and colts sitting in rows behind the a podium on a wooden stage. Leaning into the lacquered stand, a fuchsia coated earth mare with a pink and white striped mane, smiling flowers upon her flank, spoke out into the crowd.
“And so, fillies and gentlecolts, with this last bit of ceremony, we cheer on our new graduates. Welcoming them as they take their first steps out into the world as adults, supporting them in their endeavors to become successful in their special talents.”
There was one exception however; back behind the crowd of proud parents, a lone slender legged pegasus colt with half lidded emerald eyes stood with his shoulder up against an old willow tree. He blinked slowly as he observed a giddy yellow earth pony filly with red hair step forward with unbridled confidence to address the crowd. Beaming brightly, she spoke with an endearing southern twang, “Gosh, it's sure been ah wild ride ain’t it? I'm sure plenty of y'all remember all mah crusadin' antics huh?” The parents chuckled softly, smiling in memories of the filly and her two friends efforts to find their special talents.
The ivory white colt by the tree tilted his head with a halfhearted smile as he too remembered the rambunctious fillies and their shared quest for self-discovery. He shifted his slightly larger than average wings so that they folded neatly at his sides as he listened to the filly continue with her monolog.
Applebloom glanced back at her cutie mark, a hammer with an apple blossom behind it, “Why, who'da thunk mah talent would be fixing all tha stuff I done gone and broke?” The crowd laughed a little louder, and Apple Bloom's smile widened. “So, now that school is finished, I plan ta open up mah own construction shop. Barns, houses, windows, yah break it, I can fix it!” The crowd gave her a polite cheer and she returned to her seat on the stage. Cheerilee thanked her and called the next pony.
On and on, each young filly and colt, stepped up and spoke of their dream and what they planned to do, now that they were officially graduates. Cheerilee continued to smile out at the crowd, “And now, our last graduate speaker. He was a new addition to our little town, his family moving in from the northern province of Equestria just a handful of years ago, but has long since become a welocome part of our community. Skylance, if you would please?”
An odd stillness settled over the gathering of ponies. The tall pegasus colt that had been enjoying the shade of the willow tree gave a small sigh and stepped forward to take his place on the stage in front of the crowd. Nopony besides Miss.Cheerilee knew he was even present at the gathering, so a few parents were taken a bit by surprise when they suddenly saw him striding down the walkway between the rows of folding chairs set up by the students earlier on. No longer hidden under the shade of the willow tree, it was hard to believe anypony could have missed him. Trotting with his head held high, it was easy to see that he was a good bit taller than most colts his age. He sported an unruly windswept white mane and tail tipped with natural dark crimson highlights. His shorn fetlocks revealed that his hooves where a duller red color and the marks on his flanks showed of a wild tempest of writhing flames. Quiet murmurs began to ripple through crowd of ponies as he ascended the stairs unto the stage. Some spoke soft words of encouragement to the young colt. Others were more sympathetic for him, while most just seemed to be wary of his presence and remained silent. Skylance’s ears twitched at their soft words but he gave no indication that he’d heard them as he ruffled his red-tipped wings and stood before the podium. Brushing the bangs out of his eyes, he gazed stoically out at the assembly until the older mares and stallions became settled down again. At first he regarded them with a quiet repose before giving a small cough to clear his throat. “Hello everypony. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you all for accepting my family into your quaint little town. It’s been a pleasure getting to know all of you. Oh, and Miss. Applejack, please accept my sincerest apologies for the fence.” His eyes flicked up to an orange coated mare three rows back with a stetson hat nestled on a blond mane between her ears. “I’ll be sure to resume repairs after the ceremony is over.” Despite their unease, the crowd shared a knowing laugh as the aforementioned farm pony nodded to the colt. He paused, for a moment to let the relaxed mood settle in; “Plus the fresh coat of paint for my carelessness.”
His half lidded eyes fell on Cheerilee, she returned his look with a reassuring smile, its infectious nature warming him enough to allow a thin smile of own. He nodded softly to the mare before turning his gaze back upon the waiting ponies. “As everypony here knows, there have been certain…events as of late that have taken a bit of precedence in my life.” Many faces fell at the mention of the tragedy that had befallen Skylance’s family. As it was his own parents, that were only ones absent from the ceremony. “But I urge you all not dwell on such unsavory matters” He dismissed the solemnity with a casual wave of a fore hoof that drew a few gasps from his audience. “I’ve made arrangements at the capital and I shall not remain here in Ponyville after today.” The adults started to speak in hushed heated tones and even some of his fellow graduates whispered behind him until the white pegasus flared his large crimson tipped wings and gave them a few flaps to command their attention. “I’ve since decided to join the ranks of Princess Celestia’s royal guard.” He folded his wings back and nodded to a sky blue pegasus in the front row, “Thank you Commander Dash for the recommendation.” The prism maned mare only gave an approving smirk at his acknowledgement. “It is a bit of a drastic shift from my aspirations in the field of physics but I do believe it will better temper my, other natural proficiencies.” Some in the crowd chuckled softly at that. His slightly cold demeanor shifted to one of humble pride as he met the eyes of those in the crowd, a sudden hush fell over all those present as they awaited his next words.
Skylance’s eyes narrowed and he firmly stated, “I'm going to devote myself to the preservation of good ponies like the ones sitting in front of me and standing behind me. And in doing so, I shall gain favor with our fair rulers so that they may come to see me as one whom carries the hopes and virtues of the small town who so kindly took me and my family in.” He chuckled a little to himself then. “Who knows, if I rise high enough, they may come to see me as more than just a little pony. Maybe even, a special somepony.”
At the implication of such a bold statement, Jaws dropped, eyes bulged, sharp intakes of breath the were the only sounds to be heard. Long moments passed, long, awkward moments. Skylance looked quite pleased with himself as he hopped off the stage and walked back down the middle aisle between the parents. As he passed the last row, somewhere, a pony began to giggle, followed by a couple more. Soon there was deep laughter from the stallions and colts and dainty chuckles from the mares and fillies. Skylance calmly made his way over to the shade of the willow tree and took a seat on his haunches with his back pressed against its smooth bark. He soon closed his green eyes to the world around him and took a deep breath. A soft hoof on his shoulder made him exhale. “Ah, Miss.Cheerilee.” His ears swiveled to the concerned face of the school-mare. “Come to consul a troubled former student?”
“No Skylance.” Her soft reassuring words caused the colt to flick open his eyes to look at the fuchsia earth pony.
“Oh?” he arched an eyebrow.
“Skylance...”She gave a soft sigh and sat down next to him, leaning slightly against his streamlined pegasus body, “Dear...I know you're being serious. What you said to them, well, think about it. You just declared your intentions of possibly being a mate to one of our Princesses. An immortal being that moves the very cosmos we live in. Now you and I both know most ponies will brush it off as a graduate prank, and go about their lives without harassing you about it but…”
Skylance craned his neck, leaning back against Cheerilee, “aye, but as you said. I’m not one to make light of such things.” Cheerilee reached up and put a hoof to his muzzle, stopping him.
“Skylance, I know you believe you can achieve this, whatever your reasons.” She touched her hoof-tip to his chest, “A final word of caution from your ex-teacher if I may?” he nodded and she continued, “Embrace your dreams, whatever they may be, but don't overlook the things in front of you. It's not always about the destination; the journey can be just as fun.” She smiled, and gave him a light peck on the cheek. “Good luck Skylance, I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for. I'll be around town if you ever need someone to talk to.” With that, she shifted her weight from his side and wandered off, leaving the colt to consider her words.
A year and a half later in Canterlot...
“ALL RIGHT YOU DONKEY DICK SUCKING TAIL LIFTERS! GET THOSE HOOVES MOVING BEFORE I TELL THE PRINCESS YOU LIKE BANANAS!”
Skylance chuckled at the drill Sergeant shouting at the new recruits. He could hear them through the open window near his post in the halls of the royal palace. The light of dusk had started to filter in, bathing the white walls in a deepening crimson- orange glow. He had very fond memories of his days as a fresh recruit. Well...they were fond to think about when not being chased around a track by an earth pony three times your girth, yelling things that would make a manticore blush. His guard partner at the door glanced over at his soft laughter, raising an eyebrow. He was fresh out of cadet training, but both were fully fledged Solar-Guards in service to the Royal sisters.
To the un-magically trained eye, both pegasi guards appeared as flat white, adorned with golden armor, crested with mock blue manes along the top of the helm. It was simply enchanted armor, designed so each guard could do their duty without being singled out. An old tradition from when there were still blood feuds between pony clans. This way, they were able to serve in the guard without worrying about old grudges hindering them in their duty. Once the helm was removed, the enchantment would of course fade, allowing them to resume their normal off-duty lives, free of hostilities.
Skylance's guard partner flicked his eyes up and down the hallway, searching for any eavesdroppers then whispered out the side of his mouth, “Sky, shhh, you're gonna get us in trouble.”
Skylance just smirked, but kept his voice very low, “No worries, nopony is near us. I was just thinking of our training with Drill Sergeant Bloodspill. I swear that guy could crush a pony's head with his...”
“SKY, seriously, shhh, we finally got put on the castle guard roster and you're going to buck both of us over.”
“Starlight, you need to relax. We're guarding a door, a giant golden door that has to weigh, what, fifteen hundred earth ponies? Seriously, if anypony is able to sneak by us, they deserve a chance to open this thing and have a peek inside.”
A soft cough from behind them caused both guards to stiffen. Seconds ticked by, sweat trickled down Starlight's neck as he started to shake slightly. They were supposed to keep ponies from going in, not coming out. By tradition, they weren't supposed to look back at whoever was behind them. They both resisted the urge to sneak a glance; it was unnerving, knowing there was somepony scrutinizing him from behind. Soft clicking hoof-falls echoed in the white polished hallway as the mystery pony approached Skylance's flank. He flicked his eyes to the left, watching Starlight glance back at him. The other pegasi's eyes widened and he snapped his gaze ahead. Oh, that wasn't very reassuring.
“Skylance, was it?” A soft, almost angelic voice whispered in his ear, causing it to twitch. He nodded curtly to the voice's query, “Pray-tell, didst thou hear voices out here? Surely that cannot be, for there is no pony here but thou and thy partner.” The voice was slightly teasing, “It appears my sister's guard’s art becoming lax in their duties.” Clicking hoof-falls echoed again as the Princess of the night circled around to face the guard as he stood stock still. She studied him over, from the tip of is nose to his tail-tip. The armor's magic would not be affecting her eyes, and she could see him for who he really was. She smiled slyly at Skylance, lifting up her long alicorn leg to press a hoof against his breastplate, “Thou art fairly new in thy regalia, I....suppose I can overlook this breach of tradition. If...” Her mischievous grin widened, “Thou whilst tell me why dost thy guard partner tremble so?” She leaned forward, a knowing look in her eyes.
A muscle flexed in pegasi’s jaw, he clutched his wings to his sides but met her gaze coolly with his own. So this was of the princess of the night; he truly understood why some could be moonstruck by her beautiful eyes. “My Princess…” he paused, he wasn’t going to lie to her. Besides, he had heard a rumor that the princesses could detect such things anyway so there was little point in deception. That and he was quite certain if one made a habit to lying to either her or Celestia, their career as a royal guard would be over. Besides that, he had no tangible reason to lie to her, the notion was a passing one and discarded like a piece of trash.
This was one of the royal sisters, one of the reasons he’s enlisted his services as a guard. And so, he gave a small flick of his tail and opened his mouth to speak;“I believe it is because you are very beautiful.” His voice boomed out into the empty hallway, not really caring if his guard partner of anypony else had heard him.
A frown flickered across Princess Luna's face, followed by a faint look of confusion. Then she seemed to recall something that brought a thin smile to her lips. The dark blue alicorn leaned back her head, shook it for a moment then leaned back in with an arched eyebrow, “I am...afraid I didst not catch that.” She tilted her head, awaiting his response.
Skylance was resisted the impulse to roll his eyes. Now, he knew the princess of the night had ways of making new recruits, as well as hardened veterans squirm. It was one of her games she liked to play and now she was testing him.
“Your royal highness,” he cleared his throat this time. “Princess Luna...” He started, thinking about the countless years of practice she would have had turning strong stallions into babbling fools at her whim. “Tis your great beauty, highness, that pales all in comparison. This is why guards tremble at your passing.” He leaned forward a little to stare directly into the endless pools that were the depths of her eyes. They were nearly nose to nose now and he knew full well she had heard every word of that.
Luna blinked levelly at him, stunned for but a moment before her smile grew wide and she slid her crystal-shod hoof off his breastplate, “Well, tis been ages since a pony has been so honest about such.” She had heard of a rather brash pegasai joining the ranks of her sister’s solar guard. One who’s special talent was a rather adept control of a particular aspect of pegasus weather manipulation.
“This does not… anger my princess?” Skylance queried, his brow furrowed in consternation.
Luna laughed delightedly and shook her head, “Heavens no. I welcome such honesty. I am well aware that there art those who enjoy looking at me and mine sister. We wouldst be fools to think otherwise. I suppose I am just shocked thou art the first since my return to admit as much.” She beamed a smile at him, “I had figured thou would also tremble so terribly due to thy fear.” A flicker of a frown crossed her muzzle, “I am glad to see this was not the case with thou. Now...” She turned and began to regally walk down the hallway, smiling coyly over her shoulder, “I must be off, please remember thy duties, and let thine eyes not be distracted by the royal form.” She rolled back her head and laughed giving a little rump wiggle before disappearing around the corner.
Skylance snorted roguishly at the departing princess, a small smile spreading across his features as he turned to his brother in arms. The smile then vanished as he noted Starlight was at stiff attention with his eyes locked on the opposite wall. Before the other pegasus was the white, regal alicorn Princess Celestia. Everything about the princess gave off an air of motherly affection, but also of a mother's tough love. She was intently staring at Skylance with a raised eyebrow. Now the pegasus fought the urge to smile for different reasons.
The Scorching Sun
Just before reaching the red light district in lower Canterlot, anypony wondering the streets this time of night would come across the harsh neon glow of the 'Four Horse Tavern’, reflected off the wet cobblestone street. This was the unofficial hang out, of sorts, for many of off-duty guards. Even through the thick oak doors, the murmur of a crowd within could be heard echoing in the quiet noire atmosphere.
Inside, most of the patrons were veteran guards with a small throng of new recruits who were brave enough to step into the den of superior officers and their drill instructors. The noise from the crowd was boisterous, accented by occasional outbursts of rowdy laughter or groans of pleasant dismay. A small pack of ponies were wagering on a game of hoof-darts in one corner. Placing their hard earned bits on one of two unicorns who were being blind-folded for an ill-conceived wager. Catering to the crowd were many mares of various colors and body types, always with a flirtatious smile or a ‘come hither’ wink, to the guards as they refilled drinks and brought out snacks. From behind the bar, glared a grouchy old brown earth pony, a horrible scar blinding one eye, itching for an excuse to knock some heads. It was only compounded by the fact that half the waitresses were in fact, his own daughters.
Among this crowd of laughter and camaraderie, Starlight glared across the table at Skylance. They had both left their armor at the barracks and were waiting for their first rounds of drinks. “Sky...dude.” the dark blue pegasus with a charcoal mane began, “You are a bucking idiot.” He leaned back as Sheri, a light pink unicorn with a red mane, set one black tea and a hard cider in front of them. She gave Starlight a catty wink then spun with a swish of her voluminous tail to wander off, purposely showing off her wide hipped flanks to the two colts. Although Sky was aloof, Star glanced at the pink rump, caught the bartenders glare and refocused on his fellow guard in front of him. “See, that right there, that's exactly why you got us in bucking trouble.” He tipped back a long swallow of cider.
Sky sighed, and placed his fore hooves in front of his muzzle to hide his glee. “Really? I’ve no idea what you are referring to, Starlight. Just because I don’t stare at every filly’s rump that saunters my way, doesn't mean I am to blame for our little brush with remedial policy and procedure.”
“The buck it doesn't!” He pointed a hoof at the ivory red-tinged pegasus, “Dude, you don't look at all, you never have since I've known you. Then when you finally get the coconuts to look, what ends up happening? Bucking Princess Celestia herself sees you ogling her sister's flank. You were eyein' that thing like an earth pony does an unploughed field.”
An amused chuckle rumbled deep in Skylance’s throat, “Was I now? Are you sure that I wasn’t merely watching our princess’s back, to make certain she wasn’t being followed by some dark cloak and dagger figure, that wished harm upon her?” Starlight’s eyes widened in disbelief, his muzzle buried back in his mug. “Honestly my friend what kind of guards would we be if we didn’t pay attention to, detail...” He toyed a little with his own mug, still untouched, watching the dark liquid swirl about inside.
“Sky, dude, she asked us off of door duty and has us now watching over bucking fish. We get to stand in the bucking sun, watching a bucking fish pond. How is that not punishment?” He drained his mug and waved it over his head to get Sheri's attention.
“Hmm, you do know those fish are older than we are.” He shrugged, “Try to think of it as simple change of scenery. It’s for the better in my humble opinion; being a pegasus restricted by walls and ceilings just isn’t natural.” He frowned for a moment, and then tipped back his tea mug, draining it all in one quaff, before cracking it back down onto the table. For a bit, neither said a word, Skylance just looking pensively into his empty mug, Starlight shaking his head sadly.
“You ever rutted in your life?” The sudden query from Starlight had Skylance staring back in mild disbelief.
“Excuse me?” He raised his fore hooves in front of his muzzle again and looked over them at his friend’s face for some kind of hint that he was joking.
“Just like I asked, Have. You. Ever. Rutted?” He punctuated each word with a hoof tap on the hard wood table.
Skylance's forest green eyes narrowed dangerously, and he found his ears were folding back against his skull. His friend couldn't meet his intent stare and looked around again for the bar mare, “No. I have not.”
Starlight grinned suddenly and laughed, “It’s just as I thought, and no wonder you went all slack-jawed over the first piece of flank that seriously caught your attention. Shame it had to be one of the most untouchable in the kingdom. Seriously, start a little less lofty, work out some of that stress an attitude.” Skylance calmly placed his fore hooves back on the table revealing the devil-may-care smirk that had spread on his lips.
“But fortune favors the bold my dear friend. Because, did not the sky seem so far away when we were just learning to fly?”
“Don’t you dare try to muddy things up with all that philosophical jim-jam!” Starlight retorted. At that point Sheri trotted over, using her magic to sweep the two empty mugs away and set two new ones with each stallions preferred beverage. Starlight turned and smiled at her, “Hey Sher, can I ask you a 'what-if' question?”
She grinned, softly clicking her chewing gum, “Course dear, what's up?” She asked cheerfully.
Starlight pointed a hoof at his friend, “Would you buck a pony like Skylance here?”
The ivory pegasus looked directly into the mare's eye before she started to look him over hoof to tail, grinning like a cat with a mouse. “Well, I do love me a tall colt in uniform, and you're a good looking fella. Yeah sure, a few drinks and sweet words, I could see us knocking hooves.” She wiggled her nose at him cutely. Sky wasn't sure if she was mocking him or being serious, but a little color filled his cheeks despite himself. “Aww, you're going beet red. Such a sweetheart.” She smiled back at Starlight, “Anyway colts, I have work to do, maybe I'll see you two later?” She winked and trotted away, again swaying her plump hips for the two.
“...Well she seemed serious enough, wouldn’t you say?” Skylance glanced up at Starlight. The other pony’s eyes were following the mare as she wandered back into the crowd, a mischievous grin upon his muzzle. As she vanished, he turned back.
“Yeah, pretty sure she was. Like I said, you need to get out there and sow some of them wild oats you keep hanging between your legs. Trust me; it'll help you relax so your eyes aren't constantly latching onto Princess Luna's flanks. Granted...they are kind of cute.” He paused in thought. “Sheri there would probably give you a nice romp in the hay if you play your cards right. And if you don't, I will.” He tipped back his mug, grinning as he watched the mare out of the corner of his eye as she went about her business.
Skylance have a disinterested sigh, “Perhaps, there may come a time when I’ll seek out the warm comfort of a bar mare. But it is not this night.”
“Suit yourself” Starlight relented. “It isn’t like I don’t get it, y’know, I think many of us have had thoughts of the two. Kinda Hard not to. They're powerful, regal, beautiful, and hell, wings AND horns to tease? It's like the ultimate dream. But that's all can be for the likes of us; a nice dream. They don't bucking need us in that way. Deal with it, find a nice mare or two to play with and maybe settle down someday.”
A few sips of his tea later, Skylance eyed his friend curiously, “I take that to be your plan?” He was answered with a nod, “trust me when I say that I understand fully what you are trying to do for me. And although I do appreciate your concern, I’m not one to give up so easily on my goals just because it becomes difficult to attain them.” His red tipped wings shuddered excitedly at his sides. “Besides, I believe it was Starswirl the bearded who once said; a victory without danger is a triumph without glory.’’ He waved a fore hoof in the air to his left to accentuate his words. “What I think he meant by that, was the greater the challenge presented, the greater the victory achieved once conquered, no?”
Starlight cringed then gave a soft sigh as he dug into his pouch for a few bits, adding a couple more for Sheri's tip, “ I don’t know if it a good thing that you view our princesses as things for you to conquer. But it's your life dude, do what you want. But I get to say 'I told you so' when things don't turn out like you're fantasizing. As for me, I'm fantasizing about Sheri getting horizontal. So if you'll excuse me.” He nodded to his friend, “And the drinks are on me tonight. Think on what I said, kay?” He slid out of the booth and wandered off to find the mare of his current fantasies.
Shortly thereafter, Skylance found himself wandering through the dark streets of Canterlot simply enjoying the crisp night air for a few hours. It was early morning before the lone stallion made his way back to the castle barracks. In the outer hallways of the castle, he trotted along, wings tips dragging lazily on the polished surface of the floor. It wasn't against the rules for guards to get drunk off-duty, as long as no pony caused a mess or started a fight. But Skylance never felt the draw of liquor like most in his profession. That being the case, when the occasional faux pas was made, he would generally look out for the well-being of his fellow guards. This helped prevent any real trouble or image fallout for others who donned he gilded armor. However at this wee hour, there was no one about, barring the occasional night guards at important junctions or doorways.
He trotted through the castle without any particular destination for a while, nodding to few lunar guards he knew personally, a smart salute to the ones he did not, till he found himself standing before a pair of blue double doors laced with silver engravings, that reached to the arched ceiling far above. There were two night guards stationed on either side, eyeing him curiously. They remained stiff at attention but ready to spring if Skylance proved to be a threat. However, he just sat back on his haunches and regarded the massive door with an impassive expression etched upon his features. Behind these doors, were Luna’s bedchambers. It was pretty clear with the crescent moon inlays on each door face; quite an imposing sight. So Skylance sat on the other side of the hall from the door, studying the intricacies of its carvings and archaic runes. It was hard to keep from wondering what exactly was on the other side. The guards at the doors just stared back at him. Nopony spoke a word, or moved an inch. Till at last sleep claimed him, maybe it was because he’d been exhausted by the musings of his own mind. Or maybe it was the fact that he’d not slept at all that night, and was now entranced by whatever secrets scholars wrought in the carvings of the blue stone, that made up the doors foreboding visage. For whatever reason; the cold marble floor became as good a place as any for Skylance’s bed.
Feeling something shaking his shoulder, Sklance jolted violently into fully alert wakefulness, with flared wings as he sprung lightly to his hooves. He blinked away the blur in his eyes and glared daggers into the eyes of his aggressor. The amethyst eyes and white face of the sun goddess. She seemed to have a concerned, but amused smile on her face. “Are you alright?”
Skylance quickly dropped his fighting stance came to proper attention before the princess of the sun, “Princess Celestia.” He glanced about, memory a bit fuzzy, before noting he was still in front of Luna's door. He growled inwardly, redirecting his attention to her. “My sincerest apologizes Princess; I seemed to have dozed off.”
The white alicorn giggled softly, a hoof to her muzzle. She reached forward to brush a bit of his unruly mane from his face, “No need to apologize. Would you mind attending me for a moment? Though I know you are not on duty, I would like to speak with you.” He nodded and dutifully fell into step beside her as she slowly made her way down the long hall. He took note her usual two bodyguards were nowhere to be seen. “Now, Skylance. I enjoy rewarding diligence and going above and beyond duty. However, I am not sure sleeping in front of my sister's door quite falls into those categories.” She glanced back at the tall pony, noting his downturned expression. “In a way, it can be seen as a sweet gesture, or as something else entirely. Often you see, it depends on one's perspective. Princess Luna found it amusing and called you her quote, “Lost little white puppy.” She giggled at Skylance’s derisive snort at that.
As they turned down another long hallway, he noticed the early morning sun peeking through the windows, casting sharp shadows and red dawn-light against the opposing wall. Celestia took a deep breath and exhaled, “Skylance, I am very well aware of your...affections towards my sister and me. My little sister in particular, it seems. It has happened before, it will happen again. You clearly have, intentions, and I have no right to forbid such honest feelings." She smiled warmly at his perturbed expression. "I suppose you are wondering how I have come to this conclusion?"
The pegasai's perked, his wingtips quivering in interest as he nodded to her question. "You studied physics and the movement of celestial bodies with my pupil, Twilight Sparkle. She...has a habit of writing to me anything and everything that happens to play across her mind." She gave a soft cheerful laugh. "It certainly gives me plenty to read before bed each night. Within some of those letters, was a tale of a young colt who dove into Starswirl and Gallopleo's star-studies. Who's fascination with the way our world moves and why things work as they do, expanded as he grew. In fact, to such a point you idolized and developed feelings for those whom had the power to command those movements. Am I wrong?"
Sky shook his head, his long mane tossing about. "Of course not my princess. As per usual, what you deduce is the truth." He affirmed quietly.
A golden-shod hoof lifted his chin. "There is certainly nothing wrong with that. Many have felt as you have towards myself and my sister through the ages. It's nothing entirely new. My sister is very lovely, isn't she?" The colt arched an eyebrow at the Sun-Goddess, wondering if this held some sort of double meaning. "She's powerful and rather wealthy as well." The corners of her eyes tightened every so faintly.
A bemused smile flickered on Sky’s face. "Surely her highness does not imply that these would be the only reasons one such as myself might seek her favor?”
"Oh? Do tell my little pony."
"Most would assume that very reason the royal guard exists is to protect those unable to protect themselves. While this isn’t entirely untrue, throughout our history there have been those few guards that became something more, to both our princesses and to Equestria. I aspire to be such a pony, like those written about in books and spoken of in legends. But this also means that I must become a pony she holds dear. A pony that she could not only trust with her life, but with her heart as well, a pony she could rely on no matter the circumstance." Righteous determination filled his voice as he spoke and he clacked a fore hoof hard enough on the marble floor that the sound reverberated off the walls like a thunderclap. “One who stands with unwavering integrity and a will to do what he believes is right.”
The rising sun seemed to glow brighter all of a sudden as the mood of the one who controlled began to darken. "These could be seen as very dangerous words for one so young Skylance.” Her wings unfurled at her sides so she stood before the white pegasus in all her glory as ruler, silhouetted by the sun rising behind her. “Perhaps Luna is happy as she is? She always has me to rely on and to trust. Are you one to question my devotion to my own sister?"
The site of any alicorn with their dander up was a terrifying one. But the colt was not to be cowed by this display of power and with open wings and a wide stance of his own, stood his ground against the fury that was quite possibly the universe incarnate. "As dubious as it is for me to admit Princess, you're right once again. But know that is was not my goal to seem pretentious in my assumptions. If anything, I was just voicing my curiosity in regards to the validity of stories I have read and the legends I have heard. But if our history was merely written for the sake of tucking foals into bed then tell me I was mistaken and I shall consider all the principals you’ve built this kingdom naught but folly.” This caused a pause in the Princess of the sun. She was genuinely intrigued by this stallion by now and she cocked her head to the side and waited for him to continue. “I know that many of the stories we tell our offspring are comprised of half-truths and whole lies. But I also know that there is some semblance of fact behind every legend ever told, else they would ever have made it this far? As of right now, I cannot completely justify my feelings or ambitions. All I want is a chance to prove myself, for reasons I can’t completely explain right now."
Princess Celestia gave a soft laugh and smiled at him. "Feelings of affection are often hard to describe. There are some we are attracted to, because of beauty, mind, or personality, and we can never fully understand or hope to explain why." She gave a slight smirk as she refolded her wings. "Did you know that my sister also reads Twilight's letters?" The colt was actually taken aback by this. "Oh, yes. She's quite aware of your fondness for us from an early colthood. It rather amused her."
"So...the little performance she gave me and Starlight yesterday... she was intentionally trying to a reaction out of me." He brought a hoof face and shook his head.
"Fret not, Skylance. This may yet be an opportunity. You've caught my sister's eye where many a suitor has failed. Though, perhaps not for the reasons you intended." The colt let his fore hoof fall back to the floor to reveal a look of disbelief at what he was hearing. "So, just in case, I shall give you advice." Skylance looked at the Princess, eager for her words of wisdom, eyes uncharacteristically bright in hope.
“First, your duty must have foremost priority. While most guards act very stiff and proper, it is generally for outside appearances and guests. My sister and I understand that under that armor, you are all still ponies, with hearts, and minds, free and wild. However, the moment you allow your feelings to interfere with your job, we will have a...discussion.”
Skylance subconsciously flicked his tail and could feel his ears wilt at implied meaning of that last word. The tough motherly love side of the Sun Princess was shining through. “Secondly, should you choose to approach my sister in regards to courtship and the like, you will accept her choices on the matter. In essence, if she rebukes your desires to court her, you will return to your duties and move on. If you do not think you could handle her rejection, I suggest you either find a new line of work, or dismiss any notion of ever sharing a moment with her.” The Princess paused, causing the other pony to halt and look intently into her stern gaze.
“My sister is her own pony. She can see whomever she wishes, only if she wishes to. I look out for Luna but in the end, her word on the matter is final.” She glanced around, noting they were still alone in the quiet early morning and leaned down till her muzzle was beside the pegasai's ear. “Third...” She whispered, “Remember that she has lived far longer than you and to respect that.” She paused, leaning a little closer to softly nuzzle the smaller pony for just a moment, “I wish you luck, take my words to heart. If you ever have questions, I will help if I can.” She resumed her regal stance and nodded to Skylance, “Now then, I believe you have the day off, so I suggest you make the most of it before the start of your next shift.” She smiled, a twinkle in her eye as she turned and continued down the hallway, leaving the pegasus to his thoughts on the matter.
One long, cold shower later and a breakfast of cold oats and milk, Skylance left his quarters and trotted through the barracks to Starlight’s door. He raised a hoof to bang, but noticed a pink sock tucked onto the door handle. Seems his buddy was true to his word. He half wondered what it must have been like with that mare, her and that cute plump rump and...”No, just no.” He grumbled to himself and shook off the fleeting mental images. Leaving his friend to his rest and whatever else he was indulging in, the pegasus wandered out of the castle and into upper Canterlot.
During the day, the city was a bustling place, merchant shops and restaurants lined the main streets, and the summits of rich homes could be seen peaking over the tops of the more utilitarian buildings. Generally, most of the guards avoided Upper Canterlot during off-duty. For two main reasons, most of it was far too expensive for a guard's wages. For another, it was heavily populated with the type of ponies that tended to irritate the more practical minded guard-ponies. It was an unfortunate fact that you had to make your way through the upper class district before getting down to the more common-pony level of the city, unofficially dubbed “Old Canterlot”. Being a pegasus, he could bypass it all if he wanted, but for today he thought he'd take the long way and clear his mind a bit.
He meandered around for about hour, stopping occasionally to glance in windows that caught his interest, most of those related to astronomy or flying. Granted, a lot of the stores here were more focused on fashion or catering to the upper crust of pony society, but there were some ‘hole in the wall’ stores tucked in between some of the bigger commercial buildings, with surprisingly broad inventory. He had even stumbled across a little adult store in an alley behind a dress shop. The only reason it had even caught his attention was the storefront windows showing off a new line of wing restraints. At first he thought it was some new type of wing armor, till he stuck his nose to the window, reading the tiny info card under the display. He remembered his hot blush as he attempted to canter away smoothly so as not to attract any unwanted attention.
Ponies were far from being afraid of sexual expression, or even speaking of it openly, they did however; try not to make other ponies uncomfortable. Some of the conversations he overheard between mares on the streets would often have his ears smoking.
Now his attention was drawn to a storefront showing off a new design for wing blades with magically enhanced edges. He traced each curve of the wicked blades with his eyes, appraising its structural integrity when he caught the reflection of another pony walking up to his side. He turned his head to find himself nose to nose with an orange filly, “...Scoot?”
The other pegasus booped his nose with a hoof and laughed, “HEY, I thought that was you Sky. How's it hanging?”
Skylance took a moment to look the other pegasus over. She'd grown into a fine young mare, long toned legs, stylishly short purple mane, broad, plush wings and a cute muzzle that begged to be kissed. He remembered when she'd hit a sudden growth spurt in school and her wings had nearly doubled in size. He remembered how she’d always envied his long feathers and chuckled at his old classmate, “Well if it isn’t Scootaloo, looking fair as ever. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”
She tilted her head, seeming to also appraise the colt, “You're not looking so bad yourself, hot shot.” She grinned and ruffled her wings before nodding for him to follow her. Having nothing in particular to do that day, Skylance shrugged and fell into step beside her. The two of them wandered down the street, “Nothing to special, just dropping off some supplies for the magic school.” She gave a little laugh, “Seems my 'dream' career didn't exactly go as I'd hoped.”
Skylance looked at the filly with genuine concern, “Everything cool, Scoots? I know at graduation you declared you were going to be a Wonderbolt like Dash.”
She shook her head, sighing a little as she unfurled one of her rather massive wings to pull the other pegasus up to her side as they continued walking, “Well...seems my wish to get bigger wings was both a blessing and a curse. Sure, I can fly, but they're just too big for acrobatics. I didn't stand a chance at the academy.” She grinned, looking up at the sky, “But you know, its ok. I found something a bit more fulfilling. Seems these babies...” She paused to unfurl the other wing, showing off its impressive wingspan, “...are better suited for long distance, heavy laden flight.”
She smirked at Skylance. “I get to carry things that other pegasi can't. Things too dangerous or too large for long range teleporting. I kinda like it. I get to do something even unicorns can't. Even Dash was impressed when I carried a sleep-spelled hydra from Las Pegasus to Everfree.”
Skylance stopped suddenly, Scootaloo halted a few steps further to look back at him. He nodded his head at the small restaurant nestled between two souvenir shops. A simple sign overhead read 'The Red Cloud' “Hey Scoots, hungry? This’ll be my treat.” He grinned at his old school friend. She beamed a grin of her own back at him and accepted the offer.
Scootaloo pushed back her plate and burped, blushing as she covered her muzzle. “Oops, sorry.” Her lunch companion laughed it off with a wave of his fore hoof.
“No worries my friend. I’m just happy you enjoyed it so much.”
She smiled cutely before glancing around the little restaurant, “I can't believe there's a place here with REAL Cloudsdale food. I mean, there's some places I've tried around Canterlot that claim it's authentic, but never really live up to the hype.”
The ivory red-tinged colt nodded in agreement, “I agree, I find it rather humorous that it is always these little ‘mom and pop’ establishments that end up garnering a much more loyal clientele, than any of the fancier places down the street.” He paused in thought, catching the other pony looking at him curiously, “So Scoots. Besides your amazing adventures in freight lining, any other new and exciting developments in your life?”
She shook her head, “Nah, just work. How about you, ever fulfill that graduation goal?” She smirked, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Sylance leaned back in his chair while he placing both fore hooves behind his head. “I see Miss. Cheerilee wasn’t the only one to take me seriously back in those days.” He returned her smile confidently, “but to answer your question Scoot; no I haven’t been able to quite yet.”
Laughing as she pulled apart a fortune cookie, she deepened her voice to give her best imitation of him, “I'm going to change Equestria by rutting the princesses.” The legs of Sklance’s chair screeched against the hard wood flooring as he leaned forward to watch the orange filly riding out her fits of laughter.
“I couldn’t have put more eloquently myself Scoots.” Even he couldn't help himself from chuckling a little at his own expense. Scootaloo's laughter cut off sharply.
“Wait, you're still trying?” He nodded sagely and she whistled softly, “And they called me delusional for wanting to be a Wonderbolt like Dash.” There was an awkward silence as Scootaloo came to grips with Skylance's other worldly dedication to his cause. “Well” She started, “Props to you for keeping the dream alive. Not an easy thing to do. It's only been a couple years but...wow, it got so hard to remain focused. So many distractions and stuff that got in the way.” She smirked across the table and held up a hoof, “I always knew you were a hardheaded one, rock on Sky.” The colt tapped his hoof to her's and matched her playful smile.
“By the way, you wouldn’t happen to remember a time, say...during a party at Sweetie Belle's house?” He tilted his head at the sudden blush on Scootaloo's orange cheeks. She nodded, not meeting his gaze.
“You ever regret what happened?”
A long pause followed, Scootaloo looking at her hooves as she fidgeted with the fortune cookie paper between them. She glanced up to meet his gaze and nodded, “Yeah...sometimes I do.” It was not exactly the answer Skylance had expected. She continued, “When we were dating as foals, I just...it was awesome. We had a lot of fun together, but Sky, after what happened to your father and brother, you became obsessed with your war philosophies and now that I think back on it, your whole outlook on life, it scared a lot of ponies. Sometimes...”
She crumpled the little fortune between her hooves and sighed, looking up to meet his eyes fully, “Sometimes I wonder if we should have, well, went all the way at that party. Maybe it would’ve gotten your mind off changing everything and on something more real...like me. I can't help but wonder if it was my fault. I mean, sure we're friends still, but could we have been more?” She sighed and shrugged with a sad chuckle, “It's cool though. That was years ago. I can see you've come a long way, became a guard pony. By the way I HAVE to see you in armor.” Her wings quivered, “And despite how you've changed, you still have that undying attachment to your principals. In some weird sort of way I respect that. Really, I do.”
Skylance nodded to her final words. A part of him still had feelings for the orange pegasus; what exactly those feelings were, he wasn't entirely sure. They had a few years as a young couple but never got any further than kissing and snuggling. After a failed attempt at going further, it devolved into just a strong friendship. Not such a bad ending really. Yet, like Scootaloo suggested, perhaps it could have been more, given the absence of certain life changing events.
Shaking off the thoughts he dug out enough bits for the check and a tip then smiled to the filly across the table, “What would you say to a tour of the castle?” He winked. “I'll even put on the armor.” Her face brightened up and she clapped her fore-hooves together excitedly.
