Archlight, but call me Archie.by StonemonarchChaptersTime for RNR!Archie's Little CrushThe Red Enigma Roseluck's TurnArchies Final Stand Time for RNR!My name is Archlight, but call me Archie. I'm a unicorn with white fur and black and blue hair , Im a trainee in the Canterlot Castle Guards and I train under Shining Armor, he's one of my best friends but I rarely see him because he's the captains of the guards. Well, I do have another friend. "Archie! Guess what?!" she came in practically yelling and breaking down my dorm room door. This is Mist Wind, she's a pegasus who has light green skin and silver hair with a long streak of black down her mane she is under the training of both the Wonderbolts and Canterlot Castle Guards. She is a bit....excitable although she's been my best friend since we were a filly and a colt. I guess she's grown on me after all these years. "What is it this time, Mist?" I said that rather sarcastically and I guess she noticed rather quickly. "Why are you saying like its a bad thing?" she said while grabbing a strategy book out of my hand and putting it back on my shelf. I sighed, removed my glasses and looked at her. "Well maybe because the last time you came to my room, practically breaking the door down, you believed there was a dragon among the Castle Guards, when it was just Limestone pretending to be a dragon to scare Shining Armor that one Nightmare Night." "Well, this time its different, Shining Armor is going to announce two of the trainees to go to Ponyville for RNR. I mean come on wouldn't you like to get away from this and get to do something fun?!" I guess not considering I spend my time with strategies and I'm also a giant loser, considering the fact I rarely show up for training sessions, besides lunch and strategy class. "Well no, I don't see this being fun, mainly 'cause I'm not one for tons of ponies." I stood up and grabbed my glasses and book and walked out to get to the mid-day meeting, having Mist fly next to me. "Oh coooome on! Archie your not going to get anywhere in life if you don't start getting a bigger social life you'll grow up alone and old" apparently from what I could tell, Mist was over-exaggerating. We eventually made it to the meeting room and we stood at the front looking at Shining Armor holding a small envelope. Im guessing he tried to make him self look like a sweepstakes announcer, even though he's just Shining Armor. "Alright, everypony calm down before I announce the winners of the RNR trip to Ponyville, I'm going to give you guys some news." I think I saw Mist cringe at the fact she was the only girl in the Guards. She was most likely irritated he said guys, oh well thats what happens when your in an occupation that is designed for Stallions and not Mares, Mist was the only one brave enough to do so, plus her entry scores were better then half the guys there, although mine were the best, thats why I train under Shining Armor himself. "Alright, well happy birthday to you Slick, alright its time to announce the winners, and the winners for the Ponyville RNR trip are; Archlight and Mist Wind!" everyone either awed or cheered. My mood was obviously uninterested but Mist was jumping with joy. A few hours have passed and I was packing my stuff, mainly by just levitating a few books into my saddle bags. I also slid in my glasses case, cleaner, and replacement lenses. I threw on my saddlebags and grabbed my Canterlot Guard Trainee badge, basically it designates that your a Canterlot Guard Trainee, we wear it when we go out, just so if were lost we can be identified. Although Mist had to wear two because the other one is for the Wonderbolts trainee badge, obviously it was the golden leader one. "Oh come on Archie it will be fun, you will see!" she said that with the biggest grin I've ever seen and I suppose when Mist grins you just have to feel good about it. "Well I guess you may be right Mist, I'll try my best to have a good time, for you." she laughed rather cutely then instantly jetted out of the room and outside to the train station. I sighed and looked in my room for a while, then closed my door and walked through the Castle barracks, that is until Shining Armor stopped me. "You know you actually weren't the real winner right?" as he said looking down at me. Of course this caught me by surprised and I think I yelled on accident. "What do you mean I didn't actually win the RNR!!!" before anyone heard me, Shining Armor put his hoof over my mouth and looked around. He slowly took his hoof off my mouth and starting whispering. "Look the reason I chose you, is because I think you should at the very best try to meet some new people and feel the freedom of meeting everyone." of course Shining Armor sounded sympathetic, although I thought it was a demonic curse he laid on me. "Well then was Mist actually chosen." as I said look at him. "Well technically no, I chose her as well, mainly because I thought you at least needed someone you knew with you, of course I could've gone and introduced you to my sister but of course I've got a family and I'm captain of the guards so....you know how it is." "Not really." as I said sarcastically. "Perfect, now go and get'em bro." his reply to that ended up in him pushing me out of the Castle doors and Mist was jetting at me, just to push me even further towards the train station. "Yay, yay, yay, yay!" she kept saying this while we were walking into the train to Ponyville. A few hours go by and we're sitting in one of the cars facing each other, of course she's jumping with joy and I'm sitting there watching the land go by as we approach Ponyville. First, I looked at a clock and it read 4 o' clock pm. It was close to getting sundown, and I couldn't wait to fall asleep. "Hey! Archie do you think that we may be able to get some great food from Ponyville, or maybe we can find some fun things to do, oh oh! or maybe we could check out a umm, park." she noticed I wasn't to excited and she went calm and got serious and put her hoof on my knee. "Hey, Archie it's gonna be alright, Ponyville is a happy place, I assure you, we'll be alright along with the other ponies, but please can you just stop moping and be excited for once, I want to have a great time, and your moping is not helping." of course for a moment there I thought she had a angered tone, but that obviously stopped until she saw a giant cake roll by, then she hunted it down and I couldn't stop grinning. It was a little odd to grin that much. "I guess I could have a little fun while I'm there." I took off my glasses, put them in their case and laid them next to me so I could fall asleep. Although I didn't notice I went to sleep at four, so I ended up waking up around six pm and I couldn't go back to sleep. I stood up all the way until we arrived in Ponyville. It was around seven when we arrived in Ponyville, I had to wake up Mist because she went to sleep pretty late, considering how much cake she ate. So, we gathered our things and got off the train. First thing I noticed was six ponies getting on the train back to Canterlot. For some reason I got the idea they were important but shrugged it off. The second thing however, that caught my eye was three mares sitting down at a table, one with red hair almost looking like a rose color. The one next to her was a orange carrot color, the last one was a pegasus that had a silvery mane. To be honest I couldn't stop starring at the rose one. I think Mist picked up quite quick because she teased me in a whisper "Yoooooou like her don't you Archie?" of course she giggled so loudly and I rolled my eyes pretending I didn't. "No, I do not like her, and don't tease me either." of course I turned around to face her but then someone tapped my shoulder and would you believe it? It was the Rose mare. "Hi there, Im Roseluck, welcome to Ponyville!" she said with a big a grin and of course I was sitting there dumb struck. "H-hi" Author's Note No notes :3 Archie's Little CrushI shake my head and stand up straight and get back to reality before I make a fool of myself, again. "H-Hi there Roseluck, I'm Archlight, but you can call me Archie." Apparently Roseluck giggled at my name and I was blushing. I just noticed that Mist was no where to be found until I saw her laughing with the two other mares, which names were Cloudchaser and Carrot Top. She finished laughing finally. "Well its great to meet you Archie, if you'd lik-~ I think she stopped because she noticed my badge. "Oooh your a royal Canterlot Guard?! That is soo cool!" apparently she liked learning about Canterlot Guards. "Oh I'm sorry it's just sometimes I ramble, and whoops I did it again I'm sorry, but would you and Mist like to hangout with me Carrot Top, and Cloudchaser today?" I was curious how she knew Mist in the first place, maybe it's just Mist is quick to make new friends and I never notice. "Oh ummm Im sorry bu-" of course I was cut off by Mist throwing her hoof on my mouth. This seems to be a natural thing to me. "We would love to hangout with you guys for the day, Roseluck!" Of course I didn't get a say in it, all that came out of my mouth was muffled noises and that was it. "Great! We'll see you guys around three this afternoon!" she said that and went off to join her friends, I think she looked back and waved good-bye to me, but I wasn't sure if it was to me or Mist. "You almost blew it Archie!" honestly, she was correct I did almost mess it up. "Exactly what did I mess up?" thats my dumb arrogance where I never look at the obvious, and or acknowledge the truth. "Are you kidding me!? While were out you can hang with Roseluck while I hang with Carrot Top and Cloudchaser!" she had a good idea but at the same time something tells me she's not interested. "Oh come on Mist how do you know if she's even into me?" of course I didn't notice I've given it away. "So you do like her!" and there it goes. I wanted to curse but remembered I couldn't "Alright! I.....like Roseluck" I said that in a rather muffled grunt then an actual word. Next second Mist is squeezing the life out of me and teasing me to no end. "Archie likes a maare, Archie likes a maare, Archie likes a maare!" "How old are you again?" as I asked as bluntly as possible for she was acting foolish. "Pfft! Forget age I need to teach you about mares, lets go Archie!" thats one subject I never liked to touch on is Mares, from what I've heard about Shining Armor and Cadence, it's a bit disturbing. So, next thing I know me and Mist are sitting at what is said to be "Sugar Cube Corner" apparently it's a good place for food. Which I will give them that they had my favorite, a mint-chocolate chip muffin. Like mom used to make. So, while I was scarfing down mint muffins, Mist was teaching me about mares, apparently I took notes and I didn't even notice, guess it's a bad habit. "Alright and lastly, Mares CAN! be a big impact on your life!" I wrote that down and asked foolishly. "How?" I've never seen Mist's eyes get so large and so serious. "Oh my gosh Archie, they could completely change you, they could force you to forget about so much, like your friends, your family, your job, EVERYTHING!" of course my ears were bleeding by her yelling and I was afraid someponies were listening to us. "Alright, so they can make an impact, what else is there?" as I said eating my last muffin. "Check your watch." I checked my watch and read three pm, that's when I realized what she meant, then my heart sank and my mood went into a large anxiety. I think I almost had a heart attack. So, me and Mist went to meet up with Roseluck Carrot Top and Cloudchaser at her house, of course I didn't notice that Mist had taken Carrot Top and Cloudchaser to go bowling. I was.....distracted by a pretty disturbance. "So, while there gone what would you like to do, Archie?" "Hmmm?, Oh! I'm sorry, I was....spacing out." I said this with about the biggest blush ever, oddly enough she didn't notice. "Oh thats alright, hey! I know of this cool place that has an amazing view, lets go!" little did I know her force was about Mist's times two, for she pulled me to this cliff area that had a great view of the ocean. I think thats the second most beautiful thing I've ever seen. We were lying on the grass and watching the sunset. It was an awkward silence but she decided to break it. "So Archie what do you do in the Royal Canterlot Guards?" I guess I've never really had a position, but I went with just what I knew. "I guess you could say I'm a specialist at strategies and statistics, I also am personally trained by Shining Armor, but only when he's in Canterlot. You know because he is Prince of Chrystal Empire along with Cadence." "Yeah! Of course, it sounds really cool. But wait, how is Mist in the Canterlot Guards if she's a mare?" I figured this question would come up once in a while. "Well, she was the only mare brave enough to do it, even though her entry exam scores surpassed half the class, not including me because I've got perfect scores, tis why I train with Shining Armor. Plus, she was a Wonderbolt Trainee so she has extra training." I think I showed off a bit during that sentence but I'm glad Roseluck didn't notice, although she did notice how close we were to each other. "Oh! Im sorry I didn't mean to get so close to you it's just very cold up here." Of course I wanted to say she could come closer and I would help, but before I could. "Hey Archie!" "Roseluck! "Roseluck and Archie!" We both got up and stood a little away from each other when we saw Mist, Cloudchaser, and Carrot Top emerge from the forest behind us. "Hey guy's it's getting late we need to get home!" of course I felt like screaming because I was so close. So, eventually we all got home and part way's me and Mist had to sleep at a nearby hotel. "Sooooo, how was your's and Roseluck's daaate?" of course she said this in a teasing tone. "It wasn't a date and It was alright we had some fun." of course Mist laughed at me and poked me a few hundred times and left me alone for a while, until she fell asleep. Well my first day wasn't to bad although it could've ended perfectly, although Mist had to kind of ruin it, but I'm glad she did because I could've messed up. I wonder what Roseluck's doing now. Dear, Diary, Today I met the handsomest, sweetest, and greatest stallion ever. His blue and black mane just looked amazing and his light blue eyes, they were like piercing my heart. What's even better is he's a Canterlot guard! So he's intelligent and athletic. Although he's quirky and a bit odd, but I guess beggars can't be choosers. I really hope he's here to stay. His name just sends chills up my spine. Archlight. The Red Enigma The Red Enigma I woke up pretty early, mainly because I was in a cold sweat and Mist was still knocked out, she was also snoring. My sleep felt odd though, like someone was actually acknowledging my existence. Then again, I usually have these weird notions. I guess it's just me losing my sanity, as usual. I couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to take a walk, although it was practically night time. Now, what happens next is something I never would see my self doing, but what happens next; is that I decide to go to Roselucks house, at night where she may be sleeping. I looked at the window and noticed the light was off, of course me being insanely stupid I stood at her doorstep, and laid next to the welcome mat to wait until morning, of course I actually fell asleep on right in front of her doorstep. Then I was woken up. "Aaaarchie? Waaake uuuup." someone was nudging my shoulder gently and all I could see was red hair. Then thats where I felt like dieing. Exactly how do you explain to a girl you have a crush on, why you fell asleep on her doorstep? "R-roseluck?" I guess I was really tired. "Why did you sleep at my doorstep?" that question sounded very blunt, although it was rather teasingly, sounds like Mist. Of course I just noticed what I did and I jumped up, I think my face looked like a tomato because I never blushed that badly, and I hoped she did notice, because then it would of been easier to explain. Although she was blushing pretty hard herself and had a small grin on her face. "Oh umm I.......I was looking for a safe place to hide from Diamond Dogs! although I hid in your bushes but accidentally fell asleep in your bushes." something tells me she didn't buy it. "Oh! Well I hope your okay, but you could've just knocked on the door and I would've hid you from them, no need to fall asleep in the bushes." Wow, she bought it. "Oh, I'm sorry next time I'll surely knock on the door." of course I looked stupid saying that. So, she scruffed my hair and I was on my way of course Mist was freaking out that I left the room and she was in panic outside the hotel. The second she saw me she hugged me so hard that my air supply was cut off for a few seconds. "Aaaaarchie!!!! Where have you been!?" she put me down and was instantly in my face. "Uhmmm I was getting......breakfast." of course this tricked Mist because she was so insane by this time. Then one thing hit me, this RNR doesn't last forever. "W-wait, Mist when does our RNR end?" Mist looked at me surprised I didn't know. "It ends tomorrow, why?" before I could reply she knew exactly why. "Oh! Its because of Roseluck isn't it? Well, make your move and fast." she was right I only had one more day to really feel what true love is. Wow, I suddenly care a lot about another person. I'm surprised myself. Of course though, I had no idea what to do, because I stood there motionless and I couldn't move. Well, that is until Mist took me by the front legs and through me into a chair at a table that Roseluck was sitting at. "Oh wow, that was an entrance, hey Archie" apparently I was still in shock until Mist dropped an apple on my head, she was hiding on top of building. "Hey Roseluck can I tell you something?" I looked down and propped my hoofs on the table. "Yeah sure, what is it?" Here it comes. "I know I've only met you for a day but I've had strong feelings for y-" of course what happened killed me. "Roseluck!" it was Carrot Top and Cloudchaser. "We need you to help us with a garden at the Town Hall, Mayor Mare has a job for us!" Roseluck sighed looked at me and looked sad. "I-I'll see you later Archie, we can talk later." she ran with her friends to Town Hall and I heard Mist slam her face on the top of the building. Now I'm crying on the table and a mail mare came up to us and handed Mist a letter. "Heres you mail!" she said this and flew away, crashing into a few things along the way and dropping some envelopes. Mist opened up the letter and looked at me and was instantly scared to tell me what it said. "Ummm, Archie don't get upset but, Shining Armor needs us back at the castle." then my mood plummeted. I cried even harder. "What else could go wrong?!" of course something did. It had to of been at that exact moment. So, we grabbed our saddle bags and of course I waited a while at the train station, just to see if Roseluck was anywhere to be seen, until the conductor came up to me and said we were leaving. I got on the train and I said nothing through the whole entire trip. Mist was depressed because of my mood and she didn't say anything. She only read a few of my books. When we arrived in Canterlot, Shining Armor was standing there saying we were headed to the Crystal Empire to continue our training. It turns out me and Mist did such a good job in training we were instantly bumped up to private guardians. We were assigned to Princess Cadence. My day could of not of gotten any worse. I wonder if Roseluck has found out yet. "Hey, Cloudchaser did you find Archie or Mist?!" I asked Cloudchaser if she saw them, but she landed and she had a sad expression on her face. "Well, I did see the train to Canterlot leave" thats when my mood completely plummeted and I started crying, I cried for hours and only had a box of tissues and Cloudchaser and Carrot Top to comfort me in my home. "Maybe something came up and it was important" Carrot Top may have been correct but, I was scared to know what happened, that was until someone knocked on my door. It was Derpy who had a letter from Archlight. Dear, Roseluck Im sorry, you had to find out by a letter, but Shining Armor had to call us back to Canterlot because we were promoted to Chrystal Empire. You may still be able to see me off but I'm not sure when you will get this letter. But look, the problem is I have an insane feeling for you, your the only mare in my whole life that I had strong feelings for. I never stopped thinking of you, and when I was asleep on your doorstep, I wanted to be the first person you saw in the morning so I could explain to you what happened. Im sorry, wish me luck in the Chrystal Empire. From, Archlight. Roseluck's TurnIt's been two months since I've seen him, and I've been fully depressed day in and day out, everyday Cloudchaser and Carrot Top try to comfort me, but it never seems to work. I've had constant dreams and nightmares about him, some were nice and relaxing, others scared me and made my mood worse. I heard a knocking at my door, it was Cloudchaser and Carrot Top, they looked a bit more hopeful then they usually are. Of course I wish I could look that hopeful. "Roseluck! Look at this message we got from The Crystal Empire!" of course this did actually bright up my mood so I took it and started reading. Apparently, everyone in Ponyville is invited to a party at the Crystal Empire, I read some of the events that were going to happen and one said "Introduction Of The Castle Guards" my mood completely shot out of me and I was happy again. The time was set for tonight and I was freaking out on how I should look but then Cloudchaser calmed me down. "Roseluck calm down you look great, your overreacting." of course she was correct, I did really freak out, from what I've gotten from Archie he never really cared on how I look, to him I was beautiful anyway. The train to the Crystal Empire was already here and we had to leave, so I couldn't make any changes at all. My anxiety was at it's all time highest, let's just say the breathing into a bag trick doesn't work with this kind of anxiety. I also think I scared Cloudchaser and Carrot Top. We were on the train pretty early, everypony in Ponyville was on that train, so you could imagine how frustrated and impatient I was to get going. It was really late when we go to the Crystal Empire, so far I didn't see Archie. Of course I was impatient enough, that was until I remembered he was a private guard. So he will most likely be with Cadence and Shining Armor at the party. So far my night was filled with anticipation and impatience. Of course my night got so much better when I saw Princess Cadence and a guard with her outside of the castle gates. I instantly ran over and hugged whoever it was until the helmet came off. It wasn't exactly Archie but it was the closest I've ever gotten. It was Mist. "I appreciate the hug Roseluck, buuut something tells me you were expecting someone else." Sadly she was correct. "Im so sorry, I thought you were Archie. I wanted to see him so badly, so I jumped on the first private guard I could find, of course I guess your the closest to Archie I've gotten so far." of course I didn't know what I was doing because Princess Cadence was right next to us. "Mist, would you mind introducing me to your friend here, although she seems to be obsessed with Archie more then anything." again someone was correct of my attitude as of now. "O-oh my I'm deeply sorry Princess Cadence, it's just I'm excitable tonight." "It's no problem at all, and trust me I've heard a lot about you from Archie and Mist. Archie was right your hair is extremely beautiful." I guess that was one way to make me blush. "Although, have you seen Archie by any chance, Princess Cadence?" I at least wanted some good news "I'm pretty sure he's with Shining Armor right now, although we cant disturb them, they are working on new plans for the newest recruits. That's why Archie never has time available, I'm sorry, you'll just have to wait until the party, most likely, he will be there." I guess I couldn't of gotten any better news then that, of course seeing him would be thousands better. A few hours go by and were in the castle, I'm with; Cadence, Cloudchaser, Mist, and Carrot Top. Of course were just being mares and laughing around, most likely at Archie or Shining Armor. That was until I saw Shining Armor walk through a path of guards, followed by one guard that stood out from the rest. The round glasses and blue and black mane, it had to be Archie. Although as much as I wanted to run up and hug him, all those guards were protecting them. So I couldn't and that raised my anxiety, and impatience. Shining Armor and Archie were standing at the stage completely surrounded by guards, I was curious why there was so much guard activity, it's only a party. Unless. A red mist started to omit from corridors and a dark figure emerged from one of them. Of course I was scared but it was King Sombra, inside a cage. He was extremely angry, looking at Archie. Archie eyes changed, they looked like the eyes of something scary and wrong. Before I knew it, Archie fell on the ground and was out cold. I screamed so badly, but no one seemed to of heard. That was until King Sombra emerged from Archie's body and then it was Archie inside the cage and King Sombra on the stage. I was so confused, I couldn't help it. This really had to be the night, I decided to write a letter to Roseluck and skip morning debriefing. Sombra was in the Crystal Empire, and of course it was my fault. Everyone was right, I should've stopped skipping my morning debriefing. Roseluck, I'm sorry. Author's Note ~Black Text~ Archie's POV ~Red Text~ Roselucks POV Archies Final Stand Archies Final Stand Have you ever had the feeling of being hopeless, like no matter what you do, everything just seems to blow up in your face. Well being stuck in this cage with hardly any food, plus, I'm all alone, I;m surprised I haven't gone completely insane although King Sombra seems to have everything going for him. The party was supposed to be the night I actually became closer to Roseluck, but I skipped morning debriefing and I couldn't guard that castle for the day. King Sombra got in, switched my body with his, with some weird magic, and Celestia knows what happened to everypony else. More than likely they were turned into slaves, or worse. I sighed and fell asleep. Of course I could be killed anytime. When I woke up, I wasn't in a cage anymore, I was facing a giant black gate with ancient markings, but on thing I recognized from a scroll of ancient Equestria, well before the three tribes of ponies came together. Whatever that land was called. It read "Only a unicorn who can harness the power within thyself, can truly open this door and possibly save everyone around them." It was my only hope in any means of escaping, I had to try and open the door with my magic, although the true to yourself part doesn't help. So, I omitted a blue light out of my horn, trying so hard to open the gate, I saw little light. Then, it slammed shut and I fall onto my back. The amount of force behind that gate was immense. It hurt to get up, but I had to keep trying, I tried once more, this time it didn't even open, but it did however still delivered the same amount of force, now I couldn't feel my hooves. "What does it take?" I laid on the ground, I think I shed a few tears, until I felt a presence, It was a apparition of Shining Armor, then along next to him came Princess Cadence, Mist, then Carrot Top, Cloudchaser as well. Until another presence made it self known by standing in front of me and scruffing my hair. I recognized that playful pat, I looked up and it was Roseluck. Her apparition nodded at me and I stood up. I took a few deep breaths and looked at the apparitions along side me. I dug to the deepest emotions of my heart and launched a spell that practically destroyed the gate. The light was blinding I almost couldn't see anymore, until I ran in. I woke up to the sound of metal hitting the ground, I had destroyed the cage and the door to the outside. I was amazed by more power and ran out the corridor, I looked out the window, and it was terrible. The Crystal Empire had been turned into a quarry of mining, crystals being scavenged. Then I saw King Sombra at the top of the Castle, I vowed I would restore this kingdom back to what it once was. Although, I had to get through him first. First things first I have to find everypony, the more help the better. I started off by running around the castle, I came to a door that marked prisoners. Of course it was locked but I didn't care, I started running at it, crashing through it and breaking it down. There were four cages. "Archie!" "Archlight!" "Thank Celestia you found us." "Archie, hurry and get us out of these cages!" it was Shining Armor, Mist, Cloudchaser and Carrot Top. "Alright guys, stand back." I tried the spell again and all four cages exploded and I had freed them from them. "Wait, wheres Roseluck or Cadence?" "They were taken to another prisoner room, but I feel those are near the top of the castle, that's where King Sombra and his army are." well It's a good thing I've gotten help from them. First, we needed a map of the castle, luckily for us, there were a few of Sombra's goons coming around the corridor, one had a map on him. Oddly, we couldn't kill them, they more of vanished into a dark mist, eventually I just guess they were just Sombra magic. "Alright, so we are here, and King Sombra is at the top of the castle, here. Shining Armor, do you know of any secret way for us to get to the top of the castle?" Shining Armor, had already opened up a hatch on the wall. About the size of a regular stallion so all of us could fit in. First, me, Shining Armor, and Mist got in, then behind us came Carrot Top and Cloudchaser. Of course we came to the end we saw one giant cage, it held Roseluck in tears, and Cadence trying to calm her down. Then I saw King Sombra, out on the balcony. The balcony was guarded by two of his minions. I dropped down quietly and came up to the cage. "Roseluck!" I had to keep quiet so I yelled in a whisper. She heard me and then she instantly got up and ran to me. I think she had the same feeling, she wanted to break down the cage and hug me to no end. "Archie what are you doing her-" "I'll explain later, but please you have to keep quiet and stay strong for me, ok?" I held her hoof to comfort he for a while. I saw Shining Armor and Mist, already taking out the two minions but before I knew, King Sombra struck them down. That's when I wanted to hurt him, he struck the two friends I've had in my entire life. That was until a few goons surrounded me and I was beaten down. I was completely on the ground still having them attacking me, that was until one thing happened. I heard a scream that felt like it was from before. It sounded like Roselucks screaming but it sounded as if it was muffled and then was let out later. That was when I exploded of blue light and my eyes were a deep blue color, his minions vanished. I looked exactly at Sombra and gave him the coldest stare. That was once I noticed I broke my glasses. Sombra's eyes turned a neon red, I got a shiver up my spine. "Sombra, it's time you met your end, and stopped wreaking havoc over the land. I will be the one to end you this time." "Well then, if you do believe you can defeat me then come on then!" he yelled this with a deep voice and we vanished into a dark room, only lit by a single light. We clashed horns and hooves, he struck me in the stomach, and I rammed him onto his back. "Your a foolish person to be fighting a evil force like me." he took a swing at me but I dodged it, although it grazed my shoulder and it gave me a huge cut. "It's time to end this." he lifted his horn and as soon as he started striking, I remembered the gates force. I rammed him straight in the stomach with my horn. He yelled with agony and screaming, no. He vanished and his horn fell on the ground, it had a small ring around it. I picked it up and smashed it to pieces, the Crystal Empire was restoring, minions vanishing, the giant quarry turning back into a lovely city. Then, I was back on the ground in the Castle. We did it, we beat King Sombra, he was finally gone. Although, I felt this should've been someone else's job maybe six mares or something, I don't know. Although I was happy. A few hours passed, I was bandaged up and we were all back at the party. Although I didn't expect what Shining Armor was about to do. "Archie, your fired." normally I would've went crazy and started yelling. But, I felt good and nodded at him turning in my uniform, my helmet, and my badge. Roseluck walked to my side and nodded at me. "Thank you Shining Armor, I'm going to miss being a guard, if you ever need anything, just come look for me in Ponyville." that was when Mist came up to me and hugged me, not as tightly as usual. I can tell she was crying because, she never hugged me that emotionally. "Mist, you can always visit me in Ponyville, thank you for being my best friend." She stopped hugging me and handed me my broken glasses she had repaired. "Thanks, Mist, please continue your dream of Wonderbolts and Castle Guard." Shining Armor and her both hugged me. Two of my best friends I had to say goodbye to. Although, I wished they could of came with me, they had to stay and continue their job. I had to live my life, in Ponyville, with Roseluck. I guess I couldn't of been happier. We left the castle at night, on the train Roseluck was already asleep. I kissed her on her head and fell asleep with her. A train caterer walked by the door before I fell asleep. She winked at me and a flash of silver hair ran by. I chuckled at that fact and fell asleep, with Roseluck. Ponyville was going to be my new home now.
Time for RNR!My name is Archlight, but call me Archie. I'm a unicorn with white fur and black and blue hair , Im a trainee in the Canterlot Castle Guards and I train under Shining Armor, he's one of my best friends but I rarely see him because he's the captains of the guards. Well, I do have another friend. "Archie! Guess what?!" she came in practically yelling and breaking down my dorm room door. This is Mist Wind, she's a pegasus who has light green skin and silver hair with a long streak of black down her mane she is under the training of both the Wonderbolts and Canterlot Castle Guards. She is a bit....excitable although she's been my best friend since we were a filly and a colt. I guess she's grown on me after all these years. "What is it this time, Mist?" I said that rather sarcastically and I guess she noticed rather quickly. "Why are you saying like its a bad thing?" she said while grabbing a strategy book out of my hand and putting it back on my shelf. I sighed, removed my glasses and looked at her. "Well maybe because the last time you came to my room, practically breaking the door down, you believed there was a dragon among the Castle Guards, when it was just Limestone pretending to be a dragon to scare Shining Armor that one Nightmare Night." "Well, this time its different, Shining Armor is going to announce two of the trainees to go to Ponyville for RNR. I mean come on wouldn't you like to get away from this and get to do something fun?!" I guess not considering I spend my time with strategies and I'm also a giant loser, considering the fact I rarely show up for training sessions, besides lunch and strategy class. "Well no, I don't see this being fun, mainly 'cause I'm not one for tons of ponies." I stood up and grabbed my glasses and book and walked out to get to the mid-day meeting, having Mist fly next to me. "Oh coooome on! Archie your not going to get anywhere in life if you don't start getting a bigger social life you'll grow up alone and old" apparently from what I could tell, Mist was over-exaggerating. We eventually made it to the meeting room and we stood at the front looking at Shining Armor holding a small envelope. Im guessing he tried to make him self look like a sweepstakes announcer, even though he's just Shining Armor. "Alright, everypony calm down before I announce the winners of the RNR trip to Ponyville, I'm going to give you guys some news." I think I saw Mist cringe at the fact she was the only girl in the Guards. She was most likely irritated he said guys, oh well thats what happens when your in an occupation that is designed for Stallions and not Mares, Mist was the only one brave enough to do so, plus her entry scores were better then half the guys there, although mine were the best, thats why I train under Shining Armor himself. "Alright, well happy birthday to you Slick, alright its time to announce the winners, and the winners for the Ponyville RNR trip are; Archlight and Mist Wind!" everyone either awed or cheered. My mood was obviously uninterested but Mist was jumping with joy. A few hours have passed and I was packing my stuff, mainly by just levitating a few books into my saddle bags. I also slid in my glasses case, cleaner, and replacement lenses. I threw on my saddlebags and grabbed my Canterlot Guard Trainee badge, basically it designates that your a Canterlot Guard Trainee, we wear it when we go out, just so if were lost we can be identified. Although Mist had to wear two because the other one is for the Wonderbolts trainee badge, obviously it was the golden leader one. "Oh come on Archie it will be fun, you will see!" she said that with the biggest grin I've ever seen and I suppose when Mist grins you just have to feel good about it. "Well I guess you may be right Mist, I'll try my best to have a good time, for you." she laughed rather cutely then instantly jetted out of the room and outside to the train station. I sighed and looked in my room for a while, then closed my door and walked through the Castle barracks, that is until Shining Armor stopped me. "You know you actually weren't the real winner right?" as he said looking down at me. Of course this caught me by surprised and I think I yelled on accident. "What do you mean I didn't actually win the RNR!!!" before anyone heard me, Shining Armor put his hoof over my mouth and looked around. He slowly took his hoof off my mouth and starting whispering. "Look the reason I chose you, is because I think you should at the very best try to meet some new people and feel the freedom of meeting everyone." of course Shining Armor sounded sympathetic, although I thought it was a demonic curse he laid on me. "Well then was Mist actually chosen." as I said look at him. "Well technically no, I chose her as well, mainly because I thought you at least needed someone you knew with you, of course I could've gone and introduced you to my sister but of course I've got a family and I'm captain of the guards so....you know how it is." "Not really." as I said sarcastically. "Perfect, now go and get'em bro." his reply to that ended up in him pushing me out of the Castle doors and Mist was jetting at me, just to push me even further towards the train station. "Yay, yay, yay, yay!" she kept saying this while we were walking into the train to Ponyville. A few hours go by and we're sitting in one of the cars facing each other, of course she's jumping with joy and I'm sitting there watching the land go by as we approach Ponyville. First, I looked at a clock and it read 4 o' clock pm. It was close to getting sundown, and I couldn't wait to fall asleep. "Hey! Archie do you think that we may be able to get some great food from Ponyville, or maybe we can find some fun things to do, oh oh! or maybe we could check out a umm, park." she noticed I wasn't to excited and she went calm and got serious and put her hoof on my knee. "Hey, Archie it's gonna be alright, Ponyville is a happy place, I assure you, we'll be alright along with the other ponies, but please can you just stop moping and be excited for once, I want to have a great time, and your moping is not helping." of course for a moment there I thought she had a angered tone, but that obviously stopped until she saw a giant cake roll by, then she hunted it down and I couldn't stop grinning. It was a little odd to grin that much. "I guess I could have a little fun while I'm there." I took off my glasses, put them in their case and laid them next to me so I could fall asleep. Although I didn't notice I went to sleep at four, so I ended up waking up around six pm and I couldn't go back to sleep. I stood up all the way until we arrived in Ponyville. It was around seven when we arrived in Ponyville, I had to wake up Mist because she went to sleep pretty late, considering how much cake she ate. So, we gathered our things and got off the train. First thing I noticed was six ponies getting on the train back to Canterlot. For some reason I got the idea they were important but shrugged it off. The second thing however, that caught my eye was three mares sitting down at a table, one with red hair almost looking like a rose color. The one next to her was a orange carrot color, the last one was a pegasus that had a silvery mane. To be honest I couldn't stop starring at the rose one. I think Mist picked up quite quick because she teased me in a whisper "Yoooooou like her don't you Archie?" of course she giggled so loudly and I rolled my eyes pretending I didn't. "No, I do not like her, and don't tease me either." of course I turned around to face her but then someone tapped my shoulder and would you believe it? It was the Rose mare. "Hi there, Im Roseluck, welcome to Ponyville!" she said with a big a grin and of course I was sitting there dumb struck. "H-hi" Author's Note No notes :3
Archie's Little CrushI shake my head and stand up straight and get back to reality before I make a fool of myself, again. "H-Hi there Roseluck, I'm Archlight, but you can call me Archie." Apparently Roseluck giggled at my name and I was blushing. I just noticed that Mist was no where to be found until I saw her laughing with the two other mares, which names were Cloudchaser and Carrot Top. She finished laughing finally. "Well its great to meet you Archie, if you'd lik-~ I think she stopped because she noticed my badge. "Oooh your a royal Canterlot Guard?! That is soo cool!" apparently she liked learning about Canterlot Guards. "Oh I'm sorry it's just sometimes I ramble, and whoops I did it again I'm sorry, but would you and Mist like to hangout with me Carrot Top, and Cloudchaser today?" I was curious how she knew Mist in the first place, maybe it's just Mist is quick to make new friends and I never notice. "Oh ummm Im sorry bu-" of course I was cut off by Mist throwing her hoof on my mouth. This seems to be a natural thing to me. "We would love to hangout with you guys for the day, Roseluck!" Of course I didn't get a say in it, all that came out of my mouth was muffled noises and that was it. "Great! We'll see you guys around three this afternoon!" she said that and went off to join her friends, I think she looked back and waved good-bye to me, but I wasn't sure if it was to me or Mist. "You almost blew it Archie!" honestly, she was correct I did almost mess it up. "Exactly what did I mess up?" thats my dumb arrogance where I never look at the obvious, and or acknowledge the truth. "Are you kidding me!? While were out you can hang with Roseluck while I hang with Carrot Top and Cloudchaser!" she had a good idea but at the same time something tells me she's not interested. "Oh come on Mist how do you know if she's even into me?" of course I didn't notice I've given it away. "So you do like her!" and there it goes. I wanted to curse but remembered I couldn't "Alright! I.....like Roseluck" I said that in a rather muffled grunt then an actual word. Next second Mist is squeezing the life out of me and teasing me to no end. "Archie likes a maare, Archie likes a maare, Archie likes a maare!" "How old are you again?" as I asked as bluntly as possible for she was acting foolish. "Pfft! Forget age I need to teach you about mares, lets go Archie!" thats one subject I never liked to touch on is Mares, from what I've heard about Shining Armor and Cadence, it's a bit disturbing. So, next thing I know me and Mist are sitting at what is said to be "Sugar Cube Corner" apparently it's a good place for food. Which I will give them that they had my favorite, a mint-chocolate chip muffin. Like mom used to make. So, while I was scarfing down mint muffins, Mist was teaching me about mares, apparently I took notes and I didn't even notice, guess it's a bad habit. "Alright and lastly, Mares CAN! be a big impact on your life!" I wrote that down and asked foolishly. "How?" I've never seen Mist's eyes get so large and so serious. "Oh my gosh Archie, they could completely change you, they could force you to forget about so much, like your friends, your family, your job, EVERYTHING!" of course my ears were bleeding by her yelling and I was afraid someponies were listening to us. "Alright, so they can make an impact, what else is there?" as I said eating my last muffin. "Check your watch." I checked my watch and read three pm, that's when I realized what she meant, then my heart sank and my mood went into a large anxiety. I think I almost had a heart attack. So, me and Mist went to meet up with Roseluck Carrot Top and Cloudchaser at her house, of course I didn't notice that Mist had taken Carrot Top and Cloudchaser to go bowling. I was.....distracted by a pretty disturbance. "So, while there gone what would you like to do, Archie?" "Hmmm?, Oh! I'm sorry, I was....spacing out." I said this with about the biggest blush ever, oddly enough she didn't notice. "Oh thats alright, hey! I know of this cool place that has an amazing view, lets go!" little did I know her force was about Mist's times two, for she pulled me to this cliff area that had a great view of the ocean. I think thats the second most beautiful thing I've ever seen. We were lying on the grass and watching the sunset. It was an awkward silence but she decided to break it. "So Archie what do you do in the Royal Canterlot Guards?" I guess I've never really had a position, but I went with just what I knew. "I guess you could say I'm a specialist at strategies and statistics, I also am personally trained by Shining Armor, but only when he's in Canterlot. You know because he is Prince of Chrystal Empire along with Cadence." "Yeah! Of course, it sounds really cool. But wait, how is Mist in the Canterlot Guards if she's a mare?" I figured this question would come up once in a while. "Well, she was the only mare brave enough to do it, even though her entry exam scores surpassed half the class, not including me because I've got perfect scores, tis why I train with Shining Armor. Plus, she was a Wonderbolt Trainee so she has extra training." I think I showed off a bit during that sentence but I'm glad Roseluck didn't notice, although she did notice how close we were to each other. "Oh! Im sorry I didn't mean to get so close to you it's just very cold up here." Of course I wanted to say she could come closer and I would help, but before I could. "Hey Archie!" "Roseluck! "Roseluck and Archie!" We both got up and stood a little away from each other when we saw Mist, Cloudchaser, and Carrot Top emerge from the forest behind us. "Hey guy's it's getting late we need to get home!" of course I felt like screaming because I was so close. So, eventually we all got home and part way's me and Mist had to sleep at a nearby hotel. "Sooooo, how was your's and Roseluck's daaate?" of course she said this in a teasing tone. "It wasn't a date and It was alright we had some fun." of course Mist laughed at me and poked me a few hundred times and left me alone for a while, until she fell asleep. Well my first day wasn't to bad although it could've ended perfectly, although Mist had to kind of ruin it, but I'm glad she did because I could've messed up. I wonder what Roseluck's doing now. Dear, Diary, Today I met the handsomest, sweetest, and greatest stallion ever. His blue and black mane just looked amazing and his light blue eyes, they were like piercing my heart. What's even better is he's a Canterlot guard! So he's intelligent and athletic. Although he's quirky and a bit odd, but I guess beggars can't be choosers. I really hope he's here to stay. His name just sends chills up my spine. Archlight.
The Red Enigma The Red Enigma I woke up pretty early, mainly because I was in a cold sweat and Mist was still knocked out, she was also snoring. My sleep felt odd though, like someone was actually acknowledging my existence. Then again, I usually have these weird notions. I guess it's just me losing my sanity, as usual. I couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to take a walk, although it was practically night time. Now, what happens next is something I never would see my self doing, but what happens next; is that I decide to go to Roselucks house, at night where she may be sleeping. I looked at the window and noticed the light was off, of course me being insanely stupid I stood at her doorstep, and laid next to the welcome mat to wait until morning, of course I actually fell asleep on right in front of her doorstep. Then I was woken up. "Aaaarchie? Waaake uuuup." someone was nudging my shoulder gently and all I could see was red hair. Then thats where I felt like dieing. Exactly how do you explain to a girl you have a crush on, why you fell asleep on her doorstep? "R-roseluck?" I guess I was really tired. "Why did you sleep at my doorstep?" that question sounded very blunt, although it was rather teasingly, sounds like Mist. Of course I just noticed what I did and I jumped up, I think my face looked like a tomato because I never blushed that badly, and I hoped she did notice, because then it would of been easier to explain. Although she was blushing pretty hard herself and had a small grin on her face. "Oh umm I.......I was looking for a safe place to hide from Diamond Dogs! although I hid in your bushes but accidentally fell asleep in your bushes." something tells me she didn't buy it. "Oh! Well I hope your okay, but you could've just knocked on the door and I would've hid you from them, no need to fall asleep in the bushes." Wow, she bought it. "Oh, I'm sorry next time I'll surely knock on the door." of course I looked stupid saying that. So, she scruffed my hair and I was on my way of course Mist was freaking out that I left the room and she was in panic outside the hotel. The second she saw me she hugged me so hard that my air supply was cut off for a few seconds. "Aaaaarchie!!!! Where have you been!?" she put me down and was instantly in my face. "Uhmmm I was getting......breakfast." of course this tricked Mist because she was so insane by this time. Then one thing hit me, this RNR doesn't last forever. "W-wait, Mist when does our RNR end?" Mist looked at me surprised I didn't know. "It ends tomorrow, why?" before I could reply she knew exactly why. "Oh! Its because of Roseluck isn't it? Well, make your move and fast." she was right I only had one more day to really feel what true love is. Wow, I suddenly care a lot about another person. I'm surprised myself. Of course though, I had no idea what to do, because I stood there motionless and I couldn't move. Well, that is until Mist took me by the front legs and through me into a chair at a table that Roseluck was sitting at. "Oh wow, that was an entrance, hey Archie" apparently I was still in shock until Mist dropped an apple on my head, she was hiding on top of building. "Hey Roseluck can I tell you something?" I looked down and propped my hoofs on the table. "Yeah sure, what is it?" Here it comes. "I know I've only met you for a day but I've had strong feelings for y-" of course what happened killed me. "Roseluck!" it was Carrot Top and Cloudchaser. "We need you to help us with a garden at the Town Hall, Mayor Mare has a job for us!" Roseluck sighed looked at me and looked sad. "I-I'll see you later Archie, we can talk later." she ran with her friends to Town Hall and I heard Mist slam her face on the top of the building. Now I'm crying on the table and a mail mare came up to us and handed Mist a letter. "Heres you mail!" she said this and flew away, crashing into a few things along the way and dropping some envelopes. Mist opened up the letter and looked at me and was instantly scared to tell me what it said. "Ummm, Archie don't get upset but, Shining Armor needs us back at the castle." then my mood plummeted. I cried even harder. "What else could go wrong?!" of course something did. It had to of been at that exact moment. So, we grabbed our saddle bags and of course I waited a while at the train station, just to see if Roseluck was anywhere to be seen, until the conductor came up to me and said we were leaving. I got on the train and I said nothing through the whole entire trip. Mist was depressed because of my mood and she didn't say anything. She only read a few of my books. When we arrived in Canterlot, Shining Armor was standing there saying we were headed to the Crystal Empire to continue our training. It turns out me and Mist did such a good job in training we were instantly bumped up to private guardians. We were assigned to Princess Cadence. My day could of not of gotten any worse. I wonder if Roseluck has found out yet. "Hey, Cloudchaser did you find Archie or Mist?!" I asked Cloudchaser if she saw them, but she landed and she had a sad expression on her face. "Well, I did see the train to Canterlot leave" thats when my mood completely plummeted and I started crying, I cried for hours and only had a box of tissues and Cloudchaser and Carrot Top to comfort me in my home. "Maybe something came up and it was important" Carrot Top may have been correct but, I was scared to know what happened, that was until someone knocked on my door. It was Derpy who had a letter from Archlight. Dear, Roseluck Im sorry, you had to find out by a letter, but Shining Armor had to call us back to Canterlot because we were promoted to Chrystal Empire. You may still be able to see me off but I'm not sure when you will get this letter. But look, the problem is I have an insane feeling for you, your the only mare in my whole life that I had strong feelings for. I never stopped thinking of you, and when I was asleep on your doorstep, I wanted to be the first person you saw in the morning so I could explain to you what happened. Im sorry, wish me luck in the Chrystal Empire. From, Archlight.
Roseluck's TurnIt's been two months since I've seen him, and I've been fully depressed day in and day out, everyday Cloudchaser and Carrot Top try to comfort me, but it never seems to work. I've had constant dreams and nightmares about him, some were nice and relaxing, others scared me and made my mood worse. I heard a knocking at my door, it was Cloudchaser and Carrot Top, they looked a bit more hopeful then they usually are. Of course I wish I could look that hopeful. "Roseluck! Look at this message we got from The Crystal Empire!" of course this did actually bright up my mood so I took it and started reading. Apparently, everyone in Ponyville is invited to a party at the Crystal Empire, I read some of the events that were going to happen and one said "Introduction Of The Castle Guards" my mood completely shot out of me and I was happy again. The time was set for tonight and I was freaking out on how I should look but then Cloudchaser calmed me down. "Roseluck calm down you look great, your overreacting." of course she was correct, I did really freak out, from what I've gotten from Archie he never really cared on how I look, to him I was beautiful anyway. The train to the Crystal Empire was already here and we had to leave, so I couldn't make any changes at all. My anxiety was at it's all time highest, let's just say the breathing into a bag trick doesn't work with this kind of anxiety. I also think I scared Cloudchaser and Carrot Top. We were on the train pretty early, everypony in Ponyville was on that train, so you could imagine how frustrated and impatient I was to get going. It was really late when we go to the Crystal Empire, so far I didn't see Archie. Of course I was impatient enough, that was until I remembered he was a private guard. So he will most likely be with Cadence and Shining Armor at the party. So far my night was filled with anticipation and impatience. Of course my night got so much better when I saw Princess Cadence and a guard with her outside of the castle gates. I instantly ran over and hugged whoever it was until the helmet came off. It wasn't exactly Archie but it was the closest I've ever gotten. It was Mist. "I appreciate the hug Roseluck, buuut something tells me you were expecting someone else." Sadly she was correct. "Im so sorry, I thought you were Archie. I wanted to see him so badly, so I jumped on the first private guard I could find, of course I guess your the closest to Archie I've gotten so far." of course I didn't know what I was doing because Princess Cadence was right next to us. "Mist, would you mind introducing me to your friend here, although she seems to be obsessed with Archie more then anything." again someone was correct of my attitude as of now. "O-oh my I'm deeply sorry Princess Cadence, it's just I'm excitable tonight." "It's no problem at all, and trust me I've heard a lot about you from Archie and Mist. Archie was right your hair is extremely beautiful." I guess that was one way to make me blush. "Although, have you seen Archie by any chance, Princess Cadence?" I at least wanted some good news "I'm pretty sure he's with Shining Armor right now, although we cant disturb them, they are working on new plans for the newest recruits. That's why Archie never has time available, I'm sorry, you'll just have to wait until the party, most likely, he will be there." I guess I couldn't of gotten any better news then that, of course seeing him would be thousands better. A few hours go by and were in the castle, I'm with; Cadence, Cloudchaser, Mist, and Carrot Top. Of course were just being mares and laughing around, most likely at Archie or Shining Armor. That was until I saw Shining Armor walk through a path of guards, followed by one guard that stood out from the rest. The round glasses and blue and black mane, it had to be Archie. Although as much as I wanted to run up and hug him, all those guards were protecting them. So I couldn't and that raised my anxiety, and impatience. Shining Armor and Archie were standing at the stage completely surrounded by guards, I was curious why there was so much guard activity, it's only a party. Unless. A red mist started to omit from corridors and a dark figure emerged from one of them. Of course I was scared but it was King Sombra, inside a cage. He was extremely angry, looking at Archie. Archie eyes changed, they looked like the eyes of something scary and wrong. Before I knew it, Archie fell on the ground and was out cold. I screamed so badly, but no one seemed to of heard. That was until King Sombra emerged from Archie's body and then it was Archie inside the cage and King Sombra on the stage. I was so confused, I couldn't help it. This really had to be the night, I decided to write a letter to Roseluck and skip morning debriefing. Sombra was in the Crystal Empire, and of course it was my fault. Everyone was right, I should've stopped skipping my morning debriefing. Roseluck, I'm sorry. Author's Note ~Black Text~ Archie's POV ~Red Text~ Roselucks POV
Archies Final Stand Archies Final Stand Have you ever had the feeling of being hopeless, like no matter what you do, everything just seems to blow up in your face. Well being stuck in this cage with hardly any food, plus, I'm all alone, I;m surprised I haven't gone completely insane although King Sombra seems to have everything going for him. The party was supposed to be the night I actually became closer to Roseluck, but I skipped morning debriefing and I couldn't guard that castle for the day. King Sombra got in, switched my body with his, with some weird magic, and Celestia knows what happened to everypony else. More than likely they were turned into slaves, or worse. I sighed and fell asleep. Of course I could be killed anytime. When I woke up, I wasn't in a cage anymore, I was facing a giant black gate with ancient markings, but on thing I recognized from a scroll of ancient Equestria, well before the three tribes of ponies came together. Whatever that land was called. It read "Only a unicorn who can harness the power within thyself, can truly open this door and possibly save everyone around them." It was my only hope in any means of escaping, I had to try and open the door with my magic, although the true to yourself part doesn't help. So, I omitted a blue light out of my horn, trying so hard to open the gate, I saw little light. Then, it slammed shut and I fall onto my back. The amount of force behind that gate was immense. It hurt to get up, but I had to keep trying, I tried once more, this time it didn't even open, but it did however still delivered the same amount of force, now I couldn't feel my hooves. "What does it take?" I laid on the ground, I think I shed a few tears, until I felt a presence, It was a apparition of Shining Armor, then along next to him came Princess Cadence, Mist, then Carrot Top, Cloudchaser as well. Until another presence made it self known by standing in front of me and scruffing my hair. I recognized that playful pat, I looked up and it was Roseluck. Her apparition nodded at me and I stood up. I took a few deep breaths and looked at the apparitions along side me. I dug to the deepest emotions of my heart and launched a spell that practically destroyed the gate. The light was blinding I almost couldn't see anymore, until I ran in. I woke up to the sound of metal hitting the ground, I had destroyed the cage and the door to the outside. I was amazed by more power and ran out the corridor, I looked out the window, and it was terrible. The Crystal Empire had been turned into a quarry of mining, crystals being scavenged. Then I saw King Sombra at the top of the Castle, I vowed I would restore this kingdom back to what it once was. Although, I had to get through him first. First things first I have to find everypony, the more help the better. I started off by running around the castle, I came to a door that marked prisoners. Of course it was locked but I didn't care, I started running at it, crashing through it and breaking it down. There were four cages. "Archie!" "Archlight!" "Thank Celestia you found us." "Archie, hurry and get us out of these cages!" it was Shining Armor, Mist, Cloudchaser and Carrot Top. "Alright guys, stand back." I tried the spell again and all four cages exploded and I had freed them from them. "Wait, wheres Roseluck or Cadence?" "They were taken to another prisoner room, but I feel those are near the top of the castle, that's where King Sombra and his army are." well It's a good thing I've gotten help from them. First, we needed a map of the castle, luckily for us, there were a few of Sombra's goons coming around the corridor, one had a map on him. Oddly, we couldn't kill them, they more of vanished into a dark mist, eventually I just guess they were just Sombra magic. "Alright, so we are here, and King Sombra is at the top of the castle, here. Shining Armor, do you know of any secret way for us to get to the top of the castle?" Shining Armor, had already opened up a hatch on the wall. About the size of a regular stallion so all of us could fit in. First, me, Shining Armor, and Mist got in, then behind us came Carrot Top and Cloudchaser. Of course we came to the end we saw one giant cage, it held Roseluck in tears, and Cadence trying to calm her down. Then I saw King Sombra, out on the balcony. The balcony was guarded by two of his minions. I dropped down quietly and came up to the cage. "Roseluck!" I had to keep quiet so I yelled in a whisper. She heard me and then she instantly got up and ran to me. I think she had the same feeling, she wanted to break down the cage and hug me to no end. "Archie what are you doing her-" "I'll explain later, but please you have to keep quiet and stay strong for me, ok?" I held her hoof to comfort he for a while. I saw Shining Armor and Mist, already taking out the two minions but before I knew, King Sombra struck them down. That's when I wanted to hurt him, he struck the two friends I've had in my entire life. That was until a few goons surrounded me and I was beaten down. I was completely on the ground still having them attacking me, that was until one thing happened. I heard a scream that felt like it was from before. It sounded like Roselucks screaming but it sounded as if it was muffled and then was let out later. That was when I exploded of blue light and my eyes were a deep blue color, his minions vanished. I looked exactly at Sombra and gave him the coldest stare. That was once I noticed I broke my glasses. Sombra's eyes turned a neon red, I got a shiver up my spine. "Sombra, it's time you met your end, and stopped wreaking havoc over the land. I will be the one to end you this time." "Well then, if you do believe you can defeat me then come on then!" he yelled this with a deep voice and we vanished into a dark room, only lit by a single light. We clashed horns and hooves, he struck me in the stomach, and I rammed him onto his back. "Your a foolish person to be fighting a evil force like me." he took a swing at me but I dodged it, although it grazed my shoulder and it gave me a huge cut. "It's time to end this." he lifted his horn and as soon as he started striking, I remembered the gates force. I rammed him straight in the stomach with my horn. He yelled with agony and screaming, no. He vanished and his horn fell on the ground, it had a small ring around it. I picked it up and smashed it to pieces, the Crystal Empire was restoring, minions vanishing, the giant quarry turning back into a lovely city. Then, I was back on the ground in the Castle. We did it, we beat King Sombra, he was finally gone. Although, I felt this should've been someone else's job maybe six mares or something, I don't know. Although I was happy. A few hours passed, I was bandaged up and we were all back at the party. Although I didn't expect what Shining Armor was about to do. "Archie, your fired." normally I would've went crazy and started yelling. But, I felt good and nodded at him turning in my uniform, my helmet, and my badge. Roseluck walked to my side and nodded at me. "Thank you Shining Armor, I'm going to miss being a guard, if you ever need anything, just come look for me in Ponyville." that was when Mist came up to me and hugged me, not as tightly as usual. I can tell she was crying because, she never hugged me that emotionally. "Mist, you can always visit me in Ponyville, thank you for being my best friend." She stopped hugging me and handed me my broken glasses she had repaired. "Thanks, Mist, please continue your dream of Wonderbolts and Castle Guard." Shining Armor and her both hugged me. Two of my best friends I had to say goodbye to. Although, I wished they could of came with me, they had to stay and continue their job. I had to live my life, in Ponyville, with Roseluck. I guess I couldn't of been happier. We left the castle at night, on the train Roseluck was already asleep. I kissed her on her head and fell asleep with her. A train caterer walked by the door before I fell asleep. She winked at me and a flash of silver hair ran by. I chuckled at that fact and fell asleep, with Roseluck. Ponyville was going to be my new home now.
