Protect Her Golden Eyes!
By Dhuradhan
For those, who are only here to see the romance! In the end of this chapter, slight violence is present. But it is too little to be concerned about, so I removed the Dark Tag. Each chapter, which will have slight violence, there will be a warning.
Do not worry, the story focuses on the romance! I hope you understand and I hope you'll enjoy!
Click here!
The Stormy Day
Flashing appeared for split seconds and thunder boomed from time to time. Sometimes at the same time, but usually the two just followed each other. The lightning's network could be visible amongst the clouds and thankfully, it never reached a length, which would have caught the ground. Raindrops fell at every direction up in the clouds and resumed their falling down in neat formation, until they slammed against many things below.
A grey pegasus mare, Ditzy Doo, was flying as best as she could, trying to remain stable in this storm. The Weather Team's order, to ''flood'' Equestria came too sudden for most of the ponies. Just like the last-minute delivery for our Mail Mare, who was about to finish her work. She was just putting away her Mail Mare uniform, which was only a simple hat, and was putting away her bag, to go home. But the urgent reports had to be delivered to Canterlot.
Ditzy Doo had other plans of course, but she took her job seriously. The fate of Equestria can depend on that delivery! So, instead of going home, baking some muffins before going to pick up her daughter, she immediately took off to Canterlot. Also, the pony, who was out of breath from galloping all the way to the post office, literally shouted at her to go and quickly get the reports to the city. It was enough for her, to understand how urgent it was...
She knew how much her daughter liked muffins, but she had good a excuse at that time. And actually, baking muffins is easy...
As she continued fighting against the storm, her fears of not being able to fly back in time and get Dinky from school, started to rise alarms inside her. Her own well being was at risk and she only cared about her little muffin, who had a light purple horn sticking out from her blonde mane.
Most of the ponies thought she was clumsy, for having eye problems. But that was not true!
Ditzy Doo learned a long time ago, how to take advantage of her eyes. Navigating was hard, of course, but flying was inside every pegasus' blood! And thanks to the unique feature of those golden eyes, she was able to observe twice as many things, than any other pony. And that is why she was happy every day. The many colors from many directions, mixed together in her mind, was always entertaining. If she wanted, she was able to watch the sunset and the still blue sky at the same time.
Though, sometimes this caused many accidents and scolding from other ponies...
It acted as a joke too. It was two sided, like her vision. The mocking from the ponies was one of the side, which she disliked. But she's never hated anypony. Clearly, she had every right to hate them, but hatred wasn't the solution for her situation. She learned, that her eyes are special and the ponies are just jealous.
And she learned that from her daughter, Dinky...
''Mommy, why is that your eyes are looking at two places at the same time?''
''Because my muffin, I can see what is in front of me and keep an eye on you at the same time .''
''Oh, you're right! You're so special mommy!''
''You too, muffin... you too...''
She can still remember that day, when her whole life changed. Her daughter meant a lot for her and all the happiness before her learnt lesson, was all because of that little filly...
She blinked away her tears and the raindrops washed them away, as the memories stirred up her emotions. And this gave her a new found strength, to flap her wings even faster. She really wanted to get back to her daughter and spend the rest of the afternoon with her. They will bake some muffins together and laugh at each other, when they have to clean up the left-behind mess. After that, they can snuggle close by the fireplace and read the filly's favorite book together. Then she would carry her up to her room and tuck her into bed. The filly would sleepily murmur some words and Ditzy, being the loving mother, would kiss her on the forehead and whisper: ''Good night, muffin. Sleep well...''
But before that, she has to deliver important reports to the city before her. And while she's doing that, she can enjoy the flight. No matter how hard the flight was, she was able to observe her surroundings. While the storm wasn't that pleasant, she wondered about how many bubbles can the raindrops make on the puddles' surface. Or on a lake, for that matter!
Since she was a young filly, she enjoyed the bubbles and she can make the biggest ones.
The colors inside those hovering, diaphanous orbs were mesmerizing for her. Even more hypnotic, due to her special point of view! And that is the other reason, why she enjoyed the day, after pour! The rainbow on the sky! She simply loved its colors and always wanted to fly up to it. But sadly, she was never able to do that...
It wasn't pegasi made, liquid type rainbow, but an illusion for the eyes. It existed in a visual world, but physically was nonexistent. It was a mystery for her, which she was eager to solve...
She continued flying, keeping one eye looking forward and one looking at various directions. From time to time, she changed the two eye balls' role and inspected the other side of Equestria. Meanwhile, the rain became nonexistent for her and the rumbling became muffled. The lightning was invisible and an unpleasant feeling filled her chest. Her throat tightened and she audibly inhaled, eyes wide. ''Something is not right...''
But just as the thought went through her mind, everything just jumped back to normal. She was able to feel the rain on her coat, she heard the loud thunder and the flashes blinded her at every lighting strike, which revealed themselves for a short moment.
She stopped flying forward and resumed hovering in one place. Remaining motionless... well, as motionless as she could get while flapping her wings, she looked around. Her eyes wildly turned to left and right, checking for any unordinary. But as she found nothing unusual, she started to realize what just occurred and hummed to herself. Maybe she fell into a deep daydreaming, fully locking the outside world out from her mind. She blamed the colors for that... that is why ponies think she can only cause trouble...
She looked around once again, doing a double check for any disturbance. A flash of lightning went off and it revealed a dark figure. From a dark blob, it quickly turned into a terrifying creature. Big, wide wings spread out to their full size, the figure was approaching Ditzy Doo really fast. As the distance between her and the winged figure became shorter, she soon started to make out its sharp claws, outstretched towards her. And finally, the grey beak and red eyes of the thing, made clearer what it was...
A griffon. A big, grey feathered griffon, rapidly approaching her...
... snarling...
The pegasus screamed and immediately started flying to the other direction. Towards Canterlot and away from the scary griffon...
Ditzy was in full panic, only now fearing for her own life. The journey quickly turned into a chase-by-death and the terrifying image of those red eyes made her panicking even worse. And it wasn't over yet...
From both sides of her, two pegasus got closer and closer, shouting at each other. One of them was black and the other one was green. The rest of their features were hidden under dark clothing, even their manes too.
A deadly griffon behind her and two rogue ponies, all of them chasing her. She tried her very best, pushing further than her limits and making her wings burn from the hard movement. All she could do was out fly them, since she wasn't sure in her navigating skills. And of course, turning was out of question, just like flying up and down. It would take too much energy for her, to get higher and lose them inside the grey maze of clouds. And to her dismay, the ground was surprisingly close, preventing her from making a wild dive downwards.
She wasn't fully cornered, though. In front of her, the only way out of the trouble and she could clearly see Canterlot, growing larger as she tried flying faster. She dared to take a look behind and she was relieved to see those bad ponies, further behind her.
''Got you!''
She turned her head forward, just in time to see the griffon from before, inches away from her face. She slammed against him and moments later, she found herself on the ground. She felt the weight of somepony on top of her and she wildly flailed her hooves, trying to hit her attacker.
''No, no! Get off me!'' She screamed, eyes shut.
''Silence!'' Barked the griffon, showing away her hooves from his face.
''Somepony help-''
*SLAP*
The hit was audible and a second later, Ditzy Doo was crying, her screams muffled by the griffon's claw. Soon, the brown claw got painted to red, as Ditzy's cheek started to bleed from his talons. The slap she received left her cheek red and the talons damaged her skin, letting the blood to flood out from a small scratch.
Suddenly, the griffon raised her up and she made an attempt to break free. This, of course, was a failed attempt, as a powerful hit to her other cheek sent her to the ground. As she was weeping, she heard the other ponies arriving. The sound of hooves approaching her, made her curl into a small, shivering ball and she covered her head.
''Please don't hurt me...'' She mumbled as loud as she could, still feeling the pain from the last blow.
''STOP RIGHT THERE!''
''Get the bag, quick!''
Ditzy felt her attackers, violently ripping the bag away from her and getting away from the fourth voice, who she was really glad to hear, whoever he was. She fearfully uncovered her face and dared to take a peek, hoping to see the golden armor of a guard.
She did spot a white pegasus in armor, but he was chasing after those rogue ponies and griffon. Ditzy followed the guard with one of her eyes, her tears flowing freely down on her bruised cheeks. And she was left all alone, with nopony to help her. With nopony to ask her if she's alright. With nopony to help her up and tend to her wounds. And with nopony to escort her to safety. To let her cry into somepony's shoulder and make her feel better. To feel the warmth of somepony, holding her until her fears won't haunt her dreams. To feel cared-for and supported.
To just have somepony beside her...
Nopony cares about her firstly and her turn always takes so long to come. And that always makes her the last pony to care about. She's all alone... always...
Ditzy Doo, who remains Derpy in other ponies' eyes... could only curl into a ball and cry under the raining clouds...
''Somepony... please...''
Author's Note
Well, this was quiet the experience. I think I liked that and I'm willing to continue writing this. After writing so many violent stories, this heart warming one is really nice. Just thinking about the future happening brings a smile to my face.
I know, I said there won't be any violence in the story... better put a warning into the description. But do not worry, though. Only that much of violence will be present in future chapters... I hope...
One last thing! I'm not satisfied with the tags. In my opinion, slight scratch and a few drops of blood is not worth to be marked with the Dark Tag. My question is: Should I add the 'Dark' Tag and place a warning in every chapters' beginning, like I just did? Or to every part, where slight violence will be present? Or I actually need to place the Dark Tag? (If it goes through moderation, this will be probably gets answered, but still...
I'd really appreciate comments about it...
Have a fantastic day!
~Adam
PS.: Derpy The Watcher, I love you! The inspiration and my spirit is thanks to you...
First Sight
A pair of bronze eyes flicked open slightly in the dark cabin of the train. They remained motionless, just gazing at the opposite seat, which wasn't empty, thanks to the bags and luggage towering on top of each other. The eyes blinked a few times, before they quickly turned their focus to the door on the left. And out from a grey cloak, came a brown hoof, shielding the eyes.
Suddenly, the door opened and allowed the light from outside, to shine upon a brown pegasus in grey cloak. The hoof was shielding the stallions eyes away from the light, as it blinded him in the dark cabin.
''We're arriving in Canterl-''
''I know.'' Answered quickly the pegasus, interrupting the ticket inspector.
''Uhm... then please get ready to leave the train and have a wonderful time in Canterlot.'' The pony in uniform quickly jumped back to her cheerful mood, closing the door to the cabin.
''Alright...'' Replied the pegasus, more likely to himself and blinked away the sleep from his eyes.
Again in the darkness, he turned his attention towards the curtains on the window and reached out with a hoof. Pulling away the curtains, he let the outside light to somewhat illuminate the cabin. After falling asleep a long time ago, he couldn't recognize the weather outside, as it completely changed.
The grey clouds blocked out the sun, as they were giving away the last drops of rain. It was like it never wanted to end, and just soak the area for eternity. The rain outside was bearable, a hoof long distance between each raindrop's path, to make the ponies aware about the wet environment. Thankfully, only a gentle breeze blowed the raindrops to one direction and not the harsh wind, that sent liquid everywhere.
Shifting his sight lower, he could see the flooded fields and thanks to Celestia, nothing else. No scorch marks on the ground, no injured animal and no twisted-out trees and branches. Glancing up once, he saw the dark clouds, moving towards the horizon and away from Canterlot.
''So the pegasi is pushing the clouds out from Equestria. Hmm... they're going to have a lot of work with that.'' He mumbled and with another 'hmm', turned to his belongings. As he placed the bags onto his back and pulled the luggage down to the ground, he felt the train reducing its speed and ever so slowly, coming to halt.
The stallion opened the door and stopped, as he saw the passengers blocking his way out of the cabin. He decided to patiently wait for the other ponies, since his meeting will only start in twenty minutes. So he bobbed his head forward and the hood flapped on top of his head. He hung his head, making the hood to slide forward and cover his eyes, along with his long, black mane and ears.
And there was that feeling. That exact same feeling, which he got use to a long time ago. But this time, he was in a public area and the feeling took him by surprise. He felt his wings stiffening in their closed position, like they want to jump out and cover him from the world. He felt his rear legs stiffen as well, but he forced back any movement. Then the feeling crawled down from his vertebra, all the way down to his cutie mark. And there, he felt a slight pulling towards the...
''... platform.''
The crowd left the train, giving a clear way for him to get off the train as well. His hood still on and head still hanging, he pulled the luggage after himself and stopped. The pulling feeling from before had changed direction, now pulling towards the right.
Finally, he turned his full body to the right...
''I should have known who is watching me...''
A white unicorn, wearing a somewhat fancier cloak, approached him with a smirk. The white stallion wiped his head to the side, making his blue mane with a light blue streak running up to the top of his head and down to the end of his mane, to get out from his vision. Friendly blue eyes met with serious bronze ones and the two stallions were in front of each other.
''I see your special talent haven't left you yet, my old friend.''
''You know it... Captain Shining Armor.''
Shining Armor chuckled at the other hooded stallion. ''Please, you don't have to address me with my title. Simply Shining Armor, or Shining if you will.'' The Captain started to grin again. ''Besides, your rank is just as important as mine.''
''I doubt it.'' And with that, he nodded towards Shining Armor, who in turn shook his head. ''Shall we going then?''
''Of course, let's go.''
The brown pegasus was about to reach for his belongings, when Shining Armor stopped him and ordered a guard to take it to the castle. The pegasus in turn shot a blank stare at the Captain, who just chuckled and motioned for him to follow him.
''Trust me, you don't want to carry those all the way up to the castle.''
''I don't need special treatment.'' Deadpanned the pegasus, following after Shining Armor.
''It's not special treatment.'' Spoke up the white unicorn, when they left the train station and resumed their walking all the way up to the castle. ''Look,'' He reduced the distance between his old friend and lowered his voice. ''I know your job is a really serious one. Believe me, mine is just as serious as yours and I still have a lively appearance. I know you went through some harsh times in the past and we just ripped you away from your previous employer, but at least ease up a bit. And by the way, you're amongst friends, cheer up a bit! Eh?'' He nudged him in the shoulder to make sure he was paying attention.
''Ugh...'' Sighed the pegasus, raising his head up. ''It's not because of the past...'' At this, Shining Armor started to get worried. He didn't want to stir up any memories about his past and his job. The pegasus continued. ''Just... my previous employer was really a tiring one. She wanted me to watch her the whole day! When she was sleeping, when she was having a meal with another star... I'm actually grateful for you, for pulling me out of that mess.'' Shining Armor sighed in relief and smiled at his friend. ''I seriously started to think that she will ask me to watch her bathing!''
''Bit paranoid?'' Suggested the captain, chuckling slightly.
''Yes... and you know how most of them ends up.''
''Ask you to... you know...'' Shook his head Shining Armor, remembering what the pegasus used to tell him a long time ago.
''Exactly.''
They continued their long walk up to the castle, passing by the high-nosed ponies and thankfully receiving no strange stares. After all, the brown pegasus did stick out from the crowd, hanging his head and hiding his face and cutie mark. And the Captain did wear a styled cloak and let his cutie mark to be exposed. One stallion looked like an outsider and one was royalty amongst the citizens.
The clouds soon started to run out of water, as the raindrops slowly decreased their numbers and let the ponies forget about carrying umbrellas everywhere. Well, umbrellas were a fashion amongst the noble ''race'' after all, so the raining refusing to soak Equestria wasn't enough to stop the Canterlot citizens to bring out their umbrellas.
The brown pegasus felt that pulling feeling from time to time, as him and Shining Armor were walking the streets of Canterlot. To his relief, they finally arrived at the castle and after climbing up the huge stairs to the double doors, and both the unicorn and him stepped into the dry halls, he let his hood fall back down from his head. The captain followed his motion, just bobbing his head back and letting the hood to reveal his face. After that, he smirked at his brown friend, who in turn rolled his eyes, a slight smile on his face, which he quickly hid away from Shining Armor.
The only thing he needed now, is his long-time-no-see friend to start trying to make him laugh. He just wanted to get over with the meeting, take a rest and start his new work with a new employer. He wasn't in need of nostalgia and such, just some time alone...
Walking down the halls, the other guards made him relive the same sensation in his cutie mark, but it wasn't what made him feeling uneasy. Every guard or castle staff member, who happened to pass by them, bowed before the two. And not just to the great Captain, but to the brown pegasus as well. He kept on nodding back to the bowing ponies, along with Shining Armor, who also wore a smile. But he? He just stared back them in confusion.
''Tell me you didn't spread words about me.'' He turned to the Captain.
''No, it's not because of me. It's because of you.'' Shining Armor explained and watched as a pair of maids bowed to his brown friend. ''Nearly everypony can remember you. Your departure was memorable and your once comrades held a celebration in your honor.''
''And what made me so special, to receive such a welcome?''
''Remember our first comrade, who got stationed near the borders?''
''I'm afraid not...''
After receiving a short bow from a by-passing unicorn guard, Shining Armor chuckled once. ''That's alright, because neither do I.'' At this, his pegasus friend and him shared a chuckle and the Captain continued. ''But I do remember celebrating his success. The same happened to our second comrade, who is now a Lunar Guard.''
''Aegis Shield?''
''Yes... maybe. I can't quite remember their names now. You know what happened on my wedding? Since that day, I forgot a few things, along with our oldest comrades' names. I have their faces in my head, but I just can't put their names next to them...'' Furrowed his eyebrows Shining Armor.
''Yes, I heard what happened... Congratulations by the way.'' Grinned the pegasus.
''Thanks... sorry for not inviting you. I was busy breaking free from mind control...'' Shining Armor smiled sheepishly .
''It wasn't your fault Shining.''
Shining Armor immediately started smiling properly, hearing his wife's voice. His pegasus friend slowly turned towards the female voice and at the moment he saw whose voice it was, he bowed deeply and submissively, to the point, where he couldn't see the pars' hooves. There, he patiently gazed down at the red carpet and waited for the Princess of the Love, to allow him to stand up straight.
He expected the pink Alicorn's voice to be heard again and allowing him to take a better look at the pair. He only saw the pink wings, royal attire and the bright colors of her mane, where a pink horn poked out from the pink, purple and cream colored variety.
But he didn't expect a white hoof, to reach up to his hood and pull it all the way down to his nose...
And he still remained motionlessly in that low position, not letting himself get the comfort of a straightened neck. He heard the Captain snorting and the Alicorn giggle, but he felt no shame. He will show the amount of respect he has to show, even if his past comrade tries to push him out of his guard attitude.
''I think it won't work for him Shining.'' The Princess spoke up, voice most definitely amused.
''Should we let him be like that?'' Suggested the Captain.
''No, don't be so cruel. He's just doing his duty.'' With that, the Alicorn stepped forward and tried to speak with no signs of amusement. ''Rise, personal guard!''
Nodding once for good measure, the pegasus guard rose to his full height and was about to push the hood back up from his nose. If not for a certain Alicorn, who used her magic to do it for him. Placing back his hoof down to the ground, he nodded in gratitude and watched the pair smiling at him. As he stayed silent and held a blank expression, Shining Armor forced back his laughter and the Princess allowed herself a small giggle.
''Hehhe, I take it you haven't met with my wife, Princess Mia Amora Cadenza.'' Started Shining Armor ''He's the one, who I was talking about.'' He whispered into his wife's ears.
''Hmhm, leave the formalities, please. Cadance is enough, pleased to meat you at last. Shining told me about you and your duty.'' Said the Princess, still smiling friendly at the pegasus.
''The pleasure is all mine, Princess. And I heard about what happened a long time ago. I'm terribly sorry.'' He nodded again, to show how much he meant his words.
''We appreciate your sympathy, but...'' Cadance turned towards her husband and gazed at him lovingly. In turn, Shining Armor pressed his nose against hers and finished her sentence. ''... everything turned out well.''
The brown pegasus turned his head away from the couple, not wanting to disrespect their presence. His eyes spotted the throne room's double doors, surprisingly close to them. Two guards were standing outside the door, averting their gazes from the kissing Captain and Princess.
Their lips parted and their eyes opened slowly, staring into each other's. They blinked a few times, then snapped out of their trance and only after that, the brown pegasus allowed himself to look at them. ''We should go now.''
''Alright, let's see what this meeting is all about.'' Declared the Captain and followed after his friend, along with his wife.
After the two guards by the double doors, let them through and nodded in respect, the trio found themselves in the throne room. Through the tall windows, only little light poured through, since the weather outside was still not the brightest one. The once bright color of the red carpet was replaced by gloomy crimson and the floor wasn't reflecting the blurry images of the ponies, when they're looking down at their reflections. The mosaic pictures on the glass windows weren't shining like they used to, as the glorious events from Equestria's history now remained dark, giving the impression of a sad past. No candle or torch were in the throne room, only letting the faint light from outside illuminating the big hall, showing how sadly the things have gone wrong...
As the two door closed behind the three and sent a booming sound echoing through the room, the brown pegasus spotted one of the Ruler of Equestria. Her white coat wasn't as bright as it used, her mane wasn't as sparkling as it used to and her posture was one of a tense pony's, who's really have some problems. Though, she still managed to show that friendly and comforting smile, which nopony could resist returning. Except the guards, who will always remain stoic...
The brown pegasus stopped before the Princess of the Sun, making sure to remain close enough to hear her and far enough to show his respect. He bowed just as submissively as before and again, found his interest in the ground beneath him.
''Rise, my little pony.''
As he heard the voice of Celestia, he nodded a bit, then rose up to his full height, turning his attention up at her. Just as he was trained, he remained silent and looked deep into the Princess' eyes and listened to her every word. He watched, as Celestia descended down the stairs of her throne and proceeded her walk towards one of the glass window, which wasn't preventing the view upon Equestria.
''Tell me, what is your name? You, who Shining Armor claimed to be the best personal guard?'' She slowly asked, facing away from him and looking over the land of Equestria.
The brown pegasus, the personal guard and friend of Captain Shining Armor... introduced himself...
''Your majesty... my name is Bronze Sight. Personal guard and one of the comrades of Captain Shining Armor in the past.'' He stood as tall as he can, waiting for the Princess' next question.
''And one of my best friend!'' Shouted Shining Armor, somewhere to his left and far away.
''What are you doing, Captain?'' Thought the pegasus, trying to hide any reaction from his part.
''Oh, is that true?'' Celestia turned her head to the left, glancing at the Captain. He in turn, only nodded with a smile on his face, which made Celestia turn her gaze at Bronze Sight.
''Shining, you...'' He stopped himself in mid-thought and quickly answered. ''Yes, your majesty.''
''Good.'' Celestia started, as she continued gazing outside. ''Every friend of Shining Armor's is a friend of mine.''
Bronze Sight allowed his eyes to widen a bit. The Princess' voice wasn't serious about that, more like... cheerful? By all means, he remained silent and decided to speak when he has to.
''Please, enjoy your stay in Canterlot.''
She asked him for such a thing... and it wasn't just the sign of politeness. ''Of course, your highness.''
''And please, Celestia is enough.'' She finished with a giggle, making Bronze Sight stammer a bit.
''Y-yes, Pri- Celestia.'' He felt wrong, for not regarding her with her title. He was trained to show the highest respect towards The Sun Princess and every other high ranked pony. And now, he has to forget everything about his training and look at one of the Ruler of Equestria as a friend! ''Shining Armor, thanks a lot...''
''Now, do you know why we called you here today?''
''Not completely, your ma-'' He immediately stopped himself, as Celestia glanced back at him, pulling her mouth slightly. ''Um, not really... Celestia.'' His words were forced and he tried his best to make it sound like an easy task. But like his jaw got used to addressing her with high respect, he felt an unpleasant feeling in his muzzle.
''Then I take it the Captain used the way here, to catch up with an old friend. Am I right?'' Again, she glanced at him, a smile on her muzzle.
''N... not really...'' He responded, again, mentally beating himself for not showing his respect. But he had no choice, but talk to her like a... friend...?
''I just couldn't resist this opportunity.'' Grinned the Captain.
''I thought so. Looks like I have to tell you, what issues have taken place recently...'' Celestia sighed and turned her head back to the window.
The raindrops were still present, but they're visibly slowing down their falling. On the window, the raindrops made odd lines from the top of the glass, all the way down to the window's ledge. The end of this raining will be soon there, if the pegasi can keep up this pace, in pushing the clouds far behind Canterlot's mountain.
''Two days ago, in the afternoon, something terrible happened.'' Started Celestia, closing her eyes. ''The Mail Mare from Ponyville got attacked by a rogue group. Two ponies and a griffon, according to the report from a pegasus guard and what the mare told us.'' She opened her eyes, relief coming back to her face for a moment. ''The mare named Ditzy Doo, thankfully received little harm, but...'' The relief from before shifted to one of a concern on the Princess' face. ''... but she is more shocked than any of us...''
''I don't blame her... griffons can bring serious traumas for the ponies. Especially to a simple citizen...'' Bronze Sight nodded to himself, knowing exactly how the poor mare felt after the attack. He had experience with such encounters, but after so many mission, which involved meeting with some fierce griffon, he got used to it. Just like the other guards, who got sent to the borders or further...
''And this is only one problem.'' Celestia continued after a moment of silence. Her voice regained its normal tone, now speaking seriously. ''They not just hurt one of my subject, but stole important information and many other citizens' personal mails. Reports from the Everfree, from the nearby towns and from the borders. And those reports are not growing on trees and can be replaced with a single word. It will take days to receive those same reports and thus, making Canterlot's work harder. Delays have no place in politics and economy, you know?''
Again, regarding him as a friend. Bronze Sight swallowed and replied simply. ''Yes.''
''If we only look into the economy, there will be a big hole in the trade and this will be a problem for the workers. Families won't receive their bits, the farmers, the vendors, companies and many other business pony. Cultural presentations' and celebrations', schools', theaters' and museums' paycheck will be delayed and again, those who are working there won't receive their bits in time. This will stir up the politicians and they will try their best to get promotions, if they receive enough votes in the meetings.''
''And SHE will have to take care of these... Princess...'' The brown pegasus listened carefully and understood the Princess. It was that moment, when he remembered how easy his job was, compared to Celestia's duties. He only has to keep an eye on an employer from a hiding spot, fight down a few intruder and sleep for a few hours. Yes, his sleeping spots are usually not comfortable, but he takes his job seriously and doesn't bother him the unpleasant circumstances...
''Thankfully...'' Again, the Princess started. ''... this won't happen that easily. It did strike us quickly and we weren't prepared for such events. But we still have a chance, to prevent similar cases. And we're already working on it...
We already ordered our politicians to take care of the economy issues and spent a fair amount of bits from the Royal Treasury, to pay those workers. Also, the rest of the politicians will fight down the other noble ponies, if they try to get ahead of themselves...''
''Captain Shining Armor prepared a search team, to find those rogue ponies and griffon. We may be in a blind state, but if we won't make our move, we WILL remain in blindness. We need information about this group. Are there only three of them or there is a whole horde supporting the three? Are they gathering more members to bring dark times to our land? Maybe the Griffon Kingdom payed for those ponies, to steal reports and find a way to invade Equestria? We do not know yet, but we have to be ready for anything...''
''And this is where you come into the picture, Bronze Sight.''
The pegasus expected this coming. ''So this is how I end up in the face of danger again. After leaving the Royal Guard Academy, spending a good year as a guard then getting sent out as a scout. After many mission, becoming a personal guard and leaning back from the danger... should I say, the good ol' days coming back?'' He mused, already seeing the borders and behind it the Griffon Kingdom. He had a very accurate guess about what he will has to do...
He heard the clip-clop sound of the Princess of Love, approaching him. He made no movement, as he waited for the Sun Princess to speak. What he didn't expect, was the weak glow under his eyes and feeling his cloak getting lifted down from him. ''You boys just can't take care of your wet clothes on your own.''
Eyes widening and air trapping inside his lungs, he quickly whipped his head towards the trotting-away Alicorn. As loud as he could muster out, he whispered. ''No. Princess. It's no-''
''Today, I called you here, to give you an offer.'' He wasn't able to finish his sentence, as Princess Celestia quickly continued. Bronze Sight gulped and return his focus to the white Alicorn and resumed standing tall and respectfully again. But mostly, he tried to ignore the pulling feeling in his cutie mark, which meant, that every pony was looking at him. And to be precise... they were all looking at his cutie mark...
Every guard in the throne room, Princess Cadance and a few more servants were looking strangely at his cutie mark, all of them from the distance.
Shining Armor forced back his laughter, when he looked at the confused faces around him. His wife soon snapped out of it, looked at the cloak which was hiding the cutie mark moments ago and it dawned on her. ''It was supposed to hide it, so ponies won't stare at him?'' She asked quietly, turning towards the Captain, the realization still present on her face.
''Yehhehhehhes...'' He forced out as quietly as he could, while giving his wet cloak to the Alicorn. This made the Love Princess slowly place a hoof to her muzzle, muffling her giggling.
And the brown pegasus remained exposed and by some miracle, remained motionless and without any nervous expression...
''An offer, which you can decline or accept. Though... I would be more than glad, if you would accept it.'' Celestia continued, a slight pleading tone in her voice.
''I would like to ask you, to be the personal guard for the Ponyville Mail Mare, Ditzy Doo.''
The world stopped before Bronze Sight and not just because everypony in the throne room remained motionless... or continued staring at his cutie mark...
His mind immediately stopped at this though, which was a 'Yes.' for her ''favor''. He expected her to send him to the Griffon Kingdom's borders and look for those rogue ponies. He expected her to send him out for guarding the borders. Or to be the leader for that search team. Everything went through his mind from spying, to guarding. Everything he thought about was about Griffon Kingdom, borders, guarding and so on...
His mind came to a halt and went reverse, forgetting everything about the griffons and duty. And his way of thoughts stopped at her question...
''She... asked me... not ordered... what is going on? I wasn't trained for that! They taught me to accept everything, which the Princess gives. Let it be patrol duty or a dangerous mission... But no, she would like to ask me, to guard the Mail Mare. I see her point, but SHE ASKED ME!''
''You have to understand why it is important.'' Turned around Celestia, now looking at him hopefully. He was taking his time to answer, so that probably means he's considering it!
''I understand Princess.'' Bronze Sight started. ''The reports are coming in from the post office, where the Mail Mare is working. She has to be escorted to Canterlot and all the way back to her home town.''
''She will require your escort through her daily routines. As you know... she is really scared right now. Poor thing...'' The Princess shook her head, looking down at her hooves for a second. Then, with a sparkle of hope and a pleading tone, she asked. ''Can I consider this as a yes? Will you do that? For the sake of Equestria and the well being of an innocent subject?''
Bronze Sight allowed himself a small, determined smile, which he didn't notice. ''I'm a personal guard from my very heart. I protect those, who are in trouble and take my job seriously. And to the top of this, the Princess Celestia, one of the Ruler of Equestria... would like me to do the work of my life. AND... the sake of Equestria can depend on it?'' He changed his posture, to stand taller than ever and saluted. His bronze eyes became brighter from the outside light and the fire inside him. The very sight of him shouted determination... this is how a perfect guard should look like. Looking into the future with bravery and without fears...
''I accept your offer, your hig- ahem... Celestia...''
He watched the Princess' reaction and waited patiently... and waited... a little more... wait for it... nothing. What is going on?
*snort*
Bronze Sight heard Shining Armor snorting once, as he was trying his best to control his soon erupting laughter. Next to the Captain, Princess Cadance watched the events unfolding, a slight blush on her face and a hoof still muffling her giggling. The pegasus dared to glance to his left and spotted Shining Armor, wiggling his cloak in the air, face looking absolutely red from his locked-away laughter.
''Oh...'' The realization hit him like an apple to the face. Bronze Sight quickly spotted the Princess' eyes, looking EXACTLY what he prayed to not see... his cutie mark. Celestia's head was even cocked to the side, face fully showing what is going on inside her thousand years old mind. Confusion.
Bronze Sight was used to this. He experienced this moment so many times. The ponies who needed his protection, the ponies in the towns and in many other places, where there were ponies. All of them stared as his cutie mark... even the stallions! The worst type of this, is when the ponies actually STOP and completely focus on the marks on his flanks. And when this happens, he feels that oh so familiar pulling feeling in his cutie mark, from EVEY possible direction!
A fair amount of seconds have passed and the brown pegasus spent enough time, letting one of the Ruler of Equestria ''admire'' his cutie marks. Sometimes, that mark is literally a pain in the flank...
''Ahem... uh, Celestia?''
Blinking several times, the Princess came back to her senses. An undecidable sound came out of Shining Armor's mouth and it was a miracle, that he hasn't exploded from the struggling. Princess Cadance managed to put on a pleased expression and nodded towards the brown pegasus, who was still saluting in his own way. Shaking her head a few times, Celestia quickly changed her attitude to one of delight. ''That is wonderful! Bronze Sight, from now on, you are the personal guard of Ponyville's Mail Mare, Ditzy Doo!'' She declared happily and it was like the room became brighter. ''You won't regret this, I promise.'' Walking towards her throne, the Sun Princess added. ''Well, I better not keep you here. You have a Mail Mare to guard.''
''Certainly! ... '' He said, forced back himself from saying anymore and nodded towards the Sun Princess. Turning around, he saw Shining Armor just leaving the throne room, motioning for him to follow him through the double doors.
As he was leaving and heard the Princess settling down on her throne, he immediately felt her gaze on him. He could only hope, that his cutie mark is not visible for her, or his leaving would turn into a really awkward 'goodbye'...
''Princess.'' He bowed to Cadance, who in turn nodded at him.
When the double doors opened, for a moment, the two Alicorn were able to hear Shining Armor, hysterically laughing outside. And after Bronze Sight closed it behind him, silence filled the throne room...
''I should probably take a look at his files. I read nothing about his cutie mark, which mentioned such effect on ponies...'' Commented Celestia, placing a hoof between her eyes and rubbing away the small headache.
''I agree...'' Said the Love Princess.
Outside the throne room, two guards stared strangely at the laughing Captain. And Bronze Sight, who walked out of the throne room moments ago, was also staring at him, but with an expression of bemusement. Shining Armor, still having his time on the floor and still laughing hysterically, tried to speak. The two guards and the personal guard could only make out the half of it. Something along the lines of: hilarious, somepony's face, flank, situation and can't breath.
Finally, when the three pony though he's going to suffocate, he stopped and continued grinning at the brown pegasus, catching his breath.
''Are you do-''
And Bronze Sight immediately got interrupted by laughter...
''I bet you just let her take it off from me and watched...''
''Maybe.''
''Ugh...''
Shining Armor levitated Bronze's cloak onto his back and the brown pegasus adjusted the cape part of the cloak, to hide his cutie mark. They were on their way outside to the caste doors, where a chariot was already waiting for them.
''Is something bothering you?'' Asked Shining Armor, seeing his friend's thoughtful expression all of a sudden.
''Well... I just... everything is so strange...'' Bronze Sight replied, looking up at the big double doors.
''Aaaand what do you mean by that?''
''Well, first this whole ambush on a Mail Mare. It's just... so sudden. And now the Princess...''
''What about her?''
Bronze Sight looked at Shining Armor confused. ''Did you actually hear how she talked to me?'' He received no response from the Captain, so he continued. ''I'm a personal guard, she is a Princess. And how she addresses me? Like a friend! And she order- no... not ordered, ASKED me to be the personal guard of that mare! While I see her point in it, why not order me to stay by her side? After all... we were trained to be ordered and do anything for the Princess...''
The brown pegasus became more confused, when Shining Armor started chuckling. ''Now I get it. Hehhe!'' They reached the double doors and after stepping outside and approaching the chariot, he continued. ''Princess Celestia prefers to be friends with the ''famous'' guards and politicians. In that way, there is no pressure neither on her and on you. By addressing you as a friend, she merely wanted to easy the tension inside the throne room.''
''Hmm...'' Was the only reply the Captain received.
Bronze Sight decided to think about this later, as he found the seats in the chariot comfortable enough, to take a quick nap before he starts his job. The two pegasus pulling the chariot reared up and made a running start before taking off. As they left the ground and reached an acceptable height, they resumed their flying in a nice, horizontal line and allowing the two passengers to sit comfortably.
Bronze Sight leaned back and closed his eyes, as he felt the relaxing feeling of the wind getting into his mane. Thankfully, the rain completely stopped and the smell of wet weather was still in the air, making the trip in the sky pleasant for the brown pegasus. The grey clouds above him slowly let the sunlight through, allowing a shooting warmness to the chilly breeze up there. And soon, our personal guard was dozing out...
He still had a really strange feeling about the recent events. That small suspiciousness in the back of his mind nagged him a bit, but it disappeared, as the nature itself helped him wash away his worries.
Things may be strange, but he has a job to do now. And a really good job for that matter. The other guards will take care of the rogue group, Celestia and her noble ponies will stop the other politicians and he is left to do the easy part... doing what he lived for... protecting...
''But for now, leave these problems behind and concentrate on the future task at hoof. Forget the Princess' odd behavior and let's just rest before my work starts. I'm sure nothing bad is going to happen, which will be my problem to solve... Yeah, let's just don't think about these things. I have some time to sleep actually... might as well use it...''
Letting out an exhausted sigh, Bronze Sight fell into a short and welcomed slumber...
''We're here! ... Bronze? ... Bronze Sight? ... Hello! ... you asked for it...''
*push* ''Wha-?!'' *puff* ''Ehh!''
''Ah, you're awake! Perfect!''
Bronze Sight picked himself up from the ground, after Shining Armor pushed him out of the chariot. The two chariot-pulling pegasus paid no attention to happenings behind them and remained silent.
''Ugh... not the worst way to wake up...'' Thought Bronze Sight and saw the Captain, receiving a salute from the two chariot pegasus and saluting back. After the chariot left, he looked at his friend.
''Alright, here's her house. You'll get your payment tomorrow, so you can buy food for yourself. I have some things to do in Ponyville before I leave, so this is the moment we say our goodbyes.''
''What kind of things to do?''
Shining Armor smiled. ''Visiting my sister and telling her that I'll be away for a while. Cadance and I have something planned out.''
''I see... wait, I won't get any bits to afford myself a place to sleep?'' Bronze Sight asked, slightly confused. Of course, he got used to sleeping outside his employers' house, but since the Princess arranged his new work place, he expected her to think about everything. ''Again, this is really strange...''
''You're going to sleep in her house, here.'' The Captain motioned towards the building in question.
Bronze Sight looked behind Shining Armor and inspected the house...
Usual roof in a town like this, made from hay. Wooden beams keeping the house stable and decorating the the pale-yellow walls and windows' frames. The entrance door was crimson colored, with a yellow doorknob. A wider window next to the front door and above some bushes, probably allowing a view outside from the livingroom.
The house had a second floor, which had a small balcony nearly above the front door, enough for two ponies to stand outside. The whole upper side was slightly wider than the lower and there were beams holding the sticking out sides on the top of the lower part.
The house was quite big, if somepony actually takes the time to inspect it. It was also on the corner of the street, far enough away from the busy center of the town and still close enough to hear the events outside. A nice little park was next to it, giving a pleasant view from the balcony of the house.
''The rest is up to you and her. You two will get along well... after all, she's not a celebrity. And it won't be long, before we get rid of the... ahem... danger...'' Shining Armor walked up to his friend and started grinning. ''Remember our signature greeting and goodbye?''
Bronze Sight was about to say 'no', but he knew that the Captain wouldn't let him be, before they do it. So sighing once, he nodded. ''Yes... yes, I remember.''
''Neato!''
And the two stallion head butted each other and kept their heads together, like they're trying to push away each other. Both had daredevil grins on their muzzles and both 'hummed' at the same time, before leaning back to their normal posture.
''It was good to see you, my friend.'' Spoke up the Captain, still grinning.
''You too... my old friend...'' Replied Bronze Sight, grinning a bit.
''Good luck, then!'' Shining Armor nodded and started walking towards the center of the town. Bronze Sight was about to approach the front door, when he heard his friend calling back. ''Protect the golden eyes! That's the only order!'' Glancing at him in confusion, he decided to just nod back and finally start his job.
He approached the front door of his new working place and knocked a few times. While he was waiting for the door to be opened, he tried not to think about the odd behavior of these royalties. He couldn't decide whenever to be happy to have such a friendly ruler or be worried about the fate of Equestria. After deciding to not question the Princess' choice, he thought about his friend, the Captain. ''He was WAY too cheerful to see me again. And if I can remember, we weren't THAT close friends back then... looks like losing your memory makes ponies happier, instead of sad... or not.''
He heard the hoofsteps behind the door and he quickly dismissed his thoughts about his suspiciousness. Instead, he quickly thought out how to address the mare, who will soon opens to the door to him. ''Friendly? No, she needs a protector, not another friend. They will cheer her up... Serious? No, I don't need to scare her... Looks like the formal approach it is...''
The door opened and Bronze Sight shifted his gaze lower, to look into his employer's... ''golden eyes...''
''... H-hello Mister...''
Author's Note
If some part looks like I was sleeping while writing it, then you're right. Since Bronze Sight was REALLY tired, I thought it would make YOU tired, while you're reading it... I wonder if I succeeded...
Also, as I was re-reading it, I noticed the lack of description and information. After putting those into the story... it felt too much. So, if you find some things confusing because you doN't know what is going on, then it is because I want to reveal that later. After all, the story is more likely from Bronze Sight's perspective and sometimes, I tell the story from the 'story teller' view.... you probably know what I'm talking about, so I should just stop explaining the obvious.
You think Shining Armor's and the Princess' acted out of character? Maybe, but I have plans with this little ''strange'' behavior... >: D
So, here it is, Bronze Sight. His personality, his look, his cutie mark and I think you already know what his special talent is. If not, then don't worry, it will be explained later, along with how he got it... and what it is it actually...
By the way, his personality... that will change in the future. Why? Because love, that is all I say about that...
DO NOT START RAGING ABOUT THE PONYMAKER PICTURE! I don't even know why people hate that! So please, spare me from biting down my head...
Bad news: School starts next week... son of a duck! that means, chapters will be coming out REALLY slowly. If I'm about to write another 5000k words long, then it will take me a month, to do it...
And the good news and that is why I finished this chapter today: IT'S MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Exactly a year ago, I joined FIMfiction.net and officially became a brony! Time to celebrate!
And from now, Ditzy's and Bronze's roads will be merged together. You can say: ''The prologue is over...'' HA!
As you saw in this chapter, there is some comedy. Now, if you find this in the future chapters, remind me to put a comedy tag into the story description, because I will forget and I don't know if I should place that out... and this goes for any other tag...
If you still feel that I missed something important, then you're right, but it has to be done like that. Don't worry, I have everything under control and everything will be explained. Every 'unfinished/unsettled' dialogue and conversation is on purpose!
And of course, I REALLY hope I managed to avoid making mistakes and not just in the grammar. I want to keep this story interesting and not spoiling everything, with the early signs of something fishy...
Well, have a fantastic day!
~Adam
