His Sparkling Twilight, Her Swashbuckler
By
MarioKirbySonicfan14
Prologue
It was a nice day in the bright kingdom of Canterlot; the sun shined upon the gold-layered towers and pearl-white walls, letting them shimmer, and the weather was balmy. The kingdom’s pony citizens were about, feeling very relaxed as they trot the streets, lounge at parasol-topped tables while sipping tea, and visit friends.
Two unicorns trotted down the streets. One was a male was grey-eyed in a coat of wood brown, his mane was stony brown, had thick bangs, and hung below the head, his tail was cut short, looking like the bristles of a paintbrush. His cutie was in the form of a cutlass sword. His wife was white as ivory with eyes of chocolate brown, her mane and tail was silvery and braided, and her cutie mark was also a sword: long with a complex hilt of a bow and cross guard. They were off on the business of their child. They arrived at a door to Canterlot’s main halls, secured by a pair of Pegasus guards in gold armor and helmets.
As the couple approached the doorway, the stallion began, “Good day, sirs. My wife and I come by Princess Celestia’s wish.”
The guards nodded, and one of them admitted, “Right this way…”
The couple was escorted through the vibrant purple halls until they came to a set of tall gold doors. When they opened, they revealed the castle throne room. There, the couple saw a female alcorn perched upon her throne; she was white as the wife, had amethyst eyes, her hooves (to her tall legs) donned gold shoes and tiara a top of her head, where her long mane of bright greens, pinks, and blues, flowed. To top it off, her cutie was the very sun. She was Equestria’s ruler and bringer of the morning star: Princess Celestia At the moment, she was levitating a quill that jotted document to document. She looked up to see the arrived and gave a welcoming smile,
“Ah. Good afternoon, Rough Cutlass and Espada Ropera. Thank you for coming on short notice.”
The unicorn came up to her majesty and bowed.
“Of course, your majesty.” Espada answered, “We hope we’re not interrupting an important affair.”
The princess shook her head, “Not at all. I trust your fencing classes are doing superb?”
The unicorns rose their heads up, and Rough answered, “Most definitely; especially my son, Swashbuckler.”
Celestia stated, “We’ve only one thing to discuss, but we also need your son’s presence.”
Rough Cutlass’ eyes widened, “Really? Will this be about placing him in the honor roll? That’d be quite the achievement!
The princess felt slightly nervous and turned her eyes away, “Well… At what time does yout son leaves his fencing classes?”
Rouge took out a pocket watch and sees the time reading ‘4:55’, he says, “He should be about done now.”
The alicorn monarch looks to the guards at her throne’s sides, “Do find Swashbuckler, if you please?”
The guards nodded and answered, “As you wish, your majesty.” And they trotted out of the royal corridor.
When the princess returned to the couples’ faces, and Espada Ropera asks, “This is about Swashbuckler achieving an honor roll, right?”
“Well…” The princess sounds, but continues, “Let’s wait for him to arrive for the moment…”
Where ponies go for physical training and activities was “Canterlot’s Studio of Fencing”. As instructors prepare for upcoming classes…
…A duel was at hand…
Facing the blades of two earth ponies was a unicorn pony, a colt, 16 years of age. He was able-bodied in a coat of peach (like a hue in the overuse of vanilla extract mixed with powdered sugar), his eyes were brown, rich as chocolate, his mane was short, slightly messy and was shaded in dark brown, and his tail was short. His flank was patched by a cutie mark in the form of two crossed foils. Atop his head was a brown wide-brimmed hat; decorated with ostrich plumes of orange and a long, thin pheasant feather, and around the colt’s waist was a fashionable red sash a pirate would don, and a black belt with a brass buckle. He greatly parried as his opponents lunged their blades to his chest. As the blades clashed and lunges were parried, the ponies have kept moving around the room. When the unicorn was cornered to a judge’s table, he pretend to step forward but flipped across the table. The earth ponies came around, and their blades were riposted when they brought them down to the unicorn! The unicorn then advanced forward; and just when he received the chance to disarm the enemies…
“What is going on here?” A grey Pegasus called out, causing the fighters to cease combat, “You boys know you’re supposed to practice upon a piste!”
The crème unicorn began, “Uh… Sorry, Master Razor Wings. But the guys and I and I thought it’d be more interesting to move around the room than just footing back and forth.”
“Maybe so, Swashbuckler…” Razor admitted, “But it’s intolerable during an actual completion; and on top of that, neither of you all are wearing protection!” He reminds as he points to a rack of white vests.
One of the earth ponies said, “Okay, I know we should be wearing the vests. But what’s the point of telling that to Swashbuckler?”
The unicorn in question just grinned out of modesty.
“A lot of the students and instructors know how good he is!” The other added.
“Oh stop…” Swashbuckler bashfully said.
“Excuse me…” Called a deep voice.
The instructor and student turn to see a pair of royal guards.
“May I help you, gents?” Razor asked.
“We’ve been told that Master Swashbuckler would be here.” One of them said.
The unicorn walked up and gave the guards a hat tip, “I’m he.”
“We advise you come with us immediately.”
Swashbuckler made no argument; he sheathed his sword into his belt and followed the guards. Just before they stepped out of the building, the guards looked back to see if the student was with them, but instead saw a kind deed: Swashbuckler’s horn glows an orange aura and levitated a colt, much younger and shorter than he, to a water fountain.
“Nice kid…” One of the guards commented to the other only to be answered with a nod.
A moment later, the foal was set down and thanked the older unicorn, who replied with his hat tip.
The guards and fencer soon arrived at the princess’ throne room. The teen unicorn took eye of his ruler, and bowed while sweeping his hat off.
“Good afternoon, Princess Celestia. What business do…” Swashbuckler has then taken notice of Rough Cutlass and Espada Ropera, “…Mom? …Dad? What brings you guys here?”
The son came close to his parents and heard his father whisper, “I’m thinking her majesty’s planning to put ou on the honor roll. Proud of yourself, you should be!”
“Oh…that.” Swashbuckler said, sounding mundane.
Celestia began, “Do come with me.”
The princess took the unicorn family to her study. And when she had them seated, she looked to the parents,
“Now, I’m sure you two know how much Swashbuckler has devoted his time into his work at my campus?”
“Oh, of course, your highness! Our Swashy has always done his best!” Espada admitted ecstatically.
The young colt cringed at his pet name.
Rough Cutlass grinned, “We could never be more proud!”
Celestia gave a small smile, “I’m very sure.” She turned to Swashbuckler, “But might I ask what you do during your off-hours, young colt?”
Swashbuckler shrugged, “Well…many other activities, your highness.” ‘Far better than having my nose stuck in boring textbooks, that’s for sure…’ “…Such as drawing, and, of course, practicing fencing; runs in the family.”
“You can certainly be quite busy, child. But I’m sorry to say, dear student, that I believe you must lessen your time with the sword.”
The unicorns felt confused.
“What do you mean, your highness?” Rough asked.
Taking a deep breath, the princess explained, “I’m afraid Swashbuckler’s assignments have been turned in without completion or been ignored completely. For the past two grading periods this went on. He’s been recommended tutoring since the matter arose, but he has always said he’ll do better, but little has changed… And he dismissed every tutor.”
Swashbuckler looked away, like a crime he committed was discovered; while his parents felt unconvinced.
“…Princess Celestia…” Stammered Rough, “…I’m sorry for objecting, but Swashbuckler would never ignore his work.”
“Indeed!” Espada agreed, not raising her voice to the princess, “He has always done so well and he told us so!”
“Your faith in your son’s studying is strong,” Celestia said, “…but I’m afraid Swashbuckler has told you something different…” Her horn gave a golden glow and levitated a sheet of parchment, scrolled up, to the parents, “Right here is your son’s grade reports from the previous two grading periods.”
The scroll came into Rough’s reach. He opened it up and what his and Espada’s eyes met could make them shatter into pieces; chiseled into the paper were letters of failure: F’s, F’s, and more F’s! The parents were silent for several moments, never taking their upset orbs off the paper.
Swashbuckler broke the silence, “Uh… Look, I can explain.”
After a heavy sigh, Rough Cutlass and Espada Ropera faced their son with stern eyes.
“The reports never lie, colt. We’ll discuss this later.” Espada silenced. She turned back to the princess, “Your highness, there must be another alternative or tutor Swashbuckler.”
Princess Celestia ginned and nodded, “There is.”
“There is?” The parents asked, eyes lighting up with hope.
“There is?” Swashbuckler echoed.
“Absolutely.” Celestia confirmed, “Although she has an important mission she’s been carrying out, my personal student, Twilight Sparkle, has volunteered to take Swashbuckler in when I told her of the situation. Of course, she doesn’t live here in Canterlot, but my guards can fly him to Ponyville. Your son can stay during weekends. And since Ponyville isn’t so far from here, he can be escorted after school on weekdays.”
Swashbuckler couldn’t believe his own two ears; visiting a town just for studying on weekends and after school on weekdays. Her highness’ plan seemed to strike him to the ground hard. But the young unicorn managed to speak out, “I do get a say in this, right?”
The princess shook her head, “I’m sorry, Swashbuckler, but the decision is not yours to make. You’ve no option and must take the tutoring. You’ll be escorted to Ponyville first thing after school tomorrow. Are we clear?”
Swashbuckler was silent.
Rough eyed his son sternly, “Swashbuckler, the princess has asked you a question. Now answer her.”
Of course, Swashbuckler had his respect for his authorities, including the princess, but at the moment, he had an unusual lust to strike Celestia with the very sword he carried, yet he knew such an act would get him into even more trouble. Ultimately, the colt gave a nod to the princess, answering, “Yes… your majesty.”
Celestia smiled, “Thank you, dear student. I expect you to show consideration to my student. Listen to her, do as she says, and respect her as you’ve done towards your mentors. I know you can restore your proud grades to how they were before, and I also hope you become friends with my student.”
The unicorn family then departed out of the princess’ study. Just when they were close to leaving the castle halls, Swashbuckler groaned in irritation,
“I can’t believe this…”
Espada and Rough looked back at their son with eyes of disappointment.
“Nor can we, young colt; and we couldn’t be so disappointed in you!” Espada scolded.
“Huh?” Swashbuckler sounded, noticing his parants’ attention to his grumbling.
“Not only have you ignored your work, but have lied to your mother and me about it! You’re better than that, Swashbuckler; we know it, the princess knows it, even you know it yourself!”
Espada puts a hoof on her husband’s shoulder, “Now settle down, dear.”
Rough Cutlass inhaled from his nostrils and exhaled out, “You’re right, dear. All this will be just a bad memory when the good old grades return. And until they return, you, young colt, will be excused from your fencing classes.”
Swashbuckler nearly shouted, “What?! B-but Dad, fencing’s practically my bread and butter! Our family tradition, even! You can’t expect me to drop it, can you?
Espada retorted, “But our relatives and ancestors tended to other matters when they needed to be addressed!”
Rough added, “And just like them, you shall do the same. No arguments about it. Understand?”
Swashbuckler knew he couldn’t win, but just looked at the ground. The parents’ look and feelings unstiffened.
Espada sighed, “My dear child… Do understand that we do this, not to torment you, but for what’s best for you. You know that, right?”
Swashbuckler brought his head up, “I know, Mom.”
Rough Cutlass made a small grin and placed a hoof on his back, “And like I said, as soon as the grades are brought back up, this whole thing will be just a bad dream; and you’ll be back to en garde-ing before you know it. Right?”
“Yeah, that’s true.” The son agreed.
Rough pats his son’s back, “Good. Now come; we must ready for your trip to Ponyville.”
Nighttime was upon the land, by Princess Luna’s summoning of the moon, and a young pony has yet to pack up for his trip. Princess Celestia’s demand for traveled tutoring was stuck in Swashbuckler’s mind like superglue. At the moment, the young unicorn was in his bedroom at his desk. To get his mind off of the recent meeting with his sovereign, Swashbuckler spent his time drawing; he levitates a pencil to sketch out a sword in his right hoof. Moments later, thumps from the door disrupted the colt’s deep look at his sword. He turned to the closed door and heard his old stallion,
“Swashbuckler… Have you readied for Ponyville? I expect your luggage to be intact.”
Swashbuckler looked at his bed to see open and empty saddlebags. He calls out, “Yeah, Dad! I’m just about done!”
After hearing his father walking away, Swashbuckler heaves out a sigh. With the sword still in his hoof, he looks deep into the blade, only to see himself with a façade of displeasure.
“My dear friend…” He says to his bladed arm, “Why must I be burdened with this… burden?”
As his mother and father said, Swashbuckler was certainly a legit student; the kind of student any teacher would wish to educate. For years, the young unicorn had proved himself to Celestia’s school with hard studying, doing his best, and achieved the grades that’d make any parent proud! Unexpectedly, as time went on, and as he grew older, Swashbuckler began to see school differently; he felt like he was relearning subjects he’s been studying grades before, grew drowsy as he listened to lectures, and thought homework to be time-consuming. He thought the whole idea of school was burdensome and boring, so he started to ignore his schoolwork for what can please him, especially practicing his swordsponyship, but that seems to come at an end. Now Swashbuckler was going to Ponyville by Princess Celestia’s wish with no objections; daily to weekend visits. No choice.
The unicorn colt let out a sigh, submitting to his fate, and went to pack his bags (a wooden sword included). Minutes later, Swashbuckler climbed into bed, thinking of how his tutoring will be before drifting off to sleep, and his father’s words echoed in his ears: ‘as soon as the grades are brought back up, this whole thing will be just a bad dream’
Swashbuckler sighed, “This ‘bad dream’ could last for a hundred years for all I know…”
Chapter 1
New in Ponyville
The next day arrived and the afternoon was upon Equestria. As soon as he was dismissed from the Princess’ school, Swashbuckler held his hat from the wind as he rode in a chariot piloted by pegasi . The young unicorn looked back to see all of Canterlot growing distant as he was carried off to his tutoring destination: Ponyville. He looked down at the land far below his hooves.
‘Can’t help but think what’s worse: Going to tutoring every day of the week or being discharged from my fencing classes?’
Swashbuckler looks within the chariot to see his saddle bags; one of them packed with drawing equipment and paper, with a wooden sword sticking out.
‘All I can do is just hope the sessions won’t be so long…’
Minutes later, straw-roofed cottages could be seen below. The pegasi guards began to dive down and they landed on the gravel ground. Swashbuckler slipped on his bags and stepped out of the chariot.
“Thank you.” He said to his pilots; they took off, returning to Canterlot.
Swashbuckler looked at the town before him; things were quite peaceful, a breeze was sailing through the town, and cheery ponies going about their ways.
“So where to go?”
An earthquake in the unicorn’s gut shook up; he took notice. He chuckled out of embarrassment, “To get a snack, clearly.”
Swashbuckler looked around to find a good place to eat, and found himself to be at the doorstep of a building that looked very much like a gingerbread house. He looked up at the sign hanging upon the wall that showed a cupcake.
After giving thought, Swashbuckler, with a bell rining, went into Sugarcube Corner.
He walked to the counter and looked below to see various sweets on dispay. Behind the counter was a female earth pony coming out of the kitchen; she was all pink: her coat and mane (which was large and bouncy and in a darker shade), her eyes were sky blue, and sported a cutie mark of three balloons, one yellow, the others blue.
Swashbuckler began, “Hi! I’d like a-”
“AHHHHH!!!!! PIRATE! AHH!!!” The unicorn was answered with a scream of terror from the pink mare and was pelted with all kinds of pastries.
Swashbuckler tried to protest, “No! Wait! Wait a-”
“No!” The mare cried as she hurled a cupcake, “Go away, you pirate!”
“Pirate? Now, hold on-”
A moment later, the unicorn found himself tumbling out the shop; he fell flat on his back with his hat masking his face.
After a groan, Swashbuckler uttered, “That was weird…”
“Oh my gosh! Are you okay?” Called a close female voice.
Swashbuckler rose up to his hooves, “Who? Me? Oh yeah. I’m just fine.” He turned up his hat and saw another of his kind: a unicorn, but mare.
Her eyes were purple and her coat was in a lighter shade. Her mane was dark blue with a streak of hot pink with straight cut bangs; the pattern was the same for her tail, and her cutie mark was six-pointed spark in a shade of rose with five tiny white stars. She looked closely at Swashbuckler and saw his was covered in pastry topping. She giggled at the sight.
“What’s so funny?” The colt asked.
“I think you just met Pinkie Pie, haven’t you?” She asked.
Swashbuckler looked back to Sugarcube Corner, “I guess I have…”
“Anyhow, what brings you here?” The mare asked.
“Well, I’m here from Canterlot for some tutoring.”
The unicorn mare lit up, “Really? Then you must be Swashbuckler, right?”
The colt nodded, “Yeah, I am.”
“Great! I’m Twilight Sparkle. Princess Celestia says I’ll be giving you tutoring.”
Swashbuckler nods, ‘Of course, she did…’
Twilight turns around but turns her head to the male unicorn, “Ready to go to the library?”
The colt turns back to Sugarcube Corner, ‘Wouldn’t want to face that crazy mare, again…’ He turns back to Twilight, “Sure, let’s go.”
Twilight replied, “Great! Just a little extra will bring you back to your game in the princess’ school!”
The unicorns have arrived at a massive tree laden with windows and balconies. As the door was opened, the first thing Swashbuckler had seen exceeded what he thought to encounter: a saw a baby dragon in purple scales with green spines. Swashbuckler couldn’t believe his eyes.
The dragon went to meet the ponies, “Oh hey, Twilight. I just found the books you need to tutor the student from Canterlot.”
“Sounds good, Spike.” Twilight said, “This is Swashbuckler. I’ll be tutoring him for the princess.” She walked to the table see three books, “Okay. All we got to go over is mathematics, literacy, physics, and history. With clear focus, Swashbuckler, we can-”
“Hey, Twilight?” Swashbuckler started.
“Mmm-hmm?” She answered.
“Before we can get started, do you mind if I grab I bite to eat? Couldn’t get one at Sugarcube.”
“Oh, sure!” Twilight allowed, “Just hurry back afterwards; we got a lot to go over.”
Swashbuckler nods. As he quickly walks out, the colt heaves out a sigh of relief, which caught Spike’s attention, raising an eyebrow. But when Twilight called him, the dragon snapped out of his trance.
“Take a letter, Spike.” The mare advised. When Spike took a quill and paper, Twilight began, “Dear, Princess Celestia, I write to say that Swashbuckler has arrived in Ponyville. I will be sure to teach him all he needs to brings his grades back up. Your student, Twilight Sparkle.”
Spike scrolled up the message, and with a deep breath, he blew out green fire that burned the scroll into smoke, which flew out the window. He turns to Twilight, “Are you sure you can do this tutoring thing, Twilight?”
The mare frowns, “What do you mean?”
Spike looks to the door Swashbuckler ran out of, “Swash seemed to leave pretty quickly. Wouldn’t that mean something?”
“Well, he’s just pretty hungry.” Twilight said.
Spike shook his head, “That’s not what I-” His stomach suddenly grumbled and the dragon just belched out a scroll similar to what he sent.
Twilight uses her pink aura magic to open the message, which said:
My dear Twilight,
I’m glad to hear such news and
hope for the best in your experience
as a teacher. But I advise
that you have your friends as
supervisors during your lectures with
Swashbuckler; to make sure he pays
attention. If there’s any problems,
don’t hesitate to write. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
Later on, Twilight had asked one of her friends to come to the library. And who came through the door than a pink mare with a bouncy mane?
“Thanks for helping me out on short notice, Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said.
“It’s no problem Twilight!” The earth mare replied cheerfully, “So what is it that we’re doing again?”
“Princess Celestia has asked me to take in a student, from her school, for tutoring.” Twilight explained, “And she asked me to have you and the other to keep an eye on Swashbuckler so he’ll pay attention. Now, I’ll be right back; gotta get some paper.” She climbed up the stairs to her quarters.
The front door was opened and Swashbuckler came inside. When Pinkie turned to see him, she loudly gasped in alarm.
“Oh boy…” The colt sounded out fear.
“The pirate!” Pinkie screamed. Out of nowhere, she pulled out a batch of cupcakes and threw them at Swashbuckler, once again telling him to beat it. “Get away, you sea curr!”
“Oh come on!” Swashbuckler protested while blocking the cupcakes with his bare hooves.
Soon enough, Twilight came down and saw the commotion. She acted fast and blocked Pinkie’s aiming, “Pinkie! What’re you doing?”
“I’m driving that pirate out of here so you can tutor Swashbuckler!” The earth mare explained as he pointed a hoof to the accused.
“Pinkie! That is Swashbuckler!” Twilight explained.
The loony earth mare looked to the colt, and she had a guilty look on her face, “Oh! I’m so sorry! Sorry about that…”
Swashbuckler wiped his hat of any sweet debris, and nods, “Yeah, that’s okay.”
Pinkie turns to Twilight, “So do you think can you can tutor him?”
Twilight smiles and nods, “Princess Celestia believes I can, and I do, too. How hard could it be?”
