In the cold silent night, Warden’s armour clanged together as he shook in anticipation and anxiety. Sunshine just stood still, unable to help his friend, just as nervous. In a line, the two friends stood side-by-side, awaiting the superior officers’ arrival. The assembly of the 6th Pegasi Force had been an unexpected one, scheduled just an hour ago. Something was wrong. That was the only reason Sunshine could think of for such abrupt gathering of the troops.

That belief was only cemented by the tardiness of the two superior officers that had arranged it. With no words being spoken, very few guards knew who was late, even fewer knew one of their sons stood amongst the troops that had been gathered. Sunshine wanted to sigh, knowing who was holding them up. Warden knew too, and was shaking in his horseshoes as tension built in the atmosphere.

With a loud creak, the large wooden doors that led from the officer’s barracks were opened and out stepped a unicorn guard with full silver armour, wing blades and all. With a cough into his hoof, he began shouting. “Major General Silver Wing and Chief Orion have arrived.” He took a step back, and stood to attention, at the side of the doors.

With no delay, two guards walked out, chatting. Their conversation was inaudible, but both look under some stress and confusion. Both had Silver armour, stating their superiority to the gold-clad rookies that stood before them. The only differences between them were the colour of their eyes and gold insignia that was engraved on their chest plates. The General was a white pegasi, and looked just as young as Orion, but Sunshine knew he was a decade or two older. He was buff, well-built and looked much like any generic guard would.

Orion stopped a few meters before the General did. The General himself stood a few meters from his newest company. In a loud and expected deep voice, he briefed them on the reason behind this gathering.

“I know a lot of you will have been woken up for this, but I don’t want to hear any complaints. Besides, this is about some of your futures.” No murmurs were heard in the pause, as the General gave thought to what he was to say. “Tomorrow will be no ordinary day. In fact, it will be a day of trials, to see which amongst you will be part of new team being assembled at Princess Celestia’s request.” Now began a few murmurs. “It is- Highly unusual that such a request would come in. It is even rarer when the commands come directly from the Princess herself. But one thing I know, this means that the Princesses will be coming to overlook the proceedings.”

That is when the murmurs became more apparent. Although as rude as they were, the General let them die down before speaking again. “That means we need to be in tip-top shape when they turn up. So get some rest, and be prepared. Tomorrow, you will work harder than you ever have before. Dismissed.”

General Iron hoof saluted, turning tail immediately. He wasn’t going to answer any questions. He stopped quickly before Orion, and whispered something into his ear. Orion didn’t flinch but a curious look came across his face. The General glanced back to the retreating crowd, and tried to pick out somepony. Turning back, he saluted Orion and each went their separate ways.

Orion walked towards the crowds, looking at the awaiting Sunshine and Warden. He pulled a straight face but Sunshine knew something was behind it. The closer he came, the less Sunshine knew had happened.

“At ease, rookies” he instructed, nonchalant. “Private Smiles, I need to speak with you.” Orion, still emotionless, gave Warden a glance. Warden was just as deadpan as Orion, but got the message quickly. Warden left quickly with a salute, glancing behind and winking at his superior officer.

“Aye, sir” Sunshine replied, unwilling to risk calling him dad. Orion smiled at his son’s discipline, but let him carry on. “Sir, if I may be so bold to ask, what is going on tomorrow?” the younger stallion asked, curious but not breaking stance. Orion gave it some thought, and nodded.

“I can’t indulge you with much information, but what I can say is this. There will be two trials. The first of which will pick out the 10 guards from the rest. The second will be judged by Princesses Celestia and Luna, who will select their victors and all, will be done. That is all I can share, because that is all I know for certain.”

Orion smiled, perhaps having said too much already. “I hope you will be well prepared. You and your friend. Now get some rest, you’ve got a big day ahead of you, son.” With a reassuring smile, he put a hoof on Sunshine’s shoulder and gave it a pat. He stepped back, saluted and marched away, all without a word from the younger pony.

Sunshine eventually smiled, and whispered to himself, “Sure thing, Dad.” The colt walked away, back to the barracks to rest and prepare. He slowly disappeared into the building, knowing that something big lied waiting for him the very next day.

He lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, questioning the coming events. After a while, he had drifted into the clutches of sleep.

The afternoon had come and the trials were to begin momentarily. Warden and Sunshine stood together in the middle of the pack. Warden’s breathing was deep, keeping himself calm. Sunshine’s was less so. He wasn’t concentrating and was scanning the spectators. Sure enough, the Princess sat in their own section, accompanied by the General and Orion. The two guards were focused on their jobs, trying to remain detached. Orion seemed to be struggling not to cheer for his son. They hadn’t met up before like he had hoped, and so Sunshine had been left with no advice whatsoever. Orion was sweating bullets.

The Princess both gazed out amongst the crowds, with smiles. They looked relaxed and rightly so. It was a day off for them. Princess Luna however looked concerned, scrutinizing the masses to pick out something, or somepony. Catching sight of Sunshine, she turned to Orion on her right, and asked a question. Orion replied quickly, and Luna smiled.

With a loud cough to silence the crowds, Princess Celestia took to her hooves and smiled. “Good Morning, my little ponies. Today is a day for you all to show off your skills as guards. I wish you all good luck” she said, smirking. She could really be cryptic at times. She’d been able to describe the day’s events without giving any more info, leaving Sunshine like the rest out in the dark. Taking a few seconds to breathe and relax, Sunshine felt ready for any challenge.

A pony clad head to hoof in ceremonial armour stood in the stands, drawing all the guards’ attention. “Guards of the Sixth, the first trial will begin. Listen carefully for she will only say it once” he called. He cleared the stage, allowing Princess Luna to take his place. Ponies began muttering, various questions being asked to one another about the Princess and the scroll she had been carrying. The Princess simply held out her hoof, awaiting the silence.

As it fell, she spoke soft and clear, but with power. “Guards. We shall now read thou thy challenge. It shall be a riddle of our own creation. Fair thee well.” With grace and poise, she cleared her throat, and unfurled the scroll.

“We’ve been there for millennia, but often felt neglected. We’ve always given all we have, even though it’s just reflected. As we lie above you now, know that you’re protected, and wish about thy self, that thou have been selected.”

The silence echoed around the place, everypony in deep thought but the smiling princess who stood before them. Quietly, she removed herself from the stage, her smile one of hope. Without his knowledge, the Princess had been watching Sunshine try to figure it out.

Ponies slowly split off with others, walking away to get some privacy. Sunshine did the same, walking away with Warden. “Why’d it have to be riddles?” he asked himself, a little unhappy that it hadn’t been an easier puzzle. Sunshine looked at him, smiling.

“Don’t worry. I overheard somepony saying it was easy” Sunshine laughed, poking his tongue out at Warden, who didn’t pay him much attention. He sat where he stood, and leant against a nearby tree. They were not too far from the stage, but nowhere near any other group; a good position if any.

“‘Been there for Millennia?’ It’s got to be something that’s always there, hasn’t it?” Warden mumbled, trying to give some thought to the riddle. Sunshine nodded, and began thinking about other parts. ‘Neglected?’ It had to be something that no pony pays much attention too.

“What if it wasn’t a pony or an animal? No pony but the Princesses lives for millennia.” Warden continued to think aloud, allowing Sunshine to piece it together in his own head. “It has to be something above us, that much is obvious.”

“So, not a pony, always there, ponies don’t acknowledge it much, reflects everything it has?” Sunshine summarized the points they had made. “Not easy, is it?” Sunshine stretched out, and looked around as if that would give him a clue.

With Sunshine not paying too much attention, Warden continued to think. “Only light can be reflected… so it only has light, and nothing else?” He was stumped, and he didn’t want to admit it. He looked to Sunshine who was staring back at the stage.

Orion was there, talking to the General and the Princesses. What could he be talking about? Sunshine tried to read his lips, but from the distance he was at, all he could decipher was “fight.” Orion was not alone in looking confused; the General too looked out of sorts.

Princess Luna looked as interested as the two guards, her sister rambling on. She glanced all over the place, trying everything to stay out of the conversation. She soon caught sight of Sunshine and Warden, and gave them both a look. She saw Sunshine looking over, and smiled.

Sunshine began piecing it all together. Luna had sounded like she was talking about herself. Millennia ago, Nightmare Moon happened because Luna envied the day, because it always got more recognition that the night which she put everything into… but Luna had never given everything away.

Sunshine’s realisation came accompanied by a wink from the princess. What was Luna, if not a Pony? Still staring at the Princess herself, she grinned at seeing all the cogs having turned in his head.

“Love? Is it Love? That can’t be reflected…” Warden groaned, still talking to himself, “What do you think, Sunshine?” Warden looked up into his friend’s golden eyes and saw enlightenment. “You’ve figured it out haven’t you? Well go on then... What is it?”

“The Moon…”

“How can there be only nine of us? We were all in pairs.” Warden whispered, as attentitive as ever. Sunshine glimpsed around to affirm Warden’s suspicions. There were in fact only nine guards left.

Once again, silence fell as the ceremonial guard walked on stage to address the situation. “Well done to all of you for getting this far. Unfortunately, only two ponies can pass this trial” he said, looking very serious, “you will all be asked to each draw a card. On each card will be a number. You are to find the pony with the same number, and he or she will be your opponent. First, Shooting Star.”

A golden pegasi with long blonde hair walked slowly from the back, making her way on stage, and looking at the ten cards laid before her. With a swipe, she collected a card. She looked at it, and then showed it to the guard. He nodded, taking the card and drawing on a board hidden from view, whilst she disappeared behind stage.

Two more ponies came and went before Warden was called. He was shaking, but he managed to get through it anyway. The guard nodded, and Warden disappeared too. Sunshine glanced around; all the guards that remained were all tall and bulky to the point of being intimidating. Sunshine took a deep breath concentrating.

Time stretched out before Sunshine was called. Cautiously making his way to the cards, he snatched one quickly, and looked. The number 5 printed on it in bold. The guard took the card and told him he would be last. With a nod, Sunshine moved backstage, seeing Warden in full armour.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Warden laughed, “Looks like we’re up for some duels.” Sunshine looked at his friend and thought. He was about to ask before Warden reassured him. “It’s alright. We’re not against each other. I’ve got Shooting Star over there.”

Warden pointed at the mare in the corner, practicing wing combat. She looked determined, as she hit a dummy. Catching Warden’s sight, she waved and smiled, but as soon as she’d done that, she went back to the dummy. “I don’t think she’s going to go easy on you” Sunshine joked, knowing that Warden might have a bit of a tough time.

“Look, Sunshine. I know who you’ve got, and it’s bad. You’ve got the replacement; the pony that is coming in as the tenth competitor. He’s an actual guard from what I’ve heard” Warden said, concerned for his buddy.

Sunshine just brushed it off. They were practically actual guards already. Training finished in a month or so. “I’ll be fine. It looks like you’re up now. Break a leg” Sunshine chuckled, wanting his friend to concentrate. As Warden made his way to the fight area, Sunshine broke off towards the only stall labelled 5 to get ready.

Guard Armour was already heavy without the wooden wing blades. Sunshine made his way to the stands, ready to watch Warden fight. Both competitors were in a chalk ring. It was a large circle, good enough for some space to manuver, but not enough to retreat.

“Warden, ready?” shouted a monochromatic unicorn from the stalls in a thick Scottish accent. Warden stuck his hoof up to signal the okay. “Shooting Star, ready?” he shouted again. Shooting Star, her mane hidden under her helmet, repeated Warden’s gesture. “3…2…1…” he chanted, a few spectators joining in, before he blew a whistle to signal the start.

Immediately, Star had bolted at Warden, going straight for his legs. She would have taken him clean off his hooves if not for a reaction block. Her momentum carried her forward still, and through Warden. The clang of armour connecting echoed.

Both were stunned by the hit, stumbling backwards a few steps. Shaking it off, Warden went on the offensive, pushing her back even more. She stood firm, and pushed back to no avail. Warden side stepped her push, and made a slight hit on her side.

She jumped at the hit, snarling. She leapt back at him, whipping him with her tail, before using her wing to hit Warden’s own wing and her back hoof to sweep him over, sacrificing herself by going to the floor.

Both fell, but connected helmets, another clang ringing around. Everypony held their breath, feeling the hard impact. The contestants rolled away and onto their hooves, stumbling a little but there was no doubt they weren’t done yet.

On instinct alone, Warden went straight for Shooting Star, tackling her to the ground again. She fell hard, and was unable to block as Warden put his wing to her throat in victory.

The whistle was blown, and Warden had triumphed.

The rest of the fights went by quickly; none were very spectacular or memorable. Even the victors hadn’t looked very good, and many hits were scored on everypony. Finally, Sunshine made his way to the ring, and saw his opponent for the first time.

“Dad?” Sunshine asked, seeing his father in full combat gear, “What are you doing?” He was glaring at Orion, his eye twitching. Orion smiled.

“Well hello to you too” he chuckled, “I drew the short straw and had to participate. I didn’t know I’d be against you though.”

The unicorn once again began shouting, “Sunshine Smiles, ready?” Sunshine sighed and signalled ‘yes’.

“Look, don’t go easy on me, alright?” he whispered, annoyed at the surprise.

“Chief Orion, ready?” the unicorn called. Orion threw his hoof in the air.

“You give me too much credit, son.”

“3…2…1…” and the whistle was blown.

Right off the bat, Orion head-butted his son, the hit disorientating the younger stallion. He smirked. “Papa loves you.”

Sunshine, adrenaline kicking in, regained his composition and began swinging at his father. A barrage of wing attacks coming down on him in a spectacular display of agility and persistence, Orion blocked all of them but was pushed backwards. Trying to stand his ground, he was unprepared for the quick buck to his chest.

With good connection, Orion fell backwards. He quickly got back up, seeing his son smirking. “I love you too, Dad” Sunshine growled.

Orion came straight back into the fight, jabbing and blocking as he was trained to do. Sunshine did the same, after all Orion had taught it to him.

The fight was back and forth for a few moments, blows being traded, not a single one hitting. Sunshine was panting, Orion was gasping, and both of them were tiring.

They were close together, moving in a circle, trying to regain some energy. They stared each other down, feigning attacks to draw the other out of their defensive postures.

Orion gave a shove, creating some distance. He turned and bucked, striking with all his might. Sunshine ducked it and came through with an uppercut.

The Warrant Officer flew with the blow, and came crashing down, as Sunshine trudged over. “Game Over” he whispered, as he brought his wing down.

Orion, with a burst of energy kicked out, sweeping Sunshine off his legs. Orion rolled up, and lay flat on top of his son. He pinned him to the ground by his throat, wing ready to strike.

The whistle blew. Orion had won.

“Sorry about that, Son.” Orion smiled, still catching his breath. Sunshine’s head had dropped, his pride diminished. “Look, it’s nothing. At least it means you’re still under my watch.” Orion should have known better. He had tried hard to cheer up his son, but it had been impossible from the beginning.

Warden had been selected for the task force, and had already disappeared with Princess Celestia. Sunshine’s seven year friend had disappeared in the blink of an eye, because Sunshine hadn’t been good enough. That was all Sunshine could think.

Silence drew the seconds out, Sunshine contemplating on what he should do now. He breathed, deep in though. It wouldn’t be an easy decision to make.

“I’ll stay. I want to be a Guard still. I’m not going to let this get me down” he said, thinking aloud. There was no reason to go back on three years training just because of a little mistake he made in a few seconds when he clearly wasn’t thinking straight.

“And why would thou want to do anything different?” called a feminine voice, from behind the father and son duo. Orion sat bolt upright upon hearing the voice, knowing who it was. He jumped to his hooves, turned and saluted. Sunshine, still slightly angry with himself, did the same but with less urgency.

He looked up into the face of the one pony he hadn’t expected to see. Princess Luna. She calmly gazed upon him, showing no emotion but curiosity. Like an electric shock, Sunshine shot up straight, and saluted too.

“At ease, stallions. We are not here with any bad tidings” she giggled, unable to hold it back after the sudden reactions, “In fact; we are here with good news for the both of you.” Interested, the stallions relaxed, and tilted their heads to the side.

“Orion, we would like to ask of thou to pick up the case that we brought with us, along with the pony that accompanied us. Could thou do that for us?” she asked, sincere with a bit of glee in her voice. Orion saluted quickly and galloped away.

As he disappeared over the horizon, Luna turned to Sunshine, a smile on her face. “Thy father has told us much about thou, young colt.” Sunshine’s eyes widened in shock, unsure whether to be happy or worried. “Thy story is fascinating to us, because it reminds us of our own.”

Seeing the colt’s obvious nervousness, Luna thought to break the ice. “We must say that we have never seen it stuck so much to a superior guard that thou did with thy father” Luna giggled, bring a smile to the guard’s face, “Thou have natural skill for guard’s work. Agility more so than many guards that have come and gone through our time could ever hope to possess.”

Luna smiled, as she so rarely did, with curiosity. She desired to learn more of this young stallion from his own mouth. “We shall let thou in on a little secret. This tournament was arranged so that we could examine thou with our own eyes. It is the reason thou father was to head this event with the good General.”

Sunshine listened to the Princess intently, believing he knew where this might be going. “We would like to offer you a place at our side. A personal guard as it were. Few are given this opportunity and we must admit that we have been impressed. So what do thou say, Sunshine Smiles?”

Sunshine didn’t have to think much about it. “I would be honoured, your Majesty” he chanted, saluting at the princess, much to her amusement. She giggled once again at the guard’s dramatic antics.

“Call me Luna, Sunshine. We will probably do the same for thou” she said, trying to establish so informality before he got the wrong idea. “Thou will act as our friend and not as our subordinate.” She smiled at Sunshine, caring and happy.

Sunshine did the same, a blush coming on. So soon after the loss of one friend, he had made another. The two began to talk about life, to learn more about each other. The sun had set and the Princess brought up the moon. Sunshine looked to the night sky, marvelling in its beauty.

Soon, a figure appeared over the horizon, coming closer with case in tow. “Luna, you called?” he asked, looking at the Princess with a smile. Sunshine glanced backwards briefly to see who it was. It was a dark grey pegasi, much like himself.

Something niggling at the back of his mind caused him to take a second look, and see that the newcomer was very much the same as him.

“You have bat wings…” Sunshine gasped, jumping to his hooves, “Why do you have bat wings?” Sunshine circled the newcomer, who smiled at the curious young stallion. He laughed a bit, knowing all too well he would have done the same.

He stopped Sunshine with a hoof, and held it out for him to bump. “Frolicsome Meadowlark, at your service” he chuckled. Sunshine gave him a curious look, trying not to smile as the thought came to mind.

“A bit ironic for a bat pony, isn’t it?” he asked, knowing fully that the same question would be thrown back at him. He was barely able to stop himself from going into hysterics.

“Yours isn’t any better, Sunshine Smiles…” Frolicsome said, teasing the younger stallion, “Named after the song I presume…”

Sunshine nodded, the song playing through his head at the mention of it. “No need for introductions then…” Luna snickered, laughing at her friends’ antics, “It is, however, getting late, and we must return to the castle for night court very soon. Frolicsome, if you’d please.”

Frolicsome nodded and turned to the case he had brought with him. With a flick of his wing, the locks undid, and the lid flew back. Sunshine took a few steps to peer inside, and saw something that shocked him.

Silver Night Guard Armour, glinting in the moonlight. His new armour. Sunshine gapped at it, overjoyed with it. He couldn’t thank the Princess enough. He turned to her and, unable to hold his glee in, pounced upon her, embracing her tightly.

“You’re welcome, my little pony” Luna whispered, blushing at the sudden but not unwelcome hug. She brought a hoof up to his back and held him back. “You’re welcome.”

Author's Notes:

So much got cut and added... and we were worried that we wouldn't get past 2500. Ha, what were we thinking!
Sorry if it seems rushed too. Procrastination and all that.

Anyone who gets the reference to the old UK show, Gladiators, you're awesome.
Anyhow, yes, the names are from Egophiliac's comic.
The subplot of the song got cut out a lot, so we'll just share it with thou. You are my Sunshine's chorus