A Lovely Flame

Spike was having the greatest dream. He was the king of a castle made of chocolate and precious gems, his crown was made of cookie dough and incrusted with rubies and his scepter was a chocolate stick with a sapphire on the tip. But the best thing was his beautiful queen, Lady Rarity, who entered the palace under a shower of chocolate chips and…

A sudden shake woke him up of his fantasy.

“Twilight? What’s happening?”

It took him a minute to realize that not only Twilight wasn’t there but that he wasn’t at the library at all. He was in the train to Canterlot and it seemed he had arrived. He was called to the city under “royal duties” what actually meant he had to pick-up a bunch of papers he couldn’t receive under the normal spell way but instead had to bring manually. In other words, more work.  He didn’t hate helping Twilight, in fact, that was what makes him her number one assistant; but having to travel all alone and then spend an entire day around all those boring scribes unicorns, marking every single item of the list and then having to come back to Ponyville without even being able to visit his favorite donut store; that was something he didn’t like at all. Oh well, a man´s gotta do what a man´s gotta do. At least, that´s what Shining Armor used to say and he was the coolest stallion he knew.

He went off the train but right then he was stopped by the Royal Guard.

“Halt!”

“Uh guys? It´s me Spike? Twilight Sparkle´s assistant? The little dragon? Come on, you know me!”

“The captain wants to speak with you!”

Spike gulped nervously. The Captain of the Royal Guard? Why did he want to speak with him? Have he done something wrong? But he had just arrived to Canterlot!

The guards escorted him to a balcony where a white unicorn with a purple armor was giving orders to some pegasi. Spike gulped again, fearing the worst when the stallion turned around and…

“Shining?”

“Spike, so good to see you!”

Shining Armor rushed to hug the dragon and Spike finally let out the air.

“I haven’t see you in ages! Hey, you have grown up since then?”

“I have?”

“Yeah, check out those muscles! You have been working out, uh hot stuff?” and he teased him, punching his shoulders.

“Well, I have been doing a little exercise. I have to stay in shape!” and the dragon flexed some nonexistent muscles. All the other guards rolled his eyes but Shining smiled fondly.

“Hey, wait a minute! Since when you are the captain of the guard?”

“Since this week. Well, I was named before you and Twilie went to Ponyville but I took charge just two days ago.” He explained.

“Woa, you look so cool in that armor! Just wait until Twilight sees you!”

“Thanks and speaking of little Smarty Pants, how´s she doing?”

“Great! She and the girls took care of a dragon that was threatening Ponyville. Of course, if I had go with them I would had dealt with him in just two seconds!” and he started punching the air, causing the guards to lose their stoic faces.

Trying to stop him for embarrassing him more, Shining guided Spike down the stairs. “Come now, I´ll take you to the library. So, tell me more about Twilie´s friends. On her letter she said she made some great ones.”

“Oh yeah, they´re all great!”

“Well, tell me about them.”

“Well, let´s see. There’s Rainbow Dash. She’s a pegasus. She is awesome. She can clear the sky in ten seconds flat. For real. And there´s Applejack. She is a farm girl and a great friend. She can buck an entire apple orchard herself. Well, most of it. And then you got Rarity. Total knock-out. Twilight seems to think I don’t even have a chance with her, but… eh, what does she know? Let’s see. There’s… there’s Fluttershy, a pegasus who’s afraid of heights. Heh, what’s up with that?”

Shining smiled fondly again and led the dragon to the library.

****

Shining remembered the night that Twilight had first left for Ponyville. He knew she was going to be all right and, even if he couldn’t help feel a little worried about her, he also knew that she wasn´t the little filly who was afraid of the dark anymore. He couldn’t protect her all her life. Someday she would have to go out and live her life and that day had come. But still, Shining knew his sister better than anypony and if she was as worried about something as she was about this whole Nightmare Moon business; then she must be right.

Shining entered his father observatory and found him, like usual, sitting next to the telescope, gazing the stars. When he was a little colt, before Twilight was born, he and his father spent entire nights watching the sky and naming all the constellations. The star were aligned by the missing Princess Luna a thousand years before her disappearance and haven’t changed since then, except for the meteor shower Princess Celestia did for her sister every century to remember her. His father had explained to Shining how the sky worked under the influence of unicorn’s magic and the role the alicorn sister had in that but Shining couldn’t remember it well. As much as he loved his father he simply didn’t share his passion for astronomy. His little sister was the one who shared his father´s interests.

“Dad?”

His father looked up from the telescope and smiled “Shining! I wasn’t expecting you! I thought you´ll be at the soldiers barracks.”

“I´ll go later but first, I took another look at Twilight´s work and she maybe into something here…”

“Shining, Nightmare Moon is merely an old mare´s tale. I already explained when you were a colt why the craters in the moon seem to take the shape of a unicorn silhouette. It´s because…”

“Yeah, I remember but dad, you know Twilight…” Shining interrupted him. “She may not be the most sociable of ponies but when it comes to studying she is the best. If she believes this Nightmare Moon threat is real then so do I.”

His father lost his soft expression and descended from the balcony. “And what evidence do you two have about this Nightmare Moon?”

“Well, for starters look at the sky. The stars have been moving in a strange pattern and..”

“Oh, so now you are a scientist!”

“…dad.”

Regretting his outburst, Shining’s father placed his hoof on his son shoulder. “I´m sorry, son. You know I can’t be more proud of you for following you uncle´s hoof-steps in the Royal Guard but you made that decision long ago. You can’t expect me to suddenly trust your word in a matter you have barely studied.”

“But Twilight…”

“Your sister is a really intelligent and talented mare but she still has a lot to learn and she does a tendency to let her crazy theories overwhelm her. Remember that time she was convinced of the existence of sea-ponies and tried to travel undersea using your shield barrier spell?”

“Yes…” how could he forget that? Shining dived to save her and the bubble broke up, slowly threating to drown them while a giant octopus almost ate them. Have not been for the intervention of Princess Celestia...

“Okay then, why don’t you stop worrying about those silly superstitions and start getting ready to assume your duties? You have just been named Captain of the Guard, son; a great honor that nopony in our family had achieved and again, son…” and he lifted his head to meet his eyes. “I can´t be more proud of you.”

“Thanks dad.”

A hug between father and son can say more than a thousand written letters.

****

Shining finished adjusting his bowtie. While he had magic unlike most unicorns he liked putting his clothes by hoof, it made him feel prouder, like he had just accomplished a great task even when it was something really simple. He gave himself one last look and smiled.

Yeah, he was looking pretty good.

Tonight was the night of the Grand Galloping Gala and of course he was invited. One of the few and rare nights of the year when he was spared of his duties and could just relax; and this night was even better. His little sister had been invited this year as well and with all of her friends for Ponyville.

Shining was anxious to meet them having read so much about them on Twilight’s letters. From good things like how she helped during the wrap up of winter which was done the earth pony way in Ponyille, to not so good things like that infestation of adorable creatures; Twilight had been sending a letter weekly to Shining telling him about her adventures.

He had troubles trying to remember all those mare´s names but he did remembered the one that was a super-model, having seen her face on magazines and saw some of the designs of her other friend while escorting Hoity Toity. Now was finally his chance to meet them and to reunite with his adorable little sister and with Spike too, even if he had seen him twice this year, the last time the little dragon spent all day talking about his chivalrous rescue of his loved one.

Shining calmly trotted to the palace, hoping NOT to run into Prince Blueblood (one time escorting that guy was enough, thank you) and once he opened the gates, he founded the spoils of war.

“What the…”

The whole palace was in ruins, the guests all ragged and the party long ago cancelled.

“Soldier!”

“Yes sir!

“Care to explain what happened in here?”

“Well you see sir there was this pink pony who started singing and pushing everypony around and then there was a flying cake and a raccoon…”

Shining may be young but he knew how to make himself respected. It only took one single look, the look he had learned from his mother, to reduce the soldier to a shaking mess, desperate to come up with an explanation.

“At ease, soldier.”

Shining turned over to face the silvery figure of Princess Luna. He had only seen her once before, during the ceremony of her rerun. That time she seemed so small and helpless. But now it was nighttime and she looked like the princess of the night should; tall, regal, towering but yet delicate and graceful. Shining was so enthralled by her presence that he almost forgot to bow.

“Your highness, my apologies. My name is…”

“Shining Armor.”

“Yo-you know my name?”

“Of course. It would be improper for a princess to ignore the name of the captain of her own guard.”

“O-of course…”

“Even if said captain is clearly neglecting his duties.”

“Excuse me?” he immediately regretted his words. He was offended but that didn’t mean he could disrespect one of the rulers of Equestria.

If she was insulted by his lack of decorum, Princess Luna didn’t show it. “My sister is too leaning, allowing the captain to take a day off-duty to enjoy the celebrations. Had you been present this debacle may have been avoided.”

Shining lowered his head in shame. “My apologies, your highness…”

Since he got no answer he peeked up and found the Princess in deep reflection. She was looking at the garden, right where all the statues of the brave ponies of yesterday stood, circling the menacing figure of the dreaded draconequus. Was she remembering times from before? When said garden was barren and she and her sister played as fillies on the grass?

“In previous centuries, this celebration was the most regal of all. A festival made to commemorate the founding of Canterlot. I tried to maintain proper etiquette on each occasion but Celestia always took it as a joke, mocking the courtiers…”

There was a deep and clear tone of melancholy and sadness on the Princess´s speech. She wasn’t explaining things to Shining but more like just reminiscing aloud. For a second, Shining thought he saw the small faint shadow of a smile and the glimmering spark of a tear.

“Arise, Captain Armor!”

Shining solemnly obeyed.

“You have been granted permission to spend the festivities as a commoner. Leave.”

“But Your Majesty, about this mess…”

“I will instruct the servants.”

“But…”

“You may retire, Shining Armor.”

Shining didn’t want to argue with the Princess. Unlike the easily approachable Celestia, Princess Luna followed outdated protocols and disregarded any attempts to change them.

Shining found her strength to return and face her servants after being missing a thousand years was admirable, especially considering she almost bring destruction to the kingdom by casting eternal nighttime. The details of her resurrection were kept discreet to most ponies except a few select of the Canterlot royalty just as Shining himself. After all, most ponies believed Nightmare Moon to be merely a horror tale for the Nightmare Night festival and seeing the actual Princess they would never associate her with the terrible Mare in the Moon.  Princess Luna may be hard to approach and a bit old-fashioned but she clearly loved both her subjects and her sister and the softness on her eyes were unrivaled, except perhaps for Twilight.

As far as Shining was concerned, the Princess was identical to his little sister. The same air of stiffness and rectitude on their speeches; betrayed by the evident innocence and youthfulness of their looks. Even when they were both grown mares, and one was a thousand years old Princess, they both acted like little fillies filled with curiosity and naiveté about the outside world.

Shining did a reverence to the Princess and left. He took just two steps before hearing the imposing Royal Canterlot Voice.

“MINE FELLOW CITIZENS; PLEASE REMAIN CALM AND RETURN TO YOUR FESTIVITIES! AS THY PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT, WE COMMAND THOU LOT TO CELEBRATE! NOW SOLDIERS, BRING FORTH THE MUSIC!!!!”

If the hard rock music was any indication, it seemed like despite her antique speech patterns, the Princess was quick to adjust to modern times,

Shining did a little damage control of the surroundings. All the animals of the garden were still running amok, chewing on the tablecloths, Prince Blueblood was sobbing in a corner covered in cake frost (not that he didn’t deserved it, he thought), a statue had fallen down, taking some columns with it and most of the guests looked like a mess. Whatever have been the cause of this mess, the Princess was right. He should have been here to avoid it.

He took one last look at the guests and suddenly recognizing a familiar silhouette. Pinkie wings and majestic mane, could she be? He pushed the guests aside as he approached the delicate figure of an alicorn princess. Not Celestia or Luna but…

She then turned over and recognized him instantly.

“Shining Armor!”

“Oh, hi- hello ejem! Good evening, Cadance I mean Princess Mia Amore Cadenza!” and he did a reverence.

“Please Shining, we known each other since foals! You don’t need to do that.”

“I´m afraid is merely protocol, your highness.”

Cadance merely rolled her eyes. Exactly like his sister, she thought.

He instead complimented her looks. “That dress looks lovely on you…your highness!”

“Thank you.” She admitted with a little blush. “And it looked better before that stampede ruined it. I wonder what gotten into that poor pegasus to yell at the animals like that. The garden animals are usually very calm and quiet.”

“My apologies, it´s my fault for not being here…”

“Nonsense Shining, it´s not your fault at all. Besides nopony got hurt and it actually was the most fun I ever had on the Gala. Every year it gets duller and boring but this was so unexpected.” And she laughed with that musical tone.

All the memories returned to Shining head. She was the still the same beautiful mare he knew all those years ago. When he first laid his eyes on her, he felt instantly in love. She was the most beautiful mare he had seen. But of course, he was nothing more but the dorky big brother of the foal she took care of. Every time he tried to impress her he came out sounding like an idiot or in the hospital for falling of a skateboard. He never dared to tell her how he really felt back then but the feeling was still inside his chest, still beating…

Her sudden sigh brought him back to reality. “It´s a shame the party was cancelled. I was hoping to meet Twilight. I heard she was back in Canterlot and we haven’t see each other in yea-” she brought a hoof to her mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry! I forgot that you probably haven’t see her in a while too!”

“Yes but we write each other weekly. Besides, I have been pretty busy myself.  Travelling across the kingdom to supervise the royal squads from Baltimare to Trottingham. I even took a full week for a diplomatic mission on Saddle Arabia.”

“Impressive.”

“Yeah…”

Awkward silences. Shining Armor’s biggest fear. A furious manticore, a rampaging dragon, even her own sister burning with anger; he could handle all that but if there was one thing that could penetrate that magical barrier of his was that moment when he realized he was standing right in front of the most perfect mare in the whole of Equestria and he had absolutely nothing to say.

“Moustache!”

“What?”

Nothing clever at least.

“Nothing…”

“Say Shining, since the party has been trampled and everything…would you like to go grab a bite somewhere?”

“O-of course, Princ-I mean Cadance!” he corrected himself when she gave him that look.

“So, where do we go?”

“I know this great donut place. Twilie used to hide there after classes and whenever I came looking for her, Doughnut Joe treated us to some delicious sparkles and cream ones.”

“Sounds delicious.”

During the travel to the store, Cadance talked all the time on her harmonious normal tone. She told him how she give up the foalsitting business a long ago, how Twilight was the best filly she took care of, how she had been working hard to earn a place on the Canterlot Philharmonic, how proud the Princess was of her proving she could make her own way on life away from royalty by working, how happy she was of seeing her aunt Luna again and something about oatmeal that she obviously said just to see if Shining was paying attention. Luckily he got that last one because a few times he lost himself on her eyes and tripped. He even tripped when entering the store after opening the door for her.

Doughnut Joe was mopping the floor without his magic when he watched Candace helping Shining back to his hooves. “Well well, there´s somepony I never though I´ll see again! Hey there Shinny! And you too Candy or should I say, Princess Mia Amore Cadenza?”

“Hi there Doughnut!” she said.

“Wait! You two knew each other?” Shining asked, confused.

“Who do you think taught Twilight about this place to begin with?”

Shining smiled as he pushed the seat for her. “Twilight, eh? You two just missed her!” Doughnut Joe then said.

“She was here?” Cadance asked.

“Yep, she, the Princess, Spike and some other mares I don’t know. They all looked like they were caught by a tornado or something.”

“I’m starting to guess what happened at the Palace…” Shining murmured.

“Oh poor things! They must have had a terrible night!”

“Didn’t seem like. They were all laughing aloud and saying how lucky they were for being together and stuff.”

“Seems like they have a great night despite everything…” Cadance said and smiled at Shining.

“Now what can I get for you two lovebirds?”

“Oh no no we´re not no it´s not like that! Umh…” they began in unison and Doughnut Joe laughed aloud.

*******

Shining was standing at the train station. He didn’t bother with any clothes that day which caused some up-tight ponies to dismiss him. He didn’t care at all, his parents usually didn’t wear clothes either, a testament of their commoners roots and they taught their children to not be so pretentions and wear whatever they feel like wearing. Besides, Shining knew that those ponies ignored who they were dismissing. Shining enjoyed his duties very much but he also appreciate the rare chances he had for off-duty time and spend them like any other ponies, not caring at all about his rank an certainly not bragging about it. Besides, this was a special occasion and nothing can possibly ruin it.

The train stopped and out of it jumped a purple little figure.

“Shining!”

“Twilie!”

She ran straight to his forelegs and they both entangled in a hug that didn’t last enough for them.

“I´m so happy to see you, big brother!”

“Me too shrimp!” and he rubbed her head.

“Cut it out!”

“Okay, let´s go to mom and dad´s house…”

“Wait! I need to take my luggage!”

“You meant those saddlebags aren’t your luggage?”

“Not all of it!” and she waved to tow poor earth ponies who were trying to lift a huge suitcase that seemed to weight a ton.

“What´s that?”

“I need to keep up with my studies! I have already waste a lot of time and this imposed vacation isn’t going to prevent me for caching up!”

“Twilight, Princess Celestia gave you this time-off because she think you need to relax after your whole turning-a-town-full-of-ponies-crazy a few weeks ago. This is not a punishment. She is worried about you.”

“I know but...”

“Twilight.” He was giving him the “stern-brother” look, the same one their mother have, so Twilight knew that resisting was useless.

“Okay, I understand…”

Shining smiled and hugged her again.

“That means we should take this back to the train?” the poor crushed ponies asked.

“No, I´ll handle that.” And he magically lifted the bag. “Ugh, what did you bring in here, bricks?”

“Just a small reading material. “

“Ugh, I was actually hoping you would go out a little. Go to a party or something…”

“I don’t have time for that Shining!”

“You have ten full days. You should try to make some new friends ugh!”

“I already have great friends and I have my B.B.B.F.F with me…”

Shining smiled and let her join her magic with his to easily lift the filled suitcase.

“Twilile, I want to apologize for not helping you during the whole incident with Discord. I´m sure you went through some terrible ordeals…”

“Shining please, I knew you were busy guarding the castle. If it weren’t for you and the rest of the unicorn guards placing a protection spell the whole of Canterlot would have fell prey to Discord´s chaos. You turned it into a safe haven for ponies.”

“Stop it. I’m blushing…”

“Don’t. You are really talented, wish I could have half of your talent…”

“Hey, don’t give me that, kiddo! You’re really talented!”

“I wish. Just look at the mess I made trying to copy Cadance´s spell. Instead of loving Smarty Pants they started biting each other legs for her…”

“An honest mistake, sis. Don’t blame yourself. And speaking of Cadan-“

“Did I tell you I met Princess Luna? I ran into her during Nightmare Night and helped her make some friends, turns out we have a lot in common! Oh, I also helped cure my friend’s Applejack sister of Cutie Pox and I got to play a superhero a few days ago!”

“Really?”

“Yes, I was Mare-Do-Well!”

“Yeah right. You were that Mare-Do-Well…”

“I was Mare-Do-Well!”

“Twilight, I read the papers. She stopped a falling carriage with her back legs. You can barely lift a book without magic!”

“That´s not true! I came out fifth on the leaves race! And I was Mare-Do-Well, one of them at least! It was me and my friends who played that role all together!”

“Sure shrimp, whatever you say!”

“I knew we should have made that public but Cheerilee told me the fillies will get disappointed with the truth and it was better telling hem Mare-Do-Well moved to Manehatta-o, now I remember I´m going to miss the Family Appreciation Day!”

“Uh Twilie, you don’t have family in Ponyville…”

“I have an extended family and Applebloom actually asked me to take Granny Smith place because she was sick or something but then she changed her mind and I received the letter with the Princess telling me to come here. Such a wasted opportunity I even prepared a whole presentation!”

“Always ready to lecture the young fillies you…”

“Of course! I’m merely following Cadance example! She was the best pony I knew after all, and she always helped other ponies!”

“Yeah, about Cada-“

“I even brought the presentation with me. Want to read it?” and she opened her saddlebags with her mouth to not lose the concentration.

“What´s that in your saddlebag?”

“Uh? Oh, it´s just a flyer for the Sisterhooves Social event…I think they held it yesterday.”

“And you didn’t participate?”

“It says Sisterhooves, Shining. You need a sister to compete.”

“So? I could have put on a dress and pretend to be your big sister!”

“What?”

“Hi! My name is Gleaming Shield! I’m Twilight’s big sister!” he said in a pretty bad effeminate voice.

“Don’t do that ever again…”

“Oh, would you look at this adorable little thing! Why yes, I love my sister very much! She is my L.S.B.F.F!” and he hugged her and rubbed his chin on her head.

“Cut it out! You’re freaking me out!”

They finally reached their parents’ house. Their father was sleeping like the good nocturnal pony he was while their mother was on the study finishing his latest novel.

“Mom!”

“Twilight!”

Twilight Velvet turned over and received her little daughter.

Seeing them together, Shining Armor understood something. The same kind of unique bond that he and his father shared, Twilight have it with her mother. It was something gender related, a special type of bond that only boys can understand the same way they failed to understand the girls’ one. Suddenly the image of the foals he´ll have with Cadance came to his mind and Shining almost exploded with embarrassment.

“Where’s Spike?” Velvet wanted to know.

“Oh, he’s not coming. He needs to stay in Ponyville in case some of my friends need to write a letter to the Princess.”

“Oh, that poor kid never gets a rest. Oh, I just remembered! My friend just gave me a signed copy of the latest Daring-Do book! I know you were waiting for it!” and she magically levitated the book.

“Oh, thank you so much mom! You know I have a friend who is exactly like Daring…”

“Really? Let me guess, that Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah, the other day she wanted a pet so Fluttershy dragged her to…”

“…hey Twilie. I wanted to tell you…” but Twilight and her mother were in a world of their own and didn’t pay any attention to him anymore.

“…I´ll tell you later.”

*****

Fancypants looked at Rarity and her friends and smiled. The little thing had showed her true colors and stood up for her friends even when she faced being shunned by some of the most up-tight Canterlot ponies. Fancypants didn’t consider that he came to her rescue, she was more than capable of standing on her own but he was glad to have put a stop to all the mockery and now those lovely rustic ponies were enjoying the evening like they should have from the start.

He turned over and almost dropped his monocle due to the surprise.

“My stars! Captain Armor himself graces us with his presence?”

“Relax Mr.…eh, trousers?”

“Fancypants.”

“Yeah, that. I´m merely here because we received a report that some crazy ponies were umh crashing the Garden Party.”

“Crashing? What nonsense!” and he scolded Jet Set and his wife with a look. “These lovely mares actually lived up a pretty dull party with their adorable rustic attics.”

“Adorable rustic?” Shining peeked over Fancypant´s scheduler and got his turn to be surprised. “Twilie?”

“Twilie you said?”

Ignoring Fancypants, Shining trotted over to his sister.

“Shining Armor? What are you doing in here?”

“That’s what I should be asking! You told me you will spend your birthday in Ponyville this year!”

“Yeah, I was but then my friend Rarity couldn’t come so we decide to move the party here…”

“And it didn’t occur to you to tell your family you were coming to the city?”

“Shining please…”

Seeing the pitiful look on his little sister, Shining sighed and gave up. “Okay okay. I’m not mad just got surprised that’s all. Hey, where’s Spike?”

“I didn’t bring him. It´s too late at night and he’s still a baby dragon.”

“He’s going to get mad at you.”

“He did complain a little but felt asleep just before I left.”

“Okay, now what do you say me and your friends play a little game before I get back to my duties, shrimp!”

“Shining, no!”

“What?”

“Don’t embarrass me in front of my friends! This is my first party with just my friends! I don’t want to play any little fillies games!”

“Okay okay I understand but at least introduce me! I haven’t met any of your friends yet!”

“Oka-“

“Picture! Picture!”

“Twilight, come over here!”

“Uh, wait for me!”

“Twi-“ but Twilight ignored her brother again and rushed to pose with her friends for the picture.

Just as Shining was about to retire he was greeted by a pink puffy mane.

“Hello, my name is Pinkie Pie! A pleasure to meet you Twilight’s brother she barely mentioned before!” and she waved his hoof.

“Pinkie!”

“Sorry gotta go!” and she rushed to slide in just as the picture was taken.

Twilight laughed along with her friends and then turned over to call for her brother but he was already gone.

*****

The play had just ended and Shining sang the Heart´s Warming Eve Carol along with everypony else. He remembered going to see the play with his parents when he was a little colt and felt the warm growing on his heart. The play was always special to him but this year was even more special but because he will spend it with the mare he had loved for years.

He went to the backstage and called his sister.

“Twilie!”

“Shining, you came! Did you watch me on stage?”

“Yeah I did. Finally get the chance to be Clover the Clever, uh?”

Twilight gave him a big smile. She didn’t need to explain to him how she admired the unicorn, having read about her for years and always asking to play the part in the school plays.

“You liked the play?”

“Really good. Your friend was really chewing the stage up there…”

“Yeah, I think Pinkie overreacted a little…”

“I was actually talking about the one that played Princess Platinum. What was her mane again, Curiosity?”

“Rarity. How come you never remember the name of my friends?”

“Like you know the names of all my friends!”

“Actually I do! There´s…”

“Twilight!”

“I´m coming girls! You will stop by mom and dad´s house later?”

“I’ll try, little sis but I have something to take care of first…”

“Okay. I love you brother.”

“I love you too, Twilight.”

And they nuzzled, sharing this small intimate moment between brother and sister.

****

Shining Armor gave a good look at the intruder who got into the Library Archives. He looked at the black suit, the eye patch and the disheveled hair of the unicorn.

The unicorn lowered her head and resigned to her fate.

“Go ahead.”

“….HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

“It´s not that funny…”

“Yes, it is hahaha you look ridiculous! Hahaha!”

Twilight covered her face in shame. She had already made a fool of herself but having her brother laughing at her face was even worse.

“And the funniest part is that you brought this to yourself hahaha!”

“Please don’t mention it! The time paradox is giving me a headache…”

“Sorry sorry!”

“I better take Spike to bed. Come on Pinkie, let´s go!”

“Goodbye Twilight’s brother with whom we have barely interact so far!”

“Goodbye Twilie, Spike, uh cotton candy!”

“Pinkie Pie!” Twilight yelled.

“Meh, close enough.”

The second Twilight and her friends left, Shining dropped the friendly face and put on the stoic expression necessary to his position.

“Princess Celestia…”

“What’s the matter, Shining Armor?”

“I request you let me lead an expedition to the Gates of Tartarus.”

“Is this about Cerberus? Because Twilight has already returned him…”

“With all due respect your highness, I do not believe he had escaped on his own. Cerberus was trained by Star Swirl himself; he is an obedient guardian who will never leave his position unless someone had released him.”

Princess Celestia finally put serious. “What are you implying, captain?”

“This last series of incidents. The escape of Cerberus, the sights of Windigos, the release of Discord, the return of Nightmare Moon. I believe these are not isolated events.”

Princess Celestia looked straight at Shining’s eyes. She had seen the same face in dozens of her guards and knew that despite the frown face the eyes did not lied. If the guards were nervous their eyes betrayed them but Shining eyes didn’t not hesitate. He stayed firm and convinced of his suspicions.

“Very well captain. You may take as many soldiers as you want. You have my permission.”

Shining saluted the Princess as she left.

He gave one last look at the hourglass in the center of the room. He hoped he was wrong.

He really hoped that.

*****

Shining and Candace were sitting in a bench on the castle garden. The night sky looked beautiful with a huge full moon and sparkling stars circling it. Princess Luna had really outdone herself with tonight´s picture.

It was her first Hearts and Hooves Day since her return after all so she wanted to celebrate. Both lovers watched the stars embrace.

“What’s that in your pocket?”

“What? Oh, i-it’s nothing…”

“…show me.”

Cadance had inherited her aunt’s ways of persuasion so he magically lifted the letter without complaining.

“It´s just a Hearts of Hooves day card…”

“And who sends you Hearts and Hooves day cards, mister?”

“It´s just from Twilight…”

“Oh how cute! She still sends you cards in this day like she was a little foal! Remember that giant one of you and a bride together in the moon? I helped her made that!”

“Really?”

“Yeah I remember it well because when I asked her who the bride was she said, why, you cadence! Because you will marry my big brother someday! Hahahha…” Cadance stopped laughing when she realized what she had just said aloud. Shining on the other hoof was simply out of batteries. “…uuh, just don’t go hiding things form me again, mister!”

“Auh! Don’t hit me!”

“Sorry.”

“…cadence.”

“Ye-yes?”

“I-I-I´m going to an expedition so I´ll be out for a few days so umh that I won’t be here for a while…”

“Oh, o-okay.”

Shining facehoofed. That wasn’t what he wanted to say! Come one, come on! It shouldn’t be so difficult!

“Uh Cadance I well I wanted to you see I-I well I dammit it! Just say it! I…I…”

Seeing her poor coltfriend suffering so much, Cadance hold his face tight and looked straight at his eyes.

“Just say it, Shiny…”

“…Princess Mia Amore Cadenza…” and he kneeled in front of her, a difficult trick for anypony, and took out the ring from his other pocket. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Tears assaulted Cadance´s eyes as she covered her mouth with her hooves.

“Before you said anything think this, you will not only gain a husband but also a great sister!”

Cadance kept crying with her face covered.

“So…what is it?”

Those five seconds were hell for poor Shining.

“YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!”

She didn’t see the scene herself, but Princess Luna moon blessed the happy couple for her.

*****

The Gates of Tartarus were surrounded by a terrible barren valley, located far past the griffon´s land. Few ponies dared to venture there and fewer returned to tell the tale. Even the royal guards, trained to deal with dragon’s invasion and the like were vsisibly shaking at the terrible views. Shining smiled and kept for himself the fact that his little sister, a mare half the size of them, have come and go form this infernal valley relative unscathed.

Once they reached the iron doors the humongous three headed guardian dog jumped at them. The pegasi guards jumped into the air in a disorganized formation while the earth and unicorn guards took out their weapons. Shining ordered them to lower the spears and walked to the giant dog.

“Who’s a good doggy? Who’s a good doggy? Yes you are yes you are!”

The giant canine fell down to his back and let Shining rub his belly. The guards looked at each other puzzled but drop their guards.

“Good boy. Now guys, let´s move, search the perimeters and report anything suspicious you find!”

“Sir!” and the guards went their separate ways.

“What happened big guy? What make yah so scared that yah ran outta here?”

The giant dog made some puppy cries and Shining felt sorry for him. Seriously, what could have possibly scared Cerberus out of his position? He knew the dog was furious and didn’t fear any beats. It was even said that during the confrontation of Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon when the Princess rushed to search for the Elements of Harmony, Cerberus stand guard and faced Nightmare. Of course, he failed of course, most likely because he didn’t wanted to hurt one of his masters, recognizing the little Princess inside the terrible mare but still; the picture of the three headed dog facing the terrible mare of nightmares was something Shining could only describe as epic.

So, what could have possibly scared him away? What terrible presence lurked in that valley? Shining couldn’t help but feel a pair of tow menacing green glowing eyes on his back…

“Sir?” Shining turned around, surprised. “We have found the dog caretaker.”

A familiar elder pony appeared escorted by the unicorns guards. Shining knew him as Mr. Hayseed because he couldn’t remember his name but he had seen him around the royal garden. Strange, did he always have a Cutie Mark of a corncob pipe?

“What can ah do fer ya, sonny?”

“Oh, good evening sir. Uh you have been taking care of Cerberus here, right?”

“Yup, ah have been watching after little kero ´ere. This little rascal escaped the other day ah looked fer him all day when a little thing came and brought ´im back.”

“Yeah, that must have been Twilight but sir, why did Cerberus escape din the first place?”

“Beat´me, ah was watering mah petunias when suddenly ah heard a noise and when ah came tah look tah little fellow had ran off away. Don´ know wat scare´ yah.” And Mr. Hayseed patted the dog who wimped in fear at first but later relaxed.

Shining still have some doubts, something didn’t feel quite right with the whole scenario. Just then the pegasi guards returned.

“We´re back sir! Nothing strange to report!”

The earth ponies have also nothing to say.

“And what about you mister, have you seen anything strange?”

“Nuthing of tah sort sonny.”

Shining pondered for a few minutes in a pose reminiscing of his sister, rubbing his chin. Something was off, but what? What was it?

“Sir! “ A pegasi not from his squadron descended and saluted him. “The Palace has received a threat. An anonymous letter, informing about an upcoming attack to Canterlot.”

Shining read the letter in silence, analyzing every word.

“Your orders sir?”

“We are done here. Let´s get back to Canterlot. Mr ummhh hayseed, sure you’ll be all right on your own?”

“As long as ah have little Kero ´ere we be just fine.”

“Okay. Soldiers, trot on!”

Shining gave a last look at Cerberus who was still slightly shivering. Unable to place a name to his insecurities, Shining joined his soldiers on the way back.

He failed to notice the old pony eyes glowing green and menacing.

****

Shining tried his best to remain perfectly still. He had practiced for this for years, learning to copy the guard’s stoic face. He had trained the face for years, dealing with her sister and her foalsitter attempts to make him laugh to no avail and he had learned it well. But still he was a little nervous being his first week in the academy and everything. His instructor saw him there shaking and gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder.

“What’s the matter, shrimp? Still having shaking hooves?”

“No sir, sir!”

“Relax, Armor! This first week is just basic training, don’t need to overwork yourself.”

“It´s not that sir. Umh permission to speak?”

The instructor rolled his eyes. The kid could be a little unbearable with that rectitude. “…granted.”

“My sister is taking her exam for the Princess´ School for Gifted Unicorns and instead of being there supporting I´m…”

“Wasting your time?”

“No sir, no! Being a royal guard has been my dream for years! But still, my little sister, she…she needs me and I’m not there…”

“Soldier. There will come a day where everypony will grow up and learn that they can’t be there to protect the little fillies forever.”

Shining looked up at his instructor, the captain of the guard himself.

“One day she will grow up and get to get a life of her own, you understand that, right?”

“…I do, sir.”

Just when Shining lifted his head to smile back at the captain a tremendous boom make them look up and they saw a circular rainbow crossing the sky.

“The hay was that?” the captain barked.

Shining knew very well what it was. It was a signal. The skies of Equestria telling him his dreams will come true. Everything he dreamed, being Captain of the guard, marrying the mare of his dreams, seeing his sister grow up to be a brilliant scientist; everything he dreamed as possible.

****

This day is going to be perfect ♫

The kind of day I have dream since I was small ♪

Cadance was singing aloud, dancing and flapping her wings across the living room of the house she shared with Shining. She was overflowed with happiness; finally her dreams were becoming truth. Just two days from now she will be marrying Shining Armor, the stallion of his dreams

When she first laid his eyes on him, she felt instantly in love. He was the most handsome colt she had seen. But of course, she was nothing more but the scrawny foalsitter of his little sister. Every time she tried to talk with him she ended up making a stupid comment or distracted him, causing him to fell down and break a leg.

She never dared to tell him how she really felt back then but fate, and possibly the blessing of her aunts, have brought them together again and after months of blissful happiness together, he had finally asked the question and now they will be together for-

A sudden knock on the door distracted her. Who could that be at this late hours? Maybe it was Twilight! Her aunt said she will write to her and her friends to come help at the wedding. She had wanted to speak with Twilight before but had been so busy with concerts and the like that never got the change and Shining was equally busy so she was sure the news of her getting married to Shining will come like a big shock for the poor little thing.

Cadance rushed to the door, opened it and ran into…herself?

“Wh-what´s going on in here?”

The other Cadance opened her eyes and put on a terrifying grin.

Nopony heard Cadance scream.

Nopony saw the terrible green flames engulfing the apartment.

Nopony knew the terrible fate that had befallen Cadance..

A lovely flame, silently died away.