Author's Notes:

Comments are appreciated.

"You want me to go with her?" Platinum said.

Princess Celestia nodded as the two walked through the halls of Canterlot.

"Indeed. I thought that, since she is the highest ranking student of the Academy, as well as closely connected to the Guard and the Crown through her brother and foalsitter, she would be quite a target once she leaves these walls," Celestia explained.

"I get that, but first off, she's almost at a tenth of your level, so I doubt anypony could lay a hoof on her before getting blasted through no less than thirty walls," Platinum countered, "and secondly, I didn't mean for you to assign me to her of all ponies."

Celestia gave a small sigh of tiredness after hearing that again.

"I understand that you don't appreciate her words nor her actions, but surely you can put them aside for just the next few days? For the sake of your Knighthood?"

Platinum grunted before speaking.

"Why not get Sunset to guard her? They get along just fine as it is."

"You know as well as I do that Sunset's assigned to watch over the Eastern Border during the celebration and we can't get her here in such a short amount of time."

"Then what about Gray-Mane? He's practically head-over-hooves for her."

"And there's your answer. I don't want to leave her alone with him for a week."

Platinum sighed.

"And if I get her back without a scratch then I'll have earned my keep?"

Celestia nodded.

"You know that I could waive you through it all."

"I know. That's why I have to do this. I want to prove that I can, that I don't need to ask you for everything."

Celestia smiled as she nuzzled against Platinum's shoulder, reaching up to the 19 year old's height.

"And I couldn't be prouder, son."

Platinum smiled as he leaned down to kiss her forehead.

"Love you too, mom."

\\\\\\//////

"Come on, where are they?" Twilight asked to nopony in particular.

"Twilight, you really need to calm down," Spike advised. "Celestia promised that your personal guard would get here in time for us to make it before sundown, so just relax."

"How can I relax when the fate of Equestria is on the balance, Spike? Nightmare Moon could-"

"You can't be serious," a painfully familiar voice said behind her.

Twilight turned around to see Platinum. He stood a head taller than Celestia herself, and wore black dress pants with a black vest over a blue dress shirt, the rolled up sleeves revealing his forearms as well as a special wristwatch with a dual-star insignia in the center of it. His mop of platinum blonde hair was as messy as ever, seemingly eating up any brush that came its way, and his emerald eyes burned with that familiar aura of will.

"Oh don't tell me she assigned you of all ponies," Twilight said as she face-hooved.

"Don't pretend like I asked to be here either, Sparky. I'm only going because I need to pass my 'initiation' with the Knight's Guild."

"Oh for pony's sake!" Spike shouted. "Can you two try not to snark at each other at least until we get to wherever it is we need to go!?"

The two huffed in annoyance but Platinum relented.

"Fine."

With that, he stepped on the carriage and motioned forward.

"Gentlestallions, let's go."

The pegasi nodded to the Knight before spreading their wings and pulling them through the sky.