Flash knew that going to some mysterious, far-off place to retrieve something he knew next to nothing about wasn't a task one undertook lightly, especially given who it was that had given it to him. Thankfully, the stallion knew reliable ponies when he saw them, especially when they worked alongside him in the capital. And right now, he was looking at one such pony. In the centre of the castle grounds, overlooking a drilling of some of the Guard's latest recruits, was a peagsus much like him, clad in armour that even novices would recognise as being far older than the standard uniform typically worn nowadays. But he was also very clearly a professional, observing and commenting where needed and being looked at by the troops with the uttermost respect. It was only when said stallion finally gave his cadets permission to depart to the barracks that the questbound Flash approached, giving a quick salute to the other before speaking up. "Sir Magnus."

Flash Magnus turned, giving a quick smile before saluting in return. "Ah, yes. Flash, was it? Pleasure to finally speak to you."

Flash smiled. "The pleasure's all mine, Sir."

Magnus scoffed. "Please, no need for that. Last I checked you and I were of equal rank."

"Be that as it may, you're the living legend here, not me," Flash countered.

A chuckle from the ancient hero. "Flattery will get you nowhere, my boy. So..." He took on a sterner look. "I assume you're not here for a social visit?"

Flash shook his head. "I am on a quest. A task of great importance that could well be the most important thing I or anypony in the Guard has ever done for Equestria."

Slowly, Magnus's sternness changed to one of interest. "Well then...you have my undivided attention."

Flash smiled to him. "Sir Flash...I ask you to join me in this endeavour. I realise I myself have little renown, but it would do me great honour for you to accompany me as the first of my companions in this."

To that, Magnus' own smile faded, but only a little. "If the journey is as rewarding as you claim, the honour would be mine, Flash. Alas..." He turned, looking up to the royal palace. "I have obligations here. Fresh new hopefuls for the guard have been pouring in almost daily since Princess Twilight ascended the throne. And I have committed to training them." He looked back to his namesake solemnly. "I have no time to spare for anything else. So, with heavy heart...I must decline."

Flash let out a deep sigh, but nodded all the same. "I understand. In truth I realised that having you join me was a long-shot. Still, there are many others I can ask, so I won't be wanting for company."

Magnus looked to him with curiosity. "Dare I ask what you look for, exactly?"

Flash shrugged. "Difficult to say. Where I'm going is unknown at best. Perilous at worst. Above all, what I need for this expedition is for the ponies who come with me to be good in a scrap. I need strength, fortitude. I need....I need brawn."

"Did somepony say...brawn?"

The new voice caught both stallions off-guard, and they turned in unison to see the arrival of one most unexpected. With an almost ethereal light emanating from behind him, Magnus' fellow Pillar, the great Rockhoof, had come to them, looking as imposing as ever. Magnus, naturally, smiled happily to his old comrade-in-arms. "Rockhoof! My friend! What brings you to the capital?"

The hulking stallion bellowed with laughter before answering. "Princess Twilight invited me to speak at Princess Celestia's school for gifted unicorns." He tapped his chin. "Well, I suppose it's Twilight's school now of course. She believes the students there will benefit from a few stories told by an old pro."

Flash gave him a bow. "They couldn't be in better hooves on that count, Sir."

Rockhoof, finally regarding the younger pony, took on a more intrigued look. "Apologies, by lad, but I couldn't help but overhear your predicament. You say you need ponies of strength for a great quest? Then I volunteer my services."

As expected, Flash was quite surprised by that, as evidenced by his brief fumbling of his words. "I...I mean...wow. Don't think me ungrateful, but what about your stories?"

Another hearty laugh from the old hero. "Ha! Think nothing of it, little Flash."

"Little?" Flash whispered to himself.

"A good story will be told, rest assured," Rockhoof continued. "But once it is done I will be free to join you. And join you I shall! We shall be as warriors of old, forging new ground and facing the dangers of the unknown for treasure and triumph!"

Flash scratched the back of his head. "Well...yeah, we kinda would, I guess. But I want it clear we're doing this for Equestria, not for ourselves."

Rockhoof gave him a pat on the back, which given his strength really knocked the wind out of him, before speaking up in that usual boisterous tone of his. "Oh, I would expect nothing less of one who wears the shining suit of a knight. Why, it's as if Magnus is reborn in you!"

Magnus frowned to that. "I'm not dead yet!"

Rockhoof looked to him, then to Flash, then back to Magnus. "I know...but I assumed you and he were kin?"

Magnus continued to stare at him. "Wha...why would you think that? We've known each other for years, Rockhoof. You must know I don't have any children."

Flash sighed, looking to his similarly-named compatriot. "I think it's because we share the same first name. I've actually had a few ponies ask me about that."

Magnus seemed indignant by the remark. "What? Is that all it takes for ponies to assume relations these days?"

Flash shrugged. "Apparently so."

Magnus facehoofed in response. "Honestly..."

Rockhoof, for his part, was nowhere near as frustrated as the other two, and so looked out to the horizon before pointing to it with vigour. "Tell me, good Sir! To where do we journey first?"

Looking to the legendary figure, Flash regained his earlier smile. "Well, we can't leave yet. We still need to find more to join us. A party of two won't get far in the unknown regions. But, if we're lucky, we'll find somepony at least as strong as you to help us out."

"Oh? Is that what you need?" another new voice said to them all. The three stallions turned, looking in unison to a shadowy alleyway nearby, within which could be seen a figure coming towards them. The voice had been that of a mare, that much was certain, but only when the unknown pony stepped out of the dark was she seen and, from Flash's view, instantly recognised. It was indeed a mare, her fur a dark maroon while her mane carried a distinct mohawk style. Eyes, one of which bore a scar, looked to the three intently, and after a while she smiled. "Well then, if strength is what you need, perhaps today is your lucky day."

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