Canterlot was a bustling city. It was a place of nonstop action as many ponies went about their day through the streets. Many elites and socialities were shown as they conversed among themselves. This city was also the home to the ruler of Equestria. However, high above the city, there stood a tower. The tower belonged to a certain someone of importance, and inside the tower, the real action was happening.

"Ugg... Twilight..." said the unicorn guard as he was standing and having a face of pleasure.

The stallion was currently being treated with a wave of pleasure. And it was all done thanks to the mare bent down in front of him and sucking him off. The mare was none other than the princess' prized pupil, Twilight Sparkle. The bookworm and asocial unicorn mare was on her knees as her hands were on the guard's legs, as she was sucking his cock like a lollipop. The princess' student indulged herself on the guard's cock like some common whore as she was working it; the confines of her mouth sent waves of pleasure to the guard as he had one hand on the unicorn's head as if to egg her own. Twilight needed to satisfy her need, and she would get it.

The guard could feel himself starting to reach his limit. Seeing the mare and how she was moving her head back and forth, coating his cock with her saliva, was a hot scene. The sucking sounds added more as Twilight kept deep-throating; the intense heat between her legs reached an all-time high, and she felt herself getting wetter than before. The guard also thrust his hips forward as Twilight's sounds confirmed she enjoyed it. However, despite the pleasure both ponies felt at this moment, one thing lay on the guard's mind.

How did I wind up in this situation?

---

It was another beautiful day in Canterlot. Yet, that didn't mean the royal guards of Canterlot could slack off. At any moment, danger could happen, and the royal guards would have to spring into action. But for Private Emerald, guard duty was his top property when danger occurred. In fact, that was his occupation for three years. Since joining the royal guard after completing guard school, the unicorn was appointed the basic duty of every new guard. Standing at a designated post and doing nothing. Nothing but stand there and not show any emotion, if possible.

Despite all that, Emerald never made a fuss about it. Figuring that by doing his job to the best of his ability, he was sure to be recognized and eventually promoted to other positions. But... that didn't seem to be the case. Even his school buddy, Onyx, rose in the ranks as he was promoted to Lieutenant. And somehow managed to become Emerald's superior. Regardless of their different ranks, the pair were still friends and hung out after their shifts.

Today, Emerald was given the task of guarding the library. For the unicorn, it was an upgrade from guarding teacups and kettles. He still had no idea why that was a "priority," according to Onyx; apparently, it had to do with the princess and cake for whatever reason. Regardless, Emerald took the job like normal, standing at attention before the door. The guard wasn't alone, as standing on the other side of the door was another guard. The guard was a female pegasus named Crystal. The mare had joined about a year ago, as Emerald often saw her during his morning rounds. Now, she was with him as the pair were guarding the library.

The unicorn looked at the pegasi, who had a blank expression despite the helmet covering most of her head. Emerald gave a soft whistle before it got a bit louder as he tried to figure out how to break the silence.

"So... Crystal. I was wondering..."

"Not interested," responded the mare.

"You didn't even let me finish."

"Listen, Emerald. You're a good guy, but I'm not interested in a relationship right now," said Crystal.

"Okay. Totally understand that. But... I'm sure you're not too busy for a few drinks after work."

Before the pegasi could answer, Lieutenant Onyx approached them as both guards stood at attention and saluted their superior.

"At ease," said Onyx as both put their hands down. "Private Crystal. You're being moved. As of this moment, you've been promoted to serve as one of the guards that is part of the Princess' squad and the rank of Lieutenant."

"Uh, well, I... thank you, Lieutenant. It's an honor and privilege," stated Crystal; the mare was astonished upon hearing her promotion as she couldn't put her excitement into words.

"Congrats," Emerald said rather quietly as he felt slightly sad.

"Report for debriefing and orientation with Colonel Shade," stated Onyx.

"Yes, sir!" said Crystal as she saluted the Lieutenant and went off in a hurry as fast as her wings could carry.

Once she was out of sight, Emerald decided to take this opportunity to speak with his pal.

"Hey, bud. I was..."

"Private! You know the rules when addressing your superior!" stated Onyx as he turned to look at his friend.

"Lieutenant Onyx," sighed Emerald as he followed the protocol of addressing his friend by rank, even if they were pals.

"That's more like it," smiled Onyx. "So, what's up?"

"Look, bud. I'm just gonna be straight with you. I just... when am I gonna get something."

"What are you talking about? This is something?"

"Bud, you know what I mean. When am I gonna get my chance? When's my promotion coming? It's not like I'm entitled, but I've been guarding teacups for three years. For three years, I've done what was asked. I've polished the armor, scrubbed the barracks, and even washed the locker room with a toothbrush. I just..." said Emerald before he sighed to collect himself, "I've paid my dues, and I'm just sick of being in the same spot."

"Listen, bud," stated Onyx as he placed his hand on his pal's shoulder. "I get it. It's not easy seeing others around you moving up. I know it's hard, especially for someone like you. You were a bit upset when I was called and given a promotion way before you. You were always smarter and more talented between the two of us, even in cadet school. So I understand. But... trust the process."

"I've been doing that for three years. And I'm still where I was when I started. Where we started," said Emerald as he reminded Onyx of their humble beginning.

"I know, Em. I wish I could help. Believe me. Just hang in there. I'm sure you'll get your chance to prove yourself soon. You never gave up on me in cadet school. Now it's my turn to not give up on you." said Onyx as he tried to cheer up his best bud. "Trust the process."

Emerald sighed upon hearing that. As much as he knew his friend was right, there was that small hint of doubt in the unicorn's mind that he'd be stuck doing the same thing for the rest of his life. His father's words rang as he recalled what his old man said: Some guys get to the top. Some don't. That's just the way of life. The question is: Where do you fall?

"Chin up, Em. You'll get your shot. Drinks on me after work." stated Onyx.

"Sure," said Emerald.

"Need me to send someone to guard the library with?" asked the Lieutenant.

"Nah. It's okay. I can use the silence by myself." said Emerald.

"Hang in there, pal."

Onyx smiled as he and Emerald shared one of their bro bumps as he walked away. Left by himself, Emerald sighed as he leaned against the door to the library with a depressed look. The young stallion was hoping that his time would come. Sooner rather than later.

---

Days rolled by as life in Canterlot carried on. A giant meeting involved the princess meeting some delegates from Saddle Arabia. While most of the guards were tasked with being on high alert and given their positions of what sections they would patrol, Emerald was stuck guarding the kitchen. The young unicorn thought this might be his big break, only to have his dreams shattered by Onyx when he informed him that they wouldn't need him and gave him his assignment.

While guarding the kitchen meant being near some of the delicious food that would be served for the banquet, even that was not enough to distract his mind. The unicorn quickly passed through the kitchen, looked at the food, and smiled at the chefs before exiting the room. Emerald approached a nearby window as he looked out of it. He looked down at the streets of Canterlot as he saw a massive parade taking place to welcome the delegates. Streamers, confetti, and even trumpets blared as the ponies in the streets all cheered and shouted. The unicorn looked down below him as the entrance to the castle was shown with the drawbridge lowered. He noticed some guards by the entrance as they saluted and stood at attention; some delegates returned the salute to thank them for their hard work.

Emerald let out another sigh of depression as he wished to be one of those guards. Even a simple salute from an important figure meant that he was keeping Equestria safe and being recognized by it. And yet, here he was, hidden from sight as he watched his comrades continue to be in the limelight.

"Just trust the process," repeated Emerald as he turned and used his magic to pull the blinds down as he returned to his original post.

"Alright, great jobs, everyone. That concludes our meeting for tonight. Tomorrow, we'll discuss the next moon's duties!" said the Colonel guard as he had finished wrapping up the duties for this moon.

All the Lieutenants began to file out as they sought rest following today's big day.

"Oh, Lieutenant Onyx! Hold on for a sec!" said the Colonel.

"Yes, Colonel."

"It's your turn to assign one member from any of the squads you command to guard the special package," stated the Colonel.

"Um, special package?" asked Lieutenant Onyx.

"I'm guessing they didn't tell you, huh? Well, let me inform you," said the Colonel as he told his subordinate about the special assignment.

Emerald was currently getting ready for whatever his task would be. The unicorn was polishing his helmet and about to put it on when the door to the barracks opened.

"Hey, Em. I got good news!" shouted Onyx as Emerald almost dropped his helmet from how suddenly his friend burst in.

"Gees, Onyx. You almost made me drop my helmet. You know how hard it is to get dents out!" stated Emerald as he checked his helmet to make sure there wasn't any damage.

"Sorry, bro. But listen, I have got some good news for you. You know how you've been complaining about not getting an opportunity."

"I wasn't complaining," stated Emerald as he corrected his friend to make him not look so whining and desperate.

"Whatever. Anyway, I got you a job that will help elevate you."

"Really? That's great, bud. Thanks. So... what's my mission?" said Emerald, excited for whatever task he would be given.

"Your mission for this moon is... to be the guard to the Princess' star pupil," said Onyx with a smile.

"W-What?" said Emerald as he blinked in confusion.

"You heard me."

"I'm sorry. What? I'm supposed to babysit the princess' student?" stated the unicorn.

"Well... I mean, when you break it down like that. It does..."

"I'm babysitting?!" yelled Emerald as he couldn't believe his luck worsened.

"What's wrong? I thought you'd be ecstatic. At least you're not guarding teacups or libraries." said Onyx.

"How is babysitting the princess' student supposed to help me?!" shouted Emerald.

"Look at it this way, bud. If you do a good job that the princess' student notices, she might put in a good word with her teacher. Then you're on your way to a promotion."

"You make it sound easy?"

"Come on, bud. I said I'd help you if I could. And I am. Connections. You sway the princess' student; you earn favor with the princess herself. Think long term, Em."

"I don't know about this."

"Well, too bad, I kinda already assigned you. And you're due to be at your post in about 10 minutes. So..." said Onyx with a nervous smile.

Emerald sighed as he looked at his reflection in his helmet. Onyx soon came up behind and had an arm wrapped around his best friend's shoulder.

"Trust the process. Remember."

Emerald looked at his bud as he put on his helmet. He grabbed his spear and started to head to meet with the princess' student as Onyx kept his smile. The Lieutenant was really hoping that this opportunity would help his buddy achieve his dream.

---

Emerald was walking among the castle halls as he headed to meet and introduce himself to the princess' student. The unicorn still couldn't believe that he was reduced to being a babysitter for the princess' pupil. He'd never seen her but heard tales from the small murmurs among the guards. From what was discussed, the princess' student had a knack for magic and was considered a bookworm. Emerald didn't know what to make of it, but if books were the thing she liked, all he would have to do was give the mare a book to keep her occupied for hours on end.

It wasn't long before he arrived at the tower that housed the princess' pupil. He didn't expect the mare to live in such a lovely place as he figured the mare had a family she lived with. Emerald began to enter the tower and climb up the massive number of stairs that led to the top. The unicorn reached the top as he underestimated how many stairs there were; he took a moment to catch his breath as he looked about the place. He was amazed by what he saw, a room full of books, no surprise. A window that gave a clear view of the castle, along with its garden and the streets of Canterlot. Tons of astronomy, along with a telescope.

The room itself was divided into subdivisions, all threaded with chairs. Bookshelves as far as the eye could see. This gave the young guard a clear picture of how this princess's student functioned. And speaking of her, the guard didn't take long to find his intended target. Over on her bed with star-covered covers, there was a mare. The mare had her nose deep into a book as she didn't seem to notice that she had someone in her room. As he got closer, the unicorn cleared his throat.

"E-excuse me," said Emerald.

The mare heard the guard as she put her book down to reveal her face. Upon seeing the mare's face, Emerald was taken aback. He expected the student of the princess to be a tad younger, a kid even, given how he was babysitting, but to his shock, she was around his age. Possibly just a few moons younger than him. So, clearly, she didn't need a babysitter. The second was her features. The mare was a unicorn, as indicated by the horn on her head. She had moderate violet eyes, her mane and tail were dark sapphire blue with moderate purple and brilliant raspberry streaks, and her coat was pale, light grayish mulberry. And the third thing was the mare's clothing. He expected that being the princess' student meant she would dress like one of the arrogant nobles he'd seen, but the mare's attire was the complete opposite. She wore a pale, light grayish mulberry t-shirt and matching shorts, a belt matching her hair, and purple boots reaching halfway to her knees.

The guard was stunned to see the student of the princess wearing casual clothing as he didn't know what or how to respond. It seemed to be affecting the mare as she spoke up.

"Can I help you?" asked the unicorn as she looked to get back to reading her book.

"S-Sorry. I'm the guard. You know, the one assigned to you for this moon." said Emerald.

"You? Mmm," stated the mare as she looked over the young unicorn before her. "You're rather young. You're definitely not like any of the other guards I've had. Whatever."

"My duty is to protect you and keep an eye on you, Ms..."

"Twilight. Twilight Sparkle," said the mare in a rather rude tone as she returned to reading.

"And my name is Emerald. Or would you prefer Private Emerald?" asked the stallion as the mare didn't answer. "Right. So... I'll just... uh, stand still here and watch you."

Twilight didn't answer as she was already lost in her reading. Emerald could see that this job would not cut it for him. He wasn't expecting the princess' student to be a mare around his age, but he also didn't expect just how asocial she was and a tad disrespectfully. It seemed she only cared about her books and her studies. The morning passed as Emerald watched the girl read book after book. Eventually, he just sat at one of the tables as he'd gotten tired from all the constant standing. It didn't seem that Twilight minded or noticed as she was still reading.

Emerald seemed to have fallen asleep as Twilight just kept on reading. He eventually woke up as he'd fallen out of his chair. He looked about to see if he disturbed the student's pupil but didn't see her. He was confused and worried, feeling he would be in big trouble. Twilight was in danger, and he slept on the job. He quickly looked about, and when he looked out the massive window, he spotted the unicorn just leaving the tower's entrance. Knowing she wasn't in danger, Emerald quickly dashed down the stairs as he looked to catch up with her.

Twilight was heading to the Canterlot public library as she was looking to read and check out some books. She was about to cross the street when her attention was caught, and she noticed the guard assigned to her this moon waving at her. She rolled her eyes and scoffed before crossing and walking up the stairs of the building. Emerald quickly caught up as he saw the mare enter the building. He stepped through the door and was welcomed to a sight to behold. There were many ponies and even more books than he saw in the mare's tower. The guard refocused as he looked about to find the unicorn. He caught the tail end of her tail as it disappeared around a corner.

Emerald jogged and went to the library section, where Twilight disappeared and began looking for the mare. It took a little while as he passed by a table with the mare having ten books in a stack next to her. He backed up to find his target.

"There you are!" said the unicorn as he found the mare. "I was wondering..."

"Shh!" said an older mare. The mare wore glasses and was the library owner; she was putting away some books when she noticed how loud the guard was and reminded him to be quiet while in the library.

"Sorry. My bad," whispered Emerald to the librarian as he quietly made his way toward Twilight.

The lavender unicorn rolled her eyes and scoffed again at how this guard acted.

"I was worried something happened to you," whispered Emerald to Twilight as the mare didn't answer and just read her book. "Okay, so just... let me know when you leave."

Emerald stood a few meters away from Twilight as he did his job of watching over her. Hours passed as Emerald kept a close eye on the mare who just went through her massive stack of books individually. By the time the place closed, Twilight had checked out even more books as she held them in her magical aura and exited the building with Emerald following close by. The pair made it back to the tower, and before the guard could enter, the door slammed in his face.

"Um, Ms... Hello..." Emerald tried to open the door but found it locked; he jiggled the doorknob but couldn't budge it open. With a sigh, he turned and returned to the barracks.

The unicorn arrived at the barracks. Inside was Onyx, as the Lieutenant wanted to speak with his best bud about the first day of his new job.

"So... how was it?" asked Onyx with the most hopeful smile.

Emerald growled as he removed his helmet and threw it at his buddy, who caught it before it smacked his face.

"That bad, huh?" stated the Lieutenant.

"No. We actually had a pleasant time. We made cookies and went out for ice cream." said Emerald sarcastically before changing his expression to a death glare at his friend before flopping down on his bed. "I'd rather be stuck guarding teacups and kettles at this point. What were you thinking in your head?!"

"I thought this would be a good opportunity for you. I'd figured that the princess' student might have some power, and if you can make an impression and get her to notice you, she might pull some strings with her teacher, and boom! You're on the fast track to get recognized." said Onyx.

"Clearly not!" yelled Emerald as he waved his arms about.

"Sorry, bud. I thought this plan was foolproof," said Onyx as he apologized to his friend for what he had to endure.

"It's not your fault. You were just trying to help me. I can't blame you for helping a bro out." said Emerald as he sat on the bed and sighed. "I just don't want to be in the same position all my life. I just want a chance. I don't want to be just a measly guard. Is that so hard to ask?"

"Listen, bud. Why don't you give me till the end of the week? If you still aren't satisfied with your position, I'll talk and see if I can find a replacement. Maybe move you to something worthy of your while." said Onyx.

"Appreciate it, bud. I'll try," said Emerald.

"See ya tomorrow, pal."

Onyx left as Emerald was left to lull in thoughts. The unicorn guard removed his armor as he lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling. His purpose of being a royal guard was slowly starting to dwindle. He wanted to be given a position and show his courage to Equestria, but it seemed that was starting to become just a mere dream. For now, he was just a babysitter for the princess' pupil, and even that was proving not to be working out for him. With a heavy sigh, Emerald closed his eyes as he drifted off to dreamland and envisioned himself being of importance. Maybe tomorrow it'll be better being Twilight's babysitter. But somehow... he doubted that.

Next Chapter: Chapter 1: Library Session Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 17 Minutes