The following days were interesting, yet as painstakingly boring as they can come; however, Hope was able to get settled in a little bit with my help before the days of agony began. Both Hope and I found ourselves absolutely exhausted upon returning from Equestria and we both slept the entire afternoon away, awakening in the evening only to find out that the only pony who was more shocked by Lightning and Shadow's surprise resignations was Lord Armonia himself. It took Armonia two whole days before he even addressed the matter and when he did I found myself wishing that he would have decided to postpone any actions on the matter for a later date, a much later date; however, I did understand the need for action. Lord Armonia was not mad at either of the two declaring that it was an honor to have both of them served under the guard, but this did not stop the long and absolutely boring meeting that was scheduled to follow the next day.

________________________________________

"The purpose of this meeting today is to determine the analysis and evaluation process for the commissioning of two new captains to replace the ones that have recently departed. The positions we are striving to fulfill today are that of Captain Lightning Chaser, Flight Corps, officer of the fourth degree, responsibility being the command leader over the United Royal Flight Guard, also known as Flight Corps, and that of Captain Lunar Shadow, call sign Carnivorous, Scout Corps, officer of the fourth degree, responsibility being the command leader over the Royal Special Engagement and Reconnaissance Team, commonly known by the very few as the Scout Corps." Armonia announced granting us permission to be seated at the oval operations table of the palace's fifth floor.

"The long introduction was not needed Sir, but I understand it is part of formal procedure." Commander Ryan sighed.

"I know," Armonia fudged a smile. "I will try to make this as painless of a meeting as I can because what comes after is what is going to make us all want to just get up and walk away from all this. We have two positions to fill and do we have any suggestions on how we plan on doing this?"

"How about we hold a contest to evaluate all those interested." Captain Tigris determined breaking the silence.

"A contest may help us determine who the best in the field is; however, that does not mean it will tell us who the best for the position is sadly." Ryan objected.

"Well we could look at all the lieutenants and how they are handling their branches and promote the one who is doing the best."

"I know I have no experience in this subject, but I do not think that will give you the best tool of measurement." I stated.

"Sir Bladz is correct Tigris, the differences between the regions are too immense for that type of evaluation," Armonia exclaimed in agreement with me.

"No offence Tigris, but Commander why do we need Corps Captains? Is being a Captain that strenuous for you Tigris?"

"No offence taken; however, while the work may not be as strenuous as other positions in the guard, being a Captain is a whole lot of work and handling any more than one branch is nearly impossible nowadays." Tigris informed me.

"I used to be able to balance out and watch the three branches when they were one group but because how much Serentia had boomed in population the last two decades I would say it is impossible now. I never was doing it by myself anyway once I became Commander, I had grade three officers to assist me, and while we still have them they work under the captains now." Ryan declared and Tigris nodded.

"Well Lightning told me that they never applied for the position, they were chosen instead. Why can't we just choose two new captains like you did then?"

"There are certain guards that one just knows is going to make a great captain and you know them from the start. Lightning, Shadow, and even Tigris here, I knew were to be captains the day they set the hooves down for training. We do not have any ponies like that right now that I can honestly say that about, even though we have many talented one, we just need to figure out which ones are the most talented." Ryan declared.

"Flight Corps Captain is going to be a bit easier to narrow; however, what is your take on Scout Corps Commander?" Armonia instructed.

"Permission to request a shift of power?"

"Given," Armonia motioned for Ryan to continue.

"I do not feel like we should leave the Scout Corps to this evaluation process, the branch is too dangerous to be placed in the hands of chance and I would like to relieve myself of the Ground Corps and take on the Scout Corps until we can get an assured new captain."

"If that is what you wish, the decision is yours to make. That does not eliminate the need of a second captain, but we did just remove unicorns from the evaluation process so this may go a little bit quicker."

"Scout Corps, I know from Lightning and Carnivorous talking about their responsibilities, is a lot more work; you sure you can handle it Ryan?" Tigris inquired in worry.

"I will be fine; it is not like our guard is an immoral group of brutes. Every guard takes an oath to not only to protect and defend, but to show discipline and provide assistance to anyone who may need it across these lands as you are aware."

"I am, but we still have not figured out a way to narrow down the list to one."

I held my hoof across the table to grab everyone's attention as I prepared myself to speak, "we may not have a way to narrow it down to the two individuals we need, but what you two do is request notification from those who are interested and evaluate those who respond. Since we are not looking for the best of the best in physical performance, set a standard for what is required basically to be a captain in fitness and then research those who remain on their abilities in the field and as a leader by asking around."

"That will not get us to the final point we will need, but it is a start and right now that is all we need." Armonia backed me up. "After those tests give them a test of critical thinking and analysis; the candidates do not have to be geniuses; however, I do expect them to be able to think abstractly when the time calls for it if they are to be effective when things skew from the norms."

"Noted Sirs," Ryan saluted Armonia and then did the same to me. "I will send word out requesting responses this afternoon with a deadline for returns in two days. Until then Tigris and I will develop the method and standards for a captain. We can do the evaluations by region to make this go a little faster and smoother; however, I am unsure how long it will take to reduce the list further because we are going to wait to do the research."

"Bladz, I want you to complete research on the qualifying ponies after they pass their fitness evaluations and administer a few tests to deem their mental worthiness if they check out as worthwhile. I trust your judgment here and you can get Miss. Speranza to assist you with it." Armonia commanded to me and I nodded in recognition. "It is settled then and we can bring this meeting to a close. You all are dismissed." Armonia walked over to the door and held it open for us all to depart.

I was the last one to leave the table as a pushed the chair that I was sitting in back under the table hiding a sigh. Why did I know that he was going to get me involved with this! I departed the floor returning to my own and knocked on Hope's door. A voice welcomed me inside and standing beside a window was Hope who gazing into the morning breeze. "What are you doing?"

"Watching and wondering how so many ponies below rush on their way, while there are so many others over there on the edge of that park that can be so care-free and enjoy the morning's song." Hope smiled declaring. "How was the meeting? As boring as you feared it to be?"

"Not as bad as it could've been. Years of study have served me well in developing the patience for those things." I informed her as she closed the window and turned to give me her attention. "Lord Armonia gave us a job to do together."

"What does he want me to do? I am not sure if I would be able to do much around here yet?"

"Nothing much really, he just wants us to go to various places and get information of potential future captains."

"He wants us to spy on ponies?" Hope exclaimed a little shocked.

"Not entirely spying, but close. We are not going to be watching them from afar and try to see if they are doing something wrong or anything. We are just going to ask around and see if they would be good for the job or not. Afterwards we are going to see if they can think abstractly enough by giving them a test of creativity of some sort.”

"Well that is a little disappointing," Hope sighed plopping herself on her bed. "I was sort of looking forward to hiding in a bush when you said that."

"We can still do that if you want just to see how they handle it," I stated amused with Hope's attitude on the matter. "In fact that might even make this chore a little bit easier and more enjoyable. It is a good thing that I decided to be so kind inviting you here or these tasks might've made me go crazy."

"Speaking of going crazy, never noticed how much I relied on the assistants around the castle. I ran out of toothpaste while you were in the meeting and I could not find any anywhere!"

"Lower bottom drawer under the sink next to the bathtub," I said pointing towards the bathroom in the hallway.

"Thanks for the information, but I already found out."

"You are quite welcome!" I chuckled causing Hope to mimic my laugher and stick her tongue out at me while giving me a death stare. "So what do you planned for the rest of the day?"

"You know I have nothing planned, have I had a schedule since I got here? I am still settling in." Hope started pulling herself into a sitting position on the side of the bed, motioning for me to sit next to her.

"You want to learn how to play speed dart? It is a game native to Serentia that was created by unicorns, yet everypony is able to play it nowadays. A unicorn is required to start the game off as of right now, but I hear that there are ponies working on a way of enhancing the rings so ponies do not need to have a unicorn friend in order to play."

The door behind us radiated a knock from it as we both turned to find Lord Armonia standing in the doorway. "Excuse me for interrupting you two; however, we never finished our tour Bladz and Hope seeing you need one as well I suppose this works out."

"Thank you sir, we would like that very much," Hope cheered picking herself off the bed with me following. "But don't you have work to do with this new task of getting new captains?"

"Not yet I don't." Armonia informed us. "And Bladz, you are no means obligated to get involved in this mess if you do not want to."

"Thank you for that Sir, but it is my responsibility to do this. This is my responsibility to Serentia." I declared to Armonia. Lord Armonia nodded giving a slight smile due to my determination sighing afterwards, "What is wrong?"

"Nothing; let us get on our way! I want to get as much toured today before the day ends, where did we leave off again?" Armonia determined turning and ushering us to leave for the tour.

"You only showed me the local park and the shopping section along an avenue before we went to check on King Elitan's problem." I informed him as we descended the staircase.

"Is that correct? Well looks like we have a lot of ground to cover." Armonia stated. "Any suggestions on where you two want to begin?"

"Anywhere you two decide is fine by me" Hope said with excitement in her voice as we departed the Palace's walls.

"Hope and I were discussing about having her learn about Speed Dart, so I guess we can start with the Serentian Stadium." I instructed to Lord Armonia. Armonia nodded facing the Armory with a continued face of despair.

"You sure you are okay Sir?"

"I am going to be honest with you Bladz. There is a rising problem in Cittàdiali that needs to be addressed and the two pegasi that I can count on to investigate are gone. I fear that the only two that I can call upon now are you two; however, I do want to get you guys involved. Unfortunately, I feel like I have no easier option; I need you and Hope to visit there for me. Be warned, the pegasus city is different than any other city in Serentia, many of the pegasi there never learned to integrate with members of the other two types of ponies because unicorns and earth ponies alike cannot stand on clouds."

"Okay? What is it?"

"There has a been a recent report of a group of pegasus who are trying to formulate followers for a cause that I am not quite sure about yet; however, they are acting in secrecy when there is no reason for such behavior. I am not one to deny a pony's right to privacy; but this does not make sense to me and something feels wrong with it. The group appears to have come out of nowhere after we returned from Tempeoca and has been growing ever since. Please investigate this for me, the interview process can wait until later until this resolved. I am counting on both of you for this."

"Not to doubt myself but what can I do?" Hope posed to Armonia.

"Hope, Bladz cannot do this without you, you are the only one I can trust with the task of getting close without causing an alarm." Armonia exclaimed supplying hard eye-contact at her.

"You trust me?" Hope questioned in surprise. "You barely even met me."

"Yes, but Bladz trust you and that is all I need." Armonia stated stepping back to face the armory once again. "The decision up to you to do this task. I do not want to send you both into an uncertain situation; however, I feel like I have no other choice. The choice is up to you both though and I am not going to think differently of either of you for what you decide. I just hope you make the correct one, which one that is I do not know. I will leave you two to discuss it." Armonia began to walk away from us.

"Wait!" I declared causing Armonia to pause. "We will do it! If that is okay with you Hope" I turned to her who offered no objection.

"I have a friend who can offer you shelter once you get there. Also, you cannot wear that armor going there, word may of not of spread to Cittàdiali yet, but I do not want you to take a chance. There is something in the room where we met Hope that will assist you." Armonia smiled at us and walked away from us disappearing inside the armory.

________________________________________

We returned to the palace dismissing the tour for now to find that Armonia had had a new formal dress for Hope and a weird suit folded with a note on top of them. Two hats laid aside, each of which matched their respective cloth.

If you two are going to be successful you have to be able to blend in without drawing more attention than what is needed to yourselves. Good luck in Cittàdiali you two and Bladz it will be best if you found another way to reach Cittàdiali without the use of the phoenix.

"Oh my! This is absolutely beautiful!" Hope screamed on the top of her lungs in glee. A pink, purple, and green dress hung from her hooves that was embroidered with gold stitching and stunning jewel work. "Oh! This is amazing! And this hat matches so perfectly! Who made this?"

"Only one person I know can make a dress like that, Armonia must have asked my sister to make that for you."

"This suit is heavy, what is up with it?" Hope pointed out to me. The suit was the same one that Cristalla had given to me just over a month ago for my birthday with two larger bulges now in it. I picked the suit to find white feathers attached to the sides. I threw the suit and hat on trying to adjust to the new weight on my back.

"Bladz! You look just like a pegasus now!" Hope shouted putting her dress on, streaming her wings into holes designed for them and put her hat on as well. "How do I look?"

"Like a pegasus as well. An absolutely spectacular looking pegasus in that dress. That dress really suits you and the hat completes the outfit for sure." I declared.

"Why thank you," Hope blushed. "So what are you going to do with about flying though?"

"Well?" I shook myself to test the sturdiness of the wings. "These wings are very well made and I may be able to use my magic to manipulate them to cause flight; however, I will not be able to make it, it is too far away."

"I have no use for my magic; I will offer what I can to assist you."

"Thank you Hope, I might be able to make it if we do this right then." I cheered sparking my horn from under the hat and test flapping the wings with the cyan aura surrounding them. "Well we might have a problem, the auras of our magic is going to reveal our identity."

"Mine might but your will match the skies on a clear day from a distance. Just harden them when we come in range." Hope suggested. "How far is Cittàdiali?"

"Depending on how fast I can flap these things, about an hour."

"An hour! Oh wow you really are going to need my magic for assistance." Hope exclaimed. "You want to get on our way?" Hope motioned towards the stairs and I followed as we approached the balcony-window. "Lead the way," Hope waved me on.

The first few flaps were hard and it was almost impossible to get anywhere near consideration of actual flight, but as momentum was built I felt myself being lifted off my hooves. "So this is what is feels like to have wings, this is incredible! Better than I imagined from my observations and readings." I steadied myself and launched myself out the window into the skies with Hope behind me.

"You are a natural at this, even if it is not true flight." Hope complemented to me. I felt a sudden release in pressure from my magic as Hope flew a small circle around me. "That better? I streamed you my magic reserve."

"Yes, that is much better." I informed her. For years I had imagined the art of the pegasus' flight, but I never imagined the blissness of such freedom on this level; It was better than I had ever imagined. The wind as it streamed through my mane unchallenged reminded me of the day when I first experienced the art of magic and I felt the rich aura flow through my veins. Hope noticed my new found freedom and joined beside me as we flew in unison towards the horizon in silence serenity.

The edge of the massive cloud-city of Cittàdiali began to come into sight when Hope's wings hesitated and she almost lost her control as her face showed concern. "Whoa! You okay Hope?" I asked hastily.

“Yea I am fine," she assured me as she regained and resumed straight and level flight. "Bladz? Do you have a way to walk on clouds?"

"We never thought that out did we?" I declared in realization. Hope affirmed my fears as we drew closer to the city. "All this energy we are putting into this flight will be meaningless if I cannot land."

"You have to know a spell! I thought you said you read a lot in that library, you had to of saw something."

"I saw a spell that allowed water and cloud walking when I was just a young colt, but I learned that spell almost a decade ago and I am not sure if I can get it right without practice. And even if did get it right, I do not know if I have enough energy left to cast it."

"I know you can do it. You have to be able to. You are one of the most talented magic users I have ever encountered. I believe that you can." Hope gave me the last of her reserve and I sparked my horn for the spell as my hooves glowed with a magic aura surrounding before being absorbed by my hooves. "That is good," Hope smiled. Her wings failed as exhaustion struck her and began to rapidly descend. I folded the wings in and angled myself to catch her.

"Hope!" I screamed as reached out to grab hold of her. I did not slow down as I watched Hope smash into the ground with the full force of gravity. "Hope!" I used the last of my strength to slow down enough to land beside her noting that the clouds were harder than I imagined. "Hope, you wings!" I screamed seeing her left wing badly bent and her right wing dislocated as my vision went out and exhaustion conquered me as well pulling me to the ground.