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Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony FiM, It is owned by Hasbro and Lauren Faust. I do however own my OCs within.

First impressions

_L_

"Light," A small voice was heard by the ears of a stallion who was covered up in sheets. The pitter patter sounds of a filly waltzes in and starts pushing and shoving the shrouded pony, attempting to wake him up.

"Lightning, get up! Your going to make us late," the filly hassled.

The stallion whined tiredly, practically shoving her arms away. The filly made a face and was about to result to shouting, until he told her to go back to her room in gargled words. He left her with no choice. She mustered up a deep breath, and let out the loudest shriek she could summon. Which resulted in the stallion falling out of bed. With the piercing sound ringing in his head, the uncovered stallion looked up frustratingly at the filly. His younger sister. She smiled victoriously while Lightning rubbed his head.

Lightning is somewhat of a bulky garnet coated Pegasus who he inherited from his mother with mane and tail white as snow that's usually short and unkempt. Nicknamed Light, his full name is Lightning Sparks.

The filly is a unicorn, coated with mist lavender with wavy hair mostly blue. She had what Lightning believe are "cute fangs", from that she inherited by her mother as well. Her name is Glowlight. Both the stallion and the filly shared the same eye color, bright silver.

"I told you not to do that Glow, ever." Lightning stressed. She turned her head with closed eyes. "You left me no choice," she countered. Lightning snorted. "What do you want?" he demanded. "Uh, don't you remember? It's our first day. My first day of school and..." she ended, hoping he would catch on. Realization quickly hit him as he looked at his calendar. "And tryouts for the Royal Guards!" He exclaimed, jumping out of bed and rushing into the restroom.

"Are you already ready to go," he asked through the door while washing up. Glowlight was already at the front door. She simply shouted, "Yep" trotting in place impatiently. When he finished both exited the house. With the little time they had left they encountered a crossroad, both had to part ways to go to their own orientations. Not before they did a brother and sister good-luck hoof.

Rushing towards to the doors where tryouts were held Lightning came face to face with two actual guards, one with black fur and the other with white, wearing the celestial gold armor.

"Halt, state your busy citizen," both demanded a little too loudly for Lightning. It didn't bother him though, they were simply doing their job. He smiled widely and saluted them respectfully.

"Im here for tryouts sirs," Lightning stated proudly. Both guards looked at one another astounded, then set their sights back on the garnet stallion.

"Your a little late, don't you think," the dark furred guard replied casually this time. Lightning laughed awkwardly. "Well you still have time, we're gonna let you in," He allowed, both stepped aside for him to enter.

"Good luck in there kid," the white furred guard added as they opened the doors. Lightning was so ecstatic he rushed in, but not before thanking them. "Thanks guys, I hope to know you guys better when I'm a guard myself," Lightning's echoed voice was heard by them. The two guards smiled.

"Such confidence, I hope he makes it,"

"Yeah, you don't see many ponies like that very often,"

Finally spotting the of group ponies that were attending tryouts, Light could hear and see Shining Armor and his Lieutenant talking to the recruits. Feeling that it would be better if he remained discreet he attempted sneaking and blended in with his fellow group. If only that worked.

"You're late to show up on time, and you think you can pull a bold one right from under my nose," the lieutenant said loudly, looking right at Lightning who chuckled awkwardly with lowered ears. Fur coated white and mane covered up by his armor, his cutie mark was crossing blades.

"Well, what do you have to say for yourself," the Pegasus lieutenant stressed.

"Sorry, to be honest I almost overslept and had to take my little sister to school. My apologies, sirs," Lightning explained anxiously. He could hear others snickering and giggling amongst each other from his explanation. So embarrassing.

"I respect that," Shining Armor stated impassively. Everyone stopped talking. He turned to his lieutenant. "He maybe late getting here, but he's motivated and that's more than enough reason to give him a chance," he ended look at Lightning.

"Very well then, but I'm going to be keeping an eye on you," the lieutenant said. Light grinned.

"That's all I need," he said confidently.

_ S_

Elsewhere in the Canterlot theater, three ponies, a unicorn and two pegasus were evaluating potential candidates to be famous in their own way; seeing many unique performances. As the last performer trotted off the stage, another pony took her place, a pegasus with white fur. Mane tan yellow and somewhat curly with eyes to match. He also had normal colt physique.

"Sunlight Shine, correct," the unicorn asked. He nodded and stood confidently. Fascinated with acting Sunlight's dream was to become an actor. For years he's been look for a chance to show his worth. He didn't earn his Cutie Mark for nothing. He begin his performance and just five minutes through the evaluators quickly noticed that he had a (british) accent and were amazed by his act. He continued and was coming to a close. He ended his last few lines and dramatically shrouded his face with his wings, and took a bow as the lights went dim. Clapping of hooves were heard.

"Sunlight, your performance was incredible. Big things are headed your way in the future," the female unicorn stated with the other two agreeing. Sunlight smiled confidently.

"I have been told that I'm a natural, yes. I'm happy to hear critics such as yourselves are aware of my artistic greatness," he responded proudly.

"Well, we really do have other ponies to get too so..." one of the pegasuses retorted but was cut off by Sunlight.

"There's really no reason for any of them to come up, I'm clearly the best one here,"

"Yes you are excellent, but we have to give everypony a chance," The mare unicorn said noticeably getting upset. Sunlight wasn't letting up and continued to brag. Eventually she started yelling at him, with the two pegasi cowering way from her; clearly never seeing this side of her. Sunlight remained stoic through it all and continued arguing with her.

_R_

The School for Gifted Unicorns, presumably only located in Canterlot were all unique unicorn ponies can attend with the aspiration to further their already magical abilities. Potential students were entitled to a specific task. One in particular is named Rainfall Pours. A reserved cobalt colored pony with short blue mane that's brighter than his fur. He also has unusual "lightish red" eyes, which makes him look unfortunately feminine. His bangs even covers up his left eye to make himself scarce.

Patiently waiting, Rainfall could feel his anxiety creeping in. With worry practically written on his face, he thought he was ready for this. He studied to go to Celestia's school for nearly a year, spending most of his time either at home reading a collection book learning spells or at the Canterlot's library as early as he could. The thought of failing the exam was not a good feeling, it never was.

Squashing the thought he noticed a teacher motioned him to enter the room. As he did he stood in front of four instructors who looked pretty pretentious and for some reason each of them had a see through protective barrier which rose confusion to the blue pony.

"Mr. Pours, are you ready to begin your exam," the beige colored pony asked properly. Rainfall nodded silently, half nervous and half ready.

"Very well, we just want to inform all of you that the barriers in front of us is for our protection," the sky blue unicorn informed.

"Okay," said Rainfall still finding the information odd. Something must have happened before. Something frequent, or maybe it was about that one purple pony that took it at a young age. Princess Celestia's protégé who name escapes him.

"And WE are here if thy over exert themselves, in the absence of our sister who could not be present at this time," a feminine voice sounded using the old Royal Voice standing from afar. Rain turned to his side and saw her. Princess Luna bringer of the moon, Celestia's younger sister.

"Uh..Understood," Rainfall retorted finding her presence a bit underwhelming. He wasn't expecting her to be here. The eldest would be there only if she had to be, it was her school after all. With Princess Luna being here, must be one of her or her sister's attempts to be up-to-date with to our newer society. With that said, one of the instructors brought in what appears to be a black dragon egg with red spots on it in a cradle. Rain looked at it then turned faced to his evaluators.

"You are tasked to hatch the little one here from it's egg," the light blue pony instructed.

"R-really that doesn't sound too hard," Rain spoke softly.

"Yes, for somepony your age, it should be rather simple, especially in todays culture. This is one of our most common exercise, but with slight change for everypony. If you can hatch the egg without showing strained or extreme fatigue, you pass the exam. " the light blue instructed.

"Unfortunately for you this dragon egg they have brought in has given many ponies some trouble in hatching. They attempted it, but couldn't reveal any good results. Are you up to the challenge?" Rainfall thought about it then glanced at the moon princess, who starred back waiting for his answer. All eyes were on him and he personally resented the feeling, but it would bring him down even more if he turn this down. He wanted, he needed to learn. With a deep sigh he quickly embedded the information and faced the dark colored dragon egg. He was ready to focus his magic. It was all or nothing.

_G_

Out in the towns plaza a blonde coated unicorn pony was taking photos of various parts of Canterlot using her instant camera. Being new in town, the scenery was simply breathtaking. Her long gold mane flowed through the windy breeze. Her lavender colored eyes practically marveled at everything through the lens of her camera.

"These are great shots, just a few more would be satisfying," not too far away, she sees a towering building with two stallions wearing golden armor. "And I think I found a relevant shot," she smiled approaching the guarded doors.

"Halt, what's your business here citizen," As they said this she took a photo of them. The flash effectively blinded both of them.

"Hello good sirs, I was simply wondering what is this place," she inquired happily. The white stallion stepped forward.

"Today this is where tryouts are being held to those who want to dedicate their life protecting the princess," he answered as they rubbed their eyes.

"Princesses, now that her sister has returned," his partner chipped in. 'I wonder, are you here. Light.' "Is it possible for me to see for myself," she inquired again.

"What are you some kind of tourist?" he questioned seeing the instant camera strapped around her neck. "I'm a photographer actually," she corrected the dark furred stallion with a gentle smile.

"Sorry, no paparazzi of any kind are allowed at this time. Royal guard candidates are in the middle of tryouts and Shining Armor and his lieutenant doesn't want unwanted distractions. For obvious reasons, if you get where I'm coming from," he told the mare, looking at the camera.

"No I don't get where your coming from. I'm new in town, so if you mind filling me in I would very much appreciate it," she retorted a bit too snarky.

"Last time we had tryouts somepony had an unfortunate accident thanks to a sudden flash blinding him. He made it in though, It was admittedly funny," the white guard explained.

"How was that funny," his partner questioned noticeably vexed.

"Because the pony next to me is the one that got hurt," retorted with a repressed laugh. Even she held back her laughter. He made a face and turned to her.

"Who are you anyway?," he finally asked. "My name is Golden Hour," she answered after finishing her snickering. The sudden realization of the blue sky getting darker struck her. 'The sun princess must be at work,' she thought.

"Well Golden, you seem like a nice enough pony. You can either come back later or if you want to you can wait with us until they come out. They should be almost done with initiation," the stallion offered.

"Ok, I waiting on somepony anyway." she accepted.

_L_

Within the wall of the training grounds the in-trainees has just about finished with their initiation. Everypony seemingly did marvelously in Shining Armor's eyes. But the garnet colored stallion did much better. Watching he witnessed him acing every course, honing bearing necessary skills, and pushed himself the hardest than his fellow in-trainees without fatigue. Shining Armor was impressed, he even reminded him of his lieutenant's skill set.

He turned to his lieutenant and saw a hidden smile on his face. When the lieutenant noticed his gaze his smile faded. "Lieutenant, who is the garnet pony there?" he pointed.

"Lightning Sparks, sir," he answered. "And who is he to you?," asked once more. "He's my nephew,"

"I see, It makes sense now," he said. "Why's that sir," his question mused on. "I recall seeing him with you in our initiation years ego,"

"He was just a young colt then, and I do remember you asking about him. He wanted to follow my example, so I trained him," Shining nodded to the clarification. Shining told his lieutenant to call upon the recruits. He did and they all aligned in front of them. Shining Armor spoke.

"You've all done wonderfully and you all deserve to protect and serve," Shining began. He could see everypony tense up, believing there was more to his speech. He continued," So, congratulations. If you can put in fulltime, you are eligible to join the E.U.P Guard," He stated. Everypony celebrated in trumpet, even Lightning. Until he realized Shining Armor said full time. That was a problem.

He couldn't do fulltime, because he had his younger sister to look after. He couldn't leave her to be by herself at her age. Once again, he didn't think this through. While the recruits where acquiring they're armor, Lightning went to go speck with the captain. He explained his reason to him but the ended with nigh.

"It pains me to say still Lightning but, we're looking recruits who can do fulltime guard duty of any kind. There is no halftime, I'm sorry," Shining explained. Lightning hung his head and ears low. "No need for you to be sorry, I guess I'm just not in the position to do this at the moment," Lightning responded with a faint smile to hid his disappointment. Shining saw past it and put a hoof on his shoulder.

"For what I saw today, you would have been a great soldier. I wish I could do more to help you. Please try again next year, I'll be looking forward to seeing you then," he retorted then returned to his lieutenant's side. Lightning got brief look at the lieutenant saw he mouthed the words ' I'm sorry,' then turned his gaze back to the recruits who were putting on their new armor.

Left with no other options, the only thing Lightning could do now was leave. Shining and his lieutenant sadly watched him leave. Until idea came to the lieutenant. "Sir, may I include a possible solution?"

"What's that Snow..."

_R_

Focusing on the egg Rainfall's magic engulfed the hard shell. With his level and knowledge of magic, hatching an egg shouldn't be a problem. But he soon caught on to what the instructors where saying about the egg. It really was a tough shell to crack, in fact there were no movement or cracks at all. Eventually the aura from his horn started flickering. He didn't want put to much on the egg, but needed pass the test. He pushed more power on it, visually gritting his teeth. It was brief but Luna noticed a change in his eyes, there was a glowing hue slowly changing to red. This went on for another three minutes and the teachers and the princess could see he was struggling.

"I think we've seen enough", the female instructor stated. Rainfall canceled out his magic and faced them. "Rainfall, it's hard for me to say but you have failed to accomplish the test,"

"This was no ease task. We are sorry for your unfortunate circumstances. Much to our displeasure, we have to decline you and move on to the next pony," the second said. The feeling of failure was in the air, even Luna felt sorry for the pony.

"I-I understand. I'm sorry for waisting your time," Rainfall dreadfully said and left the room before another word was said, and Luna certainly wanted to voice her opinion. Until the small sounds of cracking was heard.

All eyes were on the egg, It was finally starting to hatch. The top popped off and horned head popped out. Then out came the baby dragoness, with scales dark as cole, a maroon underbelly, and wide marooned orbs to match. Everypony was shocked, Luna including. Not from the troublesome egg finally hatching, but for the fact that the girl was about the same size as another baby dragon she's recently met on the night of Nightmare Night. The associate of Twilight Sparkle, her sister's apprentice.

Seeing that the dragoness is hatched and well, she turned to the teachers and they quickly admitted that they were wrong and Rainfall passed their test and he could attend Celestia's school. Luna thought differently. She saw something in the pony, magic wise. When Rainfall was doing his task she saw and could feel something suppressed. Something similar and familiar to hers and a another within him. He sparked her interest and wanted to see what that something was.

"We have come to a decision, he will not be attending thy sister's school, but study under us as thy apprentice," she stated and storms after him.

After using his magic to teleport himself afar enough away from Celestia's school, Rainfall finds himself near the fountain which made him glow bright blue. After doing a rigorous exam and doing teleportation spell, he needed to rest. So he sat down on the edge of the fountain. 'I failed, what am I going to do now,'

"Rain."

"Lightning?" seeing the red stallion standing in front of him. "It's been a little while. You mind if I sit." Lightning asked with faint smile. Rainfall silently nodded and ushered him to sit. Lightning sat down next to him. Sitting side by side Lightning's figure was much bigger than Rainfall. "You seem down." Rainfall started the conversation.

"Yup, today sucked" Lightning said. "Royal Guard tryouts was today. I had it in the bag until the captain said he needed ponies for fulltime. I have my sister to look after, so I can't," explained.

"I failed my exam to get into Princess Celestia's school today. A year's worth of studying, practicing, all down the drain. Now I got nothing to look forward to," Rainfall pitched in. Showing heavy concern Lightning frowned upon his reply was about to reach out until...

"Lightning!" Lightning and Rainfall turned to see Shining Armor approaching him.

"Captain? What brings you here?" Lightning questioned respectfully back on his hooves. Shining Armor smiled waving his hoof, telling him to be at ease. He follow suit relaxing his stance.

"Lightning, I believe I have a solution that'll make up for your misfortune." He stated. This sparked Lightning's attention easily. "I'm listening, sir." He said, all ears for what he has for him.

"There's a town, just a train-ride away from Canterlot. It's rather peaceful, but attracts attention and often gets into odd situations. It's called Ponyville." He explained.

"Okay, and?" Lightning asked wishing to hear more.

"It lacks any law enforcement, an officer and I believe you would be a perfect candidate of being an sheriff and keep an eye out on the town." Shining said further. "If you are on board with the idea, I'd be happy to supply you a place of residence in town. Lightning was ecstatic about the news and he showed it with a wide smile. "Really, yes I accept." He answered. Shining Armor nodded in approval.

"Also, there's one other matter. A personal request, my sister. She and her friends I hear often gets into those odd situations I mentioned before. Can I count on you to look after them? He name is Twilight Sparkle." he requested. The mare's name caught Rainfall's attention of the conversation. He almost wanted to join in the conversation until once again...

"I do believe we have somewhat have an idea in common, Shining Armor." A sudden voice filled the atmosphere, everypony looked around to find the source. A cool chill was suddenly there. Next thing they knew it, Luna emerged in.

"Princess Luna." Everypony exclaimed.

"Greetings all." she announced herself. "Princess, we have the same idea," Shining Armor started. She nodded and spotted Rainfall still sitting away from the group and she approached him and had bag on her back.

"Rainfall, I have something that's rightfully yours." She began. She used her magic and placed the bag in front of him. It was moving which intreged him. Then out came the baby dragoness. Rainfall blinked a few times out of confusion.

"Young Rainfall, this is the same dragoness that is from thy sister's school. The one you were tasked of hatching," She explained.

"Wait, so I passed my exam." He stood up.

"You've done more than passed you're exam." Luna foreshadowed, confused him even more. She then suddenly got serious and stood tall. "Rainfall, I wish for you to be the protégé. I've sensed something in you and I want see what you can achieve in magic. Do you accept thy offer?"

Rainfall seemed very unsure about the new task, it was much more than he expected. Being taught by the mare of the night. The apprentice of the moon princess, was such a big title.

"It would be an honor princess, it's just all this seem very sudden." He said rubbing his hooves together nervously.

"You needn't worry. It is quite alright, which is why I would like you to accompany this pony to Ponyville. With my duties I can't teach you personally at the moment. But we'll compile a list of lessons we wish for you to study and learn. Alongside an associate who lives there in a local library, who is also the captain's sister." she made clear.

"I can see where this is going, the offer still stands. Now for the both of you." Shining Armor offers at both of them.

"You can count on us sir and princess," Lightning saluted, stating for the both of them, bringing him in affably close with a wide smile. Rainfall was not exactly amused of Lightning speaking for him, but it already seem like he was already caught in the middle of an agreement. Within the red stallions locked arm, he divulged a bored expression and simply accepted the situation he was in. "Yeah, great." he sighed. "Princess, when exactly am I going to be expecting on my studies?" He asked carefully.

"Shortly after you meet Twilight, I wish for you two be well acquainted with each other. I presume you two will get along well. I will send more detail shortly through the little one here and I want you to look after her." Luna pointed a hoof at the baby dragoness. Rainfall locked eyes with the baby who was cooing at his hooves. He viewed the princess again and agreed to take care of the infant. "Thy bid you adieu, my new student." Luna voice and took her leave. Shortly after Shining Armor followed suit, leaving Lightning and Rainfall.

"Well, that was a thing. It certainly made our day, am I right Rain." Lightning said slightly nudging Rainfall.

"Yeah, it was definitely...odd." He said as the dragoness crawl through his front legs. "She's a cutie, what are you gonna name her."

I don't know, I'll figure it out when I get home." Rainfall responded. Lightning opened his mouth to retort but both heard somepony mumbling and saw a white coated pony with cream colored mane.

"Some ponies just don't have good taste, I've had just about enough of Canterlot," Sunlight mumbled passing by. Then notices Lightning and Rainfall starring and showed an unfriendly snarl. "What are you two looking at?"

"We heard you mumbling something. There's no reason for you to be rude." Lightning spat in defense.

"I guess no one ever told you that starring is rude too." Sunlight returned. Both Pegasuses obviously weren't not clicking well with each other and if it continued any further it could end badly. Lightning was the peace keeper when it came to situations like this, but it seemed to Rainfall that Lightning wasn't in that mood. Before harsh words could come in the conversation Rain stepped in between the two and faced Sunlight. He knew how to handle ponies like this one.

"It is and we apologize for it, where you from?" He asked backing Lightning behind him.

"Cloudsdale, Canterlot has been a pain since I got here. But at least someponies have a mind of hospitality." Sunlight said referring to Rainfall, than Lightning. He just glared gritting his teeth.

"Judging by your cutie mark you specialize in acting. That's quite a talent." Rain continued, drawing his attention.

"Yes it is, and I assume yours is based on magic, very suiting. Even your eyes have a spellbinding feel to them." He complimented.

He then looked at Lightning's and smiled crudely. "Oh let me guess, you make shields." He affronted him.

"No. I got my mark protecting ponies, I am now somewhat associated with of the Royal Guard." He boldly stated proudly.

"Oh now I get it, your one of those high and mighty brutes."

"That's it." He bellowed, wanting to silence the other Pegasus, nostrils flaring heavily in frustration.

"I think that's enough for today Lightning, lets go." Rainfall insisted stirring hid body in front of him. Lightning snorted. "Fine, I need to pick up my sister and tell her the change of plans. See you tomorrow Rain." Lightning trotted off. Sunlight did the same. The day seemed to be half over and the unicorn figured it would a good idea to go home and pack his things. He put the baby dragoness on his back and they departed home to prepare for the next day.

That's all for this chapter. I'm kind of new to writing this kind of series so bare with me. It will get better I promise and I was inspired by a few to write this. I'll update quick as possible since I already have everything figured out for the story. That is all, take care!