Formalities
"You've come a long way from being a hot shot solider to first lieutenant, Shining Armor."
The young colt looked around his surroundings with curiosity, but his cocky strides indicated he wasn't one for weakening at insecurity.
The head general of Canterlot continued his grouchy spiel. "Your family may have served the Canterlot guard for generations, but don't expect any of us to go easy on you because of that."
Shining Armor gave out a light chuckle. "Like I need anyone to go easy on me, I can run this place in my sleep...!"
He could hear a grumble from the old stallion. "Don't think you can get away with anything, just because your uncle was the former Captain of the Guard. He was tenfold the stallion than you are right now."
A smirk came across his face, though his eyes looked somberly towards the ground.
He loved his dear uncle very much. He was one of his favorite relatives, and was proud of his accomplishments, though could he really measure up to all of his predecessors? They were his ancestors, his family... If he let any of them down, he wouldn't know how to face them, nor how to put up with himself at the end of the day. He was lucky enough to be promoted from a common foot solider to first lieutenant, but it was just a one up from the common ground. He'd have to go further in the future if he wanted to make it to Captain of the Guard.
Though, could he really do that?
A young, over confident, running on luck colt?
How could he ever reach that kind of achievement to those he looked up to so much?
"As lieutenant, your first assignment is to escort the Princess Mi Amore Cadenza to her boarding school in Manehattan," the stallion general began.
Cadenza...
The new lieutenant's eyes furrowed in puzzlement. Why did that name rang a bell? It sounded oddly... familiar.
They were in the royal garden, the midday sun beaming down on their manes.
"Speak of Celestia..." uttered the general as he kneel down for a bow. "Your highness."
An alicorn approached them, and soon, Shining Armor saw a grown up version of his childhood friend.
She was taller... bigger. Her mane flowing effortlessly in the breeze. Her eyes still had that warm glow as he looked deeply into them...
Oh, right... She was Twi's foal-sitter years ago.
He couldn't feel his insides. He couldn't breathe. It was as if time stood still, and she was the only thing he could see...
A hard nudge was felt against his forelocks, realizing it was the general. Gritting, he then quickly bowed. Hopefully, he didn't act like an idiot for the rest of the day...
Shining Armor began to greet the princess. "Your highness, Mi Amore Cadenza..."
A gentle laughter was heard.
"Cadance," she said, smiling. "You can call me Cadance... You may both rise. Long time no see. Hello... Shining Armor."
The new lieutenant then felt himself smile.
He may not be Captain of the Guard yet, but... maybe he had a reason for starting that goal in the future.
Note*~
I am officially a Shining Armor/Princess Cadance shipper... and we need moar stories!
... and I'm going to see Twilight Sparkle tomorrow at my city's con... U MAD BRO ... NIE? 8)
Hope you enjoyed the story!
XOXO