It was about 4:00 in the morning when Antares woke up. It had been 12 years since he had come to Equestria. He had a black coat on, and a long mane and only had one wing his other one was replaced by a metal one that Zecora helped him make.
He remembered that last night he had to camp out by a small cave because he was too tired to go back to the Everfree forest.
He looked at the twigs he had set up outside of the cave the night before and went the way the sharp ends of the twigs were pointing to.
He knew that home wasn't too far from where he had stayed. It was just a mile away, he would hopefully get there before Zecora wakes up.
But he knew that at the pace he was going she would be awake and ready to lecture him about being on time and stuff.
Lossing track of time didn't happen often, but when it happens he usually has good reasons why.
And it was for a good reason. Last night he was thinking of getting a job in the Royal Guard. which meant that he would have to be in Canterlot for several months.
But he knew before thinking about doing something like that he needed Zecoras approvement, and he wasn't sure if she was going to like the idea.
When he got to the small hut he saw that there were candles lit suggesting that Zecora was awake. He entered the hut and calmly sat down at the table. Then Zecora came over and sat directly in front of him, with a cup in her hand.
''Where were you I was getting worried something had happened to you.'' She said with a concerned tone.
He looked up from his plate.''Sorry I had lost track of time and got too tired to fly all the way here.''
She looked directly at his yellow eyes with an eyebrow raised.''Lost track of time?''. She crossed her arms.''What's the excuse this time?''
Antares took a deep breath and explained.''So you see I was wondering something last night''
She looked at him with a curious face.''What were you wondering?''
''If I can go to Canterlot to join the Royal Guard'' he then braced for her to scream at him or give him one of her disapproving glares.
But she never did, she just stood there with a small grin on her face wich confused him.
''Ok'' she finally said.
Antares stared at her with a puzzled expression.''So your not mad?''
''Why would I be mad that you are finally growing up?'' she said with a smile on her face.
''Well I thought, you know you wouldn't let me. Especially since that means I won't see you for a long time''
She got up and gestured him to follow her outside. They went to the small lake outside of her hut. She then levitated a ball of water in the air.
''When I found you long ago I saw something very special in you.'' The ball started changing into different colors until it stayed a bright gold color.
Antares was still very confused.''That day I saw your past and part of your future.''
''My pa...'' He couldn't continue, he hated thinking about his past, and didn't like talking about it with anyone.
He felt her zebra arm around him comforting him like she would always do when he felt sad.''Your past may have been sad but''. She turned her face so she can see his face.''Your future holds great happiness, and that is if you chose to go this path.''
He then have her a hug like it would be the last time he would see her.''I love you mom.''
She returned his embrace.''I love you too''
Antares then got all of stuff and made his way to the train station.
When he got there it was extremely crowded. It looked like a busy work day for most people because of how much luggage everypony carried.
While he was waiting for the train he started walking around the small station. He never like clumped up places, it made him very claustrophobic.
''Uhh, how long is this guy going to take?'' he thought to himself. Then he heard his train whistle as the driver yelled ''All aboard!''
He sighed in relief as get got on the train and sat on the third row from the driver.
As he was sitting down a white stallion with dark and light blue hair sat in the seat next to him.''You don't mind if I sit here do you?'' the stranger said.
Antares looked at him for a second then thought it was best to not argue.''No not at all, you can sit.''
The stallion then smiled at him and put his own luggage under him.''Sorry I should introduce myself, my name is Shining Armour.'' he said as he extended his hoof.
Antares took it.''Antares Eclipse.''
''Nice to meet you Antares, so where are you going?''
''Canterlot, I'm going to join the Royal Guard.''
Shining looked shocked.''Wow really, that's where I'm going!''
Antares looked a bit doubtful at first, but then Shining showed him the flyer and he immediately started talking to him more comfortably. They talked about self defense moves and Shining Armour even started talking about his family and that he had a sister which he was very close with, and about his parents.
Antares only told him about Zecora but nothing else. Just that he had never known them(which was a lie).
As they talked Antares realized he had just gotten something he hadnt had in a long time.
A friend.
