Proud History

Seven Years after Ceremony

Canterlot Royal Palace

Luna's Quarters

"He would still be around if I didn't do what I did… Because of me, a heroic and loving soul was tainted by a deadly curse… Damn him… Why was he so righteous…? And why am I so weak…"

Luna is sitting in her room on the bed, head lowered, mind plagued by her past. She hears a knock at the door. She masks her pain with a small smile and answers the door. Aegis stands there, sweaty and smiling. Aegis gives Luna a hug.

"Hey mom, why are you locked up in your room?"

"Oh, just resting dear. How did training go with the guards? And are you ready to study some more magic Aegis?"

"Was great! Getting faster and faster on the obstacle course. And uh, mom, I was wondering instead of studying; we could go visit dad's memorial…"

Luna's eyes fill with tears as she nods her head. Aegis walks over and lays a hoof on Luna's back.

"Mom… You promised you would be strong…"

"I know Aegis… But yes, I think it's a wonderful idea dear"

Luna wipes the tears from her eyes and brushes her mane. Aegis walks outside into the hallway. He stops and turns, looking at Luna. She walks next to him, and together they go to the Canterlot Town Square.

Aegis and Luna walk up to a bronze statue with an arranged assortment of floral decorations. In front of the statue, is a glass box encasing Silver's armor, beaten and bloody from his actions. A gold plaque embedded into a stone slab lay in front of the memorial. Aegis walks up to the plaque and tears fall from his face as he reads the inscription aloud.

"Silver Sheild: Guard Captain of the Royal Guard. Hero of Canterlot.

This plaque commemorates a brave guardspony who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of duty and love. Let his sacrifice not go in vain. Learn from his selfless acts and know it is alright to make sacrifices and choices you believe are worth. And respect his final words about Aegis; to respect him for what he accomplishes, not for who he is."

"Your father… Knew what to say and when to say it perfectly Aegis… You don't what a gift you and I have…"

"Yea, but this gift is just as bad as it is good mom… seeing how what he did left us alone and trying to live up to him…"

Aegis walks over to the glass case containing his father's armor. The helm and chestplate had large portions covered in dried blood and the gloves seemed completely worn. Luna walked up beside him, giggling at the sight of the armor and turning to Aegis.

"Your father was stubborn about his armor. He never took it off, I do not know what sort of connection he felt he had, but I guess he really trusted his armor. Was a chore just for me to get it off of him. It seems you're the same way dear."

"Not entirely mom… But I'm hoping that doesn't make much of a difference in the future."

"What do you mean Aegis?"

"Compare me to my father. The first and biggest thing you notice is what we are. He was a strong and hearty earth pony. I am a smart, magic wielding unicorn. How am I to do what he has done if I don't have the build for it mom…?"

"Oh Aegis dear, your destiny isn't to mimic your father, it's to be whatever you want it to and succeed at it… You are unique. There are other unicorns in the Royal Guard, but they do not use their magic, but you my dear; you are receiving the Royal Guards training as well as lessons on controlling and learning magic. You have a gift Aegis…"

"Thanks mom, but I know there is one thing I can do like my father. And that's to protect you no matter the cost!"

Luna smiles and giggles as she gives Aegis a tight hug. The two make their way to the Royal Palace.

"You think we can go visit the elements of harmony sometime soon? I haven't seen them in quite some time."

"Sure, we can go visit them tomorrow after your training. That sound alright dear?"

Aegis sticks his chest out and puts a serious face on. He stands perfectly still and looks at Luna. And trying his best to sound tough, he speaks.

"Aye Miss Luna"

Luna giggles and gives her son a kiss on the cheek. Aegis relaxes and begins to laugh. The two return to the gate of the castle, before heading inside, Aegis remembers the statue and lowers his head. Luna notices and turns back around to meet with Aegis.

"What is wrong dear?"

"Nothing mom… Guess I just wish I met him before… you know"

"I know dear… Hey, I think I know what will cheer you up. Tomorrow when we return from Ponyville, I have a new spell to teach you… And I think it can help with your wish dear."

"Really? What spell?"

"You'll find out tomorrow dear, lets finish today's lesson and get you off to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for you Aegis"

Aegis and Luna make their way up to the Magic Sanctum in the palace and begin Aegis' long lesson for the night. Once completed Aegis and Luna share a hug before making their way to their rooms, ready to rest for the day to come.

"Love you mom."

"Love you to Aegis"

FOLLOWING DAY

ROYAL GUARD TRAINING GROUNDS

NOON

"Aye Cadets, good work today. You all are showing excellent progress in your training. Aegis, Princess Luna wanted you to meet in her quarters. You dismissed."

"Aye sir!"

Aegis bows and fallouts of his platoon. He rushes to Luna's quarters in excitement for the day to come. He hastily climbs the staircase and knocks on Luna's door. Noticing the doors cracked open, he pushes it aside to see Luna reading a scroll.

"You wanted to see me Mom?"

"Yes dear, I feel you should receive this now instead of waiting until later.

Sit down Aegis, there is a story to tell you about your father."

Luna fetches a book with an odd symbol on it and the scroll and carries them over to Aegis, laying them down in front of him.

"Your father's mark was a shield and some strange symbol. After I researched for a while, I found it in and old lore book. The symbol means guardian, your father was branded a royal guardian Aegis…"

"It doesn't surprise me mom… but why the scroll and book."

"Dear, before your father passed away, his cutey mark gave off a bright white glow. At first I thought it was he living up to his duty, but then I felt something strong in my room later that night. When I researched it, I learned exactly what it was his mark was doing.

"What are you saying Mom?"

"Aegis, your father's soul is now a royal guardian, his cutey mark was giving off the spell before he passed away… I do not know exactly what the spell, but I have a suspicion. Here, take this scroll. I want you to cast this spell, that is our training for the day.

Luna handed Aegis the scroll and gave him a tight hug before going out to the balcony to give Aegis some peace. She stands on the balcony, tears running down her face. Aegis sits in place, staring at the scroll.

"So this spell is from my father… What could he have wanted to give to us before he passed…?" And what is this whole guardian thing about. I need to learn this spell and fast."

Hours go by and night falls as Aegis perfects the spell. He goes out to the balcony with Luna and nudges for her to come inside.

"Mom, I think I have it. Come inside, we can finally figure out what this spell does."

Luna lays down, arms folded on the bed as she watches her son prepare. Aegis holds the scroll and begins to struggle as he starts to cast the spell. A bright white orb shines on the tip of his horn. Rays of light burst from the orb and scatter all around the room. Luna's eyes widen as she witnesses the spell. The room is soon consumed in light.

"Ugh… What happened… and why do I feel so strange. Mom, are you ok?"

"…"

"Mom?"

"Aegis… you did it… look…"

Aegis looks at Luna and notices she is crying, but happy. He notices her focus is elsewhere. Aegis looks over to where Luna was looking and his eyes widen at what he sees.

"Son…"