I had been around six months since they had gotten accepted into the Royal Guard training. And the following six were no different, except for the fact that these would be the last ones before they would either accept you in the guard fully, or not. But getting in didn't seem like it was going to be too hard. Antares and Shining were performing extremely well and were at the top of their game. But the only concern that might cause Antares one whole year was his anger. Mainly caused by his peers that would annoy him and tease him about not having a cutie mark yet. Shining had taken notice to this but didn't really want to mention it, until now.
''Hey Antares I know it's bad that those guys annoy you all the time because of your flank, but why don't you have one?'' Shining asked as the two were sitting on a balcony observing the night sky.
''To be honest, I have no idea.'' He turned to Shining and looked down.''But I guess my time hasn't come yet.''
''I suppose, just don't let them get under your skin, it will do more harm than good.'' He to looked at the ground as if he recalled a memory.
Antares smirked.''Someone's hiding something.'' Antares punched him playfully.''You can tell me.''
Shining looked at him and saw that he was really interested, he even had a smile wich Shining rarely saw.''Fine ill tell you if you tell me a secret about you.''
Antares let out a small laugh.''Ok fine, but you go first.''
''It was about fifteen years ago when my parents had sent me to a magic camp close to where I live, and in the camp there was this one mare who most people thought I had a crush on.'' His cheeks started turning red as he continued.''Well turns out I kinda did, when the final test for the camp came while I was performing a shield spell I saw her hanging out with this guy that I really hated and well...'' He turned to look at Antares who had a blank expression.''I kinda launched it at him without thinking, it knocked him unconscious and I got in a heap of trouble with basically everyone.''
''What was her name?''
Shining looked at him with a small smile.''Mi Amora Cadenza, or Cadence for short.''
''Well did you at least see her again?''
Shining looked down.''No not really, we sent each other cards but then we kinda lost connection.''He opened a small envelope that he had in his coat.''The last thing she had told me was that apparently became an alicorn and that she was going to foal-sit my sister. Too bad I wasn't there to see her.''
Antares listened to his story carefully and put his hoof on his shoulder.''Hey at least you were able to share moments with her and she at least wrote to you.''
This lightened Shining Armours mood and made him hug a surprised Antares.''Thanks for being so chill about it Antares.''
Antares didn't speak just patted him on the back and rubbed his hoof on his head.''Your welcome Shining.''Antares then proceeded to take off his cloak and spread out his wings.''I had broken my left wing a couple of years back when I was thirteen, my mom gave me this as a replacement.'' He pointed to his left metal wing.
Shining Armour was very surprised at seeing the wing but more surprised at the fact that he had not noticed in the past year that they had talked.''WOW, that's cool.''He then put his hoof on his head.''How did I not notice?''
Antares gave a small smirk.''I barely ever use this wing because as you can see.'' He gently rubbed his hoof along the outside if the wing.''It's very sharp, and I would hurt a lot if I accidentally poke someone with it.''
''Yea you got that right, and thank you for telling me about your wing.''
Antares gave him a smile. Shining Armour yawned.''Tired?''
Shining started getting up from the balcony with half closed eyes.''Yea, I'm going to go to bed see you in the morning Antares.''
He waved and then disappeared into the castle.
Antares stared into the empty halls were Shining had left.''Goodnight'' He uttered under his breath. The pegasus got down from the balcony and sat down with his hind legs crossed and began to stare up at the stars while also emitting a small glow from his chest. He then fell into a very deep and relaxing sleep.
The next day seemed normal like the average Monday for Antares and Shining Armour, the two along with the rest of the recruits gathered at the throne room awaiting orders from Captain Sarg. Only this time Sarge seemed a little more serious than usual, he got on the platform and started speaking in his usual raspy and loud voice.
''OK, listen up! I hope you all are aware that you've been here for around a year.'' Sarg stopped to clear his throat.'' That means you all are going to get your positions in one week.''
Everypony had shocked expressions on their faces but at the same time everypony was excited to get their positions.
''This means this week is free of practice, and your real duties will start a week after the ceremony.''
Antares looked at Shining with a happy smile and turned to Sarg.
''Listen VERY carefully the position you get will be the position you will stay at unless somepony quits or I see your ready to move up a level, that's the ONLY way you'll get promoted, you understand?
Everypony in the room nodded and went out of the room once Sarg's rather short speech was finished. Antares told Shining to wait outside while he goes talk to Sarg.
''What are going to talk to him about?''
Antares started walking toward's the throne room.''Just want to see if he's ok, he just seemed... off.''
Shining gave him a nod. Antares walked through the hallway until he found Sarg talking to Celestia so he decided to wait until they finished talking.
Celestia noticed Antares and walked towards him.''Hello there Antares, what do you need?''
Antares took a small bow.''I would just like to a word with Sarg.''
''Very well.'' Celestia made her way to the double doors and closed them once she got out of the room.
''What do you need to talk to me about Antares?''
Antares took a deep breath.''I just wanted to see if you were feeling ok sir, you seemed a bit... off.''
Sarg responded with a bit shocked expression.''I'm fine don't worry Antares.''
He tried to exit through the door but he was blocked by Antares.''Are you sure because you seem really off, there's something bothering you.'' Antares expression turned serious.'' And I can tell its been bothering you ever since my little fight with Star Catcher.''
Sarg bit his lip.''Its just that you really got mad, I just worried for him.''
Antares could tell he was lying, it was obvious when Sarg tried to walk past Antares and to through the doors.''That's not the full truth.'' Antares stepped in front of Sarg to block him from the exit.''There's something else.''
Sarg was getting agitated, he hated being told to do something from somepony who was way younger than him.''Step aside Antares, and watch your mouth.''
But Antares didn't move, no matter where Sarg moved so did Antares almost like a mirror.''Why can't you tell me the truth!''
Antares, as well as Sarg started getting more aggravated.''Because its none of your damn business, now I'm going to say this once MOVE.''
''Sorry Captain but its in my right to know.''
Sarg was getting mad, with one swift move he tripped Antares and trusted him to the other side of the room. Antares luckily landed on his hooves and gave him a shocked expression.
''I SAID ITS NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS.'' His voice echoed through Antares ears.
''Apparently it is if your willing to attack me because of it!'' Antares starting filling up with anger.''SO captain, what is it?''
Sarg couldn't contain it anymore and lunged at Antares, temporarily stunning him.''Your forgetting your place Eclipse!''
Antares pushed him off and stood up on all fours.''And what is my place eh, just some pawn in your little army, IS THAT IT!''
Sarg was shocked at seeing Antares like this, Antares metal wing was clearly visible as well as the rest of his body filled with scars. That's not even what scared Sarg the most, the pegasus pupil turned bright red as the floor started shaking.
''Is this what you're scared of because as you said THIS is none of YOUR business!''
Sarg found himself unable to speak, it was hard for him to keep himself from falling because the castle was shaking violently.''Antares STOP.''
But Antares didn't listen, he was about to lunge at Sarg when another voice called from the door.
''Antares!''
Shining Armour was standing there with the Princess. Antares turned to them and saw them both with terrified faces.
The sight of Antares friend and the princess made him drop to the ground.''Im sorry.''
Shining rushed to Antares side, but Antares spread his wing and flew from the castle in a split second.''Antares wait!''
But the pegasus was out of sight, Shining went to Sarge's side to check on him.''Are you okay sir?''
''No, not at all.'' He said in a low voice.
Sorry this is late I had lots of things to do this week and this chapter took a while to write. Im ot going to be able to make a new one this week because I have a very important show to attend to and its going to last the whole week. Ill try to upload as soon as possible.
