Legends of Equestria - Forum

Long ago, when Luna and Celestia ruled over the lands of Equestria together, there was peace. But even in a time without war, there will be those that stand to fight against what is good and just. Each princess, knowing this all too well, took it upon themselves to train an elite force of guards. On the outside, they protect the princess they are trained by. But within the walls of the castle, they are trained to protect the innocent lives of common ponies. Each princess hoof selected every member, choosing those that would make a strong and elite force. Upon the formation of the elite squadrons, there were societies formed, and the Lunar Guards were the most reclusive. The dark is taken by many to mean evil and fear, but it can also be warm and caring, much like the enveloping hug of a one you hold dear. When the Lunar Princess was banished to the moon, the society kept on, but as the thousand years passed, the society grew smaller and smaller, till it was but one pony still maintaining the structures within the Lunar wing. With the return of the Lunar princess by Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony, the ranks need more members. So the one remaining pony has taken it upon herself to gather a new elite team of ponies. Ones trained in both the ancient ways of the night, and the newly discovered techniques of today.
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Among the crowded streets of Cantermore, a dark coated unicorn mare wound her way, heading towards the royal garrison. She wore a dark armour, unfamiliar and odd looking to those accustomed to the bright golds of the Solar Guards. She was a Lunar Guard, rarely seen because of their small numbers. With the return of Princess Luna, she had assumed the task of recruiting more for the ranks of Luna. Before she could begin however, she had to trade in her heavy patrol armour for a lighter more friendly version.

A chubby mare was walking down the streets of Cantermore. The mare was wearing a pale pink dress and a smile of her face. She sang a loud as she was making her way toward the market. Her pink eyes were big from excitement. This was her first time visiting Cantermore, and she was loving every second of it. She happily said hi to each pony that walked past her. The made looked around with excitement as she continued to walk through the city

The dark made exited the garrison wearing a lighter armour, she had removed her helmet and her bright blue eyes, and white and purple mane were now visible. Striking in contrast to her dark black coat.

Equally, a chubby wolf was making his way through the shadowed back alleys of Cantermore, the wolf following his nose and his stomach as he searched for food to fill his swollen middle.

The wolf, calling himself Game, has finally found what he was looking for, a large collection of trash cans, filled with this mornings confectioneries. To himself, he thanked Cantermore's strange food laws and began knocking the bin over and eating it's contents, the good stuff at least.

The mare, hearing the din of trash bins being knocked over, went to investigate, and found the sight of an overweight blue wolf, wolfing down the contents of a trash can behind the pastry shop she had passed by. She cleared her throat to gather his attention "Excuse me, littering is against the law. I suggest you clean up the mess you have made." she intoned.

The excitement from all the new people and many buildings made the mare skip happily. She started to hum a silly tune. A few ponies gave her a dirty look, but she didn't care. The only thing on her mind was getting the herbs she needed for her next patients. After skipping for a block the made slowed down her skipping. The skip turned into a sluggish walk. Letting out a yawn, the pink pony's eyes started to get heavy. Determined to get the ingredients, the fluffy pony continued to make her way through the town.

(Wolfing Down :P)

Game, seeing the dark unicorn quickly tried to run into the other direction, however he was slowed by his short binge and already padded physique, not getting very far before he started panting.

Turning around he faced the unicorn, still panting heavily, and whimpered. Waiting for whatever was going to happen, happen.

The mare raised an eyebrow "You're a big fellow, but you were probably just hungry. Come on, let's get you some good food, m'kay?"

Game wagged at the mention of food, slowly and untrustingly following the black unicorn, still panting somewhat from the short excursion of effort.

The mare led him to the Royal Garrison, she opened the door so he could enter. 'I've got an office here, I'll grab you some food. That okay with you?" she asked the blue wolf.

Game nodded eagerly, plopping himself down on the floor, panting from the walk and slowly wagging as he waited.

The mare levitated a plate of food in, it had some warm hayfries and a couple of strawberry tarts.

Game looked at the mare somewhat unsure, but smelling and seeing the warm food, he quickly ignored that feeling and started devouring the plate of food, finishing by licking it clean and look up once more.

"You're sure you want to do this?" A small-ish unicorn stallion heard his brother asking him as he walked through the streets of Canterlot Cantermore. "And besides, you failed to enter the first time; what makes this any different?"
The unicorn stallion sighed, looking to his larger, more muscular brother, also a unicorn. "I thought I already told you, Breaker. When somepony straight up tells me the Lunar guard could use somepony like me, I can't just ignore that. Even if I could barely see them at the time... Regardless, I'm going up there, and nothing you say is going to change my mind!"

Breaker merely sighed, shaking his head. "Don't say I didn't warn you, Finn." "And I keep telling you not to use that name anymore. And don't worry, I'm sure this will go just swimmingly."
A shrug, and the larger brother had departed, leaving the other standing in the streets, grinning while waving goodbye.

He stood there for about half a minute, before the unicorn suddenly realized something...

I don't know where their garrison is! He thought, or more accurately, yelled inside his head. That grin he was wearing suddenly began looking very strained indeed as he fought the urge to panic.

Having taken a request from his mentor through letter, a certain fleeced pony was making his way through the city, ears flickering about in an unsure, defensive manner as if this mostly bright and cheerful, classy place was a danger to his well being. His gait was that of a unicorns; tail and head held high, but he had a bit of a...Walking issue. His back legs seemed to go faster than his front legs, often leaving the lavender earth pony to just take quick small steps. Practically shuffling, breaking his potential official, professional air about him whenever he did so. He also noted that his clothes were not very good at blending in, what with it being a plain, fleece jacket that matched his eyes. All the other pedestrians he saw had their...Stomachs showing. He shuddered some, shoulders quaking, at the thought of having more skin showing. Honestly, he really wished he could have some pants, but that doesn't really seem to be a thing.
He snapped out of his skulk-y daydreams and remembered he had to look at the windows of the shops. Most of this seemed geared towards females, and knowing his mentor, he wouldn't wear this stuff seriously. And heavens knows he himself won't wear it! He has only been called a boy ONCE this entire trip! Taking a deep breath, he continues down the street, his ears going back like an irritated rabbit's. But then. He saw it.
A toy shop. His heart swelled and the young adult stared at the stuffed toys in the window with glee! He was a very distracted earth pony right now, wasn't he?

The mare continued to walk sleepy. She let out another yawn as she search for the Herb shop. Her eyes were heavy but the fire within kept her going. Each step felt heavier as she trotted toward the shop. Her sleepy eyes lit up as she saw a small hut. She squealed with happiness as she started to make her way toward the shop. But with each step her legs and eye lids felt heavier. Trying to stay awake, she started to hum a song her mother sang to her when she was a filly. But it was not use, the thought of sleep was too tempting. Letting out a yawn, she swayed side to side. Her legs finally gave out as she fell to the ground. She laid with a smiling on her face as she drooled into dream land. Only a few yards away, the mare was sound a sleep a little away from a toy shop.

Oh. A girl fell asleep nearby. Miru's head snapped over to stare at the chocolate brown mare, both ears at attention. Oh god what does he do? He awkwardly shuffles over, nudging the sleeping pony hesitantly. He looked around, not comfortable with this at all. What is he to do??? Who was she? Was she going somewhere? Seeing as she wasn't waking that easily, he just stood there for what felt like eternity to him.
Finally, the fleece clad lad tried to lift her with his...Hooves. Crap, he forgot about this. Maybe he can just...? Yeah this'll work. After a lot of awkward maneuvering, the flustered 'stallion' had the pink maned mare on his back. With small steps, he continued his walk, keeping steady as he looked for someone to help the mare on his back. He believed she needed medical care. Seriously.

The mare smiled as the wolf fell asleep. She levitated a blanket over the large blue form, and went back outside to the streets. Her dark metal armour standing out among the bright clothes of the civilians.

The mare slept with a smile as she laid on the strangers back. The mare drooled in her mane as she traveled through her dreams. Her mouth started to move as if she was talking. After a while sleeping the mare sleepy mumble turned into full sentences. With a sleepy tone she said,
Woah, woah! Wooooooah....
Woah! Woaaaaah. He he he!
Oooooooo! Ha ha ha ha!
......
He he he...
Where are we goin'?

To his credit, the unicorn did manage to keep a cool head. For all of ten seconds.
And that's when the internal screaming began as he walked aimlessly through the streets at a rushed pace.

WhatdoIdowhatdoIdowhatdoIdo?!

He immediately stopped, and his face went blank for a second right before his hoof went right to his face. You dunce...! Just ask a guard or something. Not that hard!
Taking a deep, calming breath, he resumed his walk at a slower pace, intending to head up to the castle to ask for directions.

Of course, lots of things were capable of distracting him. A lavender pony hauling around a chocolate brown mare on their back was something distracting.
And like the oh so very helpful pony he was, he couldn't resist asking.

"Pardon me, s- Ah..." His face went blank again upon getting a closer look at the lavender one. Sweet Celestia, and brother tells me my appearance is a bit ambiguous. Not gonna risk the gender specifics; This boy-girl might get upset with the wrong one. I sure as heck would be.
Clearing his throat, the unicorn resumed. "Er, yes, pardon me, but I must admit I am a wee bit curious... Why exactly are you hauling around that mare? Is she alright?"

Whenever the sleepy pony started to make sounds, he couldn't help but tense, nearly causing himself to trip since his focus on his feet was divided.
"I'm going drop you off at a clinic." He uttered, his voice still young and vaguely feminine, but just barely male enough to be considered a boy. By boy I mean like little kid. What, had he not gone through puberty? Poor guy. Ahahaha.
He nearly dropped her again when he came to a stop due to all limbs tensing in a rather weird manner, like his body didn't know what to do in this situation, which was being surprised by the yellow unicorn. His ears were back, lips pulled up slightly into a distasteful sneer, and eyes wide open like the other was threatening him. Which he clearly wasn't. "She passed out. I don't know anything else." He grumbled, voice having a strong defensive tone as his dull purple eyes locked onto the one in front of him.

The unicorn raised a brow at the rather unpleasant expression the lavender pony took. Probably an uppity noble.

"I'm sure..." He said carefully, his own eyes meeting the stare the lavender one seemed to be shooting at him. The effect was ruined slightly by the fact that his eyes appeared to be closed.
"Well then, perhaps I could assist you in some manner? Some directions, perhaps?"

But what was with the overly defensive response...? It's enough to make anypony suspicious. I should probably keep an eye on them...

His ears twitched with what could be easily read as irritation. "Yes. Fine." He exhaled, the sneer relaxing some into a small frown. He knew his way around the town already, but taking directions to a clinic couldn't be that bad.
I mean, yeah he knew the street paths and whatnot, but he didn't exactly know where certain businesses were. He's still mapping it out, okay? He began to walk again, having awkward stuttering steps again, then going back to taking small, shuffling steps. He is not a happy earth pony. Yes, lead the way, unicorn with the closed eyes. He must take the mare to a safe place. He didn't want to talk anymore. He felt the need to distance himself from the other, eyes flicking over to stare at the unicorn now and then, as if making sure HE wasn't doing something. Wow, rude.

The dark mare was walking along the streets, a new recruit had come in that day, a young unicorn stallion. Bright colors, she has been told. She was walking along the shop district, as her gut told her that he was near.

The mare giggled as she continued to dream. In a bubbly tone she sleepy said,
You silly pony! He he he he!
Ha ha ha! Oooooooo!
The mare continued to giggle from whatever dream she was having. As she shook a little note stuck out of her puffy mane. The mare finally calmed down a bit and started to peacefully sleep.

Oh that's kind of creepy to the Miru. Oh. A note. Miru attempted to pick it up with his hoof, then frustrated whenever he only managed to make  the note slightly dirty. Oh great. He shakily lowered himself some, staring at the letter, not bothering to try and pick it up again. This probably looks REALLY weird. He'll figure it out eventually, don't worry. Hmm...What does this note saaay?

"Alright then!" The unicorn said happily, turning to walk the other way as he motioned for the lavender pony to follow, stopping only when he noticed said pony staring at a note, raising a brow once again as he witnessed lavender failing to pick it up.
"Hospital or hotel?" He soon ended up asking. "The path splits up ahead, and I'm not sure this is quite important enough to bother the doctor about. Other than a severe case of drowsiness, I don't see anything wrong with this mare; nothing bed-rest won't cure. But it's your call..."

"I. Bed rest. Hotel. Take me to the hotel. Please." He was chopping up his sentences quite a bit, wasn't he? It still got a clear message out where he wanted to go, at least?
Miru didn't want to look at the other. He felt embarrassed. And frustrated. He knew the other saw his blunder, but he didn't wanna see how he reacted to it. Hesitating slightly, he used his tongue to pick up the note, the piece of paper between his teeth. Eugh. This note better be important.

The note had good handwriting and was written in pink pen. The words were curly and big.
Hello! If you are reading this, then I am a sleep! Tee Hee! Sorry! I should wake up soon. Or just shake me awake! He He! Oh, I am Pink Cloud. Thanks for taking care of me. :D

The mare came across an odd sight, two stallions, one quite bright, with a passed out mare. Approaching them, she raised an eyebrow "Is there something I could help you with?" she asked.

Tired sigh. BOUNCES SOME. SHAKEY SHAKEY WAKE UP PINK CLOUD. Little grumbles from the lavander pony. He's not very friendly, despite his colorful, soft looks. Weird. Everything is weird.

OH. Miru lifted his head cause new voice. He just kinda. Slowly dumped off the Mare fairly gently after shaking her up more than a bartender would with a blended drink.

Pink Cloud let out one last snore before waking up. Pink Cloud's eyes shot open from being shaken. She looked around to see where she was. A confused look came across her face. As she ran hoof through her mane as she said,
What..... Where am I? Who are you
ponies? ....

"My name is Miru. You fell asleep near me while I was walking, so I carried you." He bluntly explained, his stare still rather cold and focused. He wasn't really good at loosening up, but at least he meant well. At least he doesn't have. Baseball bat. Yuk yuk!

"Right, so the right-most path it is..." Illusion had said to himself, but as Lavender apparently wasn't moving, neither did he. Soon Lavender was shaking the mare awake, but that wasn't what really caught his attention.

What really caught his attention was the gleam of dark armor, and if his eyes were open, they would've widened considerably. He made do with a gasp and a small grin.
"No, ma'am! Er, I mean, yes ma'am!" He shook his head, clearing his throat. "Oh, but I need to ask. Are you a Lunar guard? I-it would make sense, dark armor and all that, and if you are then it's reallygreatnewsformesinceIreallywantedtojointheluarguardsbecausethisweirdponycameuptomeandsaidtheycouldusesomponylikemeand-"

He cut himself off, taking a breath before grinning sheepishly. "S-sorry, I got a bit overexcited there..."

Pink Cloud blinked confusedly as she listen to Miru. She rubbed her eyes before letting out a yawn. As she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes she bubbly said,
I'm so sorry! You didn't have to carry me.... Wow, I'm amazed you carried me this far. Ha Ha Ha Ha!
Pink Cloud stood up as she laughed. She then started to dust off her pink dress, got to make sure a mare looks her best. As she fluffed up her mane she continued,
But for real, thanks for making sure I was alright. My sleep episodes are random. But dear Luna I had an amazing dream! It was soo...
Well, maybe I should calm my self down.

Miru's eyes went wide and frankly he just looked really offended at the excited unicorn. Alright, so armored ponies. They are a big deal...Wait, did he just call him weird? He squinted some more, and remained silent, looking back at the mare while all flustered and grumpy. It's a surprise his cutie mark ain't a lemon with a sad face on it! Good grief! His cheeks might've become the slightest bit pink toned at her complimenting him. Miru, strong? He's never really been called before, so this was quite nice! Flutter flutter go those dorky ears, ahaha.

"What uh...What was the dream about?" He cleared his throat some, whispering some cause wow he be feelin' just a liiittle bit shy. Wiggle wiggle goes the lavender pone. Ever so slightly. I guess more like fidgeting? You get the idea. Side to side.

The made nodded at the bright colored stallion. "I am, you wouldn't happen to be the new recruit that came in, would you?" she asked, noting his bright coat.

Pink Cloud's eyes lit up when the pony asked about her dream. She smiled ear to ear as she thought about her dream. As she pushed her checks in she happily said,
Let me tell you! This dream was so... real? I was in a white dress and surrounded by a lot of other ponies. I couldn't tell who they were but I didn't care. We all were part of a huge cult that decided the fate of other ponies! It was so weird, I can't even put it into words. But I remember I didn't make the right choice and everyone got mad at me! I was so sad and they had to decide my fate! They were just about to tell me but then you woke me up! Weird. So weird. Oh My Luna but it was so cool!  As Pink Cloud talked her eyes shined with excitement. When the mare finished she let out an exhausted sigh. Pushing back her mane she continued,Ha! What a dream... I'll have to record it later. But any way, again, sorry about this ordeal! I would be lying if I said I am embarrassed. This happens more times than I can count! I'm just glad a kind pony like your self was there.
Pink Cloud finished her sentence with a big smile as she happily fixed her dress.

The unicorn tilted his head in slight confusion. "Came in? By that you mean came to Catermore, right? If so, then yeah, of course!" He said, nodding.
He hesitated a moment before continuing. "Ah... You wouldn't happen to know anything about an odd pony that visited me the other day, would you? I never got a look at the face, but they told me that the Lunar guards could use a pony like me with them. Now imagine that! Of course, I was going to take that offer, hence why I was so glad to see you!"

He then cleared his throat. "Ah, but where are my manners?" He said, holding out his hoof. "Grand Illusion, Illusionist Extraordinaire, at your service."

Miru's eyebrows just went up so high as her blurb of a dream story went on. "Whoa. That...I feel that was a bad dream at the end. Glad I woke you up, personally." He commented, those brows slowly returning to their resting position.
He did look interested in it, sure, but he still wasn't all energetic, like he was already tired. Or just simply not that excitable. You know how some are. He watch the bright unicorn and the guard interact out of the corner of his eyes now, his finally facing forward ears seeming to only go back to listen to the others.
He wants to learn how to do the basics of greetings, so peeking on them was useful, yes.

The mare chuckled at his question "Because of the nature of the guards, we have recruiters all over Equestria, constantly looking for new talent to serve the sisters." she said, then turned to other two ponies "All three of you have actually been scouted out for recruitment to the service. It is, of course, optional, but highly recommended. " She said to all of them, observing them.

Miru went cold. Ooooh no. They know. "I. I. Fine." He warbled out, fidgeting and sticking close to the mare like a colt to its mother. The fleece wearing pony was easy to scare with the right vibes, it seemed. I mean, he wasn't being outrageously scared, outright scared, but it was still obvious he was at least uncomfortable with the attention being turned to his direction.

Pink Cloud put a hoof on her chin as she thought about the end of her dream. As she scratch her chin she said in a semi calm tone,
You know, it could have gone either way. I mean good or bad fate. Who knows what fate has in store for me? ...
Pink Cloud stop to catch her breath; she has been talking way too long. Her head turned in different directions, trying to figure out how far the stranger carried her. Pink Cloud's eyes stop on the strange mare. She tilted her head in confusion, why would a guard want to recruit her? Noticing Miru get closer, she turned her gaze at him. She let her eyes and a small smile show everything will be alright.
Turning her gaze by to the guard she happily said,
Okay, I'm a hundred percent sure this is a mistake. I would like to go... But I got some... If it won't take long then sure...  
The mare remembered she still needed to get the ingredients. But who can say no to a royal guard?

The made smiled gently "None of you are under any obligation to serve the princesses. You have been selected due to your talents, you see, if you were to join, you would be in the protective forces of princess Luna herself. And not only that, but most, if not all of you would be in passive positions, mapping for example, perhaps healing, maybe observation, nothing more." She said as nonthreateningly as she could.

"Ah, now that does make sense..." Illusion had said quietly to himself. But as some sort of realization hit him, one could almost hear him going "Squee".
A grin on his face, he spoke up. "Obligation or not, how could I say no to this? It would be an honor, to serve the sisters."

The made smiled "Lovely! Might I ask your name?" she said, happy at least one was receptive of the idea.

Pink Cloud's thoughts were racing with millions of questions. The main questions that concern her was how long will she be away from her clinic and what passive position they had in mind for her.
She ran her hoof through her mane; thinking more about the situation. But her serious concentration broke as she started to question dumb little things. She giggled at her self as she made up answers. Pink Cloud smiled wide as she was off in her own little world.

The dark mare raised an eyebrow at the pink mares giggles "Miss?" she asked curiously.

Miru sighed and bowed his head some. "Alright. I'll go. I have some maps already." He mumbled, looking more like a cornered villain than an excited pedestrian. How could he not know the honor it is to work as a guard? How dare he. Shame on you fleece pone. Miru gonna just. Remain silent. Eh.

The made tilted her head at his defeated sounding reply, but still accepted it.

Pink Cloud let out one last giggle before the strange mare brought her back to reality. She looked at the mare confused as she tried to recall what she said a few minutes before. Pink Cloud tried to think of something to say but just responded with a shrug and a half smile. Not totally sure what she was getting herself into.

"Uh, pardon?" Illusion asked. "I had thought I already... Nevermind."
A sigh, and after a moment he spoke again. "My name is Grand Illusion, of the Serégon family."
He paused a moment. "But you knew that already, didn't you? If it's true that you have agents scouting us out, it makes little sense for you not to know our names. Or was that bit of information not passed to you?"

The mare chuckled "It was a test, every potential guard is tested throughly throughout their life, even without their knowing. Every one of you has overcome something, some difficult task or life event. All of you have been deemed worthy of this honor, but worthiness means nothing if not for willingness. So if you wish to join the guards, learn of things you have never heard and be taught in the ways of your ancestry, we can help. By joining the guards, you are agreeing to learn more than you would care to about the world we live in." she intoned.

The fleece pony kept his head down, but his eyes were staring at her feet while ears were pointed at her. Listening to her, do not worry.

Game remained asleep through the leaving of the mare and had managed to encase himself in the blanket, managing to roll himself under a table. Dreaming of endless hills of food and soft things, the wolf smiled and wiggled happily in his sleep.

Pink Cloud's eye lit up as listened carefully to each word the mare said. She has came long way since she was a little filly, and now she has a chance to put herself to the test. The pink mare smiled wide as she happily said,
Oh My Luna! Yes. Yes. And yes! This is some kind of royal adventure right?Oh my Luna, this is starting out like one of my stories! Except none of you guys were in it. Oh Luna, I can not wait!
Pink Cloud's smile was from ear to ear. She giggled happily as she imagined all the cool adventures she will soon face. Her mind raced with a million scenarios that probably won't happen. She let out a happy squeal; her way of agreeing to join the mysterious mare.

The made chuckled at her enthusiasm "I can see you are all at least somewhat interested. If you would please follow me to the barracks." she said, tilting her head in a 'come on' motion.

Pink Cloud smiled big, her excitement was getting the best of her. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she thought about how lucky she is.
Just about to walk with the mare, she stop and turned her gaze toward Miru. Noticing the pony looking down and hasn't been too social, she scooted closer to him. She flashed him a smile as she waited for him walk with her.

Miru silently fretted in response to Pink's smile, but walked with her none the less. He just seemed really worried about this exciting adventure ahead of them. Maybe he has just had bad adventures lately? Maybe a good adventure would make him happy? I don't know. He's just so sour.

The mare started walking towards the castle, nearby there was the large and shining Solar Guards station, directly opposite it, was a much smaller, darker building. The garrison of the Lunar guards. It was a deep blue, with swirls of silver and lighter blue on the brick.

Pink Cloud just kept smiling; thinking it will help calm Miru's nerves. But her excitement caused her to be jittery. She tried to calm her self down but she was bursting with the adventure spirit. Pink Cloud lead Miru toward Grey. She stood next to Grey with a big smile. Being in the middle of Grey and Miru made her smile warmly; extremely happily with the two ponies company.

A lone cyan unicorn stood next to the Lunar Guards garrison, gazing at the building.

Finally waking up. Game had managed to roll his way into the table and knock a pot of pens onto his head, causing him to whine somewhat loudly and clamber up off the floor.

Game, quickly went to try for the door, but found himself unable to get up high enough to turn the handle and decided to give up, waddling his way over to the what appeared to be the mare's chair.

Trying to get up on to the chair, with much heaving and panting, the wolf managed to hit the chair's height adjuster, making it low enough for the dimpled wolf to clamber onto and sit.

Finding it a lot comfier than the floor, he wiggled his way into a comfy spot and plopped his pudgy head onto the mare's desk and waited for her return.

Miru just stayed quiet, keeping close to Pink as his eyes slowly wandered around to take in the sights. Aaah, he wants to wear a waistcoat at some point. When visiting his mentor, anyways. Not as his usual wear no way. BLUH BLUH.

Star Diver continued to gaze at the building, unaware of the approaching ponies.

The mare observed the pony looking at the building, she cleared her throat "May I help you, sir?" she asked curiously.

Pink Cloud's eyes were big as she examined the building. She could help but internally squeal with delight. The building reminded her of one of her fairy tale stories. Her eyes shined bright as she formed a small smile. The mare's mind drifted off into day dream land as she thought about the story but replace the characters with the ponies around her. She did notice the strange unicorn but she just added him as the villain in the story. Pink Cloud softly giggled at her self as the story in her head played through.

Star Diver jumped at the sudden appearance of the mare.

"H-huh? Oh,  I'm s-sorry, I was just staring at your building, it's very pretty, er I mean nice, um, er," he babbled nervously.

The mare smiled "Not many are drawn to this building, the colors are overlooked in favour of the brightness of the other buildings. Thank you for the compliment by the way, I designed it myself."

Star started to nod his head furiously, but caught himself in time and just gave a simple nod. He exhaled, and gathered himself.

"My n-name is Star Diver; nice to meet you!"

The mate smiled "I am Grey Scale, captain of the Lunar Guards. It is a pleasure to meet you as well."

Star's heart rate skyrocketed. The mare was the captain of the Lunar Guards!?

"N-No no ma'am, the p-pleasure is mine!"

The pudgy wolf quickly got bored of staring on the contents of the mare's desk and began pushed himself of from the desk, causing the chair to spin.

Testing the spininess of the chair, Game continued using the desk to spin the chair, finding the spinning a lot more interesting than unmoving objects, he lay back in the chair as it spun causing some of his floofy fur to move with the breeze and cover his eyes.

Pink Cloud continued to giggle at her self. The story was very entertaining to her.
She imagined Grey as the king's loyal knight. Grey had bright white armor with Celestia's cutiemark on the side. She was a fierce warrior who had just received a quest to save his son from the wicked dark wizard. But of course, Grey couldn't take on the villain alone! The king assigned her a partner, and that partner was Pink Cloud! She was the kings finest knights, she has been in the background doing the dirty work for the king. Over the years Pink Cloud has earned the kings trust. The two mares were about to embark on the greatest adventure of their life.
[/i]
The story made Pink Cloud even more excited to join Grey on this royal adventure. But the story was making Pink Cloud sleepy. She let out a yawn as she tried to rub the sleep out of her eyes.

Miru's eyes slowly looked back over at the yawning mare. His face contorted as he fought the yawn but...He couldn't stop it. Eh. He bumped the daydreaming miss, not wanting her to fall asleep again. He doesn't want the urge to carry her again. Aaah He doesn't like leaving people behind. He FINALLY looks at the unicorn being a flustered mess over meeting the mare that lead them to the garrison, and about how she was the leader. He didn't seem really phased, just staying vaguely agitated. Or maybe that's his resting face. Who knows.

Pink Cloud and Grey were just about to slay a dragon before Miru brought her back to Equestria. But he caught her mid giggle and caused her to snort. Pink Cloud looked around to see what was going on. Her gaze fell on the strange pony who had trouble talking to Grey. Pink Cloud flashed a smile at the stranger, hoping to calm his nerves.

Looking around at the others, then up at the garrison, Miru decided to just let himself inside quietly, making a mental map of the area as he walked. He will make sure he never gets lost, yeah!

As Pink Cloud stood there smiling, she notice Miru leave out of the corner of her eyes. A small smile formed as she inched away from Grey. She tried to muffle her giggles while getting closer to the castle and further from the group.
Once she was a good distance away, Pink Cloud skipped happily into the castle. She gasped with delight was she examined the giant hallway. The halls were quite, which helped calm her down. She looked at each painting and sculpture with big eyes. Pink Cloud never been in the real world before. She squealed with delight as she continued down the hallway. As she took in the building, she notice Miru walking around. With a big smile, she quickly walked toward him. In her usual bubbly tone she said,
Miruuuuuuuuu! Miru! Look at this place. Oh My Word, this
place is too cool. I can see why you left the group!
Without saying a word. What's wrong? Usually ponies
would be excited to be picked for a royal adventure!

"Well, I did some bad things before, and I don't really understand why or how they know me enough to really go out of their way to find me and ask me to become a guard. " He commented, keeping his voice nice and lower for Pink. Oh. Bad pony being around guards problem. "I mean, I never really did anything bad, I suppose? But I knew 'bad ponies'." He was now whispering while he walked with the slightly chub mare friend. He didn't look up a lot at the other, watching his feet to make sure he doesn't trip over himself. Ahaha.

Pink Cloud tried to concentrate on the conversation but her gaze would turn to the artwork in the halls. She smiled and gasped happily at every little thing in the hallway. Pink Cloud got bits and pieces of the conversation and returned her gaze back to Miru. What he said confused Pink Cloud and didn't know how to properly respond. In a more calm tone she said,
Weeeeeeeell... Weeeeell.... Well...
... ... ...
Well, I'm positive that royal guard knows
what she is doing. So all of us must
be meant for something really important.
And I think she said we will be doing
something... Something... Passive?
So I ain't worried! I mean, its a royal
adventure! And you know what's on
royal adventures? Royal treasures!
Or dragons. Probably both. Oh fluff,
now I am worried. I never been on
a real adventure, with real ponies and
real dragons!
Pink Cloud's smile fell as her eyes filled with fear. Her imagination was getting the best of her as she started to be paranoid.

"If we do end up doing something extreme, I will do my best to help you." he assured her, gently bumping her in hopes of gently shaking her out of her imagination. "I'm sure we won't do anything that drastic though." He cooed.

Pink Cloud's thoughts flooded her mind, making her ignore the first part of what Miru said. The bump brought her back from the depths of her imagination. She blinked a few times as she tried to get her thoughts straight. Her horror imagination caused her mood to fall a bit. Pink Cloud looked over at a painting of Princess Luna. As she looked up at the Princess, she started to make her way toward the painting. As she stood there staring up at the massive portrait she said,
I guess you're right... I mean, if they recruited me it
can't be anything too extreme. Still, we got Grey so
I shouldn't be so worried. A knight is always the
hero and are suppose to protect ponies! I wish I
was a knight! Luna, that would be so much fun.
A small smile formed on her face as she talked; her conversation to Miru was more for her self. The spark in her eyes returned but she remain calmed.

Miru stayed quiet, letting her be nice and calm. The spice of a pone was not always good at talking, so seeing her spark and small, sweet smile  was very nice. It was a reminder not everyone was an enemy. Miru you should stop getting tongue tied and be able to talk to your friend, good gosh!

Pink Cloud continued to ramble on and on about knights and her dreams about knights. With her eyes locked on the portrait, her words skipped happily as she told Miru about her favourite dream. The dream was about her as a bat pony who was a royal knight for Princess Luna.

Pink Cloud then continued to talk on and on of the adventures she went on. Her smile was huge and her eyes shined bright as she re-lived the amazing dream.

Miru's eyes went wide, ears up and focused on Pink's dream rambles. He recorded only just a few bits of the details, enough to remember it for later whenever he can actually write again. A city in a sky...Mmm...That sounds like a wonderful place to visit. He imagined that the breeze up there must be rather strong though. Hm. He stared up at the portrait too, not knowing who Luna was. He didn't know the princesses in general, really. He glanced at Pink's excited face, then back up at the portrait a few times, silently hoping for an explanation.

Pink Cloud finished the story with a smile. She softly chuckled at the thought of the Castle in the Sky. A small smile rested on her face as she continued to stare at Princess Luna. She allowed the silence to fill the room; too exhausted from telling her story. A little peace and quite with good company made Pink Cloud feel less jittery and more relax.

Grey smiled slightly "Thank you, but I need to keep an eye on the new recruits. "

Star nodded his head rapidly this time.

"O-Ok ma'am!" he said, and managed a little salute.

She thought for a moment "You know, it's possible they split up, would you mind helping me out? I'm the only active guard, so I know this place completely and have a map. But I can't be at two places at once and would appreciate if you would help me find them."

"Y-you want me to help you?" a flabbergasted Star said.

He quickly recovered and said, "I'll do my best!"

She smiled "Thank you very much, I appreciate it." she said, then turning to the castle, she sighed "Even if I know this place like the back of my hoof, it'll be hard to find them. There's any number of ways they could have gone.

"D-do you have a map? S-so I don't get lost myself?" Star asked the captain.

She laughed "I made one! I didn't have a map for years, but then when we started getting reports of new talent, I knew I'd have to to make one. I've got one right here, actually." she said, pulling a scroll out from her small saddlebag.

Star accepted the scroll from the captain. "I-I won't let y-you down!" he cried, and set off to find the other ponies.

She smiled to herself as he sped off "The reports were right, eager to please authority, smart, and quick to act. He shows promise. Now let's go find those two miscreants." she chuckled.

"Hmmm," Star mumbled to himself, looking at the map he was levitating; there were plenty of ways that the ponies could have gone.

"I-I think I'll g-go this way," he said, and turned left down a corridor.

The made trotted off towards the arts gallery, that is where the two ponies would probably have ended up, following the trail of more and more elaborate arts from the centuries of the sister's rule.

Star turned right, and came face to face with a large door. Checking the map, he saw that it said, 'Armory'.

"I-I don't think they're there," he muttered to himself, and went back the way he came.

[Ugh, I knew I should've been a bit more active... Don't worry, I'm still in this. I'll most likely have Illusion appear out of seemingly nowhere when I find a suitable point of re-entry.]

"M-maybe I should t-try a tracking spell," Star thought aloud, after a few rooms empty of ponies. He only knew one, and it wasn't really meant for tracking ponies, but he gave it his best shot anyways. His horn started glowing as he began to cast the spell.

(Is just waiting for a return to the office)

Game continuing to spin leaned back into the chair and closed his eyes, gripping onto the sides.

The mare, remembering the wolf in her office, teleported another plate of food for him. This one had a large slice of cake and a bowl of water.

Game, seeing the sudden appearance of food and water, went to stop himself from spinning but missed due to dizziness and fell face first into the floor, knocking the chair down on top of him causing him to yelp and whine loudly.

Star's spell normally would point his telescope towards a particular star that he wanted to view. Instead, he used his head as a focus, with the blue mare as his target.

"Hnngh!" he grunted audibly. A whining noise could be heard, followed by a loud 'POP!'

"G-Great! Now all I n-need to do is-"

Star broke off with a yelp as his head suddenly swung towards the stone wall!

THUMP!

"Owww..." he moaned, stars in his eyes. "Definitely n-not one of my brightest i-ideas."

Miru's eyes drifted from the portrait of the 'beloved princess', taking in the rest of the room they were in. Dark stone coloration, pictures of scenery he didn't recognize very well, two simple bookcases lined neatly with books of the faded color variety. Miru could practically smell their musty paper. He wasn't sure what to think of it.
He hesitantly left Pink Cloud's side, and wandered over to the books on the other side of the long room. Not a big space between them, but he didn't exactly feel comfortable turning his back on a new friend, even if they were just looking around the same room together. His eyes scanned the book spines for an interesting topic, his head slowly tilting to the side to read them better. Of course, he didn't really notice he was doing this, so with the tilt and the mumbling reading of titles...It was just a little humorous for a 'serious' stallion for be doing this. Assuming you could even call him one, due to his childish nature that he's been keeping under a lid.
Dull purple eyes slowly looked back over at Pink. She's still lost in her dreamland, how nice and calm and serene she feels to him. He decided to take out a piece of paper, writing a note down awkwardly with a pencil in his mouth. Thankfully, he's had a lot of practice with this, and his scribbles are legible. With it written, he used the pink diamond brooch's magic and bam! The letter is gone in whispers of a pink flame. Imitation dragon magic. Ohohoho.

Star carefully moved forward as his head continuously swung in the direction that he needed to go. He wanted to avoid bumping his head on the wall again.

After a while of walking, his head started to sway less and less; he must be getting close!

Miru's eyes flicked up. Ears swiveling around to try and locate the source of the approaching footsteps. It wasn't Pink, she was still being chill and adorable. He turned his head towards one of the room's entrances, taking a deep breath and tensing. Holding his breath out of the suspense.

Star turned a corner and came face to face with the mares from earlier. He sighed with relief, having found the ponies and the tracking spell discharged.

"T-there you are. The c-captain is looking for you two."

Pink Cloud turned toward the sound of the voice. She smiled at the stranger, happy to have more company. The mare turned her gaze back at the portrait. She gave the princess one last smile before returning her attention to the stranger. Bubbly she said,
Okay but  can we stay for a weeeee
bit longer? I really like the artwork
here! Its soooo nice! Also I like the
peace and quiet! Come on! All three
of us can get to know each other
better!
Pink Cloud gave the stranger puppy dog eyes, hoping he would give in. Regardless what the stranger said, Pink Cloud made her way down the gallery.

He remained silent, wide eyes locked onto Star. Eventually, his ears went back against his soft brown mane as a sign of potential irritation. "We did nothing wrong. We are not lost." Miru uttered, his voice practically a whisper it  was so soft. He was embarrassed of his still feminine voice, and that with his looks, he wasn't too happy overall. He slowly turned to look back at the books after assuming stuttering stallion wasn't going to be a trouble.
After hearing Pink's voice chime, he turned to look over at her prance her way through the gallery. Letting out a small soft sigh that matched his fleecy theme, he shuffled on after her, not wanting to be too far from his new friend.

"A-ah, miss? W-wait!" Star called out to her. He started to move forward, but accidentally tripped, and fell to the floor with a crash.

Wow this guy is clumsy. Miru groans a bit, hesitantly going over to the fallen stallion. How. How does he help someone up. He just awkwardly stands by him, staring intensely like his will to assist the other would just magically lift him up.

(It`s Equestria, there is probably a force that magically lifts ponies up :P)

Game, still trapped under the large chair and with pain in his hind leg, he reached out for the plate and dragged it back under the chair, thinking of making it his new little den.

Devouring the cake, Game stared out of the small hole in the chair, finding a set of keys, a grape and the pens he knocked over earlier, under the table.

Star groaned, then carefully picked himself up from the floor. He jumped a little at the sudden appearance of the blue mare.

"A-aah, um, h-hi?" he said.

Pink Cloud turned around to see the fallen stranger. She let out a sigh and walked toward the clumsy pony. With a warm smile she extend out a hoof for the pony.

The pink mare walked to him and extended her hoof towards Star. He looked at it gingerly, carefully took it in his own, and shook it.

"U-um...h-hi?"

Oop. The brooch be a-flashin'. He let Pink help the other up, since he doesn't really know how to pick things up yet in general. Bad hoof control still. He used the brooch and out popped a fine, dapper feeling scroll. Lordy, this handwriting even rivaled the lines of royalty! Mmm.

SLIGHTLY JEALOUS MIRU. AH HOW DARE HE be faring better than me! Miru got all flustered at the elegant scroll, then neatly tucked it into his saddlebags, being a pouty pony. Weh.

Pink Cloud smiled big as she shook his hoof. In her college psychology course, pony to pony contact helps build trust and relationship. She tried to stay calm but the company of the two stallions made her excited. The mare couldn't help but giggle happily as the two shook hoof. Bubbly she said,
H-h-hi! Tee Hee! Don't be so
tense! Come on! Miru and I
are soooooo chill.
Pink Cloud glanced over at Miru. She gave him "the look", wanting him to be nice to the stranger.

The mare arrived at the hall with the three ponies, she smiled slightly. Star was fairly good at this, if a bit clumsy, but that could be trained out.

Game, quickly finished off the cake leaving a creamy mess around his muzzle and face. Unable to get out of the chair den/trap, he decided the best thing to do was sleep, and so he did.

Under the comfort of a chair and a pain in his hind leg the chubby wolfy slept, cushioned by his meals.

Miru looked back at Pink like a flustered pigeon, all fluffed up and with a slight 'who, me?' sort of look on him. "What. I am chill. The chill is me." He warbled out awkwardly, still all worked up. Miru you're not helping.

Star gave the blue mare a confused look.

"T-the chill, w-what?" he said.

The male lavender pone just stared at him with a blank expression at this point. He will not say anything else. His words are too...Funky fresh.

Pink Cloud's smile fell to an half smile. She could tell this pony probably has never chilled his whole life. Pink Cloud blew at her bangs as she thought how to handle the stranger and Miru. She then forced a big smile as she wrapped her hoofs around the two stallions neck. As she pulled the two close to her she said,
You two have to loosen up! Like, why
so tense? You sound like you're
struggling to talk! I am a therapist, I
am probably the easiest pony to talk to!
Just loosen those lips and at least tell us
your name! No wait, let me start! I am
Pink Cloud!
Pink Cloud smiled big as she hugged the two stallions. The hug wasn't tight but you could feel her energy pouring out of her.

Star's confusion increased when the pink mare suddenly hugged both him and the blue mare, offered to be his therapist, and introduced herself as Pink Cloud.

"U-um, I am S-Star Diver," he told her. He could feel...something emanate from her body; there was something about it that made him feel...safer. He tried to avoid it as best he could.

Miru was instantly wide eyed with his upper lip pulled back into an awkward sneer. He didn't look too happy. "I do not want to introduce myself to this...fellow." He uttered, his voice back to being tart and tone acidic. Miru stop being so rude be nice at least for Pink, gosh.

"G-gee, aren't you a p-peachy one," Star muttered under his breath.

Pink Cloud slowly turned toward Miru. She smiled an eerie smile as her eyes were big. In an eerie tone she bubbly said,
Don't be like that! This stallion was
friendly enough to tell us his name!
Upupupu...
No worries! No worries! I won't push
you to do something...
Upupupu...
Pink Cloud softly chuckled for a bit before her head snapped back toward Star Drive. Her smile was back to normal and her eyes shined bright. In her usual tone she said,
What a lovely name! Its nice to meet you
Star Drive! You can calm down whenever
you want. I don't bite! Hee Hee Hee!
Pink Cloud let go the two stallions. She smiled big as she walked toward one of the sculptures. Making sure the stallions couldn't see her, her smile fell to a frown. The spark in her eye was replaced with an annoyed flame. The mixture of Star's awkward talking and Miru's rudeness irritated her. She took a few breaths, trying to calm her self down.

(aaah, where is grey DD:)

"U-um...okay," Star said as the mare let go of him and left to look at a sculpture. He glanced at the blue mare; he wasn't sure if he wanted to see any more of her.

"I see that look in your eye. You think I'm a mare, don't you." He uttered under his breath, eyes locked onto Star Diver. Very upset Miru. Defensive to the max right now. All tense and puffed up while Pink left them to calm herself down.

"W-What?" Star gaped at the mar-stallion's words. "N-No, that's not - I-I mean, I DID, b-but that's not why!"

He just squinted at him, all huffy and rude and just overall crude to the stuttering stallion. He is not a nice friend he is so sour he puts lemons to shame.

Pink Cloud irritation grew as she over heard the two stallions. The annoyed look on her face was fierce. She took another deep breath before mumbling to herself. She didn't understand why the two were behaving like they were. Why can't we all be friends? Her mood drop significantly as she continued to stare up at the sculpture. She started to have doubts about the royal adventure, not sure if this environment would be good for her mental health. Pink Cloud continued to take deep breaths as she stared to have negative thoughts.

"You know what really gets my goat?" He butted his forehead right under Star Diver's horn. Forehead to forehead. "That you're cute." All this with a sour, angry face and tone. ANGRY COMPLIMENTS.

(lol)

"H-HUH!?" Star's train of thought was completely derailed at the stallion's statement. That, and also because the stallion's face was inches from his own!

He pulled back, cackling some at the fact he was successful at derailing the other's tension. He playfully bumped the other's side some. "You may call me Miru." he commented, chuckling a little. GodRead the forum rules.it Miru you're such a butthead.
With introductions done, he sloowly approached the angry PINK CLOUD friend, hoping she won't blow up on him. "Hey Piiink? You okaaay?"

(Be careful with the swearing miru, is all)

Star stood in place, now thoroughly confused at Miru's actions.

'What was that all about!?'

Pink Cloud's gaze stayed on the sculpture. Her facial expression dropped to a neutral expression. All this negative thinking made her exhausted. The fluffy mare  silently yawned as she examined the artwork. She didn't want to respond to Miru; still irritated by his rudeness. Pink Cloud stood there with sleepy eyes, trying to make her negative thoughts quiet.

Miru whined a little, gently resting his cheek against her. "Piiink? I'm sorry I was a lemon." He quietly peeped, afraid of a loud voice to answer him. Small nuzzle against her, another whine and a pitiful, sad puppy look at her.

Pink Cloud just remained still, not completely done clearing her thoughts. She turned her head the opposite direction of Miru. A simple apology that Miru just mustered is not enough. Pink Cloud facial expression turned soured as she tried to keep her gaze away from Miru.

The mare decided to approach the three, things were getting tense there, and it would be best to intervene.

"SO!" Shouted a voice directly behind Miru. Turning to look, one would see a vaguely familiar stallion standing there; Grand Illusion, one might remember. And nopony saw him coming. At all. Not even a hint of his presence before he popped up out of seemingly nowhere.
"So..." He repeated. "This looks like a place where intervention is needed. Anyway, Pinks, somethin' bugging ya?"

The unicorn gave a brief glance to Miru. "Has this..." He paused, trying to find the right word. "Did this boy-girl here say something rude?"

Nope, that didn't sound right at all. Knowing an outburst was likely at this point, the unicorn inched away, putting some distance between him and the ambiguous pony.

Miru had crumpled up like a ragdoll out of surprise, REALLY not happy about this unicorn surprising him. He uttered a growl of frustration as he clambered back up to his feet as he stared at him. He puffed up a little again, like a puppy trying to get all defensive.

Pink Cloud placed a hoof on Miru's head, like a mother would when the child is about to act out. She warmly smiled at Miru as the spark in her eyes returned. Her eyes fell on the newest stranger in the room. A sour expression came across her face; she didn't like how he called her 'Pinks' or the way he referred to Miru. To her, it was obvious Miru was a stallion. She wanted to deal with the random stallion the ol' fashion way, but recent events had left her mentally and emotionally drain. The mare formed a small smile as a fire ignited in her eyes; Pink Cloud was ready to ruin this stallion's career.  In her usual cheerful tone she said,
Somethin' bugging me? Well, no not really.
This staaaaallion has been a reaaaal doll.
Buuuuuuut, since you asked! Pinks?
Woah, wooooooah. My name is Pink Cloud,
lovely name right? Kind of rude to refer to
me as Pinks. Also, boy-girl is extremely rude
way to refer to this STALLION as. You know,
pretty much everything you said right now
was rude and an awful way to make a
first impression. Oh fluff, now I see you
as some jerk. Buuuuuuuuuut!
Pink Cloud smiled an eerie smile as the flames in her eyes brighten. In an eerie tone she continued,
I am willing to forget everything you just said!
Lucky you! Lets just pretend you just waltz
in here, all nice and polite! Here I'll even get
this ball rolling!
Hi, I am Pink Cloud! Its very nice to meet you!
Pink Cloud stuck out her hoof as her smile returned to normal.

Grey raised an eyebrow, Illusion appeared quite suddenly. 'Twas odd, his appearance, but not unexpected. She walked over to the group. "I would suggest that your voices are lowered, you are nearing the area where the princesses live, and it is not wise to annoy the Lunar Princess during her sleep." she intoned.

Note to self: Don't be such an idiot!

"Awk... Ward..." Illusion muttered to himself. Apparently, these ponies were a bit too uptight to handle his usual casual attitude. Then again, disregarding his manners when they were clearly tense was a bit- no, monumentally -Stupid.

He was better than this!

But still, he could salvage this. Hopefully...

"Oh, pardon me, miss cloud. And M- Sir... Miru, was it?" Okay, slight slip-up, but the STALLION really, REALLY looked like a mare.
He let out a defeated sigh. "You want to yell at me, don't you? Well, go ahead. Er, in hushed tones, of course..."

"I am Miru. Just Miru." He grunted softly, staying by Pink's side. "I do not yell. I silently fume. I will scare you later. Possibly at night. In your room." He uttered. Well, at least he gave him a heads up, right? The feminine stallion was not a nice guy. He's probably just really sour about being called a girl so much.

Star looked at the newcomer with mild interest. He seemed to act quite...grand.

Pink Cloud ran her hoof through her mane to save her self from being dist by the stranger. Her smile grew bigger, she didn't care at this point if anyone in the room was getting along; her attention was on Grey. The adventure spirit started to make her jittery as she remember why she was here in the first place. Her excitement brighten her eyes as she waited to see what Grey would say next about the royal adventure.

"Oh? Alright then." Illusion said, somewhat relieved. "But I feel that I should warn you, Sir Miru... If you try to startle me in the middle of the night... [glow=red,2,300]I'll bury you with an honest to luna smile on my face.[/glow]"

It was muttered was so quietly that it was almost impossible to hear him say that last part, but as soon as he did, the temperature seemed to drop a few degrees, accompanied by an eerie silence as Illusion only smiled lightly.

"In other words, I must ask that you don't. Please."

He turned to Grey afterwards. "So where do we go from here? Can't be long before we've officially joined, right?"

I hope it's soon. It'll be nice to have the law on my side for a change. He'd thought.
[glow=blue,2,300]You'll behave yourself. Several ponies have been imprisoned if not banished for corruption in the past, and nopony's going to turn a blind eye to your antics.[/glow] The little voice that was his conscience said to him in response.
You never let me have any fun!
[glow=blue,2,300]Thank goodness.[/glow]

Grey straightened up "Whenever a pony becomes a Lunar Guard, there is an old and somewhat sacred ritual that must be preformed. It is not known to any but the Lunar Guards, and must be preformed under the utmost secrecy and reverence. Tonight is a full moon, when the ceremony is typically preformed, but that is dependent on what kind of Lunar Guard you are. Your first initiation, into the ranks of Luna, will be preformed under a full moon, but your second, and final initiation will be preformed under a new moon. That initiation will take years to be prepared for, and even I have not undergone it. For now, we must ensure that you are all physically and mentally ready to dedicate your lives to the service of the princesses." she said.

Star's cranial processes came to an abrupt halt at Grey's speech.

"HUH!?"

Grey chuckled slightly "Something amiss, Star?" she asked, raising and eyebrow.

Star raised a shaking hoof to point towards himself.

"A-are you including m-me too?" he asked shakily.

Pink Cloud smile was ear to ear. Grey explanation of what was going to happen made her heart race. Her mind flooded with all the ranks she could possibly could get. She squealed with excitement as she jumped with joy.

Miru just looked really neutral about all this, if not a little down. He's nervous. He doesn't like tests. He might cheer up later, hopefully.

Grey chuckled "I was speaking to the other ponies, Star. You are under absolutely no obligation to join the guards." she said whilst smiling.

(this is one of those test things isn't it :])

"O-oh," Star answered Grey, putting his hoof down, feeling the simmering burn of rejection all over again. This morning, he had received an official notice from the castle; his application to join the Royal Guards had been rejected. Feeling dejected, he had slowly trotted down to the Lunar Guards building, maybe just to take a glimpse at the guard building of the Princess he admired before he returned home. Then he had met the captain, performed a task at her request, and maybe, just maybe, for a moment he had felt a glimmer of hope at her speech, that she meant him as well.

But no; apparently it was not meant to be.

Grey smiled and raised an eyebrow "Unless, of course, you want to join." she said, smirking slightly.

Star snapped his head towards the captain.

"W-what d-did you s-say?" he stuttered, not sure if he had heard her correctly.

Grey smiled "You heard what I said." she chuckled.

Star stood stunned for a moment.

"O-oh, I-I do! B-but why did they t-tell me that the Lunar G-Guards weren't taking applications!?"

"Because we don't take applications. Guards are selected by other means. By proving themselves to be worthy, they may join, should they wish. You show promise, so the chance to become a guard extends to you. All that is required is your willingness to become a guard." she said, smiling gently.

Star sniffed, and wiped away tears leaking from his eyes; never before had he the opportunity to fulfill any of dreams. Until now.

"T-Thank you!" he cried.

Grey smiled and shook her head "Do not thank me, it was you who stepped up and helped. It was you who found them. You allowed yourself the opportunity, not I." she said.

Star nodded, trying to stem the flow of tears of emotion.

Grey smiled, finally somepony else was excited about this. "Now that this is sorted out, I think it is time to go to my office, we have much to discuss. " she said, looking at the four ponies.

(Yay, Chubby wolfy is no longer lonely)

Game, waking up tried once more to try and get out from under the chair, but a mixture of chubbiness, laziness, unfitness and a heavy chair made it impossible, resulting in the wolf just giving up and licking some of the cream off his face.

Pink Cloud squealed with joy, she couldn't wait to hear what Grey had to say. She skipped happily toward Grey. As she stood next to Grey, her smile was big and she giggled with joy.

Reluctant,  Miru slowly followed Pink, refusing to leave her side. Swish swish goes the Miru tail out of agitation. Weesnaw I am a lemon.

Grey smiled at the enthusiasm, then started walking towards the back of the castle. There was a passageways to her office within the castle.

Star followed the captain to her office. He was indescribably happy!

Miru made note of the all these pathways, eyes flicking to and fro as he scanned everything. He wants to show Droog where he's been, all this adventure. Thinking of that guy had Miru's eyes slowly glide over to look at the elegant scroll peeking out of his bag. And then it dawned to him. His face grew red in the cheeks as he looked over at the excited Pink Cloud, at her eyes. Mainly her eye color. No wonder he liked her! Probably some weird funky homesickness! He felt all bashful all of a sudden, brows furrowed and his mouth just a small flat line. Flustered pone.

Pink Cloud happily followed Grey; the mare reminded her of one of her fairy tale books. She examined each and every artwork the group walked past. She gasped with joy as her bright eyes took in the beauty.The mare had so many questions to ask about the ceremony. Pink Cloud couldn't contain all her questions in her head. In an excited tone she said,
Grey! When you said that they have  to ensure that
we are all physically and mentally ready
to serve the princess, what do you mean by that?
Are we going to take a test? Or a trial? Oh My Luna,
if its a trial then this is defiantly a royal adventure!
A test would be boring, unless its not a written test
then it would be fine. Also, what do we have to wear
at the ceremony? I can wear my 'special occasion' dress!
Hmmm... Nah, I seen the width of these doors. 'Special
Occasion' dress would never fit through one of those doors!
I probably don't have to get it anyway. But if I do have
time to run back to my house, I have another dress
that would be appropriate! Oh wait, if its a royal ceremony
then there might be royal clothes we have to wear.
Are there royal clothes we have to wear, Grey? Oh Luna, I am
so excited! I hope its not too late in the night, I get tired
around nine ad...
Pink Cloud stopped her fast talking to breath. Her smiled was plastered on her face as she looked around the hallway. She really enjoyed the artwork hanging around and the company surrounding her. All her talking and the castle started to make her shake with happiness.

Miru got all flustered as Pink rambled on and on, gently nudging her like 'hey, chill'. If they are gonna have to get dressed, he's gonna have to write another letter soon!

Grey chuckled at her enthusiasm, it bounced off the walls off the castle, filling the silence they hadn't known was there. "In order to ensure that you are mentally ready to serve, you will be asked a series of questions, each harder and harder to answer. The physical part of the test is something quite interesting. You will be placed in a room with a dangerous, but not lethal, creature. That creature can be anything, and its breed is chosen to best challenge the individual pony. Within that room, you must preform actions to aid in your escape, because as time passes, the chain holding the creature will lengthen. I will go into more detail when we arrive in my office." she said, pulling aside a nondescript wall hanging, exposing a dark, but clean and dry, passageway within the wall.

OH LORDY. Miru got all. Floofed. "What lengths are we allowed to take in escaping." Miru dared to ask, all stressed and worried.

Grey raised an eyebrow, this was pretty much the first time the stallion had asked her a question directly. "Seeing as all the rooms are made so teleporting out is impossible, anything within the means of decency."

"Hold up..." Illusion suddenly said. "When you say 'mentally ready', do you mean in terms of intelligence, or psychological health? Personally, I'm going to guess it's the latter more than anything. After all, it wouldn't look good for the guard if one of their members had a little voice in their head telling them to burn things."

Grey chuckled "Some questions are dealing with that topic, and some with the other. The majority are questions like, for example: Several ponies are tied to a railroad tie, a train is approaching at full speed. You can flip a switch and divert it to another track, but at the cost of another pony, who is tied to that track. Would you flip the switch?"

Miru would flip the switch. Maybe. If it was Droog though, he probably couldn't do it. Seriously. Miru was all fluffed up and worked up and just. Ech.

"The lives of the many versus the lives of the few... I see what you mean..." Illusion said, lowering his head as he thought on what his answer would be for that.

Was there even a correct answer to that? Both outcomes would be less than pleasant. In ideal conditions, one could perhaps take a third option; Flip the switch and cut the single endangered pony free before anything harmful occurred. The question did not state when the train would make contact, after all.

But ideal conditions had a tendency to be incredibly rare when one really needed them...

Grey nodded as she walked "Within the ranks, tough calls must be made, and sometimes it is like that. You're outnumbered and in need of medical assistance, or you're helping civilians and can't save one. It all comes down to 'can you make the right choice?' And in those cases, you have to act quickly and assuredly. There are no take backs." she said grimly.

Miru simply remained silent, letting his mind wander to other things. Happier things. Little content sound from the stallion. Yes.

Star walked quietly, thinking about what the captain had talked.

Pink Cloud listened closely to every word Grey said. The more the mare talked, the more excited Pink Cloud gets. She couldn't wait for the questions and the monster she soon will face. Pink Cloud let out a squeal of joy. Her smile was from ear to ear as she waited for what Grey had to say next.

Miru's eyes bulged a little at Pink's squeal of delight, which elicited a small bump from him to the mare. Please friend this is too scary for me you are scaring me. At the end of this, Miru is gonna get so fluffed out he'll end up like fluffle puff.

"I see..." Illusion had said quietly.

However, his unusually somber mood quickly cleared away. "What about the creatures, though?" He asked cheerfully."What sort of dangers? Like... Petrification? Oh, will there be cockatrices? Those sound perfect for dangerous non-lethal creatures! I mean, sure they could probably claw you up, but when you're stone that's not really too much of a worry!"

He couldn't help but put on his usual smile. If the worst he had to fear was an overgrown chicken-snake thing with a nasty glare, the test would be a breeze. Maybe.

Pink Cloud responded to Miru's bump with a bump of her own; which was harder than expected. The mare giggled at her self as her imagination went flying.

"I t-think that will depend on the m-missions we get assigned," Star answered the yellow stallion.

Grey smiled "Each one of you will face a different monster, each based off of your individual talents and weaknesses. "

"R-Really?" Star asked worriedly. There were some things he'd rather not see again. Ever.

Grey nodded "Indeed. It is actually not the hardest part of the test."

Miru is now VERY curious on what monster he'd get.

"W-what is the hardest p-part?"

Grey smiled, arriving at her office. "The questions. "

"Of course the creatures wouldn't be the hard part." Illusion had said, now openly grinning. "It's the fun part. After all, you're going to make sure nothing too unfortunate happens, right?"

Grey nodded, and opened the door to her office. "All the monsters are actually sentient, and have befriended the guards, they are chained under their own free will, and will not kill you or harm you, too much."

Star gulped at the captain's mention of 'too much'.

Miru made a mental note not to kill any monster, sweating a little.

"Well, fair enough." Illusion said, shrugging. Didn't make too much of a difference, really.
"We are starting the tests soon, right? Perhaps even today? Or are we to be given time for preparations?"

Pink Cloud smiled as she was lost in her day dream. The groups rambling bored her so she decided to make up funny stories about each of the stallions. Pink Cloud giggled at her self as she continued her journey through day dream land.

Grey smiled and stepped inside her office, lifting the chair off the sleeping wolf, and setting him up in the corner with his blanket. She straightened up the mess he made, placed the chair down where it belonged. Turning to face the ponies, she smiled again. "You are given till the next full moon to train and become ready for the initiation." she said, levitating out a few pieces of paper with her silver magic.

Star took his piece of paper from the captain. "W-what are these p-papers for?"

Miru takes his own piece of paper, wiggin' out a little bit by Pink. HE'S GONNA BLEAT LIKE A GOAT HE'S SO EXCITED. Little tiny bleat escapes the fleece pone. Oh my god Miru. No. Droog will be disappointed in you.

"These are to show your promise to never speak, write, or otherwise disclose, any of the secrets learned while within the guards. Any information you hear, stays here. This is the most important document you will ever sign, even the birth certificate of your possible newborn foal is less important than this." she said sternly.

Miru's smile drops off his face so fast. His ears flick down, then around, just generally returning to being kinda mopey.

Star's demeanor slowly became more serious. He truly wanted to become a Guard, and that meant understanding the responsibilities it included.

After reading it, and giving it some thought, Star spoke:

"I'll sign it."

"Done!" Illusion exclaimed, taking the paper hastily while taking care not to up and snatch and potentially tear it. That would be horrible and bad. Horri-bad.

He stared at the document for a moment, before he seemed to come to a realization.

"Um, do you have a pen or even quill I could perhaps borrow?"

Miru just. Dug out a pen for Illusion. Then begrudgingly signed his own slip of paper. Eh.

Pink Cloud wasn't paying attention; the stories she was making up were too funny. But noticing the others signing the paper brought her back from her thoughts. Pink Cloud just stared at the paper for a bit and then signed it. She wasn't too worry what the paper was about. The mare just wanted things to speed up so the ceremony can begin. She stood there with a big smile but confusion in her eyes.

Game yawned, now finding himself in a corner with a blanket, instead of trapped under his self-proclaimed chair den and waddled his plushiness over to the mare that brought him here and nuzzled her underside.

Star's serious demeanor broke when he realized that he didn't have a way of signing the paper.

"C-Could I have a quill to s-sign this with?"

Deep sigh from the lavender male. He pulled out another pen for Star Diver. He probably has like ten pens and/or quills in there. Good lord.

"Thank you." Illusion had said, taking the pen given to him. Immediately he went to sign the document using his magic to manipulate the tool, though in a rather... Energetic way.
A bit too energetic, actually, as with the last grand stroke of the pen, he lost his grip on it and it went flying into a wall, where it was embedded.

"Um... I can pay for that. Probably." The unicorn said nervously, heading over to yank the pen out of the wall. A quick inspection later, and he sighed in relief, discovering that it seemed to still be in working condition, surprisingly enough, though it was more than a bit scuffed.

With the writing tool recovered, he passed it back to Miru with an apologetic look.

Miru's eyes were all wide and he just looked mighty displeased with how his pen became a ballistic in Illusion's hands...Hooves...Magic. He gingerly takes the pen and put it back into his blue saddle bags, exhaling as if he's been defeated. Miru just kinda. leaves the paper on the desk. Yes, here, it is  a paper with my name on it. Miru had been scratched out recklessly, and 'Ink Comet' has been scrawled in. Huh. guess he wanted a new name. He just looked kinda proud of his new name, and I guess it would be easier to remember since he be havin' some ink comets on the butt.

Grey absentmindedly scratched the ears of the wolf near her, then chuckled at the flying pen. "Now that that is taken care of, you have one month to train before the next full moon. You will take the tests when you feel you are ready."

Pink Cloud smiled big at what Grey said. She couldn't wait for the next full moon. The mare thought about taking the test today, but her state of mind isn't the best today. Once her nerves were calmed, she'll take the test. Pink Cloud internally squealed as she thought about the test. The mare started to wonder how she will train for the next month. She really couldn't think of a way to train for something she didn't know about. Pink Cloud might practice her scents and dreaming. The mare eye shined with determination; she will pass the test and earn the best rank for her. Her gaze fell on the other stallions. She wondered how the others would prepare for the challenge. Maybe one would give her tips or help her train; physically at least. She decided Miru or Star would not say no to her. At this point, she decided at least one of the ponies here will be her alliance. Not just to help with the adventure, but the ponies here seem like friend material. Pink Cloud sat and smiled at her thoughts. In a bubbly tone she said,
Oh my Luna, I can't wait! This is going to be
soooo much fun! Hey, can we train with
the other ponies here? I think I might need
some help, I don't really know how to
train physically.

Grey smiled "Which is exactly why I've called in some favors. I may be the only active Lunar guard, but there are retired and inactive guards that I am friends with. There are also civilians that are specialists in several fields you will be trained in. I have called in three ponies, one for short-range melee fighting and tracking, one for advanced spells and endurance training, one for wilderness training, and the last is a 'wild card' that you will find out once training begins." she said, filing the signed papers away in a locked drawer.

((All are OCs of mine, no actual new people.))

Star finished signing his paper: he passed it to the captain, and returned the pen to Miru.

"W-we're getting specific t-training?" he asked the captain.

Miru put that pen away too, considering taking training from them. Honestly, he's not sure who to take training for. He shall simply remain quiet on this training subject.

Game purred as his ears were scratched, and watched over the other ponies, scribbling into their pieces of paper.

Grey nodded "You will choose one pony to be your individual trainer, and will receive classes on the other subjects as well."

Miru gonna just. Slip away out of the room quietly. He looks a little overwhelmed, so he's probably just slipping off to gather himself or question things. Or write a letter, that works too, Miru. He's all worked up and scribbling a letter before sending it off again, deeply sighing. He feels like he aged 30 years. Eugh.

Pink Cloud eyes brighten as her smiled grew. She was excited to get a trainer. Happily she said,
Can we pick them to today?!
Oh my Luna, I can't wait to
train!

Illusion fell deep into thought, thinking about which trainer he would pick. Melee combat would be good, and tracking could be useful... On the other hoof, advanced spells interested him, though he mentally cringed at the thought of Endurance training, thinking immediately of his brother's training exercises straight outta Tartarus. The worst part was that he knew the painful experience(s) really would help.

Still, he'd not have a repeat of the "Hoof-camp incident", when Breaker had the bright idea to try and toughen him up through military-esque training. There was so much kicking and screaming that the guard pony gave up before it could begin, and he was not known for doing that.

But I digress.

There was also the wild card, and if he hadn't just reminded himself of his brief, yet painful time under his brother's training regimen, he might have gone straight for that.
And about that wilderness training? He'd been on his own for a few years in the wild already, though an Everfree Forest (Or was it Evershade? He always got it mixed up...) it was not. He could survive on his own if he needed to.

Besides, he was pretty sure he'd learn something about them all anyway, so he might as well take a trainer whose subject he knew the least about.

Melee and/or Tracking it is, then. If I need spells I don't learn from training, I'll just look them up in a library and work from there. Been a while since I actually checked out a book... Probably should've taken one or two from home when I last departed.

Grey chuckled at Pink's enthusiasm "You may choose which you wish to study under."

Pink Cloud smiled big as she internally squealed. Raising a hoof in the air she quickly said,
I call the wild card! He He He!
Oh my Luna, I am shaking
from excitement! Grey, oh
wait, Grey is too chill... What
can I formally call you?

"I guess I'll have wilderness training." He mused. He would be nice to know how similar things are here, and if there's any new dangers he should be wary of. Small Miru murmurs as he silently began thinking what that would entail further.

Grey smiled "Even though you are not formally a guard yet, it would be best to get in the habit of calling me 'Captain Grey' or just 'Captain'. Even if we are friends, friends do count in the military. I should also inform you, I am the wild card." she said, smirking.

Pink Cloud smiled so hard she almost pulled a face muscle. Her day dream story will soon become true. She squealed loudly as she jumped up and down. Her eyes shined from happiness and her smile was from ear to ear. The new information made her so excited she started to shake. In an extremely happy tone she quickly said,
OHMYLUNA,YOUARETHEWILDCARD?!?
YAAAS,IGETGREY!IMEANCAPTAINGREY!
IAMSOHAPPY!IWILLBETRAINEDBYAROYALGUARD!
THISTRIALWILLBEEASYWITHHELPFROMYOU!
HEHEHEHEHE!!!

Grey outright laughed at Pink's exuberance. "Hey now, take it easy, just because I am talented, does not mean that the trial will be easy. Nothing will be easy some things you will actually be able to do."

Game, somewhat startled by  the sudden outburst, retreating behind Grey and batting her tail.

[Color=pink] That might be true, but
it'll be a barrel full of fun! [/color]
Pink Cloud giggled as she chilled out a bit. She didn't want to burn out from excitement. She stood with a big grin, she was glad Grey didn't seem to be bothered by her energy.

Grey flipped her tail around a bit for the wolf, then reached over for several small booklets."These are the condensed versions of the Lunar Guidebook. Within them are rules for behavior around the princesses, information on the guards themselves, and other information that will be of much use to you as new recruits. I expect each of you to read over these, and memorize what it truly means to be a guard. This information will be pulled from in the tests, and failure to read these means failure to become a guard. Are we clear?" She asked with a raised eyebrow, as if daring them to question.

Game, happy that the tail was played with enough, now focussed onto the little booklets the food pone was holding.

"C-Clear Captain!" Star answered her, taking one of the booklets.

"A-As for what I want to s-study, I'd like to study under Intel and Reconnaissance."

"Clear as crystal, ma'am. Er, Captain." Illusion responded with a small nod as he took one of the booklets.
"And I will study with the trainer of Melee and Tracking, if that's alright."

[Color=pink]Clearer than clear Captain Grey! Wait
no, I have one. I'll save it for later though![/color]
The fluffy mare giggled at her question. She already knew she wouldn't be able to read this whole book. But, she was already plotting ways to get around it.

Miru just. Put the book in his saddle bag. He silently hopes he doesn't fall asleep. He has a feeling something bad would happen if he did. Like getting his cutiemark changed to a bruise shaped like a horseshoe...NAAAH that wouldn't happen. Hopefully. Hm. He spaces out a little with a worried, serious look on his face.

Grey smiled "Good, not all of the trainers are in yet, so for now, I would like it if you were to go about your day, and start reading the books. You will be called back her tomorrow at 0:800 hours. Clear?"

"C-Crystal clear, Captain!" Star saluted.

Game, watching as the other ponies saluted the food giver, did the same. However, with out all four of his legs to support is overweight and overfed frame, he quickly face planted the floor with a loud thud.

Pink Cloud saluted before taking the book. A small smile formed as she thought about the test. The test will be a walk in the park; or a walk in a dream park. Her eyes fell on Star as she smile big. Star will probably have this book memorize before the end of the week. She found her target, just got to iron out any problems in her plan. Pink Cloud giggled softly, she couldn't wait to pass the test. Her train of thought broke as she heard a loud thud. Looking for the source of noise her eyes light as she saw Game. Squealing loudly she said,
Oh My Luna! Your dog is soooooo cute!
I never seen a breed like him before!
What's his name?
Pink Cloud would pet him but dogs tend to hate her. So she kept a safe distance to adore the little guy.

Game's ears folded back as the pony squealed and that he was called a dog. Slowly raising himself back into a sitting position, he rested on his globular stomach and watched the strange squeeling pony

Grey smiled but shook her head "He's not mine, and he's not a dog. He's a wolf." she chuckled

Game nodded, as the squeeler was correct. Puffing his chest out trying to look somewhat proud, but instead just making himself look even chubbier.

Star snorted with laughter, unable to contain himself.

Pink Cloud smiled as she looked at the fluffy guy. She giggled at his adorableness. Looking back up at Grey she said,
Okay Captain! If its alright with you, may
I leave? I got errands to run!

"Where are you going? Can I join you?" Miru asked, his eyes locked on the chubby wolf while he faced Pink. He didn't wanna leave the sleepy mare's side. She is his friend she cannot escape that fate. Pink got a clinger.

Grey nodded "Yes, go, enjoy the last day of your lives before training starts!" she said with a chuckle

Star walked over to Grey.

"C-Captain," he saluted. He paused, then said nervously: "D-Do you t-think I c-can really d-do it?"

Game, in the time it took for the ponies to discuss, talk and squeel had managed to shuffle his body under Grey and layed down.

Grey chuckled "That's all up to you, but honestly? Yes. If you apply yourself, you can do it."

"T-Thanks!" Star saluted again,and left the captain's office.

Pink Cloud grinned as Miru asked to joined. She linked arms with him and smiled warmly; her way of saying yes. Looking back at Grey she said,
Okay Captain Grey! You tell Princess
Luna to prepare for us! I know we all
will pass. Bye everyone!
Pink Cloud unlinked arms with Miru and headed out the office. She saw that Star was a head of her. Can't let her target get away. Yelling toward Star she said,
Star! Staaaaaaaaaar! We all
should form a study group!
It'll be easier to read if we
have a group to keep each
other focus!!

Watching as the ponies started to filter out, Game rolled over and looked up at the food giving pony.

Star stopped, and turned to face Pink.

"U-Um, we c-could study together, I guess," he said nervously.

Miru leaned on Pink some. "Study of three." He peeped, seeming very pleased with the idea of Star Diver joining them. Small little murmurs from the fleece pone. ONE OF US. ONE OF US.

Pink Cloud smiled wide as Miru whispered weirdly. A trio study group would be the best. Also it'll help Star be more social. Her little circle of friends is expanding, yay! In her usual cheerful to be she said,
Great! We can study here at the Library!
Tomorrow though. Got errands to run!
I'll read a little tonight though! Oh My Luna,
I can not wait!
Pink Cloud smiled warmly at Star. The plan is rolling along just fine.

Star smiled tentatively in return.

"A-All right then. Meet here t-tomorrow?"

"What about Z- Illusion?" Said a certain unicorn, appearing almost literally out of nowhere behind Miru. "I know we've had a rough start, but that's no reason to leave me out of this group of yours, is it?" He asked, giving the trio his best "puppy-dog" eyes. While the eyes were closed.

Take a guess to how ineffective that was. It was kinda sad, actually.

AH GEEZ. He practically crumbled up off of Pink out of surprise. That guy came outta nowhere! "WHA?? O-okay, you can join! Just...Please stop that face! I can't tell what you're trying to do with it!" He warbled, all flustered and worked up while on the floor. Ahaha.

Star jumped in surprise when the other unicorn spoke from behind them.

"C-Careful!"

Pink Cloud had a small frown as she watched the fleece pony scramble. This unicorn is not good for Miru's heart. Her eyes fell on Miru as she watch him laid on the ground. In a worried tone she said,
As long as you don't scare Miru,
then you can. Like I mention
before, tomorrow here at the
library. Probably around
noonish. I might be late,
I have a fee clients to take
care of.
Pink Cloud moved her gaze from Miru to the unicorn. She didn't know how to feel about him, but they will be working together soon so might as well try to be friends.

"YES! Thank you!" Illusion all but shouted in glee, rushing up and giving Miru a quick yet uncomfortably tight hug, before doing the same to the other two ponies in the vicinity, Star and Pink.

And it was, in fact, in that order.

After the hugs out of nowhere, the unicorn cleared his throat as he took a step back, giving a sheepish grin.
"Oh, er, sorry... I got a bit over-excited..."

Game, unable to roll back onto his paws just laid on his back and wiggled helplessly.

Miru just looked so overwhelmed, a flustered look on his face. He wasn't sure how to feel right now. He was slightly pleased by that overly tight hug, but he was not happy about being spooked to the point of turning into a ragdoll. He warbled a little before climbing to his feet, eyes still all wide.

"E-Enough with the random h-hugs!" Star sputtered.

Pink Cloud stood back and watch the three stallions. She wasn't sure how to handle the situation. Of course, the physiological answer was clear but she didn't want to go down that path. Pink Cloud just smiled and tugged Miru. She gave him, let's go, look and started to head out the castle. She shouted goodbye to the two other stallions as she walked away.

Miru of course followed after her, fretting a little. Yes please this is a bit much for me. I feel overwhelmed, oh my! Just a flood of friendship was released upon me! Little peep from the tagalong pony.

Star exhaled, then left the guard building as well.

Pink Cloud let out an exhausted sigh as the two exited the building. As she ran her hoof through her mane she said,
Well, that was interesting...
Okay, let's go get these errands
over with.
Pink Cloud smiled warmly at Miru before leading the duo back downtown.

Miru nodded, looking equally frazzled. His mane was already practically ignoring gravity, being so fluffy despite not being curly. He just followed after her, doing a little skip since bouncing movements seemed to be easier on those bouncy back legs of his. "So what errands are we doing?" He asked, ears up to signal his curiosity.

Star walked along a path, wondering what he should have for lunch.

Grey chuckled at the wolf, and gave his belly a scratch. "You certainly are a large, fellow, aren't you." she smiled.

Game wagged his tail furiously and wiggled as his overfed belly was scratched. Licking the scratching hoof he brought his two front paws up.

[Color=pink]I need a few more herbs and
scents. Got a client in a few days
and I got to make sure I have
enough to work with! Shouldn't
take us but a few minutes! [/color]
Pink Cloud happily said as she walked past building after building. She wasn't sure where the two were but assumed the shop is near by.

Star looked up at a restaurant called 'McPonalds'.

"F-Food is food," he muttered, and walked inside.

Miru nods in understanding. Yes this will be useful for him as well. He must learn if there's anything different than what he knows. He doesn't wanna accidentally eat something poisonous. Ech. That would suck.

((hello I'm late aren't I?))

((I don't recall you on the sign up thread. This is a closed RP and we're not accepting anymore applications. ))

Pink Cloud happily wander in circles for half an hour before finding the place. By the time the two got there Pink Cloud was breathing heavy. She leaned up against the wall to catch her breath.

Star sat down with the hayburger, hayfries, and hayshake at a random table inside, sighing. This place was pretty expensive, but he couldn't cook anything here; all of his dishes were back at home in Ponyville. He dug into the food with gusto, noting that at least the food was good. Kinda.

"You...Don't know your way around very well, do you?" He asked while chuckling nervously, offering her a nervous grin. "Well...At least we got to be lost together, right?" He's gonna try and make light of this while he stayed by her side, looking around the store they had arrived at.

Pink Cloud whipped the bullets of sweat off her face. Through her breaths the happily said,
No... Oh Luna, why you curse me?
Okay, okay, okay, I'm good... Oh Luna
Open the door, please.
Pink Cloud flashed a smile as she tried to calm her breathing.

Miru bumped the door open, and help it open for his friend. He offered another smile back to her, glad she was alright. If not winded, anyways.

Pink Cloud walked through the door and instantly fell into the chair near the door; as this happens often to her. She slumped in the chair and started to fan her self with her hoof. Trying to cool off, the mare started to examine the building. The shop had several rows of shelves full of herbs and strange jars. Long vines of peppers and ferns dangled from the single. In the distance a small round figures could be seen dangling in the back, those were heads but the shop keeper will tell you they're fake. On the walls were shelves with jars of liquid scents. The room was full of mixtures of sweet and bitter smells. There was a door toward the back with beads dangling in front of the entrance. Shouting could be heard in the back, but it didn't seem to concern Pink Cloud. The mare was only worried about her blood pressure at the moment.

Miru could hear the yelling, and he wasn't sure what to do. He looked over at Pink some, then slowly started to look at things  in the shop. Eh...Weird stuff. Lots of reading the label and not touching anything. He was a little weirded out.

Pink Cloud took one more breath for she was back to normal. She continued to fan herself though. As she pulled a piece of paper from her mane she said,
Okay, sounds like those two are
at it again. So its self shopping today.
Okay, prepare yourself Miru, today
we shop like you have never shop
before. Okay so we need...
Can't pronounce any of these words.
Here, can you shop today?

Star was about to take a bite out of his hayburger when a thought suddenly occurred to him. He put it down and facehooved; he had forgotten to ask the captain what he should bring with him!

'Great. Just great.'

Oh no. He can't hold things, man. He just looked so distressed at Pink, giving her a sad face. "I would if I could, but I'm not exactly good at holding things. I don't wanna drop anything in this store, either. Sounds like they can get pretty vocal about their displeasure..." Miru warbled. Oh right. Miru can't even hold a pencil or a piece of paper. That...Limits him on a lot of things.

Pink Cloud had an confused expression, how can someone not be able to hold stuff? Miru is a strange pony, but Pink Cloud can over look that. Pink Cloud took one more deep breath as she pushed her self out of the chair. She then brushed her dress off and fluff her mane. As she took the small piece of paper out of her mane she said,
Okay, I can do the shopping. I
can assume you can hold a
basket in your mouth.
Pink Cloud kicked  basket toward Miru. Giving him a warm smile, she started to look at the scents. She would take a bottle and examine the label. She did this for a while till she had ten small bottles of liquids.

Miru carried the basket, ready for any large load. His eyes were focused on Pink's hooves, watching all of this to find out how to hold things. What a mystery!

Star sighed in contentment; he was satisfied for the time being. Remembering what he had forgotten, he left McPonalds, and made his way back to the Lunar Guards building.

Pink Cloud placed the ten small bottles in the basket. She smiled at Miru, glad to have some help with her shopping today. As the telling in the back got louder, the mare made her way down the aisle. She would pick up a jar or plant and carefully examined it. If she needed it, it went into the basket; if she didn't, it went back on the shelf. The mare examined each label on the shelf's as she hummed a tune. By the time she got to the end of the aisle, she already.picked four jars and three herbs. One aisle down, three more to go!

Star stood outside the captain's door to her office. Feeling nervous, he knocked twice 

Miru  was ready to wait and follow Pink for as long as he needed to.  Yes,  he enjoyed waiting on her.  Friieeennd.

Grey, surprised by the knock, went over to here door and opened it. Seeing Star, she smiled slightly "Ah, Star, how are you? Is there anything I can help with?" She asked, tilting her head curiously.

Game, getting his pets interrupted, whined lightly and watched as the pony came in.

The second aisle was harder. The jars' labels were smudge or didn't have any labels, so Pink Cloud had to take extra time to examine each bottle. By the end of the aisle, Pink Cloud had selected two.bottles out of the thirty that were there. You could tell by her facial expression she was annoyed. Once the two moved on to the third aisle it was easier. She only needed two herbs and one fern from the aisle. Happily, she put the items in the basket and smiled big at Miru. How lucky she was to have a friend like him. The two didn't go down the last aisle, she got everything she needed! Pink Cloud was about to go get the owners but a loud crashing sound could be heard from the back. The mare looked a bit worried but forced a smile, not wanting to alarm Miru. Quietly, she walked up the counter and dropped a bag of fifty bits. Smiling at Miru, she quietly exit the building as the noise in the back got louder.

"U-Um,  e-er," he fidgeted in place.

"I-Is there anything we need to bring with us t-tomorrow?"

Grey smiled and shook her head "Other than a energized body and a mind that is willing to learn? No. Any books you'll need or other items will be provided by the service. Good to be diligent though." She appraised.

Miru gave her a worried, scared glance before hurrying after her. He was too scared to investigate. No. No he will be having none of that loud violence.

"A-Alright then," Star saluted. "I'll be going n-now."

He made an about face, and left.

The chubby wolf, still stuck on his back turned his head back to the one who was petting him and hoping for more, wagging his tail eagerly.

As the two ponies exit, Pink Cloud let out an exhausted sigh. She loved going there but when she had to restock her supplies, she hated it. Pink Cloud then turned to Miru and gave him a warm smile. Happily she said,
Well, that was interesting!
Thanks for the help! I always
stay longer than I should.
But you helped keep me focus.
Her smile then turned into a yawn. It was getting late and she had to hurry back to her clinic before she falls asleep. As she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes she said,
I better get going. Some of these scents need
to be kept cold. I'll cya tomorrow! You
better not forget to come to the study
group!

"Be safe, Pink!" He peeped out, all flustered and whatnot. He stayed put, watching her trot off with a lost expression on his face. What was he to do now? He looked left, then right, then just wandered off.

Star walked along the streets of Canterlot; he needed to catch the train back to Ponyville soon.

Miru scuttled around, then recognized Star Diver walking around, not wanting to be alone, Miru fast walked over to Star, quietly staying by his side. He has nothing to say.

Star was getting close to the train station when Miru came out of nowhere and started walking next to him.

"O-Oh hi, Miru," he said.  "D-Did you enjoy your time with P-Pink Cloud?"

Miru nodded some, looking all worked up and flustered. "I've. I've decided to go by a new name. I want to go by 'Ink Comet' now!" He peeped up like a kid scared to tell their aspirations. I guess it would be easier to remember, since the flustered fleeced fellow had a Ink comet on his flank and not...Whatever a Miru is.

"C-Can you really d-do that?" he mumbled. "I-I  mean, just change your name and e-everything?"

"Well, I mean...I signed my guard papers as 'Ink Comet', and I haven't really signed up as a citizen yet, so I don't really have 'Miru' anywhere. It shouldn't be that much of a problem, right?" He nervously laughed, walking with Star to the station. He didn't seem too worried about boarding a train to a destination he wasn't aware of yet. It seemed Miru, er...Ink, was comfortable as long as he was with someone. A touch clingy, isn't he?

Star stared at Miru...Ink as he preferred to call himself now. He wasn't a citizen? Then what was he?

They reached the station. Star turned to Mi-Ink and said, "I-I'm getting on the train to Ponyville n-now. I'll see you t-tomorrow."

"Oh! Sorry about that, yes, I will see you tomorrow!" He peeped, all flustered and vaguely embarrassed at keeping him. And with that, 'Ink' proceeded to trip about before deciding to do his usual bounce away from the train station. Yes, he will not keep the Star friend from going home to Ponyville!

The train left the station; Star sighed in relief and took out his booklet. It had been a long, interesting day, and tomorrow promised more of the same!

As the sun slowly crawled over the hills of Equestria, the pink mares sleeps happily in her clinic. She was up all night reorganizing her jars and scents. Half way through giving some old jars new labels she past out. It may be a while before she wakes up; when Pink Cloud is asleep, she stays asleep. The mare wad sleeping peacefully on her fluffy mane. She was lost in her dream world as she traveled deeper into sleep. Giggling in her sleep, the book Grey gave her laid near by. She failed to even open the book, so she would definitely need her plan to work out if she hopes to past the exam. But that wasn't a concern of hers. Right now she was enjoying her dreams as the sun was rising on a new day.

Star yawned as the sun rose; the train sped on to Canterlot. He had spent a good portion of the evening studying the booklet,and had gone to bed early so he would be well rested. Getting up early was still tough though.

Miru was bundled up in familar scented fabrics, his book resting beside him. He managed to read it all and then went to bed. Right after he left Star. He didn't see much use in staying awake after all this, although he did try to draw up a new dapper suit for a friend. Mmm. This fabric smells like coffee grounds and friend. Miru groans a little at the morning light peering into his shack, and pulls more of the fabric over his head. Ah yes. This is nice.

Grey was in the bowels of the castle, overnight the other trainers had arrived, and she was informing them of the trainees choices.

Illusion had been laying in a rather soft and comfortable bed, all sprawled out and, disgustingly enough, drooling. He'd almost forgotten what his old bed had felt like, having made do with a sleeping bag most of the time while he was out looking for adventure, only occasionally visiting anything similar to a hotel.

But we're not talking about his past adventures, though. Right now, the unicorn was shifting around in his bed, grasping for the sheets to prevent the light hitting his eyes as it shone through the window, only to find that said sheets weren't there, having been knocked to the floor sometime during the night.

He made do with the pillow, rolling over and burying his face into it, at which point he then proceeded to, for some odd reason, start chewing on it.

Illusion had, of course, read through the booklet, which was currently lying on an end-table next to the bed, and had gone through it's contents at a surprisingly fast pace, marking particularly interesting and/or important sections as he went along. At the moment, there were at least ten brightly colored strips of paper sticking out of the booklet.

But he wasn't concerned about that. What he was concerned about, however, was a giant marshmallow that needed to be eaten.

Grey looked at the clock on the wall of her office, there was but a mere thirty minutes till the trainees were expected to be there. If they came late on their first day, well, training would be made much harder much sooner. Guards, no matter which of the two sisters they served, were required to be up bright and early. There was no room for slackers in the Ranks of Luna..

Miru eventually climbed out of bed,  getting dressed and walking out of his shack while walking on his hind legs. After walking out for a bit, he remembered where he was and dropped down only all fours, never stopping his pace as he made his way to the garrison. He knocked on the entrance some before letting himself in, announcing himself in a sleepy tone 'I'm home' to anyone that happened to be in the entry room with him. What a sleepy fleecy boy. Are you sure you scouted the right pony?

Grey smiled as she heard the gate open. At least one of them was here. She grabbed an energy runestone, and walked out of her office. Not only would there be the first day of training today, but the armour fitting as well. It should be a fairly productive day.

Star yawned again as he made his way back to the Lunar Guards building, this time rather quickly. According to the station's clock, he had a half hour left to be there!

(lol stryder, pillows are definitely marshmallows :3)

"Finn." A voice was heard saying. Illusion did not respond in any way, shape, or form.

This did not please the unicorn stallion that was his brother, one Spell-Breaker, a member of the solar guard. Illusion had not hesitated to to rub it into his brother's face that he just might actually be part of Luna's guard.
Now, Breaker wasn't one for petty revenge. However, he still did not have confirmation as to whether it was true or not, as the smaller brother would tell him next to nothing about it, claiming it was classified information.

Well, sure, he had his share of things that couldn't be shared, either, but Illusion could still be faking. He did know how the guard worked, after all, perhaps even enough to have written that book he carried around.

This is why Breaker was standing next to his brother's bed, attempting to wake the stallion at what was pretty much the crack of dawn. And he was getting annoyed.

"Wake up, Finn!" Another groan, and this time Illusion had the nerve to try and wave him away. Breaker narrowed his eyes in disapproval.
"Oh, very well, then. Sleep in, miss training, lose your chance. Not my problem that you're already late."

*RRRRRIIIIP!*

His brother certainly had a reaction to that little fib, instantly sitting up and accidentally ripping his pillow (the one he happened to be chewing on) in the process. Illusion's eyes were wide open, pupils shrunk into tiny pinpricks.
"L... La... L-late...?" He managed to ask, horrified at the prospect.

Before Breaker could get a word in, his brother had, in mere seconds, began to freak out.

"NONONONONOOOOO!" The Earls Green unicorn had screamed, and before Breaker knew it, he was knocked to the floor as Illusion rushed past him with truly frightening speed.
He soon heard the sound of a door being slammed open... Or was it knocked off it's hinges? He truly hoped it was only the former.

Breaker shook his head, noting that even in such haste, his brother remembered to take that booklet with him.
But he could only imagine what else his panicked rush was causing...

Either way, it certainly proved Illusion was serious.

*Elsewhere...*

Ponies that happened to be in the street soon became distinctly aware of an odd screaming noise, right before they were buffeted by a harsh wind as the source of the noise all but flew past them at a speed that could make some Pegasi jealous, knocking many a pony over in the process and even trashing a few of the less sturdy merchant stands that happened to be set up along the way.

Highly disruptive. But, on the bright side, Illusion would take only a minute or two to reach the garrison. Plus nopony had any clue that it was him, being basically a blur and all.

Star was close to his destination when a yellow blur flew past him, causing him to stumble in shock.

"W-What was that!?" he mumbled to himself.

Pink Cloud was sleeping away, enjoying her dream. As snoozed, her chair slowly started to roll away from the desk. The movement caused her to wake up, but after face planting into the ground. She laid there for a while, as the pain in her face slowly faded away. Pink Cloud wasn't sure how she ended up on the ground or why she was in her clinic. It was all very confusing to her. After mulling over it for a bit she let out a giggle; not because she remembered why she was here but that she will most likely be late for the first day of training. It also wasn't really a giggle, more a nervous chuckle. The mare finally got up from the ground and dust off her work clothes. She then walked over to the closest mirror and tried to fix her mane. After a few failed attempts, she decided today was a ponytail day. As she pulled her mane up she sighed at her reflection. She normally doesn't care what others think of her but she was a hundred percent sure the group will be mad if she was late.  Pink Cloud forced a smile, she hated seeing herself frown. After smiling for a while she then hurried toward her closest and pulled out one of her white dresses. As she tried to put it on she quickly grabbed a slice of bread. With bread in her mouth and a dress on, the mare jolted out of the clinic. As she ran toward the castle she shouted through her bread,
I'M GONNA BE LATE!
Pink Cloud gracefully ran through the crowded streets. Her clinic was on the other side of the city but, she ran as if her life depended on it.

Star finally reached the entrance to the guard building; he opened the door and let himself inside.

There was a sound of screeching tires as Illusion made a sudden stop, skidding several feet and almost crashing into the stallion that happened to be going through the door.

He got a tad lost, in case you were wondering why he wasn't there earlier.

The moment Star had gone through, Illusion had all but flew past him, causing a gust of wind that threatened to knock him over.
In moments, he'd found himself behind Miru. And believing in that general area was where the recruits were to be met, had stayed put.

But he still had one question that needed answering...

"Am I late?!"

'Ink Comet' just stared at the worked up stallion, snapped out of his sleepy daze by his erratic entrance. Do all ponies act like that? Should he have? He fretted a little, and shook his head 'no' to Grand. You are supposedly safe, friend.

Star entered the area set aside for them,taking note of the yellow pony and Miru.

Pink Cloud ran and ran as fast as her legs would let her. She chewed on the bread as the castle came in view. Oh Gosh, why must her clinic be so far away? Pink Cloud swallowed the last bite of bread as she started to slow down. She doesn't know how long she has been running but she needed a break. The mare fell from a sprint to a light jog. Pretty sure she is late, hopefully everyone will understand.

Grey placed the amulet around her neck, even as good as these recruits were, she'd need all the help she could get. Arriving in the courtyard, she looked out as the sun began to rise. Ten minutes remained.

(I'm assuming that the recruits are meeting in the courtyard)

"G-Good morning ma'am," Star saluted at the captain as she entered the courtyard.

((Correct! Give the man a prize! ;) ))

Grey returned the salute "Star, I realise that it is your first day, but from here on out I will not tolerate any mistakes about my name. I am to be addressed by either Captain, or Captain Grey. That may have been polite, but right now, military protocol. This is your first, and only mistake about my name. Are we clear?" she said this sternly, but was not without compassion.

(lol)

Star gulped.

"Y-Yes, C-Captain!"

Miru listened quietly, learning from Star's mistake. His long ears were up and at attention. Gotta listen to all of this info, man. He wasn't really sure what to expect, but being on these grounds made him feel tense and uneasy. After a while, he noticed he had been holding his breath, and finally exhaled calmly through his nose. It wasn't shaky at all, what are you saying? Hahaha...He's actually really nervous. He wished he was cool as his mentor right now.

Illusion's brief sensation of relief due to not being late, had disappeared in an instant upon hearing his new captain speaking of military protocol. Even with this, though, he maintained some confidence. Sure, he was nervous, but he felt that he could handle himself and, of course, remember how to properly address his superiors. He relaxed a bit as he regained composure with this line of thought...

That composure lasted all of ten seconds upon remembering that he would surely be facing the standard military style of training, and that's if it wasn't downright spartan. Externally, he maintained the image of an attentive, somewhat excited recruit, standing mostly at attention with a faint smile on his face.

Internally, he was screaming.

Pink Cloud continued to jog till she made it to the castle. As she made it to the gate she smiled big as she tried to catch her breath. Taking one more deep breath, the mare wiped the sweat off her forehead before entering the building. She wanted to sprint toward the group but she didn't want to waste anymore energy. With an exhausted sigh, the mare slowly made it to the courtyard. Pink Cloud let out a sigh; of course she is the last one here. Not wanting to waste anymore time, the mare quickly walked toward the group.

Game, getting up off the floor of Grey's office with a bit of a struggle, slowly looked around and noticed that she wasn`t here. The door however was open and the waddling wolf waddled his way down the hall.

Hearing some voices outside, the overweight wolf followed his ears and headed towards them.

Reaching a doorway leading out to the courtyard, the wolf saw Grey and the other ponies from before.

Waddling his way out the doorway, he failed to notice the steps. Toppling forward, Game bounced down the remaining steps and landing with a loud thud followed by a whimper and a loud whine.

Grey sighed and levitated the wolf to his paws. After this, she turned back to the recruits. "Now then, as you are all aware, today we begin training. Each of you have selected your individual trainers, but before that can start, you must all go through Basic Training. Your mentors will watch as you progress through this, and at the end of the week, they will decide if they wish to train you. Slip ups will not be tolerated."

Star nodded nervously; his dream had become reality, and he didn't want to lose it because he made some silly mistake.

The overweight wolf had landed heavily, hurting one of his forepaws and slowly waddle limped over to the captain and laid next to her, taking the heavy weight off his paw.

Miru sighed heavily yet quietly, understanding all this. Basic training. Hm. He wasn't sure what was in store for him, but he will do his best, yes!

Pink Cloud stood there in silence. Exhausted from the run and lack of eight hours of sleep, the mare knew today is going to be a long, hard day.

Miru nodded a 'how do you do' to his dear friend Pink who looked like she already went through training. Good lord what has she been up to? He fretted quietly, wishing Pink could rest some before starting training, but he had a hunch it might be starting soon.

Grey tapped her hoof on the ground, where was that  last pony?!

Star wondered when they were going to start; they had been standing in place for a while.

Game, watched the mare tap impatiently on the ground, snuggling slightly into his frontal fluff.

Grey sighed, somepony was not here, but, the show must go on. She faced the recruits "Alright then, somepony else was supposed to be here, but it would seem that they are not. First order of business, each of you will gallop ten laps around the castle, if you can't do it today, you'll keep doing it till you can with ease. Let's move it ponies!" she said, blowing on a whistle they didn't know she had.

Oh this is okay. He began his run nice and paced, used to running on foot for long distances. He eventually began bouncing however, finding it much easier.

Game whined slightly at the loud whistle, made even louder due to his wolf senses. Trying to stand once more, a shooting pain went straight through his forepaw causing him to fall back down.

The mare just nodded at Miru, not wanting to ignore the stallion but couldn't bring her self to smile either. Pink Cloud let out a sigh as The Captain blew the whistle. She then started a light jog. As she jog she tried to relax and catch her breath. The mare saw no point wasting all her energy on a few laps.

Star was relieved when they were finally able to move. He started to run, but after a short while, began to feel like he was the burn in his legs. Maybe he should have exercised more often.

Illusion grew increasingly tense upon seeing his captain tapping the ground, assuming it immediately to be impatience. What else could it be when they were clearly waiting for something?
It couldn't have been him, could it? Nonsense, he'd been standing at attention for at least a few minutes...

When the whistle went off, he almost sighed with relief. Almost a dozen laps... He could deal with that. If he could travel all over Equestria on foot while pulling a heavy wooden cart, magic or no magic, he could run a few laps.

Perhaps I'm in better shape than I'd thought...

Either way, he started running, roughly at the same pace as all the other recruits (or at least Pink) in an attempt to keep from tiring out. After all, there was no real need to outrun them. Yet. Heck, he was even smiling, and seeing Miru Ink Comet bouncing about only improved his mood and morale.

While the trainees were running laps, Grey received a scroll via messengerpony. One of the trainers would not be able to make it today. Grey sighed and wrote a hasty reply, sending it off with perhaps a little more vehemence than was necessary. But she had at least somewhat of a reason. She was busy! She didn't have time for bad excuses or lateness.

Watching the made get somewhat annoyed, the chubby wolf took this chance to roll over onto his back, nudging the pony with a paw.

After two laps, Star was starting to slow down; his lungs felt like they were on fire. Still, he continued to run.

Grey looked down at the wolf, confused by the nudge. "Something wrong?" she asked, raising a concerned eyebrow.

Game, nodded showing Grey his hurt paw.

Grey sighed "Oh dear, guess I'll have to take you to the vet."

(Wonder who the vet will be. Personally, I vote General Vet of the Terrain Battalion 1st)

Game merely tilted his head in confusion, at the strange word, before returning the nuzzling her with his head.

The pink mare kept her pace for the first two laps. After a while she started to get tired a2nd slowed her pace even more. Her breathing wasn't hard but she could feel the burn in her legs. As she jogged she watched Star Drive run past her. Poor stallion, Pink Cloud wished he would take it easy. As Star Drive ran out of view, Miru bounced into view. The mare formed a small smile, the bouncing stallion helped lifted her spirits. With a smile, Pink Cloud continued to lightly jog the rest of the lap.

As Pink started to slow, Illusion soon passed her without even slowing his own pace. He wasn't exactly tiring, no, but he was starting to feel something out of this whole ordeal.
Perhaps in another lap or so it would turn into that familiar burning sensation in either his lungs or his legs and he'd be forced to slow down or "pony up" and endure it. But for now, he would just keep at it.

Still, ten whole laps was starting to look near impossible at this point.

Miru was showing no signs of exhaustion, staying fairly close to Pink since he didn't want to leave her behind. He didn't like the idea of leaving a friend behind. It just went against so many things in his head.

Pink Cloud smiled at Miru and appreciate him sticking by her side. She wanted to tell him he could speed up but didn't want to waste her breath. She just continued smiling as she started her fifth lap.

Miru ain't gonna leave the tired mare's side, nah. He's too stubborn, and he knows he's probably not allowed to carry her. (Of course not!)

"Hoo...haa..."

Star was on his...fifth? sixth? lap, and his strength was was beginning to give out. His vision was starting to turn a little blurry.

"Just...a little bit...longer..."

Keep moving. One leg after the other. Again. And again. And aga-

With a loud yelp, Star tripped and crashed to the ground, his head spinning.

"Ugh..." he groaned.

Pink Cloud came to a hard stop as she heard the yelp. She wasn't sure who the source of the noise was but assumed it was one of the stallions ( beside Miru ). A worried look formed across her face; Illusion seemed fine when he passed her so it must have been Star Drive. The stallion was way ahead of her so the mare started to jog again toward him.

Grey sighed, she heard the yelp. She probably should have started them off with eight laps... But nonetheless, they had to become strong to do this.

Star struggled to rise to his hooves, gasping and wheezing. He continued moving, walking slowly instead of running.

The mare was barely able to see Star Drive get up. As she tried to catch up to him, the stallion's slow walked was creating even more distance in between them. Pink Cloud didn't have the energy to speed up so she yelled,
STAR DRIVE, ARE YOU OKAY?!?

Star turned back at Pink's mention of his name, though he winced at 'Drive', as it was actually 'Diver'. He nodded his head, not wanting to spare the energy to talk when he needed it to complete the course the captain had set.

Game, continuing to lay on the floor watched the ponies run around, making him feel tired just by watchi them.
Yawning slightly, Game nuzzled Grey's leg, getting comfy.

[COLOR=PINK]NO STAR, SLOW DOWN! I
CAN'T KEEP UP! BUT YOU
ARE GOING TO GET SICK![/color]
Pink Cloud yelled as she kept her slow pace. The stallion was not about to pass out on her watch. The mare continued her attempt to catch up to the stallion but was failing miserably.

Miru fretted some, leaving Pink's side and going on ahead to Star. The bouncy stallion offered his side for the other rest on while they walked, even doing his best to trot normally. He gonna try and help the friend for Pink.

Star was confused when Miru walked up to him, and started supporting him.

"W-Why...are...you...doing...this?" he manged to say in between breaths.

"Pink was worried, and could not catch up. Also I doubt they'd let me carry you, so this is the next best I could do for you." He informed Star.

Star stared at Miru in disbelief.

"Y-You'd...really...do...that...for me?"

[Color=pink]MIRU! MIRUUUUUUUUU!
IS STAR ALRIGHT?!
Oh Luna... I can't breath...[/color]
Pink Cloud shouted as slowed down to a walk. She done a good seven laps. The Captain Grey may not be happy but there is no point pushing her self on the first day. Pink Cloud decided the rest of the laps will be her cool down lap.

"Yes I would. This is not uncommon where I'm from, and if you don't assist someone you become...Shamed. I guess. I never seen someone not do it so I don't really know, honestly." He informed Star. He took a deep breath, put his head up away from Star as well as not directed at him so he can call out to Pink. "HE IS FINE. I WILL WALK WITH HIM FOR THE REST OF THE LAPS."

Star stared at Miru.

"Oh," he said. He thought for a bit, then continued: "Does...this...make...us...f-friends?"

"Yes. If you deny my friendship you will feel my wrath." He chuckled lightheartedly, joking. "Also please don't stare I might blush." He joked as well, batting his eyelashes at the other male.

"I...I see," Star mused. "I...g-guess...that...makes...you...my...first...friend...then."

"Yes. Good. We shall be good friends." He confirmed.

[Color=pink]FRIEEEEEEEEEENDSHIP!![/color]
Pink Cloud hollar as the stallions disappeared from her view. The mare smiled warmly as she enjoyed the fresh air. She just had two more laps to walk before she is done. As she walked, she hummed a happy tune to the beat of her steps.

Game, watching has the mare hollared at the two ponies in front turned to the observant Grey looking for some reaction.

Star tried to keep a steady pace as he walked on, supported by Miru. He had already completly lost track of how many laps he had done; his only goal was to keep on moving until Captain Grey told him to stop, or he collapsed. Whichever came first.