My Little Pony Flashing Life TRACK 07 VERSE 21

Verse 21

After a mad flight, we managed to get out of the Southern Badlands and headed back to Canterlot at mach speed! When I looked at them all again, they were dumbstruck! And let me tell you one thing about the looks on their faces! If us ponies could throw up, I’m sure they would’ve! HAHAHAHAH!!! So in any case, with us home safe and the dragons no longer attempting to attack us, it all seems well. I guess they lost interest after we left them in the dust. However, there was the matter of breaking the news to Princess Celestia about the flag. I’m not gonna lie. I was nervous. I was afraid that that was it for me all because of that jerk, Garble. Shining Armor had me wait at the door while he talked to her himself. While I was waiting, his sister passed by me. With her was a little purple baby dragon.

SONG: Gaia Temple (Sonic Unleashed) www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G8JNL…

Flash:….*Sigh* (I didn’t think they would even let dragons in here. Then again, I guess I never do think right when it comes to dragons. Well… I just hope Twilight’s little guy doesn’t grow up to become anything like Garble!) *Looks back in the room, then looks down* (I can’t believe how bad I messed that up. I could’ve moved faster, but I got careless. Then to top it all off, I nearly lost my head… again…)

Twilight: Hey!

Flash: Hmm? What?

Twilight: Any idea as to why my brother is so fixated on you?

Flash: Nothing special to it. I just asked for his help. That’s all.

Twilight: Is that right? Hmm… Well…

Flash: Now might I ask you something?

Twilight: What?

Flash: Whenever the Chief isn’t hanging around with you, you’re always by yourself. Do you ever hang around with any friends?

Twilight: Why would I do that? I have all my studying to do. I’m not gonna live up to Princess Celestia’s expectations by playing with other ponies. My B.B.B.F.F. is one of the few exceptions.

Flash: “Big Brother Best Friend Forever”?

Twilight: Yeah. Don’t you have one of those?

Flash: Yeah… in my dreams… The only brother I have is a total monster. Worse than the kinds that the Chief and I had to fight together.

Twilight: C’mon, I’m sure he can’t be THAT bad. Aren’t you family with him?

Flash: All friends are family, filly. But not all the family is friends. Just be glad that you don’t have to deal with that kind of problem.  (You’ve got a good brother…the kind that I wish I had.)

While the future princess and I were talking, Shining Armor was talking to the current one at the same time.

Shining Armor: ...and as it were, your highness, as you can see, we… don’t have our last flag. I have no excuse for this mistake, but I take full responsibility for it.

Celestia: Actually, I’d like to hear why you don’t have it. Please explain. It’s not like you to come back feeling like a failure, Shining.

Shining Armor: You’re right. The last time that happened was with your nephew… Please don’t take this as an excuse.

Celestia: Go ahead.

Shining Armor: When we arrived at the flag’s location, we approached it, but were ambushed by three dragons. Their leader then breathed fire onto it, burning it to ashes. He passed it off as a sneeze. I apologize for this mishap.

Celestia: I see…

Shining Armor: I feel guilty about this. I should have controlled the situation better and commanded my troops to getting the flag faster, but because I didn’t, our cadet might have to be held back in failure.

Celestia: I can tell you are telling the truth in everything you’re saying.

Shining Armor: Absolutely. I want nothing more than to see my pupil pass this! You would know how that feels, right?

Celestia: *Closes eyes and sighs* Yes. I would.

Shining Armor: Then please, Princess Celestia, I must ask that you give him another chance! He’s been able to make it this far, learning both how to hold his own as well as support the team! With the right motivations, he could become a great soldier for you.

Celestia: *Quietly* Oh, I know the motivations he has…

Shining Armor: Pardon me, your highness?

Celestia: Bring him here. I want to speak with him now.

Shining Armor: Oh, of course. *Walks over to Flash and Twilight* Hey, Flash. The princess wants to talk to you. Don’t keep her waiting.

Flash: Right. Later, filly!

Shining Armor: Hey, Twily! And what’s up, Spike! Heheh! How’s the little lizard doin’?

I started talking to the princess and Shining walked back over to rejoin us after a bit of time with Twilight.

Flash: *Walks over to Celestia on her throne* You wanted to see me, Princess Celestia?

Celestia: Yes, Flash. I want to make sure you’re fully aware of the situation here. Your team performed the task set to you by the head of coordination for the ranking exams; however you don’t seem to be able to provide the proof that you have done it. You don’t have your last flag.

Flash: *Looks down* Yes, ma’am… I got careless for a moment. Had I known that enemies were coming, I would’ve just rushed in, took the flag, and got us out before anything bad happened. But… I didn’t… I guess that means I’ve failed, huh?

Shining Armor: *Steps next to him* It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I was the one issuing the orders. You were on standby to wait for them. I told you three no unnecessary actions and you followed them accordingly. Don’t take blame for it when it’s my responsibility!

Flash:……Either way, we failed… After getting so close to finally passing and moving on, we ended up failing…

Shining Armor: Well, if it makes you feel any better, I won’t issue the punishment I told you before. You still fought hard and made sure that all four of us made it out safely. So I’m sure you’ll pass it next time.

Flash:....*Looks back up to him and smiles* Thank you, Chief.

Celestia: That was well met and commendable. However, I didn’t say “You failed”, now did I?

Shining Armor & Flash: HUH!?

Celestia: You may not have your flag, but I know for a fact that you have done your duties and survived to fight another day. That is why I’ve decided to allow you to continue your bid to passing the Royal Guard Ranking Exams!

Shining Armor & Flash: NO WAY!!!

Shining Armor: Thank you so much, your highness! But where would we go for the next flag?

Celestia: No. Not for a flag. We’re kind of on a tight schedule and Flash needs to be ready for the final phase of the exams. For the next month, you will be concentrating all of your efforts to passing the combat scenarios. We don’t have time for another survival course. So I recommend you train hard for the last trials.

MISSION 03: ACCOMPLISHED

SCORE: Cosmos Victory Fanfare (Dissidia Final Fantasy) www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5PmU…

Flash: Accomplished?! We did it?! I… I get to move on?! I can still win?! *Has a big smile with tears in his eyes* OH, THANK YOU, PRINCESS! Thank you SO MUCH!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Celestia: Oh! *Eyes wide open and she blushes a little* Uh…?

SCORE: Mr. Resetti (Animal Crossing) www.youtube.com/watch?v=60IPzx…

Shining Armor: DACK!!! *Eyes turn all white anime style and he knocks Flash to the floor* YOU IDIOT!!!

Flash: *Dizzy and crooked smile* Sorry… Wrong choice of words…?

Shining Armor: Show some more respect than THAT, moron!

Celestia: *Chuckles* Now, Flash. The rest of this exam will be decided by you. You will stand alone against these coming challenges. Your comrades can help you train and prepare, but once you set hoof into the ring, it’s all going to be you and your opponents. Do you understand?

Flash: *Gets up and rubs the back of his head* Of course, Princess Celestia. *Salutes* I WON’T let you down again! That is a promise! I will win, pass the tests, and become your loyal soldier and protector! I WILL be victorious!

Celestia: *Smiles* Hmm… Good. Then you are both dismissed. I wish you the best!

Shining Armor: Thank you once more, your highness! C’mon, Flash! We’ve got training to do!

Flash: Roger, Chief!

END OF VERSE