//------------------------------// // Under the same Stars // Story: The Impossible Dream // by Merc the Jerk //------------------------------// “Yer jokin' right, cus?” The cowpony scowled, crossing his forelegs in irritation. “Ya know I'm jus' as busy as ya'll right now. Appleoosa needs me back.” Macintosh gave a slight roll of his eyes as they stood arguing amongst one another at the Apple family's living room. Convincing Braeburn to stay for a few more days was starting to get worse than pulling teeth. “Come on now, 'Burn,” Mac drawled. “Ya know I wouldn't ask if I didn't need ya to.” “An ya know I'd be willin' ta stay longer if I could.” Mac moved over to the couch and sat, briefly considering how to reply to that. Hay, he knew Braeburn was probably swamped, and it wasn't the best idea to ask for an extension on a favor, but he was desperate. He sure wasn't going to let Grannie and Applebloom stay here by their lonesome. “It's jus' fer a couple days. After that, I'll be back, an' ya can head on home.” “I'm already behind as is. Don't do me like this, Mac,” Braeburn complained. The farmer thought briefly, trying to decide on a course of action. He dully rubbed the wound that unicorn had gave him earlier. Thankfully, it wasn't deep enough to do lasting damage, he just needed to keep it clean for health and appearances sake. Mac faced his standing cousin. “I know it ain't right keepin' ya here when ya ain't wantin' to, but it's important. I'll make a deal with ya; give me jus' a few days, an' once things are all taken care of, I'll come with ya ta Appleoosia an' work till yer caught up.” He spat into his hoof, extending it towards the stetson wearing stallion. Braeburn wanted to say no- he really had to get back home- but the way Macintosh seemed, it felt like it was pretty serious. With a roll of his eyes, he extended his own spit cover hoof, and the two bonked them together. “Deal's a deal. Don't ya forget that.” “Eyup.” 000 Twilight watched as her friends left the library one by one. Soon, only Rarity remained. “Darling, thank you ever so much for not telling them that I, um, write.” The Mare smiled. “Of course,” Twilight said. “Though I still wish you would simply tell ponies that you did. It's nothing to be ashamed of.” “I'm Rarity, the most popular fashion designer in all of Ponyville- that's what people need to know about me, darling. The books are a secondary concern, nothing more.” “Still...” Twilight trailed off, accepting that her friend's stance wouldn't be changing anytime soon. She trotted over to the kitchen entrance, and ducked her head inside. “Gosh, Rarity! It's getting close to eleven! We should hurry.” “Indeed,” the white mare agreed. Her face softened. “However, might I request to remain here for a few moments? I shan't keep you waiting long.” Twilight gave a brisk nod. “Fine by me. Just lock up when you leave.” The lavender unicorn left out the front door; Rarity went quickly up the flight of stairs and stood before the door to Twilight's room. She knocked on the door with a delicate hoof. “Come in,” Spike said from inside the room. Rarity opened the door into the dark room, and took a few steps inside. As her eyes adjusted, she noticed Spike curled up in his basket, a small blanket over his scaly body. He squinted his eyes shut and groaned at the sudden influx of light from the other room- Rarity shut the door behind her. “What's going on? Shouldn't you be heading to the train station?” Spike asked, curling up in his bed even tighter. “Absolutely. But I wanted to see you again first, Spike.” The Dragon's eyes shot open. “R-Rarity?! I thought you were Twilight!” The white mare paused, frowning. “It's the mane, isn't it? I thought I did a good job styling it when I arrived back home, but-” “No, that's not it at all.” He shook his head. “But that's beside the point. What did you need to see me for?” “I wanted to make sure you were getting rest,” she said. “Baby Dragons need to sleep in order to grow up big in strong.” Spike shifted slightly in his basket, suddenly finding it too small. He wanted to tell her right now, while it was so honest, so perfect. In the dark, he really didn't need to focus on their physical differences. They could just be what they were. Two kindred spirits that the world said couldn't be together. He wanted to woo her off her hooves, with flowers, candy, gems. Mares love gems. He wanted to say that it didn't matter if he got big. In fact, getting big and strong scared him. It scared him to have that much power in a claw. It scared him that he'd be able to demolish buildings with one hard sneeze. What scared him the most was that some day he couldn't stay with the pony he thought of as family anymore, or stay with the mare he so deeply respected. Somepony he respected so much, it hurt his heart just thinking of it. What he wanted to happen- what he dreamed about every night- was staying with Rarity, just as they were. Growing up was pointless; he saw what happened with the last birthday party he had. It led to nothing but misery for everyone involved. Spike wanted to say this; instead, he dumbly nodded, too overcome with emotion to properly speak with the mare. “There's something I wanted to give you,” he said, swallowing. “You don't have to do that, Spike, I-” The baby Dragon held up a hand, silencing her. “I don't have to; I want to.” He rose, and ducked behind Twilight's bed. With the precise measurements of a carpenter, he searched his scales, before finding a fairly large and healthy one. He winched ahead of time, reaching down and yanking it off his body. The small cut bled slightly, but it was worth it. The purple scale he had picked was absolutely flawless, pristine and thick. He returned, hiding the side his cut was on. Spike took a few weary steps forward, before presenting it to Rarity. “Oh Spike...” Rarity trailed off, enthralled as she examined the scale closely. “Why would you do this?” “It's a talisman for good luck,” Spike quickly said, thinking of stories about knights and the princesses they tried to protect; how the brave warriors would always receive a token of affection from their love before departing to battle. He blinked. Suddenly he felt awkward at having the roles reversed. “Well, that is, if you want it,” he casually stammered. “Of course I do.” Rarity smiled, completely flattered at the gift. “In fact, I'm going to make a marvelous necklace from this! Just you wait, Spikie! You take care of yourself, and I'll be back to visit as soon as we return from Canterlot!” she exclaimed, giving a hard hug to the dragon, and trotting down the steps in excitement. Spike stood awkwardly for a brief moment, before a smile stretched over his face. “Wow... what a mare,” he spoke dreamily. 000 Tilting Windmills and Applejack arrived at the nearly empty station with a half-hour to spare. As Applejack glanced around the train platform, looking amongst the railway ponies loading freight into a boxcar, she frowned. “Shootfire. Where in the hay are those slowpokes?” AJ questioned. Tilting Windmills offered no response, his eyes were completely fixated on the train resting nearby. He reached for the dagger he had placed in his overalls pocket. “Tiltin',” Applejack called, walking towards the Knight. She took a look over at the train. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, she stared hard at the stallion. “I missin' somethin' here?” He turned to Applejack, stealing furtive, nervous glances at the train. “What a peculiar beast. Are we to travel on this creature? I fear its mandibles could crush steel- 'tis not the safest means of transit.” The mare rubbed her temple. “Sugarcube, this ain't no beast, it's a train.” “Ty-reign,” the Knight repeated, mulling over the word. “What a peculiar name- is it from the far east, mayhaps? I have heard of many such noble creatures from across the lands that serve as transit.” AJ opened her mouth, shut it, opened it again, then finally gave up, sighing. “Ya know what- sure. It's a creature designed for travel,” she wearily stated, glancing up at the night sky in resignation.. “Fascinating,” he marveled, moving to the train's side. The hoof that had once reached for the legendary dagger instead rubbed the train as if it were a living creature. “Tis an exceedingly heavy carapace that surrounds its body. Joints,” he gestured, toward the connecting latch that held the carts together, “Seem to be the only real weakness in its defenses.” The sound of hoofsteps behind them stopped Applejack from saying anything she might regret. They turned, meeting Rarity, who wore an airy gown of a light blue color. She nodded at the two, fanning herself, showcasing the small violet scale that hung by a chain around her neck. “Gracious, it feels so humid right now.” The white unicorn groaned. “I had not noticed, Lady Rarity,” Tilting stated. “If I were to wager, I would assume this beast is the cause- his powerful lungs may be bringing forth heat to the area when he exhales.” The two mares shared a tired, knowing glance to one another, before AJ noticed the scale. “Nice necklace,” she drawled. Rarity feigned being modest, laughing girlishly at the complement. “Oh, darling, thank you!” the unicorn said. “Spikie gave the materials to me!” Tilting Windmills paused in his current tale at hearing the dragon's name. “The dragon assistant of Lady Sparkle, correct?” he inquired, staring at the unicorn. “Well, yes.” “Does he provide you with items of courting often?” the Knight asked, smiling not unkindly. “Courting?!” Rarity exclaimed, perhaps a bit more forcefully than she intended. “Whatever gave you that impression, Tilting Windmills?” “He must be fond of you,” he said, pointing at the necklace. “If he is willing to impart such a piece of his heart and soul.” The Knight gave a proud look into the sky. “Mayhaps that dragon houses the heart and convictions of a pony after all- one who values devotion and tolerance to all of the worlds creatures. 'Tis stranger things a-hoof often enough to make a believer out of any cynic.” Rarity had stopped paying attention halfway through Tilting's words. “I can't believe that Spike might think of me like that. I've always considered him a younger brother. Doesn't he realize what complications could arise from such an arrangement?” “Name 'em,” Applejack demanded, already feeling like she and Rarity were about to have a disagreement. “Well, first and foremost, he's a dragon. That alone should put any ideas of courting to rest. Not even mentioning the fact that he's Twilight's assistant. That could make my relationship with dear Twilight rocky. Lastly, think about our difference in maturity, by the time he's an adult dragon, I'll be an old mare.” Applejack listened to Rarity's speech. After the other had finished, AJ shook her head. “I think I know the real reason ya don't hook up with the lill' guy,” she grimly said, adjusting her hat into a more comfortable position. Rarity frowned, expecting the farmmare to say what it was without any form of encouragement. “Yer scared of what people think. That's the only reason yer not willin' ta give it a shot.” Rarity narrowed her eyes. “How dare you! I-” “Ya just keep getting gifts from the fella, an' don't expect ta repay the favor anytime soon, that it?” Applejack countered, taking a step forward to stare down Rarity. “Spike is entitled to gift what he wants to whom he wants.” “Which'll be a great way ta set him up fer a fall later on, when he finally gets the guts ta ask ya out,” Applejack nearly shouted. Rarity began to quiver in anger. “You simple minded goat!” she bellowed. Tilting Windmills stared at the two, much too surprised at the sudden outburst to react. “Pompous know it all!” Applejack countered, stamping her foot. “Arrogant whelp!” “Ladies! Please!” a voice called. Both ponies glanced over, noting a cross looking railway worker. Rarity gave a weak laugh and offered a small smile. “I'm terribly sorry, my good stallion, please, carry on with your work.” “Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled, returning to loading cargo. Applejack still held a fierce expression, but kept her lips shut. Rarity mirrored the look. Fortunately, a voice called them, breaking the tension between the two. “Rarity! Applejack!” the enthusiastic voice of Pinkie Pie cried happily. She came hopping blissfully toward the two, chewing bubblegum. “I guess I'm ready to go now- I've got everything planned and in this neat little bag!” She gestured to it, raising a brown faux leather case in the air. “I've got balloons, streamers, cake, corn on the cob, punch, hot dogs, sombreros, ponchos, nachos, matching walky-talkies, batteries- just in case- and-” “Pinkie, what on earth do you need all those things for?” Rarity asked, interrupting the mare before the over energetic pony really got on a tangent. She gave a considering pause. “Better yet, how on earth did you fit everything into such a small satchel?” “Veeeery carefully.” Pinkie winked. “Gummy helped, too!” “Oh, I'm glad I'm not the only one who decided to arrive early!” the studious voice of Twilight Sparkle proclaimed, moving quickly to join the others. She shook her body a little, trying to get used to the backpack she had over her shoulders. “Where are the others?” “Ain't seen hide nor hair of 'em,” AJ drawled. “Just great,” Twilight moaned. “The train leaves in fifteen minutes.” “Who all we missin'?” the deep voice of Big Macintosh drawled from directly behind the lavender unicorn. “Gah!” she exclaimed, nearly jumping out of her fur. “Don't do that!” “Do what?” He blinked. “That thing; with the quiet, and the sneaking up... thing,” Twilight lamely said. She gave a disgruntled shake of her head at the terrible construction of her sentence. “Uh, eyup?” he said in a questioning tone, not positive how to answer the mare's reply. A small patter of hooves drew the attention of the group. Fluttershy timidly approached, smiling meekly. “I got here as soon as I could. Angel was being a little fussy when I told him the chores he needed to do tomorrow morning,” she explained. “That's fine, Fluttershy. We still have-” Twilight looked at the clock, “Five minutes?! We need to board!” “But how shall we distract the beastmasters in order to commandeer the Ty-Reign?” Tilting Windmills questioned, eying the railway workers carefully. “Why would we need ta distract 'em?” Macintosh asked. He whistled, drawing the attention of a stern looking brown stallion built like a brick. “We're hitchin' a ride ta Canterlot, Freight Fall.” The railway worker nodded, giving a nod towards an open cart in the middle of the line. “Hop on,” he casually answered, before moving down the tracks to check the other carts. The other ponies looked towards the red stallion in surprise. “Who heaven was that?” Rarity asked. “Ya didn't hear his name? It's Freight Fall.” The white unicorn rolled her eyes. “I heard his name, darling. I was meaning how you knew of him.” “He's one of Filthy Rich's boys, 'course I know 'em,” Macintosh explained, shrugging like it was the most obvious answer in the world. Twilight nodded. “Well, that's fantastic, who would have thought you would be the one with connections?” she laughed. Macintosh silently tilted his head, unsure of what she meant. Before he could ask, a familiar pegasus propelled through the sky, coming in too fast for a landing. She tried to skid to a halt, but didn't manage to slow down in time, and hit the side of the train with a resounding 'clang.' “Owwww,” Rainbow Dash moaned, clutching her head in agony. Tilting moved past the mare, and over to the side of the train. “Shh, 'tis alright, Ty-Reign. You have no reason to be afraid,” Tilting quietly soothed the cabin, rubbing the small dent Rainbow had left gently. “But what about me?” Dash whined, gingerly touching the knot that was forming. “If yer able ta complain, yer not really that hurt,” Applejack reasoned, giving a quick glance over Rainbow Dash. “Heck, ya ain't even bleedin'.” The pegasus seemed to recover almost instantly, rising a few feet off the ground, and putting her forelegs proudly at either side. “Of course I'm not bleeding! I've got, like, the toughest body in all of Equestria!” “Oh, well, that's... good,” Fluttershy whispered. “I wouldn't want you hurt.” The sound of a train whistle snapped them away from any more conversation. “Let's get goin', ladies,” Macintosh ordered, already ambling his powerful body towards the open cart. The rest of the group nodded in agreement, save for Tilting, who gazed at the red stallion. Macintosh sighed, not even having to turn around to know what needed to be said. “You too, Tiltin'.” The Knight nodded gratefully, moving to join the others. 000 A whistle blasted once more through the night air, and then they were off, rolling down the railways with an incredible speed. The countryside passed by in a blur of greens and blues. Macintosh was at the back of the cart, leaning on a large wooden box, nodding off where he sat. Rarity and Fluttershy were at the center, having moved the boxes around to make a clear spot to sit, and discussing what they were going to do in Canterlot tomorrow. Twilight sat at the front, on top of a freight box, intently studying a small pocket calender, and adjusting a few notes she had on a collection of flash cards. Rainbow Dash had taken Big Macintosh's idea to heart, and currently slept by Twilight, in a small cargo net hanging from the ceiling. Tilting Windmills and Applejack, however, had cracked open the door, and were wordlessly watching the scenery. The orange mare sighed, taking off her hat and putting it farther inside. As windy as the open door was, she didn't want to risk losing it. She enjoyed the companionable silence for a moment, before speaking the obvious. “Beautiful night.” Tilting silently nodded, resting his forelegs over the edge of the cart. “'Tis indeed.” He flicked his eyes, glancing at the farmer. “I feel very fortunate that I am sharing it with you.” Applejack paused, taken aback briefly with his words. Finally, she lightly chuckled. “I reckon I don't mind watchin' it with ya either.” They sat quietly for a bit longer, the Knight viewing the stars above. A sudden thought occurred to the mare. She looked upward, following his gaze. “I wonder if we're seein' the same stars.” He continued to easily stare, the fast wind blowing his brown mane. “I don't see how we couldn't be, Jack. We are riding side by side on the Ty-Reign's back, gazing to the heavens, are we not?” “Hmm,” she grunted, choosing to bite her tongue. The Knight hesitated, seeming to be on the verge of speaking. He took a breath, and decided to talk once more. “This Spike... is he a good Dragon?” Applejack nodded earnestly. “He's a good lill' fella. Got a bit of a lip sometimes, but his heart's in the right place.” The stallion seemed to soak in this information, before scratching his tired neck. “If he houses this innate goodness like thou say, then he is much akin to us,” Tilting said, resting a hoof on his chin. “Thine friend is being afraid of his affections for no justly cause.” “Yer preachin' ta the choir, Tiltin',” AJ agreed. “But she's 'bout as stubborn as a mule. Or, well, me,” she admitted with a small laugh, taking a glance behind her. She noted with the smallest bit of satisfaction that the white unicorn was absentmindedly putting a hoof to the scale Spike gave her. “This world would be better if everyone's true appearance came from within, rather than this facade of skin and fur one carries around their weary heart,” Tilting grimly said. Applejack shrugged. Philosophy wasn't one of her strong suits. “We are what we are. Ain't nothin' that can change that. Some of us jus' get born with what we have, ya know?” “Tis not fair in the slightest, Jack. Take thineself; thine body has granted you the power to proudly carry the Royal Guard's insignia, has it not?” “Not this again,” AJ muttered under her breath. “What of the earth pony who wishes to fly? Can thou speak for the pegasus that wishes to channel magic?” He leaned in close, lowering his voice. “Or of the noble dragon, seeking a lady of the court's hoof?” The Knight shook his head. “The soul and passions of a creature should dictate its calling in life- its star- not any stroke of genetics or luck.” “It's a nice idea, but I don't think it'd work like that, Tiltin',” Applejack replied. “Does thou truly believe so? That harmony cannot exist between others, no matter how fair the world is given to them?” The mare raised a brow, surprised at his line of questioning. “Dunno,” she honestly admitted. “What I do know is that the world has a lot of creatures, great an' small.” AJ paused, mulling over her answer. “In a way, they all work together fer harmony as is. If ya were ta somehow upset that balance- give everything a chance ta start off on equal footin'- then why would they stop 'fore reachin' the top? Everypony would want ta be the next Celestia- the next big dog- an ain't no one would want ta do the odds an' ends jobs. It'd jus' mean more fightin' fer power, wouldn't it?” she pondered out loud, unsure herself. As the winds blasted past both of them, Tilting said nothing, calmly returning his gaze to the stars and the secrets they held. 000 The rest of the ride was uneventful, and it wasn't long before the fabled city on the mountain nearly overtook their vision. As they came closer, Tilting marveled at its intricate design. The others soon joined Tilting and Applejack at the side of the cabin, all taking in the fast approaching city. “You never really get used to its size,” Rarity said, marveling at the high castle walls. “Nope,” Macintosh agreed. He briefly thought about ask if the others wanted to grab a doughnut before seeing Luna, but decided not to voice the question. “So this is the city of Canterlot,” Tilting marveled. “The view from a distance does no justice to the grand town.” Twilight quietly smiled, recalling the many nights of exploring the city with her older brother, back when she was a young filly. “We'll see what Luna requires of us first, then I'll check with my parents- see if they could house everypony tonight.” Applejack shook her head in disagreement. “It's really late, we can jus' stay at an inn fer tonight. I'm thinkin' there's one close ta the train station that ain't too expensive- that right, Macintosh?” “Eyup.” The stallion nodded. “Applejack's right,” Rarity agreed. “Far be it fair of us to intrude on your family's estate without a word of warning.” “Well, if that's how you feel...” Twilight trailed off. The train tracks rose, coming to the outskirts of the city. As they came closer, Rainbow Dash pointed towards their goal. “It's still got that bubble around it,” she said, surprised. Twilight squinted, noting the outline of a magical aura surrounding the town. “Hmm, you're right,” the unicorn replied, thinking. “I suppose as recent as the attack was, perhaps they wanted to be cautious of Changelings returning.” Tilting gazed at the city. “An attack, thou says? 'Tis remarkable that the town Canterlot stands so proudly still.” “Meh,” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Those guys wern't so tough.” She rose to her back legs, making a few quick jabs at the air. “Just had to do a little chin music, and bam!” She swung hard forward for emphasis, overextending herself, and connecting her hoof directly onto Macintosh's cheek. He didn't even flinch; instead, he flicked his drooping green eyes towards the hyper mare. “Didn't ya'll get captured by 'em?” the stallion easily drawled. Dash rubbed the back of her head, glancing away from the farmer with a frown. “Well, yeah, but, everypony has an off day. They just caught me on mine.” The train passed through the field of magic, and the ponies briefly flinched, feeling the energy sweep through their bodies as they passed the wall of magical power. “Ain't ever gonna get used ta that,” Applejack complained. The train slowed down drastically when they passed through the field, and a single whistle announced their arrival to Canterlot. The train came to a sudden, jerky halt at the station, and the ponies all hopped out of the cart, startling some of the skeleton crew working the large stone railway. Macintosh gave a small nod to the workers, ushering the others out of the way. They walked through the large platform and up a wide flight of stone stairs, coming to a set of glass doors leading into a lobby. The group entered it, and noticed a dramatic change in atmosphere. The lobby was lavishly decorated, with marble floors and several comfortable looking couches lining the room. Applejack stared longingly at one of the seats, thinking how nice it'd be to sleep for a bit. A receptionist's desk was to in the leftmost corner, and paintings adorned the walls. Up on the ceiling was a beautiful mural of Castle Canterlot being graced by the morning sky. Rarity smiled appreciatively at the design. “Positivity radiant,” she marveled. “I've always been a fan of Ponytello's work,” Twilight beamed. “Perhaps tomorrow, we can visit an art gallery. I know of one in the west side that houses several of his works.” “I'd love that, darling!” Rarity agreed. Macintosh gave a small sigh, not understanding the infatuation with pictures. He caught Applejack doing the same out of the corner of his eye, and had to suppress a laugh. Seems like their Grannie raised 'em good. “Do they have candy at the art gallery?! I'm totally in if they do!” Pinkie exuberantly said, bouncing on the marble floor. In the corner, a receptionist stared daggers at the pink ball of energy. “Can I help your... group with something?” The distinguished pony asked, brushing his elegant mustache with a hoof. “Oh, no. We were just getting ready to leave, actually,” Twilight said, to the relief of the stallion. He pointed down the way, turning his nose up at the common folk. “Double doors will take you straight outside, madam.” “Thanks,” the unicorn coolly answered, not appreciative of his attitude. The ponies went to the end of the lobby, and opened the doors to the Canterlot streets. Even at this late hour, what seemed to be hundreds of lights fought for superiority against Luna's veil. Every direction, ponies freely walked the streets, unafraid of anything the night could bring forth against them. To their right, just rounding the corner of the Station, was a group of guards, led by somepony familiar too all but Macintosh and Tilting Windmills. Twilight beamed, rising slightly to wave. “Shining Armor!” The head guard turned his head, scanning the area. Upon seeing who it was, his face split into an ear to ear grin. “Well look who we have here!” he exclaimed, giving a quick word towards his guards to press on down the streets without him. They complied, and Shining Armor moved toward his sister, putting a foreleg around her neck, and bringing her in for a hug. “What's going on, little sis?” “It's a long story,” she said, shaking her head. She pointed a hoof toward the cause of it. “To sum it up, Princess Luna wishes to speak with Tilting Windmills.” “Greetings, Ser,” the yellow stallion politely said, looking at Twilight's brother with respect. He rose upon his back legs, and locked his forelegs in position- his left resting just below his chin, and the other resting at his stomach. He bowed politely, and seemed to be waiting for Shining Armor to respond. “Uh...” the white stallion trailed off. “Hello?” Tilting shook his head, smiling kindly. “Tis the salute of the Guard, young beacon of hope- how one shows respect to thine peers and colleagues of Knightly endeavors.” Shining Armor blinked, looking at Twilight in a silent plea for either an explanation, or a chance to escape. She decided on the latter. “It's fantastic seeing you again, Shining, but I'm sure you need to return to your squad, correct?” He nodded quickly. “Oh yes. Darn. What a, uh, shame.” She leaned in close, speaking in a whisper. “I'll tell you later. You free tomorrow?” “I'll be in the afternoon, when I get a replacement for my watch. Until then, Princess Luna wants me to keep the barrier up.” Twilight wanted to ask why Luna needed the barrier, but Shining was already making brisk steps towards where his unit departed. “Catch you tomorrow,” he called to her, before rounding the corner, and vanishing into the night. “Seemed a nice newcomer to the ranks of the Guard. Mayhaps some day he'll grow to be Captain.” Tilting nodded sagely. Twilight's eye twitched involuntarily. She repressed the sudden urge to strangle the hapless pony, albeit barely. “Let's just travel to the castle, shall we?” she questioned through clenched teeth. 000 The group traveled north for a good twenty minutes, before reaching the massive gate leading to the castle. The metal lattice was blocking the way into the grounds, and a pair of guard ponies adorned in golden armor eyed them with an unreadable expression on their faces as the group came forward. “I'll handle this,” Twilight said to the group, already walking towards the two imposing pegasi. “Greetings, gentlecolts.” They stared ahead, watching past Twilight Sparkle in a rigid pose. The pegasus on Twilight's left spoke. “Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia is currently not at the castle. I recommend-” “No, not this time,” Twilight quickly interrupted. “I'm here to see Princess Luna.” The one on the right blankly stared down the streets. “Princess Luna is incredibly busy at the moment. I'm afraid that-” “Nonsense. She requested I see her.” The scholar fished in her travel back, before producing a slip of paper. The mare handed it to the pegasus on her right side, and he scanned the short, terse letter the Night Princess had sent. His eyes widened slightly, and he nodded to his comrade. “You and the one named Tilting Windmills may pass,” he gruffly ordered. Twilight shook her head. “In one way or another, all the ponies before you have been affected by this. They're coming with me.” He frowned, obviously not used to being argued with. “Very well,” he allowed, stomping his hoof on the ground. Within moments, the lattice rose upward, granting access to the grounds. 000 They encountered no more resistance as they traveled through the inner workings of the castle. Many of the guards and servants that loitered about the hallways in fact gave a friendly greeting to the lavender unicorn, used to her presence. She easily guided the other ponies through the familiar twists and turns of the castle, before coming to the red double doors leading into the castles audience room. A single, decorated guard smiled fondly at Twilight. “One moment, miss. I'll make sure Luna has a moment of free time for you.” “Thank you,” the unicorn said, swallowing nervously. She didn't mind coming to see Celestia at work occasionally, but it felt like Luna would be an entirely different matter. The imposing pegasus ducked inside the doorway, and the group waited for his return. After several minutes, their patience was coming to an end. “What's the holdup?” Applejack drawled, before a loud yawn crossed her lips. “I suppose a pony of her stature must be overwhelmed with work. It's only natural she's taking this long to answer a guards inquire,” Rarity reasoned. “Tis true. I admit that, while I am a Knight-Errant of the highest caliber, even I must wait on occasion for the two to respond to my reports and questions,” Tilting agreed. The door opened, and out stepped not one, but five guards, all carrying the same grim expression on their face. “Enter, if you do please,” the decorated pegasus said, leaving no room for refusal. The eight entered, and none, save for Fluttershy, were surprised when the door was loudly shut behind them. The skittish pegasus jumped with a squeak, diving into Rainbow Dash's forelegs. Fluttershy shivered in fear, and nearly broke into tears. With a world weary sigh, Dash put her gently on the ground. The expansive hall seemed to stretch to the horizon, and the Princess of the Night sat at the farthest end of the empty room, upon a royal throne at the top of a flight of steps. The ponies walked with the enthusiasm of a group of convicts approaching an execution ground. Luna's expression was an unreadable mask, save for her turquoise eyes, which regarded Tilting Windmills with contempt- the emotion becoming all the more apparent as they came to the foot of the stairwell. The ponies all bowed to her, save for Tilting, who struck the same salute he had greeted Shining Armor with earlier in the night. Twilight Sparkle shot a vicious glare his direction, finding it hard to believe he wasn't bowing. “Thou uses the ancient Royal salute of thine forefathers, and the forefathers of them,” she said, the words soaked in bitter shock. “Thou must have studied something to come across this information- what, We do not know; how, We have no true idea.” “Princess?” Twilight quietly asked, the room's temperature seeming to have dropped several degrees since the Ruler of the Night began to observe the stallion. If she had heard Twilight, the question was ignored. She seemed to take in the stallion from multiple angles from up in her chair. She shook her head. “Thou looks the part to the letter. Why him you chose, We have no idea.” “Luna. Art thou in good mental health? Whatever are you ranting about? I am here, thine loyal and faithful subject,” the Knight countered, trying to comprehend what the Princess was implying. “Thou. Art. Not.” She scowled. “Even if mine eyes and my soul say otherwise, my mind knows 'tis not true. 'Tis impossible.” “Princess Luna, what ya goin' on 'bout? He's here in front of ya, ain't he?” Applejack said, desperately trying to reason with the alicorn. “Neigh, he is not,” she snapped, her brow finally creasing in anger. She rose from her seat, and stared directly at the Knight. “We- I,” she corrected, “have no idea what thou truly are. Perhaps a shyster hiding behind a masquerade, or a unicorn that cast a perfect disguise spell. By Taurus, mayhaps thine are a Changeling that somehow managed to penetrate our protective aura surrounding Canterlot.” She walked a few steps downward, her presence becoming more and more oppressive to the ponies in the room. “Either way, all roads lead to this simple fact- one that should have drawn your attention when you adorned his guise.” Luna looked hard at the other ponies in the room. “The real Tilting Windmills died, over three thousand years ago.”