//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: My Little Pony: Lights and Shadows - Part II // by OmegaTale //------------------------------// Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, Hello princess, my name is Nimbus Flare, I am Starfall’s father. My wife, Cosmic Lights, and I would like to invite you to our humble house here at Rainbow Falls. I understand that this is a rather unorthodox request to ask of a princess, but it’s been so long since Starfall has come home. We know you must be very busy, so we won’t ask that you stay for long, but it would mean the world to us to see our son again, as well as meet the Princess of Friendship. We hope to hear from you soon, thank you for your time. Nimbus Flare and Cosmic Lights “Twilight,” Starfall said as she packed her saddlebag. “The summit is only three days away, I urge you to reconsider this.” Placing the last of her books in the bag, Twilight turned about, a confident look on her face. “We will have plenty of time to prepare for the summit, Starfall.” She assured him. “Besides, aren’t you excited to be going home to visit your parents?” The pegasus grimaced, but covered it up quick with an uneasy smile. “Y-yeah, of course I am. I just think we should be focusing more on-” “Starfall,” Twilight said, stopping him. “Everything is going to be fine, having a day to give my head a break from all this stress is something I really need right now. That, and giving my friend a reward for how great he’s been as my royal guard.” Prancing past him with her saddlebag on, the princess was all but too excited for this little venture of theirs. With his head stooped low, Starfall’s ears folded back on his head. Most ponies would be ecstatic about getting the chance to visit home, especially after having been gone for so long. There was, however, a difference between most ponies and him. At least this relieved some of the stress from Twilight, and their being in Rainbow Falls would mean it’ll be easier to keep her safe. It was rough telling Vinyl the previous night that he couldn’t come to the club at all, but it was probably for the best anyway; that unicorn was a party monster, almost as much as Pinkie Pie. The positives and negatives of this invitation were inconclusive on whether or not he was happy about receiving it. Nevertheless, there was no point in sulking over it. Twilight said they were going, and that was that. He was just going to have to deal with it. Trotting after her, Starfall spotted Rainbow and Starlight waiting for them in the foyer. “You guys ready yet?” Rainbow asked, having been invited to come too. “The train leaves in fifteen minutes.” “Yep, all ready, right Starfall?” Twilight asked, a smile on her face. Offering up his happy façade again, the pegasus replied, “Oh yeah, definitely.” Fluttershy had wanted to stay in Ponyville with Shadow. Pinkie Pie had some parties planned that she needed to attend. Applejack was still clearing up tasks at Sweet Apple Acres in preparation for the summit. Rarity wanted the CMC’s dresses for the gala done before having to leave, so as to not make the little fillies nervous, and Spike was there to help her. Starfall looked up at Canterlot as the train rounded a bend on the tracks. He had no excuses now that he was Twilight’s royal guard. If she was so quick to travel with him back home, his parents would undoubtedly try to do so again at some point; they were smart enough to take advantage of that system. “So Starfall,” Starlight asked, grabbing his attention. “How long has it been since your last visit?” Slightly looking away, he gave a small nod. “A while now. To be honest, I haven’t been keeping track.” “You know, I’ve been to Rainbow Falls a few times, but I’ve never just taken a flight around town.” Rainbow said, thinking to herself. “After we meet your folks, I think I’ll bow out for a while and take a look; everypony says it’s a pretty awesome place.” Starfall couldn’t deny that. “The sights are pretty good.” He replied, giving another slight nod. “Although I’m sure you and my dad will hit it off, he’s almost as big of a Wonderbolt fan as you.” “Hehehe, I like him already.” Rainbow said with a smirk. Twilight then remembered something. “Oh, do you think your sister will be there too?” Starfall shrugged his shoulders. “I guess she could be, but as often as she does visit them, her modeling career keeps her rather busy.” Hearing his answer made the princess wonder if he had been acting this way because he was afraid to be seen as homesick. “Starfall, you know you can always just ask me if you ever want to come visit them. After this whole mess is over with, we can come here more often so you can see your parents more.” This time, Starfall was able to perfectly keep his cool and composure. “That is very considerate of you Twilight, and I really do appreciate it, but I still have a job to do.” Trying to take some of the edge off and not sound so rigid, Starfall gave them a sincere look. “I know you have allowed me to be more of myself while here, but I do take my responsibilities seriously. I really have no need for visiting them, I would much rather spend that time in Ponyville with all of you.” The three mares could feel that something was off with him, but surprisingly enough it was Rainbow that better understood why he was being this way. Not wanting to say anything at the moment, the fellow pegasus saw the perfect way to save him from the conversation. “Hey look,” Rainbow said excitedly. “We’re here!” All four ponies gazed out the train window to see the beautiful town of Rainbow Falls. The cascading colors from the rainbows around it gave the mountain town a much brighter, visual appeal. Being so high up with several tiers on the mountain surface, it was one of the more unique settings for a community in all of Equestria. Walking down and off from the station, Twilight, Rainbow, and especially Starlight, looked up and around at the town, having never really taken the time to admire it. Starlight had never been here before, and so she found it difficult to not gaze around at all the sights. Starfall, on the over hoof, lead the three of them with a less than satisfied look on his face, knowing he didn’t need to hide it from the sightseers behind him. He cast it aside quickly as other ponies began passing them by. “Starfall!” one said with a smile. “So good to see you again!” “Hey Blitz, been a while!” another chuckled. Starfall just smiled and nodded, waving on occasion. Twilight was met with a warm reception as well, but her royal guard seemed to attract even more attention than her, which she certainly wasn’t going to complain about. “Wow Starfall,” Starlight said in amazement. “It’s like you know everypony in town.” With a half-smile, the pegasus shrugged his shoulders and slightly shook his head. “Uh….hehe, yeah….” Crossing a small bridge over one of the rainbow rivers, the four ponies approached one of the more larger homes on the town plateau. Gorgeous flowers bloomed in the gardens around it with a few trees offering their ripe fruit down to the hungry eyes of the passersby. Only a few yards away from the door, Starfall turned about to face his friends. “Oh, right, I feel like I should have mentioned this a little earlier-” “Starfall.” Twilight stopped him. “No stalling.” He shook his head in reply, “No, no, no, it’s not that big a deal, it’s just-” The door to the house opened, cutting him off before he could finish. “Son!” the pegasus stallion exclaimed, reaching out and grabbing his unprepared child with both hooves, proceeding to rough up his mane. “It’s about time you showed up for a visit!” The stallion had a very dark gray coat of fur with a few lighter gray patches on the back of his neck. He had a flame red mane and tail with a few strands of darker red along the outsides. His cutie mark was a storm cloud made of fire. He double-took a look at Twilight and the others, releasing his son as he remembered the rest of their company for the day. “Princess,” he said, bowing his head as he tried making up for the sudden embrace of his son. “I’m Nimbus Flare, thank you so much for coming.” Twilight gave him a warm smile. “My pleasure Mr. Flare.” “Please,” the pegasus insisted. “Call me Nimbus. Come on inside.” He stood aside to let the three mares in as he and his son waited to follow. Giving Starfall a quick hoof jab to the gut, he said, “Bringing home three ladies, huh? Impressive.” Starfall did not look amused. “Dad, don’t go there.” “Awww, come on, it was a joke!” Nimbus chuckled, letting his son walk in first. He then proceeded to whisper, “Been stepping up your game though, am I right?” Starfall delivered an elbow into the stallion’s chest, making him stutter backwards a bit. The house was kept warm by two fireplaces and remained decorated for the winter holidays even though the season was approaching its end. Numerous book shelves stood stacked full, catching the eye of the princess as she continued onward. Walking into the living room, Twilight was the first to notice her. A light blue furred unicorn reading a book at the table. Her mane and tail were a brilliant silver color, which almost seemed to shimmer in the light, and her cutie mark was an open, white book with a small galaxy above it. Her ears perked up and she turned her head, a look of total excitement taking her over. “Oh, Princess Twilight!” she trotted over and bowed her head. “What an honor, oh what an absolute honor to meet you!” “And you must be….” Twilight said, wondering if she really was…. “Oh, where are my manners?” the unicorn replied, a big smile crossing her face. “My name is Cosmic Lights, I am Starfall’s mother.” The three mares were left with questioning faces as the unicorn got giddy at the sight of her son. “Starfall!” she trotted over and gave him a hug. “Yeah, hi mom.” Starfall managed with a smile. Expecting his friends’ inquisitive expressions, when Starfall was released from his mother, he introduced them. “Mom, dad, this is Princess Twilight Sparkle, her pupil Starlight Glimmer, and-” “Rainbow Dash,” Nimbus finished for him. “Fastest Wonderbolt ever.” Now seeing that Starfall was right, Rainbow nodded her head. “Hehehe, its true….I am.” Nodding his head, Nimbus gave her a confident smile. “About time Spitfire made it official; she’d been bragging all year about how she trained the greatest Wonderbolt in history.” “Whoa,” Rainbow said, zipping up to him. “You know Spitfire?” “Know her?” Nimbus scoffed, looking at Starfall. “Been selling me short, eh?” Flying out of the room in the blink of an eye, he returned with a photo of him and Spitfire in front of the academy. “You’re looking at the pegasus who trained her.” Fan-attack meltdown in three….two… “Whoa, what!?” Rainbow shouted, her eyes growing wide. “NO WAY!!! Are you kidding me!?” she performed a quick, excited flip in the air. “You’re Night Flare!?” Nimbus spread his wings and bowed his head. “The very same. Been a while since I’ve heard that name.” Rainbow couldn’t believe it, this was insane! She hopped up and down like a little filly who just met their favorite celebrity. “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!!!” Starlight was the only one that looked confused. She peered over at Twilight, who also looked surprised and excited. “Umm, Twilight? Who’s Night Flare? A famous Wonderbolt or something?” “No, not quite.” Twilight replied, having learned of the renowned pegasus during her last visit to the Wonderbolt Academy. “He was a recruit that showed great potential and set many records during his training. When he graduated from the academy, he was asked to join the team, but he declined.” “What?” Starlight asked, confused. “Why would he do that?” “I’ll tell ya why,” Nimbus answered her, overhearing his backstory. “The love of my life had just discovered she was pregnant. As much as I love the Wonderbolts,” he said, looking at Cosmic Lights. “I love her more.” Cosmic blushed, waving her hoof to keep from tearing up. “Oh Nimbus, you charmer you.” Turning back to the curious mares, he continued. “You see, I knew being a Wonderbolt would keep me away from home a fair amount, being that Cosmic and I lived here at Rainbow Falls. When she told me that we were having a baby, I wanted to be sure I was there to help her raise our family.” “Awww, that was so sweet of you.” Twilight said, tilting her head. “I was allowed to return to the academy on occasion to help train the new recruits when I could,” Nimbus resumed. “I often arrived late at night after finishing my weather control tasks here, so you see, that’s why they called me Night Flare.” “Because whenever he flies, he leaves a fiery streak in the sky!” Rainbow blurted out. “He’s been an honorary Wonderbolt ever since!” She then turned to Starfall. “What the hay! All that time we hung out at the academy, how come you never told me your dad is the Night Flare!?” Starfall chuckled to himself and shook his head. “At the time I wanted you to focus, I knew how much you dreamed of being a Wonderbolt.” “Nimbus took up a job here on the Rainbow Falls Weather Patrol,” Cosmic said happily. “Our little girl was born, and not long after that, so was Starfall.” “So, I noticed your cutie mark.” Starlight pointed out, curious of the mare. “May I ask what you do here in Rainbow Falls?” “I am a magic teacher here for all the young unicorns.” Cosmic replied. “Over the years, more and more unicorn families have been moving here, so I began a magic class at the school.” “That’s amazing.” Twilight said excitedly. “I didn’t realize there was a magic school here.” Being that the topic was already brought up, Starfall asked, “Is Auraglow here?” Cosmic shook her head, but managed to keep her smile. “She comes by for a visit every other month or so, and writes to us often. She’s been asking a whole lot about you, been asking when she could see her little brother again.” “Why don’t we send her a letter asking her to visit you in Ponyville?” Twilight suggested, looking to her royal guard. “I’d love to meet her, and I’m sure everypony else would too.” “Especially Rarity.” Rainbow added in with a smirk. Starfall tried hiding his discomfort at the topic. “I don’t know, she’s a very busy pony after all.” “Never too busy for her family.” Cosmic replied. “Says it every time she visits us.” Feeling a build-up of anxiety, Starfall quickly thought up a way out. “Rainbow, didn’t you say you wanted to take a fly around town to see the sights?” Rainbow could tell, just like everypony else, that he was avoiding the conversation on purpose. That being said, she did want to bow out for a while for a flight. “Yeah, sure.” Looking to Starlight, who nodded to him, Starfall walked with Rainbow over to the door. “We’ll be back in a bit.” Nodding with a big smile on her face, Cosmic thought she understood. “Oh, I see, it makes sense now.” Her statement grabbed everypony’s attention. “You two make such a wonderful couple.” Both Starfall and Rainbow were left petrified as their eyes widened and cheeks went red. They eyed one another without moving a muscle, and then focused back on Cosmic. Starlight was on the verge of busting out laughing and Twilight just stood in an awkward silence. “We’re just gonna….” Rainbow started, slowly backing away to the door. Starfall nodded, following her lead, saying, “Go.” “Yeah,” Rainbow nodded. “We’re just gonna go now….” The two picked up speed and fled the house, neither of them wanting that conversation to play out any further. The moment they were gone, Cosmic chuckled to herself, glancing over at the princess. “I’m teasing him, it’s just something I do.” That’s when Starlight cracked and blurted out a round of laughter. Twilight took in a short breath, not sure how best to resume talking after such an embarrassing moment for her friends. Cosmic watched Twilight’s reaction and her smile dropped. “Wait….are they a couple?” “Come now dear,” Nimbus scoffed. “You should know him better than that. He may avoid us from time to time, but he sure wouldn’t hide something like that from his parents.” Twilight became offset when she heard that. “Avoid you? What do you mean?” Nimbus and Cosmic both acquired uneasy smiles. They briefly looked at one another, and then Nimbus said, “You must understand princess,” he said, trying to put it gently. “Starfall has had a trying past, and so coming home is difficult for him.” This certainly was a surprise. Twilight remembered Starfall telling her about how tough it was for him before he got his cutie mark, but she figured it all became better from there. Cosmic read Twilight’s expression, seeing the truth. “He hasn’t told you, has he?” “Told us what?” Starlight asked, not sure of what she meant. “He told me about how he was bullied when he was young,” Twilight answered her, remembering the train ride. “How it made him realize he wanted to protect others.” Cosmic looked sad. “I’m afraid there’s a little more to it than that. In truth princess, Starfall hasn’t been home since he left to be a royal guard.” “W-what….?” Twilight managed to say, shocked down to her core. “But he told me his training in Canterlot began before I even moved to Ponyville….” Cosmic nodded in return. Twilight squinted, adding everything together. “He hasn’t seen you two in three years?” “Oh, no.” Nimbus stated, seeing the misconception. “We’ve gone to see him in the past, but he hasn’t come back to Rainbow Falls since the day he left.” Twilight looked down for a moment, the question still there in her mind. “So….how long has it been since you’ve seen him?” Cosmic and Nimbus had feared that question. Both their expressions sank a bit, neither one really wanting to answer. “We last saw him thirteen months ago, when Celestia invited us to Canterlot to surprise him.” Nimbus finally admitted, his head still hung a little. This hit Twilight like an avalanche right in the heart. Had he been that adamant on being a guard that he denied himself chances to see his own family? But wait…. “Why did he never come back?” she asked them. “What could have happened to make him so distant from you two?” Nimbus’ gaze drifted over to Cosmic, who took in an uneasy breath. The first couple minutes of the pegasi’s flight together was cryptically silent. The only social exchange between the two of them was the occasional awkward glance, followed by a quick redirection back to the town below and around. “So….” Rainbow said, breaking the silence. “That just happened.” Starfall nodded. “Yeah, sorry about that.” “It’s cool.” Rainbow said, trying her best to play it smooth. There was a pause, but then she glanced over at him. “It is cool…..right?” “Oh yeah….no, it’s cool.” Starfall replied in a short burst. Wanting desperately to change the subject, Rainbow looked down at a few buildings. “So what’s that building there?” “That’s the town library,” Starfall answered her, happy to hear the topic change. “Right beside it is the schoolhouse, where my mom works.” Gliding down over the rainbow pond, the two pegasi landed in the grass, turning around to get a better view of the town, more at eye-level. “Rainbow Falls looks pretty awesome.” She said, complementing the landscape and feeling of the happy families trotting around. “And I mean, it does have my name in its name, so it sounds awesome too.” Ah, there it is, Starfall was waiting for a line like that. He chuckled to himself, now over the shock of the embarrassing moment before. “How modest of you.” “Hey, modesty and loyalty are my thing.” Rainbow responded with a nonchalant shrugging of her shoulders. “This is just what Twilight needs right now, she’s been too pent up in her castle recently. She really ought to take a look around.” “Oh, I’m sure she will. Besides, she’s never been to the library here before.” He stated humorously. He and Rainbow shared a short bit of laughter. Now that she knew he could be more of himself and not be too stressed, Rainbow figured this was the perfect time to bring it up. “I know how it feels Starfall.” Her sudden seriousness caught him off guard, and he looked over at her. “To be afraid of coming home for fear of what others there think of you.” It wasn’t surprising to Starfall that Rainbow had figured it out, it was more surprising that she brought it up when they were alone. “Do you though?” he asked. “Yeah,” she replied, nodding to him. “I do. I dropped out of Flight School, lost most of my friends in Cloudsdale, and just had to get away. For the first year or so, I never wanted to go back, but….” Starfall leaned his head forward, watching her gaze fall slightly. “But…?” She raised her head high. “I made new friends, I got my confidence back, and I never let those jerks get the best of me from that day on. Sure it hurt having to pass them every time I went home for a visit, but my parents were worth every second of it.” She chuckled and play-punched him in the shoulder. “You aren’t the only one who had to fight an uphill battle after leaving home, you know?” While he appreciated what she meant and that she was able to share it with him, Starfall shook his head. “Not everypony bounces back that easily.” Before Rainbow could try at it again, somepony shouted to them from afar. “Hey look, he really is back!” A pegasus, unicorn, and earth pony converged on the two of them. The unicorn and earth pony stood slightly behind the pegasus, and Rainbow didn’t even need to hear another word to tell that they meant trouble. The earth pony had white fur and a gray mane, the unicorn had light green fur with a darker green mane, and the pegasus had red fur with a wild, orange colored mane. All three stallions snickered to themselves as they looked the two other pegasi up and down. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Punyfall Blitz.” The pegasus cackled, glancing over at Rainbow next. “Whoa, who’s your friend Blitzie? And what’s she doin’ hanging with a loser like you?” “Leave us alone Pyro.” Starfall grimaced at the three of them. “Better watch yourself Pyro,” the unicorn mused sarcastically. “Haven’t you heard? Blitzie here is a real royal guard now.” Pyro laughed out loud. “What a joke. You? A royal guard?” “Shut your trap, hothead!” Rainbow snapped. “Oooooh.” Both the earth pony and unicorn said in unison, not intimidated. Pyro smirked at the rainbow-maned pegasus, saying, “Feisty, I like it! You seem pretty tough, why bother wasting time with this wimp?” “His name is Starfall Blitz and he’s my friend.” Rainbow growled, her eyes becoming narrow. “And you better watch it; he could pound the ugly right out of all of you!” “Oh?” Pyro chuckled, looking over at Starfall. “Is that so? You went and got yourself a backbone since you’ve been gone?” Starfall remained silent, but it wasn’t the calm and collected kind of silence. “So why are you letting your marefriend do all the talking?” Rainbow looked at Starfall, ready for him to take the bully down, but he did nothing. “Starfall, what’s wrong?” she asked him. “I’ll tell you what’s wrong,” Pyro continued. “A weak, timid little colt grows up thinking that just because he wears a suit of armor that he’s a hero.” The red pegasus stifled a laugh. “But in reality he’s still the same, cowardly, lonely little screw-up who may be able to take down bad guys, but the moment he comes back to face his past, he turns into the gutless brat he once was.” Starfall winced, his legs quivering a bit. He felt frozen in place, and even though he was slightly taller than Pyro, he felt as though the red pegasus grew ten times his size, and was laughing down at him. “Starfall….” Rainbow said, seeing the broken will in his eyes. “So quick to protect others,” Pyro mused. “But the moment you become the target, all that determination and drive takes a detour off a cliff.” He shoved Starfall, making the gray pegasus take a step backwards. “Try something, prove me wrong you coward.” When he did nothing in response, Pyro obtained a victorious expression. “See? Puny as ever. You’re no different now than you ever were.” Unbeknownst to Pyro, however, he was standing next to the last mare on the planet you wanted to be near when bullying somepony. And his victory certainly did not last long. A hoof smashing up against his chin sent the pegasus reeling backwards, stumbling as his friends caught him. “You do not, I repeat, DO NOT mess with my friends!” Rainbow snarled. She waited until the bully recovered and looked back at her in anger. “Try it again punk! I’ll take all three of you!” Pyro felt his mouth with his hoof, getting a better grip of himself and letting the anger slide. “Quite the scraper, aren’t you? Fine, come on boys, let’s give the hero a deserving victory for saving the damsel in distress.” All three of them laughed as they took off. Rainbow remained crouched down with her battle-face on, waiting until the bullying trio was far away before loosening up. She peered around behind her at Starfall, who had turned around and now gazed off into the distance beyond the deep chasm surrounding Rainbow Falls. There was a stillness between them for a few moments, the steady wind lifting their manes as they stood in silence. Rainbow then walked up and sat beside him. “Thank you,” he said to her, still not able to look her in the eyes. “I really wish you hadn’t seen that.” “Are they the reason why you didn’t want to come back?” Rainbow asked. Starfall shook his head. “No, but they certainly don’t help.” “Well he’s wrong,” she told him, trying to psyche him out. “They’re all wrong.” “But they aren’t.” he replied, his head hung low. “Ever since I saw them bullying Derpy at that Trader’s Exchange, I’ve always felt this drive to protect others from ponies like him.” He let out a deep breath. “But whenever it’s me they’re bullying, I just….” Rainbow had never seen this side of Starfall before. He had always been so strong and collected, in most every situation. But that strength stemmed from his desire to defend others, once the negativity becomes turned on him on an individual level, that strength withered away. “Hey, why don’t we head on back?” Rainbow suggested, wanting him to be around more of his friends and family. Breaking through his stunned moment, Starfall shook his head. “No, no, it’s alright.” He stood up and spread his wings. “Come on, let me show you around.” Nimbus Flare and Cosmic Lights were lucky to have a home capable of housing multiple guests. Not long after Starfall and Rainbow returned, the six ponies sat down to a home-cooked dinner and, despite the depth of the events that occurred that day, they were able to enjoy the meal together. “So, what convinced Auraglow to decide to become a fashion model?” Twilight asked. Cosmic’s face lit up at the mention, she loved talking about her daughter. “Well, she always had a nose for fashion. But oddly enough, she never made a fuss over her own looks; she was always more fascinated by the looks of others.” Cosmic chuckled to herself. “She grew to be the most gorgeous unicorn I have ever seen, I know how boastful that must sound, but I would be lying if I said otherwise. One summer Nimbus and I took her and Starfall on a little trip to Manehattan. I happen to have a few connections there, so we met up and they just fell in love with Auraglow’s beauty.” Nimbus nodded. “She stayed with us here for a few more years, but her career as a model took off and she began her tours of Equestria.” “So she’s been into fashion ever since she was a filly?” Starlight asked. “Sounds a lot like Rarity.” “Fashion and music,” Nimbus said with a smile. “That was my little girl alright.” “Oh?” Twilight asked. “Did she play any instruments?” Cosmic gave a cheerful nod. “The piano and the cello. She was self-taught on both.” Nimbus nudged Starfall with his elbow. “Yeah, she even spent some time teaching Starfall’s best friend how to play the cello, that is, until her family left for Canterlot.” Starfall knew what was coming, but Twilight spoke before he could. “That was kind of her.” She turned to her royal guard, asking, “She was your best friend? What was her name?” Oh boy, here it comes. “Octavia Melody.” Starfall answered her, wincing a little. Twilight and Starlight were left with frozen faces for a moment, while Rainbow pumped the air with her hoof. “I KNEW IT!!! I knew she was acting different around you at the Hearth’s Warming Eve party!” Cosmic and Nimbus looked slightly confused, and so Starfall clarified for them. “I forgot to mention that she lives in Ponyville now, and we, uh, meet up from time to time.” Before Cosmic could express her excitement, Nimbus started busting up laughing. His lack of control made the laugh rather humorous and Rainbow pitched in a little. Taking in a deep breath, the pegasus did his best to compose himself while chuckling still. “Oh wow….” He managed to say, still feeling the effects of the irony. “Now that is funny.” Cosmic pushed her husband with her hoof. “Nimbus! Stop laughing at him, this is wonderful news, not some joke!” Twilight, again, was surprised Starfall had never mentioned this to her. “Octavia was your best friend growing up? And Auraglow was the pony that helped her become a musician?” “Ehhh…” Starfall said, obviously embarrassed. “Oh come on,” Nimbus said to his son, waiting for the history lesson. “Are you going to give them the rundown, or am I going to have to do it for you?” “We were friends dad, yeeesh, what else do you want me to say!?” Starfall exclaimed. Before Nimbus could elaborate further, Cosmic covered his mouth with her hoof. “Nimbus. If Starfall wants to keep it to himself, let him keep it to himself.” Shoulders lowering in disappointment, the stallion huffed, a word emerging that was muffled by the hoof over his mouth, but sounded like, “Okay….” “Now back to Auraglow,” Cosmic continued before any other questions could be asked. “She has been wanting to see you again for quite some time Starfall, she mentions it in all of her letters.” “Well, if ever she finds the time, I intend on staying by Twilight’s side in Ponyville, as is my responsibility.” Starfall replied, feeling the more royal-guard-like side of him in his response. This time, Nimbus stopped Cosmic from speaking with a hoof, a blank expression appearing on her face. “And we both respect that decision. Being a royal guard, your mother and I understand that your position requires your absolute attention, and no less devotion.” He looked to his wife, removing his hoof. “Right dear?” Cosmic let out a sigh and then replied, “Yes.” “That is definitely one part of the job you’ve got down.” Rainbow complemented him. “While the other princesses have whole armies of guards to watch over them, we’ve got the best of the best for Twilight right here!” “Thanks Rainbow.” Starfall replied. Standing up from his seat, Nimbus gestured over to the stairs. “Alright ladies, allow me to show you to your rooms.” It had been an hour or so since everypony had retired for the night. Each of the hosts’ guests got their own rooms, which were very cozy and well-kept. Despite the comfort of her room, sleep eluded Twilight. Tomorrow they would return to Ponyville and have less than two days to prepare for the summit. Not that she was worried about having enough time to prepare, but she feared the gathering of all the leaders in a time of such tension. Beyond all of this, however, stood the truth behind her royal guard. She could see the struggle in his eyes and hear it in his voice during dinner, and that struggle is what really kept her awake. Rising up from her bed, she stepped over onto the floor and quietly walked to her door, peeking out into the hall. She wondered if he was awake, and if he was, would he even want to talk about it. Starfall was normally very open to Twilight, and almost never hesitated to answering questions about himself, but this time it would be different. Royal guard or not, no pony should have to face feelings like that on their own. His door was unlocked, she opened it quietly and peered inside. Starfall sat alone in the dark, looking out the window. The sheets on his bed, folded over as if tossed, told Twilight that he had tried to sleep, but much like her, found it to be impossible. Seeing him like this reminded her a lot of Shadow, as it seemed the situations were similar, even though she knew they were a sizeable amount different. “You should be asleep princess,” Starfall said without turning around. “Celestia said you needed to stay well-rested.” Closing the door behind her, Twilight walked over by his side and sat down. “And I believe I asked you to call me Twilight.” She replied with a half-smile. His purple eyes were drawn to the night sky, and they were filled with something Twilight hadn’t expected. It wasn’t drowsiness or anxiety, confusion, or even fear. Starfall gazed out his window with a look of pure defeat in his eyes. Twilight, now knowing what it was that bothered him so, understood why. “Starfall, Rainbow told me about what happened, with the three ponies from your past.” “Twilight, I-” he began to answer. “I know they aren’t the reason why you never wanted to come back.” She said, stopping him. “I know your drive comes from your desire to protect. But you’ve spent so much time defending others, that you don’t know how to defend yourself.” Twilight watched as the pegasus’ head lowered slightly, defeated by his princess knowing of it. “But even that would never stop you from coming home to see your family. The real reason…..I know it too.” Starfall felt his body quiver. Spending so much time with her and her friends would have eventually lead to a few truths being unearthed, but this was one he never wanted to hear. “Derpy wasn’t just visiting for the Trader’s Exchange,” Twilight told him. “She lived here.” With all his might, Starfall kept himself from breathing, knowing what it would mean if he did. The memories flashed through his mind every time he blinked. “You saved her then, and many times afterwards,” Twilight continued, inching closer to him. “But no matter how hard you tried protecting her, the bullying never stopped.” She lifted her hoof up onto his shoulder, trying to keep herself from having the same emotional response. “And one day, they took it too far….” That was when the first tear streamed past Starfall’s clenched teeth. A wild combination of sadness, anger, and failure filling his eyes as they continued to water. “They hurt her, so much so that her parents decided to move to Fillydelphia.” Twilight finished, feeling herself also grow closer to tearing up. Taking in a sharp breath, Starfall fell apart. “I couldn’t….” He whispered to himself. “I couldn’t protect her…..I failed….” His teeth clenched tighter and his brows curved. “I wanted to tear those three apart….make it so they could never hurt anypony ever again…..” The anger quickly fell to the sadness again, and he felt all of the memories flood back into his mind; seeing her hurt, afraid, and helpless. Feeling the sting of his failure, the cold fire of powerlessness on his breath, and the coiling fear of failing again gripping his heart tighter and tighter each and every day. Twilight, much like her royal guard had once done for her, pulled him into a hug and allowed the pony to drown out all of the emotion that was pent up inside. Closing her eyes as she held him, Twilight remembered the feeling, and how much it healed her to have somepony there, willing to take it all. “You know better than anypony else that Derpy believes in you Starfall.” She told him. “Instead of the painful memories, think of all the good ones you have with her in Ponyville.” Seeing her for the first time, delivering a parcel to the castle. Flying all over town with her during his own time, helping her with deliveries. Having her and Rainbow jump up onto his back as he flew. Laughing with her at the Hearth Warming Eve party. “You know Starfall,” Twilight said, feeling a tear of her own fall from her face. “A wise pony once told me something I’ll never forget; it is alright to cry sometimes, no pony will think any less of you.” Taking in a deep breath, Starfall felt his control return as he lifted his head. His face was red, but he smiled through it. “I will never let anything happen to you…..I promise you that.” He said, the drive and determination returning to his eyes. Twilight smiled too. “Then I have nothing to fear.” The two ponies looked out the window together as this encounter only made them feel stronger. Starfall would no longer be weighed down by his failure, and he knew he could never allow himself to fail again. “All aboard!” the conductor yelled, looking down at his watch before stepping onto the train. Ponies crossed the platform and boarded, the departure only a few minutes away. Rainbow high-hoofed Nimbus before trotting to the train, followed by Starlight. Twilight had been talking to Cosmic and waved goodbye, trotting after her two friends. Starfall was left in front of his parents, and there were a few moments where the three of them shared a family smile. “Mom, dad,” he said, having gone over what to say dozens of times in the last few hours. “I’m sorry I never came home to see you; it was cruel of me.” Cosmic shook her head, walking forward and hugging her son. “You don’t need to apologize sweetheart, we know how difficult it is for you to come back. All that matter is that you came.” Nimbus joined in on the hug. “We couldn’t be more proud of you, son.” He said, the three of them embracing one another. “Now go and make us even prouder.” They separated and Starfall looked happier than he had been in a long time. “I love you both…..so much.” “We love you too Starfall.” Cosmic replied, almost in tears. Starfall galloped over onto the train just as the doors were about to shut. Nimbus and Cosmic watched as the wheels began to turn and the whistle sounded off. Starfall, Twilight, Rainbow, and Starlight all leaned out from their window and waved as the train pulled away. With everypony waving farewell, the four friends began their return to Ponyville.