At exactly midnight Honey Suckle woke up. Her alarm was hidden under her bed so that she didn’t wake anypony else up. Slowly and carefully, she inched out of bed, walking toward the door. All right I can do this. I just have to get through this first... She looked back toward her bed, hoping no one would notice her being gone. While her mother did worry, she wasn't bad enough to keep a constant watch on her.
Sneaking out of the house was the most difficult part. There were a few guardponies standing throughout the house, and while they might not pay mind to her, she couldn’t risk anything. She would go through the top floor where she was, to the balcony, and fly down to the bottom.
The balcony was on the far side of the floor, taking her a few minutes to sneak through. Honey Suckle wondered if it would work at all. She was lucky enough nopony worried about her leaving, as they had too many other things to worry about than a pony sneaking out, that was, unless she was caught.
Getting to the balcony was quite uneventful, and she managed to walk out to it. Honey slowly closed the door behind her, and stood for a moment, taking in the beautiful view of the sleeping city. Once she was down she would not have to worry about much, as ponies sometimes do walk through the streets even at that late hour. Honey climbed over the railing, and spread her wings out, careful not to make a sound. She would have to fly toward an area where she wouldn’t be seen, as guards were outside as well. Honey leaped from the balcony, using her wings as guidance toward a shadowed section.
She swiveled her head around, to make sure she wasn't seen. Nopony was nearby or in view, so she felt relieved. Honey swiftly trotted to a row of hedges surrounding the perimeter, which gave her a place to hide. However, she was not planning to hide all night, so she quietly peeked above the hedges, to make sure she was alone. Nothing. Honey climbed over, and galloped toward the end of the yard, flying over the fence. Looking back to make sure she wasn't seen for a last time, she continued on.
The rest of her journey was quite simple, as she remembered the path, despite being in a hurry earlier. Walking away from her house, she began to feel anxious. What if somepony checked on her and found her missing? Would she get back without disturbing anypony? Honey sighed, and turned her eyes toward the night sky. It was certainly beautiful to her. Even more so than the day, and it was much easier to the eyes to look at. Even calming. Honey almost forgot where she was going and looked back toward her goal.
Passing unfamiliar buildings, she know she was on the right track. Honey looked around, feeling strange to be out at such a late hour. She then began to worry if Stellar wasn't out. Honey then thought her idea may not have been the best, and that she should turn around. She was doing the riskiest thing she had ever done, and she couldn't have even began to imagine the consequences should she be caught. She took a deep breath, and continued on, hoping everything would work out.
Eventually, she spotted an area brighter than the rest. While a few lights were on in the city at night, nothing compared to this. Everyone was awake in that area, and Honey knew she was on the right track. All the Night Ponies would be working and up at night, and it was the perfect time to find one.
“I knew you’d come back for trouble.”
Honey turned to see Stellar Night only feet away from her, giving her a stern look. “I don’t ask for trouble at all, I just wanted to introduce myself properly to you...” Honey stammered.
“Why introduce? Don’t you have your own place you can be and meet others? Why here?” Stellar asked.
“Well, I find this side, fascinating. Beautiful even. I may even appreciate the night more than the day.”
“Appreciate it for what? I find it incredibly boring. Why would a Day pony be so interested in night? That only is asking for trouble.”
“Well...” Honey said. “I don’t know, I just find it more relaxing than the daytime. I’m sure you’d understand right?”
“I wouldn’t as I’d never been out during the day, and I doubt you’ve ever been out at night either.”
“How about we become... friends? And learn about each other? Maybe that would help our understanding.”
Stellar had a surprised look, before turning cold, saying “I don’t need friends from your side. Goodbye.”
“Wait-” Stellar had already took off, gliding silently with what Honey noticed were bat-like wings. Honey Suckle wouldn’t give up though. She took off after Stellar, who was still in her view. Stellar noticed and quickly gave up, landing not far from her home.
“You can’t fly very far can you?” Honey asked Stellar, noticing she couldn’t keep up the chase for long.
Panting, Stellar replied, “So? I never cared for it. Nor for any other ponies. Why are you following me? Go home.”
“You have beautiful wings, Stellar.”
Stellar was taken aback with the compliment. Being complimented was something Stellar was not used to, in fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she was. She thought about it. It made her even more confused to why a pony from the opposite side would ask that. While they may not be enemies, each corner preferred to be by themselves, and not bothered by the other.
“...You really want to be friends?”
“Yes.”
“Fine, but do not let anypony know of us.”
“Sure thing!” Honey ecstatically replied, glad she started a friendship. She hoped it would last.
“What do you want to know?”
“What is it like being in the Night Corner? Do you really hate it as much as you’d said?”
“It’s not what I prefer, I much prefer being out during the day. It’s much prettier if you ask me.”
“But you said you’ve never been out then,” Honey said confused.
“Not really, but I sometimes watch the sunrise. It’s the most beautiful thing, and it makes me wish to stay up during the day. I envy you. Hey, I don’t even know your name. How can we be friends without me knowing that?”
“Sorry, I forgot to tell you, I am Honey Suckle.”
“Typical Day Pony name. All cute and whatnot.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
Stellar chuckled. “Nothing. I just wish I could be in your place. Mine isn’t that interesting.”
“Tell me what it involves at least!”
“Well, for one I stay up all night only at night, but you already know that. Nothing much happens then, but they say it’s the most important time to be awake. We protect not only Luna, but Celestia too, as at night the castle would be most vulnerable. I’m too young for anything, but I spend most of my nights studying. You can learn a lot just from that, and I had a lot of time when I wasn’t being lectured by my parents.”
“You study? I’d never have time for that!” Honey said giggling.
“Is there a problem with that? What would you do then?”
“Well I spend a lot of time with my friends-”
“Here there is not chance for that. Everypony else is asleep, and I become sick of the rest of the Corner to spend time with any of them. It’s the same old thing. I wish I was allowed up during your time. I hate it sometimes.”
“Well, what if you did what I am doing now? Then, we can both appreciate both times!”
“Where would I go?”
“Oh I know plenty of places trust me. How about at 3:00 at the Celestial park then? In the afternoon I mean.”
“I don’t know. I’d get in massive trouble if I was caught out at that time.”
“Same for me now.”
“True.” Stellar said as she considered it heavily. Sure, it was risky, but this was the only friend she had. This could be her chance to learn something new. To be out at the time she wanted to. To appreciate the day, at least once. "Wouldn't I be caught though? I look pretty obvious being a night pony. And you're lucky I found you so quickly, as the others wouldn't appreciate your being here."
"Well, perhaps you can wear something to cover your wings and mane? There must be something we can do," Honey said.
“Maybe. I can’t be positive though, so don’t be surprised if I’m not there.”
“Oh, I’m sure you will be. See you tomorrow then!”
"Make sure you don't let anypony on this side see you, they already have yesterday and were talking about it."
"All right!" And with that, they both parted for the night, leaving Stellar to contemplate the next day.
It was almost noon when Honey woke up, though it wasn't a problem that day as she had nothing to do except to meet her new friend. She spent the rest of the morning worrying about Stellar. Maybe she won't come, after all it was a stupid idea. She hadn't known Stellar long, and maybe they would get cold feet, however, she wouldn't know for a few more hours anyway. Even worse was that unlike nighttime, day made it much easier to be seen. Honey had realized, however, Stellar was mostly silent, whether walking around or flying. Perfect for such a situation. Thinking about that gave her some hope, even if it didn't completely rid her of her anxiety.
At noon Honey went out, as she usually liked to go out most of the day, and walked around like usual. The day wasn't as sunny as the previous one, though it was acceptable. The weather wasn't scheduled to be rainy until later in the evening, so she didn't have much to worry. She headed around the Celestial park, which was a few acres in size, being the major park in Canterlot. Dozens if not hundreds of ponies could be seen there at any time. Hopefully it would be easy for a dark pony to blend in. It wasn't time to worry yet though.
"Hey Honey! What are you doing here?" Apple Stars, a friend of her's asks.
For the next few hours Honey met a few of her friends, having to explain she couldn't be with them for long. As she left them, her stomach dropped at a sudden realization. She never said where to meet except for the Celestial park, which was a huge area to search for a specific pony. She could spend hours scouring the crowds to see if Stellar was there. She could even be searching for nothing if Stellar doesn't show up. Well, she is pretty recognizable. Not too many dark colored ponies around, at least not as she is. But if I could easily recognize her, wouldn't the others? She walked back toward the park, looking for likely areas that Stellar would appear if she chose so. There were a few areas with trees she could hide, but quite a few ponies had already occupied that spot to rest in the shade. I sure wish I could rest there with Stellar. Maybe no one will notice her. Aw who am I kidding?
It was 2:45 in the afternoon, Stellar could arrive at any moment. If she was early, at least. Honey Suckle didn't really think Stellar was the early type though. She looked around once more, through the sea of ponies to find the one, who could potentially be the most obvious. After a few minutes of this however, she became tired and sat down. Unable to check the time at her location, she could have only assumed it was about three. Her eyes wandered off to the many strangers or friends in the park, playing, talking, or just relaxing. Though she had many friends, she felt that Stellar was special. She had to come that day, or else they may never meet again. Oh don't be silly, I could always come back and meet her like last night. She had only met her twice, but she felt something special.
It was well after the designated time, and Honey became more worried than ever. She might have to give the whole thing up and go home. Maybe all this trouble wasn't worth the risk for Stellar. She was so consumed in worry she didn't even notice a pony sit next to her.
"Why do I have to be the one to find you?" Stellar's voice asked.
Honey was shocked as she could barely notice that the pony next to her was Stellar. She was wearing a cyan and magenta dress, covering even her wings, along with a wide lavender sunhat obscuring her mane and most of her face. It was so over-sized it flopped around when she made the slightest movement. It did do the job, however.
"S-Stellar! Sorry, I didn't expect you-" Honey started
"You were the one who came up with this meeting weren't you? You could have sat in a more obvious place, since it took me a long time to find you."
"I was trying to find you!"
"Wouldn't it be easier for me to hide my looks and find you? Didn't you realize that?" Stellar smiled when she saw the face of realization on Honey.
"Oh. That sounds like a better idea to me. So, what should we do? What should we talk about? Nopony is near us to hear us talking at least."
"You really should think your plans ahead. I don't know. I guess I could start with things I like. I love daytime like I already told you. I also found out that I love animals too! Diurnal or nocturnal. I don't even really have a favorite, though I do like to study different kinds of birds the most."
"Really? I never gave them as much thought, but then again I haven't been studying like you have. You must know so much more!"
"Doubtful. You at least get a chance to see most of them. I wouldn't be able to find many during the night."
"What about nocturnal animals? You said you didn't mind."
"Yeah, but those are harder to find, and besides, I'm not one to go out much anyway."
Honey wondered a moment, before asking, "Why not look for some now? I'm sure we can find a few birds about now. Wearing that, ponies will just assume you are a friend of mine."
"I am," Stellar said with a chuckle, before continuing, "Let's go then."
While Canterlot may not have a large population of animals due to it's urban area, it didn't stop a few small birds or other animals to wander about. Honey Suckle and Stellar Night wandered the grassy field in search of avians. It didn't take them long to see a common gray bird.
"I see one Stellar, it's a pigeon! They are a common sight around here."
"More specifically, a rock dove. They aren't technically native here as they originated from far northwest of here. Of course, they were introduced, and spread like wildfire in these areas. They are mostly monogamous."
"Well, somepony has been studying. It isn't even that interesting of a bird. They can be quite annoying."
"Maybe not interesting to you, and if you understand them, they don't seem to be that bad. They seem like rather cute creatures to me," Stellar replied just as the bird flew away. "You become fascinated in even the simplest animals when studying them."
"Really? What else can you tell me?"
"Follow me."
For the next few hours the friends walked around the park, identifying different birds. Though the city wouldn't have too many, Stellar found each one unique and fascinating. Honey became interested too, learning more about the different species in the area, then leading to discussions about them in other areas too. "Populations of the western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo have been declining, though some ponies think that there isn't enough a difference between the eastern and western to change their taxonomic status, hey are you listening?!"
"Oh yeah, sorry." Honey did find quite a bit of it boring though.
They talked and talked, observing and overall enjoying each other's friendship. By the end of the day they both had learned a few things, mostly Honey. Everything was well, until Stellar had a sudden realization.
"Oh no! It's already late! My parents will chew me out for sure!" Stellar yelled.
"There's still time. It's only 7:28... Oh no! I was supposed to be home too!"
"Well, when will we meet again?" Stellar asked with a bit of panic in her voice.
"How about we meet at night, tomorrow night, then? Then we can have a day of rest."
"I guess, as long as I am allowed out again. See you then!"
The two ponies ran to their respective sections as fast as they could.