//------------------------------// // Chapter 22: The Darkness Of The Night // Story: How Did I Get Here? // by k12314 //------------------------------// CHAPTER 22 After another uneventful day, I was back at home, getting ready for some sleep. When I had managed to fall asleep, however, I awoke in an eerily familiar place... Luna's "Dream World". "Hello, Kyle. I am pleased to see that thou decided to show up." "I didn't exactly 'decide' to show up, I was just... Here." "Yes, thee may not have known it fully, but thee had it deep in thine mind that thou wanted to be here again." She smiled. "Huh. I guess that makes sense. So, why am I allowed here again?" She hadn't told me the night before. "Because I want somepony to talk to. Somepony who understands my problems." Oh. "Like me..." "Exactly." "So... What is it you wanted to talk about?" "... I didn't actually think about all of that. What is it that thee normally talk about with thine friends?" "Well, usually what had happened that day, but not much went on with me. What about you?" "Actually, many eventful things have happened to me on this day." We talked the night away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I woke up, and I grinned. Another conversation-filled night with Luna. I got up, and got dressed. I went to go out the door, when I heard knocking. I tipped my hat upwards and opened the door. "Kyle, I need your help." It was Zephyr. "What is it? What did you do now?" I was hoping we hadn't had the "Dash Fiasco" again. "Well, I've been banned from the Wonderbolts' performances after what I did, but their latest performance is going to include autograph signing at the end. I want that autograph." "Hmmm..." Someone with enough power to un-ban Zeph from the performance... I grinned as I remembered who I was talking to in my dreams. "Zeph, let's get going." "What? Where?" "We're going to pay Princess Luna a visit." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Zeph and I flew side by side, rocketing towards Canterlot. It was extravagant, but that didn't surprise me. It was the city surrounding the royal palace, after all. I walked to the gate, when two large guards stepped in our way. "Official business only." Bugger. "Ummm... I'm a friend of Luna's..." "Official buisness only." I was starting to get irritated. "Let them pass. I know who they are." I looked up and saw Princess Celestia smiling at me. They looked at her, then back to us. They stepped out of the way, their expressions not changing. I remembered the guards outside of the palace in London. "So, what brings you and your friend to my castle, Kyle?" "I actually wanted to ask either you or Luna for a favor." "You've met my sister?" "Sorta..." "She's doing the dream thing, isn't she." "Yep." Celestia grinned, and decided to let me see Luna. I walked into her room. Luna was laying on a large, round bed with dark purple sheets. The ceiling was painted like the night sky, as were the walls. The floor was made of marble tiles. Luna looked up, and smiled when she saw me. She got up, and trotted over to me and Zeph, who hadn't said a work, but just looked around in awe. "Ah, hello Kyle! It pleases me to see that thou hast come to visit." "Yeah, it's nice to see you too. You are much more extravagant in real life." She was surprised by the last comment, and took a step back. Apparently, she wasn't used to compliments. "Anyways, I needed to ask you a favor." "Anything for a friend such as thee." "Do you think you could un-ban Zephyr here from the Wonderbolt's performances?" She frowned at that, and trotted up to Zeph, who was scared, but didn't show it... Much. His knees were shaking a little. "So... Thou are a friend of Kyle's?" "Y-yes." She looked him over a bit more, and smiled. "OK. I will have thee un-banned." He was practically beaming with happiness. "Now, thou may leave. I with to speak with Kyle in private." What? He flew out the door, and left me with the Princess of The Night. "Kyle, we have been friends for only a few days. Thou understand that this is quite the favor thou hast asked of me, correct?" "Yes, I understand that, but he is my friend too. I don't want to see him unhappy." She smiled at my kindness. "Alright. For my favor, thou must do one for me in return." "Sure." "I want thou to travel into the , to the old castle. Celestia abandoned it after banishing me, and some of my belongings remain there. Mainly, my stargazing equipment." "Let me guess, you want me to go into the forest and get your stuff?" "Thou is quick to pick up on things. Yes. Can thou do this?" "Sure, piece of cake." "What does cake have to do with thine objective?" "No, it's- Ugh. Forget it. I have to get going. I'll be back with your stuff." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "You WHAT?" Twilight was looking at me like I was mad. "I have to go into the and get Luna's old stuff. Easy as pie." "No, I don't think you understand." Twilight seemed pretty serious. She had everypony else with her. "Darling, I wouldn't want to see you get hurt... You're clothing is custom-made. You are making me a fortune!" Gee, thanks Rarity. "It isn't safe in there. I wouldn't want to see you get hurt..." Fluttershy was being concerned as always. "Besides, it's weird in there!" Rainbow Dash wasn't as smug about things as she normally was. "The clouds move on their own..." "The animals take care of themselves, without any community..." Twilight sounded frightened of this. "And plants grow on their own..." Fluttershy was barely audible. "Yes. Just like on Earth." "WHAT?" They all said in unison. "Yes! The clouds, sun, AND moon all move by themselves, plants grow on their own, and people and animals can all survive on their own, without any aid." "That sounds AWFUL!" Rarity was still being snobby... "Wait! We do have ONE thing that could help you!" Pinkie was bouncing even more after saying that. "We do?" Everypony said at once. "Yeah! Zecora!" Pinkie said in her loud "Be proud of me" voice. "Oh, yes! We have a friend that lives out there. She's a Zebra, and as Pinkie said, her name's Zecora. We used to think she was evil, but she turned out pretty cool." Dashie sounded very serious for once. "Alright, if I see this "Zecora" I will meet her, but now, I have to go. Later." I walked out the door. How bad could this possibly be?