//------------------------------// // Meeting Sunburst // Story: Cory: The Fear of Water // by artman7391 //------------------------------// The train chugged it's way through the icy tundras of Northern Equestria. There was not much odd weather from outside Cory's window, save for a few icy cyclones and a tuft of cold breeze. As a result, the train would be arriving at it's destination, The Crystal Empire right on Schedule. Prince Capricore "Agees" Sparkle (or Cory, as he liked to be called), could be found in the middle car, twiddling his thumbs and taking a few agitated sighs to ease his anxiety. Today, he decided to be in his human form, as being an alicorn was still a challenge out in public, what with the wings, the four legs and the protruding horn coming out of his forehead. And though it had only been a year since he defeated Stiffson and passed the 10th grade, he felt like he had aged very much. He had grown a small goatee and bushier eyebrows, and his face had developed a few crevices, with circles under his eyes that indicated years of experience. In addition, much had happened in Equestria since his ascension to royalty. His sister, Applebloom and friends had earned their cutie marks and had gone on many adventures to help other ponies do the same. His mother, Twilight had become a tutor to a rather talented Unicorn named Starlight Glimmer, a pony he had just started becoming acquainted with. And on top of that, a grand school of friendship had been built right next to their castle home, where creatures far and wide would come together to learn the values of unity and cooperation. He and his tag team of friends, who had been anointed as the Knights of courage, had gone on many adventures as well, spreading the word of the Arts, Theater, and Music to every end of Equestria , their world, and beyond. But because of his rather hectic schedule, he had only just heard of the perilous adventures his adopted mother and her friends had endured over the past few months, including the ordeal with the storm king. For you see, he and his friends were stationed in Manehattan, bringing the festival of friendship to his cousin Babs Seed, as she and her family couldn't afford tickets. Not much of the city was affected by the Storm King and Tempest Shadow's invasion, save for a few dark clouds off in the distance , and the erratic change of day and night. Other than that, everything had gone smoothly for him and his pals. All had been flourishing in the world of arts, fashion, music, theater, and everything in between. Yes, life in recent months had been good to Cory: A big family, countless friends, and adventures to remember, always. Today, Cory was to meet with Sunburst, a unicorn Twilight strongly suggested he take advanced magic lessons from. Not to mention he was the closest of friends with Starlight. As he took a few more sighs and straightened his overcoat, he felt in his satchel what appeared to be a obscure object wrapped in tinfoil. He closed his eyes in a painful way and recalled traumatized memories of abuse, neglect and hopelessness from a time he hoped he would never see again. Just then, a little earth pony with a helicopter hat was finishing his box of apple juice and tossed it over to his chair. He picked it up and, with his gaunt, bony fingers, quickly made a small pegusi figurine out of the box and straw. Then he hopped out of his seat and gave it to the young colt. "Now what do you say?" the colt's mother asked. "Thanks mister." the colt replied with a cute lisp. At that moment, the train hissed to a stop. Cory gathered his things and jumped onto the station platform. It had been the first time he set foot in the crystal empire since his solo art exhibition. As he expected, not much had changed, excepting a few new building structures and the birth of his new cousin, Flurry Heart, whom he was more than eager to meet and play with. But now was a time for him to take a stroll around the empire, as he was a little early for his tutoring. He explored a few shops, and took a stroll in the park, but yet an unwarranted feeling inside of him was bubbling from his past. He couldn't quite explain it, but certainly wouldn't recommend it for any pony. Soon, he found himself in the center of town, in front of the grand statue that was of "Spike: The Brave and Glorious." Two crystal ponies were fashioning a set of wings on the statues back, as Spike himself had just sprouted a pair several weeks ago. It was there he sat a few minutes beneath the statue, and took out a couple pain medications his doctor from the human world prescribed. In recent months, memories of his dark childhood had resurfaced, causing excruciating pain in his membrane. He took a deep breath and stared into the sky. No odd forecast today it seemed, "Excuse me ma'am." He asked a passing crystal pony. "Can you tell me where I can find..." He reached into his pocket and took out a name. "...Sunburst?" "Oh, of course Prince Capricore." The Pony replied "It's just a few blocks down and to the right. You can't miss it." "Thanks." He stuffed the pills in his pocket and headed in that direction. As he proceeded, memories of screaming and pain began to creep back into him, threatening to give him another migraine. But, remembering the breathing techniques his aunt and mother told him, he closed his eyes, inhaled a huge sum of air, and exhaled out. After repeating this 10-15 times, he found himself in front of a house with an orange roof that resembled a wizards hat. "This must be the place." he said to himself. Cory walked up the steps and approached a teal colored door with an insignia that resembled the bottom of a sun. After a few seconds of admiring the architecture, he tapped his bony fingers against the door. Moments later, the door opened. "Yes?" Asked a rather shy and awkward voice. "May I help you?" From out of the shadows emerged a gold coated unicorn with a rather unkempt orange harvest mane. His look was unsual from most ponies, as the ends of his hooves were tinted white. Adorning him was a robe as long as Cory's, patterned with celestial markings, and on the tip of his snout were a pair of old glasses that looked ages old. "My name is Capricore." Cory replied calmly. "My mother advised I take advanced magic lessons from you?" "Oh yes. Yes. Prince Capricore, of course." Sunburst chuckled nervously. "How could I forget? Please. Come in. Come in." Cory wiped his shoes on the mat and walked into his new tutor's abode. as expected the medium was crystal and hard rock, yet it's style resembled a cozy hut, belonging to that of an old sorcerer from a fantasy novel. Speaking of "novel," the whole place was stacked with books, journals and scrolls of different color. On the shelves were several knick - knacks, photos, antiques, and other forget - me - nots. On the ceiling was a orange coated chandelier, glistening across the upper walls. At the far end was, what he assumed to be Sunburst's studies, a large, spacious desk, with a lamp to compliment the edge. "Starlight tells me you're into antiques." Cory said softly as he took out an object from his satchel. "So I decided to give you this." With his horn of magic, a curious Sunbrust unwrapped the tinfoil to appear what appeared to be a green, antique lamp dating from the turn of the century, it was then sunburst look of awe turned to excitement. "Sweet Celestia!" He said excitingly "Is this a chartreuse, banquet lamp?!" "I suppose." Cory responded blandly. "Do you know how rare this is? How did you find it?" "Well, when they were rummaging through what was one the orphanage I lived in, they decided that I hold onto anything they could salvage. But it's just bad memories for me. So I'm giving them away, if you don't mind." "Are you kidding me!?" Sunburst chuckled. "Of course not! This is just what I need for my collection!!" Sunburst gleefully went across the room and placed the item in a space between two other bookends on a shelf. As he did, Cory felt a little relief, as if a memory had been taken out of him for good. "That was so thoughtful of you." He said. "I'm just glad I don't have to look at it anymore." Cory replied, to which Sunburst gave a puzzled look, but soon shrugged it off. "So I suppose we shall begin?" Sunburst replied. "I'm more than eager to learn." Cory replied. "After you Prince Capricore." "Please, Call me Cory."