//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Dinner and a Show // Story: Sunset's Last Glow // by Note Worthy //------------------------------// Sunset’s Last Glow Chapter 4: Dinner and a Show Neither Princess Luna nor Rainbow Dash spoke to each other on the way back to Canterlot, the latter spending more time looking away from the former, still quite upset that she had to miss Fluttershy’s party and that she wasn’t able to deliver the gift that she had purchased for her pegasus friend. The stillness seemed to last a good twenty minutes into the flight, before Luna finally decided to break the quiet. “We have heard rumor about you being the fastest flier in all of Equestria. Perhaps we can arrange a demonstration for you, Rainbow Dash?” Dash merely stood, looking at clouds flitting by and seeming to ignore the Princess. Having made her take on needing to go anywhere with Princess Luna, she resigned herself to the situation. Whatever it is appears to be very important. To not even talk to Twilight before just picking me up like that? Something strange is going on. Luna’s mind also was contemplating various thoughts. We need to tell her something to convince her that we aren’t going to do anything harsh to her. They still see us as Nightmare Moon. We need to change this, but now is not the time. Phoenix needs help more than the ponies of Equestria do. It is easier to begin the process of changing one mind now than it will be to change the minds of hundreds, if not thousands of ponies. The mutual silence was broken by the cyan pegasus. “Yeah… that’s right.” It was a soft but snarky tone, indicating to Luna that she still really wasn’t in a conversational mood. “Quite excellent! Perhaps once we return to Canterlot, we might be able to introduce you to some ponies that we know?” Dash scoffed. “Sure, whatever you have in mind, Princess. Why did you need me, anyway? Isn’t Twilight Sparkle the pony that you and your sister call when something’s going wrong in Equestria?” Having been asked, Luna took the time to consider what version of the truth she should give to Rainbow Dash. We should be thankful that she is not the Bearer of the Element of Honesty. We would not be able to be as indirect with the true story as we have been. “We will not dishonor you the seriousness of the situation with falsehoods. A problem has arisen that our sister and us had thought to have been taken care of many years ago. However, there has been an unexpected development. A specific set of ponies from the day of our banishment have returned, and we have only been successful in locating one of them. Our sister and us discussed what would be the best way to deal with this specific pony, and given the circumstances by which they were involved in the affairs of Canterlot at the time, neither we nor our sister feel appropriately unbiased by which to assist this individual.” Rainbow Dash could barely believe her ears as Luna finished the truth of what the situation was. “And… how do I fit into this, Princess?” Luna looked at Rainbow Dash for a minute, then said. “You will be helping to re-train this pony, Rainbow Dash. We felt that the Bearer of the Element of Kindness would be… ill-equipped to handle such a pony as the one that requires help.” Before Dash could open her mouth to respond, the familiar skyline of Canterlot began to come into view. The city itself was starting to wind down, businesses finishing their days as ponies of all types returned to their houses, swept up their shop areas and watched for the rising moon to appear and replace the sun, a duty that Celestia had been tasked with for many centuries now. All of the castle was alight in the final rays of the day’s sun, which had started to slope over the horizon point, painting the walls and towers in a range of deep reds and oranges. The cyan pegasus found that her disgruntled feelings with Princess Luna start to fade as the beauty of the capital city sparkled in the evening light. “Wow!” Rainbow Dash said in awe. She hadn’t ever been this close to the capital before, and was wishing she had spent more time admiring some of the scenes and places she all too often would go jetting past as insanely high speeds. The two stallions that had been keeping their wings flapping finally caught sight of something they had been seeking for since the moment they left Rainbow Dash’s house--the landing pads close to the castle. Sighing quietly, the pair allowed their wings to lock slightly, allowing them to cut into the air differently, controlling their speed and beginning a gentle glide as they continued their descent back to the ground below. “We’re getting ready to land, Princess.” The pegasus on the side closest to where Luna was standing said, snapping Rainbow Dash out of her mesmerized study of the castle. Both she and Princess Luna looked forward at the various trees and flowering bushes that were just on the outskirts of the cleared stone pathway, which was dotted with oil lanterns to help guide pegasi returning between sunset and moonrise, or during a rain shower. The chariot and pegasi near the front made a gentle left turn, approaching their landing spot at the castle’s grounds. “We would guess that you might be hungry, Rainbow Dash. Would you like to accompany us and our sister to dinner tonight?” Princess Luna posed as the ground started to get closer and closer. As if to answer the question without words, Rainbow Dash’s stomach grumbled loudly at that exact moment, causing her to act sheepish for a second. “Whoops. Sorry. Guess I should have grabbed something at Sugar Cube Corner before I went to go help decorate.” As Dash took a breath to consider accepting the offer, the chariot touched down on the ground, jouncing both her and Luna slightly until the pegasi driving it were able to slow themselves down and bring the speed of the wheels to a more acceptable pace. Luna had a small frown cross over her face for a second as the chariot slowed down, allowing for her and Rainbow Dash to exit it. “If you would prefer to retire to the chambers that we have prepared for your stay here, we understand. But it would be a very nice gesture to our sister to come for dinner.” Rainbow Dash took a moment to look over the beautiful spectacle of Canterlot’s Castle as the sun continued to slowly ebb into the coming night, the moon still not yet up in the sky. “Oh… uh, yeah. Sure. I am hungry, as my stomach just let me know all too well!” She laughed lightly, her mind still focused on the lavish structure of the towers, the corridors and all of the place that she was going to be calling home for quite a while slowly setting in. “Very well. Please follow us, Rainbow Dash… there is much to do before we can be seated for dinner.” “Dinnertime!” came the beaming voice of Ruby Glitter as she approached the doorway to the dungeon. Iron Hoof grumbled slightly, opening the door for the smaller unicorn mare. She is too bright to be down here, he thought. Has no business doing rounds in the dungeons. “Make it quick, kid. I’m about to go off duty, and it would be a shame if you accidentally got locked inside.” His dark brown features were etched with a look of exhaustion of merely standing there all day long. “Well, I was under directions to make sure that Phoenix Ember is fed, or at least that he’s offered something to eat. You know that everypony needs food, and it would just be so unfair if he had to go without simply because he did something wrong, even though he felt justified when he did it.” It was obvious she was trying to be the authority figure, but her voice came out as slightly small and tinny, the new level of responsibility she had been given feeling unfamiliar and almost a little burdensome. Iron Wing grumbled, wishing that the mare would stop her chatter. “You’ve got five minutes. Take it in to him, leave it inside the cell, and get back out here.” Ruby Glitter started to walk forward, but was stopped by the extension of Iron’s hoof against the cart. “And believe me when I told you it would be a shame if you got locked in. Steady Hoof might be compassionate and understanding; I’m not. Is that clear, little girl?” He waited for Ruby to say anything, even so much as nod. After a very slow moment passed by, Ruby said “I understand.” “Tend to your duties.” He pulled his hoof back, allowing Ruby Glitter to walk forward. Sheesh… what a creepy stallion! I really do believe him, that he wouldn’t think anything of locking me in here and not telling anypony that I was here. Well… time to do my job. She walked forward with the cart, the contents of freshly roasted potatoes, parsnips, and carrots being held in place by the lid. There was also a small salad, mainly mixed parts of spinach and dandelion greens, flavored with just a bit of salt and pepper. A glass of milk and three small cookies looking like they had been made from daisies finished adorning the plate. Phoenix Ember hadn’t moved an inch, continuing to look up at the ceiling part of the mural, the contrast between two shades of blue almost beginning to blur. He would have easily fallen asleep had it not been for his very empty stomach and unsettled mind. The sound of the rolling cart caused him to become alert, his eyes cautiously looking around to locate the source of the noise. “Ahh! You’re awake, good! Let me unlock the door for you and wheel this inside. I think you’ll love what the kitchen made tonight! Vegetables and flowers everywhere on this plate. Wish that was what I was having; servants such as myself don’t always have the honor of eating from the royal kitchens, and we need to make do with the kitchen staff are willing to spare for us--and some of the food that I’ve seen come down the line has been questionable at that. Don’t tell anypony, but one day I ended up having to snack on one of Celestia’s prized begonia bushes… I was just so hungry that if I didn’t eat something I was going to collapse right then and there, and that would have been so embarrass--” Holding a hoof up to his mouth, Phoenix intoned “Quiet, please.” In the next moment, he accepted the cart with the tray on it from Ruby Glitter. “Thank you.” He takes a minute to look at the unicorn mare, who seems very out of place in this near empty room. Only one other occupant was present, and he was sleeping soundly, having already gotten his scraps from the jailer earlier than day. “Oh. I’m sorry, Phoenix Ember. It’s just that I have a tendency to have a lot to say and sometimes I don’t realize that I’m carrying on for such a long time, and it’s sort of difficult to just stop when I’ve got something exciting that’s crossed my mind; I mean, you know what that’s like, right?” Phoenix had wheeled over the tray to his bed, placing it on there with his wings and hooves gently. “Actually, I don’t know much of anything.” He wheeled the cart back over to the open cell door, using his own wings to close it back up. “I see. Well, I hope you enjoy your meal, Phoenix. Just leave the dishes near the cell’s entrance. I’ll come and get them in the morning.” She found herself quieted by the imposing presence of the pegasus, safely behind the bars. “That’s all I have for you right now. Good night!” Ruby Glitter smiled, taking the cart and heading toward the exit. The quiet of the dungeon was only broken by the sound of the wheels of the cart moving against the floor, creaking slightly as Ruby allowed a smile to return to her face after her second encounter with Phoenix. The unicorn mare had her eyes fixed toward the large door that was shut, wanting to exit the detainment center and head back to resume the remainder of her duties for the night. “Unicorn.” The level of discipline to not jump into his food was impressive, as he hadn’t eaten in quite some time. Glitter froze as Phoenix’s low baritone voice rang out in the quiet dungeon. “Yes, Phoenix Ember?” The echoey voice called out again, indicating that he hadn’t started eating his dinner yet. “What is your name?” Ruby was a little surprised, as she had been here less than three hours ago. “It’s Ruby Glitter.” “Thank you for bringing me dinner. Have a good night.” The sound slowly faded with the quiet hooffalls from the distance, trying to indicate he was getting ready to eat. The magenta-coated mare found herself a little surprised by the sheer civility of the prisoner at the end of the hallway. Okay… I wasn’t expecting that, but it’s only fair that I return the good-will gesture. “Good night, Phoenix Ember.” A loud banging on the door interrupted the quiet moment, as Iron Wing’s irate and demeaning voice commanded “Hurry up in there! I’m leaving in less than a minute, and if you’re not out when I leave, you aren’t leaving tonight!” Ruby Glitter nodded to the door, saying “I’m done!” The entrance door opened loudly, allowing Ruby Glitter to walk out of the dungeon with the cart. She did not stop to talk to Iron Wing, who closed the door after she was far enough away from it. She moved with the cart back into the hallway, leaving it at the end of the corridor on the right side. As she moved further and further away from the corridor that led into the cells where the pegasus was being kept locked up, she couldn’t help but think about his voice and how defeated and meditative it sounded--similar to an individual who was at the peak of his life and lost it all. It sent a slight shiver up her spine as she started to walk a bit more briskly toward the cafeteria and to get her own meal for the night. Rainbow Dash moved throughout the echoey hallways of the castle, not straying from Luna’s side for more than a couple of seconds as the pair of them walked in tandem. Paintings and sculptures of ponies long forgotten adorned their walk to a guest room that Luna had made mention of as the pair had entered the castle a few minutes ago. “Now, you will have free reign of the premises, with a couple of exceptions. You are not to enter the library unescorted. If you need to see either one of us during our court sessions, please let one of our guards know before simply entering, as there may be matters under discussion outside of your ability to understand. And unless it is a dire emergency, never to enter either one of our bedchambers--especially ours. Are you able to comply with these limitations, Rainbow Dash?” Dash nodded, now focusing more on Luna than she had during most of their walk inside the castle. “Of course. Besides, I’ve never been much for reading. Hated it in school, and only read what I needed to learn about flight skills, some of the finer points on pulling off tricks, when to prank your best friend and not get caught; but most importantly, how to be cool!” The blue pegasus beamed, flashing her wings for a second as she continued to follow Luna down the hallway. Hah. You may be the Element Bearer of Loyalty, but modesty is definitely not one of your outstanding attributes, Rainbow Dash. Hopefully this will not become a problem when you begin dealing with Phoenix Ember. Luna smiled gently, saying “Would you believe we were not too fond of studying either? Sister would insist we spend hours at a time researching spells that no longer had any practical purpose, tomes of history from centuries prior--it was infuriating. We were glad when we could start doing research on our own pace.” She turns as the corridor they are in comes to a juncture, motioning to the right with her hoof. “Right down this way, Rainbow Dash. We must hurry, however; dinner will be served in a few moments and sister will tease us thoroughly if we are late with you.” “I hope it’s soon; I’m starving, Princess,” Rainbow Dash stated, increasing her pace a little bit but staying within a decent pace of the younger alicorn. “In about ten minutes, if we recall correctly. We may not have time to properly show you the whole of your room. Would you be opposed to having it shown later, as it would benefit both of us to show up sooner rather than later.” “Well, I wouldn’t want to disappoint Princess Celestia. You can finish showing it to me later if we need to get down to be ready for dinner. You know what we’ll be having tonight?” Dash queried, her stomach slightly settled but still quite empty, having not eaten that day since breakfast. “If we remember the menu, it is supposed to be a flash-steamed serving of potatoes and parsnips, as well as some carrots. There’s also a fresh salad with spinach and dandelion greens. Dessert is not a part of the meal we are especially looking forward to.” Dash looked at Luna questioningly as they continued to walk down the hallways, heading towards the dining area. “Why, what is dessert today?” “Apparently sister feels that we are… in need of profoundly healthier alternatives for the dessert portion of the meal. She ordered the chefs to make Daisy cookies. Now, we are not in objection to them; they are quite delectable. However, when held up to the creaminess and fine texture of a rich chocolate cake? Nothing else will suffice.” A sly smirk crossed Luna’s face, not in the eyeshot of Rainbow Dash. “And we do not share our chocolate cake.” Rainbow Dash nodded, making a mental note to not mess with Luna if she was in the possession of said cake. “Ehh, cookies are alright, I guess. I think it’ll be nice to see Princess Celestia without getting over you trying to push us over a cliff or something.” “Are you concerned, Rainbow Dash, that all of who we used to be is not yet gone?” The question was so direct, it almost made Dash trip over her own four hooves. She had to stop and rewind her mind to make sure that she heard the question correctly. “Are you asking me if....?” “If you feel that all of what was Nightmare Moon has not yet left our presence.” Luna was not going to shy away from the question--it required being asked and she wasn’t about to back down. “Well, to be honest, Princess, we haven’t seen any part of you since we left the ruins in the Everfree Forest. And yeah; I did call you Nightmare Moon. I’m not gonna lie--when you came to get me, I thought that you had relapsed and were going to pick off the Elements one at a time. Made sense.” Luna sighed. So, they are not convinced. We cannot blame them for what we were trying to do. “We understand, Rainbow Dash. We will hold nothing against you for feeling the way you do feel about us. Just please attempt to be more open to the possibility that we have been changed.” She did the best she could to hide the level of shock and disappointment in her face, but did not succeed well. That went well, Dash. You might just as well have said flat-out that she scares the hay out of you because of who she was, not who she is now. She almost apologized for what had come out of her mouth, but the words hung in the air awkwardly. “Okay, Princess.” Leading the way to an elaborately adorned door which opened with her magic, Luna led Rainbow Dash to the semi-formal dining hall, in which Celestia was already seated and sipping on some water. “Sister, we have returned with Rainbow Dash. We are sorry if we are late for dinner.” Celestia rose and walked over to greet both her younger sibling and Rainbow Dash. “You’re not that late, Luna. And Rainbow Dash, thank you for coming with my sister on such short notice. Believe me, I wish I could have explained more at the time. For now, please have a seat and we can enjoy dinner.” Dash was pleased to see a somewhat familiar face, although this was only her second official time of having physically seen Princess Celestia. As it was before when she first saw sight of the majesty and grandeur that Canterlot seemed to be, the dining hall also had no expense spared to decorate it in an unusual simplicity that made it sparkle. More of Celestia’s hoof in design was seen, with some traces of Luna’s influence in more subdued locales of the room. The elder alicorn motioned for them to sit down, using her hoof to guide the other two gently toward the table, which was adorned with silver candlesticks and taper candles that were lit and flickering gently. “So, Luna, were you able to see Twilight Sparkle before you left Ponyville? I am sure she would be happy to see that you are well and of good spirits,” Celestia asked, moving back to the center of the from where her chair was left, still pulled out a little bit from her getting up to greet Dash and Luna. Luna shook her head as she guided Rainbow Dash to sit down at a chair on the other side of the table, to the left of Celestia’s centered chair at the table’s head. Once she had seen that Rainbow Dash had been seated, she walked back around the table and took the seat to Celestia’s right hoof side. “No, unfortunately. We were required to make chase after Rainbow Dash--had we not, it is unlikely we would have been able to so easily speak with her and return in such short time.” “Ah. Well, then I will have to let her know that there is nothing to be concerned about. Shall we eat, then, and discuss the situation with our pegasus friend?” The Sun Princess said lightly, as two stewards came out from the kitchen entrance at the rear of the hall. “Yup! I am so starving!” Dash said exuberantly, watching as a one grey colt brought her plate over, removing the lid. The overly fancy nature of the plate of simple carrots, parsnips and potatoes confused the active mare, wondering if what was placed in front of her was meant to be consumed or admired as a piece of artwork. Luna and Celestia had already started to begin consuming their meal, taking dainty bites as Rainbow Dash simply stared at her dish. She raised a hoof and poked at the potatoes, which were arranged in arcs in a hexagonal sort of shape, with little specks of pepper and salt on them. They were still quite hot to the touch, causing for her to recoil her hoof after a moment or two of physically inspecting the contents. Completely forgetting any sort of manners that she might have had, she brought her muzzle down to the plate and took a hesitant nibble from the carrots that were on the plate. The sheer temperature of the vegetable caught the daredevil off guard, as she quickly opened her mouth and almost spat out the offending item. “HOT!” she yelped, managing to barely force the delicious bite down. It was only at this moment did she notice that Luna was looking at her with a very bewildered expression on her face as she observed the pegasus’ attempt to have dinner. “Rainbow Dash, is there any problem with the food we have had prepared for you tonight?” Luna had already proceeded to eat through a good quarter of her plate, leaving not a whit of crumb or any indication that there had ever been any food on it. “Uhh… I’m just not used to this sort of… fancy food, Princess. Do you have anything like a sandwich or something I could eat on the fly?” Rainbow Dash again poked at her potatoes, making a face at them and now refusing to have anything to do with the carrots. The parsnips seemed to be looking at her funny, so she ignored them as well. “We could speak to the chef and see what sort of arrangement could be made. But for now… we have business to discuss. Sister, would you like to start informing Rainbow Dash about her purpose of being here, or should we take the lead?” We were not aware that there was anything “fancy” about steamed potatoes, parsnips and carrots. You could at least try the salad. Also, who trained you to eat? You have some… unique table manners, Rainbow Dash. “Yes… I believe I should tell Rainbow Dash more about Phoenix Ember.” She took a small sip from her chalice of water, and turned her gaze primarily toward the cyan pegasus. “A little over a thousand years ago, there were two divisions of the Wonderbolts. One for the day and one for the night--the Shadowbolts. I used the Wonderbolts as escort pegasi for when I would tour parts of Equestria, visiting the common ponies, and providing my reassurance that Luna and I were taking care of things--as did Luna for her night, using the Shadowbolts to help escort it in and try to serve as an envoy for her underappreciated night. Among both of these groups were squadron leaders; Generals, in a way. “During the time of division between Luna and I, when there was rumors swirling of both internal and external stresses among our co-leadership, the divisions broke into two different sections--neither of them required to report to the other. As sister was intending to overthrow me, even before the appearance of Nightmare Moon, I had become extra careful and ended up developing another alternate spell for which to subdue the Shadowbolts if ever an actual takeover were to begin. It was a way to freeze them in time, so that once the situation had been taken care of, we would be able to liberate them and society. Sister… do you remember their names?” Celestia paused for a second, returning to her plate to eat some of the salad. “Stealth Light, Defiance, and… Phoenix Ember. Those were the generals that both us and Nightmare Moon had selected with which to overthrow Celestia. It is agreeable that we did not succeed, dear sister.” Luna looked at her daisy cookies with contempt, ready to magic them to another less obvious location and avoid eating them. But to do that, Sister must be distracted, and we have been less than successful since our return in fooling her. “And we have recovered the latter of the three. He was the lead Shadowbolt General, the best of the bunch. I tried to steal him from Luna multiple times before Nightmare Moon and the subsequent sealing of their spirits with her. I still am not sure quite how it happened, as it was only meant to capture Luna and Phoenix was nowhere near either of us at the time I conducted the sealing.” Dash had been listening so intently she had almost forgotten to breathe. She finally responded by taking in a quick breath of air, restoring her normal heartbeat and blood flow to her body. “This is getting good… tell me more!” “Here’s where things get very interesting, Rainbow Dash. We are not about to keep this pegasus locked away for the rest of his natural life as he has committed no crime. However, his unfamiliarity with the rules and morals of the time will be a liability if we were to release him into the mainstream population at this time. This leads to the part where we need you.” Dash had finally noticed the slightly dressed salad, eating in a rapid and very uncouth manner. “Yewh… ah’m wistenink,” she said through a mouthful of green leaves. So… I finally get to find out what it is I’m doing here. “You are going to be in charge of showing him how to live in the new Equestria. He will be your personal charge, and until he is adequately assimilated into the culture, you will have full responsibility for his actions.” Celestia stated. Rainbow Dash sat still for a second. A moment later she chuckled lightly, and within 15 seconds she was laughing loudly from her chair. “You’re kidding, right? Me, train somepony? That’s really funny, Princess. I never pinned you for a practical joker!” Celestia sighed slightly, her face the model of calm. “I’m glad to see that you have a healthy sense of humor, Rainbow Dash. However, I wasn’t joking. This is very real and he is really your responsibility.” Dash continued to laugh, having fallen out of her chair and beginning to rock back and forth on the floor. “The last time I’ve laughed this hard is when Pinkie accidentally launched a pie into Applejack’s face. Priceless! So, wait, it is my turn to tell a funny joke?” Luna, however, was not so quick to accept Rainbow Dash’s jovial attitude. “Rainbow Dash. We do not believe what our sister said was in any manner something from which you should derive such laughter!” The Royal Canterlot Voice succeeded in bring Rainbow’s giggles to a halt, as she collected herself from the floor and returned to her chair. “So… now, wait a minute, I’m supposed to help this stallion? What’s in it for me, Princess? This isn’t something that fits into my job description.” “What’s ‘in it for you’, Rainbow Dash, is a personal show from the Wonderbolts and an unbiased audition to become part of their ranks. I give my word as Princess and co-leader of Equestria that it shall be your reward for successfully rehabilitating Phoenix Ember. Please believe me, Rainbow Dash… I cannot think of anypony else that would come anywhere near as capable of doing this task as you.” Right as Rainbow was going to respond to Celestia’s very solemn and direct promise, the sound of rapid hooffalls was heard approaching the doorway behind them. The hooffalls slowed down and turned into a paced gallop as the source of the sound came into sight. Dash looked over and her eyes caught a magenta-colored unicorn mare. “Oh, I’m sorry, Princess Celestia! I wasn’t told that you were going to be having dinner service. I was busy helping out with Phoenix Ember and making sure he was getting his food. Do you know he’s really quiet and sort of creepy? I went and brought him his meal and right as I left he asked me my name again and I told him and… oh, I’m sorry, here I go rambling on again. I got a note saying that you wanted to see me personally, Your Highness?” Okay… when did Pinkie Pie turn into a unicorn, and when was she planning on telling me? Dash pondered, actually trying one of the petal-like potato slices. She found the taste to be quite refreshing, and soon was in the process of demolishing the whole plate full of them, wondering if she could get seconds. “Yes, I did, Ruby Glitter. I wanted to introduce you to the pegasus you’ll be helping--” “RAINBOW DASH!” Ruby shouted, running over to the mare’s side and almost falling flat on her face as she came to a quick stop. “Oh my Celestia, I am such a HUGE FAN of yours, even though I can’t fly! You almost made the Wonderbolts, and you have no idea how much I was cheering for you when you kept trying. I keep thinking about a temporary flight spell, but I’m just so busy with my duties here at the palace that I haven’t had the time to really work on my magic! And… I can’t believe it’s you and you’re HERE of all places. Oh! Can I get your autograph? It would be such a wonderf--” While Ruby Glitter was busy prattling on, practically on her face the whole time and able to keep the sentence coherent and flowing, Celestia had raised her hoof to her lips as she walked over slowly behind the excited mare. Once she had managed to make her way around Rainbow Dash, who was looking slightly creeped out by this unicorn, she waited for the right moment and brought her hoof to Ruby Glitter’s mouth, gently silencing the talkative mare. The Sun Princess chuckled lightly as she looked down toward one of her attendants. Her gaze moved upward slightly to see a relieved Rainbow Dash that was now no longer dealing with the verbal onslaught from the magenta unicorn. “Rainbow Dash, allow me to introduce Ruby Glitter. She’s going to be helping you with basically whatever it is you need during your stay here while you help to rehabilitate Phoenix Ember.” Dash had little more that she could do but to giggle at Ruby Glitter. “Does she come in a decaf version? She’s… a smidge hyperactive for my liking, Princess.” “She’s not usually this excitable. However, I know that in her time as one of the palace servants, she has been unusually exceptional in her level of attention to detail and willingness to meet with any reasonable request.” Celestia finally removed her hoof from the front of Ruby’s mouth, stepping back and returning to her chair. “Sorry, Rainbow Dash… it’s just that I never expected that I would actually meet you! And now I get to help you on a daily basis? Oh, that is so awesome for me that I can’t even properly express it now.” Ruby Glitters seemed to try and compose herself a smidge more, not wanting to make Rainbow Dash uncomfortable with her fangirl state from standing so close to the would-be Wonderbolt. “It’s okay, kid… I think you and I will get along great! Say, Princess, any chance I could get more of those potatoes?” Dash pointed to her plate expectantly, her hungry stomach being sated slightly but still wanting for more to feel fully fed. “Of course. Ruby Glitter, could you do so? We still have much to tell Miss Dash,” Celestia mentioned as she returned to her food and continued to eat it slowly. “Yes, right away!” She took a moment to look back toward her idol, and said “I’ll be just a minute, Rainbow Dash.” Ruby focused her magic on the plate, levitating it and walking with it into the kitchen, where she was going to get more for the cyan pegasus. Phoenix Ember had taken his time eating as well, having not had much of anything since arriving in Ponyville earlier that day. He was grateful to receive such remarkably well tasting food. It’s not quite on par with some of the grub we would have before sorties, but it’s pretty delicious. “So… Ruby Glitter. You strike me as a very caring and careful unicorn, young mare. Right now you’re one that I could probably use to my advantage to get inside of Celestia’s head. She seemed pretty confident in assigning you to bring me meals.” He took a moment to appreciate the quiet of the dungeon. From the distant window, he saw the waning light of day begin to ebb into a spectrum of reds, oranges and purples as the blanket of varying shades of blue was approaching. Taking a healthy bite of parsnip, he chuckled inside of his throat as he began to admire the glory of a sunset. As much as he disliked the effects and heat of the sun, he knew that it was all part and parcel of the cycle of day and night. Even though I hate to think of it in this way, the eternal night that we were promised by Princess Luna and Nightmare Moon will be little more than just an idea. There needs to be a cycle, a rotation to the world. Just as if the roles were reversed, and Celestia’s disgusting day did not receive any love or worship, so she might have become jealous of the lack of attention. “I still owe her my loyalty--from that, I will never bend nor stray. I swore my oath to Princess Luna, and it is a promise that I do not take lightly or dismissively.” He switched his focus from the delightful food that he was consuming toward the setting sun. “And the sun will rise tomorrow. For now… I will do the best I can to enjoy Princess Luna’s magnificent night.” Returning to his food, he finally spied the three daisy cookies. Okay… these are very odd looking confections. Why are they smiling at me? It’s a little bit creepy. “You’re a Shadowbolt, Phoenix. Don’t be scared by a little cookie.” Pensively, he plucked one of the far-too-cute-to-be-right baked goods, examining it closer and giving it a smell. “Well… they appear edible.” He opened his mouth and proceeded to eat it. The flavor of the daisy was bland and uninteresting, almost to the point of being repulsive. The meager spices that had been added to the treat didn’t seem to help the mismanaged and poorly conceived cookie, making it only barely consumable. The last little hint of cinnamon that finally hit his taste buds required him to swallow the dry thing, Phoenix now wishing he hadn’t tried this item at all. “Bleech!” Up until now, this had been a pretty decent meal… but whomever thought that those cookies were meant to be delicious must have their head stuck in the clouds. They’re… healthy! Who in Equestria would have such audacity with which to make such a vile tasting dessert look so appetizing? Phoenix merely set the other two cookies to the far side of the plate, refusing to even try another bite. He returned to the potatoes and carrots, having already finished off the parsnips and the small salad. I’ll have to tell Ruby when I see her in the morning that I found the cookies positively… unique. Definitely an acquired taste, no doubt. Also need to speak to her--slowly, of course--about what her relationship with Celestia is. “Well, that was a very… illuminating meal, Rainbow Dash. Now, if you will excuse us, we need to finish the diurnal cycle and usher in the night. Ruby Glitter will escort you back to your chambers. Oh, sister… before we leave, there was the conditions of the promise we made by which we would go and retrieve Rainbow Dash?” “After you raise the moon, Luna. I have it in my office, and before you ask--yes, it’s untouched and frosted just the way you like it. Just try not to eat the whole thing in one sitting--you have a lot of work to do tonight, young filly.” Before the two Princesses totally disappeared out the side exit, Celestia regarded both Rainbow Dash and Ruby Glitter. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash. I hope you are able to sleep well, and that you make yourself comfortable here in Canterlot. I’ll see you both in the morning. Good night, my little ponies.” Both Dash and Glitter bowed gently as Luna and Celestia exited the room. After the doors closed behind the Princesses, Rainbow Dash looked back toward Ruby Glitter and beamed a confident smile. The two then proceeded to head out the door that they had both entered from earlier that evening. “So… biggest fan, eh? I’ve heard that come from a lot of kids, Ruby Glitter. Why don’t you tell me how big of a fan you are as you show me where I’ll be crashing when I’m here?” “Sure! Well… I’ve followed you since your second year in Speedster’s Academy. It gave me something to be distracted from when I was busy with magic lessons. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more boring than sitting in a room and reciting and repeating the same spells a hundred times over. When the teacher wasn’t watching, I would spend time doodling down in a sketchbook that I kept with me during class. I still have it, and I’ll make sure that I bring it with me when I come to get you for breakfast tomorrow morning.” Dash nodded, starting to feel that this mare was being very direct and straightforward with her about how long she had been following her. “Awesome. What time is breakfast, by the way? I’ve been known to spend most of my mornings sleeping in a little bit.” “Seven-thirty in the morning, right on the button. I haven’t been late once since I started working for Celestia.” “Whoa, whoa, back up a second--did I just hear you right, seven thirty in the morning?” Dash stopped walking alongside of Ruby Glitter, her face positioned in such a manner that indicated she wanted to make sure she had heard what she thought she had. “Yes. And believe me, it’s worth it! Waffles, fresh fruit, cupcakes, coffee… I never miss breakfast here!” Even though it had been a long day for Ruby, she still seemed perky and attentive to every little thing that was happening in the room. Dash’s face grew slightly ashen as she realized how early that sounded to her. I won’t be able to sleep in… this is going to be such a drag! “Well… I should head off. Have to get to sleep myself. I’ll be here to come and get you come morning. Good night, Rainbow Dash!” Ruby smiled one more time, turned around and exited the room, leaving Dash in the spacious and well adorned guest chamber. She took a minute to look around, noticing that it had its own separate bathing chamber, a desk with which to sit down and write at, and a spacious bed. “Heh. Well, this has been a strange day. And I don’t really feel like writing. Time to do what I do best, compared to flying--sleep.” Dash didn’t even bother to pull down the covers, merely flopping onto the bed which seemed to absorb her slightly as her head hit the pillows. After setting the tray and its remaining contents of the two daisy cookies that he now refused to even lick aside, Phoenix Ember wiped the crumbs from his face and sat down on the bed, grogginess starting to overtake him. This--second, third day?--back after a thousand years of absence from the world had been a very filled one--separated from those he considered closer to him than family, whacked on the head by a crazy zebra, taken into custody by two of Canterlot’s finest, and tossed in a cell that reminded him more of an art museum rather than something one would normally find in a prison. His head finally returned to contact with the pillow, already being surprised at how soft it was. Luna would never have treated prisoners with such care and consideration. She would have made them sleep on the floor, or possibly not even have the comfort of four walls to keep out the elements that come with the night sky. I am thinking, however, that the Luna I had started to know in the last few weeks was not one that knows the kindness that I have been treated with. That Luna was a cruel and unkind mare, whom had no qualms of putting ponies under the weight of her hoof for no other reason than it felt good to her and made her feel more powerful. There was one glaring absence from the cell--no blanket had been provided for him. However, the warmth of the castle caused him to not really be requiring of one. Turning to his side to face a wall that had been painted in dark blues, purples and hints of black, his thoughts turned to those who had been separated from. Brothers, where are you? Are you even alive out there? I need guidance, camaraderie. We may have failed, but there is still hope. Still a promise for a better day with Nigh--Princess Luna to guide us. Two days had passed since they were separated. Two days since the coup in the Castle of the Two Sisters and the succession of Nightmare Moon had failed. Two days and Phoenix's entire life had taken a dramatic turn, leaving him wishing for answers to questions he was still formulating. Sleep found him soon, his thoughts becoming quiet inside of the cell as he started to snooze. It occurred to him, before he finally closed his eyes and drew his wings inward--that he finally felt comfortable with where he was.