//------------------------------// // Chapter Ten. // Story: Astral's Thunder // by Bolted Sky //------------------------------// It was the very next morning before the train reached it's destination. I slightly underestimated the amount of time it would take to get there. It was no issue, though, since I simply slept on the train. I certainly wasn't the only one to do so on that trip, although it left a nasty crick in my neck. I got off the train, and quickly found out I was lost. Luckily for me, I was able to memorize the address on the postcard. Unfortunately, it didn't mean much when I had no idea where anything was. This was my first ever trip to the Crystal Empire. I did, however, see the palace from the train station. I also knew Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor. I didn't know them very well, but I knew them. Maybe I could ask them for help. Would I even be able to see them, though? I didn't really have any other Connections in the city, so why not? I'd heard plenty of stories about the Crystal Empire, but none of them adequately described it in all its splendor. While taking in it's beauty, I eventually came across a statue of a baby dragon holding the Crystal Heart... and it looked eerily familiar. "Spike?.." I said. I remember Spike telling stories of how he saved the Crystal Empire... Twice. After a closer inspection, and remembering that Spike was a hero in this land, I eventually confirmed to myself that it was, in fact, a much younger Spike. It was a bit surreal seeing a likeness of him as a child. I continued to walk through the city for roughly two hours. That's how long it took for me to reach the Palace. Along the way, I continue to admire the crystalline infrastructure and residences of the city. When I finally came to the Palace, I approached one of the guards at the front entrance. "Excuse me, sir." I asked, getting the guard's attention. "Yes? State your business." He said. "Yes, I was hoping to speak with Princess Cadence. Either her, or Shining Armor." "You can, but it won't be possible today, I don't think. You'd have to make an appointment for that sort of thing." He explained. "Really? Well, I kind of know them, so... Isn't there any way I could bypass all that?" I asked, although I was sure he'd say no. "Afraid not, kid. Besides, I'm sure you understand how many ponies 'know' Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor." It did make sense. He wasn't condescending, or anything like that. Being a front entrance guard likely came with a lot of annoyances, not the least of which was ponies claiming to know or be related to the royal couple. It probably became tedious after awhile. "Yeah, actually. I can understand that. All right, maybe you can help me with something else, then?" I asked. "And that would be?" "Well, like I said, I know Cadence and Shining Armor. What I really need is for someone to show me where to go. I'm trying to find where somepony lives, and I think they would know." I explained. "And who would that be?" "Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst." "Oh. Actually, I think we can help you. They..." "Astral?" I heard a feminine voice interrupt the guard. I looked over and saw the royal couple themselves. Cadence wore her royal regalia while Shining Armor wore his... Armor. "Astral, it's been awhile." He said. "Yeah, what are you doing here in the Crystal Empire?" Cadence asked. "Looking for Starlight and Sunburst, actually. I know they both worked for you to at some point." "Still do, actually. Starlight is our court wizard well Sunburst is our resident loremaster. They'll both be in around the same time tomorrow." Said Shining Armor "Oh that's great! Can I come to the castle tomorrow and talk to them?" I asked. "Sure you can. I'm glad your mom brought you here. Where is she?" She asked... Uh oh. "... Back in Ponyville." I said, scratching the back of my head. "You're here by yourself?" She asked, astonished. "Well, yeah. This isn't the first time I've been by myself. Plus, I'm fourteen. I think I can handle myself." I said. Yeah, but... That's still so young." "Aw, come on, Cadence. He can handle it. Besides, you should have seen the trouble I got into at his age." Said Shining Armor in my defense. "I did see the trouble you got into at that age. And it's not a good case, let me tell you." She responded, with a cocked eyebrow. "I'd still like to see Starlight and Sunburst. Would it be all right if I came back tomorrow and talk to them?" I asked, trying to change the subject. "Of course you can, Astral. In fact, why don't you stay here for the night?" Asked Princess Cadence. "Oh, no. I couldn't impose on you like that." "Oh, do you have somewhere else you can go?" She asked. I thought about it for a moment and realize that no, I didn't have anywhere to go. I didn't know where any Starlight lived and I didn't know anypony else but these two. "Well... No. No, I don't" "Wait, where were you supposed to go, then?" Asked Cadence. I have to say, Cadence was far too intelligent for my taste. I couldn't have them figuring out that I was a runaway, so I had to think on my feet. Too bad I was a bad liar. "Well, the plan was to meet them today. Unfortunately, this was planned without Twilight, so you can see how that turned out." I may not have been good at lying, but fortunately for me it technically wasn't a lie. Good job, brain. "Obviously... well, either way, I'm happy to have you here." Cadence seemed pretty sceptical, but she appeared to accept the half-truth, which I was grateful for. "Well, come on in. We have a few extra rooms. We can put you up in one for tonight." Said Shining Armor. I was moved by the offer. "Thank you, guys. Thank you so much." I said. "It's our pleasure, Astral." Said Cadence. "Come on. We'll get you settled in. Dinner's at seven." Shining Armor said as I followed them both into the palace.