Early the next morning, I’m woken up both by Applejack, who gently nudges me as the others gather their things for the trip, and by the noise of the others getting ready.
Since Sunset is averse to being awake at such ungodly hours, I’m tasked with carrying her, despite me being a literal bed of fire, or so I thought, going off of the events of yesterday. If Applejack and Dashie can interact with me without getting hurt, I can relax a bit.
With no trouble getting out of the house, we get to the station at 5 o’clock. There’s snow and frost on the ground, which doesn’t melt, but in some places, my hoofsteps leave clear impressions.
Starlight will be joining us there but will head back to Ponyville after only a few days. She heads to Canterlot every other moon to give a status report on the school and other things. Lucky me going with all of them.
After my ticket is covered by Starlight, we climb aboard one of the front carriages and get comfortable. Because of the cold, I get a few of them fighting for spots next to me. Sunset however plays her s/o card brilliantly and falls asleep against me.
Since we’re here early enough to beat most of the usual traffic for this train, I decide to doze off for a few. Unfortunately, before I can even lull, I’m interrupted.
As I regain my vision, a pony who based on his dress I can only assume is the conductor, is also joined by an engineer.
“Excuse me, sir. I hate to ask you this, but it appears our fire has gone out, and we cannot get it relit.”
“Say no more.” I say as Sunset moves out of the seat so I can join them.
I’m then left with the engineers, who introduce themselves as driver and fireman before opening the firebox.
“Have you lined it with coal and such?”
“Everything is set. We just can’t get her to light.”
“Do you have a firelighter?”
“We always do it ourselves.”
“First time it won’t light?”
“Definitely not. [We’ve] been at this for moons. Just stubborn sometimes.”
“Must be gremlins.” The driver quips back.
“Ha!” I guffaw. “Gremlins don’t exist. They’re just a personification of things going wrong.”
“How long you been here in Equestria?”
“3 days.”
He doesn’t respond, but his body language says it all. “I only know that I know nothing.”
After giving the firebox a once over, I decide to just offer what I assume they need from me since I have no idea if the way they lined the coal actually can hold a flame. With a yes, I warn them that I might set the cab on fire, I cast a spell and channel my anger out of my “horn” and into the magic field, whispering thoughts of once again a life crisis as a result of the virus raging through my world.
Suddenly, I’m brought back into reality to the sight of a makeshift flamethrower in the magic field and aim it into the firebox. As my blood boils to sustain the spell, I eye the fireman to see if he notices ignition.
I try and look around me to see if I’m setting anything else on fire, but to my surprise, I’m not, though I can tell heat haze/radiance might cause some damage if I have to hold it any longer.
Soon, the fireman extends a hoof into my tunneled peripheral. I stop the spell and exhale exasperatedly.
“Well done, sir!” The fireman shouts as he feeds and stokes the slowly smoldering coal.
“Can you hold the fire? I can ride with you if necessary.”
“I think we’ll be okay. Thanks very much, Mr…”
I pause for a second, but smile and say. “Pilot Light.”
“Much appreciated.” The driver adds as the three of us shake hooves.
I return to the carriage to find it quite full. Others who are sitting in the carriage have their faces change instantly as I join my friends.
“What happened?” Dashie asks.
“Fire wouldn’t light.”
“Look at you!” Pinks exclaims as I sit back down. “True to your name already!”
“I guess so.”
Before I can start dozing off, the conductor does the final check from front to back, raising the green flag upon completion.
The engine crew respond with a whistle from the locomotive, and after the conductor blows his whistle in kind, we get underway.
Normally, the Tankie in me would be giddier than BoCo after meeting Bill and Ben, or James on a turntable, but I’m tired. Even in the best accommodations provided by Ms. Glimmer, I still kept waking up every what I can only assume was every half hour. I don’t have a watch, so I have no way to keep track of time.
Now that we’re rolling, I wake up and check my surroundings. While we’ve left Ponyville behind, I ask what time it is, and Starlight replies “we left about a half hour ago.”
So, resigned to the fact that I probably won’t be sleeping, I take the journey to admire the scenery we pass by en route to Canterlot.
In keeping with the spirit of my companions, I listen in on the various conversations sort of absentmindedly, but Sunset notices me staring out the window and places her hoof on mine.
“Everything good?”
“Eh, really. Just taking it all in.”
“Spoiler alert, most of the way up to Canterlot looks like this. It doesn’t really change until we start climbing the mountains.”
“I figured. No use trying to sleep.”
“But at least I can.” She says as she lays her head on me, to which I then kiss the top of her head.
She coos gently as she closes her eyes, leaving me to admire the lush greenery ahead of the climb.
When we arrive at Canterlot station, we’re greeted by a symphony of other trains (obviously), but what surprises me is the sheer number of them. Granted, Equestria (or this whole world, so it seems) probably doesn’t have the population density of many of my world’s large cities, but color me impressed. Not to overuse a cliché or even downplay how I’m actually feeling, I feel like I’m in one of those panning shots where some kid from the rural country has arrived in a big city for the first time, completely captivated by all that surrounds him. Now, I still get that feeling in my world sometimes, but less of the big city feel and more of a “where are all the outbounds going?”
“Welcome to Canterlot, Pilot Light!” Sunset says smugly as I peer at all the signage.
Trains to various cities, including versions of cities in my world, are backdropped by trains building up steam and carriages alighting and taking on passengers.
A message board carries all the current and some upcoming train information.
“Celestia Express – Manehattan.”
“Solaris – Foaledo, Detrot, Neighagra Falls, Sire’s Hollow.”
“Shadows – Foal Mountain, Hollow Shades.”
“Bull Run – Appleloosa.”
“Stagecoach Express – Dodge City.”
“Horseshoe Bay Limited – Baltimare.”
“White Tail Zephyr – Stratusburg, Whinnymucca, San Franciscolt.”
“Tall Tale Trail Blazer – Cloudsdale, Salt Lick City, Tall Tale, Seaddle, Vanhoover.”
“Crystal Empire Builder – Whinnyapolis, Whinnypeg, Crystal Empire, Yacoltsk, Yakyakistan.”
“San Palomino Limited – Las Pegasus, Somnambula.”
“Arimaspi Limited – Silver Shoals.”
“City of Trottingham – Trottawa, Trottingham, Manechester, Coltchester.”
“Commander Hurricane Zephyr – Hayseed Swamp, Fort Laudermare, Mareami.”
“Filly Special – Fillydelphia.”
“Coast Starlight, operated by Southern Equestria Rail – Seaquestria/Mount Aris.”
And lastly,
“Friendship Express – Griffonstone, Dragon Lands, Kirin Grove.”
“Wonder if that’s their equivalent of the Trans-Equestrian Railway or something.” I think to myself. “If they even have such an equivalent.”
Deciding not to cloud the rest of the trip with my fascination with Equestrian trains, I follow the others out of the station and march grandly toward the castle.
Canterlot, bustling as it is, seems pretty friendly for being the city it is. Unlike in Ponyville, here I’m noticed, rather than just simply scoffed at or even feared. I imagine it may be because Canterlot is such a big city, but the influence of having the Princess of Friendship on the throne helps too.
So many creatures of all kinds crowd the courtyard. It’s actually quite uplifting to me in a way. I have nothing against my reception in Ponyville, even though I was honestly quite disappointed in seeing that I by presence alone strike fear into the hearts of some. That said, I was still kind of finding my hooves, so maybe I came off the wrong way. In any case, I hope this goes well.
As the others cheerfully and gleefully approach the castle gates, the guardsponies customarily stop them shy of the gate. A third then goes inside to alert the princess. A few seconds later, the guards then reach for and open the gates, revealing even more ponies engaging in chat.
None of them even bother to notice that a Nirik is amongst The Council of Friendship. Again, big city, diverse population. Not quite a sight as it is in Ponyville.
Suddenly, my heart starts pounding as we head for the throne room.
“She’s still the same Twilight…” I say to myself. “She knows you, she likes you, she’s a friend. I think.”
“She’s royalty here. Probably the single most powerful creature in this world.”
When she looks up to see her friends, she smiles as they all jump in for a group hug. Sunset and I don’t join them, and to try and get her into my head, I try and join hooves, but obviously, it can’t happen.
It I guess works though, as Sunset only looks at me with a smile and waits for the princess to acknowledge us.
“Sunset Shimmer!” She exclaims as she opens up for an embrace. Feeling oddly comfortable, seeing as how Twilight must’ve had a similar sight when she was in Sunset’s hooves.
“I thought you were bringing Flash.” I hear amidst their embrace.
“He’s busy, so I brought my next best choice. It’s Max.”
The Princess then looks at me, to which I smile and nervously bow before her.
Twilight then scans me from all angles before saying just above a whisper,
“Glad you’re with us, Max.”
I smile as she offers the same embrace she awarded Sunset.
In her arms, she rests her chin on my shoulder as I feel the flames my body emulates heat up. But I know that’s not my bodily flames. Like I said before, I must not be hot to the touch, because not only am I able to share hugs, I’m embraced warmly.
“You and Sunset are our guests of honor.”
We spend some time in what I can assume is the castle’s quarters in what appears to be the dining room. Each member of the Council of Friendship has their own spot, designated with their cutie mark.
Sunset and I sit beside the Princess, listening in on the conversation, consisting mostly of the usual catching up, happenings at the School (via Starlight), and a discussion of where we should go in the city.
Paying no mind to their conversation, I instead keep pace with the group, taking in the sights of the city.
I’ve only been here for about an hour or two, and despite the obvious class disparity, unlike what I would expect, high society at least acknowledges those below them, at least enough for common decency. Quite a change from my side, I must sorely admit.
When we head for lunch, Pinks gleefully hugs the two ponies upon entry, along with Rarity.
“Your usual please, extra bread!” She says as we’re seated.
When I take my first sips of water, I realize how dry my mouth is, so I’m quickly asking for more. That says a bit about our food, as when it arrives, I didn’t even realize how hungry I was.
Being seated next to the Princess gives me the good opportunity to ask her mid-meal,
“I know your society is all about friendship, but are Nirik sightings rare or something?”
“Not per se. Because Nirik behavior can be pretty unpredictable, most ponies just want to keep their distance.”
“I guess that makes sense. Unlike other creatures, it’s more obvious to tell when they’re angry, or even agitated.”
“Given your assumptions, what’s troubling you?”
“I don’t know. Aside from the obvious, I have no reason to be like this.”
“What’s ‘the obvious?’”
“The situation in my world. It’s effectively put me out of work.”
“I see. I’m really sorry about that.” She responds stoic and collected.
“I appreciate the consolation, and I mean this with all due respect, it’s not going to change the state of my life.”
“I know. I wish there was something I could do to help.”
“I don’t think there is. Pretty much everything going wrong on my side is out of my control, which completely invalidates my right to complain.”
“That’s awfully hard on yourself,” Twily responds with all the motherly tone of her mentor before her.
“Per my moral code I guess. ‘May I have the serenity to accept what I can’t change, courage for what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’”
“Just know that if you ever need to, you’re always more than welcome here in Equestria.”
“I don’t have access for myself. Closest point of entry for me is Sunset’s mirror.”
“Fair enough.” She shrugs.
After we pay and leave, Twily and the council make their way back to the castle but not before saying hi to passers by and the little fillies and colts.
When we return to the private quarters, the six members of the Council of Friendship gather, but release us to do what we want, glad we were able to have lunch together, and with the journal, we have some means of communication.
Sunset then gets the idea to head back to the train station.
“Let’s go see the Princesses.”
“Emeritae. Princesses Emeritae.” I instinctively correct.
She only rolls her eyes as we get our tickets and wait at the platform.
When we arrive at the Silver Shoals station, I dust off some sleep from my eyes, triggering a brief flare-up, which scares a lot of the other creatures on the platform.
“Sorry.” I utter sheepishly.
Sunset then has me follow her to their residence. To my surprise, just in the distance from the station to the Princess’ residence, there seems no shortage of marine and land-based sports and activities to do here. Is this a holiday/vacation spot?
“You nervous?” I ask Sunset with some concern.
“No no,” she says waving her hoof dismissively. “Seeing Princess Celestia doesn’t make me nervous anymore. The only reason I get nervous is because of the portal. It… does things to me sometimes.” She finishes as she knocks on the door.
“Alright then.”
Sunset knocks one more time, to which Celestia opens the door, smiling as if she’s been expecting us.
“Hello Sunset Shimmer.” She responds with her usual level of motherliness.
“Hi Princess Celestia.”
“Who’s your friend?”
“It’s Max.”
“Oh yes, of course. It’s so nice to see you.”
“Likewise, Princess Celestia.”
“Please come in. My sister will be back soon.”
As we get the tour of their place, I take a moment to admire the mentor–mentee duo. It’s beautiful to me that even post-abdication and well into Sunset’s independent life that there still seems to be the same kind of love towards and for each other, just obviously evolved.
When we return to the main room, Celestia offers some tea, which I do fancy.
“While I’m sure you are tired from the journey here, I am eager to hear of some developments in your life, Mr. Scimitar.”
“Where do I start?” I say as I take my first sip of tea, warming me up on the inside. “For starters, Pinks – erm, your Pinkie Pie, has given me a new nickname: Pilot Light. And a fitting one perhaps. On the train ride to Canterlot, the train’s crew called on me to try and light their fire, which went well.”
“And how about since we were last in your world? I’d like to return some time.”
“Not possible right now.”
“I am aware. Twilight and Sunset keep in touch all the time.”
“And I’m here to get a new journal. I’m almost out of pages.”
“How long are you planning on staying?”
“We’re not on a fixed schedule,” I reply, “though I have to return to my world in about a week.”
“Well, we don’t do very much here. I’ve partaken of every activity this place has to offer, and I’ve already been to various other places across Equestria. That’s why I want to return to your world.”
“I understand.” I reply trying to communicate my disheartenment of the current state of affairs.
“Princess Celestia,” Sunset then says, “Max and I both came here not just to see you. We’re both in dire situations made worse by what’s also currently happening in our world. Put simply, we’re scared.”
“Sunset,” Celestia begins, “there is nothing I wish for more than your safety, security, and prosperity. However, I know any advice I can give for you in this time of crisis for you will only be meaningful to you if you apply it as you see fit. Everything I know about your situation has come from Princess Twilight, so all my information comes from tertiary or even quaternary sources. However, if I can be of any help, and you would like me to spend some time in your world, I can do that.”
As much as I want to respond, this is Sunset’s conversation.
As the two of them continue catching up, I hear the door open, and I immediately rush to their fireplace.
“Max, what’re you doing?” Sunset asks quizzically.
“Just in case I flare up.”
“Why would Princess Luna make you flare up? Did she do something to bother you?”
“No, but she really wanted me to come visit her. I’m afraid of her seeing me like this.”
“Even if she knows you are like this, she wouldn’t not want to see you.”
“I just wish we could meet when I’m in my Kirin form rather than as a Nirik.”
“Max?” Luna’s voice calls tenderly from the other side of the house.
“Well, here goes nothing.”
“Sunset Shimmer!” She exclaims in surprise. “I didn’t know you would be joining us.”
“I’m here in case Max got lost.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re with us.”
“Hello Princess Luna,” I respond to break the ensuing awkward silence from Sunset leaving us alone. “I’m sorry we have to meet like this.”
“Why would that be a problem?”
“Look at me.”
“All I see is you.”
“I should sleep in your fireplace. I’ve had a few flareups since I arrived.”
“Nonsense. You have a place here. You have a home here.”
“Thank you Princess Luna. I just hope I don’t overstay my welcome.”
That night, when most other creatures have tucked away in their beds, I make the last of my preparations for sleep. Since I’m in the presence of the Princesses, and because Luna still has some remnant power left to her by Princess Twilight as her emerita privileges, tonight she’s patrolling dreams.