Chapter. 6 – Of Trains and Donuts
The noise, the bumpy movement, the crowdedness of it all; if Sunset Shimmer could still comprehend emotions she was sure they would have been going crazy. As it was she was lightly resting in her seat with thankfully no pony was in the seat adjacent to hers.
It took the better part of the night travelling in her own way to reach Vanhoover in time to catch this locomotive; only to then discover that Canterlot was still another eight hours away.
Still at least she could rest on this thing while she travelled, but this would be the longest she had sat still in all of her life; she was already restless and itching to move and there was still hours left of the journey. Tartarus, even her time sleeping was about a third shorter than this journey was going to take.
So here she was, resting her head against the window; half of her brain trying to catch a little rest, one of the remaining quarters just watching the scenery go by and the final quarter keeping her senses active for any possible trouble.
The slight reflection of herself in the window showed a vibrant amber unicorn with a red and yellow flamed mane and one piercing violet eye staring at nothing in particular.
She had a pair of saddle bags underneath her seat that held a few items; –the now marked ticket for this leg of her journey, a small percentage of her funds, several uncommon books that she won while playing poker with her fellow students and a bottle of water she had purchased from a pony walking down the train with a snack cart– items that were useful to have at hoof. Anything more valuable or secret than that she had stored away in a place taught to her by Master Bright Lance.
It was strange that the Master of Unicorns was only able to teach her three spells of worth. Two of them were both, admittedly, extremely useful utility spells; one was the very reason that Master Bright Lance could still see even after her eyes stopped working.
The ability to see the flow of magic was very useful for numerous reasons, the most obvious being to assist in figuring out what a spell is doing. It is a spell rarely taught and even rarer still to be mastered to the point of usefulness.
The second spell was even more useful and one no average unicorn could hope to detect, let alone pull off. In effect it was a pocket outside of reality; a small piece of the void sectioned off for her personal use.
Once established, the spell allowed for almost limitless storage of effects and with the security of only one entrance to the pocket that the caster alone controlled; well it was a very useful spell.
There were limitations to this of course; no living thing could survive within the void and items have to fit through the entrance gate to be able to be stored. The initial casting of the spell is also extremely complex and required more magic than most unicorns could fathom. Even once established there is a small but constant depletion on the casters magic to keep the access gate stable.
Running out of magic, or if the caster were to enter a coma like state, while the spell is active is an inconvenience but nothing more. With no supply of magic left to keep the gate stable; it reverses its flow and ejects everything held within it before suffocating and collapses in on itself.
But, truly, the biggest downside of the spell is if the gate connecting to the casters storage area gets completely severed. In this worst case scenario every item in the casters piece of the void is lost to it. This is not an easy feat; the spell must be specifically targeted and then a battle of wills between caster and dispeller. It is wondered if most of the fabled treasures were lost in this way.
It was within this space that Sunset ferreted away every other item she possessed. There weren’t many items in there currently – such as the rest of the money given to her by her masters, the additional winnings from her poker games and her new body suit for example – but they were the items that were valuable enough she did not want to risk losing. Or suspicious enough that there would be questions; questions she did not want to answer.
The final spell was almost the name sake of the Master; it was an offensive spell that launched a Searing Lance of heat energy from her horn. It was expensive to cast and hardly had the subtlety required of her position; but it was effective and Sunset had found the spell quite easy to manipulate. Between herself and Master Bright Lance, the two of them had developed numerous tricks to use with the spell.
Currently the train had just passed a rather large stop in the middle of nowhere. It was strange because ponies were both getting on and off; and the train station itself was one of the larger ones they had past.
Sunset hadn’t dwelled on it too much, that is, until a little after the train had departed the platform; revealing positively massive shadows scattered over the plains they were travelling through. Those shadows woke her up completely.
Angling her view to better see the blue beyond, Sunset was met with a city in the sky. Well more of a city made out of clouds but still a city in the sky.
Her mind was locked on to the thoughts of such a city; how the infrastructure worked, did tribes other than pegasi live there, if so how? Was that a rainbow waterfall she was seeing, or just refraction of light? Were those other waterfalls coming from said cloud city fresh or…
Her curiosity and wonder about the city made out of clouds was interrupted by the noises of ponies shuffling past, trying to find their seats or dealing with their luggage. She still did not have anyone sitting next to her.
Said distraction was followed up a little later by a conductor that came along and checked all the new arrivals tickets. She did hesitate at Sunset; but the clipboard she was reading from must have confirmed that her ticket was still valid because the conductor moved on from her. ‘Actually’
“Excuse me?” Sunset asked the mare conductor just after she passed. The pegasus mare turned around and asked if there was something wrong. “No, I was just curious how far it is to Canterlot from here?”
“Ah, there’s a little over three hours left until we arrive at Canterlot’s main station.”
Sunset nodded lightly and thanked her for the information. With such a long time still to go there really was not much else she could do. Reaching down to her saddle bags Sunset pulled out one of the books she had packed there to read.
“Advance Principles of Magical Core Care” was a medical book containing spells specialised in the rapid response and emergency care of every ponies magical core; be they unicorn, pegasus or even earth pony. The spells the book contained were precise, complex and focused on set principles; the exact spells she loved to manipulate and alter into something else entirely.
The rest of the journey passed with her nose in the book, her magic writing down possible ideas and altered spell equations that Sunset wanted to try out when she had some free time.
Finally, as the train finished ascending up the mountain that Canterlot was situated upon, did something happen to break through Sunset’s musings. The train stopped just out of sight of the platforms and appeared to be waiting.
Sunset had no idea what was happening, however by the grumbling that she could make out from some of the other passengers, it was a common problem. Some up shot noble or member of royalty had shown up unannounced and was now moving across the tracks to the VIP section of the station.
A sigh graced Sunset’s lips before she got comfortable in her seat once again, after packing her book and notes away. Hopefully it would not be a long delay before they were on the move again and she could finally be free to walk around and work off this excess energy. Pure study could only distract her for so long.
Princess Cadance was flying through the streets at a much faster speed than was strictly allowed within city limits. But between her flying skills, her being a princess and her Royal Guard escort; those rules were bent for her. Besides she had a perfectly reasonable excuse for all this dangerous flying; her husband had just returned to Canterlot.
Rounding the last corner her eyes landed on Canterlot City Station and that the pegasi air gate was already open and waiting for her; no doubt thanks to an advance guard.
So she just soared right through the hole in security they had created and headed off to the secluded and reserved platform for Nobles and Royalty, were she could see the top of a train just coming to a stop at the end of the line buffers.
The wait was excruciating, and took a small eternity, but eventually the pure white unicorn stallion emerged from the train. He looked a little dishevelled but otherwise in perfect health.
“Shiny!” was his only warning before his wife of two years pounced on him and smothered him with both hooves and wings. It is testimony to his military training that he was able to support both himself and his slightly larger alicorn wife in this situation. He just stood there with a smile on his face and enjoyed the feeling of being happily recognised for the first time in over a week.
“Cady, it’s so good to see you, you have no idea how much it lifts my spirits to be happily greeted for once.”
Cadance chuckled lightly as she squirmed around her husband, trying to hug as much of him as possible in one location. Strangely it seemed the best place for that was her straddling his back. “Was Manehatten really that bad?”
“The nobles over there think themselves Celestia’s gift to ponykind and how dare you question their completely honest reports of what has been happening in their province.”
“So, just like the ones we have here then?” by this point Shining Armor has started to head towards the exit. Princess Cadance frowned slightly before getting off and quickly intercepting him once more; a small pout appeared on her face along with watery eyes.
With a light chuckle, Shining Armor understood what she now wanted; with a twinkle in his eyes and a genuine smile on his face he leaned in close and gently kissed his wife. It was small; it was short, but filled with so much meaning and love. Cadance was more than happy to return the kiss with just as much love meaning.
The kiss was brief, but left the two starry eyed and dopy smiled. Their foreheads came together, bringing their mouths almost to touching once again.
“I love you,” was whispered softly, meaningfully, and honestly. Which one of the two said it was difficult to say; but both parties meant it and knew it to be true.
The moment had to pass unfortunately, and while it took a moment or two; they eventually started moving towards the exit again, walking side by side.
“So yeah, the nobles in Manehatten are as bad as the ones we have here then?” Cadance said, getting the conversation back on course.
“Chuckle, yeah pretty much. Thankfully my reputation seems to be preceding me, so it wasn’t long after I arrived that the raw information being requested of them finally started to flow.
“From there I was a fifth wheel and after confirming it with First Lieutenant Eye Spy, took the train back here. It is possible I could be called out there again, but as I said my reputation seems to be preceding me and no one dare cause me to return for the same reason within a matter of days.”
“Ah that’s my tyrannical prince and husband. When did we start the whole good princess, bad prince act, anyway?”
“I think that happened when I became Capitan of the guard. The number of times you’d counter one of my orders due to severity was laughable, looking back.”
“We wanted more guards, not less, Shiny”
“Better have one guard who can incapacitate ten enemies, than ten guard who can only incapacitate one.” Cadance just rolled her eyes and allowed her husband to continue walking out of the station. His luggage and their guard escort following close behind them.
The crowds were separated from the two Royals by their guards, though Shining could not help but watch the crowd for any suspicious activity. Once a guard always a guard.
Everything about the station seemed to be in order, except over by the main reception desk.
“What do you mean two and a half hours until the next train?” Shining could just barely make out a mane of fire over the crowd separating himself from the mare who had just shouted at the pony on reception. At first he thought said pony was in a wild fire state, but upon closer examination Shining saw that it was the actual hair colour of their mane.
Turning away from the scene he saw that his wife’s eyes had followed his into the crowd. “Impatient ponies, what can you do?” he innocently asked his wife.
Cadance raised a delicate eyebrow, “I can do quite a lot actually; after all I married one of those impatient ponies.” Was the reply, but they continued on their path out of the station. First, Shining needed to report to Princess Celestia and then there was a nephew he wanted to see and a set of parents to hug as well. It was going to be a busy afternoon.
“I’m sorry miss, but that is the next train available that stops at Ponyville.” With a sigh of acceptance to yet another delay, Sunset Shimmer bought the ticket she required.
She placed the ticket, as well as the folder containing all the details for her new position, into her saddlebags before apologising to the attendant; as that was supposed to be the right thing to do. Right?
‘So two hours to kill before I need to be back here. Well I guess I can have a look around the city. Ooh, they must have a library here.’ With a quick glance to see if anyone was waiting behind her, there wasn’t, Sunset looked back to the mare running the ticket booth. “I don’t suppose you can give me directions to the library, please?”
It seemed like luck was on Sunset’s side, because the earth pony mare manning the desk gathered a map and, using a pencil, drew the fastest path from the train station to the Royal Library. With an almost genuine thank you; Sunset was off, following the graphite trail on the map.
Canterlot was big, and it was busy. There were more ponies here than Sunset had ever seen in her life; if she could feel anxious she definitely would be right now. As it was her only reaction was a slightly raised eyebrow, before memorising the directions on the map and headed towards her destination.
The pavements were immaculate and made from cobblestone; the buildings seemed to be following a pattern of white walls with ether golden or purple roofing and highlights. A strange choice for buildings as it must take a lot of effort to keep them as clean as they appear; but Sunset was no architect, and it did make an impressive city.
The path Sunset was taking was the quickest for an earth pony or a unicorn, but there were more than enough shortcuts that she just wished she could take. Unfortunately she was officially undercover, and therefore could not use her more unique talents without compromise.
It took longer than she would have liked, but eventually she arrived at a grand arched building with detailed columns supporting the roof as it hung over the walls of the grand structure. It was built from a combination of all three of the main colours within the city; its walls were white with purple highlights, while the roof was purple and the columns in the front were gold. The big wooden arched doors were open and inviting to the bibliophile; so without any further admiration of the large building, she walked through the door and right up to the reception desk.
“Good afternoon and welcome to the Royal Library. Are you a member or are you looking to join? Most of our services are only available to members, I’m afraid.” The pegasus mare working reception appeared friendly enough with bright eyes and a happy smile. Her coat was sky blue and her mane and tail were cut short with red and straw like colours streaked throughout.
That information about requiring a membership was a hindrance, but maybe Ponyville was close enough to allow her to become a member? “I guess I’m signing up to become a new member. I’ve just been accepted as the new librarian for Ponyville. I hope that’s not too far away for me to become a member here?”
“No, no that’s fine. Ponyville is within the Canterlot region. Wait, you said you’re the new librarian there? Do you have your identification available by chance?”
Rummaging through her saddle bags, Sunset eventually found the paper work for her new position, and with that her identification. “Sunset Shimmer, my what a bright name; oh, but this will make things a lot simpler for you. Since Ponyville is within the Canterlot regional sphere of influence, you can order books from us here in the Royal Library and loan them out to the citizenship of Ponyville, or yourself.
“Once we’ve confirmed your identity a reference catalogue will be issued to Ponyville Library that magically updates available tomes to loan from us. So you do not need to become a member, since with your position you already are one.”
“Great, so can I go and get a few books now then?”
“Oh, I’m sorry but not yet, no. We need to confirm your identity and position first before the membership will fall to you. It should be completed by the end of the week however. I’ve taken a note of your name and ID number to help speed things along, but you cannot take any books with you today. Feel free to brows and do some reading, though.”
A quick glance at the large wall sized clock told her that there was little point; certainly not enough time to finish a book, let alone find one that she may actually want to read. Taking back her librarian identification she turned to leave.
“Thanks, but I’ve not got much time left before my train to Ponyville. Hey, do you know any good places to do some reading with a drink?”
The pegasus’s eyes lit up quickly. “It’s a little out of the way from the train station, but if you’ve got the time I promise you won’t be disappointed with Donut Joe’s. Best donuts in all of Equestria.”
Fishing her map out from her saddle bag she revealed it to the pegasus, “I don’t suppose you could give me the directions?” With a flourish of a pen the path was quickly drawn and her latest destination was set.
Donut Joe’s was a large and airy place, with big arched windows and tastefully decorated in a selection of different shades of green in a chequered diamond pattern under the length of the windows. There was good seating, and it was clear this place was popular, since only a few tables and stools were empty at this moment in time.
Standing behind the counter was a unicorn stallion dressed in chef whites and hat. His coat was a golden cream colour, while his mane and tail were a short scruffy brown; was it any wonder his cutie mark was that of a donut. He did have a bright smile on his face as he served people delicious looking donuts and a selection of hot or cold beverages alongside the confectionery.
“What can I get ya, this afternoon?” everything looked good.
“What would you recommend?”
“Thought you were a first timer; I think I’d remember such a vibrant mane like yours, names Joe. I’d recommend the classic pink with sprinkles; but the caramel and cashews have just come out.”
“Sunset Shimmer. And I’ll take one of each that you recommended with some jasmine tea if you have any.” ‘Huh, my mouths watering; I’m not that hungry, am I?’
“Certainly Miss Shimmer, here’s your donuts and the tea will just be a moment. Go find a seat somewhere, and I’ll bring you your tea.” Paying for her treats and spying a vacant table near the wall of windows, she trotted over to it and took the seat facing the door.
Removing the notes she had made on the train, as well as the book Advance Principles of Magical Core Care, she was about to start up once more when the smell of warm caramel hit her nose. She had almost forgotten about her donuts.
Even her emotionless mind couldn’t help but be impressed with those donuts.
“I’m back.” Entering the home he grew up in was always a mixture of emotions; so many good memories, so many memories that should have been. Still it was where he grew up with his sister and he would keep walking through that door just to remember those good times.
Entering the family living room, he greeted his mother who was working away in the kitchen.
“Shining, you’re back earlier than we were expecting? Did things go smoothly?”
He gave his mum a quick hug before answering. “Yeah, once they realised that I was the one with the power to push and not the other way round, things started to go really smoothly; so I came back early. Is dad still working?”
“Yes, there were several incidents that required him to stay a bit later, so dinners been delayed by an hour or so I’m afraid.”
“Oh whatever shall I do with all this time? Say, is Spike here?”
Twilight Velvet just raised an eyebrow. “He’s upstairs studying right now; he’s been up there for most of the afternoon actually.”
“Well it sounds like someone needs to be distracted from trying to imitate his mum.”
“Yes it’ll do him some good to stretch his legs a little. Just make sure he doesn’t ruin his appetite.”
“Will do mum. Do you want to come with us?”
“No, he needs to have a good stallion role model in his life; and while your father certainly is a gentlepony, Spike’s a dragon and needs to look up to someone who’s a little more aggressive.”
“True, I guess. Huh, maybe I should look into giving him some guard training?”
“In a few years I think that will be good for him, but remember he is still a baby when it comes to dragons.” Agreeing to at least look into it further, Shining headed up the first flight of stairs and towards a door that he still struggled to even look at.
He hesitated, pausing a moment to try and calm himself down before plunging into the depths of emotion. With one last deep breath, he knocked on his sister’s bedroom door and entered her old chambers.
“Uncle Shining, you’re back early. Did you have a good trip?”
It took a moment for Shining to respond, his mind was swimming with sad memories. Finally, with a shake of his head, he managed to respond. “Hey Spike, yeah it was a boring trip with lots of pointless bickering. But that’s not important right now; I’m here for a very important mission.”
“Yeah, what is it? Is there anything I can help with?” Spike was worried; Shining Armor going on missions can be dangerous.
“It is of vital importance that you follow me right now.” The seriousness in his voice left no question that this was an important mission. He walked out of the room.
Spike was right on his tail as they exited the house and started towards the city centre.
“So what’s the mission? Are we going somewhere far away? If so I better go back and say goodbye to grandma.”
“The mission is quite simple, and only requires that you follow me.” His face cracked just the smallest amount. “The Mission is to distract you, to prevent you from becoming your mother’s son.”
That stopped the young dragon in his tracks. “What?”
Shining Armor, still walking with purpose, took the smallest of glances back towards Spike before using his magic to lift the young dragon and settling him on his back.
“Spike, I know you want to make my sister proud and take after her, but there are some of her habits that should not be copied; the biggest one being studying the world away.”
“I guess; it’s just that this is something I know she was passionate about. So when I do study and get full marks in tests, I can almost feel that she’s smiling at me. You know?”
“Spike, if there is only one thing you can trust me to say; it is that Twilight would be so proud of who you’ve become. Yes you’re smart and she definitely would want you to be; but you’re also compassionate, willing to help anypony you can and above all else, you are just a nice person to be around.
“She would want you to make friends and to experience more of the world than just books. If for no other reason than because she would have spent all her time with them and would want something different for you. And before you say anything, yes I do know what she would think; I am her BBBFF after all.”
Shining felt the scaled arms of his nephew wrap around his neck as the young dragon hugged into Shining’s blue mane. A slight dampness was slowly forming in his mane where his nephews face was hidden.
It was a quiet few moments before Spike spoke up once again; his voice quiet and heavy. “I wish I could remember her.”
“I wish you could as well Spike,” Shining replied, just as softly. “Honestly I believe you’d be more exasperated with her than I bet you think. She really did have some horrible habits.
“She was just starting, what I hope was, a phase where she would make a checklist detailing everything she wanted to do that day; in order of events as well. Once I caught her making a check list for a list of checklists she wanted to make that day, so she didn’t need to do them later that week. I burnt it to ash as soon as I found the demonic scroll causing her to chase after me, shouting about how I ruined her life forever because I destroyed that one list.”
“Chuckle, yeah that dose sound like a pain to deal with.” Spike still spoke softly, but there was a lightness to it now; hearing about some of his mums stranger habits.
“Thank you for agreeing with me. But here, I can show you one of her biggest weaknesses that ever existed; in fact I think it was second only to a book she had not yet read. Donut Joe’s, and if I’m right and I remember Joe’s donut schedule correctly, then they should have just recently been put out for consumption.”
Walking into the store he was quickly greeted by the proprietor in question; obviously he had just been around the tables, clearing used plates and probably delivering top ups to drinks as he went. “Prince Shining, good ta see ya. And hello to you too Spike. So is it the usual for you both?”
“Joe, I’ve told you before you don’t have to use titles with me; I’ve known you too long. Actually I’m here for a caramel and cashew please; and then whatever Spike wants, but just the one. I’m under strict orders by my mother not to ruin his appetite for dinner.”
Joe’s face softened when he heard the order. He didn’t know the young sister very well, but that donut was all she would order whenever they were available.
“Right. Find a seat and I’ll bring you, Spike, a blue gem crunch and the caramel and cashew for you Prince Shining. Any drinks?” once the order was confirmed Shining looked around to find an empty table and discovered a mane that was on fire.
‘No not on fire, it just appears so. Wait, that’s the pony from the train station.’ Shining quickly spied a free table in sight of her and trotted over to it. Spike jumped off his back and quickly sat down on the closest seat to him, while Shining walked around the table a little before claiming the seat opposite him; giving him a view of this bright coloured unicorn mare.
Even sitting down he could tell that she was tall even by stallion standards; honestly she looked only a little shorter than himself. Her mane was long and wavy; really making it look like it was a flame sprouting out of her head and travelling down her back.
Her body was toned and athletically built, especially her back muscles; clearly she has had intensive training of some kind, but he’d recognise her if she was part of the guard.
The way she was sitting down on the chair was of a disciplined posture; and while most of her cutie mark was obscured by the chair, he could still make out a deep pink background and a single white star.
Currently she was reading a book while taking notes; using her magic. Her face was relaxed and calm, almost expressionless, but her eyes were darting back and forth with a single driven purpose.
The magical skill on display was also impressive. Not once did she look at the quill to make sure it was still writing actual words, or if it had started to veer off the lines. That was either complete confidence in what she was doing, or she was a showboating novice.
Nothing about the mare said she was a novice.
The raspberry coloured magical aura covering the quill did not falter in its dance across the page. ‘Raspberry coloured aura…’
“She’s been like that for the last fifty minutes at least. Her eyes are so focused and single minded, but I’ve refreshed her tea twice now and each time she’s said thank you. Never looked away from her work, but still said it. You know her?”
“Never seen her before today Joe; caught sight of her at the train station. She said something about a train in two and a half hours. That must have been at least an hour and a half ago. When next you go round again it might be best to remind her what time it is.”
“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll be sure to remind her when I’m next over, if she’s still there.” With that Joe, walked off to clear a table that had just left.
“So, Spike. I told you I was going to show you one of my sister’s biggest weaknesses, and here it is; the caramel and cashew nut donut. It may look simple and non-threatening, but these babies have saved my tail more times than I’d care to admit.”
Shining Armor then went on to regaled Spike with a few tales of his sister’s exploits and how these simple donuts calmed the savage beast.
Spike listened with great interest through every tale that Shining wove, enthralled as he imagined the scenes being described. With every story told a small budding comfort started to bloom; an almost primal instinct within him had a spark of an ember. This ember of a feeling almost seemed to glow slightly; every time he inhaled a little bit more of his donut, or the accompanying hot chocolate.
He always had these feelings whenever he heard stories about his mother; but there was something about today, something about the here and now, that made the stories feel all the more important and comforting.
It almost felt like a motherly hoof was resting on his shoulders.
‘So that is Prince Shining Armor, former Capitan of the Royal Guard; now married to the alicorn of love, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, adopted niece of Princess Celestia.
‘Good instincts, strong powerful build and a surprisingly large magical core; no wonder he was the youngest Capitan of the Royal Guard in history, before his marriage moved him into politics. But that’s all.
‘Nothing I’ve read of him concerns me; I’ve already worked out a few bypasses for his shields. In theory anyway, would like to put them to the test… Why is there a baby dragon with him?
‘No pony is acting up, suggests he’s a familiar sight to them; that he is with a Prince also seems to be a moot point. Perhaps he was adopted by Princess Celestia and they’re friends?
‘It would make sense having a baby male dragon look up to a powerful stallion figure loyal to the crown.’ Turning back to her book she finished her passage, before looking for a clock to see what time it was.
Sunset had estimated that she still had forty three minutes until the train left. And while the map told her it would take a little over twenty five minutes to walk to the station from here; it was probably best to be safe rather than sorry.
Sure enough, above the service counter was a clock telling her that she had not miss counted.
Packing everything back up she gave a slight stretch before securing her saddlebags, finished the last of her tea and the two remaining mouthfuls of the pink donut. With all her belongings gathered, she thanked Joe as she made her way out of the shop to finally catch her train to Ponyville.