//------------------------------// // Leaving and Arriving // Story: Day and Night Regained Again // by Pandorarama //------------------------------// “Sunburst!” The unicorn stallion stopped in his tracks, waiting for the purple mare to catch up. He could tell she had run through the streets from the library, not even winded from the trek she made frequently. Twilight Sparkle was one of the strongest unicorns he knew of, surpassing every student in the school and rivaling the Solar’s and Lunar’s magical capabilities. And that was her magical abilities, not even including her physical prowess. Unlike the other top students, though, she could care less. All she cared about was getting strong enough to defend her friends and families from the threats that lingered along the borders. He never understood why she didn’t join the royal guard until he finally asked. “The royal guard doesn’t have access to the restricted records.” “Neither do you.” “Solaria gives me the books, so close enough.” “Twilight, Spike.” The small dragon waived, shifting on the unicorn’s back. Sunburst tilted his head slightly, waiting for her to speak. “I just wanted to give you a heads up; I’m leaving Canterlot to go help with the summer sun celebration in Ponyville.” That had Sunburst raising an eyebrow. His sister had been devastated the most by Princess Celestia’s corruption and had taken the mantle of Queen with a heavy heart.  He was the only one who still called her any version of her old name, and he knew it meant the world to her. The powerful unicorn Sunset Shimmer took her new name as Princess Solaria and was forced to banish her teacher a few days later. But she had always presided over the ceremony, no matter where. She would carefully select a powerful group of guards to watch over Canterlot for the day or so she would be gone. “Did she say why?” She probably hadn’t. “She didn’t, but I think it’s because of last year….” Frowning, Sunburst couldn’t help the spark of ire. Last year had been bad for Starlight as some of the newer students had decided to play a prank on her, causing her to lash out and her magic to go out of control. While his older sister had yelled and disciplined the students, some of their parents had felt it was all Starlight’s fault and had threatened to pull funding. When they had, both he and Twilight had spent weeks getting enough funds to replace the loss and had secretly made a spell that would make bits. Essentially, they had told the nobles fuck you with smug grins when they showed the Queen the funds. “I don’t think it’s because of Starlight specifically, but more to keep the morons from doing anything stupid or some revenge by the parents.” He doubted it, but he’d let Twilight believe it for now. “I just told visited her and told her we were leaving. Two Night Guards are all set to take us to Ponyville, and we’ll write you both once we get there. It’s only an hour or so by carriage, and I’ll make sure to send it before we get into the preparations, right Spike?” Thank Solaria for Spike. He had kept Twilight sane and focused on her studies, a reminder that she had to take breaks to care for someone and teach him how to read, write, and so much more. “Well, as long as he’s with you, everything should go smoothly.” She scowled, and Spike giggled before she flicked her left ear just enough that he felt the meaning, and Sunburst laughed. The loud chiming of clock bells interrupted them, and they both looked towards the Wizards Tower. “Ah, shi-oot. I’ve got to go Sunburst.” Always ever cautious with her cursing in front of the dragon. “I’ll make sure she writes.” Sunburst stifled a snort, but Twilight ignored it, instead choosing to make sure Spike had a grip in her mane before galloping off towards the Airship Pier. He couldn’t help but let out a sigh as she left, shaking his head and changing his course towards the library. Most of Canterlot knew to leave him alone when they saw him heading in that direction, aware he would be lost in thought. While Starlight had suffered the most from Celestia’s corruption, Sunburst had also suffered in his own way. He missed his older sister, who would entertain a trio of foals with small party tricks while teaching him to levitate small objects and cast basic spells. He hated that he only saw her now was in royal meetings or the increasingly rare family visits. He hated that she became an alicorn and a queen. He hated Solaria. Shaking off the thoughts, he picked up the pace. He would make sure his friend was okay before she closed up the library and see if Sunset could spare him a moment. Oh, he guessed if Solaria could. “… And we’ve arrived no problem thanks to Comet Fall and Fairy Light.” Both the Night Guards seemed a bit shocked that she remembered their names. Please. She could recite the entire History of Equestria, The Creation History of several high-class spells, and all the authors in the Canterlot library. She could remember the names of two Night Guards Solaria had assigned to her on multiple occasions. “Eveningly yours, Twilight Sparkle.” The scratching of Spike quill stopped snd she levitated a ribbon with Starlights Cutie Mark over to him. Then, with a quick breath of flame, the smoke twirled towards Canterlot, and she bowed her head. “Thank you for the safe travel. Please, have a lovely Summer Sun.” They bowed their heads in return. “Of course, Lady Twilight.” “You as well, Lady Twilight.” They charged down the dirt road; wings flared as they flapped and lifted them into the sky. She watched them go before turning to look down towards the purple dragon. “Alrighty then Spike, where are we staying for the next few days?” She leaned down, and he hopped onto her back, settling himself. “A place called the Golden Oakes Library, near the center of Ponyvillle. We’ll get settled in tonight and meet the party planner tomorrow. She’s a pink earth pony called Pinkie pie, and her cutie mark is three balloons.” Spike read from the list as she trotted her way to the tree that overlooked the town, lanterns lit and fireflies floating around it. “Perfect. I’ll get some information on the town’s history and any other Summer Sun Celebrations they hosted and compare it to ones they hold in Canterlot. Anyplace you want to stop at while we’re here?” Spike shrugged his shoulders, curling further into her mane. “Not really, but maybe I’ll find something in the books.” Twilight slowed her pace as she saw somepony standing by the library door and looked her over. The mare was light tan with a light grey mane and a necktie with glasses. The pony’s eyes widened before she smiled, and Twilight went over the spells she knew in her mind. “You must be Lady Twilight Sparkle. My name is Mayor Mare, and I’m pleased to meet you.” She internally winced at the title and forced a smile onto her face. “Please, call me Twilight. I have to deal with the Lady title in Canterlot enough as it is.” She tried to keep the conversation light while they both bowed their head. “Alright…” The mayor seemed hesitant to do so but instead turned towards the door and pushed down on the doorknob, opening the entrance to the lit library.   “Wow…” She analyzed the whole building, eyeing the bedroom on the top floor, the doors leading to the balcony, and could feel the excitement building inside her. Spike hopped off her back, looking over his surroundings, albeit more relaxed and calmly. The floating bags were set on the floor, out of the way so that nopony would trip on them. “I’m sorry it’s not the same as the one in Canterlot.” The earth pony rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, fidgeting in place the more the unicorn darted back and forth. “No… this is perfect. This is paradise.” Twilight was starstruck with the library, nearly squealing and giggling in euphoria. Spike looked over to Mayor Mare, voice dry and deadpan, with the tiniest tilt of humor. “She used to sleep in the library as a filly. Queen Solaria usually had to carry her to bed.” The unicorn sputtered, squawking out his name. “Spike!” He giggled and climbed up the stairs to the bed, crawling along the ledges to Twilight’s fretting. Eventually, she levitated him back down to her side, relaxing as he huffed in annoyance. “Well, I am glad you like this little slice of paradise. Your room is cordoned off from the main floor, and the keys are on the bedside table. Typically us ponies wandered in whenever we needed a book, but you can change that if needed, although I wouldn’t expect too much traffic while the Summer Sun Celebration is going on.” Twilight had to resist the urge to watch the curious purple dragon, trying to give him more freedom while in a safe building. It was safe; he was safe. “Do you have a list of the books in the library?”  “There are some in the table over there.” Twilight couldn’t help but squeal, hopping from hoof to hoof while giggling. Spike looked over at the mayor from the aforementioned table. “Don’t mind her. Books are her second favorite thing in the world.” That had Mayor Mare arching a brow, unable to contain her curiosity. “What’s her favorite?” The purple dragon gave a bright smile, tilting his head slightly. “Me.” Twilight cleared her throat, blushing softly as she relaxed. “Sorry, just lost my composure for a moment there. Thank you, Mayor Mare, for your hospitality. I’ll make sure to the library justice while I’m here.” She stood tall and proud the same way her brother did, ears pricked forward and legs straight. The earth pony smiled, soft and kind despite the bags under her eyes. “And thank you for helping to honor Celestia so. I know she isn’t the most well-loved pony she used to be, but as you can tell, she was my princess longer than Solaria was my Queen.” Twilight had very mixed feelings about Princess Celestia. On one hoof, she had physically and mentally scarred her and her best friend and had destroyed a large part of Canterlot. On the other hoof, she remembered meeting her as a filly while visiting Sunburst’s older sister, when she was still a unicorn, and when Celestia chose Starlight to be her student. And that, honestly, it was Daybreaker that had hurt them. Any jealousy she had felt had died the day Celestia had turned Watching her raise the sun, the warm smiles she gave as she watched over them one sunny afternoon as they practiced magic in the Canterlot gardens, a younger Sunset Shimmer “Daybreaker hurt my friend and me badly, as you can tell.” She flicked her tail towards the worst of her burns. “But Princess Celestia was someone I met who was kind and humored us as young fillies and colts trying to do magic. It’s… it’s complicated.” Mayor Mare blinked at her before sighing softly, something sad and nostalgic. “I was glad when Solaria turned the celebration into Memoriam. Outside of Canterlot, none of the other areas in equestrian suffered at all. It was much harder for us to recognize her as Queen and deal with Celestia being gone, along with the obvious change in night and day cycles. Most, if not all of your generation and the youngers adjusted so easily, but… ah, I’m rambling. I just wanted to express my gratitude for your work. You must have more important things to attend to. Please visit City Hall if you need anything, and I’ll make sure Pinkie Pie meets you here. Does noon work?” “Of course. And Mayor Mare, to be honest, what is the view of Queen Solaria here like?” But, first, she had to know how much would she have to watch her step? “Some of the older folk don’t like her very much, but I have told them to watch their tongues while you’re here. They’ll treat you well, and everything should go smoothly.” Although Twilight had to admit, she was worried that they would try to make it challenging to try and honor the late princess and came to a realization that she should have had years ago. Daybreaker had never made it out of Canterlot. All that the ponies outside of the city would have known was that their beloved Princess was banished to the sun a few days after a new alicorn was coronated. She had been too young to understand how far it all went, but she did know it had taken years to smooth things over. “I won’t speak ill of Celestia.” At least while she was here. “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. Well, that got a bit heavy there, but I’ll let you get settled in and rested up for tomorrow. Good night.” With a wave of her hoof goodbye, the earth pony left the unicorn to her devices, who was quick to levitate out their belongings for the few days they would be here. “All right, Spike, let’s go through those lists and find anything relevant to Celestia and the Summer Sun Celebration. Just copy them down while I quickly check how organized the library is..” She pulled out a few random books to try and see how the previous librarian had organized them. …which wasn’t very well. Twilight began pulling them all out, sorting them into piles by genre and then by author. While there were quite a few books to go through, she recognized most of them and was able to sort them quickly within the hour, and then moved on the alphabetizing it all. They worked in silence for a few hours, as she glanced over at the clock every so often to make sure that it wasn’t too late for Spike. “Um, Twilight? I think I found a book you might want to take a look at.” Twilight looked over her shoulder at the young dragon, who sat in front of a hefty open tome. She levitated the book over, reading over the page, and promptly dropped the book. “Oh shit.” She gasped, covering her mouth with her hoof before pointing at him. “Don’t repeat that word.” Spike nodded, glancing back down at the page titled Nightmare Moon. …The Princess Serenia Luna Astoria mia Nova grew jealous of her older sister, turning into the corrupted alicorn and taking on the name Nightmare Moon. While Princess Dawnerri Celestia nora Suphera has told the populace that Nightmare Moon will never return, she has told me the truth. That in a thousand summer sun celebrations, she will return. I and the pillars will be long gone, and we can only pray that the new bearers of the elements of harmony will be enough to save her. I hope that they will succeed where I have failed the youngest princess. Starswirl the Beared