//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Next Stop: Canterlot Station // Story: Into Starlight // by krdragon //------------------------------// Chapter One: Next stop: Canterlot Station. Ruby Moon stepped off the train, taking in the impressive, if small, Canterlot train station. From first impression, Canterlot was far less crowded than her hometown of Fillydelphia. She levitated her extra bags after her as she walked toward the arrival exit. She admired the architecture of the station, with its gentle arcs and sloping curves. It was a great deal more elegant than she was used to, and she enjoyed the change. Near the exit, she saw a poster for the Wonderbolts- No, that wasn't quite right. The colors were all dark. She read the poster and discovered that it was for a new group called the Shadowbolts. Moving on, she exited the station itself and found a bench nearby. Her cousin had told her that they would meet at the station, but her cousin might not have known that her train had come in a little early. Ruby would have a few minutes to herself, at least. She decided to use the time to assure that her appearance was in order. She gave her body a look over, ensuring that her deep purple pelt was free of dirt or dust. Once satisfied, Ruby checked her raspberry pink hair, ensuring that nothing had came loose during her trip. She knew Midnight worked in the royal palace, and if she had any friends with her Ruby wanted to make an excellent first impression. Watching the city around her was rather calming. Fillydelfia was so busy and crowded that she hardly had a moment of peace, even inside her home. Here, outside a public train station, Ruby could hear the birds chirping, the casual chatter of a few ponies and, most notably, her own thoughts. She liked it. >>>====<<< "Ruby?” A familiar voice roused Ruby from the dream she was having about... She wasn't sure. “Ruby. Oh, she's asleep. Should we leave her be?" Ruby sat up, stretching and yawning while she blinked her eyes until they were clear. She looked up at a green unicorn mare with a black mane looking at her. Realizing just what she had done, Ruby jumped to her feet and threw on her saddlebags. "Hi Midnight, how are you? I fell asleep- I mean, you probably noticed that. It was just so quiet here, I couldn't help-" "Ruby, it's quite alright." Her older cousin, Emerald Midnight, couldn't help but smile at the embarrassed unicorn. "I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine, Storm Cloud." She looked to her friend, adding, "This is my cousin, Ruby Moon." Ruby, now coherent enough to hide her embarrassment, finally looked at her company. Storm Cloud was a dark gray pegasus stallion with a dark blue mane. On his head was a purple cap with a blue lightning bolt, and the word 'Shadowbolts' stitched on across. The Stallion noticed her staring at his cap. Quite happy with himself, he said, "I'm the captain of the Shadowbolts. We're pretty new, so you might not have heard of them in Fillydelfia. Right now we've only recruited from Canterlot, but once we've got some basic routines down we're going to have an exhibition in Cloudsdale. We should get some excellent members there to fill the team." Ruby smiled back, noting how much pride was in his voice. Looking back at Midnight, she also noted that Midnight was still smiling at Storm. "So, Midnight, can we head home? I'd love to catch up, but first I want to get off my hooves." The green pony coughed, realizing she had been caught staring, then nodded. Her horn started to glow, but ceased when all of Ruby's bags were enveloped by a bright red glow. "Don't worry about me. I've plenty energy to carry my own bags." Storm Cloud frowned. "Are you certain? It would be no problem." She smiled at him, but shook her head. He shrugged in return, and with that Midnight led them home. >>>====<<< "Ruby, you didn't sleep on the train at all, did you?" Ruby blinked her eyes awake, and lifted her head from her desk. "What? No, I decided to study." Midnight chuckled at her young relative. "And that is why you're applying to Celestia's school. Well, get ready to go. I want to give you a tour of Canterlot before we turn in your application." Midnight left her to get ready, humming a cheery tune. Since it had been morning when she had arrived and Midnight worked at night, Ruby was left to unpack and settle herself in while Midnight slept through the day. Storm had left just before they reached home, and was on the same schedule as Midnight. The city never slept, as they said, when both Princesses were present. After she had pulled out the basics (her books, quills, ink, and paper), Ruby had set out to write to her sisters, Ruby Sunset and Ruby Sunrise, who were in Ponyville and Fillydelfia respectively. However, as Ruby realized while cleaning her face, she had fallen asleep while writing Sunset's letter. Maybe studying for sixteen hours hadn't been such a smart idea. "What am I thinking, of course it was," she said to nopony but herself. Once clean, Ruby Moon hurried out to Midnight, who waited with her cloak on. "Should I wear something?" Ruby asked. Midnight shook her head, confused. "Oh, this? This is what I wear to work. Let us be off, then." The pair left the home they now shared together, and began trotting the magical streets of the capital of Equestria. Ruby had been here before, but she never had enough time to explore the city. She still didn't, tonight at least, but this was still more than she had seen before. The first stop was a restaurant. They were both in need of some 'breakfast' and enjoyed some salad sandwiches. Once they were done they began walking toward the school, Midnight pointing out what the various buildings were along the way. When they came across the Canterlot Theatre, Ruby smiled with a squee. "I remember coming here. Didn't we see that performance on Hearth's Warming Eve?" "Yes, Moon, we did. Sunset was so happy." Ruby Moon nodded, then frowned. "Why didn't Sunset come work here, then?" Midnight shook her head. "I guess you didn't hear from her? They didn't have any open spots. That's why she went to Ponyville. She learned that they only had a small stage, and wanted to change that." "Oh. So she's building a bigger stage?" "Yes, and it is going along well. We'll go visit when she's done." As they passed the theatre, Ruby noticed another Shadowbolts poster. "So, Storm Cloud is captain of the Shadowbolts?" Midnight smiled as she looked at the poster. "Yes, and as a member of Luna's staff, I work with the Shadowbolts from time to time." "How long have you known him?" "Since Luna formed the Shadowbolts, actually. He was actually the one civilian candidate that was recommended by Shining Armor." "Shining Armor? The Captain of the Royal Guard? But why did he have any say? Isn't he a Unicorn?" "Moon, since he's the captain, he knows all his men, even the Pegasi. And both the Wonderbolts and the Shadowbolts are partially made up of Guardsponies. Naturally, he gets to recommend his best ponies. In Storm's case, Shining Armor happened to recommend a weather pony along with a few of his knights." The pair continued on, Midnight telling Ruby what this building or that building was. It was barely another ten minutes before they reached the school. Midnight led Ruby to the staff office, where they saw several ponies working over various bits of paper. One raised her head and looked at the new faces. “Yes? How may I help you?” Her tone was very rich. Possibly spoiled. Midnight smiled as she levitated a letter up to the unicorn. “Here is the acceptance letter for my cousin, Ruby Moon. We were wondering if we could schedule a entry exam.” As the unicorn opened the letter, Midnight spotted a clock on the wall. With a gasp, she started for the door, stopping for just a moment. “Moon, I running a little late. Feel free to stop by the palace at any time. Just mention my name and they will let you in. Bye!” Ruby watched her go, idly thinking about the path back to her new home. Her idleness was interrupted by another gasp, this time behind her. She turned to see the unicorn at the desk staring at the opened letter. She recovered somewhat before addressing Ruby. “Ah, yes, we can set up an appointment right away. Let's see... I think tomorrow about an hour after sunset will do. Is there anything else I can help you with, miss Moon?” “No, but thank you very much.” Ruby smiled and nodded. As Ruby left, she noticed that the office was more frantic than previous. She didn't think a entry exam would be this much of a hassle. She cringed slightly as she walked out the door. Maybe it was a massive test? Deep down inside her stomach, Ruby began to feel nervous. By the time she reached home, she was sick with anticipation. She had been confident about passing the entry exam when she knew she would be moving to Canterlot. After the extensive study session on the train, she had thought nothing would be a challenge. Now, however, Ruby could not suppress the fraying of her nerves. In an effort to calm herself, she dived into her books, studying everything she had one more time. Then twice. After the third time, Ruby had calmed enough to have the presence of mind to glance at the clock. “Four in the morning. I haven't studied this late since...” She smiled at the silliness of her own comment. She studied like this for every test she ever had. Before she could open one of her books again, thought crossed her mind. Ruby cleaned up her books and notes, throwing everything into order in, on, and around the desk in her room. Satisfied, she left the house and started trotting to the palace. Of course, that did mean she trotted to the nearest shop and asked for directions, but in due time Ruby was reaching the gates of the palace with plenty of time to spare before sunrise. Just like Midnight had said, all Ruby had to do was mention her cousin's name and she was granted entry, directions, and offer of an escort which she declined. She walked through the palace, absorbing all she could of the fantastic display of architecture. She admired the beautiful park from a overlooking balcony. She studied, if for a moment, grand tapestries that were taller than her house, in a chamber that would fit her house. She was barely able to contain her curiosity as she followed the directions to the staff entrance to the Hall of the Night Court. As she approached a intersection within the confines of the inner palace, built with a slight interest in function, she saw two brightly armored guards cross along another corridor. As she reached the intersection, she glanced after them, realizing they were heading where she was. Before she could continue to follow them, a pleasant but strong voice greeted her. “Oh, what do we have here? Who are you, my little pony?” Ruby Moon turned around to find herself face to face with her royal majesty, Princess Celestia. Between the surprise of meeting a princess (which the intellectual Ruby pointed out should have been expected, being that they are in the Palace), her natural instinct to bow, and the realization that the Princess asked her for her name, all Ruby could really do was keep her mouth closed as she stared. The Princess, ever kind to her subjects, giggled to fill the awkward silence. The sound at least reminded Ruby that she had been asked a question, and she quickly stuttered out her name. “R-Ruby Moon. I'm Ruby Moon.” Having successfully answered the question, Ruby now remembered her need to bow, and did so. Princess Celestia smiled sweetly at the young unicorn before her. With a gentle hoof, the alicorn raised her from her bow. “What brings you to the palace, Ruby Moon? Can I help you with anything?” Still arguing with her inner self over the likelihood of encountering a Princess within the palace, Ruby answered the question plainly and honestly. “My cousin, Emerald Midnight, is among Princess Luna's staff. She suggested I visit her this night.” “Oh, isn't that sweet. Why don't you follow me, I'm heading to the Night Court at this very moment.” Before Ruby could say anything, the majestic princess walked past her down the corridor. She followed behind, unsure of exactly what she should do in this situation. There wasn't a chance for any silence, however, as the Princess asked another question. “Is there something special about this night, Ruby Moon?” Ruby didn't quite understand at first. “No, not that I know of- Oh. Ah, yes, she invited me because this is my first day in Canterlot. Well, now it's actually my second day. But I've been here before, now I actually live here, so this is my first day living here.” Realizing that she was rambling, Ruby stopped talking suddenly enough for the Princess to giggle. “Well, I hope you enjoy Canterlot. Here we are.” The pair reached a set of double doors, small for the palace (which meant Princess Celestia could walk through them with her wings wide open). The two guards Ruby had seen earlier were posted on either side of the doors, next to a similar but overall dark pair of guard ponies. Both pairs glanced at Ruby, then returned their eyes to staring off into the distance. Ruby resisted her urge to turn and run from this embarrassing situation, and merely pawed her hoof on the ground. The Princesses horn glowed yellow with her magic, and the doors shared the glow as they opened. The Princess began to walk inside and, not knowing what else to do, Ruby followed. The room was exactly what Ruby would have expected from the Lady of the Moon. A veritable throne room with dark tapestries of every constellation along the high walls, a pedestal for speakers to address her, and a dark throne of ebony where the Night Princess herself sat. The door through which the pair had entered was directly to the ebony throne's left, and the Princess was not watching them enter. Rather, she was conversing with a pony at the pedestal. Around the throne were several ponies, most wearing cloaks like the one Midnight was wearing. Actually, Ruby realized, one of those ponies was Midnight herself, and Ruby started toward her for just a moment. She hesitated when she almost passed the Sun Princess, and instead remained by her side, unsure of how to escape without doing anything wrong. Princess Celestia, with Ruby in tow, casually walked forward until she reached the edge of the ponies around Princess Luna. She remained there, quietly watching, with a smirk on her face. Ruby was confused at first, but then, as she looked at the other princess and saw a similar smirk forming, suspected a mild prank was forming. After a few more seconds the nearest pony to Celestia glanced at the newly arrived pair, reverted to watching the discussion, then did a double take. She turned and bowed. All around her, the cloaked ponies turned and bowed, raising up after a moment. The first one said something to the Princess, but Ruby did not quite catch it as she was focused on the rather audible gasp coming from her cousin. Midnight approached her, nodding her head to Princess Celestia at every step. “Moon-” Midnight started, but she wasn't quite sure what she wanted to say. After glancing between Ruby and the Princess several times, she finally asked, “Did you get a appointment for the school?” Ruby nodded yes, but before she could announce the time that same pleasant but strong voice was talking again, and she knew that she was addressing her. “Are you applying to My School?” Ruby timidly turned her head to the Princess and nodded, a little slower this time. “Then I hope to see you during class. I suspect you are quite the studious unicorn.” Another voice, quite strong at first, but settling down as she continued speaking, added a question. “Ah, sister, tis that time already. Well, we have a guest. Might I guess that this is the cousin you mentioned, Emerald Midnight?” “Yes, Luna, this is Ruby Moon.” Midnight nodded to Ruby. “Moon, this is Princess Luna.” “Nice to meet you, Princess.” Ruby gave her something of a half bow, half curtsey. “I would ask that you call me Luna, Ruby Moon.” Luna had a confident smile on her face, as though she asked this many times. “Nice to meet you... Luna.” Ruby decided it would take while to get used to calling her that. “We- that is, myself and Emerald Midnight, look forward to your entry exam as well, Ruby Moon. What time did they set for thy appointment?” Ruby smiled meekly, “They said one hour after sunset tomorrow- I mean tonight.” Luna nodded to Midnight. “Very well. After sunset tomorrow, I shall meet you at my sister's school.” Ruby frowned. “I'm sorry, did you say you are going to meet Midnight at the school? Um, Princess?” “Please, Luna. Yes, I will be sitting in on your exam. I am looking forward to seeing your capabilities, Ruby Moon. My pardons, but I must be going, we are almost late for the rising of the sun and setting of the moon.” The Princesses walked away, Midnight tried to apologize with a smile, and Ruby remained frozen, unable to hold her mouth close this time. “You mean to say... Princess Luna is going to watch my exam?” Midnight had trouble making eye contact with her younger cousin. “Not exactly. More like... She's going to be a guest judge.” It was all Ruby could do not to faint.