//------------------------------//
// Chapter Two - Light Luster 
// Story: Watch Me 
// by ImScaredofPeople 
//------------------------------//

The rest of the day went just as expected, though, Light was surprised he'd managed to stay awake through the entire thing. Professor Upbeat was characteristically bubbly about the pockets of quicksand and detailed rock formations in the Badlands, but it was hard to pay much attention to her lecture when his brain was as fuzzy as it was. The enticing lull of sleep was a major part of it - he was having trouble keeping his eyes open even during his favourite classes - but he still couldn't shake flashing images of a certain pony out of his mind. 

There was a cloud of mystery hanging over Fizz that Light was aching to clear. There was a story behind his blank flank and a reason he seemed to dislike being here so much that Light couldn't figure out. It wasn't hard to see why, as he'd only been through a singular class period with about three full sentences between them, but questions upon questions were still wiggling their way into his subconscious. 

He was given a blissfully quiet moment, freed from the endless chatter of students, as he made his way up the winding staircase to the small observatory. Questions were still stubbornly sticking to the inside of his brain, but they were fading quickly at the joyous prospect of another afternoon filled with tranquil chatter with ponies just as absorbed in the stars as Light was. 

"Light!" Pepper Pot's voice rang out as soon as he stepped through the old wooden door at the top of the staircase, and excited hoove steps pattered against the dark blue-marbled floor as the crimson mare drummed her front hooves. "You won't believe what Splashwave just told me!"

Light let out a content sigh as he entered the calmingly familiar space. It wasn't big to begin with, but an elaborate model of a galaxy of planets carved out of gold hung from the middle of the ceiling, making it seem much smaller. Sunlight streaming in through the open walls sent dazzling patterns onto the floor and columns holding up the roof as it reflected off the gems set into the piece, and Light had picked up a habit of touching a hoof to the multi-coloured designs when he walked past them. 

Making his way around the side of the tower, two unicorns came into view. Splashwave - her greenish-blue mane swept into a braid - was sat with her eye pressed against the eyepiece of one of the telescopes set around the room despite the sun still warming her light orange coat. Pepper stood next to her, still tapping her hooves, green eyes wide in disbelief. Her puffy dark red mane was messier than usual and dark bags were barely noticeable under her eyes. 

"Does it have something to do with why she's looking through a telescope even though it's still light out and there's no way she can see any stars?" Light said, amused, setting his saddlebag against a nearby column and sitting down to wait out the inevitable back-and-forth between them that would commence. 

"She didn't see any of the meteor shower last night!" Pepper exclaimed. Splashwave snorted and lifted her head away from the telescope. 

"I had a concert," she replied, magic enveloping her horn as her braid carefully undid itself. "And there happens to be a formation of cirriform clouds that the telescope brings perfectly into view."

"Yeah, sure," Pepper scoffed, ignoring the topic of clouds altogether. "But you still could've gone out to look afterwards. It went on for ages. You would've had plenty of time."

"And you know this how?" Splashwave raised an eyebrow and Pepper paused.

"I might've... stayed out until it was over," She admitted, enticing a sigh from the other mare. "But it was really pretty! And I know plenty of spells to keep myself awake so you can't scold me about making sure I get enough sleep for classes."

"I can, and I will," Splashwave pointed her muzzle up into the air with a flick of her tail. 

"Well then, maybe I'll just have to tie your muzzle shut," Pepper retorted, mimicking her actions. 

"Why, you little..." Splashwave grinned, jumping onto her hooves and darting towards Pepper. They collided and Pepper let out a squeal, which developed into a fit of giggles as Splashwave started to tickle her. Pepper squirmed and tried in vain to push the hooves away, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes as she laughed. 

"Okay, okay! I give up!" She cried between gasps of breath, going limp in surrender. "You win! I give up! I give up." 

Splashwave laughed triumphantly and leaped away from her, doing a little victory dance before collapsing into giggles. Light rolled his eyes, a small smile etched onto his face. It was so easy to sit back and have a little peace with those two idiots.