//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Of Sapphire Eye's & Fluttershy's // Story: Silhouette In The Sky // by The_Dash //------------------------------// Silhouette In The Sky, Chapter 6: Of Sapphire Eye’s & Fluttershy’s. For the times we wander, we shall forever walk side by side. The earth beneath, beguiled by the silver allure of Luna, while Solis blesses those who falter to her sisters charms. I will forever wait, for the day that you and I shall be reunited. For the times we wander, we shall forever walk side by side, or path guided by Sol et Luna. “Lunae lucem orationem.” Luna whispered to herself, watching the last of her moons beauty fade, as her sisters sun slowly rose in it’s place. “Ah Lunae lucem orationem...I haven’t heard it in centuries, what made you think of it?” Celestia asked, as she sat next to her sister, watching the rays of her sun stretch out across their kingdom. “I don’t know really, it just came to me suddenly,” Luna replied. She smiled as she spoke, turning her gaze to rest upon her sister. “Has it really been centuries,” she asked suddenly. “I believe so, though I couldn’t give you an exact date.” Celestia smiled, closing her eyes, as she inhaled deeply the early morning air. “Will you be returning to your chambers now...Lulu?” Her smile took on a mischievous look, as she called Luna by her childhood nickname. Knowing full well how her sister despised it. “I had thought about joining you for breakfast, Cele, but I’m not so sure about it now,” Luna replied. She shot Celestia her own mischievous grin, as she saw the look on her sisters face. “Well, well, well...Lulu, when did your nickname stop bothering you?” Celestia was a bit taken aback by Luna’s reply, yet somewhat entertained. “Could my dear Lulu be growing up,” Celestia asked, covering her mouth, as she chuckled. “Maybe,” she replied. Luna’s gaze had shifted from her sister, as she stared off into the distance, watching the pony’s within the city of Canterlot begin to stir. “Is something wrong,” Celestia asked. She stared at her sister, noticing the reserved smile she bore, and the quiet melancholy look in her eyes. “Sister what troubles you?” Luna shook her head, waving a forehoof dismissively, as she turned her attention back to Celestia. “Nothing my dear sister, just memories...memories that I wonder if I should hold onto.” With those words Luna rose as the regalia she wore on her hooves, softly, clacked on the marble floor of Celestia’s balcony. “I know you speak of James sister, but I don’t understand why you torment yourself so with thoughts of him. I feel as if there is nothing I can do to help you, to help you heal, if you don’t let go.” Celestia stood, the same soft echo of regalia against marble echoing out as she did so, moving closer to her sister. “You know he doesn’t have his memories anymore, you know he doesn’t remember you...so why hold on and suffer,” she asked. Celestia stood silently for a moment after she spoke, before wrapping one of her wings around Luna. “I just want you to smile again Lulu.” Luna was silent for a moment, a moment that lasted an eternity to her, as she felt the solitude she’d known during her banishment slowly return. “What you say is true, but I can not simply forget him,” she replied finally, forcing down the lump building in her throat. “I can’t...to forget him, would be just as if I were denying my part in his old life ending, and I will not allow that.” Luna sighed as she leaned against Celestia, nuzzling her face into her sisters prismatic mane. Celestia lowered her head, resting it upon Luna’s lightly. “Lulu...you’re not to blame for his death, he is the only one at fault,” Celestia whispered softly, trying to comfort the younger alicorn. “Why do you keep blaming yourself?” “I was all he had.” Luna shifted her gaze up towards Celestia, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I know I told you I found him...when he...when he tried to take his life,” she spoke softly. Luna feared the surge of emotion that would undoubtedly follow, sadness, anger. The sensation she felt tugging at her heart, when she realized time and time again, how close she’d really come to losing him. “Lulu,” Celestia whispered, as she stroked Luna’s mane. “I’m sure you’re just overthinking things. Surely he had his parents, and what of siblings?” “He was all alone,” she replied. Her voice seemed to just vanish, every word, growing more and more quietly. “His mother, and father, both died when he was but a small boy...no brother nor sister. He was truly all alone...those that housed him, they didn’t care about him,” she paused. Luna thought back to all the times she would find James crying into that old teddy bear of his, all the times she would sit in silence, embracing him as he wept. “I was all he had, and I just left him.” A tear slipped free from the corner of her eye, trailing a path down her elegant face, before being brushed away by Celestia, “But did you not tell me that it was James that left you, wasn’t he the one who vanished, leaving you heart broken,” Celestia asked. Luna only nodded in reply, stifling the sobs that wished to escape her. “Yes, but I’m beginning to think I was wrong.” Luna couldn’t do anything but think, her mind returning to the night she discovered James. “I opened the portal to James’s world, just like I had done so many times before...but something felt...odd.” She stood from her sister, leaving the warm embrace of her wing, and made her way to the edge of the balcony. Luna leaned back, propping her forelegs on the railing, as she closed her eyes. Celestia quickly followed her sister, choosing rather to sit at her side, than stand. “What happened next, you can tell me.” Celestia spoke, placing a hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “I went to the home where I would often visit James, yet as before, he wasn’t there...only an empty, barren room. I must admit I’d lost hope, I mean how was I supposed to find him.” Luna asked. She didn’t seek an answer from her sister, only understanding, which she could see in Celestia’s eyes. “I was about to depart, come back to Equestria with my tail between my legs...when...when something I still can’t explain happened.” Luna stopped for a moment, pushing off of the railing, as she moved to sit by her sister. “Well, what exactly happened?” “I felt him...I heard him call out to me.” Luna closed her eyes, still finding it hard to believe herself, but she could still feel it. Celestia sighed, a weak smile playing at her lips. “When one feels strongly for another, often bonds are formed,” Celestia spoke softly. “A bond born in the heart, a bond that all may know, but only few truly do. This bond is known as friendship, and many times over it has proved to be more powerful than any magic. Though we may not see it, or even be able to rationalize it...we can always know it, and feel it. Because when two hearts are connected through friendship, no door is ever closed, and no barrier ever separates.” Luna smiled, as she wiped away a tear. “Truly beautiful words my dear sister, and they are appreciated.” She leaned against Celestia once more, closing her eyes, as she relaxed. “I closed my eyes, thats when I saw it..,” she said, trailing off. “What exactly did you see, James?” “No, then again...maybe it was.” She was admittedly just as confused now by the strange occurrence, than she was when it happened. “I saw a beam of pure beautiful light, more amazing than any moonlight I have ever created, it’s brilliance rivaling that of your sun’s. I was captivated by it...I felt as a moth to the flame...enticed, entranced. I was filled with the warmth of heart that I found at James side, the calming serenity I found in his voice..,” she said tenderly. Celestia found herself becoming teary eyed at her sister's words, feeling their truth, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. “You loved him...didn’t you?” “I still do,” Luna whispered. “I followed the light, even with my eyes closed, I soared through the sky. It wasn’t until I’d nearly reached James, that I realised the light, was fading...quickly.” Luna sighed once more, as graphic images of how she’d found James, came to her. “I entered his window, finding nothing but a small note on a writing desk...before I was overwhelmed by the scent of a strong spirit, and blood.” Luna turned her gaze to Celestia, her eyes swelling, as she fought to hold back her tears. “I followed the mixture of scents to the bathroom, where I was greeted with sadness, and despair. I saw James sitting there, his eyes closed, blood flowing from his wrists. I called out to him most certainly sure that he had already passed, but through weakened beats of his heart, and labored breaths...he spoke.” Celestia sat there, listening intently to her sister, unable until now to fully grasp the severity of the state Luna had discovered James in. She knew Luna had spoken to her briefly about it before, but not in such detail, not in such a way that she could almost swear she’d seen it personally. “Luna...I had...I had no idea.” For the first time in a millennia, Celestia was speechless. “I’m sorry,” she said sheepishly. She realized now how wrong she’d been in assuming Luna had brought James to Equestria without just cause. “No apology is needed sister, I know full well that you only wish for the safety of our subjects...but know that I would never have brought James here, unless I knew he would not be a danger.” Luna smiled, hugging her sister tightly, wrapping one of her wings around Celestia. “The rest...well you already know. I saved James, by convincing him to let me bring him here, and now he’s a pegasus. A pegasus with no memories of who he was, the life he lived, or the bonds he formed.” Luna stretched, as she pulled her wing away from Celestia, before letting out yawn. “It seems that you’re tired dear sister,” Celestia said with a smile. “Perhaps you’d like to sleep, I’m sure the retelling of James’s story is hard on you?” “It is, but as I said...I cannot just forget it.” Luna sighed, as she rested against her sister, enjoying the warmth of her coat. “I know I wanted to blame James for leaving me, I wanted to despise him, to forget him,” she said, wiping away a tear. “But once he realised the voice that called out to him was my own, he said something that I cannot even understand.” “What did he say, or was it just random words of a man upon death’s door?” Celestia was curious, though she did her best to hide it. She did not want her sister feeling as if she was trying to pry, or as if she were interested in the details of James’s death...but she was. Celestia wanted to know what was said, she ached to know why her sister was still so enthralled by this former human, who had lived a life so distraught that he would end it. Luna’s body quivered, trying desperately to hold back the unshed tears, the heaving sobs that racked her form. “He said he had waited for me, he’d waited for me many years...he waited many lonely nights,” Luna trailed off. She recalled James stretching out across the bathroom floor, desperately reaching out to her. “Even after I told him that he would forget everything, his only question was...would he forget me. I can still remember the look in his eyes as I told him he would, the heartbreak in his voice, as he spoke again. He said that no matter what his new life brought him, that he would find me again, that he...” Luna couldn’t hold it in anymore, as she began to softly weep. Celestia embraced her sister, tightly, lovingly. She almost cradled her younger sister, seeing the pain she was in emotionally. “Lulu,” she whispered. “You do not need to continue sister, I believe I understand.” “No, Celestia you don’t,” Luna replied. Her tone dripped with sadness, as her mind was plagued by a longing to see James once more, to simply be at his side. “The last words he said to me...he said that he loved me.” Celestia’s eyes widened. Could he really have loved Luna, she thought. “My dearest sister your heart aches, as does mine, at having to see you like this. I see you longing to be by his side once more, so tell me...why can’t you go to him?” “The spell I used on James, it didn’t erase his memories, it simply sealed them,” Luna said to her sister. “I simply sealed them away, trying to erase them fully, could have destroyed his mind. The only catch to the spell, is that it needs a trigger, in case one was to ever want to break the seal on the memories. I cannot see James, cannot speak with him, for one reason only,” Luna sighed after she spoke. She leaned back slowly, her eyes turning to stare up at Celestia’s with a mournful gaze. “I am the trigger, I am the only thing in all of Equestria that can release James’s memories. I am the only thing that keeps James from remembering his past, and I am the only one who can make him relive the tragedies of that life.” “You sacrificed your own happiness, your own feelings of love & friendship, so that James could know a new life free of despair...You subjected yourself to a life of simply watching from afar, of caring from a distance, just so he may know of all the good in life.” Celestia squeezed her sister gently, nuzzling her face into Luna’s mane. “You really have grown up Lulu,” she said, as she stared down at her sister. “You have learned, accepted, and put into practice one of the greatest virtues in friendship...self-sacrifice.” A tear rolled down Celestia’s graceful cheek as she spoke. She was proud of her sister, proud that she would so valiantly put others well being, and emotions before hers. Yet she was saddened, saddened beyond words, by the situation Luna had gotten herself into. “Come sister, it is time for you to rest. Let the weight of the world, and your emotions melt away, and rest. I shall watch over you, as I have always done,” Celestia paused for a moment, letting out a small sigh, as she kissed the top of Luna’s head. “I shall even watch over James for you.” Luna gazed up at her sister, her eyes still shimmering with tears, as a faint smile graced her lips. “Thank you sister.” She spoke softly, nuzzling her face against Celestia’s neck. “I shall rest easy knowing you will watch over him.” Luna leaned away from her sister, and stood, wiping a few tears from her face. “Maybe one day, when I can talk about such things without crying, I shall tell you of my time with James.” With that Luna turned, walking into Celestia’s room, as she made way to the large chamber door. “You are very welcome Lulu, and I’d really enjoy hearing about your time spent with James.” Celestia smiled at her sister, delighted that her words had brought her some comfort. “Cele,” Luna called over her shoulder, as she opened the door. “Yes?” “I just want you to know, that I love you.” Celestia felt a warmth in her heart at her sister's words, doing her best to ignore the tears that sat in the corners of her pale magenta eyes. “I know, and I love you, my dear sister.” With that Luna offered one final week smile, as she left Celestia’s room, and headed to her own to sleep. Once Luna had left, Celestia let out a soft sigh, wiping the forming tears from her eyes. How I do pity your situation sister, but I can see now that there is nothing I can do to help, this is something you must face on your own. I will stand at your side though, and do all that I can, to make sure you stay safe. Celestia thought, before her horn began to glow with the bright hue of her magic. She waved a hoof before her, as a small rift formed, and soon expanded into a small portal. “Oh hello princess. You must have something important for me this time, I mean if you’re opening up a direct link like this,” called a light aquamarine mare, her horn glowing a brilliant amber. “Yes. Tell me, have there been any rumors about a new pegasus in Ponyville?” Celestia spoke in a low tone. She was sure Luna was well out of earshot, but still she’d rather her actions not be known. “Well now that you mention it...I’ve heard a few things about this pegasus named James,” she replied. “Oh! well that’s marvelous,” Celestia said with a smile. “Tell me what you’ve heard?” “Well...uh...gosh, let me think.” She moved a hoof to her chin, sitting in thought for a moment, before clapping her hooves together. “Ah now I remember! Word is that he’s staying with the apple’s over at their orchard, also I’ve heard that he’s been seen with Applejack in town, as well as Rarity. I think I also heard Rainbow Dash even ditched weather patrol the other day, just to give the guy flying lessons...not to mention the ruckus he and the Cutie Mark Crusaders caused...something about a giant exploding muffin, if I remember correctly.” “Well it seems like James has been busy,” Celestia replied. So that’s where you ran off to Rainbow Dash, I’ll have to be sure to have a word with you. Celestia thought, with a sly grin. “Uh princess...you okay?” “What?” Celestia answered absentmindedly, returning her focus to the portal before her. “My apologies, I drifted off there” She coughed, clearing her throat, before she spoke again. “I need you to observe James for me, and report his actions, daily.” “So you just want me to watch him? No assassination, or anything like that,” she asked, almost sounding a bit disappointed. “Now my dear, not every mission I hand down to you will require you to take out a tyrannical foreign dictator, besides this task is very important. I won’t go into details at this moment...but keeping an eye on that pegasus, will insure the safety of the kingdom.” “Wow, he must be important or something,” she said with a quizzical gaze. She wanted to know more, but she knew asking would be futile, given Celestia’s record of keeping her assignments strictly under wraps. She wouldn’t take the chance of letting information leak, less her somewhat...unsavory orders became public. “Well whatever your reasoning, it’s not my place to question it. Should I begin the assignment immediately?” “It would be appreciated, and remember...don’t let him know you’re watching,” Celestia said with a smile. “He won’t even know I’m there. I’ll send you my first report by this evening princess.” “Good, I will send for you later in the week, so I may give you more information about James. Now I must go, I have matters to attend to, and I look forward to your report my little pony.” With that Celestia closed the portal, before allowing a soft sigh to escape her. Dear sister, I understand now...but I cannot allow him to run about unattended, not until I’m absolutely certain he’ll do no one harm... -------------------------------------------Meanwhile at Sweet Apple Acres------------------------------------ “ACHOO!” James sneezed suddenly, throwing himself off balance. “Oh no, no...no,” he shouted. He tried desperately to maintain his balance, as well as the balance of the apple bushel he carried. He stumbled around for a moment, narrowly avoiding Big Mac in the process, before finally regaining his balance. Thats was almost bad, he thought with a relieved sigh. “Gesundheit,” Big Mac quickly replied, in his normally stoic manner. “Thanks Big Mac, I don’t really know where that one came from,” James said, with a small chuckle. “I guess someone’s talking about me.” The brown pegasus said in passing, as he tried to remember if one sneeze meant good things were being said. “Eeyup.” “Your as riveting a conversationalist as ever Big Mac,” James said deadpanning. “Eeyup,” Big Mac replied, with a wry grin. James simply let out a sigh, as he and Big Mac reached the barn, and sat the apple bushels’ down. James stretched, his body feeling lighter than normal, after finally being free of the bushel’s added weight. He’d been up since sunrise once again trying to fill in for Applejack, but resorted back to simply carrying apple bushels’. “Well I guess the rest is up to you big guy, you sure you can handle it alone,” James asked, quickly receiving a nod from the red stallion. “Well then, I guess I’ll head back to the house and get cleaned up, see you later Big Mac,” James called, receiving another nod from Big Mac. He began making his way through the orchard, following the worn trail that twisted through the field of trees, a light hearted smile across his face. You know I’m really starting to enjoy all this, even the work. He thought happily, as he stretched his wings. I mean this whole farming thing, isn’t so bad now that my legs and wings don’t hurt with every step...although I’m still not a hundred percent yet. “Well howdy James. Would you like to help me cook up some lunch?” Granny Smith called from the kitchen, when James walked into the house. “I even got all the applesauce outta the chicken suit,” she said with a smile, as James poked his head into the kitchen. “Uh...sorry Granny Smith, I uh actually gotta get cleaned up, and head into town.” He felt a shiver go down his spine, as she mentioned the chicken suit. So...so...so much applesauce...applesauce everywhere. “Well alright then, best hurry along...don’t wanna keep the young lady waiting,” Granny Smith said, with a grin. James could feel his face turn red, as heat rushed to his cheeks. “It’s nothing like that.” He replied quickly, turning away from the elder green mare. “I’m just going to meet a friend for lunch...anyways I’ll see you later Granny Smith.” James quickly made his way through the living room, and headed up the stairs, to the bathroom. A sigh escaped James as he closed the door, and leaned against it, taking in the simple bathroom. A nice shower sounds amazing right now, he thought. James pushed himself off the door, yawning, as he made his way to the tub. I mean yeah it’s a lunch date, but it’s not like a ‘date’ date, he thought, pulling the shower curtain back. James sighed, as he rubbed the back of his head, popping his neck in the process. He turned on the shower, stretching out a forehoof, testing the warmth of the water. Once it was acceptable to the pegasus, he stepped in, sliding the shower curtain shut around him. He smiled as he felt the warm water soak his coat, and admired the feel of it against his somewhat sore wings, and legs. I can’t believe I’ve already made so many friends. James thought; as images of The Apples, Rainbow, and Rarity all flashed through his head. Oh! I can’t forget about The Cutie Mark Crusaders. He let out a soft chuckle, as he pushed his wet hair from his eyes, and went about cleaning himself up. James stepped out from the bathroom after several minutes, a small cloud of steam following, and headed to his room. James shook his head, tossing his shaggy mane back and forth, pausing every so often to push down a stray strand of hair. Looking himself over in the mirror, that sat atop the small dresser in his room, he smiled at his work. “There, it looks delightfully disheveled.” James let out a small laugh after he spoke, before turning his attention to smoothing out his tail. He gave himself one last look over, nodding in approval, before turning and leaving his room. I wonder what time I should head to Carousel Boutique? He thought, drifting off into his own thought filled world, as he often did. What if I was already supposed to be there!? He thought suddenly, as he hurried down the stairs, waving to Granny Smith as he rushed out the door. ----------------------------Hey look everyone! A conveniently placed timeskip!-------------------------- Rarity was sitting on her couch going over a few new dress designs, peering through her work glasses, as she scribbled down notes. “Hmmmm, I believe an different stitching pattern would just make this divine,” she commented to herself, when she heard a knock at her door. “Just one moment,” she called. Rarity sat down her design sketchings, along with her glasses, as she stood from her couch. She made her way to the door, and opened it with a smile, when she saw James on the other side looking a bit...rattled. “My word James, are you alright?” James nodded in reply, a bit too winded at the moment to speak. “Please do come in, and sit.” Rarity ushered James in, closing the door behind him, and watched as he slumped down onto the couch. “Darling you look absolutely exhausted, would you like some tea, water perhaps,” she asked, moving to James’s side. “No...no...I’m alright, just winded.” He finally replied, trying to slow his breathing. “Well what happened?” James inhaled deeply, letting out a deep sigh, as his breath finally came to him. “Well...it’s kinda hard to explain, and I really don’t believe what happened myself.” James said after a moment, scratching the back of his head, as he thought over his words. “Well I was heading over here, and kinda took a wrong turn through the orchard,” he admitted with a sheepish grin. “Next thing I knew I was in a cave, tripped on something, and had a very angry dragon...or at least I think that’s what it was, chasing me.” “Giant, covered in scales, breathing fire...?” “Yeah that’d be the thing that was chasing me.” “Yes darling, that was indeed a dragon.” “I thought so, anyways, it chased me for a good solid thirty or so minutes.” James paused, shuddering at the thought of the terrifying creature. “After I finally lost him, which was no easy feat by the way, I didn’t really know where I was.” “My word, how did you find your way back,” Rarity asked, as she stared at James with a concerned look. “Well finding my way back was completely accidental, I kinda just wandered around, until I saw this grey pegasus flying overhead. I tried to get her attention, but she was too busy eating a muffin to notice me. Needless to say I just followed the direction she’d been flying in, and eventually found myself on the outskirts of town.” Once James had finished he sighed, rubbing the side of his neck, as he thought. Rarity laughed softly, covering her mouth with a hoof, as she stared at James. “Well I’m certainly glad you’re alright.” “Ye..yeah...thanks Rarity,” James said, blushing. She continued to laugh, as she watched his face turn red. Oh Rarity you are just awful, she thought. “So then James, I’m sure after your ‘ordeal’ that you’re quite famished. Shall we go an get some lunch?” She stood as she spoke, moving to take her saddlebags from a small table, by her sewing machine. James was about to answer, when his stomach sudden growled, causing his blush to intensify. Rarity simple laughed once more, as she walked past him, and stopped by the door. “Well then, shall we?” James nodded, as he stood, following Rarity. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden blanket across Equestria, as Rarity and James walked the streets of Ponyville. They didn’t really say much, each enjoying the beauty of the world around them, in comfortable silence. Rarity finally broke the silence, as she pointed out that the large tree they passed was in fact the library, and home of Twilight Sparkle. “You haven’t met Twilight yet have you,” Rarity asked, looking to James, as they continued walking. “No, afraid not.” “Well I’ll be sure to introduce you two sometime, she’s absolutely darling.” Rarity smiled as she spoke. “Oh look there’s Bon Bon and Ly...huh I swear Lyra was just standing there.” Rarity quickly shook off her quick bought with confusion, and cleared her throat, as she flipped her mane. “Well then, it would seem we’re here, I hope the food here is to your liking?” James was a bit taken aback from the sight of the restaurant he found himself before. What...what’s with all the fancy get ups? He thought, seeing ponies in fancy clothing all around him. “Are we still in Ponyville,” he asked, a bit bewildered. Rarity couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “Yes we are darling, but this is...how do I say, one of Ponyville’s more higher end restaurants.” “I...I can’t even begin to say the name...La Mare...” James stopped, finding it rather difficult to even attempt to sound out the rest. “La Mare Lumineux, it means The Shining Mare.” “Well that’s great and all,” James said, pausing as he scratched his head. “But I don’t think I can afford anything in this place, let alone pronounce anything.” “Nonsense darling, I’ll be paying for the meal,” Rarity said suddenly. “What!? Oh no Rarity I can’t let you pay for my meal, that would be rude, and...” James would have continued, had he not found Rarity’s hoof to his lips. “Shush, I am paying, and I’ll hear no more of it.” Rarity flipped her mane as she spoke, slowly lowering her hoof. “And if you should find yourself not able to understand the menu, then I’ll take the liberty of ordering for you.” James cleared his throat, undoubtedly trying not to think about Rarity’s hoof against his lips, before he spoke. “Alright, alright...you know you’re very persuasive,” he said with a chuckle. “A true lady can always get what she wants darling, it’s just a matter of how she goes about it.” Rarity winked at James as she spoke, inciting another fit of blushing, as she lead him into the finely decorated restaurant. “Ahh Madame’ Rarity, it is a pleasure to see you as always, I take it you want your usual table,” asked a rather formally dressed grey stallion, his cobalt mane and tail cropped short, and well maintained. “Yes Jean, and please bring over an extra chair, I will be having a guest joining me for lunch today. Rarity replied, sounding even more proper than usual. Jean replied with a simple nod, casting James a condescending glance from the corner of his eye, before heading out onto the dining floor. Is there something wrong with me? James thought, feeling rather hurt by the condescending look of the male Earth pony, though he did his best to hide it. Once Rarity and himself had been seated, James glanced around the dining floor, taking note of all the exquisite decorations. Within a few moments drinks were brought out to the table, at which point the waiter asked for their order. As James had feared, he was left completely speechless, as he couldn’t make head nor tail of the menu he’d been given. “My friend will have the linguine aux tomates, and I’ll have the daisy salade cesar.” Rarity quickly chimed in, seeing the confusion on James’s face. “Ah marvelous choice madame’,” the waiter replied, as he took the menu from the table, and hurried off. James let out a, somewhat, frustrated sigh once the waiter left. He turned his gaze to Rarity and smiled weakly, offering her a quick thanks for her help. The rest of lunch went well, as James and Rarity spoke. James speaking of what he did to help out around Sweet Apple Acres, and the flying lesson he’d had with Rainbow Dash...even the less than, dignifying situations the Cutie Mark Crusaders dragged him into. While Rarity spoke of her business, and of upcoming fashion shows she hoped to be attending, as well as her interest in giving James a make over. The latter of which prompted James into figuring out a polite way to decline. Once their food was delivered they ate in silence, due mostly impart to Rarity stating it was rude to converse while one’s mouth was full. Which given James’s current voracious appetite, translated roughly into, just shut up and eat. Once James deftly devoured his meal, he still couldn’t pronounce it but found it delicious all the same, he let out a relieved sigh. “Well that was...a wondrous meal,” He remarked, with a smile. “Thank you Rarity.” “Think nothing of it darling, sometimes it’s good to indulge ones...sophisticated tendencies.” Rarity wiped the corners of her mouth, delicately, as she spoke. “So then, are you ready for your day to get even better,” she asked. James stared at her quizzically, thinking for a moment about what she could mean, when suddenly he remembered...the spa. “Oh...yes...you mean the spa, I uh actually have some pressing matters to attend to, and unfortunately won’t be able to accompany you.” “My, my James, I had no word you could speak with such sophistication,” Rarity replied, batting her eyelashes. “But you’re not getting out of it.” She smiled deviously, causing James to feel a bit uneasy. “But I...” “Ah, ah, ah no buts. Really James it’s extremely impolite to refuse a lady’s request, especially after she’s bought you lunch,” she said, casting James commanding stare. She’s...surprisingly intimidating. He thought, before laughing nervously. “Of course what was I thinking, that would be terribly rude of me, wouldn’t it?” James found it a little strange that he was so submissive to Rarity. Am I just being kind, or am I really intimidated...have I always been this much of a pushover? He thought, before being brought back to reality by the sudden appearance of their waiter. “Your check madame’,” He said, in his uptight manner, as James would come to call it. Rarity nodded, thanking him as she reached into one of her saddlebags, pulling a small coin pouch from it. “Here we are, keep the whatever is left as a tip,” she said. The waiter thanked her, and turned quickly, scurrying back into the kitchen. “Well then James, let us not keep Aloe and Lotus waiting, they’re expecting us.” “Who,” James replied, with a questioning tone. “Ah yes I forgot you’ve never been to the spa, please do forgive me. Aloe and Lotus are the sisters who own, and operate the spa.” With that Rarity stood, as James quickly followed suit walking through the dining floor, and out the main entrance. James inhaled deeply the still fresh, crisp, air that occupied Ponyville. Though they’d spent the better part of two hours in the restaurant, ponies still bustled about, even more than James had remembered it seemed. He walked alongside Rarity, once again becoming a silent listener, as she spoke of the spa. “James I’m almost assured that you’ll love the spa, I myself make it a point to stop in once a week, once you leave...you’ll be coming back time and time again...we can make a habit of it,” she said, adding a bit of emphasis towards the end. James simply sighed in reply, thinking of how he would occupy his thoughts, as he sat through the spa treatments. They continued their walk, and James continued his listening about the spa, when soon he came to be standing before it. James stood in place, gazing at the building, when Rarity called to him from the door. “James.” “I’m coming,” he replied, taking a moment to collect, and prepare himself. Lets do this. He thought, as he walked through the entrance with Rarity. James was immediately overpowered by the mixed scents of oils, lotions, and scented candles. Though...he had to admit...it wasn’t a bad thing. He was a bit surprised by the sudden appearance of the ‘Spa Ponies’, as Rarity had called them, but even more so their mirroring colors. “Hello Rarity,” Lotus said with a smile, as she flipped her rose colored mane. “Is this the friend you spoke of,” Aloe asked with a smile. “Yes girls, this is James, and this is his first time in a spa...ever.” Rarity paused dramatically after she spoke, casting James a quick glance. “Well then, should Aloe and I give him the works?” “Oh yes darling, work him over completely, I want him looking like a new colt when you two are finished with him.” James could swear he saw a mischievous grin playing at the corner of Rarity’s lips, after she spoke. “And as for moi, well I’ll have my usual treatment.” The sisters nodded in reply, as Aloe showed Rarity to her usual changing area so she could get her robe, while James was left facing Lotus. “Uh...hi,” James said shyly, his face turning blood red, as Lotus leaned forward to get a better look of him. Do I have something on my face. He thought, desperately trying to avoid eye contact with her. “Hmmm, come this way.” Lotus said , finally, after a few moments of awkward silence...or at least awkward on James’s part. “Okay,” James replied, following the cerulean mare back towards a vacant room. After several minutes a shrill shout escaped out into the spa, causing Aloe and Rarity to both smile, as they shot an entertained look at each other. ------------------------------------What’s that? Timeskip? Okay, coming up!------------------------------- “Come now James, it wasn’t all that bad,” Rarity said with a laugh, as she looked across the bath at the irritated pegasus. “Remind me to get you back for this,” James said, his tone irate. “I’ve never been so worked over in my life...I mean, I didn’t even know I could bend that way.” He sighed as he attempted to relax in the soothing bath. “Although the...what was it...preening, I think? Well whatever they called it, that part was enjoyable at least.” James had to admit it did feel rather nice, and this bath wasn’t hurting that thought in the least. “See, I told you,” Rarity said with a smile, when she heard a very ‘faint’, yet familiar voice. “Why hello Rarity.” Fluttershy called from the edge of the bath. “I didn’t expect to see you here today.” The soft spoken pegasus said happily, before taking notice of James, and quickly hiding behind Rarity. “Oh well Fluttershy, whatever are you doing,” she asked, before remembering her friends...shy...nature towards pony’s she didn’t know. “Silly me.” Rarity said with a smile, slowly coaxing the yellow pegasus from behind her. “Fluttershy dear, this is my new friend James. James this is Fluttershy, one of my closest friends. “It’s a pleasure to meet you fluttershy,” James said, slightly taken back by her initial reaction at seeing him. “I’m sorry if I startled you, I must admit, I scare myself sometimes.” James laughed softly as he spoke. “Oh...no you...I mean...oh that is,” Fluttershy began, slowly stepping from behind Rarity. “What I mean to say is...it’s nice to meet you.” She finally said, after seeing the newcomer smiling, and laughing. “How is the bath today?” “Oh it’s simply divine darling, do join us, won't you?” Rarity asked, receiving a small nod from Fluttershy in response. Fluttershy eased into the warm water of the bath, taking a seat next to Rarity, as a very faint coo escaped her. James blushed deeply, barely hearing the faint noise, caused by the yellow pegasus. “James, darling are you alright, you seem a bit flushed?” “What me, oh yeah I’m fine, just enjoying the bath,” he replied quickly, turning his eyes away from the others. “Eeyup, just sitting here relaxing, why would anything be wrong,” he asked with a nervous chuckle. “Is he alright,” Fluttershy whispered, leaning towards Rarity. “Oh yes, he just gets like that from time to time, honestly it’s a bit cute...isn’t it?” Rarity asked with a sly grin, causing Fluttershy to blush deeply herself. Rarity let out a soft laugh, almost petting her friend, as she let her know she was joking. The three sat in the bath relaxing, conversing every so often. Rarity telling Fluttershy of her meeting James the day before, and how their day had been today. James in return answering Fluttershy’s questions, concerning his lost memories, as well as his telling of his first days in Equestria. “Oh how terrible, I would have been absolutely terrified to wake up in a forest with no memories of how I got there, or why I was even there.” Fluttershy shuddered at the very thought of it, as she tried to imagine how James must have felt. “Yeah...it wasn’t exactly the best situation I’ve found myself in...I think,” James replied, wondering if he had indeed been in a worse situation. “But he did make it out of the forest, and even managed to run into Applejack, so I’d say he did just fine.” Rarity commented, as she climbed out of the bath, and toweled off. “Actually, I ran into the side of the barn,” James said, still remembering the force of the impact. “I’m starting to think if it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.” He sighed as he spoke, slowly moving to pull himself from the bath. “But then again, I really can’t complain...I have made some wonderful friends.” James smiled, as he moved to grab a towel, hearing Rarity let out a soft ‘awwww’. “Well James, I myself, and I’m sure all your other friends are happy to have met you. Why you and Fluttershy here should become friends, she is exactly the kind of mare one seeks in friendship,” Rarity said, causing Fluttershy to blush and mutter something under her breath, as Rarity nuzzled her cheek. “Well...I...I mean if it’s okay with you, then...then we can be friends.” Fluttershy said timidly, as she herself exited the bath, and toweled off. James smiled, as he tossed the now damp towel into a basket, and shook off the remaining water. “I’d like that Fluttershy, I mean...if you want to be my friend that is?” “Yes, I believe I would,” Fluttershy said with a smile, as Rarity stepped between them. “Well then, James,” Rarity said with a pleased grin. “Looks like you can add one more friend to your list, why with her medical treatment, and Rainbow’s skills...you’ll be flying in no time.” James couldn’t help but smile feeling a sense of happiness fill his chest, as he fought back a tear, thanking them both. The rest of the day went by smoothly for James, as he spent it with Rarity, and Fluttershy. They visited Fluttershy’s cottage, where she introduced James to Angel Bunny(unfortunately), which resulted in Fluttershy using ‘The Stare’ on the ill mannered creature. Which ended up scaring James just as much as Angel, and lead to an emphatic apology from the yellow pegasus, which included some rather delicious tea. After ‘The Incident’, which James would refer to it as, Rarity and James bid Fluttershy farewell. “Well James, I believe I shall retire for the evening. I did ever so enjoy our day together, and as I said yesterday, you're always welcome at Carousel Boutique,” Rarity said with a smile, as she stood at her door. “Yeah, all in all, it was a pretty good day...thanks again Rarity.” James smiled as he bid his friend goodnight, and she went inside. Yeah today was a great day. He thought, as he walked down the nearly empty streets of Ponyville, offering a smile to those he passed. --------We now interrupt your regularly scheduled program, for a quick announcement-------- Princess Celestia sat patiently within her chambers, as she slowly lowered the sun, marveling at the beauty the fading sunlight created. When she heard a small crackle, and soon a small portal opened before her. “Your majesty, I have the first of your daily reports ready,” the unicorn mare said with a smile. “Ah, wonderful,” Celestia replied, as she finished lowering the sun. “Please be quick, Luna will be here soon, and I do not wish her to know I’m having James followed.” “Yes your majesty,” the mare replied. “I began following the target shortly after speaking with you, first sighting him walking with Rarity through the market. They went and had lunch at La Mare Lumineux, which on a side note looks amazing,” the mare said, causing Celestia to shoot her annoyed glance. “Oh ye..yeah..sorry....After finishing their meal, they departed from the restaurant, and made their way to the Ponyville Spa...at which point they met Fluttershy. The target accompanied both Fluttershy, and Rarity to their respective homes after their spa visit, at which point he made his way back to Sweet Apple Acres.” The mare paused after she spoke, pushing aside a scroll she’d been reading from. “And that Princess ends my report.” “Very good, I look forward to tomorrows report,” Celestia replied, before hearing the faint sound of her doors opening. “Continue the good work work, my little pony.” With that Celestia closed the portal, and quickly turned, smiling as Luna walked in. “Good evening dear sister, did you sleep well?” “Yes, and thank you again for your kind words earlier sister, they truly put me at ease.” Luna smiled as she spoke, moving to stand at her sister's side. “I am glad, now...shall you bring another night to our dear subjects?” “Yes, and this night, I shall make it a truly beautiful one.” Luna’s horn began to glow, and soon the first silver rays of the moon began to emerge from the horizon, accompanied by a beautiful shroud of stars. “It truly is beautiful Lulu.” “Thank you...it’s for him,” she said, with a light hearted smile, causing Celestia to smile as well. Are you looking James, are you staring up at the night that I created for you? -------------------------------------------------Last one, I promise------------------------------------------------- James sat at his window, peering up at the freshly risen moon. His eyes danced, and played about, as they went from one star to the other...admiring their beauty. He found comfort in this night, more so than he had others before, as the feeling of the presence that watched over him returned. Thank you. He thought, admittedly confused why he’d just thanked the night sky, yet as he gazed into the moon...he felt as if thanks was in order. James finally tore himself away from his window, though the intoxicating trance he found himself in was more than, a bit difficult to leave. He climbed into his bed, nesting himself between sheets, and blankets. He quickly found his eyes growing heavy with sleep, and turned in his bed, to stare at the moonlight that filtered through his window. Goodnight moon. Was his finally thought, before submitting to the blissful call of sleep. “Goodnight James,” Luna whispered from atop the hill she sat on. For the times we wander, we shall forever walk side by side. The earth beneath, beguiled by the silver allure of Luna, while Solis blesses those who falter to her sisters charms. I will forever wait, for the day that you and I shall be reunited. For the times we wander, we shall forever walk side by side, or path guided by Sol et Luna. Luna thought, with a smile. “I will always watch over you...my love...my friend.