Starry Night Chapter Two: Exodus
This following morning’s been a groggy one to say the least, Ive got a bad case of burnout. After seeing Orion hanging there in the sky, I had a celebratory smoke. Sure, I was smoking already, and I would have either way, but this one was celebratory. ‘Maybe not everything in the world is a piece of shit’ was the thought that consumed me that night. The feeling’s gone this morning. I might just bake all day today, and damn the consequences. For some reason, I don’t think that would be a good idea.
While going through my normal routine, I start thinking back to my time at home, my life before I arrived in this Technicolor hellhole with nothing but what was on my person walking to my car from my house. I don’t usually do so, but Im feeling sentimental today, I guess. Memories of my paint, my friends, and my family come to mind. In that order, in fact. I miss making art. Its always been a way for me to calm down a little, catharsis at its best, right?
Barely 21 when I finally got back to them after being dragged along by the family for community college. After being alone for so long, moving back to my home town was the best feeling ever. I never made friends easily back home. Sure, I was a likable guy, but I was always everyones buddy, nobody’s friend. Especially in Florida. Fuck Orlando. The place sucks. The rich are snobby, the poor are mooches, and the middle don’t give a fuck unless they already know you.
My family was a whole other can of worms. One I don’t feel like opening. I exhale smoke out the window, and the action breaks me out of a reverie. Fuck… when did I light this? I put it out on the steel shelf, but the damage is done, I can feel the mist start to cloud my brain. The first rip is always the hardest. The feeling stops expanding after a couple lifelong seconds, and I smile a little. Maybe one hit was a good idea. Good job subconscious, thanks for looking out for me.
It isn’t long before I hear frantic hoofbeats above me. Twilight must be upset that she doesn’t have exactly the golden ratio of quills and ink to love poems written about sea turtles or something. Obsessive compulsive bitch. However, my silent ridicule of her is interrupted by a very unusual sound: the door to the basement opening.
Luna and I have waited long enough. We had assumed that Twilight could take care of the newest addition to Equestria, but it seems that she was… lacking in certain regards. While I am upset, I am more confused as to why she would act this way. It seems that her years of living in Ponyville have affected her in some rather negative aspects, namely the inability to accept outsiders, as with Zecora. It is high time that I take personal action. It took little thought as to how I would berate my pupil. Yes, she would learn something from this that I had thought she had learned before today. The poor creature locked in the basement will be released, and hopefully my sister and I will be able to salvage what little faith we can with this creature, the name of whom we do not yet even know.
It has been a long time since I have stretched my wings. My advisors, without fail, have a chariot ready for myself whenever I announce my intention to go anywhere. While I do appreciate their concern, I am still the Goddess of the Sun. Neigh indestructible, and without equal in power. Well, besides my sister, of course. She was back at the castle, impatiently awaiting my return. I had implored her that she come with me on this trip, but her night with the creature had put her behind on her necessary work for the kingdom. Reprimanding my students is one of my least favorite activities, and I could use the support she would offer, however, she would greet us at the castle.
The town of Ponyville is beautiful from the air. The thatched roofs are wonderfully quaint compared to the tiling of the Canterlot houses. I approached the Library from the air, and settle myself quietly at the door. Some ponies have noticed my arrival, but none come any closer. I cannot be that intimidating, can I? Nevertheless, I knock on the small door. I hear my student’s voice from within call ‘Come in!’ It is happy and carefree. She knows not what lies on the other side of the door. I gather myself, this would not be easy.
As I opened the door, she was facing the book shelves.
“Welcome to the Golden Oak Library, how can I help you today? Princess!?” Her surprise evident in her tone as she turned and caught sight of me. She really did not know what was coming, this really was not going to be pleasant. She quickly knelt into a bow, although I would have none of it.
“May I come in?” I make sure to convey that it was not a simple request.
“Of, of course! Please, come in!” She hurriedly stacks books in an orderly fashion, glancing occasionally towards me. “May I offer you anything, tea, cupca..”
“I will keep this brief, Twilight. I am here to pick up our guest.”
“Yes, of course, Ill go get him.” She nearly tripped over herself getting to the door to the basement. It was unlocked, but closed. As soon as it was opened, a very light grassy aroma drifted out. “Kyle! Get your things! The Princess is here for you!” Kyle, what an odd name. There were sounds of movement from down below before hoofsteps sounded from the stairs. He had to crouch to pull himself under the door. When Twilight and Luna had said the creature was tall, they had not been exaggerating. He stood a hornslength taller than herself! He could rest his… muzzle… on top of her head.
“Here he is, Princess! I hope th“ I interrupted her with a slight cough as I pulled out a familiar scroll. Confusion crossed her features.
“My friends and I all learned an important lesson this week: Never judge a book by its cover. Someone may look unusual, or funny, or scary. But you have to look past that and learn who they are inside. Real friends don't care what your "cover" is; It's the contents of a pony that count. And a good friend, like a good book, is something that will last forever. Signed, Twilight Sparkle.” While reading, her features went from confusion, to horror. I gave her a very pointed look before burning the scroll.
Kyle, for his part, appeared indifferent as I began, but as the note went on he seemed to grow more bitter. However, as I finished the note, he glanced over at me. His eyes grew wide, and he seemed to notice my look aimed at Twilight. A grin appeared on his face, and then a slight chuckling, and then a hearty cackle as I burned the letter. Im sure his laughter echoed around the library as we teleported back to the castle.