Present day, train en route towards Canterlot
Twilight was sitting in the one of the many private rooms in the train looking out at the windows at the endless fields and farmlands that dot Equestria. Right next to her on next was the Alicorn Amulet that contained the soul of a pony named Bright Light.
They were both in a commercial class room. The walls had wallpaper that featured patterned image of roses, there were two booths on both sides of the walls, its upholstery matching the color of roses on the wall paper. On the roof there was light fixture. On one of the booths was her knapsack which she always takes with her whenever she leaves the library.
As Twilight looked out from the window she her thoughts were only of Bright Light. Twilight never expected meet Bright when investigating the magical properties of the Alicorn Amulet. In the first few minutes of meeting him, Twilight thought of him as a strange entity of evil that has been trapped inside to, which would explain why anyone who wore the amulet was corrupted. But, As she continued talking to him she couldn't help but feel sorry for him. When Bright told her to assist him in being freed that's when her opinion in him reached a stand still. Twilight wasn't sure if she could trust him but she agreed. What was most confusing is that first before trying to be free, he wanted to visit Princess Luna.
Still, Bright was a stranger she just met. Twilight wasn't really going to bring Bright to Luna, instead she planing on first bringing him to Princess Celestia to judge Bright's intentions herself.
Twilight hadn't talked with Bright Light in a day since their last conversation. Twilight thought it was good idea to talk with him to learn more about him.
Twilight turned her head towards the amulet and levitated the it towards her direction trying her best to be casual. " So Bright, what did you do in Canterlot before you were um..... trapped?"
Bright responded, "Well Twilight, I help improve the lives of other ponies by making new devices that change the way we think about life and science."
"So you were once an inventor?"
"well I would prefer to be called the pursuer of innovation," said Bright, "But, inventor is fine."
Twilight giggled at the remark. "Since you're an inventor can you name one thing that you invented?"
Bright then spoke with a sense of pride. "How bout instead of naming an invention of mine, I'll show it to you. There's one thing that I know what was based on my creation. Come on! I'll tell you where to go."
Twilight lifted herself from the the booth went outside. She levitated the amulet as she left the room. Following Bright's instructions she entered the train engine car.
There were two Earth Ponies operating the train engine one was shoveling coal into a hole of fire while the other was pulling a pulley and getting the reaction.
"CHOO! CHOO!"
Bright shouted with enthusiasm when they arrived. "Behold! The descendant of my invention, the train engine!"
Twilight giggled at Bright's enthusiasm and said, "If you really did invent the train engine then I guess you wouldn't mind explaining how it works." Twilight finished with a smirk on her face.
"Well, I was just gonna explain it so don't worry Twilight." Bright was excited to explain the design of the train engine. "Okay the train engine has two compartments ,one to that contains water and the other that is used to convert water into steam. You see the Pony shoveling coal into that hole and the other with the pulley?"
Twilight gave out a nod to confirm.
"Coal is used as the enitire fuel source for the train, and the pulley will allow the steam to travel through the pipes to the pistons and at the same time make the iconic sound, wait for it."
"CHOO! CHOO!"
"Oh! That never gets old! Ahem, anyway continuing what I was saying the steam is the power and it pushes pistons back and forth, back and forth, which provides the energy for the Train to move. Oh man! Talking about my own invention really brought back some good memories."
Twilight was amazed by Bright. She couldn't believe of all the ponies that would share a similar intellect as well as having the same interests would be a stranger trapped inside the Alicorn Amulet. "Wow. how did you learn to invent the train engine?"
"Well living inside The Royal Palace of Canterlot does have its perks, The Canterlot Archives, how I miss that place. No doubt that since your Celestia's protege you have unlimited access to the archives."
"How do you know so much about me?" asked Twilight.
Bright retorted at the question saying, "Twilight, come on. You're a celebrity. I may be trapped inside this amulet but that doesn't mean I hear news. You saved Equestria three times. From eternal night, from Discord, and From a Changeling invasion. I only saved Equestria once! Now you're here to help me as if the Goddess sent you. Oh, if I was in my physical form right now I would riddle you with kisses!"
Twilight was not used to this of praise. Her face turning hot and red as she spoke, "Please Bright, you're giving me too much credit I wouldn't be able to do anything without my best friends...."
Twilight stopped when she noticed that the two train Ponies gawking at her.
They both gazed at her with looks of confusion plastered on their faces until the coal shoveling pony spoke, "Um miss? Me and my partner can't help but notice you having a conversation with a piece of jewelry. Are you feeling okay?"
Twilight's very own pupils shrunk while she was forcing to keep a smile and her face turning into to the color of a cherry. After a strange period of silence she finally spoke but in her lightest voice, "Yes, I'm fine. Goodbye!"
She then ran from the the from the Train Engine car with the Alicorn Amulet in her magical grasp, leaving the two puzzled Ponies to their work. She didn't running until she was in her room.
Bright gave out a hollering laugh at Twilight's expense. "Oh Twilight, I'm sorry that happened," said Bright still laughing, "but still the look on your face. For a moment I feared you were gonna turn into a fruit."
Twilight frowned at the amulet. Bright may be awkward and mysterious, but she couldn't deny that he was an intellectual. He was really nice to her too. He acknowledged the all the times she saved Equestria except the time when Spike and Cadence saved the Crystal Empire from Sombra. She also noted how he saved Equestria once.
Twilight's eyebrows went up in surprise and turned her head to the amulet. "You saved Equestria before?"
"Well yeah, I did save the Kingdom on one occasion." Bright cursed under his breath. "Have I ever told you the title the ponies of Equestria given me? I was called Bright Light The Master of Fire."
Twilight still maintained her face of surprise and said, "How come I didn't remember before! You were the green Earth Pony on the one stain glass. When I lived in Canterlot I remember always asking Princess Celestia about that one stain glass window in the throne room, because I knew the meaning of every other window. The only thing she would tell me was the name of that stallion, your name." Twilight had a huge a grin on her face and clapped her hooves. "I want to know all about you, your inventions, the meaning of the window, why you were named The Master of Fire, and why you would want to visit Princess Luna."
Bright watched Twilight get a notepad and quill from her knapsack. Bright was not prepared for the sudden barrage he was about to receive from Twilight. He would be more than happy to talk and answer some of her questions, but to some he promised himself never to talk about them.
Twilight sat herself on the booth. "Alright, let's discuss about the window about you. You mentioned that you once saved Equestria, does that have anything to do with the meaning of the window?"
Bright remembered the actions he did for him to be immortalized in the decorative windows of the princesses' throne room, he was not proud of those actions. He did not want to mention his most dreaded invention and the vault it remains in. Bright would rather stall her and keep her from knowing his shameful achievement.
Bright said, "Twilight, instead of me answering your questions, how about I tell you about my life in Canterlot? You'll still receive the answers you want."
Twilight pouted and sighed, "Fine."
"Alright then, now where to start?"
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Canterlot, The Royal Palace, 1,018 year ago
"Announcing the presence of Clockwork and his apprentice, Bright Light."
Bright was awestruck by the pure vastness of the throne room. He felt that the entire population of Canterlot can fit in this room.
Bright looked and saw the stain glassed windows telling the history of Equestria from the three Pony tribes to the end of Discord's reign. As he continued he saw regular glass windows waiting to be replaced for the next telling of Equestria's history.
"Someday," thought Bright.
He and his mentor Clockwork stopped looking up to see Princess Celestia sitting on the pillow throne. Her physical appearance was both magnificent and friendly. She had fur white as snow, a bright pink mane, and the image of the sun as her cutie mark.
Clockwork ,followed by Bright, kneeled before the sun princess. "Your highness," spoke Clockwork, "It's an honor to be in your presence."
Celestia giggled, "And I'm grateful to have one of the greatest minds in my court."
Clockwork chuckled, "I promise you I will be of great service to you and the ponies of Canterlot. When I install the the water system chamberpots will be a thing of the past."
"Well Clockwork, we shall have plenty of time discuss about the water system tomorrow at the first ever Grand Galloping Gala."
"Ah yes a party, I love parties, so many ponies to have a conversation with." Clockwork turned his head towards Bright. "Do you like parties my apprentice?"
Bright was busy looking at the red carpet. All he could muster to the question was, "ummm well I like books." He ended with a cheeky smile.
Clockwork face-hooved while Celestia giggled. "Well Bright if you like books, perhaps you should visit The Royal Archives."
Brights face lit up his ears poked up. "I would like that very much."
"Well good, my guards will escort you to your personal quarters where you will be staying."
Clockwork looked up at the princess and bowed. "Thanks again Princess."
Just when they were about to leave Celestia called them. "Oh wait! One more thing. You're invited to dine with me and my sister Luna for dinner. I'll let you go to your quarters first so that you may settle in,In less than an hour I will send someone to fetch you both."
The duo followed their escorts to their rooms both of them were amazed by the sheer size of the Royal Palace. The hallways felt like a labyrinth and if either of them would wander they would get lost.
"Here we are. Mr.Clockwork, Bright Light, your rooms," said one of the guards.
Bright went to his room. There wasn't much to say about it, Despite a four poster bed, a table along with two chairs, a wardrobe, a nightstand, and a book shelf this room lacked any personality to it. There was a darkroom which Bright presumed is the bathroom. The only thing that caught Bright's attention was the doors leading to the balcony.
Bright went through the two doors and was instantly greeted by a cool breeze. He stopped at the rails of the balcony and took up the scenery. The view was breath taking as Bright could see the beautiful dimly lit buildings of Canterlot, the endless mountain stream that would lead to a waterfall of mist, and the mix of forests and green plains. It only got better when Bright watched the sun descend. The colors, oh the colors! Orange sky, green terrain, and the combination of yellow, white, and purple made the scene more memorizing.
Bright was frozen gazing at the sun until it vanished behind one of the many green hills slowly bringing forth the darkness. He rushed to his baggage to retrieve his lantern. once found he lit it and rested it on the table.
Bright spent the next few minutes organizing his things: putting his books away in the the shelf, Hanging his few articles of clothing in the wardrobe, and getting one of his most valuable possession.
In Bright's hoofs was an uncut emerald. it was rough and jagged but it still sparkled from the light illuminating from the lantern. It was gift from Bright received as a gift from his father when he was just a colt.
Quartz was his name. Bright could remember how his father looked; A purple stallion with a mane of Bright orange mane completed with brown eyes and the cutie mark of a pickaxe and a white crystal.
Bright now remembered the cottage he once lived in with his parents. He would remember times sitting on the chair watching his mother cook and waiting for his father to return from his day of work at the mine at the village.
His mother's name was Ruby Shard. She looked liked she was born from the forest with her brown mane curls from the bark of trees and fur that resembles the leaves of trees of the Everfree Forest. The only thing that differentiated from her forest appearance was her maroon red eyes and a ruby as her cutie mark.
Bright could remember her watching over him since he was born. Ruby Shard once worked as jeweler before she had Bright ,making jewelry for any of the neighbors or any traveller using gems and crystals that Quartz snuck out with from his work.
Bright would remember her calling him by his name ,his original name, when she was done with dinner. "Gleaming Emerald". A name he only bothered to remember in memory of his parents.
Bright placed the emerald on the table. He continued to looking at the emerald with an keeping a expressionless look on his face. He continued eyeing his gem until he heard a knock on his door.
Finally freed from his trance Bright went and opened to see what he guest must be one of Celestia's servants. He was grey Unicorn with clothes that made look like he was working in a formal party
"Dinner is ready master Bright Light. Allow me to lead you to the dinning room."
"Master?" Bright couldn't help but be a bit flattered hearing it from a well dressed stallion, while he himself is naked.
Bright looked back at Clockwork's room. "Where is Clockwork?"
The grey stallion responded, "He already left to dine with the princesses. I've been knocking on your door for several minutes."
Bright had a guilty smile on his face as he spoke, "Yes, sorry about that."
"There is no need to apologize, I've waited longer for Lords and Ladies who just had to fix their hair. Considering my experiences your the quickest one yet."
Bright continued to follow the servant to the Dining room. The room itself was a hall with plenty of space as if it was meant to hold grand feasts. The floor was layered in white tiles similar to Celestia's throne room. There was a red carpet right next to the doorway that leads to the table where everypony was eating.
"Bright!" shouted Clockwork flailing his arms to get Bright's attention. "You're just in time to dine with us."
Bright trotted over to his mentor sat in the chair right next to him. When he seated he looked around his surroundings. He looked to his left and saw Princess Celestia on one end of the table adjacent to Clockwork. To the princess's left Bright saw another Alicorn.
Celestia spoke, "Bright, I'd like to introduce you to my younger sister,Luna. She serves as Princess of the Night."
Bright continued gazing at Luna for he has never saw a more beautiful mare. She was like the night as every part of her body was colored blue. Her mane unlike Celestia wasn't ethereal, but Bright didn't care. Her short mane made her look so young and pretty. The darkest shade blue was an area of fur that surrounded her cutie mark, which was a crescent moon. that same cutie mark showed in in her necklace. Her teal eyes was something Bright could look at for eternity.
Bright was looking prettiest mare in all of Equestria. "Come on Bright, first impressions, " thought Bright. Bright tried to sound impressive and masculine, but his confidence cracked as well as his voice as he said, "Heeello!". Bright then forced a smile that looked obviously false.
There was awkward silence as everyone looked at Bright with a confused look on their faces. Then Clockwork and Celestia exploded with laughter, but not the Moon Princess. To Bright Luna's silence made it even worst.
"So much for first impressions," thought Bright as mentally punched himself over a hundred times.
Bright spent the rest the dinner listening to a conversation between Celestia and Clockwork. He would occasionally look up from the plate he was eating from and look at her. This cycle continued on until Celestia called his name.
"Bright Light?"
"Yes Princess?"
"I wanted to know, will you be attending the Grand Galloping Gala? Everyone will be at attendance: My, My Sister, the nobility of my kingdom, and all sorts of guests. I believe that since you and Clockwork will be staying here you might as well enjoy what Canterlot can offer."
Bright Light eyes lit up at the mention of Luna. He gave her calm nod and spoke at a calm level, "Yes, I would be honored to attend.". Bright then ended with smile of accomplishment.
Bright couldn't help but look at Luna to find her staring at him. Their eyes were locked on each others. For Bright, the dining room around her seemed to melt around her as if it fails to compete with her. Luna's face had the same level curiosity as Bright's. They continued staring until Luna finally broke off, a small blush in her royal blue face. Bright found himself in a similar position, he too looked away to hide the red blush that easily complimented his forest green face.
For the rest of dinner Bright was comforted with the belief that Luna had some interest in him. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Dinner ended as everyone started to leave starting with Luna. Bright second to leave left to avoid any awkward conversation with Clockwork and Celestia. He wanted to follow Luna and talk to her, but he feared the possibility of being lost in the castle. Bright concluded it would be a better idea just to return in his quarters and sleep for the night.
once Bright returned to his bedroom he took the lantern from the table and placed it om the nightstand. Bright then rested his body on the bed. The bed was really comfortable as if the mattress and the pillow were made of clouds. He was about to drift to sleep when he heard a knock on the door.
"Ugh. Come in," spoke Bright too tired to care.
Through the door came Clockwork. Without a word he took a chair from the table and brought it to the side of Bright's bed. Bright couldn't help but be scared as he saw a creepy grin on Clockworks face.
Clockwork sat down on the chair still with that grin in his face. "Come on Bright, admit it you have a crush on The Princess of the Moon."
Bright was at first shocked, but he wasn't surprised. It would be idiotic at this point to refuse Clockwork's statement. Bright looked down with a smile on his face. "Yes that is true, she does look really cute."
Clockwork gave out a laugh as he said, "Oh Bright, I knew it!" He continued laughing until he chocked on his own saliva. "Ahrm! Bright I bet you wouldn't muster the courage to talk to Princess Luna. I remember a time when I used to date other mares. I was dated and sampled so many mares that I was called The Mare-Breaker."
"How were you even friends with my father?" asked Bright with a tone of disgust in his voice.
Clockwork maintained his grin as he said, "Quartz was a good stallion. He would always help me when I landed on my rump. I finally made it up to him when he was in a relationship with your mother, Ruby Shard. Without me your father would've never courted your mother, So your welcome."
Bright Light gave him grin and asked, "Alright, but what does all this have to do with me?"
"Isn't it obvious, I'm here to offer you advice on dating! You want the honor to talk to Luna?"
"Yes."
"Well you have to be more confident, more assertive. Talk to her."
"Is this the same advice you once gave my father?" asked Bright with a quizzical expression on his face.
"Yes, you'll never know anything about her if you never talk to her. Tomorrow you'll have your chance to talk with her at tomorrow's Grand Galloping Gala. Wear your best clothes Bright."
Clockwork yawned soon Bright did the same. Clockwork stood up from his chair and ruffled Bright's mane and left for the door.
"Goodnight Bright."
"Goodnight Clockwork."
As Clockwork closed the door Bright turned to his side and watched his lantern that was still on the nightstand. As the flames slowly brought him to sleep Bright thought about visiting the Royal Archives tomorrow to think of another invention. Bright closed his eyes drifting into sleep with images of Luna in his head.