//------------------------------// // Patience // Story: Operation Final Destiny // by Armguard //------------------------------// Chapter 5: Patience The vibrant Equestrian sun crawled over the horizon as a new day was born. Yet the significance of this day, not the sunlight, drew me out of my slumber. More than twenty-four hours since I crashed onto this world, and I had already been incarcerated (and released) by the diarchy that rules the land. Along with them stood a highly decorated unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle, touted as Princess Celestia's most gifted unicorn student. Princess Celestia has dominion over the day, while Princess Luna rules the night; that's what I've learned so far about this kingdom. My mind was rather stuck on figuring out an exit strategy, and in my current state, it's foolish to take ten steps forward when the first few could be off a cliff. Forced to maintain this disguise has quite literally changed me inside and out; my feelings, my senses and even my natural instincts are changing. Last night's meal was a blend of vegetables that, on any other day, would prove unsuccessful at arousing my senses. The transformation of my body caused my nose and tongue to become enraptured by that veggie salad. Adapting to an entirely new lifestyle may not be so difficult in the area that matters most to me, but still... I cannot waste my time here. Less than 8 months until my exit window closes forever, and that means he won't.... "Twilight, I'm ready to go." She opened the door to my quarters, and smiled as she directed me to our meeting place with Prince Shining Armor: the Castle's East Wing. On the way there, Twilight started to educate me on basic Equestrian customs and rituals. Equestrian citizens are generally good-natured and peaceful, not having experienced pan-continental conflict in almost eight centuries. "So you mean to tell me that Equestria's last major military conflict was almost 800 years ago?" How unreal! I wish home could be like that... Twilight took in a relaxed breath. "It's incredible, isn't it? And all while underneath a monarchy to guide everypony through adversity." "Yeah, it certainly is...in my world, there are always nations at war, often times crossing multiple continents. Disagreements leading to violence. There is never an absence of bloodshed." Twilight threw me a worried look. "I'm...sorry to hear that. Perhaps when we find a solution to your shipwreck we can help find a way to help resolve your people's issues!" I sighed and gave her a faint smile. "I'm sure some of my race would greatly appreciate that, but my people are beyond negotiation." She looked ready to rebuke my last statement, but instead turned to face forward as we approached our final destination. An eerie calm set in as we were permitted entry by the guards posted at the doors. The lounge in the East Wing was well-lit by chandeliers and lampposts distributed evenly about the ceiling and walls. There were a multitude of chairs, sofas and tables for diplomats and royal guests to relax and discuss the issues of the day. However, the room was vacated specifically for this meeting with Prince Shining Armor. Twilight plopped herself on a beanbag near the entrance we used. "My brother is coming to propose potential living arrangement for you during your stay here in Equestria." I still need to take up residence somewhere, but... "You mentioned that we are in the capital city of Canterlot, correct?" She gave a slight chuckle. "Yes, like I said before, this is Canterlot. What's wrong?" "Where is Canterlot in relation to where the crash took place?" Twilight's ears perked up. "Well, the crash site is nested deep in a forest on the south side of the Unicorn Range. It would normally take all day to reach Canterlot from there, but the Princess opted for teleportaton the other night...you know, to avoid the detection of the citizenry." Teleportation, holy cow! Just imagine if I could get these ponyfolk to develop some way to send me clear across the galaxy! Such a pipe dream. I suppose I'll have to allow things to run their course if I ever plan to- "Are you okay? You spaced out for a moment." I jerked my head towards Twilight as she gave me an awkward grin. "Oh, I'm sorry, Twilight. Just thinking about how I'm getting home. I shouldn't get so bent out of shape..." It's true, I'm still getting acquainted with my new parts. Sue me. That trek to the lounge was like a slow crawl for Twilight, but for me it was a brand new experience. Princess Celestia may have gifted me with the basic motor functions that even young colts possess, but adapting to them was a new level of awkward. Twilight graciously coached me while we were crossing every tile in those castle halls. But what would happen if I needed to flee from harm? There's no question I would be as good as dead at this point! "Don't worry at all! Princess Celestia trusted me to assist with anything you need in adjusting to Equestrian society." "Thank you, I'd be lost here without somebody to-" "Somepony, you mean?" Caught again. I rubbed the back of my head in embarassment. "Heheh, sorry, Twilight. Still adapting to the-" "Twiley! How's my little sister!" The doors swung wide open, and I turn around to the sight of a white-coated stallion rushing to give Twilight a huge bear hug. His appearance gave him away as being Prince Shining Armor, Twilight's older brother, Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard (sans uniform), and Royal Prince Consort of the Crystal Empire (sans ridiculous looking crown). The blue streaks in his mane and tail, coupled with the shield, stars and family crest on his cutie mark, completed the simple puzzle of his identity. After their embrace ran its course, he turned, studying me back to front, and extended a friendly hoof. I immediately presented one of mine and shook hooves. I can't help but cringe when I don't mentally say 'hands'. "You must be Starsword! Princess Celestia informed me of your housing debacle, and I promise to do my best to accommodate you." He suddenly jerked his hoof away, appearing to look for the right question to ask until... "If I can be completely frank with you, Starsword, I'm skeptical about this whole arrangement. It isn't like the Princess to offer refuge to a foreigner without a good reason. Is there anything you need to tell me that I should know before we continue?" Her brother's suspicion left both Twilight and I in an awkward shuffling of our hooves. Then he approached her, placing a hoof on his sister's shoulder in reassurance. Twilight gave a pleading look to her brother. "Shining, I promised Princess Celestia that I wouldn't discuss the nature of his arrival to Equestria...please just trust that it is for the absolute best, okay, brother?" Shining Armor gave a heavy sigh. "Twilight, you know better than anypony that I care for you and trust your judgment, but calling me here on short notice is odd, don't you think little sis'?" Twilight gave her brother a mixed bag of looks only a little sister could give, communicating her desire to keep things under wraps. He relented, giving his sister a sharp russle of her mane before turning back to me. "Okay, so from what I understand, we need to relocate you near Smokey Mountain in the Unicorn Range, is that correct?" What is Smokey Mountain? "I...I guess so?" I turned to Twilight, who gave me a firm nod, stopping just as Shining Armor turned to her. Shining looked a bit unconvinced, but shrugged it off anyway. "O-o-okay, well there are a few dormitories and houses in Tall Tale, or we can have you stay in Vanhoover. Though you may have a difficult time with their accents..." Vanhoover? Sounds a lot like Vancouver, I wonder... "If I stayed there, I'm sure it would be no problem with me wandering aboot, eh?" Shining suppressed a chuckle at the comment. Awesome, the stereotype matched. Canadians are officially the friendliest people in the galaxy! Shining Armor quickly took out a scroll, writing down a few notes, and wrapped it with what appeared to be a crystalline knotted bow. A spritz of lavender magic from his horn turned the scroll into smoke. Having no idea what just happened, I inquired. "So...what just happened with that scroll?" "I sent a note to a lieutenant of mine to request living accommodations for you in Vanhoover. You will be transported there today. During your trip, Twilight will educate you on how we do things here in Equestria. I'm sure my sister will take good care of you in that regard. She IS the smartest mare in Equestria, after all..." Twilight blushed real hard, jabbing her brother's side as he swatted away her assault of pokes. "Oh, stop it Shiny! I'm not the smartest in the entire country...well, maybe." After laughing a bit at her false modesty, I turned back to the stallion. "I am so grateful for the time you've given up to be here, Your Highness. It means a great deal to me." Shining waved a hoof away from himself. "Spare the formalities, Starsword. Shining or Shining Armor is fine. Besides, anything to help a friend of my sister!" "Friend?" As I spoke, he gave Twilight a noogie on the head before cantering off into the castle. The sun was well above the clouds as we made our way back to the throne chambers together. Above a tall spire outside the hallway's windows, Princess Celestia could be seen flying high into the sky, channeling her magic as she 'rose the sun'. Knowing how planetary and stellar orbits worked, what she was currently doing was, by every scientific definition, impossible. It might be best to not stress the word impossible; I was quickly becoming aware just how many impossible feats these ponies could accomplish. Learn to respect this particular area of the universe and how it operates, that'll keep my sanity in check. Twilight escorted me to a wing of the castle made for guests to lounge before engaging in official meetings with the royalty. After we picked ourselves a spot to rest, she began to inquire about my arrival to Equestria. "So...you said that you were an explorer from beyond our world. What is it like out in space?" I released a chuckle at this. "Well, space itself is fairly empty, an expansive void with gigantic pockets without matter. But being out there is incredible, evening knowing how deadly it is. If you don't have a self-contained atmosphere on your ship, you'll get sucked into the expanse and die. Traveling out there, however, was worth the risk; hundreds of times, I witnessed something beautiful out there that no other man has ever seen!" I was being very 'verbal' with my hooves, animating my excitement and interest in space travel. Twilight sat there fixed on every word; hearing about the dangerous beauty of outer space would captivate anybody, I wager! "Tom-I mean...Starsword. You mentioned that there was a very important reason why you were traveling out there, but Princess Luna never spoke about it. I hope you don't mind if I ask..." "Oh, I will definitely talk with you about it, but not here. Too many guardsponies and servants milling about, you know?" She grinned as we were motioned by one of the guards to make our way to the throne chamber. Princess Celestia met our arrival with cautious optimism, since it would be the first time I would be exposed to Equestrian society. We discussed the plans Shining Armor set into motion for my lodging in Vanhoover, only figuring out now how far from Canterlot that trek took me. I would be a full twenty-two hour train ride from the capital, and it would also take me most of the afternoon to arrive by train from Vanhoover to Ponyville, Twilight's hometown. Fortunately, the Princess prepared a chariot piloted by two pegasus guards for our trip. "Starsword, Twilight, I have arranged for these guards to take you into Ponyville. Their assistance should expedite your arrival into Vanhoover a great deal. You are to take the train from Ponyville to the city and seek out Lieutenant Maplewood upon your arrival. There will be a private cabin for the both of you where you won't be disturbed." Twilight looked nervous as we approached the chariot seat. Princess Celestia stopped to kneel down, meeting Twilight's eyes and giving her a sad smile. "Twilight, I know this task appears daunting, but I have every confidence that you can help get him home again. I believe in you, my faithful student." Student and teacher embraced each other tightly before we made our way into the cockpit. I turned to Princess Celestia and gave her a short bow with my head. "Your Highness, I'm beyond honored that you are helping me. I promise to keep you well-informed on what we discover." Celestia gave a confident grin. "I believe you, Starsword. And if you don't, I give my student permission to lambaste you with question after question about your species and technological capability." Twilight shot Celestia an incredulous look. "Hey, I do NOT smother ponies with questio-WOAH!" The Princess whistled, signaling for the chariot to take off. As we coasted across the Equestrian skies, I looked back at the fading city of Canterlot. Even a couple miles out, the city took up a huge portion of the landscape behind us. How can a city look so small from so far away and be this massive? Optical illusions aside, the chariot continued at a brisk pace; our target town Ponyville was about a two hour flight away from Canterlot, giving my unicorn companion ample opportunity to blitz me with questions about myself and my home. However, she remained quiet, appearing to have other thoughts on her mind. "Hey, Twilight..." She perked up at the sound of her name. "Hmm? What's up?" I turned my body, completely facing her with a worried stare. "You've been pretty silent for the past half-hour. Is there something bothering you?" Twilight rubbed her hooves together, appearing a bit anxious. "Something about what happened the night of your crash doesn't add up to me. I was doing some calculations while everyone retired for the evening, and I discovered something abnormal." I audibly gulped. "Wha-what was abnormal?" "Well, after studying the flight path of the meteor cluster and the time the fragments took to reach the ground, your craft should have landed in the mountains of the Frozen North. You would not have survived the crash." Wow, that's... "Why is that?" Twilight rubbed a hoof on her opposite shoulder and looked away. "Because the valleys in those mountains are constantly fraught with extreme winds and ice storms. Without proper magical armaments, nopony has ever survived an expedition in those conditions." Suddenly, a thought surfaced in my mind. "Wait, so that means the meteor shower actually landed..." Twilight turned back to me and nodded solemnly. "In the Crystal Mountains, far north of here. But here's the strange part. Nothing from the shower has ever touched ground before you came along." Perplexed, I pressed further. "If I wasn't a part of the meteor shower, then...I'm so confused, what's your point?" "Well, I did a little research..." Sounds about right. "...and as far as any astronomer has seen, every Starswirl Shower ever recorded always approaches the same area of land each year..." She hesitated before finishing. "...the Crystal Mountains." No way... "But that means something landed from the shower. Wait, what did you observe that night, Twilight? You said you only saw my ship land." Twilight gave a sheepish grin. "Actually, I didn't disclose everything to you. I really saw two bright objects touchdown. I just focused on the one closest to me to get a better read on the landing site. Something definitely touched down in the Crystal Mountains, that's for certain. But it would be foolish to search for that meteorite in those conditions." That bright light that hit my ship...where did that even come from, and from what source? This all seems rather peculiar...