//------------------------------// // 9: First Lesson // Story: Under the Sun's Wings // by Foxy Kimchi //------------------------------// Honeycomb let out a small moan as she rolled in her sheets. A soft ringing was annoying her ears. Her bed felt wonderful. She hated to admit it, but it was much better than anything she had back at home. Honeycomb rolled over again, covering her head with her sheets. She already slept for an entire day but wanted to go back to sleep. Her face scrunched, the ringing in her ears getting louder. She groaned as she covered her head with her pillow. Go away, she thought. The ringing continued, getting louder. Honeycomb slowly opened an eye. She was able to ignore the ringing for a while, but now it was getting too bothersome. Her bleary eye focused on the clock on her nightstand. 8:29 AM Honeycomb blinked slowly as she hit the clock with her hoof, sighing in content as silence filled her room. She turned back over, her eyes closing. A soft ticking sound from the clock filled the room. Honeycomb’s eyes shot open as she sat up on her bed. She grabbed her clock with her hooves, her blue eyes staring at it. 8:30 AM Honeycomb’s hooves started to quake, the clock slipping out of her hooves as she began to hyperventilate. Oh no, she thought. “Oh no!” Honeycomb cried out as she jumped out of her bed. As soon as her hooves touched the ground, she bolted out the door, slamming it behind her with a kick. Why, why, why? she mentally screamed at herself. Why didn’t I wake up? No, no, no! Honeycomb’s hooves pounded the ground as she ran through different hallways. I just made a mistake, and now I make another? She skidded as she took a sharp turn. I had a chance to make things better, and I just threw it away. Her heart pounded in her chest as she ran up a set of stairs. Up this set of stairs and turn right. It should take me ten minutes to get there sprinting. Maybe if I sit outside, I can say that I was there the whole time. I mean he didn’t really leave his room the times I was there. That, and he barely noticed me anyway. Yeah, that should work. Honeycomb made it to the top of the stairs, taking a sharp turn to her right. Everything is going to be ok— Honeycomb tumbled backwards as she ran into something. Her head jerked backwards as she fell to the ground. Instantly, she curled up and clutched her muzzle. “Ow,” she weakly whimpered through her hooves, “that really hurt.” Slowly, the sharp pain in her muzzle was replaced by a dull ache. She sniffed loudly as she inspected her hoof, making sure she was not bleeding. Honeycomb shook her head as she slowly stood up. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” She froze when she saw a set of white hooves. Her heart sank as she looked up. There in front of her stood the ruler of Equestria. Solaris looked down at her, his face expressionless. Honeycomb fell to her haunches, her eyes wide in fear. Why him? “You’re late,” Solars stated flatly. “I… I… I,” Honeycomb stammered. “Why?” “I… I slept in,” she weakly replied. Solaris raised an eyebrow, his crimson eyes staring down at the changeling. “You slept in?” Solaris asked, his voice cold. “Y-yes,” Honeycomb replied. Solaris squinted his eyes, his ear flicking ever so slightly. “I’m sorry!” Honeycomb blurted out as she began to hyperventilate. Again, she felt tears starting to well up in her eyes. “P-please, I know I messed up again… b-but it won’t happen again!” Solaris’ face still remain unchanged. “Didn’t you say that last time?” Honeycomb’s pupils shrunk. “B-but,” she said with a choked sob. She gulped, tears beginning to run down her cheek. “Mercy—” “Stop,” Solaris commanded, his voice stern. Honeycomb straightened her back, gulping again as she tried to hold back her tears. “Just stop.” Solaris sighed as he lifted a hoof to his temple. “That… that came out wrong, but just stop. You’re not in trouble, so stop. No crying, no begging, alright? You’re fine, just relax.” “But—” “Honeycomb,” Solaris said sternly, his eyes staring into hers. “Look at me, you are not in trouble. Stop worrying. Understood?” Honeycomb nodded as she sniffed loudly, quickly wiping her face off with a hoof. “By the way, how is your hoof?” “My hoof?” Honeycomb replied as she looked at her bandaged hoof. “It feels fine…” “Good,” Solaris replied. “If it starts bothering you, tell me.” Honeycomb nodded as she stood back on all four hooves. “So… I’m not in trouble?” “No,” Solaris replied, “but with that said, do not let this become habitual. I am not that patient. Is that clear?” “Yes, sir,” Honeycomb said weakly, looking back down. Solaris, however, did not respond. The two stood there, an awkward silence forming between the two. Finally, Honeycomb lifted her head. “What are we going to do today—” Solaris raised an eyebrow again at the sound of a loud gurgle. However, Honeycomb’s face turned red as she clutched her stomach. “I take it you didn’t eat breakfast.” Honeycomb shook her head. “When was the last time you ate?” “When I last saw you… sir.” Solaris exhaled loudly, brushing his hoof through his mane. Honeycomb looked up. “Is… is something wrong?” Solaris closed his eyes, placing a hoof between them and rubbing his forehead. “No,” he said flatly. “Nothing is wrong.” “Are you sure?” Honeycomb asked. She instantly regretted her question when Solaris glared at her. She lowered her eyes, looking at the ground. Again, another silence hung between the two. “Follow me,” Solaris commanded as he began to walk down the set of stairs. “Yes, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb replied as she instantly stood up, following him. Solaris walked through the various hallways of his castle. He listened to his own hoof hitting the tile floor beneath him. What a great way to start the day, Solaris thought as he let out a sigh, his nostrils flaring slightly. His ears flicked as he heard another set of hoofbeats behind him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Honeycomb practically jogging to keep up with him. Again, he let out a small sigh as he slowed down his stride. While it took longer than he liked, he finally made it to his destination, the Palace Dining Hall. What was once a formal dining hall, Solaris converted it to a palace cafeteria centuries ago. He was happy that ponies could actually use it now. Solaris stood at the doorway, his eyes scanning the dining hall. The room itself was packed with both the Day Guard and the palace staff starting their shifts while the Night Guard and graveyard shift staff workers were finishing theirs. He stood there for a few seconds, just watching his subjects eat and enjoy each other’s company. “Lord Solaris!” a pony shouted with the clatter of plates. There was a shuffle of hooves as everypony in the room rushed out of their seats. In unison, all of the guards saluted, placing their right forehoof on their chest, while the rest of the staff bowed. Solaris walked forward, his hoofbeats echoing through the large, silent hall. His lips curled up ever so slightly as he gazed across the room. “At ease, my ponies,” he said after a few seconds. He stood there, his eyes still scanning the room. “My lord,” a voice called by his side. Solaris turned his head, seeing a large unicorn saluting next to him. “Sergeant Iron Shield reporting, my lord,” the unicorn said, puffing his chest out. “Yes?” “Do you need assistance with anything, Lord Solaris? “Actually,” Solaris said as he looked back out across the room, “I do. I need a table.” “Right away, sir,” he said with a salute. He brought his hoof to his muzzle, letting out a whistle as he looked at a group of three guards. “Steel Wing, Nightshade, Safe Guard,” he called out with a tilt of his head. Solaris watched as two of his guard and one of his sister’s Night Guard cleared a table. He looked back down at Iron Shield. “Thank you, Iron Shield.” A smile formed on his muzzle as he watched the guard’s face light up, puffing his chest out more. He looked back down at the Honeycomb. “Come.” The alicorn made his way to the now cleared table. It was nothing more than a simple table with seats fixed to it. He silently worked his jaw as he stared at it. There was a problem for him. He was simply too big to use the seats. Shrugging, he moved to the end of the table where there were no seats and simply sat on the ground instead. “Sit, Honeycomb.” “Yes, Lord Solaris,” the changeling replied as she sat down on a seat. She looked around, hunching slightly. “So why are we here, sir?” “Isn’t it obvious?” Honeycomb shook her head in response. “No, sir.” “Honeycomb, you need to eat. You are already malnourished to begin with, and I don’t need you passing out.” “Yes, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb replied as she started to get out of her seat. “Honeycomb, just stay here.” “But,” Honeycomb replied as she looked over at the display of food near the front, “how am I going to get food?” “Just sit.” “Um, okay, Lord Solaris.” Solaris looked down, seeing a yellow earth pony mare wearing a white uniform bowing near him. “Rye Bread.” “My Lord,” the mare replied as she stood up. She gulped as she tugged her collar. “I am… I am surprised to see you here, not that it is a bad thing of course! I hope your meal earlier was up to your standards. A thousand apologies if—” “Rye,” Solaris replied with a smile, “everything is fine. Your meal earlier was wonderful as usual, so please, relax.” “Oh,” the mare replied, taking a sigh of relief. “May I ask why you are here, my Lord?” “Why yes, my assistant here has not had her breakfast. I am here to escort her.” “Oh,” Rye Bread replied. She looked at the disguised changeling sitting nearby. Her eyes widened. “Oh…” Solaris bent down, moving his head near the cook. “As you can see,” he whispered, “she is underweight. I am currently monitoring her health.” “I see,” Rye said with a slight bow. She looked over at Honeycomb, a sad face forming while her ears flattened slightly. Honeycomb hid under her mane, looking back at Rye. “Do you have anything particular in mind, my lord?” Rye whispered back. “Something soft and easy on the stomach.” “And for you?” “Coffee. You know how I like it.” “Of course, my Lord,” she replied with a bow. She looked back over at Honeycomb, offering a gentle smile before walking off. Sitting back up, Solaris looked back down at Honeycomb. “Your food will be here shortly.” Honeycomb nodded, keeping her head down. Solaris sighed as he straightened out his neck. He could feel all the eyes in the room staring in his direction. It was much quieter now than it was before. His ear flicked as yet another awkward silence formed between himself and the changeling. “So,” Solaris finally said, “are you feeling better than before?” “Yes, sir,” Honeycomb replied quietly. “Were you able to sleep well?” “Yes, sir. I slept all day yesterday.” “That’s good.” Honeycomb looked around, her ears flattening. She looked back at Solaris, her eyes not making contact with his own. “Lord Solaris, may I ask a question?” Solaris blinked, surprised by Honeycomb’s question. For a second, he wondered if he should let her, but decided there was no harm. Besides, if he didn’t, he would be hearing it from Luna. “You may,” he said, looking down at the changeling with curiosity. “Are we going back to your office after this?” she asked quietly, again keeping her head down. “No, we are not,” he replied. Solaris watched as Honeycomb perked up slightly, sitting up straight and looking attentively at him. He couldn’t blame her at this point. He didn’t want to sit there all day doing paper work. “Then what are we doing?” Honeycomb blurted out. Solaris raised an eyebrow. “Sorry, didn’t mean to speak out of turn, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb muttered, her body sinking a bit into the seat. “I don’t want to talk about it right now. Not in public,” Solaris replied. His ear flicked as he heard a shuffle of hooves next to him. “My Lord,” Rye said with a bow, a tray of food on her back. “Rye,” Solaris answered with a nod. He watched as the mare placed a tray, carrying a large bowl of oatmeal with apples, a side of bread, and a glass of orange juice, in front of Honeycomb. “And for you, my Lord,” she said as she held out a large coffee in front of him. “Thank you,” he replied as he grabbed it with his hoof. “That will be all.” “Of course, my lord,” she answered with a small bow before walking away. He took a sip, looking at the changeling. “Eat, we have much to do today.” “Yes, sir,” Honeycomb replied as she picked up her spoon. Solaris sat there, staring down into his drink. How do I this? he thought as he took another sip. How do I teach someone to fly again, let alone a changeling? I am centuries out of practice with this. Will it be harder to reteach her to fly? She learned to fly as a changeling but not as a pegasus. Perhaps I will get lucky, and she already knows how to fly as a pegasus. That would be nice. He looked back at Honeycomb who was quickly eating her food. His ears flattened slightly at the sight. I can’t remember what it was like to be that hungry. I don’t think I've ever been that hungry. Honeycomb grabbed her glass with two hooves, quickly downing it. What am I supposed to do? I did not expect things to turn out like this. Why couldn’t she be more stronger, resilient, and able to withstand this? Someone that has been trained. She could have been defiant for all I cared as long as she did her job. But this? What do I do with this changeling who is struggling in her disguise, who cries and begs if I simply look at her wrong? He watched Honeycomb finish her drink. I am taking care of a child is what I am doing. But she is not mine. She is not my foal, she is not my student, but she is some changeling that wanted to play soldier. What do I do? I can’t just let her go. It’s not right. It would not be fair to my subjects. Solaris leaned back slightly, closing his eyes. He reminisced all those times he spent with his children all those years ago. He remembered teaching them, watching them grow, and watching them make their own families just as he did. A small smile formed on his muzzle. He remembered all of them, his proud sons and daughters. But then his smile faded as he remembered what happened afterwards. His own sister was gone because of him, his children grew apart from him, and he was alone. No comfort, no warmth, no companionship. No matter how bright he made the sun, he always felt he was in the dark. That all changed almost a decade ago when a little Twilight Sparkle came into his life. Again, his lips curled back up in a smile. That small, eager, purple filly who was always by his side, always wanting to learn, and always wanting to impress him. But you already have, my faithful student. You brought my sister back and saved this country. You have done more than I could have ever imagined. You could never let me down. He just sat there, letting the memories of the past come back to him. The sounds of the room slowly became more and more quiet. Solaris twitched slightly, his eyes opening. He blinked, shaking his head. Did I just fall asleep? His eyes drifted down at Honeycomb, widening ever so slightly. There she sat, staring at her unfinished bowl of oatmeal while the bread laid to the side untouched. “Finished, Honeycomb?” Solaris asked as he stretched his neck. “No, Lord Solaris,” the changeling replied, staring at her food. “Are you full?” Honeycomb nodded in response. “Alright then, lets go,” Solaris said as he got up. “I can’t,” Honeycomb replied, still staring at her food. “What?” Solaris asked as he stopped. “I can’t leave. I have to finish.” Solaris squinted his eyes slightly. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “Why? Honeycomb looked up and blinked. “What do you mean, why?” Solaris raised an eyebrow, staring at the young Honeycomb. “But,” Honeycomb said as she looked around nervously. Her voice dropped. “I can’t waste food, right?” It was Solaris’ turn to blink. He was not expecting that answer. “What do you mean?” “I can’t waste food, right? We can’t let anything go to waste.” “Honeycomb,” Solaris said as he sat back down. “It’s fine. We have enough food.” “But, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb blurted out. “What if something happens?” “Like what?” “I don’t know,” Honeycomb answered quietly. “There could be a shortage or drought or crop failure or there is not enough food next season or—” “Honeycomb,” Solaris interrupted. Honeycomb froze. “Honeycomb,” Solaris repeated with a softer tone. “It’s alright. We have more than enough food. Much more than you think.” “But—” “It’s fine.” “Still…” “Come on, Honeycomb. It’s fine, really.” Honeycomb worked her jaw. “C’mon, lets go.” “No.” Solaris’ ears flicked up, his eyes squinting as he looked at Honeycomb. “What?” “I can’t. I just can’t,” Honeycomb exclaimed as she rubbed her leg with a hoof. “This is one of the things I was taught to never do. I just can’t throw it away, not me.” She gulped, her pleading eyes looking up at Solaris. “Please, Lord Solaris, can I just take it with me? I can finish it later.” Solaris sighed as rubbed his hoof through his mane. “Honeycomb, it is fine.” “But I am just not comfortable with this, Lord Solaris.” Solaris worked his jaw for a moment. “Alright,” he said as he grabbed the tray away from Honeycomb. With a few large bites, he finished the remainder of her meal. “There, better?” he asked as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. Honeycomb looked up at him, her eyes wide. She nodded her head silently. “Then let’s go,” Solaris said as she stood up. Honeycomb panted slightly as she trotted behind Solaris. Although she didn’t have to jog, she had to walk faster than what she was used to in order to keep pace with the longer stride of the alicorn. She stopped as she stood in front of a pair of large oak doors flanked by two guards. Her head tilted slightly as she looked at it. She never saw this door before. “Lord Solaris!” both guard exclaimed with a salute. “At ease, my ponies,” Solaris replied as he looked at both of them. “Make sure nopony disturbs us.” “Yes, my lord,” both guards replied as they opened the doors. “Come, Honeycomb,” Solaris said as he walked forward. Honeycomb followed, walking past the doors. She squinted her eyes as she felt the sunlight hit her. She remembered the last the time she had been outside was the day she was captured. It took a few seconds, but her eyes adjusted. A sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes. It felt nice to feel the sun once again. Honeycomb jerked her head back when she heard the heavy oaken doors close behind her. She turned her head back, finally taking a look at her surroundings. It was a small opening that was walled off by tall castle walls. It appeared to be a small garden with a fountain in the middle. She quickly focused her attention as she saw Solaris walk near the base of the fountain, sitting down. He turned and looked back at her. “Take a seat, Honeycomb,” Solaris said. Honeycomb nodded as she sat down, keeping her distance away from the alicorn. “I have a feeling you’re wondering why we are here.” The changeling nodded in response, making sure not to make eye contact. “You told me you had problems eating earlier.” Again, Honeycomb nodded. “And it seems the problem stems from the fact that you are not used to wearing your disguise.” “Yes, Lord Solaris.” “I didn’t think that you would have a problem changing forms like that. I assumed that changelings can change forms easily and stick with them.” If I was trained like our infiltrators or my Queen, I could, Honeycomb thought as she shook her head in response. “Have you flown since you were here?” “No, Lord Solaris, I was told flying is prohibited inside the palace.” “That it is,” Solaris replied. “But have you flown outside on your own?” “No, Lord Solaris.” “That is why we are here in my private garden today. I want to make sure that you can fly. This area is off limits, so nopony should disturb or see us.” “Oh…” “Go ahead,” Solaris said with a slight nod of his head. “Try.” “Alright,” Honeycomb replied. She closed her eyes, focusing. Her face scrunched in concentration as she tried to extend them. Unlike her wings when she was a changeling, the wings in her current state required much more dexterity and control than what she was used to. She gave a small grunt, her wings twitching as she finally extended them. “Is something wrong?” Solaris asked. Honeycomb turned and looked at her wings. It was the first time she really took the time to examine them. Her eyes widened as she studied them, watching the feathers slightly move with a slight breeze. They were so alien to her, her normal translucent wings now replaced with feathers. ‘Well?” Solaris asked again. Honeycomb blinked as she looked back at Solaris. “I… I am not used to them. They are kinda hard to move.” She wilted slightly as she watched Solars heave a large sigh, running a hoof through his mane. She watched as the alicorn turned his head and looked up at the ramparts surrounding them. The changeling blinked, trying to read his face. “Is something wrong?” she asked, making sure to keep her head low. “No,” Solaris replied as he looked back at her. “Just remembering things from the past.” “Oh.” “So, let’s get started.” Honeycomb nodded as she gave a test flap of her wings. She actually felt confident standing on all fours. Focusing, she began to rapidly beat her wings, just as she was used to. She gulped when she felt her hooves not leaving the ground. By now, she should have been flying. Her face scrunched in frustration as she tried to beat her wings even faster. A gasp escaped her lips as she flopped to the ground, panting. She wiped the sweat off her face, her wings twitching. “I…” she muttered. “I can’t fly. Why can’t I?” “Hmm,” Solaris replied as he got up. “I see the problem.” Honeycomb sniffed as she looked up. “It’s alright,” he replied as he walked forward. “The problem is you're trying to fly like a changeling when you need to fly like a pegasus.” “What?” “I noticed this during the wedding,” he replied. “It seems changelings beat their wings rapidly, much like an insect. You need to fly like a bird or pegasus.” “I don’t understand.” “You’re beating your wings too fast. You need to slow down and put more force into each wing beat.” Honeycomb looked at her wings then up at Solaris. “How would I do that?” “Like I said, put more effort into each beat rather than beating your wings as quickly as possible.” “Can you show me?” Solaris stopped, standing in front of Honeycomb. The changeling lifted her head as she watched the larger alicorn. She tilted her head, taking a chance and stared at his face. His eyes were distant and his head hung there. He looked… confused. “Alright,” he said quietly as he lifted his head up, puffing out his chest slightly. “What,” Honeycomb asked, “really?” “Indeed,” Solaris replied as he unfurled his wings. Honeycomb’s eyes widened as Solaris stood in front of her with his glorious wings unfurled. Unlike before when he seemed only to exude anger and contempt with her, suddenly Solaris wore a much gentler expression. She couldn’t read him, but the rough edges Honeycomb was getting used to were nowhere to be seen. No longer fearing for her life and for once looking up to Solaris for guidance, Honeycomb couldn’t help but admire his regal form and stature. In that moment, she understood why these ponies celebrated him as their leader. He embodied the image of strength that they all relied on. “Let’s start with the basics.” Meanwhile, in a watch tower above, Luna watched the scene unfold below from a window. “Your Highness.” Luna turned her head, seeing a seasoned grey unicorn guard at the stairwell. “Lieutenant Star Light,” she replied with a smile. The veteran guard gave a bow. “Are you ready to be escorted to your room, or would you like more time, my lady?” “I think I am about ready. Thank you for asking.” “Of course.” The guard waited, keeping a respectful distance from his princess as to not invade her privacy. He stood there, looking at her back. “May I ask a question, your Highness?” he suddenly asked. “Of course you may, my little pony. What is on your mind?” “Thank you,” he replied with a nod of his head. “I am curious to what you are doing.” “Me?” Luna replied with a chuckle. She looked down at her brother, watching as Solaris pointed at his wing then at the young changeling’s. Solaris gave a flap of his wings, hovering in the air. “Just watching the sights. Times have changed.” “Indeed they have, my Lady. Sorry to disturb you.” “No, no,” Luna replied as she looked back at her guard. “As I said, I was about to finish anyways. But since you asked a question, may I ask you a question, Star Light?” “Of course you may, my Lady,” he said as he straightened up. “You have been a guard for a while, is that correct?” “Twenty years of service and planning to add many more to that.” “And Equestria and I thank you for your service,” Luna replied. She gave a small smile as she watched the guard puff out his chest ever so slightly at the compliment. “Do you think my brother is a good teacher?” The guard blinked in confusion. “Um, you mean Lord Solaris?” “Of course.” “May I ask why?” “Just curious is all. You've been here for a while, but I have not.” The guard’s eyes widened. “I do not mean any offence—” “Shh, it’s alright. I know you don’t. I am just curious. I have been gone for a long time, so I just wondered is all.” “Well,” he replied, relaxing. “I’ve never been taught by him, but I did watch him mentor Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadence, just as the rest of older guard. Judging by their accomplishments, I would say the results speak for themselves.” Luna turned her head back down towards her brother and Honeycomb. A smile formed as she watched Honeycomb hover over the ground for a while before landing back down on her hooves. Luna’s smile grew a little larger as she watched the young changeling give a small jump of excitement. She turned her back towards Star Light. “Indeed, come now, let us go.” “Of course, your Highness.” Honeycomb exhaled, flopping face down onto her bed. A groan escaped her muzzle as she stretched her limbs and her wings. She lifted her head, watching as she furled and unfurled her wings. A smile formed on her lips, happy that she had much greater control over them. It took her most of the day, but she had finally managed to fly. She got most of the basics down, but she didn’t think she was going to try anything drastic yet. Solaris did tell her that he would continue to help her. She groaned as she lifted herself up, grabbing her diary with her hoof, opening it to her latest entry. Honeycomb blinked. “I haven’t wrote anything since I started?” she muttered to herself as she grabbed a pencil. “Well, probably should write something.” She chewed on her pencil. “What do I write?” 356 Days left… Well, it’s been a strange week to say the least. I am here, in Equestria, working for them after I invaded them. But I had to, right? I’ve been scared, but things seem to be getting better. I mean, their leader is teaching me to fly as a pony. He is not even a bad teacher, honestly. Actually, he was quite good at it. He showed me how to flap my wings, showed me what feathers are important, and how to take control over these wings. Still, these wings are way more complicated than a changeling’s. I don’t know how ponies fly with these. What else? She stared at her diary, recalling all the events that happened. She had been scared to death, she cried and begged for her life, again. Not that proud about that. Then she hurt herself, was healed by the enemy, and was now being taught how to fly. Honeycomb blinked as she realized something. She had never been angry yet. I should be angry, right? I mean I am being forced to work for them. But still. She looked at her room for a moment. In Equestrian standards, it was nice but nothing special. But to her, this was substantially better than what she was ever used to. And then there was all the food. She would never imagine that they would have so much that they can throw away leftovers. The very idea was foreign and alien to her. She already ate her dinner, and made sure that she only grabbed what she could eat. But she was full. Even though she was forced to serve Solaris, she had to admit that Solaris was different than she first imagined. She missed her friends, but in Equestria, she was not hungry nor cold. She looked back down at her diary. What am I supposed to feel?