//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: The Sun and Moon // by BurnedPigeon //------------------------------// Destined Encounter ________________________________________ As Mayor Mare leads Sun and Moon through the town of Ponyville, Derpy runs ahead and comes to a stop as her eyes widen. "Oh, Moon, that's the bowling alley over there!" says Derpy, pointing a hoof. "Bowling?" says Moon, blinking at a building with a sign of bowling pins and bowling balls. "Yeah, you and Sun should try it!" says Derpy, jumping up and down. "Aye, but another time, Derpy. Sun and I wish to find the Azure One first," says Moon, smiling. "Oh, right!" says Derpy with a sheepish grin. "Ugh, I'm sorry for Derpy's behavior, Sun…" says Mayor Mare, letting out a sigh. "Do not apologize. There are many interesting places here that Moon and I wish to visit in the future," says Sun with gleaming eyes. "I'm guessing you like Ponyville?" asks Mayor Mare, chuckling with a hoof over her mouth. "Aye," says Sun, smiling at a group of fillies and colts chasing each other as their laughs echo through the town. He then blinks his eyes, facing a blue and green mare waving a hoof with a shade of red in their cheeks. "Sun, you should probably do the same," says Mayor Mare with a small smile. Nodding, Sun lifts a hoof and slowly waves it. "H-he waved back!" says the blue mare, placing a hoof on her chest as she falls on her back. "Yeah…" says the green mare, her eyes turning into heart shapes before falling on her back. "Mayor Mare, did I do something wrong?" asks Sun, looking down at his hoof and frowning. "Don't worry, you did nothing wrong…" says Mayor Mare, dragging a hoof down her face. Her eyes then widen, seeing a building with a sign of a quill and sofa. "Um, Derpy, can you stay with Sun and Moon?" "Huh? Oh, sure, but why?" asks Derpy, blinking. "I need to buy some ink for the letter I'm writing…" says Mayor Mare, letting out a sigh. It's because when you flew through the window, my last bottle of ink fell on the floor! "Okay!" says Derpy, grinning. "Stay here and don't move! I'll be back!" says Mayor Mare, turning and running. "Hey, an ice cream stand! Come on, Moon, let's go!" says Derpy, grabbing Moon's hoof with her own and dragging him. "Ice cream?" says Moon, tilting his head. "Yeah, it's really good!" says Derpy, grinning. "Derpy, perhaps we should listen to Mayor Mare…" says Sun, reaching out a hoof. He then hangs his head, frowning. "Hey, you!" says a voice. Blinking, Sun turns his head side to side. "Down here!" says the voice. Looking down, Sun sees an orange filly folding her hooves.  "Took you long enough…" says the orange filly, huffing. "Greetings, little one," says Sun, smiling. "H-hey, I'm not little! And I'm still growing!" says the orange filly, stomping a hoof. "Forgive me, I did not mean thee any harm…" says Sun, wrinkling his brows. "Whatever…" says the orange filly, rolling her eyes. She then places a hoof on her chest. "Oh, if you're wondering, the name's Scootaloo! And I'm going to be the best flyer in Equestria- GAH!" A yellow blur slams into Scootaloo as she flies before skidding to a stop in the ground with her face. "Howdy!" says a voice. Turning his head, Sun sees a yellow filly with a smile.  "What's your name, mister?" asks the yellow filly, giggling with a hoof over her mouth. "Sun," he says with a small smile. Sun, huh? That's a nice name… thinks the yellow filly, her eyes on Sun's amber eyes to his spiraling horn. "Forgive me, little one, but what is thy name?" asks Sun, tilting his head. "Oh, my name's Apple Bloom!" she says, grinning. She then points a hoof at Scootaloo. "Sorry if she was bein' rude to you earlier…" "Do not apologize. But I am worried about Scootaloo…" says Sun, furrowing his brows.  "She'll be fine," says Apple Bloom, waving off a hoof. "If thou sayest so. Now then, dost thou require something of me?" asks Sun, blinking. "N-nothin', really…" says Apple Bloom, her cheeks turning red while rubbing an arm with a hoof. "It's just that… do you, I don't know, have a special somepony-" "What was that for!" says Scootaloo with her forehead touching Apple Bloom's. "Well, duh! You were bein' rude to him!" says Apple Bloom, pushing Scootaloo's forehead with her own. "That doesn't mean you can just ram into me like that!" says Scootaloo, pushing Apple Bloom's forehead with her own. "Hey, girls!" says a voice. "WHAT!" says Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, glaring. As Sun turns his head, he sees a white filly standing next to Moon and Derpy. "Geez, what's wrong with you two?" asks the white filly, lifting a brow. "Apple Bloom started it!" says Scootaloo, stomping a hoof. "But it's your fault for bein' rude to him in the first place!" says Apple Bloom, pointing a hoof at Sun. "Ugh…" says the white filly, placing a hoof on her face. She then turns and lifts her head. "Sorry about that, Moon. They're usually not like this…" "Do not apologize. They are interesting ponies," says Moon, smiling. "But can you believe it, Moon! How did they run out of ice cream that fast!" says Derpy, stomping a hoof. She then hangs her head, letting out a sigh. "I really wanted you and Sun to try it…" "Aye…" says Moon, frowning. "Don't worry, you guys, there's always tomorrow! Besides, aren't you going to introduce me to him, Moon?" asks the white filly, pointing a hoof at Sun. "Ah, Sun, this is Sweetie Belle," says Moon, smiling. "Greetings, Sweetie Belle. My name is Sun," he says with a smile. "It's nice to meet you, Sun!" says Sweetie Belle with a wide grin. She then looks at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. "Are you girls going to introduce yourselves to Moon or not?" "Not until she apologizes first!" says Scootaloo, pointing a hoof at Apple Bloom. "How about you apologize to Sun first!" says Apple Bloom, folding her hooves. "Ugh, I hate it when they're like this…" says Sweetie Belle, rolling her eyes. She then faces Moon. "Um, Moon, the orange one with a temper is Scootaloo and the yellow that's stubborn is Apple Bloom." "H-hey, don't make up any lies about me!" says Scootaloo, stomping a hoof. "Y-yeah! I'm not stubborn!" says Apple Bloom, pouting. "Well, you guys didn't want to introduce yourselves, so I did it for you!" says Sweetie Belle, closing her eyes and lifting her head. "There you are!" says a voice. Turning their head, Sun and Moon see a tan mare with a bag in her mouth and a frazzled mane.  "Oh, Mayor Mare, what took you so long?" asks Derpy, raising a brow. Mayor Mare lowers her head and drops the bag from her mouth. "I had to run to another store to get some ink because the store before only sells quills and sofas! Only quills and sofas! Can you believe it!" "Oh, I forgot to tell you about that…" says Derpy, rubbing her chin with a hoof. "Wh-what? You knew?" asks Mayor Mare with an open mouth. "I-I kind of deliver some stuff there…" says Derpy, rubbing a hoof behind her head. "Then why didn't you tell me!" says Mayor Mare, stomping a hoof. "I forgot…" says Derpy with a sheepish grin. "Ugh! Forget it, but at least tell me why the Crusaders are here…" says Mayor Mare, placing a hoof on her face. "Crusaders?" says Moon, blinking. "Yeah, we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders! Me, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo are on a quest to find our special talents," says Sweetie Belle, facing her flank to Moon. "See, I don't have my cutie mark yet." "Forgive me, but what is a special talent?" asks Moon, tilting his head. "Ah, I have been wondering about that as well…" says Sun, furrowing his brows. "A special talent is something a pony is good at. See that pony over there?" asks Sweetie Belle, pointing a hoof. Following Sweetie Belle's hoof, Sun and Moon notice a mare with a trowel in her mouth, digging a small hole in her yard. The yellow mare then grabs a patch of sunflowers, placing them in the hole before quickly filling the rest of the hole with dirt. Smiling, the yellow mare grabs a green watering can with her mouth, pouring water over the patch of sunflowers. "Her special talent must be gardening…" says Sweetie Belle, blinking. She then faces Sun and Moon. "Wait, why am I telling you this? Shouldn't you both already know about it?" "Nay," says Sun, shaking his head. "Forgive us, but we do not…" says Moon, hanging his head. "You don't!" says Sweetie Belle with wide eyes. She then walks around Sun and Moon with her eyes on their flank before coming to a stop in front of them. "How do you not know anything when you both already have your cutie marks?" Derpy walks over, lowering her head next to Sweetie Belle's ear. "Um, Sweetie Belle, when I met Sun and Moon, Rose and Bon Bon was there with them. They told me that Sun and Moon don't know anything…" "Really?" asks Sweetie Belle with an open mouth. "Yeah, we even had to tell them what an alicorn is…" says Derpy, furrowing her brows. "But aren't they alicorns?" asks Sweetie Belle, lifting a brow. "They are, but I just kind of went along with it," says Derpy, shrugging. That's weird… thinks Sweetie Belle, frowning. She then faces Sun and Moon. "Um, why are you both here in Ponyville?" "We are looking for somepony…" says Moon, wrinkling his brows. "Who?" asks Sweetie Belle, blinking. "We do not know. Mayor Mare and Derpy are aiding with our search," says Sun. "Oh, we can help!" says Sweetie Belle, grinning. She then turns her head. "Hey, girls, I got an idea! Let's help Moon and Sun find somepony! Maybe we can get our cutie marks!" "Forget it! Apple Bloom still didn't say she's sorry!" says Scootaloo, folding her hooves. "And you still didn't apologize to Sun!" says Apple Bloom, stomping a hoof. "Fine, I'll do it myself…" says Sweetie Belle, huffing.  "Um, Sweetie Belle, don't you have other stuff to do?" asks Mayor Mare with a sheepish grin.  "Nope! That's why if I help Moon and Sun, maybe I can get my cutie mark!" says Sweetie Belle, jumping up and down. That's the last thing I want you to do! I already know how you and the girls always make things worse when you try to help! thinks Mayor Mare with sweat running down her face. "I-I'm sorry, Sweetie Belle, but Sun and Moon won't be here for long." "Why?" asks Sweetie Belle, blinking. "It's because they're going to Canterlot…" says Mayor Mare, rubbing an arm with a hoof. "Oh…" says Sweetie Belle, furrowing her brows. She faces Moon and Sun. "Before you go, can you at least tell me about yourself-" "Sweetie Belle, please! I need to get the preparations done for Sun and Moon's departure!" says Mayor Mare, glaring. "B-but can I least talk with them before they go!" says Sweetie Belle, stomping a hoof. "I'm sorry…" says Mayor Mare, shaking her head. "But I really need-" "Mayor Mare, I do not mind if Sweetie Belle joins us. In fact, I welcome it. Perhaps thou shouldst consider?" asks Moon, smiling. "I-I don't know…" says Mayor Mare, biting her bottom lip. "Sun, what are thy thoughts on this matter?" asks Moon, tilting his head. As Sun looks down, Sweetie Belle's lips shake as her eyes well up with tears. "Aye, Sweetie Belle may join us," says Sun with a small smile. "But, Your Highnesses!" says Mayor Mare, stomping a hoof. She then puts a hoof over her mouth, seeing Sun and Moon frowning. "All right, if that's what you wish…" she says, letting out a sigh. "YAY!" says Sweetie Belle, hopping around Moon and Sun. "Sweetie Belle, forgive me, but what about Apple Bloom and Scootaloo?" asks Moon, furrowing his brows. "Oh, them. I don't think so. But I'm sure they'll be okay if we leave them here," says Sweetie Belle, smiling. "I see. Now then, Mayor Mare, please lead the way," says Sun. "Y-yes…" says Mayor Mare, slowly nodding. She then picks up the bag on the ground with her mouth before turning and walking as Sun, Moon, Derpy, and Sweetie Belle follow behind. "W-wait! I'm sorry! I'm coming too!" says Apple Bloom, flailing her hooves. "Oh, now you apologize?" asks Scootaloo, glaring. "Not right now! They're leavin' us!" says Apple Bloom, stomping a hoof. Sweetie Belle stops and turns, lifting a brow. "Are you coming or not? Or are you just going to argue all day?" "Okay, okay!" says Apple Bloom, biting her bottom lip. "Fine…" says Scootaloo, rolling her eyes. ________________________________________ Lifting her hooves, Mayor Mare pushes two doors of a building with flags blowing in the wind. She then lifts a hoof and waves it before walking inside the building. Walking through the doorway, Sun and Moon's eyes widen at the interior of the room, seeing loges as curtains dressed the edges of the large windows around. Their eyes then move to the banners on the walls with images of ponies, constellations, and flowers. "What is this place?" asks Moon, blinking. Mayor Mare places the bag in her mouth on the floor. "This is Town Hall. Everypony comes here for meetings and other sorts," she says, smiling. She then lets out a sigh. Or they just come here to complain about something… "Forgive me, but I do not understand…" says Sun, shaking his head. "What is a meeting?" asks Moon, furrowing his brows. What? They don't even know something like a meeting either? thinks Mayor Mare with an open mouth. She then rubs a hoof behind her head. "Um, let's just say that a meeting is when ponies come to discuss something." "I see…" says Sun, walking to the center of the room with his eyes on the banners hanging on the walls. "Strange…" says Moon, walking to a curtain before stroking a hoof on it. "I've been wondering, but why do Sun and Moon ask questions they should already know?" asks Mayor Mare, her brows drawing together. "I don't know, but they asked a lot on our way here…" says Apple Bloom, rubbing a hoof behind her head. "Tell me about it. Sun and Moon asked me about the saddlebags that ponies carry on their back. Kind of weird, if you ask me," says Scootaloo, twirling a hoof next to her head and sticking her tongue out. "Maybe something happened to them and they just forgot…" says Sweetie Belle, frowning. "That's the weird part. I already told Sweetie Belle about this, but when I first met Sun and Moon, Rose and Bon Bon were there with them. They said that Sun and Moon didn't know anything…" says Derpy, wrinkling her brows. "What do you mean?" asks Mayor Mare, blinking. "Well, for starters, they didn't even know that they were alicorns," says Derpy, shrugging. "WHAT!" says Apple Bloom and Scootaloo with wide eyes. "Th-that's right! I forgot that Rose, Bon Bon, and Derpy were telling them about that! They even asked what I was doing when I first met them too…" says Mayor Mare, placing a hoof on her face. "Oh, that time when you were bowing to them?" asks Derpy, rubbing her head with a hoof. "Yes…" says Mayor Mare, slowly nodding. "I-I don't know what happened to Sun and Moon, but I think we shouldn't dwell on it any longer. It must be something that doesn't concern us…" "Maybe Twilight would know what to do…" says Sweetie Belle, frowning. "Heh! Knowing her, I think she would!" says Scootaloo, smirking. "Yeah, if there's anypony that could help, it's Twilight!" says Apple Bloom, grinning. "I'm sure she would," says Mayor Mare, smiling. She then faces Derpy. "Derpy, as for what I said before, please follow me to my office. I'm going to write a letter for you to give to the Royal Guard at Canterlot." "Okay, but before I go…" says Derpy, turning and waving a hoof. "Sun, Moon, can you come here for a second?" Turning, Moon walks over to Derpy as Sun follows behind. Coming to a stop, they sit on their haunches. "Is something wrong?" asks Moon, wrinkling his brows. "No, I just wanted to give you guys this before I go," says Derpy, bringing two muffins from behind herself with a hoof as Sun and Moon each take one. "It's my last two that were supposed to be an apology to somepony for being late again, but I think she wouldn't mind if I gave them to you both." "And who is this pony?" asks Sun, tilting his head. "Her name is Dinky. She's my sister and my little special somepony who means the whole world to me," says Derpy with a small smile. "Sister?" says Moon, blinking. "Just picture somepony you've been with your whole life. Oh, now that I think about it, are you guys brothers?" asks Derpy, rubbing her head with a hoof. "Brothers?" says Sun, furrowing his brows. "It's like sisters. You know, sisters for girls, and brothers for boys," says Derpy, lifting a brow. "Forgive me, but I do not understand…" says Moon, shaking his head. "Aye…" says Sun, hanging his head. "Wow, you guys really don't know anything…" says Derpy with wide eyes. She then frowns. "Sorry, I'd like to tell you, but I really have to go. Besides, I'm not good at explaining things…"  "Do not apologize. We understand," says Sun, nodding. "And Sun and I wish to thank thee," says Moon with a small smile. "For what?" asks Derpy, blinking. Lowering their head, Moon and Sun press their lips on Derpy's cheeks. "Not again…" says Mayor Mare, placing a hoof over her red face. "Wh-why are they kissin' her!" says Apple Bloom with a bright red face. "That's not fair! I want Moon to do the same to me…" says Sweetie Belle, biting her bottom lip. "Eww…" says Scootaloo, curling her lip. "You know, I'm never going to get used to that. What was that for?" asks Derpy, giggling with a hoof over her mouth. "We are grateful that thou art willing to aid us with our search," says Sun, smiling. "And for the muffins," says Moon with a small smile. "You're welcome! Oh, and if you guys ever decide to come back to Ponyville, maybe I could introduce you both to Dinky! I'm sure she would like to meet you both!" says Derpy, jumping up and down. "Aye," says Sun, nodding. "If our paths meet again, I wish to meet this Dinky," says Moon, smiling. "Got it!" says Derpy, grinning. She then faces Mayor Mare. "Okay, ready when you are!" "O-oh!" says Mayor Mare, shaking her head. "Um, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, can you do me a favor?" "What is it?" asks Sweetie Belle, blinking. "I would like you to stay with Sun and Moon while I'm gone. Can I trust you girls to handle it?" asks Mayor Mare, raising a brow. "Sure! You can count on us!" says Apple Bloom, placing a hoof on her chest. "Yeah, I guess. There's nothing to do around here anyway," says Scootaloo, shrugging. "Thank you," says Mayor Mare, smiling. She then picks up the bag on the floor with her mouth and walks to a staircase as Derpy follows behind. "So, what should we do now?" asks Apple Bloom, rubbing the side of her neck with a hoof. "Maybe we can find out why Moon and Sun don't know anything?" asks Sweetie Belle, smiling. "I-I don't think that's a good idea…" says Apple Bloom, shaking her head. "But I really want to know! I mean, they came from the Everfree Forest and that's weird! Don't you want to know more about them!" says Sweetie Belle, stomping a hoof. "I do, but we can't just ask… them…" says Apple Bloom, blinking. "Wait, where's Scoot?" "Huh?" says Sweetie Belle, turning her head side to side. "Where is she?" "Oh, there she is!" says Apple Bloom, pointing a hoof. Turning her head, Sweetie Belle sees Scootaloo sitting in front of Moon and Sun. "So, why do you guys keep asking questions all the time?" asks Scootaloo, lifting a brow. "Scoot, don't you remember what Mayor Mare said!" says Apple Bloom, stomping a hoof. "Yeah, but I just wanted to know," says Scootaloo, shrugging.  "Can't you at least listen for once?" asks Sweetie Belle, huffing. "Hey, don't give me that! I bet that you guys wanted to know about it too!" says Scootaloo, stomping a hoof. "Yeah, but it could be somethin' they don't want to talk about!" says Apple Bloom, pointing a hoof at Sun and Moon. "If thou art curious, then Sun and I will tell thee," says Moon, blinking. "See! Even Moon said it himself!" says Apple Bloom, stomping a hoof. She then blinks before facing Moon. "W-wait, you're goin' to tell us?" "Aye, I am grateful for the aid thou hast given us, so 'tis granted that we should explain the reason for our cause. Sweetie Belle, I believe I told thee about the pony that Sun and I have been searching for, correct?" asks Moon, tilting his head. "Oh, I remember that!" says Sweetie Belle, nodding. Moon smiles before facing Sun. "I believe we should explain from the beginning."  "Aye," says Sun, nodding. He then faces the Crusaders. "Since the beginning of thy world's creation, I have watched over it for countless years as it changed from a lifeless place to a world, teeming with life." "And during that time, I was bound to watch over thy world as the years passed…" says Moon, furrowing his brows. He then smiles. "But one day, Sun and I found ourselves waking in this world-" "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold up!" says Scootaloo, lifting a hoof. She then lifts a brow. "What are you guys talking about?" "I-I don't get it! You both sound like you're saying you're the Moon and Sun!" says Sweetie Belle, flailing her hooves. "Yeah, and what do you mean by our world's creation? It sounds like some old pony's tale!" says Apple Bloom, stomping a hoof. "If this is true, then who are you two?" asks a voice. As Sun and Moon turn their head, they see Mayor Mare coming to a stop and sitting next to the Crusaders. "Ah, Mayor Mare, I believe the preparations are done?" asks Sun, blinking. "Yes, Derpy's already on her way to Canterlot," says Mayor Mare, nodding. She then glares. "And your story just now doesn't make sense. I'm sorry, but can you both tell me who you really are?" "I am the Sun," he says with an unwavering gaze. "And I am the Moon," he says with a soft glow within his eyes. "We have been watching thy world from the stars above," says Sun, smiling. "And now we stand before you within this world," says Moon with a small smile. Mayor Mare and the Crusaders' eyes widen while their jaw hangs in the air.  Blinking, Sun and Moon look down at their hoof with a muffin on it and lifts it to their mouth, biting a part of it. "Y-you're just making this up, right?" asks Scootaloo, glaring. Sun makes an audible gulp. "Nay, the words that we speak are the truth." "But how does that have to do with anything to the pony you've been trying to find?" asks Sweetie Belle, frowning. Moon makes an audible gulp. "The pony we are searching for is somepony we are grateful to. Without this pony, Sun and I would not have become who we are today. Unfortunately, we do not know this pony's name, but refer to this pony as the Azure One." "Azure One? That's a weird name…" says Scootaloo, lifting a brow. "Well, obviously, they're just trying to find somepony who has an azure color," says Sweetie Belle, rolling her eyes.  "Ugh, why do you always have to be such a smart-mouth! You might as well be a dictionary!" says Scootaloo, huffing. "Didn't I say not to call me that!" says Sweetie Belle, stomping a hoof. "It's not my fault you are one!" says Scootaloo, poking a hoof on Sweetie Belle's chest. "H-hey, girls, calm down…" says Apple Bloom with sweat running down her face. "Let's all just relax and-" "Oh, you want to go right now!" says Sweetie Belle, pressing her forehead against Scootaloo's. "Bring it!" says Scootaloo, pushing Sweetie Belle's forehead with her own. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo jump at each other, forming a dust cloud as they bite on each other's tail, pulling it. "Apple Bloom, did we do something wrong?" asks Sun, putting the rest of the muffin on his hoof in his mouth and chewing. "D-don't worry, it's not your fault…" says Apple Bloom, letting out a sigh. "If thou sayest so," says Moon, biting and chewing the last piece of the muffin on his hoof. Wh-what's going on? If Sun and Moon are here, then shouldn't the Sun and Moon be gone? But I guess it makes sense why they don't know anything. Ugh, just thinking about it is hurting my head! thinks Mayor Mare, dragging a hoof down her face. "Excuse me! Is anypony there!" says a voice. "Oh, that must be them! Sun, Moon, can you wait here with the Crusaders?" asks Mayor Mare. "Aye," says Sun, nodding. "But is something wrong?" asks Moon, frowning. "No, but there are some ponies here that I need to speak to…" says Mayor Mare, rubbing an arm with a hoof. "Ah, I understand," says Moon, smiling. "So can I ask you both to be patient and wait for me to call you?" asks Mayor Mare with a sheepish grin. "Then do not let us stop thee," says Sun with a small smile. "Thank you," says Mayor Mare, chuckling with a hoof over her mouth.  As Mayor Mare walks to the doorway, her eyes widen at four stallions in gold armor with a gold chariot behind them. She then walks down some stairs as the stallions remove the harness on their bodies and form a row. "Good morning. You must be Mayor Mare, right?" asks the stallion with a red-crested helmet. "Yes," says Mayor Mare, smiling. "I'm Commander Highwind," he says, placing a hoof on his chest. He then points a hoof at the three stallions next to him with blue-crested helmets. "And they are Top Notch, Summer Set, and Pleasant Breeze. As for our reason here, the Royal Guard received a letter containing reports of two alicorns in Ponyville. Is this true?" "Yes," says Mayor Mare, nodding. "Honestly, we were skeptical of this at first, but the mare who delivered the letter argued with us and said that these alicorns need Princess Twilight's help…" says Highwind, letting out a sigh. "I-I'm sorry if she caused you any trouble…" says Mayor Mare, putting a hoof on her face. "Don't worry. Anyway, I'm sorry, but we will escort these alicorns to Canterlot after seeing what you stated in the letter is true. The security regulations we have at the castle is much more strict after the changeling incident, so please understand…" says Highwind, furrowing his brows. "Of course," says Mayor Mare, smiling. She then turns and places a hoof next to her mouth. "Sun, Moon, can you please come out!" Slowly, Sun appears at the doorway and walks down the stairs while his flowing mane glitters under the daylight. Moon then appears at the doorway, walking down the stairs as his blue coat emits a soft glow under the morning light with the Crusaders following behind him. "Whoa…" says Pleasant with wide eyes. "I-I can't believe they're real…" says Summer with an open mouth. "Yeah, even I thought that gray mare was crazy or something, but she was right…" says Top Notch, blinking. I guess I owe that gray mare an apology if I see her… thinks Highwind, wrinkling his brows. He then walks to Sun and Moon before kneeling and lowering his head. "Good morning, Your Highnesses." "And whom might thou be?" asks Moon, blinking. Highwind stands and puts a hoof on his forehead. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Highwind, and I'm here with my fellow guards to escort you both to Canterlot." "Ah, I see. But, Highwind, thou art free to address me as Sun," he says with a small smile. "And feel free to address me as Moon. We do not wish to inconvenience thee," says Moon, smiling. "I can't do that…" says Highwind, shaking his head. "Strange, I do not understand…" says Sun, furrowing his brows. "Forgive me, but is there a reason why?" asks Moon, tilting his head. "I-I'm sorry, Your Highnesses, but it's against proper decorum to address royalty without their proper title…" says Highwind, rubbing behind his head with a hoof. "Sun, Moon, please understand that there will be other ponies that will address you in the same manner…" says Mayor Mare, frowning. "Perhaps the reason why is that Sun and I are alicorns?" asks Moon, his brows gathering in. "Y-yes…" says Mayor Mare, slowly nodding. "I see…" says Sun, hanging his head. "This is unfortunate…" says Moon with a watery gaze. "I know you both dislike the thought of it, but it's only natural that ponies will treat you with respect," says Mayor Mare with a small smile. "I understand," says Moon, smiling. "Then I have no complaints. Highwind, let us go to Canterlot," says Sun, nodding. "Before we leave, Your Highnesses, there's a safety measure you must go through…" says Highwind with a sheepish grin. "Safety measure?" says Moon, tilting his head. "Yes, it's by royal decree that we check each pony, regardless of status, to ensure the safety of Canterlot…" says Highwind, letting out a sigh. "If this is to ensure that there will be no harm, then I will not decline. What are thy thoughts on this matter, Moon?" asks Sun, blinking. "I have no reason to refuse," says Moon, shaking his head. "I see. Now then, Highwind, please continue," says Sun with a small smile. "Thank you for understanding, Your Highnesses," says Highwind, smiling. He then turns and stomps a hoof. "Pleasant, Summer, get the crystal balls ready!" "Yes, sir!" says Pleasant and Summer, placing a hoof on their forehead. Putting a hoof in their saddlebag on their back, Summer and Pleasant each take out a crystal ball that shines brightly under the morning light. Pleasant walks over to Moon, while Summer moves to Sun as they lift their crystal ball up to them. "That is a strange object…" says Moon, blinking. "Oh, the crystal ball? I guess it's weird, but it's cool how it tells us if somepony is a changeling in disguise by the color it shows. It turns blue if they're not or green if they are," says Pleasant, patting a hoof on the crystal ball. "Changeling?" says Sun, tilting his head. "They sort of look like a pony and a bug combined. They're also able to change the way they look into anything they want," says Summer, rubbing a hoof on the side of his neck. "Last time they appeared was when they took over Canterlot. It wasn't a pretty sight…" says Pleasant, letting out a sigh. "I see…" says Sun, wrinkling his brows. "That is why this safety measure is required…" says Moon, gathering his brows in. "Y-yeah…" says Pleasant, slowly nodding. "Wait, why are we telling you this? Don't you guys already know all about it?" asks Summer, lifting a brow. "Hey, Summer, Pleasant, stop talking and pay attention! The crystal balls are already blue! Pack up and get the chariot ready!" says Highwind, stomping a hoof. "S-sorry, sir!" says Pleasant and Summer, putting their crystal ball in their saddlebag and running to the chariot. "What about me, sir?" asks Top Notch, blinking. "What do you think?" asks Highwind, raising a brow. "Uh, get the chariot ready?" asks Top Notch with a sheepish grin. "Then don't just stand there! Hurry up and go!" says Highwind, stomping a hoof. "Y-yes, sir!" says Top Notch, running to the chariot. Ugh, now I'm starting to wonder how those three idiots joined the Royal Guard… thinks Highwind, dragging a hoof down his face. He then faces Sun and Moon while pointing a hoof at the chariot. "Now then, Your Highnesses, please sit yourselves and we'll be on our way." "Aye," says Sun, nodding. "Sun, forgive me, but will we be able to find the Azure One?" asks Moon with a watery gaze. "Do not worry, Moon. Perhaps our search will finally come to an end," says Sun, smiling. "W-wait!" says a voice. Sun and Moon turn their head, seeing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle with tears welling up in their eyes. "Sun, will I ever see you again?" asks Apple Bloom, biting her bottom lip. "The same goes for you too, Moon!" says Sweetie Belle, pointing a hoof. "I-I do not know…" says Sun, shaking his head. "Perhaps our paths will meet again," says Moon with a small smile. "No! Promise us that you'll visit again!" says Sweetie Belle, stomping a hoof. "Yeah! Do you Pinkie Promise?" asks Apple Bloom, pouting. "Forgive me, but I do not understand…" says Moon, his brows gathering in. "What is this Pinkie Promise?" asks Sun, furrowing his brows. "It's a promise that you should never break, but if you break that promise, you'll regret it!" says Sweetie Belle, glaring. "Very well, then I Pinkie Promise," says Moon, smiling. "I Pinkie Promise as well," says Sun, nodding. "No! You're not doin' it right!" says Apple Bloom, shaking her head. "This Pinkie Promise is truly difficult…" says Sun, hanging his head. "Then what tasks must we perform for this Pinkie Promise?" asks Moon, tilting his head. "We'll tell you!" says Sweetie Belle, grinning. "Yeah, so pay attention!" says Apple Bloom, stomping a hoof. "Repeat after me! Cross my heart and hope to fly!" says Sweetie Belle, moving a hoof in a cross-motion on her chest. "Stick a cupcake in my eye!" says Apple Bloom, putting a hoof over her eye. "Now it's your turn!" says Sweetie Belle, jumping up and down. "Cross my heart and hope to fly…" says Moon, moving a hoof in a cross-motion on his chest. "Stick a cupcake in my eye…" says Sun, placing a hoof over his eye. He then groans and removes his hoof from his eye before shaking his head. "Sun, maybe you should close your eye before doin' that next time," says Apple Bloom with a chuckle. "I-I see…" says Sun, rubbing his eye with a hoof. "O-oh, Sun, if you ever come back… can I become your special somepony?" asks Apple Bloom as her cheeks turn red. "Moon, can I-I be your special somepony too?" asks Sweetie Belle, her face turning red while rubbing an arm with a hoof. "Special somepony?" says Sun, blinking. "What is a special somepony?" asks Moon, tilting his head. As Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle open their mouth, their eyes widen as they fall flat on the ground, and seeing Sun and Moon growing smaller. "I think that's enough, you lovebirds! We still have the rest of the day to go crusading!" says Scootaloo, dragging Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle by their tail with a hoof. "W-wait, I'm not done talkin' to Sun yet!" says Apple Bloom, digging her hooves into the ground. "Can I talk to Moon for a little bit more?" asks Sweetie Belle, reaching out a hoof to Moon. "So you guys can waste more time? Yeah, not happening…" says Scootaloo, rolling her eyes. "Aww!" says Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, pouting. "The Crusaders are strange…" says Sun, tilting his head. "But they are interesting ponies to be around," says Moon, smiling. "Your Highnesses, I don't mean to rush you both, but we must leave soon!" says Highwind, waving a hoof. "Aye," says Sun, nodding. He then faces Moon. "Before we leave, there is another pony that we should show our gratitude." "Ah, I almost forgot…" says Moon, blinking. Turning their head, Sun and Moon face Mayor Mare as she jerks her head back. Wh-why do I have a feeling they're about to do something to me? thinks Mayor Mare, gulping with sweat running down her face. "Mayor Mare, we are grateful for what thou hast done for us," says Sun, nodding. "That is why we wish to express our gratitude to thee," says Moon, smiling. "Th-there's no need to thank me!" says Mayor Mare, flailing her hooves. "It's only right that I help those in need-" Mayor Mare's eyes widen as Sun and Moon press their lips on her cheeks. As Sun and Moon pull their lips away, Mayor Mare's face turns bright red while she looks at Sun and Moon with an open mouth. "We will forever be grateful to thee," says Sun with a radiant glow in his gaze. "Thank you, Mayor Mare," says Moon with a soft glow within his eyes. "Sun, Moon…" says Mayor Mare with wide eyes. She then smiles. "Go on. There's still somepony you have to find, right?" "Aye," says Sun, smiling. "We will find the Azure One," says Moon with a small smile. "I know you will," says Mayor Mare, chuckling with a hoof over her mouth. Nodding their head, Moon and Sun turns and walks to the chariot, passing Pleasant, Summer, and Top Notch as their eyes follow them.  "How are they able to just kiss somepony like that?" asks Top Notch, lifting a brow. "I would never be able to do that with some random mare…" says Pleasant, letting out a sigh. "Nah, you're just too scared to do it!" says Summer, smirking. "You're one to talk! You start sweating like crazy when a nice-looking mare walks by!" says Pleasant, poking a hoof on Summer's chest. "Want to run that by me again?" asks Summer, clenching a hoof. "I'm only telling the truth," says Pleasant, closing his eyes and lifting his head. "You idiots! Stop talking and get ready for departure!" says Highwind, stomping a hoof. "Y-yes, sir!" says Top Notch, Summer, and Pleasant as they unfold their wings. Highwind turns his head, facing Sun and Moon inside the chariot. "Your Highnesses, are you ready to leave?" "Aye," says Sun, nodding. "Let us go," says Moon, smiling. "You heard them!" says Highwind, stomping a hoof. "Yes, sir!" says Summer, Top Notch, and Pleasant.  As Highwind and the guards run across the ground, they quickly flap their wings while pulling the chariot before taking off into the sky. Watching the chariot growing smaller in the sky, Mayor Mare frowns. Sun, Moon, I hope that you find what you're searching for… ________________________________________ As the chariot flies through the blue sky, Moon closes his eyes and takes a deep breath while the wind flows through his mane. Is this how it feels to fly? Maybe Sun and I can learn this after finding the Azure One…  Moon then opens his eyes and turns his head. He looks down as his eyes widen at hills and rivers that stretch to the horizon. There is so much life within this world. Is this what Sun and I have been watching over through the years? he thinks before turning his head. "Sun, the view up here is truly remarkable, is it not?" "F-forgive me, Moon. It seems I was lost in thought…" says Sun, shaking his head. "Is something wrong?" asks Moon, wrinkling his brows. "I do not know. But what Derpy said earlier troubles me. 'Twas called brothers, I believe…" says Sun, his brows gathering in. "Ah, if I remember, 'tis used for somepony that we have been together with throughout the years, correct?" asks Moon, blinking. "Aye," says Sun, nodding. He then furrows his brows. "Moon, are we considered brothers?" "I do not know. But the years we have spent together watching over this world is something I do not regret. I truly am glad I was able to meet thee, Sun," says Moon, smiling and putting a hoof on Sun's cheek. "Moon…" says Sun with wide eyes. He then smiles. "Aye, I am glad I was able to meet thee as well." "Your Highnesses, we're here!" says Highwind. As Sun and Moon look down, their eyes widen at a white castle, hanging on the side of a mountain as it shines under the rays of light. "Welcome to Canterlot Castle!" says Highwind. As the chariot descends, it lands on a stone path, coming to a stop in front of a drawbridge. "Here we are, Your Highnesses. Please exit the chariot and I will lead you to the princess," says Highwind, removing the harness on his body. Nodding their head, Sun and Moon put a hoof on the ground as they walk out from the chariot. Their eyes widen while lifting their head as the white castle in front of them stretches far into the sky. "This is Canterlot Castle…" says Sun, blinking. "'Tis different than the structures at Ponyville…" says Moon with an open mouth. "I said the same thing when I first saw the castle," says Highwind with a small laugh. He then turns his head. "Top Notch, Summer, Pleasant, bring the chariot to the back of the castle! Once you're done, go to the barracks and wait for further orders!" "Yes, sir!" says Top Notch, Summer, and Pleasant as they spread their wings. "Ah, before I forget, perhaps I can show my gratitude to thee?" asks Sun, smiling. "I wish to do the same," says Moon with a small smile. "Geh!" says Top Notch as his face turns blue. "N-no! It's fine, Your Highnesses! We're just glad we can help!" says Summer with a sheepish grin. "Y-yeah!" says Pleasant with sweat running down his face. "A-anyway, we'll be leaving now!" says Top Notch, grinning. Top Notch, Summer, and Pleasant flap their wings while running across the stone path before taking off in the sky. "This is unfortunate that we could not show them our gratitude…" says Sun, hanging his head. "D-don't worry, you can try again when you see them!" says Highwind with a sheepish grin. "Highwind, perhaps Sun and I can show our gratitude to thee?" asks Moon, smiling. "Oh, uh, I-I think that's not necessary, Your Highness…" says Highwind, his cheeks turning red while coughing into a hoof. "Anyway, please follow me and I shall escort you both to the princess." As Highwind walks ahead, Sun and Moon face each other and tilts their head. They then follow Highwind as they cross the drawbridge. In front of them, two dark stallions in gold armor stand on the sides of a gate between them. Seeing Sun and Moon, the dark stallions blink with an open mouth before kneeling and lowering their head. "Good morning, you two. This is Prince Sun and Prince Moon. They're here to meet with Princess Twilight," says Highwind, placing a hoof on his forehead. The dark stallions stand and place a hoof over their forehead.  "Are these the alicorns that were mentioned within the letter from the mayor of Ponyville?" asks the guard on the right. "Yes," says Highwind, nodding. "Have they already consented to the preliminary check?" asks the guard on the left. "We already did a full scan on them at Ponyville," says Highwind, smiling. "Your Highnesses, is it fine if we conduct a secondary check?" asks the guard on the right. "Aye," says Moon with a small smile. "Of course," says Sun, nodding. Facing each other, the dark stallions nod before closing their eyes as their horn glows blue. A blue sphere appears around Highwind, Sun, and Moon while a white ring forms within the blue sphere, moving up and down. "Strange…" says Sun, blinking. "What is this?" asks Moon, poking a hoof against the blue sphere. "Your Highness, please don't touch it…" says Highwind, furrowing his brows. "Ah, forgive me. This an interesting experience," says Moon, smiling. "I believe this is magic?" asks Sun, tilting his head. Wait, what? Being alicorns, shouldn't they already know magic? thinks Highwind, lifting a brow. "Commander Highwind, we have finished our search," says the guard on the right. "Huh? O-oh, where can we find Princess Twilight?" asks Highwind, blinking. "She is with her friends and the other princesses in the dining room," says the guard on the left. "Please wait for a moment. We will open the gate," says the guard on the right. Closing their eyes, the dark stallions' horn glows blue, wrapping the gate between them in a similar light as it lifts up. "You may enter," says the guard on the left. "One more thing. Prince Sun, Prince Moon, please enjoy your stay here at the castle," says the guard on the right with a small smile. "We will," says Moon, smiling. Sun nods his head. "Your Highnesses, please follow me," says Highwind, walking ahead. As Sun and Moon follow Highwind, the dark stallions' horn glows blue, shrouding the gate in a blue glow as it slowly comes down. "Hey, you think Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will be surprised?" asks the guard on the left, lifting a brow. "Who wouldn't be? I mean, all the alicorns in Equestria are mares. I never thought I'd see two alicorns that were guys…" says the guard on the right, rubbing a hoof behind his head. "It's too bad we can't see the look on Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's face…" says the guard on the left, letting out a sigh. "Yeah, guarding the gate is really boring…" says the guard on the right, huffing. ________________________________________ As Sun and Moon follow Highwind, they walk through the halls of the castle as red carpeting stretches into the distance. "Greetings," says Moon, smiling at a brown mare in a black and white dress. "Hello…" says the brown mare with bright red cheeks, dropping a tray of teacups. "Greetings, little one," says Sun, nodding at an orange mare in a black and white dress. "H-hi…" says the orange mare with wide eyes, dropping a tray of plates. Ugh, every mare we passed has been dropping expensive tableware when they see Prince Sun and Prince Moon. It's a good thing Lyrical isn't here or she'd probably blow her bits… thinks Highwind, letting out a sigh. "Highwind, is something wrong?" asks Sun, frowning. "If we did something to trouble thee, forgive us…" says Moon, furrowing his brows. "N-no, you did nothing wrong! Oh, look! We're here!" says Highwind, pointing a hoof. Following Highwind's hoof, Sun and Moon sees two gold doors in front of them. "Is this where we will meet the princess?" asks Moon, tilting his head. "Yes, but please wait. I'll see if she's not busy," says Highwind. "Aye," says Sun, nodding. Highwind leans his body against one of the gold doors and pushes it. As the door creaks to a stop, he sees a blue and pink mare pulling on a plate. "Hey, let go!" says the blue mare, glaring. "Why don't you let go! I saw it first!" says the pink mare, baring her teeth. "Um, but that was my cake…" says a yellow mare, lifting a hoof. "Ugh, my mane! There's a frizzle sticking out of place!" says a white mare, placing her hooves on her cheeks. "Will y'all pipe it down! And I saw that there cake first!" says an orange mare, pointing a hoof. "WILL YOU ALL BE QUIET!" says a purple mare, stomping a hoof.  Highwind ducks on the ground and puts his hooves over his ears. Sun and Moon stand in place as their flowing mane blows in the wind of the ear screeching voice. "I can't believe you guys were fighting over a cake in front of the princesses!" says the purple mare as her breathing grows heavy. "Twilight, please calm down," says a white alicorn. "O-oh, I'm sorry…" says Twilight, hanging her head. "But Twilight is right. There's no need for you all to fight amongst yourselves for a cake. And if you asked, we have more to go around," says a blue alicorn, chuckling with a hoof over her mouth. "But I think we have to put our little tea party on hold. Now then, is there something you need, Highwind?" asks the white alicorn with a small smile. "I-I'm sorry to bother you all! Princess Twilight, if you're not busy, there are two ponies that want to meet you!" says Highwind, placing a hoof on his forehead. "Huh? Two ponies?" says Twilight, blinking. "Apparently, it's something urgent. They traveled from Ponyville to ask for your help," says Highwind, furrowing his brows. "Ponyville? Hmm… who are these ponies?" asks Twilight, lifting a brow. "Please speak to them yourself," says Highwind. He then pushes the other gold door open and stands to the side, kneeling and lowering his head. "Your Highnesses, you may enter." Slowly, Sun makes his way into the room as his coat shimmers while Moon walks beside Sun with his flowing mane glittering under the light. "Whoa…" says the blue mare with wide eyes. "I've never seen those guys before…" says the pink mare, blinking. "Oh my…" says the yellow mare, placing a hoof over her mouth. "Now that's somethin' you don't see often…" says the orange mare, rubbing behind her head with a hoof. "Who? What? Where?" asks the white mare as her breathing grows heavy. She then puts a hoof on her forehead while her eyes roll up before falling on the floor. "Wh-who are they?" asks Twilight with an open mouth. Coming to a stop, Sun and Moon blink their eyes, gazing at the end of a table in the room. Two mares remain in place as one with a rainbow mane, flowing in a non-existent breeze, and her purple eyes meeting Sun's. The other mare had a purple flowing mane, giving an image of the night sky, and her turquoise eyes meeting Moon's. Moon smiles while facing the blue mare in front of him. "We finally meet, Azure One." To be continued…