//------------------------------//
// Adventure! 
// Story: The Last Shadowlight 
// by Idhrenion 
//------------------------------//

“Money, what uses have I for money”? I yelled, frustrated at the ticket salespony. Whom I'm sure was equally as frustrated with me.
“I'm sorry sir but train tickets aren't free”! He yelled back.
“Not even for a princess”? The salespony quickly bowed and I turned to see Celestia right behind me. “You forgot your gift back at the castle, shadow”. She said, bowing back at the salespony. She levitated the small package towards me and I gripped it within my magical grasp.
“Thank you, princess”. I wasn't all that excited that she brought it to me. I had purposely left it there; after all it was probably some long, drawn out apology/thank you for your service letter and some cheese. I took it anyway, as not to be rude.
“I'm sorry to interrupt, but tickets still aren't free even for a princess”. Said the sales pony. Celestia chuckled then gave the pony 5 bits. Then she began to ask the pony for something but I couldn’t make out what.
“Right away princess”. He said with another equally annoying bow.
“Is there something wrong shadow”? she said with a concerned tone.
“Hm… what? Oh its nothing, anyway thanks for the ticket”.  I must have been making a face at the salespony.
“Naturally I expect you to pay me back of course” She spoke as though I was trying to rob her, or maybe I was still mad at her. Nah, it was probably her. 
“Naturally”. 
“Here you are one ticket on the friendship express. You might want to hurry the train leaves soon”
“Thank you sir” I said with a smile. I then turned to Celestia “Goodbye old friend, till next time” she smiled and waved as I took my leave. The ticket salespony wasn’t joking; the train was preparing to set off as soon as I got onboard. 
The train itself was rather empty with only nine other ponies in my car. They all were somewhat clumped together at the front of the car. A small stage was also set up near the front with a mandolin, guitar, and banjo. It was later in the afternoon so I assumed that the performers had gone to diner.
I chose a bench near the back of the car and sat down. It was more comfortable than I had expected it to be and one bench could easily fit three ponies. I situated myself and pulled out Celestia’s package. It wasn’t much of anything, just a cardboard box bound in twine with a letter attached. I opened the letter and began reading.
Dear, Old friend
This is a complicated mater in which I write to you. Firstly, I'm sorry I did not tell you this sooner but as I mentioned before it is indeed complicated. Secondly, this is a matter which must be kept confidential and the item enclosed must not be used until 30 days after reading this letter have passed. Thirdly, this is an honor of the greatest magnitude. So without further ado I present to you the Shadowlight Badge.—

I paused my reading for a moment confused, happy, nervous, and curious all at the same time. I almost opened the box to see if it was real or not. However in the end I decided reading on was the best course of action.

The badge was created by Luna and I to honor any outstanding Shadowlights, but since they remained in the shadows and were rarely seen, none were ever received. (This sentence was slightly smudged no doubt due to the mention of Celestia’s sister) Until now, Shadow by doing what you have done to protect me and your kingdom I believe you deserve this award. I am fully confident that you will use its power for nothing but the betterment of pony kind. Enclosed are the Badge itself and are rulebook explaining its many uses and restrictions.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
As the letter drew to a close my suspicions of its authenticity quickly faded away. I then turned and looked at the box that lay beside me. It suddenly had become very important to me. I opened it and examined its contents. Inside was a rectangular shaped case which no doubt held the badge and a scroll which by process of elimination had to be the rules and regulations.
Opening the badge was accomplished with a simple flip and the casing flipped over and folded behind. The badge was made entirely out of silver and looked Macedonian in nature; it was quite stunning to say the least. Its shape was similar to Celestia’s cutie mark but instead of a full circle in the center it had a crescent moon. 
Shortly after opening the package I remembered that the pocket in my cloak was made for my new badge. It fit perfectly into the pocket, but I would expect nothing less from a master tailor such as Mrs. Stitch. The weight from the badge was just enough to remind me that I had it, but not too much so that I wished I didn’t. Next up on my list of thing to do was to read the rules [1] and so I did. 
After about one-thirds the way done the scroll, a group of ponies entered through the door behind me. They walked over to the stage, picked up their instruments, and sat down. They then proceeded to tune them, and at that point I went back to reading my scroll. I finished reading right before they began to play. I did not recognize the song, or tune, or genre but perhaps that was because I had not been out much before now.
The more I listened the catchier the song became. From what I could gather the song was about a train called the “Friendship Express” which I think I recall somepony calling this train that. Anyway by the time the song was over we had arrived at my stop and I was eager to get off and scope the land. I step off the car with that catchy song still stuck in my head. It was so catchy that I started singing it. (Out loud!)

“Listen to the jingle the rumble and the roar
Smell the ash rise from the smokestack as in days of yore
May the iron horse I speak of always have success
The one best way to travel is on the Friendship Ex-“[2]

“um sir”. Said a worried looking pony, rudely interrupting my singing. 
“Yes”! I said a little more hatefully than I should have. 
“I'm here to guide you around the wonderful city of Vanhoover”! He said excitingly 
“That’s ok I don’t need a guide… Wait! Where did you say we were”?!
“The wonderful city of Vanhoover”! Said the happy-go-lucky pony without hesitation.
“What! Can I see a map please”?
“Of course here you go” I looked down at the parchment that the pony handed me.
“This is a map of ‘The wonderful city of Vanhoover’ isn’t it”?
“You bet it is” by now he was giving me a headache.
“Listen I need a map of Equestria. Can you get me one of those”?
“I sure could try, sir”. He said as chipper as ever.
“Thanks” I said rubbing my forehead.

[1] Rules (optional read)
[2] Clip from the song “The Friendship Express” by Skypause and her family check out the full song and others on thier channel Skypause Bgp.