Chapter 1- The Assignment
It had been almost ten years since Dusk Shadow had defeated his father, and taken back the throne. Luna had hoped that he would be happier after having defeated his father, but this did not seem to be the case. If anything, he seemed to be even quieter, keeping to himself more than before. He spent most of his time on his research, and any time that he didn’t, he was often on patrols for the Guard. She watched the small Alicorn toil away at his work from her bedroom window, her part of the tower across from his.
“If only there was some way to help him relax.” She sighed to herself, going back to her paperwork. Something caught her eye. It was a letter from a foreign kingdom, on rather childish-looking tie-dye paper. Luna reached over with her magic, the glow surrounding the paper, as she slid the other papers on top off. The various bits of parchment scattered the floor, but she didn’t mind. It was a mess as it was, a little more wouldn’t make a difference.
Luna unfolded the colorful paper, reading the scrawling inside- as if it was scribed by a foal just learning to write. However, the wording was not like a foal’s at all.
Hi there!
I’m looking for a friend from your kingdom, preferably one of Royal stature, to come visit our kingdom! We love making new friends, and want to extend our reach out to other kingdoms! Your kingdom of Equestria has always fascinated me with the power of friendship, and how it grew strong using that as a base! I would really love if one of your Royal Family members would come over! We promise that we’ll take good care of them, as if they were one of our own! I’ve included a map to help you find my kingdom, I hope it helps!
Wish to see you soon,
~Princess Glitter Star
“This would be a good chance for Dusk to get out,” she mused to herself. “And build on his public relations.” She looked once more at the tired pony, his potions bubbling behind him as his quill flew endlessly after piece and piece of parchment. Luna nodded to herself, pulling out a task sheet, assigning the job to Dusk Shadow, using her magic to attach the letter to the form. “Whether he wants to or not, a Prince has to have good public relations. This should help him.” She said to herself, folding it into an envelope and sending it off in a puff of magic.
***
I looked up as a letter appeared in front of me, floating down to my desk. My horn glowed, lighting up the dark room a bit more, as I examined it.
Assignment for you, Dusk. Do your best, as always! ~Luna
I gave a small smile at the note Luna left me, before slitting open the envelope, looking at the letter inside. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I groaned to my pet raven, New Moon. He cawed in response, fluttering up and landing on my shoulder. “Look at this.” I showed him the letter. “Luna knows I’m awful at public relations, why would she choose me?”
Moon cawed again, flapping his wings, obviously annoyed at my attitude.
“I know, I know, Royal duties and all.” I shook my head, folding the letter away. “It’s reasons like this I never wanted to be a Prince. And ponies still treat me so formally. I really hate it. But if I can use the power I have to protect others… I’m willing to deal with it.”
He gave yet another caw, this one of approval, before landing on his perch again. He wasn’t suited for long travels, so I usually left him in Canterlot. I stretched a bit as I stood, examining myself in the mirror. I was rather small for my age, slightly smaller than Princess Twilight Sparkle or one of her friends. My cloak, as usual, covered my wings, my bags hanging on top of the brown cloak. A lock of blue hair in my mane was the only thing that made me stand out from the rest of my darkened room.
Moon gave a rather insistent caw this time.
“I’m going, I’m going.” I assured him, picking up my two hoof-crafted swords, strapping them to my back. “See you around, Moon. Keep my research safe.”
***
“Sir.” The Pegasus Transport Unit member saluted me as I climbed into the carriage.
“Nova, you know you don’t have to call me that.” I sighed, shutting the door behind me, despite him making a motion to.
“And you know, we prefer that term, sir,” One of his friends, Blue Skies, trotted up, strapping himself in, as Nova did so, too. “There’s a long ride ahead, sir, food and drinks are in the left compartment.”
“All right. You guys take rests as needed.” I settled into the overly furnished cushion, closing my eyes. I had yet to conquer my fear of heights.
“Don’t look down, sir.” Nova advised, before the Pegasi galloped forward, soon taking to the sky.
“Don’t remind me.” I groaned, feeling the familiar jump in my chest whenever I was flying.
4 hours later…
The chariot descended as the Pegasi stopped to take a rest, landing in the clouds of a Rest Station, meant for the clients and workers of the PTU to unwind for a while during long trips. “Take as much time as you need.” I informed them as they detached themselves from the carriage. I chose to stay in the carriage, the fear of falling through a cloud had affected me for as long as my fear of heights.
“Sir, with all due respect, you’re an Alicorn. You can walk on clouds.” Nova seemed to read my mind. “And besides, if you fell, we would catch you.”
“Just…. Go…” I closed my eyes, pretending I was on solid ground. The gentle bobbing of the cloud did not help at all.
“All right, sir.” There was a note of amusement in his tone as he walked off with his friend into the rest station building.
Traveling by magic was not an option, as teleportation spells required three things. One, enough magic power to cast it, of course. Two, proper focus and concentration. Three, a clear picture in mind of where one was headed. As we had not heard of this kingdom before, and had no information, teleportation was out of the question. If I could have teleported, I would have done so long ago.
It seemed like ages before the Pegasi returned, reattaching themselves to the buckles. “Ready to go again, sir?” Blue asked.
I nodded, getting ready for the jolt again. “Luna, I’m never leaving solid ground again.” I thought to myself, as the cart left the cloud, soaring into the air.