Mending Light

by Kiromancer


14 - Reunion

Time dragged on slowly as we waited for my father to arrive. The private room of the Adorned Petal was nice, nicer than the private room back at the Lusty Seapony. Still, I missed the familiar booths. Or maybe, I was just far too worried about the coming confrontation.

I heard the door creak open and practically jumped from my seat.

Noble Light stepped confidently into the room. His coat was silver, nearly white, his head crowned in the same purple mane that I remembered. He stopped just inside the room, closing the door behind him. His eyes met with mine, watching me carefully.

My hoof shot up in salute and I stammered out a quiet greeting. "H-hello, s-sir."

I did my best to hold it steady. I wanted this all to go well, and didn't want to do anything to jeopardize that for Dusky. Moreover, I didn't want my dad to think I wasn't taking this seriously.

He locked his gaze with mine and with a quiet breath addressed me. "At ease."

My hoof shook, but I dropped my salute, dipped my head to him and held my pose. I waited, unsure what to say, unsure what to do. He continued to watch me as well.

Dusky broke the uneasy silence, politely clearing her throat before cutting in. "Noble Light?"

His gaze left me and turned to her with a nod. "Ebony Mist?"

Dusky returned his nod.

"Then it appears we have some business to attend to."

She was just as emotionless as he was in her response. "I have conditions."

My dad responded without hesitation. "Name them."

Dusky tensed, as if she anticipated an attack. "I am anonymous and shall remain so. I can provide testimony, but I will not take the stand. If this is acceptable, I'll give you the information."

I shifted my eyes back and forth between the two, suddenly the third wheel in a high stakes transaction. Except this wasn't like haggling over the price of apples in the market. The information was being treated more like a lit firecracker, a lingering danger to anypony who touched it. Dusky wanted it out of her hooves, but not if it would come back to hurt her, or anypony around her.

Noble waited, thinking.

I held my breath, Dusky's conditions were just to protect herself and her friends. He couldn't deny her that, I just knew he couldn't.

"Very well."

Dusky didn't relent. "Do you swear? Upon your honor?"

My dad gave the barest hint of a smile. "Miss Mist, I assure you. My word is my oath. I promise you, by my position, rank and by the grace of her Majesty, your involvement goes no further than this room."

Dusky stood her ground a little longer, then at last I saw her relax. "Okay."

She sat back down at the table and gestured a hoof to the seat across from her.

I remained standing to the side, watching my father sit down. I kept an eye on the door, doing my best to stand still as Dusky told the story of what had happened in Hoofington. From the barest details of her flight in, then into her infiltration of the warehouse, the discovery of the ice, and lastly her escape.

She made mention of the Guard's corpse, and I frowned. I still wasn't comfortable with the danger that Dusky had willingly placed herself into for this.

My father sat quietly and listened, leaning in just slightly. When Dusky presented the analysis, he unfurled the scroll and read it quietly.

We waited in silence while he read. I saw Dusky fidget and glance to me from the corner of my eye, but I didn't move my gaze from my father as he continued to read.

At last, he looked back up at her. "I will see that this reaches the right sources."

Dusky sounded a little shocked, or maybe just skeptical. "So that's it? No questions?"

He packed away the research and placed the scroll under a wing. As he stood from the table, he spoke simply. "Your testimony was quite clear, as is the analysis. I have all I need. Thank you for your assistance."

With a sigh of relief, Dusky lowered her head. "You're welcome. I wish you luck."

He looked back over his shoulder before pushing open the door. "You too."

Glancing away from Dusky, his gaze lingered on me. "Take care of yourself."

Then, he stepped out, the door closing quietly behind him.

The silence fell back onto the room, and I released the breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

Dusky rose from her seat, trotting closer with some concern apparent on her face. "You okay?"

I tried to force a smile, looking at her through my shaky nerves. "Y-yeah? Um, th-that went well, I think."

"It did. Thank you, Night Flurry." She moved closer, extending out a wing, and before I could react, she'd wrapped it around my neck and across my back, pulling me into a hug.

My first instinct was to pull away, the physical contact was wholly unexpected. Her feathers brushed against me and held close, though loosely. She was warm, as her body pressed against me. The feeling of it radiated out from her, and time slowed. Everything ran through my mind at once as I struggled to respond.

Before I could do anything, she pulled away. I stared at her, knowing my face was flushed red. I tried to say something, anything. Part of me wanted to go back in time and hold that moment. Another part of me just wanted to flee before I fell apart.

At last, my cowardice won out.

“I-I, um, think I could use some air. M-maybe s-see the city.” I stepped back, looking towards the door, but I stopped myself. I still wanted her nearby. “Would you… l-like to come?”

She just shook her head. “This whole thing has left me exhausted. I think I’m going to head back a little early.”

I deflated a bit. Canterlot seemed so different, so new. I’d wanted to see the mountain, walk through the city, and see the park. I wanted to see more, and I wanted to see it all with her. I felt torn, thoughts still lingering on the feeling of that hug.

Still, we were just friends, and I couldn't expect her to come everywhere with me. I wanted to see Canterlot, and now I was here. Dusky’s quiet strength bolstered me. I couldn't let this chance pass me by.

“O-oh… um… well, s-see y-you back at the S-Seapony?”

“Sounds good.” She gave a short nod and after a moment smiled. “Well, go on, then. You don’t need me to guide you out of the restaurant, right?”

I blinked, still trying to process all of the emotions conflicting in me after everything that had happened in the past few minutes. Once I finally pieced together what she’d asked, I gave a start and rushed to the door. “Um, r-right! S-see you!”

---

I moved quickly as I left the cafe. I needed to find somewhere to stop and gather my thoughts. Seeing my father had been harder than I’d thought, yet also easier.

There hadn't been any of the fighting or blame that I’d most feared would derail Dusky’s quest. And seeing him again, I couldn't help but see how very… old he looked. Older than I’d remembered him, and tired. His mane had been familiar, but as I reflected back I realized that it was streaked with gray hairs.

He’d listened to Dusky though, and that was all that really mattered. Both of he and I could put this behind us and move on with our lives. Whatever stress I’d caused him now would heal, and I could go home, back to Ponyville.

Then there was Dusky. I wasn't even sure how I felt anymore. We were friends, that much I knew. Her quick hug hadn't been anything more than a show of thanks, I could see that now. I hoped I hadn't made a complete foal of myself.

Now, however, I was outside in Canterlot properly for the first time in my life. I had to take advantage, see the sights, and experience the city. The busy streets and noises weren't really what I wanted though. No, once out and on the streets, I knew exactly who and what I needed to see.

It hadn't taken that too long to talk to my father, and there was still plenty of time before it happened. The moonrise. If there was someway, somehow, that I could see Princess Luna and watch her raise the moon, I just had to do it.

My oldest sister, Sun, was named for Celestia's first gift. I, as the firstborn son, was named for her second, the night, and all the peace and beauty that came with it. That was before Princess Luna had returned.

I’d been there, in Ponyville, when the Mare in the Moon had vanished, and when the pony calling herself Nightmare Moon had arrived. It had been one of the most terrifying moments of my life, but soon, the endless night she’d threatened had lifted, and whatever it was that had possessed her had gone. Princess Celestia herself had arrived and heralded the return of her sister, Luna, the true Princess of the Night and the mare in the moon who I had talked to for years. Part of me felt like I’d known her for my entire life.

The line into the palace was dismaying, and nervously asking a guard when and how I could watch the Princess bring the night only brought a chuckle. “I’m afraid she doesn't exactly give public shows. The line here is to see her for grievances. If you wish to see her in court, it might be a long wait.” He glanced at my side and smiled. “Of course, if you want the best seat for watching the moon rise, a pegasus like you can probably find a decent rooftop out in the city. Just keep an eye to the east.”

I stammered out a thank you and trotted away. I took flight, searching for a solid vantage point. It wasn't much different than when I’d done from cloud top in Ponyville to watch the moon move through the night. Still, here in Canterlot, so close to the Princess herself, it was like I would be seeing it for the first time.

I found a rooftop, a high building with a spire that tapered off, ending in a makeshift balcony of sorts.

I sat on the edge and faced east, looking beyond the mountain. I waited as the light from the sun behind me began to glow red. I turned my head to catch a glimpse of the sun as it dipped towards the horizon. I still longed for Dusky to be there so that we could share it together, thinking back to our missed opportunity in Ponyville's park. I shook my head and turned back to the east.

The city seemed to grow quiet, a respectful moment in the twilight between day and night. The sun disappeared, and in that moment there was nothing. Then, the darkness failed before the light as the stars flickered to life. The moon rose over Canterlot to take its place amid the heavens. I'd seen it all before, but never felt like I was a part of it. Here, knowing the Princess was no less than a few minutes away, the sight was more powerful than I'd imagined.

The thought of coming back to Canterlot on my own didn't seem nearly so daunting as it once would have now that I'd been here, now that I’d seen it, and experienced it. I didn't like the crowds, or the noise, but there was still such beauty to be found. The whole world is like this. Full of beauty and wonders that I've never even imagined. A smile crept onto my face. Maybe… maybe I really could see it all for myself.

The sound of wings alerted me to somepony else approaching. For a split second, I held hope that it was Dusky, coming to join me after all. I turned my head to greet her, calling out "Oh, hey D—" I froze as a very different figured settled down upon the rooftop. "D-dad..."

He nodded, standing a few feet away from me, his eyes up towards the sky. "Son. You, um... mind if I have a seat?"

I looked away. "It um... it's your city."

That prompted a short chuckle. "Hardly."

He came closer, at last settling down on the edge, a hoof’s length away from me.

There we sat, the slow build of city noise around us replacing the previous solemn quiet. He sighed, and I looked towards him, only to look away as he glanced in my direction.

He spoke first. "You didn't need to apologize, you know."

I raised an eyebrow, sneaking a glance towards him. "A-apologize? For... what?"

"Your letter. You apologized for asking for help." He smiled, and once again he seemed so much older than I remembered. "I'm always willing to help you, Night. No matter what."

"I... r-right... I..." I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I had hoped I wouldn't n-need you anymore."

"Oh. I see." He lapsed back into silence.

"I... I didn't mean it like that." I fell quiet along with him, fidgeting with my wings and hooves. I should leave. I'm just making it worse. He doesn't need me here. He only came out to... why did he come out? 

Curiosity got the better of me. "Did... did you follow me here?"

He turned to take me in.

"Follow you? Not quite. But, I knew you well enough to guess that if you were still in Canterlot, you'd be watching the stars. You always loved the night sky." He dug a hoof at the roof, as if scrubbing something away. "I will admit, I was hoping I would find you."

"Y-you were?" I shifted to turn completely towards him. "Wh-why?"

A sigh escaped as he met my eyes. "Because, despite whatever drove you away, you're my son. And... I love you."

I met my Father's eyes, feeling like anything I said would shatter everything. "I... I know. It... it wasn't anything you did."

He pursed his lips, and his words were measured carefully. "Was it your sisters, then?"

"They..." I shook my head. My words were brittle and quiet. "No. I... I left for all of you."

"For all of us?"

My heart felt like ice, I blinked to try to clear out the tears building in the corners of my eyes. "F-for you. I... I w-was nothing but a disappointment. A f-failure. B-better for everypony if I just wasn't around."

He stood suddenly, but stopped short of stepping closer.

"Night... you have never been a disappointment. Not to me, not to your family." He sighed, slowly lowering himself back to his haunches. "It was my fault for not telling you that often enough."

"Well… y-you were always here." I waved a hoof towards the city below. "You were working. Doing everything I wish I'd been strong enough to do. You're still... s-still the strongest pony I know."

His voice was low. "Not strong enough. I'm sorry, Night."

The silence descended upon us once again. He had nothing to apologize for, he was only doing his duty. To protect Equestria, and everypony who lives within it. To honor the gifts we have been given, and to respect the others with whom we share those gifts. Not to destroy. Not to hurt.

I stared up at the moon as the question I'd wanted to ask him since the fight in Fetlock Falls pushed back into my mind. "D-Dad? H-how?"

He tilted his head, ears shifting. "How?"

"H-how... how can ponies do things l-like... like what they did to Dus—" I bit off my question before I said her name, remembering all the aliases and shadows everypony was working so hard to cast on this. "Like what they did in Fetlock..."

"In Fetlock? You mean the ice?"

I shook my head. "N-no. They..." I took a deep breath and swallowed, unsure just how much I could say without revealing Dusky. "They attacked us. Just... we... we were—"

He cut me off. "It's alright, I don't need to know." He narrowed his eyes. "Why do some ponies do terrible things to one another. I can't answer that, Night, I'm sorry. But they do. It's why I joined the Guard. So that I could protect ponies who just want to live, and not fight."

To live, and not fight. I reached back to my flight satchel and carefully pulled out the bracer, watching it glow in the moonlight. "I... I wish my friends could just live, without these things happening. Without having to… to fight."

“That’s always been my wish as well, son.” He watched the bracer carefully. “You… had to fight, then? In Fetlock Falls?”

My ears folded back. “I… I did…”

He came closer, pointing a hoof towards the bracer. “And, this…”

I cringed. “It… It’s a hoofblade.” I hurriedly added “I… I didn't use it. N-not for the fight. I’m just… t-training with it...”

My dad blinked. “That’s… a powerful burden, Night. Magical weapons like that… they’re a grave responsibility.”

“It… it’s okay. It was a gift… and…” I smiled slightly. “M-maybe I failed as a guard… but… I can prove myself as a knight, r-right?”

He stepped forward, resting a hoof atop the bracer. “That’s not what I meant. A weapon... well, a weapon is something few ponies should ever have to wield.”

I stared at the bracer. I’d felt the weight of it, the burden he mentioned before in it, when Starshadow first told me what it really was. “I’m… I’m being careful… I… I don’t want to use it… I just want to be ready to use it… if I have to.”

“Good.” He smiled, and pushed the bracer back towards my chest before stepping back. “A pony should never be too eager to wield a weapon. Remember that, Night. When it becomes easy to use a weapon, you should beware. That is the fastest way to lose who you are.”

“Wh-who I am?” I suppressed a shudder, and slowly put the bracer back into my flight satchel.

My dad nodded. “Who you are. Night Flurry. My son. You don’t have to be a Guard, or a knight, or anything else to make me proud. You just have to be yourself, and do what makes you happy.”

A hint of a smile slipped onto my face despite myself. “I… I mean… I’m just some weather pony f-from Ponyville. N-nothing special.”

He chuckled. “You’re a better pony than you give yourself credit for, son.” He turned back towards the city, looking up at the stars. “I’m… I’m glad I got to see you again. Even if it was just to pass along some information.”

“I… i-it was good to see you again too, um… Dad.” And, surprisingly, it was the truth. I watched him a moment, then turned out as well, mirroring his gaze up into the sky.

We sat in silence, respectful now, rather than awkward, and watched the sky. At some point, he lifted himself up, and we said simple goodbyes. I watched him go, and soon was on my way back to Ponyville, wings feeling just a little less weighed-down as I made my way home.