//------------------------------// // Arrival 2: Meetings // Story: Arrival at Dusk // by Vohira //------------------------------// The office of Mrs. Tender Rose was on the smaller side. That was Midnight’s first thought, however he was unsure if it was due to it being small or due to the ponies inside taking up a lot of its space. Especially one pony made him freeze on the spot and his eyes to go wide, while the doors were closed behind him by a golden magical aura. “P-p-princess Celestia!” Midnight finally managed to stutter out. He was equally shocked and awed. “The shows didn't do her any justice…” The white alicorn’s coat was groomed to a silky shine and softness, her sunrise horizon like mane flowed gently in a nonexistent wind. Even her royal accessories were polished to the highest degree. And then there was her presence… it was a warmth, that reminded him of the times he snuggled under a blanket in an autumn or winter evenings after a day of hard work. The black maned colt could feel some of his worries being pushed to the back of his mind by this comforting feeling. Now a bit less on the edge he took a quick look at the other occupants of the room. Behind a simple desk sat an earth pony mare with vivid red coat and a dark green, wavy mane that she wore tied into a loose braid. To her left sat Silent Flight - or Midnight supposed so - with a small, encouraging smile on his muzzle. He looked just like any other Royal Guard with his golden armor, white coat and mane hidden beneath his helmet. “Hello Midnight Blackmane.” Celestia’s soft voice was the most pleasant sound the young unicorn heard in a long while. “Don't be too shy. Come, sit with us.” The white alicorn smiled. Midnight took a deep breath and walked towards a small, colorful chair that stood before the desk. While he clumsily hopped onto it he could feel three pairs of eyes following his moves, so when he finally sat down his right ear twitched, showing his nervousness. “That is going to take some time to get used to…” “You are probably curious why we are all here?” Celestia’s voice ended the silence. “Uh, yes?” The white coated colt answered while his ears unconsciously flattened against his head. “When Silent Flight came to his commanding officer with a report about an orphan colt that he found in the plains, they began searching for information about you. Imagine their surprise when they found nothing in the cities and villages in any reasonable distance from Canterlot.” Here Celestia paused. “Or the further ones too, so far.” Mrs. Tender Rose’s muzzle showed her surprise upon hearing the news. He could somewhat understand the earth pony’s surprise. Here he was, a young colt without a cutie mark, found in the middle of nowhere and now all was pointing to the fact that no one knew about him. “So... ummm, am I in trouble?” Midnight squeaked out weakly, while his mind worked in overdrive. “How much do I tell them? What DO I tell them? … Wait, when in the show’s timeline did I land anyway?! Crap… how do I answer any of the questions not knowing that?! Deep breaths, think, think, think... Stall! That’s it I need more time to figure this out...“ “And not that I want to be rude… Or that I don’t appreciate it, or that I didn't want to meet you - it was kind of my dream to meet you both - but what are you doing here Princess?” Midnight rambled with a bit of nervousness in his voice. Midnight’s gaze wandered automatically to look at Celestia and he inwardly winced when he saw a look of utter surprise on her muzzle. “Rose, Silent please leave us for a minute.” Despite her gentle tone, Celestia didn't move an inch or turned her gaze away from the unicorn colt. Even more surprised now, however agreeing nonetheless the other two adult ponies stood up and began moving out of the room. When Silent Flight closed the doors behind them the room was filled with an awkward silence. “Midnight, what did you mean by ‘meet you both’?” The white alicorn asked while she moved from sitting beside the desk to sitting in front of it, which made it necessary for Midnight to look up a bit to gaze into her magenta eyes. Despite her still gentle tone, Midnight got the impression that lying would be a very bad idea. So with a sigh and with his shoulders sagging a bit he answered. “I meant you and your sister, Princess Lu-” The white colt never managed to finish his sentence. “NO!” The forceful shout, made the young unicorn reel back, with wide eyes and ears flattened against his skull in clear indication of fear. “No... “ This time Celestia said it with such timidness and her muzzle reflected such shame that Midnight had trouble believing in her earlier outburst. “P-princess?” His voice quivered with uncertainty, then he silently neighed with surprise as a golden aura levitated him over to the white alicorn. Midnight was stunned when he found himself being hugged by the Princess, as she nuzzled his smaller head. “I’m so sorry my little pony, but names do have power in this world and true names of beings such as me and my sister especially so. Do not use her true name lightly, one can't be sure when she’s listening.” With a sigh Celestia tried to explain herself almost whispering, once more with her motherly voice. “Now however I find myself curious. How do you know of her?” It was such a simple, question with so many complications attached to it. “I would rather not say Princess.” Still a bit shocked Midnight now had his proof. Somehow he not only landed in Equestria, but he did it before Luna’s return... that was going to give him a headache, he just knew it. “Now the million dollar question is, how many days, weeks, months or maybe whole years before the events of the show begin to happen? And what’s up with that ‘names have power’ thing?” For what felt like eternity to the human turned pony they both just sat there, embraced in silence after his answer. Celestia’s horn glowed a soft gold again, his eyes going wide in panic as Midnight felt the white alicorn’s magic engulf him again. However as fast as it manifested, the aura disappeared. “Shhh, it’s nothing to worry about my little pony.” The white alicorn said with a soft, calming voice backing off slightly, letting him out of her hug. “You can keep your secrets if you want to, everypony has the right to it. But I still needed to be certain you’re not a danger to ponies around you.” “Then what was that for?!” After forcefully calming himself Midnight asked with a clear accusation in his voice. “As I said, I needed to see if you’re a danger. It was an Aura Reading spell.” Celestia began speaking her voice going from that of caring mother to a teacher’s one. “When in doubt, it can allow the caster to see another's magical aura. Despite the emotional storm in you that your magic reflects quite clearly, I saw no stain of true evil.” As if a switch has been turned the rest of his fear had been turned into curiosity, as it was a piece of practical magic he saw. It must have shown in his eyes as a small, knowing smile crept onto Celestia’s muzzle. “So… Will I be able to do that?” Midnight’s curiosity won in the end, as he stood up and almost bounced on his hooves. “And what did you mean by saying that names have power?” “In time, yes you will be able to that and more.” A quirk of Celestia’s lips showed her amusement before returning to her ‘lecturing mode’. “Simply put, Midnight Blackmane, names are tied to our magic. If an alicorn - like myself - concentrated hard enough, with practice and under the right circumstances I would be able to… hear, for the lack of a better word, when my name is said. But with how often ponies and creatures alike around the world use my name it would be an indistinguishable cacophony of noises. However, my sister’s true name have been forgotten. If you spoke her name it would be like a candle light in total darkness, impossible to miss.” Celestia’s voice was heavy with sadness. “And that would be a bad thing why?” He wanted to know, that was such an intriguing thought. Was Celestia afraid that if he spoke Luna’s name three times before a mirror she would come and haunt him or something like that? “That is a story for another time. Now, promise me Midnight that you will not say her true name nor mention her to anypony.” The last part Princess Celestia said with a tone that allowed no argument. “I… I promise Princess.” It was his turn to sigh and pout. “I still wonder, what is she afraid of?” “Well then, I think we’ve made the other anxious enough. There's still paperwork to be done to make you a Ward of the Crown.” Midnight blinked once, twice... “Wait, what? Ward of the Crown?” He was really beginning to get tired of how many times in the last twenty four hours he was thrown for a loop. Celestia chuckled briefly seeing his reaction. “That’s right Midnight. The few orphans that turn up every year across my Kingdom and don’t have some kind of relatives to take them in, are made Wards of the Crown until they’re sixteen.” Celestia explained standing up and moving to her place beside the desk. “I think it's time to let Silent Flight and Mrs. Rose back inside, they’re probably worried by now.” Midnight just nodded, while the white alicorn opened the doors with her golden magic. It was hard to hold in laughter, when the young unicorn saw how Silent Flight had to save himself from falling muzzle first onto the floor with a few flaps of his wings. Apparently somepony was trying to eavesdrop... Red faced, the pegasus guard cleared his throat as he entered the room trying and failing to look professional. “Forgive me for that my Princess.” “It’s nothing. You clearly care for the young colt.” Celestia answered with amusement dancing in her eyes. Then she turned to look at Mrs. Rose. “I think it’s time to get the paperwork done, so that our newest ward can have the rest of the day to get to know the city and other colts and fillies. So that tomorrow he can begin attending classes.” She spoke while the red coated earth pony just nodded her head and began searching for the mentioned documents in her desk drawers. Midnight sat watching the older ponies with a bit of amusement, until… “Wait, classes? As in going to school?” His forest green eyes widened in disbelief. That got a few chuckles out of the three adult ponies. “I still can't believe I have to go to school! Tomorrow!” He knew he was whining and that he was getting a few amused glances from the ponies they walked by as he did so, but still… “Seriously! I did it once… I’m too old for that kind of nonsense.” He pouted. “Cheer up Midnight, it’s not as bad as you make it out to be. It’ll be fun.” Silent Flight, his acting tour guide around Canterlot, said from his right side. Both of them were currently walking down one of the main roads of the city on which the Orphanage was located. It also so happened that it was the road that lead directly to the Palace gates. One thing Midnight had noticed immediately after stepping outside of the Orphanage was the loud crowd of ponies milling about on the sidewalk and multitude of carriages and wagons of all shapes and sizes on the cobbled street. When he asked Silent Flight - who chose to show him around the city - about the crowd he told him that Mondays and Fridays were market days, when ponies from around the city came in to sell their wares and when the larger shops had their shipments delivered. Today was Monday apparently. “It’s two days of a headache for the Royal Guard. Bustling crowds, shouting merchants, arguing ponies and sometimes lawbreaking. But it’s the price for having five days a week of relative peace and quiet.” Silent flight had then summed up his thoughts about this mess. After that Silent Flight began talking about the shops they were passing by and Midnight began his whining. After passing almost a dozen shops, cafes and restaurants it happened. A large shadow rolled over them and when Midnight looked up his jaw dropped as he just stood, rooted in place. It was his first look at one of the Sky Fleet ships, and to a former human so used to sleek metal airplanes, the look of a literal ship suspended in air via hot air balloon or whatever it was filled with was as awe inspiring as it was shocking. “That’s… That’s something new.” “Come on now, it’s nothing that special. HMS Morning Star had seen better days.” Silent Flight nudged the colt with a hoof, sniggering quietly. “But… a warship?” Midnight really hadn't planned on speaking that thought aloud, as he spotted gun ports on the ship's blue painted hull. “It’s a sad necessity Midnight. Few of those are left, but even the Princess will not have them all decommissioned. Leaving us defenseless would just invite trouble.” Silent Flight said with a bit of something in his voice, some emotion that the once human had trouble deciphering. “You know what, I got a bit hungry. Come on, I know about a new place that just opened and it’s quite good from what I’ve heard.” With his left wing the pegasus nudged Midnight to get him moving. After a quarter of an hour and going into a bit less crowded part of the city, further from the main road both of them reached their destination. “Oh you've got to be kidding me… That’s... that’s so awesome!” Midnight had to fight back to hold in a most unbecoming squeal of delight. Finally it was something he knew and truly recognized. As they opened the door a bell chimed and a rough voice called out. “Welcome to Donut Joe’s! Take a sit I’ll be right back.” The light amber coated unicorn stallion that run the place said as he disappeared at the back. Silent Flight and Midnight just looked for a brief moment at each other before the older pony shrugged and lead the way to one of the comfy looking circular sofas with a table in the middle. They were not the only customers but other than them, only a couple of other ponies sat by the bar. Midnight was getting comfortable when Donut Joe came over to them in his cooking vest and with a confident smile on his muzzle. With his light yellow magic he put short menus before them. “Do you need a moment to pick something?” “Well I’ve heard you make good chocolate milkshakes, and quite nice vanilla donuts. So we will have two sets of those.” Silent Flight said looking questioningly at his younger charge. “It’s fine with me.” “Give me a few minutes then.” Donut Joe said writing their order down on a small notepad with a pencil, both held in his magic before he left them alone once again. “So I have to say, you’re acting quite mature for your age Midnight.” Silent Flight said with a clear approval and a bit of curiosity in his voice. “Well, thanks I guess.” The black maned colt said while he was trying not to enter panic mode. “What now, he’s on to me or is he genuine? Can this day be a bit less crazy?!” “At least thanks to that I didn't have to stop whatever scheme you could of thought up to get a cutie mark. Makes my job easier.” Silent Flight said with a wide, if a bit cheeky smile. “Really…” Midnight drawled out, considerably calmer. “Also about that, what do you actually dream of doing?” Silent Flight was expecting something along the lines of joining the guard, being a captain on one of the airships or being a firefighter or an adventurer. “Well… It would be nice to study magic in depth. Be the best mage there is.” Of course even as he said that, Midnight knew that somewhere along the line no matter how hard he tried, one pony would best him. For a moment the white pegasus just looked at him in thought. “That’s a lofty goal Midnight. And something I wasn't expecting from a young colt.” As an answer to that Silent just got  shrug form the colt seated opposite to him. By that time their order had arrived. “That will be six bits.” Donut Joe said looking at Silent Flight and holding the silver platter on which he brought their order before him. The pegasus dutifully rummaged around a small saddle bag that was nestled between his wings, withdrawing the golden coins that landed with clatter on the platter. “Thanks, enjoy and come back.” And with a smile he was gone once again. The milkshakes and donuts were devoured faster than the two of the would like. They were as good as Silent Flight’s friends made them out to be. After they ate, the city tour was resumed. It was well past three in the afternoon when they returned to the orphanage. “Well, it was nice.” Midnight said awkwardly, standing at the steps that lead to the main doors. “Yeah, well… If you want we can have a repeat. Maybe I’ll even show you the Sky Harbor one day.” Silent said with a small smile. “It’s a shame I can't just adopt him. Being a guard sometimes sucks.” “Really? That would be great!” “So, see you later, then!” Silent lifted his right hoof and ruffled Midnight’s black mane, giving him a noogie. The older stallion laughed as the smaller colt squirmed away from his hoof. “Hey! No fair!” Midnight shouted indignantly, before he massaged his head with his own smaller hoof out of the larger pony’s reach. However he smiled in the end. “See you later Silent.” With their goodbyes said Midnight walked into the orphanage building, wanting to rest a bit… only to be tackled by a light brown and yellow blur. “Oh come on!” Midnight all but screamed in disbelief and indignation… again. The two colts came to a stop after a few rolls, which surprisingly ended with Midnight holding Dandelion in a headlock. “I didn't train Judo for three years for nothing, but it’s so weird with hooves and four legs. It’s actually surprising I pulled this off…” “How did… it was so cool!” Dandelion shouted in excitement, before he freed himself without any problems. His earth pony strength coming to his aid. “Can we do that again? Can you maybe teach me?” Midnight watched with mortified expression at suddenly hyper Dandelion, that was doing his best to invade his personal space. “Wait till the others see this! Come on!” While the white unicorn colt was being almost dragged to the back yard only one thought raced through his mind. “I’m doomed…”