The Unexpected Alicorn

by Bright Eclipse

Journey to Canterlot Castle

Fluttershy led Bright Eclipse through the streets of Ponyville for only the third time since she had come, so it was no huge surprise when everypony stared at the alicorn. Fluttershy was feeling very well, shy. Bright tried to ignore them, but couldn't help but be a little nervous. So, all in all, it was a very awkward trip to the train station. Bright walked up to the platform, smiled back at the closest thing she had to a mother, and stepped onto the train. After a moment of hesitation, Fluttershy followed and took her seat next to Bright Eclipse. Normally Fluttershy had no problem with the ride to Canterlot, but this time around it seemed to last forever. I've become too used to her around the cottage... when she learns what it means to be an alicorn, Bright won't want to stay with me anymore. And even if she did, Celestia and Luna will want her to stay in Canterlot with them... Fluttershy's train of thought slowly came to the same conclusion over and over again: this would be goodbye. Bright did notice Fluttershy's discomfort, but she had no idea what the cause of it was. Bright also had no idea that a group of young fillies were making there way toward her. While she sat, deep in thought, one of the children tapped on her side to get the black alicorn's attention.

Bright Eclipse turned to the filly "Oh, hello little one," upon closer observation she realized that this filly was older than she had first appeared, and was more of a young mare than a filly. And, of course she immediately took offense to "little one" regardless of the fact that the alicorn was a good head taller than her.

"Excuse me? Did you just call me little one?" she said in the most insufferable way possible, and all her friends backed her up with a chorus of equally insufferable retorts. Bright blinked in surprise, living with Fluttershy had secluded her from this kind of behavior.

"My apologies, twas a mere slip of the tongue." she surprised herself, since when did she talk like that? the alicorn had no memory of her past before stumbling into the Everfree, and did not realize that in her nervous moment, she had slipped into the grammar of ancient Equestria. "I, um, I mean I had not gotten a good look at you... before I spoke...and called you little one..." Bright trailed off, then the mare took advantage of her moment of uncertainty.

"Well, you better hope it doesn't happen again! Or I'll make sure you regret it!" This pony sounded confident, as she was accustomed to making empty threats. Unfortunately, she, like most, failed to notice that the alicorn had wings as well as a horn, and while sitting she had not noticed how much bigger Bright was. It definitely wiped that smug smile off her face when Bright stood up, wings extended, bent down so that the mare was looking into her eyes.

"Did you just threaten me?" she said, even after living with Fluttershy, some mechanism that she had developed in her past suddenly made Bright Eclipse very intimidating.

"Your a-a alicorn?" stuttered the mare "I'm so sorry! Please don't hurt me!" Bright was missing some vital components to fit the complete appearance, but right now, to the terrified mare, the black alicorn was starting to look like Nightmare Moon herself. "Really I-I didn't mean it!" she felt like that alicorn's unwavering gaze was looking right through her "It was j-just a-a joke! P-please, I wasn't serious, just let me go!" she backed away a little "Please?" The black alicorn was silent for a moment, then she spoke. "Go" Bright watched the mare and her little pack of friends run down the corridor to there seats. It was not until just then she noticed Fluttershy looking at her with a frightened expression. "Shy? What is it?" She got a whimper in reply.

"You...the room" she swallowed "Everything seemed...darker, and you looked...scary." Fluttershy tried not to look afraid of her friend. "B-but that pony was being really mean to you...so I guess it's okay" the poor pegasus barely squeaked out the word "okay". Bright got back into the compartment with Fluttershy and put a wing around her.

"I'm sorry if a scared you Shy, I didn't mean to scare you...I just wanted that mare to go away." she scooted closer to her friend. "I think we're here Shy!" the alicorn pointed with a hoof at the city outside their window. Even with all her doubts of what was to come, Fluttershy couldn't help but be excited visiting Canterlot once again. Perhaps, she thought, I'm just worrying to much, maybe Celestia will let Bright come back to Ponyville with me.

They pair walked through the busy streets of midday Canterlot together, and after listening to the growling of two stomachs for the better part of a hour, they resolved to eat. They decided against the restaurant selling something called "steaks" and moved on to a simple little place that sold general lunch type foods, steak not included. Afterwards they found the most expensive looking bakery possible, allowed themselves a groan at the smells in combination with absurd prices, and moved on. The two ponies sat together at a restaurant that sold pastries, among other things, that were actually in their price range.

"I'm glad we found this place, I never knew a apple pie could be so expensive!" said Bright

"I know, I would have brought more bits if i had known..." Fluttershy started but the alicorn gave a laugh and cut her off

"Fluttershy, I don't think we could have bought anything regardless of how many bits you brought!" the alicorrn smiled in a friendly way "if you bought anything at that place, I don't think we would have enough money to make it back!" Fluttershy smiled at her friends joke, but secretly she thought "you mean I wouldn't have enough bits to get back..." she quickly pushed the thought aside, this was no time for that kind of thinking.

"Shy, it's nearly night, shouldn't we be heading up to the castle soon?" said Bright. Or, perhaps it was time for that kind of thinking. She smiled weakly.

"Yes, I guess we should."