Knight of Equestria - On Distant Shores

by SupraMacPringles

Chapter 9: Perspectives

A familiar terror was streaking through his entire body as he opened the library's door. He had to tread carefully. He had unknowingly insulted royalty and now feared her wrath.

Princess Twilight Sparkle was in the library's main chamber with a glum look on her face. She had noticed him the moment the door opened and she didn't look necessarily happy to see him. She was sat on one of the library's couches, though she wasn't reading. Just sitting there. He held up the book he was given.

"... The Doctor sends his regards." he said, throwing the book onto a pile.

"Oh... thanks." she replied meekly.

The room quickly filled with an awkward silence. Matt was figuring out the best way to apologize, whilst Twilight was just hoping he wouldn't start randomly yelling. They were there for some time, staring off in different directions.

"I... I know I said some... very rude things earlier." he stopped to look towards her. She was looking back. He had her full attention. "I just wanted to say how deeply sorry I am. I understand if you want me to leave."

She perked up a bit, giving a kind smile.

"It's alright. It was the natural reaction."

That was a relief.

"Still, I feel terrible. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you, princess?" he said.

She clearly hadn't expected that. Her face blushed, something that Matt couldn't begin to wrap his head around considering she had a coat of fur. She seemed to respond oddly to being addressed as royalty.

"N-no, it's fine."

Persistence. He had expected this, but would not falter. He needed to show his appreciation for not being sent to a dungeon.

"No, really, I mean it. There must be something."

She really hadn't expected any of this. His words and actions were unlike any she had seen from him. He seemed different. She thought this would be an excellent time to try and understand him more.

"Well, Spike went out, so I guess you could keep me company."

"Of course." he said, smiling.

He took a seat across from her, on the very couch he slept on his first night there.

"So... you ran into The Doctor, huh?"

An odd smile spread across his face.

"Yes. He and his... associates." he said, recalling the two ponies The Doctor seemingly emerged from a police box with.

"Associates? He came by after you left and he was alone."

He took a moment to ponder that. How could he have gone to library and then across town in a span of about five minutes? He decided not to question it further. A lot of things revolving around the pony called The Doctor had him clueless.

"Their names were... Lyra and Bon-Bon, I think."

"Oh, those two. That's odd, I haven't seen them around in awhile." she said, thoughtful expression on her face.

"What's odd about that?"

"Well, usually Bon-Bon's around town and Lyra's always lounging about. But... I think the last time I saw them was at your welcoming party."

Though he wanted to forget that the party ever happened, he recalled two ponies escorting The Doctor out shortly after he arrived. If that was them, then they hadn't been around for at least nine days.

"They're quite the pair, actually." she continued, "Bon-Bon owns a sweet shop in town and Lyra used to play in an orchestra in Canterlot."

Now that was strange. From what Matt had heard and seen of the place, Canterlot was where most of the richer citizens lived. Why would she leave all that behind to move to what was essentially the countryside?

"Why'd she leave?" he asked, speaking his mind.

"I'm not sure. All I know is that she left nearly a year before I did."

He had forgotten Twilight also came from the capital city.

"What about you?"

That seemed to catch her off guard.

"H-huh?"

"Why did you leave?"

His newfound curiosity in her life perplexed her. He was being so talkative. It was like he was a completely different person.

"Oh, well, I didn't choose to, at first. After I passed my entrance exam to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, the princess took me as her personal pupil. Nearly three years ago, she sent me and Spike here to make sure everything was in order for the Summer Sun Celebration. That's when I met my friends and discovered that we represented the Elements of Harmony. After that, I was assigned to learn more about friendship, so we stayed here. I was still a Unicorn back then..."

She had a certain longing in her eyes, almost as if yearning for days long since past. Matt had heard bits and pieces of the same story from Rainbow Dash, but didn't know details. What got him most was the last thing she said.

"Not had the wings long?" he said, once again speaking his mind.

"No, only for a few months. I was made an Alicorn when I became a princess."

Alicorn! That's what the term was. He was satisfied to finally get an answer to that question. Even so, she raised more.

"You weren't born into it?"

She shook her head.

"It was a gift by princess Celestia. I'm still getting used to it, though."

That explained why she was studying up on politics and what-not. She was probably expected to be a ruler someday.

"What about your parents?"

"Oh, they still live in Canterlot. I try to visit whenever I can, but lately I haven't had the time."

Though still confused over the entire situation, she was beginning to like the new Matt. She figured it was a good a time as ever to change subjects.

"That's enough about me, what about you? You've never exactly gone into detail about your life."

His eyes shifted for a few seconds, reminiscent of how they'd look when he had one of his odd moments, before going back to normal.

"Anything in particular you're interested in, princess?"

A very unexpected reply.

"Everything, I guess. And you don't have to call me 'princess'."

"Alright, then. I was born the youngest child and only son of the Nabal family. My sisters had both moved out by the time I turned five. It was around then that my mother had me signed up for piano lessons, which, for some reason, I excelled at immensely."

"You can play piano?"

"Yep. And a few other instruments. Anyways, when I started school the following years I quickly found out that I was an adept student. I passed every grade with flying colors. Top of my class."

Twilight couldn't help but be reminded of herself.

"It wasn't just instruments and education, though. Seemingly everything I tried, I could do. Excellently, even. I was my father's pride and joy, and he wanted the whole world to know..."

He paused, seemingly lost in thought. She noticed him looking down to his right arm. Looking at his scar.

He stared down at the eternal reminder of past events on his arm. He had always told himself that it was a reminder of what bonds became. He believed that less now, as he decided to see the world with a different perspective. Now, it was just a reminder of home. Or rather, his old home.

"You... don't have to talk about it." he heard her say, bringing him back to thinking straight.

She was smiling with kind, understanding eyes. He couldn't help but smile back.

"Thank you."

She gave a nod, before once again changing the subject.

"So... did you read a lot? Who's your favorite author?"

"Hmm... I don't know. I didn't read much fiction. Who's yours?"

"Oh, Jade Singer! She wrote 'Canter in The Sky' and 'Re-Cant'. You've got to read them, they're amazing!" she said, her face reading pure joy.

"I'll do that." he said, smiling.

They spoke for the rest of the day, seemingly making up for his outburst earlier. He was thoroughly enjoying chatting with her and she seemed to be enjoying herself. For the first time in nearly six months he had let someone get close to him. He had made a friend, and this time he wasn't just saying that to get some peace and quiet.

After awhile, Spike finally returned.

"And where have you been?" Twilight asked.

"Rarity's..." he yawns, "Tired. Sleep." he said, wobbling up to him and Twilight's sleeping quarters.

Twilight giggled before yawning as well.

"I guess it is pretty late..."

"You should get some sleep. Sleep deprivation isn't healthy for the mind." said Matt.

"Yes, I know. What about you?"

"I think I'll stay up a bit longer. I want to start reading those books you recommended."

"Okay then. See you tomorrow." she said, heading off to her room.

She heard a 'goodnight' as she entered her bedroom. Spike was already asleep and Twilight was halfway there when she got into bed. Matt's sudden change of character was still somewhat concerning, but she decided to ignore it. She had felt a spark ignite within her, and it was very different from the spark of friendship.