> Starlight
>  by ThePrinceOfTheNorth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: Premonitions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I was laying down on my bed in my car on the Starlight Express, my personal train, looking out at the countryside just beyond the windows. It seemed like a lifetime ago I had woken up as I am now. And in that time I had done so much. I'd established a city, and an Empire of steam and iron.

I stood up, walking over to a mirror on the other side of the car to freshen up a bit. Today I was visiting Alexandria, one of the oldest and largest pony colonies on the continent. It helped to think that, while there were no real countries anymore, that we at least still had our continents.

And at least this colony's name was there to remind us what we once were, for it was a name that has always been associated with learning. I always wondered why they never called it New Alexandria. Probably because of Halo: Reach.

This would be my first visit to Alexandria in person, though, and a visit I had long been waiting for. Over the past couple decades, I'd always wanted to go meet these successful ponies, just to see how they were fairing. Most of Blacklight and the greater Starlight Empire had come with me, being a little over a thousand ponies strong now. It's one of things I'm proud of, having established such a proud city after the Event, even if it took as long as it did. Then again, going about building an entire new city is no small task.

Finally reaching the mirror, I looked over myself. My black coat had been washed and cleaned ever so diligently, and my mane and tail sparkled like the stars I named myself after. I was wearing a dress, tailored specially for me, and looked over this all with aqua eyes. I sighed. In a million years, I would have never dreamed what it'd be like to be royalty, nor had I ever dreamed I'd have done the things I had done. Now I was a royal, or as close as it got.

I spread my wings, admiring myself.

"Is there no pony more pretty than I," I asked myself, only to receive and answer.

"I would expect so, Starlight," the reply came.

I turned, my horn nearly hitting one of the lights, to see who had spoken. It was Starless Night, one of the unicorns I'd found in Winnipeg not long after starting out. Then, as now, she was the 'proper pony,' one of the upper class. I'd always liked that she never was scared to get that pristine white coat of hers dirty. She was my best friend, of as close to that as I was ever going to get in this after world.

"STARRY," I exclaimed, leaping across the room to give her a big hug. She tried to get out of the way.

It didn't work, and we both tumbled to the ground.

It took us a moment to get back up again, but when we did, Starless sighed. "And it was such a nice dress."

I looked where she was looking, and saw that there was a huge tear in the dress.

"Oh well," I said, using my magic to take off the dress, "White was never my color."

Starless deadpanned.

"Not you, though," I said quickly, trying to make up, "You're one of the best ponies-"

"Shh," Starless said, a smile coming to her face, "I know I'm your best friend, and I know what you meant."

I just glared at her. "You and your jokes...."

We both started laughing after that.





I slowly opened my eyes. That dream was so....real. And I actually remember it for once, in every detail.

Slowly, I got out of bed, not noticing anything wrong or out of place.

That is, until I passed the small mirror at the entrance to my bedroom.

Staring back at me were those same eyes that had stared back in the mirror in my dream. I looked down at myself, and found that the rest of me looked like I did in the dream, except I didn't have the pretty dress, or the horn.

What the heck is going on?
> Chapter 1: The Times They Are A' Changin'
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I went over my checklist one final time, making sure I was brining everything I needed to bring.

Over the past five days, I had gathered various pieces of lumber and the old wagon axle that was still sitting just behind our trailer. I'd have tried to take from one of the cars that we had around back, but it probably wasn't worth the effort needed. Although it was rather difficult to do with hooves, I manages to pieced together a wobbly makeshift wagon. It would have to do until I got to Dauphin, the nearest major city, as I remembered that there was an old, rusty wagon in an abandoned farmyard a few kilometers from the city down Highway 10. It was a long journey, and quite a few kilometers between here and there. Had I been a normal pony, I'd not have thought about going there, but being a huge pony, I figured I'd be about the right size to use something made for the average horse.

Sighing, I went over my checklist. "Canned food, check. Dog food, check. Something to sleep on, check. Tent, check. Laptop, check. Generator, check. Jerry cans, check. Lights, check. Candles, check. Blunt Weapon, check. Teacup....TEACUP!"

At the calling of his name, my dog, a German Shepard Blue Heeler cross, appeared from behind the trailer.

"Check," I said, a cool breeze sending shivers through my body, to which I responded by grabbing a quilt and throwing it over myself, fastening it around my neck with a pin. It would have to do, as my old shirts and coats didn't fit me anymore.

Of course there were a bunch of other things I had grabbed, mostly personal stuff, but had left them off the list, as it was for the essentials.

I turned to Teacup. "So, ready for an adventure?"

Teacup nodded in response. In the past, I'd always found Teacup to be able to respond to anything I said to him, be it a nod or a smile. What's more, it was odd he wasn't barking at me, despite the fact I wasn't exactly the 16 year old boy I was a month ago. Still, I wasn't going to question it. If anyone, or thing, tried to sneak up on me, he'd start barking like crazy, and I'd know something was afoot.

Content with the completion of my checklist, and with Teacup's response, I clumsily managed to get myself harnessed to my makeshift wagon, and, taking one last look at a home I would likely never see again, set out, Teacup close behind me.





It took me and Teacup the better part of two hours to get to town, but the journey seemed to be fruitless. The streets were all empty, as was the first place I thought to go, my Baba and Dedo's. They, too, were gone. I hoped beyond hope they were in a better place. I think of everyone to go, I'll miss them, and Great Baba Pasternak, the most. I mean, Baba Pasternak was in her nineties! If it weren't for the end of the world, she'd have probably just kept on going!

I decided that the next stop was to be Main Street, where all the grocery stores were. Most of the food was expired by now, but I took what I could get. Canned products from LB's, and all the booze from Bird's. Who knows, maybe I've taken a liking to alcohol? At least I don't have stomach problems any more, or at least, so far.

Too bad about my size, though. Being able to drive would be nice.

After getting what supplies I could from main street, I went on to the gas station at the edge of town, crossing Podolsky Honey Farms as I did. It was empty and quiet, save for the chirping of the birds. It seemed that the bees had all but up and left now that there was nobody to attend to them. I sighed. One of my uncles used to work there.

At the gas station, I filled up the jerry cans so that I could use the generator when the time came. I'm not sure, but I do hope there are solar panels in Dauphin. I'm sure Canadian Tire or Home Depot has some lying around, or on a rooftop somewhere.

Once again harnessed to my makeshift wagon, I took one last look at the place that I had called home since I was a child. Thoughts of memories long lost, and friends I would never see again crossed my mind, for it was true. Everything I had ever know was gone, leaving nothing but a trace. It was a fact I was only now coming to understand, though I still didn't want to accept it. They were gone, all of them, but here I was. Sighing, I looked back into my wagon. In town I had come across an old gramophone and some blank vinyl records. I figured that in the future I might find a way to put music I had on my laptop onto the records, just to break up the monotony of quietness. Perhaps I might need to go as far as Los Angeles to do that, but that could wait, I suppose. For now, I jest need to get to Dauphin and get that wagon.

A thought occurred to me right then. I can't be the only person left. Perhaps there's someone in Dauphin? Or maybe in Winnipeg? There HAS to be someone! Then again, what are the odds there's someone else who got turned into a pony within a hundred miles of me?

I sighed, lowering my head. It was hopeless, yes, but I still had to hope for something, for someone, to be out there.

Taking on final look over the home I would never see again, I set off, Teacup close behind me.
> Chapter 2: You Gotta Have Some Faith
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The sun had disappeared into the western horizon by the time Teacup and I reached Sifton, and the light was rapidly fading, being replaced by the bright moon. Before, I had often said good night to one of my characters before I'd gone to sleep. Now, though, it didn't seem as appropriate, now that I was the same gender as said character.

After cantering a little way into town, I decided to stay in the church. I had never been inside it before, so was curious. To my disappointment, it was strangely empty, save for the pews and organ. I took off my harness, parking the wagon just inside the church so the wild animals wouldn't be able to get into it, and set about preparing someplace to sleep.

To be honest, this was the first time I had slept somewhere other than my bedroom, excluding field trips. I wasn't normally the traveling type, but when the other option was sitting in an empty, cold house with nothing to do forever, the choice became painfully obvious.

Sighing as I finished my bed, I rather promptly plopped down into it and, for the first time in memory, I fell asleep almost instantly.





We reached the old farmstead just west of Dauphin the next day. I let out an enormous sigh for, sitting there, was the old wagon. Oddly, it looked newer that I remembered it, but shrugged it off as my imagination. I quickly emptied whatever refuse was in it onto the ground, and moved all my supplies from the makeshift wagon into the proper one. Thankfully, this was one of those old wagons with a cloth cover like I'd seen in old westerns my parents would sometimes have watched. In lieu of the appropriate cloth, I used a white tarp, which only just fit. I was thankful for that, as a good few thing I had collected, and planned to collect, I couldn't afford to have wet, as replacing them would be a real pain.

"So," I said as I hitched myself to the new wagon, "Next stop, Dauphin."

Teacup let out an affirmative bark, and we were off.





We raided pretty much every store in Dauphin, salvaging canned food, dry pastas, and even a bunch of cans of condensed milk! I thanked the powers that be that the lights were still working, as without them, well, I'd probably not found half the stuff I had found. And, praise be to whatever powers that be again, there just so happened to be a semi trailer parked out behind Home Depot that was full of Solar Panels, like what you'd put on your house, as well as the generator stations. I took a station and about eight panels, as I still had one last stop to make.

I slowed the wagon to a halt one we reached the last building in Dauphin, the CKDM building, from which the local radio station used to be broadcast from. Although it was dark inside, in it was, hopefully, a way to find someone to talk to.

I was about to go in when a pony came out. He had a grey coat, a blonde mane and tail, and a musical note butt mark.

That can't be what it's called....can it? Meh....I'll add it to the list of things I'm not going to question, at least for now.

"And you are," I said.

"Well," the stallion said as he straightened up, "I'm Double Wub."

I had to stifle a laugh. "I think I'll just call you Double. I'm-"

I stopped. I'm a girl now....John Winter doesn't exactly 'fit' me anymore. What did they call me in that dream....oh, right!

"I'm Starlight Waltz," I said, finishing my earlier statement, "But you can call me Starlight, I guess."

"Well, it's nice to meet ya, Starlight," Double said with a overly professional bow, "So, what brings you to the old CKDM HQ?"

Double doesn't ask prying questions....I wonder how long he's been here. Certainly hasn't been less than a week....

I tore myself from my thoughts and looked down at Double. "Supplies. I'm looking to try to find out if there's anyone else out there, well, present company excluded, of course."

"Of course," Double said, "I'm afraid I've been trying that for the last two weeks or so....I think I figured out how to work the dials two weeks ago....nevermind. The point is, the signal from the tower here isn't strong enough to reach too far, even on the shortwave. Tower's too small."

I sighed, feeling defeat creep over me.

That's when it hit me like a bolt of lightening.

So many times on the way to school had I looked out the bus window and seen it standing high atop Duck Mountain. Situated on the highest point in the province was a communications tower.

"What about Baldy Mountain Tower," I asked, "It's at the highest point in the province, right? Surely it's tall enough to broadcast a signal over long distance."

"Oh, I don't doubt that, Starlight," Double said, "I'd have gone already if I weren't so afraid."

"Afraid," I echoed, perplexed, "Afraid of what?"

"Dogs," Double said, "Well, not yours, of course, but other dogs. At night, they come out and duke it out for territory. Then there's the fact there aren't many places to camp out between here and Baldy Mountain. Sure with a car it'd take a few hours to get there, but by hoof, with your wagon, I do believe it'd take far, far longer to get from here to there, and it'd be a lot more dangerous."

"Well, it's a risk I'll have to take," I said confidently, doing my best to hide any sign of uncertainty, "I need to know if there's anyone else out there. You gotta have some faith, right?"

"I do suppose so," Double said, "I'll fit you up with some stuff to convert that tower into a proper broadcasting tower. Just....don't forget to drop me a line every now and again. It get's kinda lonely out here."

"Don't worry," I said, "Give me some of the stuff for broadcasting, and I think I might dedicate a song or two to you, Double. Might do some correspondence, too."

"Thank you," Double said, "And if you do manage to contact someone, tell them to give me a lift up there."

"I will," I said, "That's a promise."
> Chapter 3: Baldy Mountain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It took me and Teacup two days to reach Baldy Mountain, making that, what, eight days since I woke up like this....wow, time does sure fly. Well, despite the obvious problems, I set to work emptying the old Park Ranger office beside the old viewing tower. Ah, log cabin living. If only my dad were still around to see me now. Yep, I'm living the good life.

I put the solar panels away for later, as well as the generator. Took the better part of the day to move everything else into my new home, which thankfully has a fireplace and central air in the basement, though I'll need to get the solar panels and generator up and running before that happens. I think all the thinking is killing me, but it's what I always used to do, so, really, nothing's changed at all. Sad, when I come to think of it.

It wasn't until well after dark I managed to get the last of the stuff off the wagon and into the cabin. The telecom tower was still there. Surely this was a good spot to broadcast and receive from. Just have to figure out how to jerry rig it all....I'm sure I can figure it out....probably....maybe....I'm not going to overthink it right now. Besides, the generators need to be brought up to snuff before anything can be done.

I sighed at the thought. "Why is nothing ever simple....I seriously have to stop talking to myself."

Teacup just looked at me, weary-eyes. Was it just me, or was he getting smarter? Must be my imagination. That is, unless I'm going insane....oh god, I hope that's not what's happening.

Alright, first thing tomorrow, work on the radio begins!





Amazing I haven't encountered a park ranger yet.

Well, it's the thirtieth today, meaning it's been fifteen days since I woke up. Food supplies are not in the red flag area as of yet, but they're getting there. I managed to get the solar panels and cells are up and running. As such, the cabin has power, and the tower has power. Turns out those cells are something like 100 kilowatt cells, and those panels generate 10 kilowatts each. So, that means I have a good power supply.

Central air is damn nice and cool on these hot summer days. Wish I had some lemonade. Meh, maybe if I manage to contact someone, they can bring some, right?

It's all going pretty good so far. Too bad I'll have to take it all down, eventually. I was never born nor built for mountaineering, and these wings won't help with either. I do think I should try to learn to fly. Don't know when, but I should.

Now if only I could get this damn radio to work.





July fifth already. Twenty days since I woke up.

I sighed as I went over my wiring once again. The last week or so had been spent in front of this damn box, and I'd had to put up a lean-to so that everything wouldn't get wet. I also managed to get some chain link fencing from down the road to make this into something close to a settlement, though I wouldn't call it that. 

"Hmm....let's see," I said as I stuck my head into the junction box, only to have an immense shock go through me, sending me comically skidding along the ground on my back. After coming to a halt, I sighed.

Then I heard it.

Static.

My head was up in an instant. Sure enough, the radios were live and running.

"I did it," I said in disbelief, "I did it! I DID IT! YES!"

No sooner was I up and about dancing giddily than I was at the speaker, pressing down the broadcast button.

"This is Baldy Mountain Tower to CKDM, how copy," I said into the speaker, letting go of the button.

Static was all that came though.

"This is Baldy Mountain Tower," I said again, "Come on, Double Wub, please be there."

"All right," came a familiar voice from the other end, "But only because you said please, Starlight."

I sighed, relief washing over me. "Thank god you're still alive, Double. Any news on your end?"

"Sorry," Double said, "Been real quiet down here this past few weeks, other than you showing up when ya did, and now. I think you'd ought to start transmitting, Starlight."

"I think so to," I said, "Talk to you later, Double. Over and out."

"Until then, Starlight," Double responded, "Over and out."

That weight lifted off of my shoulders, I turned to the recorder, and pressed the button. "This is Baldy Mountain Tower broadcasting on all frequencies and wavelengths on the shortwave. If you're out there, please respond on AM frequency 25.0 MHz if possible. That is AM 25.0 MHz. Coordinates are 51.4686° N, 100.7283° W. This message is on a loop. Repeat."

I let my hoof off the button, and listened as the message began to play. Hopefully, someone, or somepony, was out there, and they would hear my call.

"Hope....that's something I need more of, right boy?"

Teacup looked at me and nodded.





I sighed as I reached the top of the old observation tower. If I hadn't come here when I was much younger, I'd probably never have thought of it. A cold wind blew, making me at least try to pull my worn quilt closer to me. I'd noticed that, at least in the first week, I'd been less than coordinated. Quite a few shelves got knocked down in Dauphin. Wal-Mart probably is comparable to a disaster zone. At least now I could get a to a full gallop without falling flat on my face.

Is that the proper term? No, it's muzzle. Falling flat on my muzzle. Yeah, that sounds about right.

I smiled, resting my forelegs on the railing, letting my bare hooves just hang there. It felt nice to really have nothing to do.

"I used to be afraid of heights," I said to Teacup, who had followed me up, "Now, though, I'm not so afraid anymore. I'd be even less afraid in I actually knew how to use these damn wings."

For the first time in weeks, I actually opened my wings. Bones cracking from not being used was heard, and it was pretty much just as painful as it sounded, too, which was a lot. I still didn't exactly know how to control my wings yet, at least, not beyond opening and closing them. They felt more like an extra appendage, but I was sure I'd figure it out....eventually.

"I don't think we can stay here forever," I said, "As much as I want to. The gas won't last forever, I've seen enough TV shows to know that. Steam power? Now that will last a long longer than gas will keep. I think there's a train in Winnipeg....I've seen it in commercials....the Prairie Dog Central. Old steam locomotive. What do you think, boy? Think we should go after it."

Teacup tilted his head, but nodded.

"Maybe when I get a response. Might pick up Double on the way," I said, "He can't stay at the CKDM building forever. Maybe he could figure out how rig Baldy Mountain into a network? That way, even if we're not here, I'll still be able to respond. Sound good?"

Teacup again nodded.

I sighed. "You always were a smart dog, Teacup. Still, I can help feeling that you're getting smarter."

Teacup just looked at me and shrugged. Wait, shrugged?
> Chapter 4: A Moment's Peace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I couldn't sleep. Despite my best efforts to try, I just couldn't. There was something....nagging at the back of my mind. So, being as quite as possible, I rose from my bed, and made my way outside, being sure not to wake Teacup.

The night air was chilly, and I'd left my quilt in the cabin, but, for some reason, I didn't feel the cold of the breeze blowing through my fur. It felt instead a warm embrace, one that wrapped itself around me completely. It was odd, though. It felt odd. I felt odd....different than I usually felt, or have ever felt before. I felt....stronger. As a human, I had been scrawny and weak. Now, as a pony, no, as Starlight, I felt confident. Strong. Fearless. But this feeling was of greater strength. It was then I noticed it.

The sky was clear, and the stars above shone like diamonds scattered across a canvas of black. The light of the moon shone down upon me like the sun, it's brilliance almost blinding, and yet I just looked on in awe. It felt....different. Before now, I had felt nothing when the light of the moon had shone on me. Now, with the moon's gleaming light shining down on me, I felt....even stronger, like I had nothing left to worry about. In that moment, all my worries just melted away. I closed my eyes, wanting to revel in this feeling for as long as I could, for it was a feeling I had never dreamed of.

But, just like that, the eastern horizon began to brighten, and in but an instant, those feelings; the warmth, the security, all of them vanished, and all the emotions I had been holding back since I woke up came washing forward in a torrent of cries and tears. I hadn't wanted to accept the fact everyone I knew was gone.  I missed them, all of them. My mom, my dad, my little sister, my grandparents, my aunties and uncles and cousins....they were probably all gone. All of them. For so long had I said I could not take all of this anymore. It seemed that I finally, at long last, really couldn't, and just cried. All my anger and all my fear poured out, unable to hide or sustain themselves any longer.

I don't know how long I sad there crying, but I must have cried myself to sleep, for I woke up as the sun was setting into the west.

I sat myself up, watching as the sun disappeared, and just sat there until the light faded.

At the moment the light faded, that feeling came back again, far stronger this time. I felt like I really could do anything. I had repressed so much anger....so much hate, sorrow and fear. Now, all that baggage I'd been carrying, some for almost a decade, was gone.

And it felt great.

It felt wonderful.

It felt like I was soaring high in the clouds already, nothing holding me back.

I still didn't know why I felt like I did at night, but what I did know was whatever was making me feel this way, it had freed me; released me from all that had been holding me back, and all that had been stopping me from moving on.

This is a new world. Without the baggage of the old one, I really can start anew.

There is no more John Winter. There is only Starlight Waltz now.





Today's July 7th, meaning it's now been 22 days since I woke up.

I walked along the pristine shore of Blue Lake, Teacup close behind me, barking wilding at a flock of gulls.

Oddly, I don't feel the need to sleep last night, so I didn't, and yet, I'm still not tired. I know for sure it's not caffeine, as I rather reluctantly drank the last can of coke late last month. I've decided it's just one more thing on my list of things that I shouldn't question. In this case, though, I'm not going to question it as the answer seemed apparent already. Still, just in case, it's best not to come to final conclusion so early on, as in the case I really don't need to sleep as much anymore, I can get a lot more done.

It'll probably pass, though. It really takes away a feeling of normality, after all. Then again, I used to stay up until the sun came up, so really, this isn't too surprising.

I went over to one of the old play structures. When I was still human, and younger, I'd played here. That seemed like a lifetime ago, and in a way it kinda was. I'm not who I was then anymore. I'm stronger, and more independent.

Now that I had a clear head, I finally found it odd how, so far, I hadn't had much difficulty adapting to my new body. Then I remembered that for most of it I was harnessed to a wagon.

I was starting to enjoy the feeling of the soft sand against my hooves. The feeling was so soothing. It didn't feel like this when I was cantering over wood or stone. Maybe I need to see about making some shoes.....

I shook my head. This a vacation. Stop thinking about stuff, brain. Eugh, why can I never stop thinking?

In response, I just sighed and stared at the water, the waves lapping along the sandy shore, and listened to the birds chirping. It was all so peaceful. Normally, one would hear a car driving down the highway, or immature teens doing something overly stupid. Sure, I used to be a teen, but at least I wasn't one of the immature ones! Still, those thoughts did nothing to take away from the fact. The lack of engines made this feel that much more like a vacation, not some post-apocalyptic hell, which by all means it wasn't, save for the fact I've only found one other pony.

"You think there's anypony else out there, boy," I asked Teacup, to which he hesitantly nodded.

"Yeah, I hope so too," I said, "I hope so too."
> Chapter 5: Free
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I looked over at my calendar. July 20th.

I know I'd told Double that today was the day I'd be leaving Baldy Mountain for Winnipeg, but I somehow have quite a few cans of food left, enough for a few more weeks, at least. 

I called him.

"Dauphin Tower, come in Dauphin Tower," I called over the CB. Since I'd gotten here, Double had taken the initiative to move all the supplies he had, including the rest of the radio equipment, to Dauphin Airport's old Air Traffic Control Tower, which really was just an abandoned old building in this day and age. Still, the communications tower had been left there, so it was as good a place as any.

"This is Dauphin Tower," came Double's reply, "We hear you loud and clear, Baldy Mountain. You packed yet?"

"There's been a change of plans," I said, "Evacuation has been rescheduled for August fifth. Repeat, August fifth."

"Understood, Baldy Mountain," Double replied, "I'll make sure I'm still here when you come down from those hills. Over and out."

I put down the CB. Truth be told, I had actually been hearing small bits of a message. All I could tell so far was that it was from a place called Ponytown, and there were others there. I honestly hope they respond soon.

I looked off to the west. The smoke was closer today.

Back in May, there had been hundreds of forest fires out in Saskatchewan. I figured that was where the smoke was coming from. Without any more fire crews to deal with the blaze, the fires were burning across the countryside unchecked. Perhaps a good rain might but them out.

I sighed, as the likelihood of that was the likelihood that I'd ever be human again, though I'd rather be disappointed if that happened.

I turned my mind from those depressing thoughts, and looked at the observation tower. Over the last week or two, I had taken to jumping from it, trying to teach myself to fly. The fact I don't sleep as much anymore, coupled with the fact I have nothing else better to do, had resulted in a lot of progress.

For the first few days, I'd fallen like a rock, right into a bed of long grass I'd put together to serve as a cushion. Thank god that actually worked, otherwise....

I shuddered, not wanting to go there.

After a few days, and a few hundred falls, which I decided I'd never tell anyone about, I managed to glide down....only to get a muzzle full of dirt and grass.

I could have landed in the road. THAT would have been much worse.

After another hundred tries of that, at which point I noticed I was sweating, but still wasn't tired, I managed a successful landing.

Today, though, I don't plan to glide.

Gliding won't get me to Winnipeg safely.

Flying will.

So, just as I had every other day, I climbed the observation tower. The wood creaked below my hooves, creaking and moaning under my weight, a weight they'd probably seen too much of in the last two weeks or so. But still, after much careful climbing I reached the top, only for the staircase behind me to collapse.

"I guess this really is make or break time," I said aloud, trying to bolster my confidence.

Slowly, I crept to the railing of the tower, it's moaning and groaning becoming ever more apparent every time I moved a bit further. And, after what seemed like forever, I reached he edge. I put my hoof on the railing, but had to rear back as it gave way so I didn't go down with it.

Again, I approached the edge, and looked down. Today, if I fell, there was no soft cushion to protect me. Below, Teacup looked at me, an expression on his face I've never seen before.

Worry. Teacup looked worried for me. I realized then that, if I died, he wouldn't last more than a few days. So far, he'd kept the wild animals at bay. Without, without the thing he was keeping the wild animals from, would he end up just like them if I-

"No," I said aloud, "I won't fail. Not this time....not anymore."

I opened my wings, my confidence beginning to wane. I shook my head. "I can do this....I can do this....I can do this."

I crouched down, and leapt, closing my eyes so tightly I thought I might never see again, and tried, tried so hard to do with my wings what I'd seen birds do with their own, a slow, flapping motion. One that kept them aloft.

It felt like an eternity had passed before I noticed I didn't feel like I was going down; like the wind was ripping past and the ground rushing up to meet me.

I opened my eyes.

And I gasped at what I saw.

I was flying.

Below me was the whole of all I had once knew. I could see forever from up here. I saw Ethelbert, my old home. I saw Dauphin. I could even make out, far in the distance, the trailer where I used to live. It seemed like a lifetime ago, but it had only been two months. Still, it seemed like forever. I hovered there, just taking in the beauty, before I turned around.

The fire.

While it was still so very far away, it was getting closer. I could see a town from here, and I thought the flames would be upon it within the next week. Those fires, so very far away, still looked so huge. I could see their orange flames, burning across farmland once tended to by people now long gone. Seeing this, I knew I only had a few more weeks here at Baldy Mountain before I had to leave. There was no way around it. If me and Teacup stayed, we would die, one way or another.

I decided to turn my attention to other things, like actually flying.

Now that I was up here, it really wasn't that hard. Keep my legs tucked in, angle my wings so I went where I wanted to go. The more I angled them, the more I had to flap to say aloft, but the faster I went. I was up there for the rest of the day, flying circles around the tower. It wasn't until the sun was setting until I decided I'd done enough flying for today, and came in for a landing.

Muzzle full of dirt and grass....again.

Still, being up there, high in they sky, it felt great, like there was nothing left to stop me. No obstacles to obstruct me, especially with the fact there were no more planes.

If I had to choose I single word to describe how I felt up there, I would tell you that, up there, soaring though the clouds, I felt free.
> Chapter 6: Stormy Skies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was early in the morning when I woke up.

It seemed that I only ever needed to sleep once a week anymore. While this was somewhat disturbing, I was at least happy it gave me the chance to get a lot more done, but still hoped it was something that would pass.

I looked at the calendar. August 1st.

"Has so much time really passed already," I said aloud, waking up Teacup, who just looked at me and moaned like a child who didn't want to wake up.

"Sorry, boy," I said, "It's just that it's almost been two months since this happened. I'm used to it, don't worry. Kinda enjoy flying."

Teacup's features took on a sarcastic appearance.

"Okay, I LOVE flying," I said, falling back into my bed, "It's just so freeing. If it weren't for the fact my wings got sore after awhile, I'd have stayed up there forever. I wonder of pegasi can walk on clouds....what do you think, Teacup? Think I could walk on a cloud?"

Teacup just shrugged. I guess he's as clueless about some things as I am sometimes. Still, there must be somepony out there who knows.

Again I rose from my bed, spreading my sorely aching wings. I'd done a lot of flying yesterday, working on speed and stability. On top of that, I finally managed two perfect landings in a row! I was still in high spirits about that.

That town I'd seen had been engulfed by the flames already. I had been there once....Yorkton? I think....yeah, that's the one. I went there once, a few years ago. Now I'll never go there again.

It wasn't the nicest town I've ever been to, anyway, so no real loss there. I wonder if there were ponies there? If there were, I hope they made it out alright.

After going over what food I had left, I went outside, planning to just lay in the grass all day, watching the smoke that was growing ever closer.

It seems whatever powers that be had other plans.

"Bal.......tain, .....dy Mou.....Ponytown on......Megahertz, in.......Ontario, Canada......hear you.....copy....."

Someone was responding to my signal.

With haste I did not yet even imagine myself capable of, I rushed to the CB, hammering my hoof down so hard I think I almost broke the damn thing.

"Hello? This is Starlight Waltz at Baldy Mountain Tower? Is anyone there," I asked into the microphone. Please be real. Please don't be a figment of my imagination. Please, oh please....

"Say again....name, Ba.....in, I.....you. This......Stormy in.....Pickering......ada."

"DAMN IT," I screamed, smashing a hoof into the radio.

"Repeat, I hear you, Baldy Mountain. This is Stormy in Ponytown, in Pickering, Ontario, Canada."

So Armageddon wasn't compete crap....who knew? "This is Starlight Waltz at Baldy Mountain Tower, Manitoba, Canada. For a second I thought I was starting to hear things."

"Ha-ha, believe me, you're not the only one! I have you loud and clear. It's great to hear a voice from another part of the country. I gather from your name that you're... well, you've undergone Ponification too?"

"I like to think of it as the next stage of life," I said, "But yes, I have. It's great to hear another voice bottom-line. I've been rather lonely up here, nobody but my dog to keep me company....it's just nice to have a conversation that isn't entirely one-sided for a change."

Teacup, who had followed me out, gave me one of those 'oh really' looks.

I took my hoof of the button. "Don't look at me like that. It's not like you can talk."

He shrugged and nodded, so I refocused on the radio.

"So how are you faring there? For supplies and necessities. Doing okay?"

"To be completely honest, I've pretty much spent all my supplies," I said, "Other than that, pretty good. Better now that I know I'm not alone. Now I can finally leave this mountain, not that I wouldn't have to eventually. You heard about all those forest fires in Saskatchewan before? There's already closing in. I give it a few days before my position is an inferno. So, again, I'm glad you called. Now I can move forward with my plans."

"Yeah, I'd been worried about fires getting away, but I'm surrounded by concrete and pavement here, so I'm kinda safe. Get out while you're able. You said you have a plan? Have you heard of any other colonies, settlements, or groups of survivors at all?"

"You would be the first and only, otherwise I'd have left a long time ago," I said, "The plan was to wait until I got a response here, bless you for that. Right now, the plan is to head back to Dauphin to have another pony I met head over to Shilo to....requisition....some high explosives and stuff. While he's doing that, I'm going to Winnipeg to find Prairie Dog Central Engine No. 3. It's a steam locomotive. I may not be a mechanic or anything, but what I do know is we were using steam long before fuel, and fuel isn't going to last forever, not that it ever was in the first place. I've watched enough TV to know that. I'll use the CN lines to reach you. If I encounter any other survivors n the way, I'll pick them up. As for entire groups, the only other pony I've encountered is the pony from Dauphin."

"Wow. That's... actually not a bad idea. I hope it works out for you. I won't keep you in case you need to prepare, but if you need anything, keep calling. I'll make sure there's a radio on this frequency 24/7. We might not always answer immediately, but if and when we can, we will. If you need help, give us a shout. Good luck, Starlight."

"Good luck to you, too, Stormy," I said, "I look forward to meeting you. Until then."


I turned  to the radio, and stopped transmitting the message that had been playing since last month, instead recording a new message.

"This is Starlight Waltz at Baldy Mountain Tower to anypony and everypony out there. You may be scared and lonely, out there, wherever you are, but don't loose hope. You are not alone. I know the words of a pony coming over the radio probably mean nothing, but they are far better than silence, and far better than being alone. If you hear this, try to make it to the nearest rail line. I will son be travelling the CN, or the former CN, rail. If I find you along the rails, I will not leave you. You are not alone, and there is always hope. Remember that. This is Starlight Waltz, signing off, one last time."

I lifted my hoof from the transmitter, and listened as the message began to repeat. Sighing, I went back to the cabin.

"Looks like we're not alone anymore, eh," I said to Teacup, who dully nodded.

I opened the door to the cabin. Here was the place I had spent the last month, waiting for someone, no, somepony, to answer me. I thanked whatever powers that be for that, but knew this was the end of this part of my journey. I went in and gathered my thing. The photo albums, both new and old. A few cameras. My consoles and games. And, of course, my laptop. I put them all into a set of makeshift saddlebags, and slung them over my back.

Stepping back outside, I noted the smell of smoke in the air. It seemed that the wind's direction had changed, and was now blowing the smoke towards Baldy Mountain. I looked down at Teacup, who also seemed to know that that meant.

"Time to fly, boy," I said, to which he nodded, albeit hesitantly.

I took to hovering, and he jumped on my back, using his paws to hold on. I swear to god he's getter smarter every day. And so, abandoning the wagon I had worked so hard to acquire, and leaving the rest of my food behind, I set out for Dauphin, and the one pony I had met in person.

I had a little mission for him.
> Chapter 7: Dream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After leaving Teacup and my things with Double, I flew onwards to Winnipeg, arriving just before sunset and, by some sheer stroke of dumb luck, I managed to rightly stumble upon exactly what I was looking for. Engine No. 3, a steam locomotive that has been running since the late 1800s.

While there was still light out, I decided to take a look around. Thankfully, Prairie Dog Central kept a rather hefty supply of coal for the train, and I loaded as much into the coal car as could possibly fit. That took a few hours, and the sun had disappeared beyond the horizon.

Satisfied with my preparations for the day, and knowing of what I would do tomorrow, I entered one of the cars. I realized now that going so long without sleep was either a skill, or only worked when I was at altitude. Regardless, I was out like a light before I even knew it.





I was laying on a cloud, the night sky stretching up above me, and the world stretching out below me to every horizon. I saw the castle on the mountain, just as I had whenever I had slept before. The difference here was that I'd never dreamt I was on a cloud.

Nor had I actually felt the dream.

I could feel the wind blowing though the sky around me, as if it were a sentient being enveloping me in a hug that would never end. It was warm, but cold at the same time. It was moist, but dry. It felt like so many different things as it blew though my fur and my star-spangled mane, rushing past like a hurricane, but at the same time, like nothing more than a gentle breeze.

That's when I saw her.

She was seated on a cloud, not too very far from me. Even from this distance, I could tell her and I shared some similarities. She was about as big as I was, though perhaps she tad bigger than I. She had a mane so much like mine, but lighter. Her fur was a brilliant shade of dark blue, maybe royal or midnight? I couldn't say for sure. The few differences she had from me consisted of little more than two things, but two important things; her horn, and her attire. She wore a collar with the crescent moon upon it, and shoes that seemed made just for her. But those told me little. Her tiara told me volumes.

Obviously she was some kind of royal pony, being both and Pegasus and a Unicorn. What species was she, though? I felt like I knew the answer to this one!

"Hello, Starlight Waltz," she said in a tone that was the absolute definition of both regality and beauty, "Do you know whose presence you now find yourself in?"

I noticed her butt mark at that moment. It was a lot like mine. Still, to try to answer her question, my mind fluttered back to that dream I'd had before I woke up like this. I swear there was.... a picture! Yes, there was a painting on one of the walls that had a brass nameplate. I focused on the memory.

"You're Princess Luna," I said, the name finally coming back to me, scanning my memory of that dream. It felt like I knew her from it, but not just because of that picture. I knew everything in that dream wasn't real....or was it?

"Luna," I asked, to which she raised a brow, but allowed me to continue, "Before I woke like....this, I dreamt that I was on a train, going to a place called Alexandria. I don't know what any of it means, and I've been inwardly wondering about it for a long while now."

Luna looked as perplexed as I felt at that moment. "I cannot say for sure, but you might have been granted a glimpse of your future."

"I had a horn in it," I said, "Does that mean I'll end up like you?"

"An Alicorn," Luna asked, now looking puzzled, "Clearly you aspire to great things, Starlight. You might very well become like me, in time. Still, you remind me of a pony, not one I am overly fond of."

I could tell this was a touchy topic for her, so I moved on to another. "So, back in the waking world, can I do what I'm doing now? With the cloud?"

Luna smiled. "You need to find that out on your own. I recall another pony, one I met not too long ago. It seemed she hadn't yet figured out flight. From what I can tell, you've met her."

"Stormy," I asked, to which Luna nodded, "She seemed like a nice pony."

Luna nodded, and moved on to something else, something that looked to worry her, "I have noticed you don't sleep much."

I nodded. "I don't feel tired much, either. In fact, I feel different at night than I do at day. It's....hard to describe."

"It feels like you can do anything your heart desires," Luna said, "And that there's not one thing that can stop you."

"That's....actually a pretty good description of it," I said, "Wait, how...."

"It is how I feel in my night," Luna said, "It is because I am Princess of the Night. That is why I can see into your dreams, and speak with you. It's is odd, though. In all my many years, never have I encounter another with as strong a connection to the night as I."

"What makes you say that," I asked.

"How you feel at night," Luna said, "Stronger. More powerful. Then there is the dream. You see before you Equestria, a kingdom ruled by myself and my older sister, Celestia."

"Princess of the Sun, right," I assumed, to which Luna nodded.

"You catch on quickly."

"It's a skill," I said, smiling brightly, "I pride myself on it."

Luna nodded, the continued. "I've noticed most of the ponies of your world dream of the day. YOU, Starlight, are the only one who dreams of the beauty of the night, not the fear and terrors hiding in the dark it brings."

"I know of what's out there at night," I said, recalling the howling of packs of wolves, "I've always taken my size for granted. I think they're either too afraid  to attack me, or are smart enough not to."

"Both are likely," Luna said, "As time goes on, you might find more than just you have changed."

We sat there for awhile, both quiet, just listening to the wind, feeling it run though my fur gave me the same feeling I had when I'd finally decided to move on.

""Luna," I began, "Is there a proper name for this thing?" I pointed to my butt mark.

"It's called a cutie mark," Luna explained, "It exists to tell other ponies what you are best at. What your calling is. It seems yours has to do with the night."

As if at the same time, both I and Luna looked over to the horizon to see the sun was rising.

"It appears this dream is coming to an end," Luna said.

"I guess so," I said, "It was nice to talk to you, though, Princess Luna."

"You may call me Luna if you prefer it," Luna said.

I nodded. "One last question. Is any of this real, or is it all just a dream?"

Luna looked at me, a smile on her face. "Just because this is only a dream, doesn't make in any less real."

"Well, thank you, Luna," I said with as formal a bow as I could manage, "I did enjoy our little talk, and hope it isn't the last one we have."

"I enjoyed it too," Luna said, also bowing, "It was nice to meet somepony so like me, and one who's acclimatizing to their new world so well. I do hope we can speak again as well."

I gave Luna a smile and a nod, then the sun peaked above the eastern horizon, and all faded to white.
> Chapter 8: Yeah. Faith. Got It.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	August 2

I woke up for a start, stretching my wings in the cool morning breeze.

I had forgotten to close the door to the building last night, a fairly careless mistake, I know, but one I made, nonetheless. I mentally facehoofed, knowing that some wild animal could have come in and done away with me during the night. Thank Luna nothing horrible or....unnatural....had befallen me.

Well, not anything more unnatural than becoming a huge bucking pony. And yes, me, I'm using buck instead of the F-bomb. And no, me, you're not going crazy.

This time I really did facehoof, and did so hard enough to get my mind back on track.

Since there was nothing really to do until Double arrived from wherever the heck he was at that moment, I decided to do some exploring, which was, to be completely honest, one of the best choices I'd ever made.

I'd gone over to a nearby rail yard to look for some flatbed cars, something I could convert into a garden or something. So, looking through the yard, I turned a corner to see a line of cars with CAF marked on them in large letters. Looking up and down the line of cars, I began to wonder what the military might have left inside these cars. In the end though, it wasn't what was in the cars I found interesting.

At the very head of the column of cars was a single, small flatbed car.

"No way," I said as I realized what was on it, running over to it and pulling off a massive tarp with my teeth.

I let the tarp fall to the ground to reveal a tank. A bucking Abrams Tank.

"THAT could come in handy," I said with no small amount of glee as I ran and unhooked the car from the rest of them.

I'm sure I can find some....practical use....for a tank. Maybe that C4 won't be enough to remove other trains from the tracks, though I still doubt there'll be any.

After managing to get the rail lines set so I could take the flatbed car with me, I went back to the Prairie Dog Central. I had a few....professional touches....I wanted to make.





Teacup, as I though, was happier than ever to see me again. Double was just glad he'd been able to salvage anything from CFB Shilo. Still, he managed some high explosives.

That's not what the focus was right now.

"What did you do to the train," Double asked.

He was referring to the fact that even HE knew this trained was SUPPOSED to be the Prairie Mountain Central. Instead, it was called Starlight Express, and it's engine number was No. 1.

"Well," I said, "While I was waiting, I had the genius idea to rename the train after myself, as we ARE technically hijacking it."

"YOU hijacked it," Double amended, "So, does it run?"

"Of course it runs," I exclaimed, but a bit too quickly, "No. I haven't started it yet, but it should run!"  I put a forehoof to the back of my head.

Double just facehoofed.

"Hello?"

I looked at Double, and he looked at me. In that instant, we both knew we weren't alone. I was the first to turn around.

Standing about twenty meters away from us were two Unicorns, both of whom were rather taller than Double. The one I assumed to be a stallion was actually wearing a monocle. His fur was silver, and his mane and tail jet black. He had a cutie mark that mildly resembled a steaming cup of tea. The other was a mare, who looked strangely familiar to me. She had a white coat, and a ling pink mane and tail, both with white streaks, and her cutie mark was that of the full moon, but with clouds in front of it. She was staring right at me, almost as if the feeling was mutual. I noticed a smile crossing her face.

The Dream....

I decided to keep quiet for now, just in case.

"Who exactly are you two," the stallion said, obviously a bit on edge.

"We could ask you the same thing," I responded, "But I suppose one of us should start with the introductions. My name is Starlight Waltz. This Unicorn with me is Double Wub."

The stallion nodded, although it seemed a disapproving nod. "My name is Gerald Fenix. The young lady calls herself Starless Night. Seems she's about as looney as you two."

I deadpanned. "Well, we aren't exactly people anymore, now, are we?"

Fenix huffed. "Human or Pony, we must keep at least SOME standards, now, should we not? Still, I digress. I see you were able to....requisition this fine piece of equipment. I was curious as to if you could afford two passengers."

I nodded. "As they say, the more the merrier. Coach 103, if you please." I gave a mock bow, directing them to the cars that had already been attached when I'd arrived.

The duo hurried into the car, and I went to follow them, Double close behind.

"Teacup, go and guard the caboose," I instructed the do. He gave an affirmative bark, and went over to the still detached caboose, which wasn't on the same track as the rest of the train.

"Shall we get started?"





Thankfully, the engine worked flawlessly and, with Double's direction, we were able to hook up the flatbed car with the tank on it. I was rather amazed the mechanism fit, but decided to put it on the list of things not to think about. After that, we got the caboose hooked up, and Teacup put in there. He seemed okay with it. We also put the explosives in there, in crates so Teacup couldn't get at them.

I get the odds feeling that this lucky streak is about to run out.

"Well, looked like we're all ready to go," I said to Double, who was standing on the siding adjacent the train, "Hop on and we'll be off."

Double sighed. "I'm not coming."

I just stared at Double. "What?"

He sighed again. "Look, that broadcast at Baldy Mountain isn't going to keep broadcasting forever unless the electronics have proper maintenance. I'm the best one for the job, as I've worked with that stuff for the last decade or so. It'd be better if I stayed behind so that, if there is anyone, or anypony, our there, they can hear."

I had the feeling there was no way to talk him out of this, so I just resigned myself and sighed. "Fine. Just....be safe, okay? There's a forest fire that's on it way there. Be gone before it reaches you, okay? I don't want this to be the last time we meet."

"Don't worry, Starlight," Double said, "It won't be."

I sighed. "Well, I guess this is it, then."

"I suppose it is."

"Goodbye, Double Wub," I said, "I was a pleasure to have met you, and I look forward to seeing you again in the future."

"The feeling's mutual," he replied, "Goodbye, Starlight. Safe travels."

With out goodbyes said, I pushed the lever to get the train moving.

Shoosh.........shoosh......shoosh....shoosh......shoosh....shosh...shoosh..shoosh.shooshshoshshooshooshooshooshoo

I looked back at Double, watching as he waved.

Somehow, that goodbye felt like it was our last.

Somehow, I knew I'd never see Double Wub, the first pony I'd ever met in person, ever again.
> Chapter 9: Play It Again, Wulfric
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"It's beautiful," Luna said.

That night, I again was visited by Luna, once again meeting high in the clouds. This time, though, we weren't in Equestria, but were on Earth. We were above a city that Luna said reminded her very much of a place in her own world, the Crystal Empire. It was a circular city with a tower at the center that was actually a castle. The city below us looked a lot like it, save for the fact that rail lines spread out from at every point of the compass.

"Blacklight," I said, looking down at the city, "My city."

Luna looked at me, "Come again?"

I looked at her. "I've been going over that dream I had the day I woke up. I recall so many details I missed at first. One of them is a picture of a city that looks just like this one called Blacklight."

Luna looked down at Blacklight. "Humans really do aim for the stars."

"That we do, Princess," I replied, "No sense doing something if it's not worth overdoing."

Luna turned to me. "Is that a metaphor?"

I shook my head. "I saying I came up with. I've always felt that if you find doing something worthwhile, you might as well go above and beyond to make sure you do it to the best of your abilities. That way, you can work hard at doing something you enjoy."

"Huh," Luna said, "It seems a sound philosophy to follow."

"It is," I answered.

For the next long while, Luna and I just sat there, up in the clouds, talking about what I had seen and done, and what I planned to do. She seemed greatly interesting, often commenting on how Equestria had steam locomotives, putting wind under my wings to keep this idea I had from dying. It wasn't for what seemed like hours before THE question reached the forefront of my mind.

"Luna," I began, "Whatever happened to all the other people?"

Luna looked away. "That is something I would sooner tell you in person, Starlight."

The way she looked told me it wasn't something she'd want to talk about otherwise, so I nodded. "Okay, Luna. I think it would be for the best, too."

Luna smiled. "I appreciate the understanding."

"Think nothing of it," I said, waving a forehoof and smiling, "I'm an understanding mare."

It was then I noticed the sun was rising.

"I enjoyed our talk again," I said, "Never a dull moment."

"Agreed," Luna said, "It might be awhile until I can chat with you again, but I will."

"I'm going to hold you to that," I said, smiling.





August 3

Later that day, and after passing though many empty towns and abandoned stations, and had passed the tracks to Thunder Bay when I spotted something ahead on the side of the tracks.

A pony.

Immediately I slowed the train to a near stop, and pulled on the whistle. The pony turned.

Another Unicorn, I though, somewhat grumpily, Why not an 'Earth Pony', as Luna calls them? Or another Pegasus like me? Nope, now I've got three Unicorns, excluding Double. I hope he's okay.

The train finally came to a stop right beside him, affording me a good look at the pony.

He was a stallion, with a silver mane and tail. His coat was dark grey, almost black, and his cutie mark resembled a piece of sheet music.

Fenix poked his head out of a window of his coach.

"WHY HAVE WE STOPPED, YOU FEA-," he started, only to notice the Unicorn on the tracks, "Oh."

"Don't mind him," I said, "Someone stole his lolly when he was a foal."

Fenix made a face at me, then pulled his head back into the coach.

"Anyway, to whom do I owe the pleasure," I said, hopping down from the engine.

The pony was obviously stricken by how tall I was, but soon collected himself and replied. "My name is Wulfric Amadeus Geraldo."

"How about we just call you Wulfric, or Griff," I suggest, to which he nodded.

"Wulfric. It seems shorter," he stated professionally, "And much easier to pronounce."

"Before you board," I began, "How did you come by such a....unique name?"

Wulfric rubbed the back of his head. "My parents were really into classical music. I ended up like it, too."

I nodded. "I'm into that kind of thing, too. Hop in the coach with Fenix and Starless. I promise they don't bite.

He nodded, and went over and into the coach. I leapt back into the engine, and we were off again.





After we stopped for the night, I went and fed Teacup, who was ever so happy to see me, before sitting down and talking with Wulfric.

"So," I began, "What did you do before....all this happened?"

"I was a composer," Wulfric replied, "I wrote songs and posted them on Youtube, not that any of that is still around anymore."

I nodded. "It may be gone, but I did download a lot of songs onto my computer before the....Event? Or whatever."

"Really," Wulfric began, "Music that WASN'T lost with the Cloud? Well, this is something you'll have to show me later."

I smiled, nodding. "I don't have much, but what I do have beats having nothing."

"Amen to that, sister," Wulfric said, "Amen to that."

"So....can you still play?"

"What," he questioned.

"The piano," I asked, "Can you still play the piano?"

"Oh, sure," Wulfric replied, "As soon as I get my horn thingy to work."

"Your magic," I correct.

"Yeah, that," he said, "I do miss playing the piano, you know?"

I smiled and nodded, hiding the sadness that statement caused me. I've always wanted to play the piano....
> Chapter 10: Farewell To Friends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

August 4 - 6:00 PM

The wheels screamed against the track as the Starlight Express came into Pickering Station, slowing steadily until it came to a stop below the footbridge over the line. While the CN line was never intended to be used as a passenger rail line, it was the longest line on the continent. That made it ideal.

I pulled the wire that lead to the string, listening to the train's whistle.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I let go, hoping that the pony I'd contacted in the radio was still around.

"Starlight? Shouldn't you check the radio?"

I looked down from the engine to see that Starless Night was standing there, looking up at me. I nearly facehoofed. On the way here, I had set up a transmitter in the caboose, as well as a radio set, so that we could hear any broadcasts. Despite that, the only one that came through was the one from Pickering.

"Is it still coming in," I asked Starless.

"It is," Starless replied, "It's sad we can't talk to your friend, Double."

I nodded. Unlike Baldy Mountain Tower, which had an immense range, the radio I had been using on the train had a relatively low one, bordering on perhaps several kilometers when on my regular frequency, and a bit longer on a clear day.

"Let's go see if we can make contact with out friends here in Pickering," I said, taking flight to hover just above the ground before planting my hooves firmly down in as graceful a manner as I could manage. I still hadn't told Starless that I'd seen her in The Dream, but it seemed to me like she had some secrets of her own.

As we passed Coach 103, we could hear Fenix and Wulfric arguing about something. From the snippets I managed to catch, Wulfric had been very unprofessional when he'd had lunch, something that had irritated Fenix. The rest was lost in the yelling that soon followed.

"Boys will be boys," Starless said, to which I nodded, albeit with a small amount of hesitation. Starlight didn't seem to notice, though.

As we were about to board the caboose, I noticed something coming, and galloped back over to the engine, Starless hot on my hooves.

From overhead, a grey pegasus flew in a sweeping arc, aiming for the footbridge. Legs started scrambling as the pony neared the surface, as if to transition from flying to running, but at the last second, a stumble resulted in a swirling somersault of grey fur and purple hair, coupled with a few choice curse words.

Momentarily, a head with a disheveled purple mane popped up above the footbridge's side wall, a smile breaking across the pony's muzzle. "You made it! Starlight, I presume?"

Starless and I looked at each other, then back at the little Pegasus. "That I am. This is Starless Night."

I turned to Starless. "I'm going to go talk to her."

"Be careful," Starless warned as I flew up, landing beside the comparatively tiny mare.

"If you know who I am, then I assume that you must be Stormy," I said, looking down at the smaller grey Pegasus.

Stormy held out a hoof and nodded. "That's right. Good to see you. Everyone else is back at the... colony." She shrugged with an apologetic smile. "Still getting used to calling it that. I almost said 'store'." A wing flaps out to indicate northwards across the highway. "It's in that mall across the way."

"Smart," I said, looking at the distant mall, "Lots of food, more than adequate shelter, near more supplies should your own run out. Smart, indeed."

The littler pony folded in her wing and let her hoof drop, leaning to look around you at the train. "So... is it just you two? Did you find anybody else along the way? Any other colonies in between here and Manitoba?"

I sighed. "Sadly, I didn't come across anything in any of the towns along the rail line. I found Starless there in Winnipeg, along with another Unicorn by the name of Fenix. I picked up another Unicorn on the way from Winnipeg. There was one Unicorn I met in Dauphin, and he accompanied me to Winnipeg....but he stayed behind. Double Wub....he used to work in Dauphin at the old CKDM building, I think. At least, that's where I found him. What about you? Have you seen anypony else?"

"I forget if I mentioned them to you on the radio. There's me, a unicorn, and an Earth pony - we were the first settlers, so to speak, here. We got joined by three more - again, one of each, Earth pony, pegasus, and unicorn, we found in a failing camp further into the city. Other than us, there are some dogs around here that seem to have formed a clan. Oh, we have a dog with us, but he's a good guy. We've encountered some... other things, but we should probably talk about that when we're all settled down and... well, settled down, and prepared to discuss things. Did you plan to come in, say hi, stay here? Or are you still on the move?"

"I think that would be nice, meeting with your friends," I said, smiling at Stormy, "All I've met so far is Unicorns. It'll be nice to mingle with somepony other than the bunch of hypocrites I'm stuck with. At least Starless isn't afraid to get her hooves dirty. Fenix and Wulfric....I think they won't be joining us."

I facehoofed. "How could I forget. TEACUP!"

At my call, Teacup bounded out of the caboose and ran over to stand beside Starless, looking up at me with a smile.

"Can't forget about my trusty Teacup," I said with a smile, "He's been with me since long before....well, before I woke up like this."

Stormy smiled at the dog, "Hi, Teacup," she said. Turning back to Starlight, she added, "Okay then... erm, I was going to suggest we fly, but do you both fly? And what about him?" She nods to the dog. "I guess we're walking?"

"Starless could probably levitate herself...."

I regretted those words immediately, as I had failed to notice that she's made her way to the footbridge.

"Ow," I said, rubbing the back of my head, "Sorry, Starless."

"Apology accepted," she replied curtly. Teacup bounded up and put a paw over his face.

I turned back to Stormy. "Looks like it, then, not that I mind. At least it's getting dark out."

Stormy started off towards the mall on hoof. "You prefer the night?"

"Of course," I said with a smile, "Ever since all this happened, I've felt....different at night. Calmer, more secure. Stronger. Still, even before this all happened, I found the night sky a thing of beauty."

"Interesting. I don't feel really different, besides the obvious physical stuff of course. Well... the flow of magic seems to be really palpable, to put it one way. It's as easy to sense as light is. Or, I guess to you, dark."

"Sensing darkness," I repeated, "I don't think so. It's more like I can feel....something. Maybe it's the light of the stars and the moon? I don't know."

"It might be," offered Starless, "You told me when the sky is cloudy at night, you don't feel as different."

I nodded. Perhaps Stormy is onto something. Maybe I can feel the moonlight and the starlight. My cutie mark is the moon, so it seems likely.

A thought then occurred to me, one that I should have thought to ask a bit sooner. "Stormy, might I ask a personal question?"

"I... guess, sure. Go ahead."

"I'm curious," I began, "Before the.....well, before I woke up, I was nothing like I am now. I think of this change as the greatest gift I've ever gotten for my birthday."

"Wait," Starless began, "You woke up on your birthday?"

"June fifteenth," I said proudly, "And this is the best gift I've ever gotten, but my appearance isn't the only thing that changed."

Starless looked at me, then at Stormy. In truth, I'd asked her, Fenix and Wulfric this same question a few days ago. They had said no, and had asked why. I told them why I'd asked, and it had shocked them. However, I had the feeling that Starless knew more than she was letting on, because I swear she was faking her apparent shock. Heck, she was in my Dream, so I wouldn't say she doesn't know more than she's letting on.

"Stormy," I began, "Before the Event, were you a girl?"

Stormy flinched a little. "...no," she finally admitted. "But keep that to yourselves, okay?"

I looked at Stormy. "In that case, I can safely say that you and I are a lot alike. Starless was a girl before, and as far as I know, Wulfric and Fenix were both guys before. You and me, Stormy....you're the only other pony I know, besides myself, who used to be a guy."

"I promise I won't tell anyone, either," Starless said with a smile, "Starlight told me it wasn't too hard for her to adjust, as her old life wasn't....how did you put it?"

"Miserable," I finished for her, "My life before was completely miserable. Since I woke up, though....things have slowly started to get better."

My mind flashed to a few weeks ago, when I had finally broke, letting out all my pent up emotion. It gave me such a feeling of freedom. After that, for the first time in years, I actually felt better about myself. More secure. I looked down at Stormy. "What do you think, Stormy?"

Stormy seemed to relax a little as the conversation went on. "I'm not sure I've felt exactly the same, but I can see where you're coming from. For me, the shock of becoming a pegasus was enough to make, erm... switching sides not that big a deal. Just another change to get used to." She changed tack on the conversation a little. "As for my life before, it wasn't that bad. I had a good job, I was in touch with my - what remained of my family... I was a little bummed when I realized this was probably not reversible, because my skills from my human life weren't so transferrable to surviving in this world. But my friends - my new friends, the ones I made after the Event - have shown me what I can do and how I can be useful going forward." She stole a glance at her bare rump. "Though it seems this world has other plans for me. Maybe."

I looked back a Stormy's blank flank. "Indeed. Don't worry, Stormy. Luna told me that Cutie Marks describe what you're best at. Your true calling. You'll get one of those once you've figured out what your true calling is. Take me, for example. My mark is a lot like the Princess', a crescent moon. Coupled with the fact I've always been more of a....what's the word....'night owl?' Anyway, I've always been able to stay up late with little comeuppance, even before the Event. I always liked looking at the stars at night. I never dreamt of anything, though....I should look into that."

"Look into what," Starless asked.

"Princess Luna can enter other ponies dreams," I said, "Maybe I can, too? I mean....I'm rambling now, aren't I?"

"Little bit," Starless said with a smile, "Stormy, is that it?"

I followed Starless' outstretched hoof to see a mish-mash of neon signs that read Ponytown. I took a minute to look the place over. They had one heck of a garden, that's for sure. Half the nearby parking lot was all soil, freshly planted, by the looks of it. In what I assumed were tree plots on the sidewalk were now small gardens. I looked at Stormy. "Looks homey."

"Yeah, this is home! The entry is over this way." Stormy led them over to a side door into the mall - not an obvious entry point. All the main doors to the stores and corridors were boarded over, but this service entrance had a door with the lock defeated. Just inside was a short maze of shelves and dividers, apparently set there to slow down anyone coming in.

Stormy led the ponies down a service hallway, then into a main corridor of the mall. Skylights and windows from stores let in lighting, until at the end of one corridor, electric lighting was functioning. One of the security gates to the Wal-Mart at the end of the corridor was parted, and Stormy ducked inside.

"Everypony!" she called out. "We have guests!"

The store was in complete disarray. Beyond the cash register lines, virtually everything in the middle of the floor had been either shoved aside or rearranged. To the right and further 'back' from where they entered, the windows to the outside were in full view, with the exterior doors boarded up as mentioned earlier. In the far back right corner was a cobbled-together mezzanine with some electronics resting on shelving, green carpet on the wooden floor and a homemade set of stairs leading to it from the main floor of the store. Nearer to the center, shelving had been arranged in two X formations, with low shelving completing the exterior walls, making eight 'rooms' - all but two of which appeared to be in use. Right of the rooms, in between them and the windows, was a large kitchen, appearing as if it had been built there after the store was repurposed. It consisted of several sets of cupboards, two large sinks (but no faucets, interestingly enough), two electric stoves and two refrigerators, plus an "island" prep table made from a coffee table so that it was pony-height. In fact, all of the kitchen space except that which couldn't be adjusted (the fridges and stoves) was lowered to the requisite height for a pony of Stormy's size.

To the left of the eight bedrooms was an open, carpeted area, with several coffee tables, end tables, and a few beanbag chairs or couch cushions arranged in nest-like setups. In that area were five other ponies, some of whom were standing up and turning to meet the group. A pink unicorn mare and a blond-and-tan Earth pony stallion were the ones to move. The green-maned, tan mare, chocolate-brown male unicorn, and white pegasus stallion with red mane looked up, but didn't get to their hooves right away.

"Swift, Jeff, everypony, this is Starlight and Starless. Oh, and Teac-"

Around the corner came a full grown male Dalmatian dog. As he spotted Teacup, he folded his ears back and froze stone-still all the way back to his tail, just staring intensely at the 'intruding' dog.

Teacup, for the first time in memory, didn't instantly attack another dog. Mind, he hadn't been hostile to Wulfric, Fenix, or Starless, so this was just one more thing to add to the bucket list of oddities that had occurred since the Event.

Teacup just sat down and looked at the other dog, tilting his head slightly, almost as if he were examining this Dalmatian. It at that moment occurred to me Teacup hadn't seen a Dalmatian before today.

I lowered my head to Teacup. "Now, you play nice now, okay?"

I received a nod and an affirmative bark.

"Good boy," I said, rising to meet the two approaching ponies, "It's nice to meet all of you. I know Stormy just introduced us, but to clarify, I'm Starlight, the one Stormy was contacted by a few days ago. She's Starless," I raised a hoof, gesturing to Starless Night, "An this, of course, is Teacup.

"Ruff,"  Teacup barked in acknowledgement, sticking his tongue out playfully and looking up at who I assumed was Swift.

"I notice you have a dog of your own," I said, raising a hoof to point at the Dalmatian.

Swift glanced behind her at the dog, then made a nickering noise, and he instantly heeled to her and became friendly. "This is Buddy," she said, turning back to the newcomers and beaming.

The earth pony with the blond mane looked Starlight up and down and commented, "I didn't know we came in venti size." Behind him, the other earth pony he'd been beside gasped and put a hoof to her head, shaking it in embarrassment. The other unicorn snerked with a faint smile, and both Swift and Stormy sighed and rolled their eyes.

I looked at the stallion. "Umm....what?"

The brown Earth mare with green mane hurries over and hip-checks the stallion out of the way. "He's trying to say you're tall. He means well, he's just a fool. Sorry about that. I'm Karin." She swipes her mane from out of her face, smiles, and offers her hoof.

I took her hoof, and proceeded to shake it. "Nice to meet you, Karin."

Karin continued smiling. "Are you hungry or thirsty? Our resident chefs-" She winked "-can whip up something with our fresh garden produce. Or would you just like a tour of our place?"

"OHMYGODYES," I blurted before I even knew what I was saying, "Umm....sorry. All we've had to eat so far are canned foods I scavenged in Winnipeg, so the chance to eat something fresh seems wonderful."

"I second that notion," Starless said in agreement.

"Then we're agreed," I said, "Unless you six already ate."

Swift looked to Serge and nodded towards the kitchen, and the two of them began to head that way. "We're pretty casual with our dinner times. We'll get something together while you're toured around," Swift said.

Stormy nodded and smiled, gesturing with a hoof past the common area into the rest of the store. "If you're interested, or we can just lay down here, it's up to you."

"What do you think," I asked, turning to Starless.

"I think you could go for a bit of relaxation," Starless said, "You've been cooped up in that cramped engine for the last two days. I think you should lie down, at least for a little while."

I nodded, finding a rather large pillow nearby and gently lying down, savoring it's softness against my fur and hooves. That's when I noticed something odd. "Stormy, what exactly are you wearing?"

Starless had just laid herself down on another nearby pillow, but she, too, noticed what Stormy was wearing. "I have to agree with Starless. Are those supposed to be shoes or something?"

"Oh, these are Jeff's design. Tromping around on pavement, cement, tile, and such is bad for pony hooves. Wears 'em down too quickly. He put these together out of necessity - he actually walked here from Carleton University, near Ottawa. They've turned out pretty well. We can share patterns and instructions if you like."

"I think I'll stick with bare hooves for now," I said, "But some patterns probably wouldn't hurt, I suppose. Anyway, a thought occurred to me awhile back. Have you encountered any other survivors, present company excluded, or is it just me and my group?"

"Actually, we..." She sighed. "I guess this'll have to come out sooner or later. Yes, we have had contact with some other survivors. It's good you're sitting down... we have contact with a group of people who stayed human by way of ultra-high-tech." She looked around for a moment, evidently searching for something, then gave up. "They call themselves the Human Preservation Initiative, but their solution backfired. They can't survive on Earth without their protection any more. We think that what we've become is an evolution of our race, to allow us to exist in a world with magic."

"Those sad saps....," I said without realizing it.

"Starlight," Starless exclaimed, shock prevalent in her voice.

"Wait, did I actually say that out loud?"

"Yeah, kinda," Starless replied.

I sighed as I facehoofed. "I suppose it's for the best I did. I haven't met these 'people' yet. I feel kinda sorry for them, too, especially if what you're telling me is the truth. Magic is one of the best things to happen, in my opinion, at least. I'm not sure about you all, or them, but I've never felt better since I woke up. Always thought of this as the 'best birthday present ever', seeing as I woke up on my birthday after the most vivid dr-"

I stopped myself. I hadn't told anyone about The Dream, not even Starless. I hadn't even told Double Wub about it. Was now the right time? What would they think?

Stormy looked mildly surprised. "Dreams? You've had strange dreams too?"

I, with no small amount of hesitation, spoke. "A few weeks ago, I started talking to a pony in my dreams who called herself Princess Luna. She told me a lot of the things I know now, like what a Cutie Mark is. However, there is one dream she did not appear in, and that dream was the one I had the day I woke up as a pony, June fifteenth."

"Okay," Starless said, "Fenix told me he woke up on May twenty-third, and I woke up on June fifth."

"Good to know," I said before resuming my story. "Anyway, in this dream, I was a pony, but not a Pegasus. I was an Alicorn, like Luna. I was on the Starlight Express, but it looked different, a lot different. All the seats in the car I was in had been removed, and the car had been converted into something akin to private quarters....MY private quarters. I think it'd been converted to my personal train. There was a bed, and furniture, and even a grand piano, the two former of which looked sized to fit me perfectly. There was a picture on the wall with a plaque that said 'Blacklight' on it. It looked important, and I can't help feeling I built the place. I mean, I've never seen a city like the one in that painting, ever. I remember I was going to somewhere called Alexandria, and it was my first time going there. I recall being a ruler....an Empress of....the Starlight Empire. There was a mirror....that's how I knew I was an Alicorn in the dream. Starless, you were there, too. You called me by name, and that's how I knew to call myself Starlight Waltz. I tackled you....and it tore the dress I'd been wearing....then I woke up, and found the dream had at least partly come true."

"I have a confession," Starless said.

"You had the dream too," I stated, "Didn't you?"

"How did you know," Starless asked, shocked for real, this time.

"You always seemed to know me, even when we first met in Winnipeg. I'd called you my best friend in that dream, but I wasn't sure it was possible," I said, "I only began to suspect on the way here, when I told you about my former gender. I could tell you faked your surprise. That's when I knew."

"Starlight," Starless said, a sad look crossing her features, "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," I said, a smile crossing my muzzle, "I think we probably were both afraid that the other hadn't had the dream."

I then remembered Starless and I weren't alone. "Sorry Stormy. Got a bit carried away there. What kind of dreams have you had? I'd say more about my talks with Luna, but I want to hear what you have to say first."

All the ponies gathered had surprised or confused reactions for most of the tale. Jeff had glanced at Stormy during the talk of former genders. Karin was the first to speak.

"The 'waking up' at a different time - it's something more than that," she said. "Some of us seem to have underwent a time skip. I was driving when it happened, and one minute it was the late night-early morning of May 23, and the next thing I knew, it was midday, eight days later."

Stormy was holding up a hoof and staring at Starlight. "Um, Swifty?" she called out. "You may want to come listen to this."

As the unicorn was arriving back in the common area, Stormy said something which made Swift blink and pay rapt attention to her, and the guest she was speaking to.

"I'm not sure if you're aware of this," Stormy said to me. "But Princess Luna... she's real."

"Oh, I knew that already, silly filly," I said, wanting so badly to facehoof at the horrible pun I'd just made, "I've conversed with her enough to know she's real, and seen her Kingdom. What was it called again, Equestria? Yeah, that's it. I also saw, in one of the dreams I talked to her, Blacklight. It was....beautiful."

"Starlight," Starless said, giving me a nudge.

"Oh yes," I said, "You didn't answer my question, Stormy. What kind of dreams have you had with Luna?"

Stormy oh'ed and responded: "A couple of short ones. Mainly just being kind of Obi-Wanish, saying she knew I could accomplish anything I put my mind to, and all that. It's Swift that's spent more time, erm, talking to her." She looked over to the pink unicorn, who nodded.

"Oh," I said, turning to Swift, "And what, might I ask, did you and Luna converse about?"

Swift's eyes unfocused as she settled into her memories. "About magic, and humanity's future as ponies, and what was necessary to keep us on the right path, to survival as a people. And she protected me from nightmares and reassured me that we'd get through this if we stuck together." As Swift spoke, Storm moved to her side to be present as a form of comfort.

I smiled at those words. "I think Luna is both smart and wise, you know. She seems to know a lot, judging from the long talks I've had with her. She seems to believe that we'll get through these changes, and I can't argue with her about that. I'm actually enjoying them so far, to be honest. It's funny, though. Before the Event, I didn't really dream often. Now....it's hard to put into words. Whenever I sleep, I dream the most vivid and amazing dreams, even when Luna isn't there."

Almost as if on cue, my stomach began to growl.

"It seems we've all had some interesting dreams," Jeff observed. "Perhaps it has to do with the changes, either to us, or to the Earth itself."

A couple of the group smirked at the rumbling noise. "Let me see if we're ready," Swift offered, heading back into the kitchen. After a moment or two, she came out, levitating several large bowls of food, with Serge trailing behind balancing more on his back.

The selection laid out before me utterly blew my mind. Salads, pizza, and doughnuts. DOUGHNUTS! Of course, there were a few cans of beans and vegetables, but they couldn't hold a candle to everything else. I could feel my mouth watering at the selection laid out before me. I had learned awhile back from eating a can of pork and beans that meat's not on the menu for the foreseeable future, so I didn't have to ask why there was none.

I looked over to Starless, and she looks as amazed as I was. She was utterly speechless.

Starless and I both made a mad grab for the pizza, Starless seeming to have forgotten she's a Unicorn. I quickly ate four pieces, savouring every second of it, then moving on to some salad, and ending with several doughnuts. I may not have lasagna anymore, but at least I still have my doughnuts.

"This is so good," I said as I finished my second doughnut, "How on earth did you manage to get the stuff to make all this? Well, of course I know how you made the salad, but how did you make everything else? I'm....I'm speechless."

Swift smiled and said, "Remember the creepy people we mentioned? Well, they send us care packages once in a while. It's even better now that they've figured out we're ponies."

Serge added, "They said they have limited supplies, but you wouldn't know it from the stuff they've sent us. Pancake mix, canned tomatoes, flour and baking powder, all kinds of spices, and butter..."

"That reminds me," Jeff said, cutting in to the conversation. "I don't mean to talk business with guests present, but we might want to consider acquiring some cows and chickens, for milk and eggs. We can make a pen and coop on-site, but we might want to keep a field out in the country for the cows. Remind me about it later; I have some ideas."

Stormy nodded, turning back to Starlight. "The important part is using the resources you have, and knowing that those resources are hiding in plain sight. Serge in his past life was a railroad worker. Swift was a chemical engineer for an oil firm. Both of them are stunning cooks, but that's not even what their, er, 'pictures' refer to."

I almost facehoofed, but realized that, despite the fact my uncles had owned cattle, most of the cows had been moved from the farm. I'd have to source them locally, that is, once I decided on a place to settle.

"Pictures," I repeated, "Oh! You mean cutie marks!"

I received some rather odd looks from the gathered ponies, besides Starless, who knew what I was talking about, and who was also still eating.

"Luna told me the marking on each pony's flank is called a cutie mark," I explained, "Basically, it's supposed to tell you what you're good at."

Stormy deadpanned. "Cutie. Mark. Now I'm kinda glad I don't have one, so I don't have to call it that."

Swift snerked. "I think it's a perfect description."

"You would!"

Serge rumbled, "I am not interested in calling it that either."

Jeff piped up, "I'm just gonna sit here and look on passively, like Rich. Right, Rich?"

The other unicorn nodded as Karin giggled.

I leaned over towards Starless, careful to lower my voice so nopony else could hear me. "What a riot it'd be if they knew I liked the term."

"Because you used to be a guy," Starless whispered back, again, so nopony else could hear.

"Precisely," I replied, a smile crossing my lips, "Than again, the reactions already are funny."

"Yep."

I nodded, and pulled away from Starless, that little discussion over. "Well, that's what Luna told me it's called, whether any of you ponies like it or not. Be thankful it's not something like 'The Flank Spot' or something else that summons sea monsters."

"Pirates of the Caribbean," Starless said abruptly, leaping up and pointing a forehoof at me.

I bowed. "Yes indeed, Starless. Yes indeed."

Stormy grinned and glanced at Swift, but said nothing, just eating. Swift avoided speaking until she was done her meal. "So, do you still want a tour?"

I nodded. "Most certainly, Stormy. On a side note, do you think you can spare any supplies?"

Starless nodded. "I'm getting kinda tired of baked beans and....the problems it causes."

Stormy tried to hide her smirk at the comment. "Jeff's our supply clerk. He'd know what we can afford to give away. I'm sure there's enough to share." The earth stallion nodded emphatically from across the room.

"Well," she went on, "This's the common area, of course, where we all hang out most often. Over there are our bedrooms." She indicated a series of cubicle-like structures arranged in two sets of four squares, all with no roofs and half of one wall missing as a doorway. "In here we built a real kitchen, after getting rid of the two washbasins and coffee-table-prep-counter we were using before." She walked into that area, revealing an electric stove/oven, a refrigerator/freezer and a chest freezer beside it, a genuine kitchen sink with running water, and a prep island - all either built to pony heights or with risers in front of them to allow the ponies to reach. Under the sink and prep table are cupboards, and with no walls (except between it and the common room), the kitchen is open to the rest of the store - but beyond where the walls would be are several pallets of supplies of various kinds.

"This all looks rather homey," I said, "All the gizmos and whatchamacallits, right? Still, it'll all be useless when the fuel runs out. I hope you're thinking of a solution. Mine, as you probably already know, is steam."

"Still, looks like you have enough supplies to go around," Starless observed.

"Oh, we're aware. Remember what I was saying earlier about peoples' past lives? Jeff was in university for building engineering, in particular sustainable structures. Our roof is covered with solar and windmills. The generators are used for our high-draw items like our cars." She headed towards the back corner of the store, where once there had been an auto service center for oil changes, brake repair, and the other things a big-box store's auto department might do. Now, the four bays were occupied with a tandem-axle flatbed trailer, a large older blue-and-silver pickup truck, a white Prius, and a gunmetal grey luxury sedan - the last two of which were plugged in to extension cables snaking outside.

"This is them. Jeff's-" gesturing to the pickup truck and indicating the others in order of furthest to nearest "-Swifty's, and mine. The others didn't bring any vehicles with them, and we haven't bothered going to look for any more. Partly due to the fact they're harder to maintain, like you said, and partly because we actually don't use them often enough to warrant it - and when we do, we can all fit in what we have here. In fact, if we ignore the seatbelt rule, we can all fit in the pickup or the Tesla with room to spare."

"A Prius," I said, taking a look at the world-hated vehicle, "You don't happen to have a alcoholic, talking white dog named Brian around here, do you?"

"Isn't his Prius silver," Starless pointed out.

"I can't remember," I said, "Last time I watched Family Guy was before the Event. Dad's going to be pissed they never finished Fury Road."

"That new Mad Max movie?"

"My dad was a fan," I said, "Anyway, you sure do have some nice stuff here, Stormy. A big truck, a Prius and....whatever your car is...."

"It's a Tesla, a fully-electric luxury sports car. Always wanted one before Ponification, and now that gasoline is on the way out, it seemed like a good idea. And we lucked into finding it. As for the dog, I don't know if Buddy has ever snuck a drink. I know none of us have... we're not too sure what a pony on a bender would look like."

As the group went back into the store itself from the auto bays, Swift's voice carried across the building. "Don't forget to show them your brooding spot!"

"S-shut up!" Stormy hollered back, wings spreading wide and face turning red.

"Brooding spot," Starless said, giggling a bit.

"Indeed," I said, failing to supress a few giggles, "Swift seems like a nice girl."

Stormy's wings folded up and her ears drooped. "I know. She's the first pony I came across when all this started - the first friend I had since Ponification. I can't imagine I'd've gotten this far without her support."

She crossed the store yet again, this time to the northwest corner, where a mezzanine had been constructed, butting up against the windows in the corner of the store. A set of stairs led up to the green-carpeted area where a nigh-innumerable amount of radio gear was arranged, forming short walls on the two edges of the roughly 12-foot-by-12-foot platform. Several blankets and pillows were strewn about the floor along with one laptop computer.

"This is the radio room," Stormy said, climbing the stairs and stepping aside once on the platform, to let you in. "It's where I received your message and where I come to think. Not brood." All the radios are switched on, silently scanning various frequencies, blinking and flashing various messages as they do so. The one with the mic currently hooked to it shows that it's transmitting; the light briefly goes out, then about thirty seconds later, winks on again.

I took a moment to walk around, looking at the various radios and instruments. "To be honest, the only stuff I know about radios like this are the things that Double told me. Without him, I wouldn't be here now. I probably wouldn't have met Starless, either."

"Seems like it was meant to happen," Starless said, "All things considered."

"Indeed," I said, a smile crossing my face, "Maybe, once I officially found Blacklight, I might ask you to stop by, Stormy. Sound good?"

"You bet! Though it might be a while before we're ready for long trips. So far the furthest out we've gone since Ponification was to pick up Jeff and the bunch."

"Then it's a date," I said, instantly regretting it as Starless burst out laughing.

I hung my head as Starless fell on her side laughing. "A date! A DATE! Oh god.....ohhhhhh god.....oh....."

Stormy reddened and looked away. "We both seem to have our droll comic relief tagalongs, huh?"

"Hey, at least I'm not afraid to get my hooves dirty like Fenix is," Starless said, making a pouty face as she got back up.

"It's true," I said, "And I thought I used to hate getting dirty. Not anymore. So, besides your HPI 'buddies' and us, have you heard from anypony else?"

"Nope, not so far. I'm not sure how to feel about that. I was a ham operator in my past life, so I feel like my radios should be working properly. It's got me doubting that there isn't something broken, though. The alternative is either that nobody else thought to turn on a radio, which is hard for me to believe, or there really isn't anypony else out there, which is even harder for me to accept."

"I was a kid who liked writing, drawing, and just looking at the stars in my past life," I said, "And with a real knack for picking new things up both quickly, and easily. Starless?"

"I was a budding fashion designer," Starless said, "I always liked working motifs that empathized the night into what I designed. Starlight, I could make you something....probably."

"I'll think about it," I said, a smile crossing my face, "Maybe you could make one for Stormy, too!"

Stormy reddened again at that. "Thanks, but I'm content 'going native' these days."

"Same here," I said, a short chuckle escaping me, "But that'll be for another time. Anyway, do tell me more about your radios. All I know is what Double told me, which isn't much more than enough to get one to work."

"Well, I have so many because I want to listen to as many bands as possible. See, there's a whole bunch of different bands or ranges on a radio, like AM and FM on your car stereo - there's also aircraft band, and, well, what the railroads use-" She winced. "Used. Television used to use radio frequencies these radios could pick up, before they all went digital in 2009 or whenever. Anyway, commercial radios don't usually cover all bands or even more than one band, so I have to have a dozen or so to pick everything up."

She gestured to the one that was blinking its transmit light on and off with regularity. "This is the main radio that keeps broadcasting our message. It's the one I heard you on, and the one I reached you on. To be honest, picking up that kind of signal that far away? I'm astonished it worked. I've heard of people picking up stuff over really long distances at certain times of the season - it's called 'skip' - but answering it back? That's almost unheard of. I haven't had that kind of contact before or since."

"What do you mean," I asked quizzically, "Surely you can still pick up the signal, right?"

Stormy frowned a little and shook her head. "Not a peep since a day or two after I talked to you."

"It's only been two days," Starless said, looking at me.

"The fire...."

I felt distant. In that moment, time seemed to have slowed to a crawl. Double had gone back to the tower to make sure it kept broadcasting, despite the fact that forest fires were bearing down upon the tower. If it had stopped broadcasting, that meant the tower wasn't there anymore. And if it wasn't there anymore....

I could envision it. One of the mooring cables snapping from the immense heat of the blaze, making the tower lean, snapping more and more cables until it came crashing down, crushing Double beneath.

I felt a tear fall from my face. "Double...."

"Maybe he made it," Starless said, trying to cheer me up, "Maybe he made it away before the fire got him."

"It was transmitting OK, then it cut to static after a repetition, then it cut out completely. I checked to see if the signal drifted frequency a little - that's not unusual, especially on radios that aren't professionally tuned regularly." She made some hopeful suggestions. "It could have been power failure, or the signal just doesn't reach here any more due to atmospheric changes. It doesn't have to mean bad news."

"No," I said, "Those fires were going to reach Baldy Mountain either way. Nothing was going to change that. Double....Double's gone...."

"Starlight," Starless said, placing a hoof on my foreleg, "I'm so, so sorry."

"He was the first pony I met," I said solemnly, "If not for him, I wouldn't have made it this far. I wouldn't have met any of you. But still....maybe he did make it. He did survive on his own, even after I met him."

"That's the spirit," Starless said.

At that moment, a unicorn came bursting into the mall, galloping as fast as he dared, making his way over to me, Starless and Stormy.

"STARLIGHT," Wulfric said, trying to catch his breath, "There a....a pony....at the train....she's asking for you."

"Asking for me," I repeated, "Why?"

Wulfric seemed to have caught enough breath to speak coherently. "She didn't say beyond that somepony called Luna had sent her."

I turned to Stormy, "I'm sorry, but this might be important. I thank you for the tour, Stormy. You seem to be pretty well-off here, and I'm grateful for whatever supplies you manage to spare."

Stormy nodded. "I'll round some stuff up and bring it to you."

"Starlight," Starless said, causing me to turn to her, "Don't you think Stormy and her friends deserve a chance to meet a new pony? One sent BY Luna?"

I took a moment to think on that, as Starless made a very fair point. "Stormy?"

The others came over upon hearing the commotion and seeing the unfamiliar pony in their midst.

"There's more of you?" Jeff inquired.

"Luna sent an emissary here??" Swift said excitedly.

Stormy took charge. "Rich, take somepony and make up a care package for Starlight and the others and bring it across the walkway to the train station. We'll meet you over there."

Stormy turned back to me, flanked by Swift and Jeff. "Let's go," she said.

I nodded, breaking into a hard gallop, taking flight the moment I left the mall. Starless, Wulfric and Teacup kept pace on the ground below, all of us making for the Starlight Express.

Stormy took to the skies to follow, with the pink unicorn Swift giving chase below. The others went to put together some supplies for Starlight's crew for the road.

I made it back to the train in less than a minute, Starless and Wulfric catching up a minute or so later.

"Man, you fly fast," Wulfric said as he was again catching his breath. Starless seemed less winded, though.

"She's just inside," Wulfric said, "With Fenix."

I nodded. "Thank you, Wulfric." I proceeded to enter the coach Wulfric indicated, followed closely by him and Starless. 

In the coach stood a pony similar to a Pegasus like myself or Stormy, but with bat wings, and cat-like eyes. The 'bat pony' was wearing an odd set of armor with a crescent moon crest on it, similar to my own cutie mark. She had a black coat, and a white mane. I quickly deduced this was one of Luna's Night Guards. The guard's initial reaction was painted all over her face. A mix of fear and confusion, but those quickly passed. "Starlight Waltz, I presume?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"Luna wasn't kidding," the guard said, "I'm Captain Morning Star of the Night Guard. Princess Luna sent me with explicit instructions to find and bring you to Equstria to meet her."

"Meet her," I said, trying to supress the disbelief in my voice, "Luna wants to meet me in person?"

"Yes," Morning Star said with a nod.

Stormy stood outside the car, looking over the entire train with interest and trying to keep Swift back from barging in on the private meeting. Bringing up the rear a few moments later were the other four local ponies, the unicorn stallion levitating a medium-sized cardboard box in his blue magic.

"Fenix, are the ponies from Ponytown outside," I asked.

Fenix shuffled over to one of the windows a looked out. "I don't know, but there are six ponies out there."

"Starless, invite them in."

"Invite who in," Morning Star asked.

"There's a settlement nearby called Ponytown," I explained as Starless went to invite Stormy and her friends in, "I don't want to cut them out of this little meeting."

"It's not really-"

"Regardless," I said, "I want you to meet them."

The Ponytown crew filed in as they were permitted to do so. Swift led the way, eyes wide and taking in the entire setting as well as the as-yet-unmet ponies, wondering which was the emissary from her idol.

Stormy was behind her, but edged aside to allow Rich to bring the box of supplies in. He set it down on a seat at her gesture, and the other three followed in behind him.

"Morning Star, this is Stormy, Swift Quill, Jeff, Serge, Rich, and Karin," I said, gesturing to each of the ponies as I said their names, "My group consists of myself, Starless Night, Wulfric, and Fenix." I gestured to the ponies of my little group.

"It's nice to see so many of you," Morning Star said, unease prevalent in her voice, "But that doesn't change the fact that Luna sent me for you, Starlight."

I nodded. "I understand. Are there any other Equestrians who can come here to meet with Stormy?"

Morning Star shook her head, an expression of regret on her face. "I don't think so. The window that allows ponies from Equestria to Earth is soon to close, and most of the ponies from Equestria have their candidates, have returned, or have dropped out of contact. I'm only here because Luna wanted to meet you, face to face."

I nodded solemnly, "Are you sure?"

Morning Star nodded. "I'm sure, though there is still a chance, though it's impossibly slim. Right now, though, time is of the essence. We need to go as soon as you're able."

"Okay," I said, "There are one or two things I need to do first."

"Okay."

I turned to Starless and Stormy. "Would you two come with me?"

Stormy blinks. "Um, okay." She steps closer to follow.

I lead Starless and Stormy into the adjacent coach, which is empty, so as to give us some privacy.

"Thank you both for coming," I said as I pull a map off of one of the nearby seats, and unroll it, revealing a detailed map of Manitoba.

"I've decided that establishing a colony is a populated area may not be the best solution," I said, "So far, ponies have only reappeared where they were beforehoof, so  I personally wouldn't want to set up shop in somepony's house, knowing they're coming back eventually. Instead, I think making a new settlement would be more appropriate."

"Blacklight," Starless said thoughtfully."

"Indeed," I stated, pointing a hoof to a location directly in between the borders of Ontario and Saskatchewan, pretty much in the middle of nowhere, save for the rail line, "This location would give access to the rail line. On top of that, it located almost directly between Brandon and Winnipeg, so we can easily gather supplies while we work on getting agriculture started up."

"Wouldn't we need an Earth Pony for that sort of thing," Starless asked.

"Luna told me that Earth Pony magic allows for them to grow things faster and more efficiently," I stated, "So we can still do some gardening without one, but the sooner we meet an Earth Pony, the better off we'll be. Stormy, I want you to try to remember where I'm setting up shop. I'll try to get another telecom tower set up, or hijack another one, so we can keep in contact."

Stormy nodded as she studied the map. "Count on it. And stay in touch, yourself."

"I'll do my best," I said with a smile before turning to Starless.

"While I'm gone to Equestria, I want you to go on ahead to Blacklight and start getting everything ready," I said, "Try and find some materials for building, too."

"Anything you prefer?"

I took a moment to think on that, as it was a rather important question. "Granite or Moonstone, something that has the likeness of the night sky."

Starless nodded, "Good thing there's lots of granite around here, right?"

"I guess so."

It was at that moment that Morning Star decided to enter the coach. "Starlight, are you ready?"

I sighed and looked to both Starless and Stormy, standing side by side. I don't know what came over me, but I up and wrapped my forelegs around he two of them in a tight hug, knowing it'd likely be a long time before I saw Stormy again, and that I'd miss Starless while I was away.

Stormy urf'ed and tried to hug back the much larger pony. "Hey, can I ask a quick favor?" she wheezed out.

"Of course," I said after a moment, letting go of Starless and Stormy.

"Swifty's a complete fangirl of Luna's. She credits everything she's able to do now to the Princess' contact with her in her dreams. It'd mean a lot if you passed on her thanks. Mine too."

A smile crossed my face as I nodded. "I'll be sure to let her know, Stormy. Besides, the feeling is actually mutual. If not for Luna, I wouldn't know half the things I do know."

Stormy held out a hoof. "Best of luck, Starlight, and safe travels."

"Thank you, Stormy," I said, "Best of luck to you, as well."

With that, I followed Morning Star out of the coach. She led me a short way away from the train to another Guard, this one a Unicorn, who seemed to have been waiting patiently for us.

"Private, take us home."

"Yes, ma'am," came the reply, followed by a bright flash that blinded me for a moment. After my sight returned, I found we were in a field, and the first thing I noticed was the sky.

It was different, but I'd seen it before.

"Starlight Waltz," Morning Star said, "Welcome to Equestria."
> Chapter 11: Equestria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	August 5

"So," Morning Star said, "What do you think?"

After we had arrived in Equestria the previous night, Morning Star had opted that we camp out for the night while the Private went on ahead to tell Luna I was here. The area had seemed like the perfect place for it. A nice, wide open field, with nothing but the stars above to watch over us. I had talked at length about how different the night sky of Equestria was from that of Earth into the wee hours of the morning, and it wasn't until long after midnight I finally had decided to turn in. This morning, we had made our way to a nearby town, and to the train station.

"I'm....just, wow."

Me and Morning Star were the only ones on the platform, the local Equestrian ponies having a tendency to avoid me the moment they caught sight of me. This gave me a picture perfect view of the train as it pulled it, and it was unlike anything I'd ever seen.

Just like every other part of Equestria, the train had bright, pastel colors. It looked far, far different from the Starlight Express. In fact, I had never seen a thing like it.

"Not your usual Earth train," Morning Star asked.

I let out a short laugh. "Oh, not at all. This looks a lot more....vibrant? Colorful? Cartoonish? There are a lot of words I could use to describe this train, but I still like my train better though."

"Even though your train is slower."

"Yes," I said with a well-intended frown, "It may be slow, but it works, and works well. It'll do. At least, until I find something better, right?"

"Indeed," Morning Star said, a smile on her tired face.

I was quickly learning a lot about Morning Star and her species, informally called 'bat ponies.' From what I'd seen of Morning Star, bat ponies were more partial to the night than day but, like normal ponies, couldn't eat meat. As a general rule of hoof, bat ponies, as the name implied, had bat wings, but didn't have horns. The had cat-like eyes, too, something I thought made Morning Star look very pretty.

I wonder just how different bat pony flying is from my own, or if they have any similar powers?

"You first," Morning Star said as the doors to the train opened.

I gingerly cantered onto the train to find a rather lavish coach, one so very unlike those attached to the Starlight Express. It was bright, and the seats were pony sized, so that a pony, or a least a pony of normal size, could sit on them. For me, it was a bit more....difficult. Still, I managed.

"Morning Star," I began, "Why do the ponies here avoid me? It's kinda making me feel uncomfortable."

Morning Star sighed. "Some time before what you call The Event, an evil pony named Nightmare Moon threatened to engulf Equestria in eternal night. She was stopped by the current Princess of Friendship and her five friends, who were the Element Bearers. You have an uncanny resemblance to Nightmare Moon."

I nodded in understanding. "It seems reasonable. I only wish I had somepony to talk to."

"Ha ha, very funny," Morning Star said as she rolled her eyes, "Still, I suppose it couldn't hurt. I heard that one of the former Element Bearers is in Canterlot right now."

"Canterlot?"

"The capital of Equestria," Morning Star explained, "It's where Princess Luna and Princess Celestia live."

I nodded. "And the Element Bearers?"

"Oh, right," Morning Star said, facehoofing, "The Element Bearers are the six ponies who used to bear the Elements of Harmony."

"Elements of Harmony," I said, "Luna said something about those. Some sort of magical artifacts, right?"

"The most powerful magical artifacts known to ponykind," Morning Star explained, "Their purpose it to restore balance and harmony to Equestria when chaos and discord run rampant."

"Okay," I said. Luna had told me a little bit about these ponies, including their names and what each of them represented, but this new information really did clear up a lot of questions I had, and would have otherwise asked Luna about later. Satisfied, I decided to change the topic.

"Tell me about yourself, Morning Star," I said.

"Tell you about me," Morning Star asked hesitantly.

"Well....yes," I said, "Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong," Morning Star said, "It's just that....that nopony's ever asked me that before."

"Really," I asked, astounded, "That's....well, that's....huh. Well, could you tell me about yourself, though?"

Morning Star looked down at her hooves, clearly deep in thought. Finally, she sighed, and looked back at me. "I guess so. What do you want to know?"

I shrugged. "Tell me about your past. Where you come from. What motivates you. You know."

Morning Star sighed, taking off her silvery helmet, and setting it down on the seat beside her. "There's not a whole lot to tell. My mother and father were both members of the Royal Guard. My mother died when I was young, and I only remember a little bit about her. After she died, my father, a Pegasus Captain, retired to a high position. Most of my youth was spent playing on the grounds of my father's massive estate, with servants to attend to my every whim. It was good back then, I didn't have a care in the world." Morning Star paused before continuing. "But bat ponies aren't too well liked in Equestria, even less so since Nightmare Moon almost created eternal night. Still, my father loved me, and I was happy with that. When I was only enough, he convinced me to join the Royal Guard, and I did. He was so proud of me."

"He was," I said, somehow knowing that 'was' was more than just past tense.

"He died not long after Luna was restored," Morning Star said, "Left everything to me. The estate, the fortune....everything. I don't visit it too often anymore, though. There are too many memories there of a....happier time in my life, a time that I really don't think will return, at least, not in my lifetime. There is something I did think to keep with me, though."

Morning Star pulled a small box out from under her armor, opening it for me to see it's contents. In it were several medals, all looking fairly important, but one stood out. It looked similar to the pictures I'd seen of the Victoria Cross.

"My mom and dad's medals," Morning Star said, closing the box and putting it away after I had a good look at everything in it, "I figured they're something my mom and dad would've wanted me to keep a close eye on."

I put a hoof on Morning Star's shoulder, and nodded as she looked up to me. "I think you're right."

Morning Star nodded with a small smile. "Thank you, Starlight."

"I do have another question," I started before reconsidering, "But it can wait."

"Ask away," Morning Star said, "There's still a good while until we reach Canterlot."

I nodded. "Well, of you insist. I wanted to know a bit more about bat ponies."

"Okay," Morning Star said, gingerly placing a hoof on her helmet, "To start off, one of the more scientific terms for bat pony is Thestral."

"I've seen Harry Potter," I said, "And you don't look like a thestral, at least, by that standard. Those look more....undead."

"Indeed," Morning Star said with a smirk, "We are generally disliked because of Nightmare Moon. My father was....unlike most ponies. Even before her return, we were generally shunned and disliked. Nightmare Moon's return made it all the worse. I'm glad he didn't live to see it."

"Sounds hard," I said.

"It is," came Morning Star's swift reply, "But I manage, and so do all other thestrals."

"What about magic," I inquired.

"Well," Morning Star began, "Unlike Pegasi, Thestral's can't manipulate the weather, but we can still walk on clouds."

"Weather manipulation?"

"You didn't know," Morning Star asked in a rather mystified tone.

"No, I didn't," I said thoughtfully, "But that does sound quite useful."

"Indeed," Morning star said before she continued, "Thestrals, as you've probably noticed, are creatures of the night. We can also enter he dreams of other ponies, much like Princess Luna, though her ability to do so is far more powerful than any thestral's ability."

"Cool," I said, "Maybe I can enter dreams, too!"

"I wouldn't say yes, but I wouldn't say no, either," Morning Star said as she put her helmet back on, "Just because you look like somepony else, doesn't mean you have the same abilities as said somepony. Then again, stranger things have happened as of late."

A pony, assumedly a conductor, walked up to me and Morning Star. "My ladies, we just pulling in to Canterlot."

"Thank you," Morning Star said, dismissing the pony before turning to me. "So, are you looking forward to meeting Princess Luna tomorrow?"

I nodded in response. "Yeah. I know we've talked in my dreams, but to meet her in person....pony? Whatever. To actually meet her....it's different."

"That it is," Morning Star said as the train came to a stop, and the whistle began to sound, "Well, let's be off, then."

"One last thing," I said, prompting Morning Star to turn to me.

"Yes?"

"Why was I brought here," I asked in as calm a manner as I could, "I don't think Luna brought me for tea time."

Morning Star shook her head. "Many Equestrians have been dispatched to Earth in search of a representative for your....er, former race. Humanity. The pony chosen will essentially become the Princess of Humanity."

"Really," I asked, my curiosity piqued. Then I remembered the dream. It isn't me, though.

Truth be told, I, even before The Event, had always been rather painfully aware of the shortcomings of mankind. We had done so much to harm the world, and would have ended up destroying it and ourselves, if given enough time. From what little I'd seen of Equestria, it almost seemed like it was in the middle of a Golden Age. Those who had fled at my passing had seemed quite happy before they'd seen me. Everything seemed so....balanced. Perfect, even. It was at that moment that realization dawned upon me.

This is what I saw in my dream. I finally think I know what I have to do.

"Quite so," Morning Star said as she began to canter towards the exit. I quickly followed, falling in step with her, "She sent me and Private Perriwinkle to get you because she thought you'd be a good candidate."

"Me," I began, "A good candidate? I....I don't know."

Morning Star nodded. "Of course, there is another good candidate who's currently touring Equestria."

I nodded, stepping off the train, only to almost be trampled by a Royal Guard who I instantly recognized.

"Where's the fire, Private Periwinkle," asked Morning Star as she helped the Unicorn up.

From under his armor, Periwinkle produced a small bag that clinked in his magical grip. "Princess Luna asked me to give you this."

"Money," I asked?

"The proper term is bits," Morning Star explained, "Equestrian money. It seems Princess Luna wants you to go home with at least a few mementos, even if you're not chosen as the 'Princess of Humanity'. Personally, though, from what I've seen, I think it'll be you."

"I," I began, unsure as to how I should respond. Should I? No.... "Thank you, Morning Star. I appreciate your confidence in me, even though I lack it."

"You're welcome," Morning Star said with a smile, "Now then, we best be off."





The remainder of the day was spent walking through the many streets and markets of Canterlot, buying things from any merchant who didn't cower of flee at the very sight of me. It hurt a lot, thinking they saw me as a monster, knowing they believed that I was something I was not. It put into perspective how these ponies felt about the bat ponies, like Morning Star.

At around noon, we had stopped at a rather extravagant restaurant for lunch, the employees of which didn't seem as fearful of me. Morning Star explained that was because Princess Luna sometimes came here.

"I'm beginning to understand how you feel," I said as we waited for our orders to arrive.

"Pardon?"

"The ponies," I said, "They fear me just for how I look. I know this must be far worse than the fear and mistrust they have of you, Morning Star, but I think it's similar enough."

Morning Star sighed. "It's weighing on you, isn't it?"

I gave a curt nod in response. "It hurts. I've always tried to be a good person, even to people I'd never met face to face, nor I would likely ever meet in such a way. To meet so many people, and see them flee...."

Morning Star reached over the table and put a hoof on my shoulder. "Don't worry, Starlight. Not all ponies here are like that. Take the ponies here. They're not scared of you at all. If the ponies who ARE afraid of you knew you'd come from Earth....well, they'd be a lot less afraid of you. They don't though."

"Why not announce my arrival?"

"Not enough time, nor resources," Morning Star explained, "Many of the Royal Guards and Night Guards are on Earth searching for candidates, even now. Besides, to announce the arrival of one pony when there are so many others....it's kinda a waste of time."

I nodded, sighing deeply. "I understand."

I decided to change the topic. "Where's that food already? I haven't eaten since this morning!"
> Chapter 12: The Road Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	August 7, 6:00 PM

"So, what is this place?"

Morning Star followed me up the abandoned steps of Parliament Hill to the Peace Tower. We'd arrived back earlier that day after my meeting with Luna, and I'd decided to do something I hadn't the time to when I was last here a few days ago. Still, with a whole cart of stuff I'd bought in Equestria, as well as the two gifts I'd received from Luna, I was seriously questioning what I was doing.

"This was the seat of power in Canada, kinda like Canterlot Castle," I explained, "Our leader, the Prime Minister, was kinda like your Princesses, and made all the decision around here.  This specific place is the Peace Tower."

"Wow," Morning Star said in response, "But that doesn't explain why we're here."

"No, it doesn't," I said. "The reason we're here is because I wasn't able to get here a few days ago. If I had, this'd be much easier. But I'm dodging the question. We're here for the Books of Remembrance. Fenix told me they're a collection of books that hold the names of every Canadian soldier to have died since Confederation, which is when Canada became a country. He said there was something like 100,000 names written down."

"Sounds like a lot," Morning Star said, "Back in Equestria, we don't have anything like that. At least, not that I recall, anyway. Why don't you know all this, anyway?"

"Probably would've learned about it this coming school year," I said plainly, "Being my last year in school and all. I guess I won't be graduating then, will I?"

Morning Star smiled at that comment. "I guess so."

"Come on, then. Let's go get those books."





August 15

"So.... how much further was it?"

Due to the baggage I'd brought with me from Equestria, we had to walk along the tracks all the way back to Manitoba, and then all the way to where I told the others to set up shop. Pegasi and Bat Ponies were definitely not meant for long-distance walking, as Morning Star had taken to flying ahead every so often, as well as resting on the wagon while I pulled, putting on a strong face whenever she was around.

"Oh, just another kilometer or so," I said, doing well to hide my exhaustion.

"Want me to try pulling for awhile, Starlight," Morning Star offered, "You must be tired, after all."

"I'm good," I lied, "Besides, this wagon was made for horses, and you're nowhere as big as I am, so I don't think you'd be able to pull it. That, and it is rather heavy. Still, thanks for offering."

"Any time," Morning Star said with a fanged smile, "I had to pull around Princess Luna a lot, but I think you're right. This thing does look to be made for ponies bigger than I am."

"Horses," I corrected, "But yes."

For the next little while I walked on, Morning Star flying beside me. She had been good company for these last few days, always ready to point out something that was different here than it was from Equestria. In truth, I was rather amazed at how her character had changed since coming here. She was less like a guard and more like and average.... well, average pony. And I don't think it odd in the slightest. In fact, I welcomed it. I thought it nice she wasn't acting out, at least, not in front of me.

As we rounded a bend in the track, a familiar black shape came into view.

"There it is," I said, "The Starlight Express." I turned to Morning Star. "I guess you're not going to be as bubbly around the others, right?"

"I suppose so," Morning Star said affirmatively, "I have to keep up appearances. I still am a Night Guard, after all."

"Or a Starlight Guard," I offered, "Because you're guarding me now."

Morning rubbed her chin for a moment before nodding. "That makes sense. Morning Star, first Captain of the Starlight Guard."

"Has a nice ring to it," I said with a smile.

Morning nodded as we pulled up to the train.

After Morning Star helped me take off the harness, we took a look around, but found the train to be empty, and the engine stone cold.

"You'd think somepony would've stuck around here to wait for you," Morning said.

"Yeah," I said as I pulled my head out of the engine, "I thought they would. Something must've happened, or they're changing the watch or something."

"Changing the watch," Morning mused, "You really do think you're going to be an Alicorn, don't you?"

I faltered. During the trip here, I'd told Morning Star about The Dream, and several others I'd had like it after the Event, including one in which I saw her standing beside me, along with several other Starlight Guards, whom all addressed me as 'Princess Starlight'. I'd admitted that it didn't feel like coincidence when I'd met her, nor when she'd decided to come back to Earth with me. It felt like something that had to happen.

"Starlight?"

I turned to Morning, who simply shrugged and pointed behind me. Turing around, I found that Starless was standing just beyond the treeline not a few feet away. Before I could even react, she closed the gap and thrown her forelegs around my neck. "I'm so glad your back. Me and the others all missed you."

I hesitantly put a foreleg around Starless. "I've only been gone a few days, Starless. What, did something happen? I missed something, didn't I? Why do I always miss ALL the good stuff!"

Starless let go and took a few steps back. "Well, no.... yes.... well.... we met a new pony."

"Oh? What kind of pony," I inquired.

"Kinda like her," Starless said, pointing at Morning Star, "She said her name's Eleanor Steel, and she's from Brandon. She heard.... she heard your broadcast from Baldy Mountain, just before it stopped."

I hadn't realized a smile had been growing on my face, nor did I realize how quickly it fell when Starless said Baldy Mountain. "Double...."

"She said that, if not for that broadcast, she might not have found us," Starless continued, "She met a group of ponies, but one of them was badly injured, so she had to leave them. We went out to look for them, but couldn't find anything."

I nodded. "At least you tried, Starless. It's the most you could do. Anything else?"

Starless shook her head. "Not really, Starlight. I really don't want to disappoint you, but we just don't have the.... the anything.... to build Blacklight. We don't even know where to begin."

I nodded. "During my visit to Equestria, I looked into some books on their history, and I did bring back a book or two on Equestrian stonework and architecture. I read a bit into one, and I think Blacklight will have to wait, at least for now. We don't have enough ponies to start on such a thing now. There are, what, six of us now? The books said it took five thousand ponies of all races, some of the most skilled at their time, over a century to build Canterlot, Equestira's capital, and a huge city carved into a mountain. Here, with no sources of stone nearby, it might take even longer."

"And you got all that from a book," Starless questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"I gave her some advice, too," Morning Star stated plainly, "I used to study this sort of thing before I became one of Princess Luna's Night Guards."

"So," I said, deciding to change the topic, "Until we have enough ponies to even dream of building Blacklight, we need to find somewhere else to set up shop."

"Fenix and Wulfric are already on that," Starless said, "They're in the caboose looking through some maps. Hopefully there's a town or something nearby so we're not too far from here."

"I can think of a few," I said thoughtfully, "The Girl's Volleyball Team used to come down to Virden and McReary to play games. I'm pretty sure they're near here. We'll probably want to avoid cities, like Brandon and Winnipeg."

"What makes you say that?"

"Just a feeling," I replied, "It wouldn't due to have a skyscraper fall on our settlement in a few hundred years, would it?"


> Interlude: Developments
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	September 21, 0 AE

It hadn't taken too long for us to set up in a nearby town along the rail line. This IS farming country, so even little towns with an Elevator and farming equipment, as well as a local Wal-Mart, are actually pretty commonplace. At first, things were going well, and there weren't many set-backs, seeing that a lot of Eleanor's background was farming, particularly flying a crop duster, and particularly at night.

Makes me wonder how specific our new forms are, because she's a Thestral like Morning Star, and her cutie mark is, what else, a feed bag.





"What was so different about it," Starless inquired.

Everyone had gathered in what we had decided to be the Town Hall of 'Solitude', which I thought to be the old Town Hall, to tell them something important, and was glad that everypony had shown up.

"Well," I began explaining, "It went as it usually did. I was wearing the dress, then you came in, we had a bit for fun, and it ripped, at which point I took it off."

"But that's were it stops," Starless said, "Well, normally, right?"

"Right," I affirmed, "But this time, it didn't end there."

"So, what was different," asked Morning Star.

I looked over to her. "Funny you should be the one asking, as it actually involves you."





I turned to the entrance of the coach just as Morning Star entered. "Milady, the Guard is assembled."

"Very good," I answered with an affirmative nod, "Tell them I'll be out in a moment."

"It will be done, Princess," Morning Star said before ducking back out of the coach.

I turned to Starless. "This is a big day for me, isn't it? I mean, meeting the pony tasked by Princess Luna herself to ensure humanity is not forgotten."

"Indeed," Starless said, "Do you think she'll be an Alicorn, like you and this Sunset Shimmer we'll be meeting as well?"

"Sunset Shimmer's an Equestrian," I commented, "So she doesn't really count, but as an Alicorn from Earth.... I KNOW she'll be an Alicorn."

"You've seen it, haven't you," asked Starless.

"I can't be sure," I admitted, "I can say that I have seen an Alicorn, and that she represents humanity, but as to whether or not she's Alex.... I won't know until I meet her."

"And why would that be?"

"Because I haven't met Alex in person yet," I answered simply, "I don't know what she looks like, so I've nothing to compare the Alicorn from my visions to. All that I can say for certain is that there is a good chance that it's Alex."

"Well.... if you say so, I guess," Starless said with a shrug. "What about Sunset Shimmer? What do you figure about her?"

I sighed. "I've seen even less of her in my visions. We'll just have to meet her to know for certain.... and we seriously need to stop talking about my visions. I know they're useful, but even I think they're still.... weird...."

"Say no more, Starlight," Starless said, putting on a more cheery face, "Consider the subject dropped, locked up, and tucked away somewhere nopony'll find it."

"Good," I said, putting on a smile, and going over myself, straightening my tiara and collar. "How do I look?"

"Like a Princess," Starless giggled, "Even without the dress."

"Shame," I sighed, "I'd been saving that dress. It's one of the ones I' brought back with me from Equestria."

"You had it all these years," Starless said, her eyes widening, "Now I feel even worse for tearing it."

"Oh, don't worry, silly filly," I said, "I'm sure it can be repaired."

"Right," Starless said, again putting on a smile, "Well, shouldn't we be off?"

"Yes, we should," I said, turning towards the door as I used an illusion spell to mask my horn and, as I began a canter towards it, Starless fell in step beside me.

As we exited the coach, Morning Star announced our appearance. "Now presenting her majesty, Princess Starlight of Solitude and her Royal Advisor, Starless Night."
> Chapter 13: Brothers To The End
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	November 7, 2015, 0 AE

'I knew this day would come.'

'I knew, but was powerless to stop it; to do anything.'

'Why is fate so cruel?'

'What else must I loose? What more will I be forced to sacrifice? To relinquish? To let go?'





Over the past few months, progress had been going rather well. Morning Star, despite not being a Pegasus herself, was doing a fantastic job teaching me the basic parts of my Pegasus magic, namely, weather manipulation. By now, I could make it rain, or snow, or do the opposite, stopping the rain and snow. I even had a bit of say over the very wind. The wind!

Still, for all these things that were going so well, I was not blind to the one thing that only got worse, and neither did anypony else.

Teacup's ailing health.

None of us were doctors, so we had no idea what was happening. Before, he had be so full of life, but now, that life; that vibrance, was leaving, giving way to something sick and dark. Even I, who had not seen death before, knew what was happening. We didn't know why, nor did we want to accept it, me more than anypony else.

Teacup was dying. After so many years, loyaly standing  by my side, his time had finally come to leave.

And, in the early hours before the sun rose, with me laying beside them, running my hoof over his darkening fur, making him as comfortable as I possibly could, under the clear sky, with the stars twinkling and sparkling above, and the moon shining down it's radiant light, he slowly closed his eyes, and his breathing slowed until it was no more.

"Teacup?"

No movement.

"T-teacup?"

No response.

Looking down at him, a tear fell from my muzzle. Then another. And another, growing ever more rapid.

"Teacup," I said in the tiniest voice imagineable.

Nothing.

I sniffled as my tears fell and slowly lowered my head to embace him, and wrapped my forehooves around him. And I sniffled. And I sobbed. And I cried, harder than I ever had before, my mental fortitude completely forgotten.

For I had lost a faithful pet.

A loyal companion.

A true friend.

A brother.

In those hours before the dawn, I cried over him, and sang him a song; a lullaby. Into it I poured my sadness, my sorrow, and my regret, for the things I had done to him, things I should have done for him, and things I never did at all for him until now, when I was no more a human but something else. In that I was glad I had finally given him what he wanted.

In time, the sun rose, and the others came out. They felt the heaviness of the air, and saw the darkness of the clouded skies. And they knew, even before they found me, still holding him, that he was gone.... forever. No more would he bark at them or play with them. Nor more would he protect them. He was gone.





10:00 AM

Our little town was quiet as Morning Star and Eleanor, holding between them a coffin, passed through the town, lead onwards by myself. As we passed each pony, they fell in line behind us. Starless, who had bonded with Teacup in these last few months. Fenix, who never particularly liked Teacup. Wulfic, who had leared to play, and did so for Teacup, who seemed to enjoy the sound of his music as much as he had when I had played it from my computer through the open door before the Event. All three fell in line behind us as we moved onwards to the chosen spot: Blacklight's future Royal Gardens.

Arriving at the hole I had dug myself, we placed the coffin over it, and they took positions on either side or behind it, while I took my own at the front.

I cleared my voice. "Last night, not so very long ago, we bid farewell to one of our most loyal and devoted friends. I may have known him longer than anyone else here, but I know he left an impact on all of you, and you all loved him in your own way, and he you."

Utter silence pervaded the group and forest. Not a birdsong was heard, nor that of a cricket's chirp. All was utterly quiet.

"Teacup was as good and loyal a dog as any, but to me, he was so much more than a dog," I said, my voice cracking, "He was more than only a companion. He was a friend, as true and as loyal as any pony or man ever was, or may ever be. He stood by me before the Event, and stayed with me after. I loved him, and I know he loved me just as much."

All remained still, save for the breathing of those gathered, and their misty breath fading in the cold fall air.

"And, we commit him to the earth, just as we would one of our own," I said, putting strength into my words, "For he was not a pet; not our lesser, but our equal."

The others all bowed their heads, nodding in strong agreement.

"And so we say farewell, Teacup. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten, for you will be missed.... forever."

As I spoke the words, the casket was lowered and the others threw flowers they'd collected down upon it. That done, they left for Solitude, for, as I had taken it upon myself to dig his grave, so had I taken it upon myself to fill it, and so see it done to it's very end, for he was my dog, and was my friend.

But first, I produced something I had brought all this way, and placed it on his casket.

His black dog-dish, and in it, the only unspoilt steak I could find, cooked and seasoned just like my mom used to. Then, I spread tobacco over it and the coffin, something of tradition. Then, and only the, did I start to fill in the grave, putting in a layer of rocks below the surface, and a large, flat stone on top to ensure that, without a doubt, no wild animal would ever disturb his rest. The last thing I did before leaving was create a large headstone from big rock I fourd nearby, and engraved his name upon it, when he came to me, and when he finally had to bid me farewell.

"Goodbye, my old friend," I said, shedding one more tear for him before turning away, and heading back to Solitude.
> Chapter 14: The Dream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Years passed, blurring from day to day into something hard to describe or determine as the days blurred together. Solitude grew, but not without it's fair share of problems. Ponies, griffons, zebras, and others, all living in the same city getting along as well as they could, all under Starlight's watchful eye. There were injuries, and sometimes deaths, but overall, life was good; much better than it was in some other places of the world.

        Then eighty-nine years after The Event, and eighty-nine years after Starlight first awoke as a pegasus, she ascended to Alicornhood, battling a storm that threatened to destroy her home, and all those within it. She nearly gave her life to protect it from the storm that had threatened it, but that was what made her worthy.

        But.... that was not the end of her story. It was only the beginning....

        June 15, 90 AE

        7:00 AM

        I was laying down on my bed in my car on the Starlight Express, my personal train, looking out at the countryside just beyond the windows. It seemed like a lifetime ago I had woken up as I am now. And in that time I had done so much. I'd established a city, and an Empire of steam and iron.

        I stood up, walking over to a mirror on the other side of the car to freshen up a bit. Today I was visiting Alexandria, one of the oldest and largest pony colonies on the continent. It helped to think that, while there were no real countries anymore, that we at least still had our continents.

        And at least this colony's name was there to remind us what we once were, for it was a name that has always been associated with learning. I always wondered why they never called it New Alexandria. Probably because of Halo: Reach.

        This would be my first visit to Alexandria in person, though, and a visit I had long been waiting for. Over the past couple decades, I'd always wanted to go meet these successful ponies, just to see how they were fairing. Most of Solitude had come with me, being a little over two hundred ponies strong now. It's one of things I'm proud of, having established such a proud city after the Event, even if it took as long as it did. It may not have been Blacklight, but it was good enough for now. Still, with every passing day, Blacklight was less fantasy, and more reality.

        Finally reaching the mirror, I looked over myself. My black coat had been washed and cleaned ever so diligently, and my mane and tail sparkled like the stars I named myself after. I was wearing a dress, tailored specially for me on my visit to Equestria nearly a century ago, and looked over this all with aqua eyes. I sighed. In a million years, I would have never dreamed what it'd be like to be royalty, nor had I ever dreamed I'd have done the things I had done. Now I was a royal, or as close as it got.

        I spread my wings, admiring myself.

        "Is there no pony more pretty than I," I asked myself, only to receive and answer.

        "I would expect so, Starlight," the reply came.

        I turned, my horn nearly hitting one of the lights, to see who had spoken. It was Starless Night, one of the unicorns I'd found in Winnipeg not long after starting out. Then, as now, she was the 'proper pony,' one of the upper class. I'd always liked that she never was scared to get that pristine white coat of hers dirty. She was one of my best friends, or as close to that as I was ever going to get in this after world. Morning Star was just as good a friend as Starless, though.

        "STARRY," I exclaimed, leaping across the room to give her a big hug. She tried to get out of the way.

        It didn't work, and we both tumbled to the ground.

        It took us a moment to get back up again, but when we did, Starless sighed. "And it was such a nice dress."

        I looked where she was looking, and saw that there was a huge tear in the dress.

        "Oh well," I said, using my magic to take off the dress, "White was never my color."

        Starless deadpanned.

        "Not you, though," I said quickly, trying to make up, "You're one of the best ponies-"

        "Shh," Starless said, a smile coming to her face, "I know I'm your best friend, and I know what you meant."

        I just glared at her. "You and your jokes...."

        We both started laughing after that.

        I turned to the entrance of the coach just as Morning Star entered. "Milady, the Guard is assembled."

        "Very good," I answered with an affirmative nod, "Tell them I'll be out in a moment."

        "It will be done, Princess," Morning Star said before ducking back out of the coach.

        I turned to Starless. "This is a big day for me, isn't it? I mean, meeting the pony tasked by Princess Luna herself to ensure humanity is not forgotten."

        "Indeed," Starless said, "Do you think she'll be an Alicorn, like you and this Sunset Shimmer you've seen in your visions?"

        "Sunset Shimmer's an Equestrian," I commented, "So she doesn't really count, but as an Alicorn from Earth.... I KNOW she'll be an Alicorn."

        "You've seen it, haven't you," asked Starless.

        "I can't be sure," I admitted, "I can say that I have seen another Alicorn, and that she represents humanity, but as to whether or not she's Alex.... I won't know until I meet her."

        "And why would that be?"

        "Because I haven't met Alex in person yet," I answered simply, "I don't know what she looks like, so I've nothing to compare the other Alicorn from my visions to. All that I can say for certain is that there is a good chance that it's Alex."

        "Well.... if you say so, I guess," Starless said with a shrug. "What about Sunset Shimmer? What do you figure about her?"

        I sighed. "I've seen her in my visions, and Morning Star has talked about her, but that's about it. We'll just have to meet her some day to know for certain.... and we seriously need to stop talking about my visions. I know they're useful, but even I think they're still.... weird...."

        "Say no more, Starlight," Starless said, putting on a more cheery face, "Consider the subject dropped, locked up, and tucked away somewhere nopony'll find it."

        "Good," I said, putting on a smile, and going over myself, straightening my tiara and collar. "How do I look?"

        "Like a Princess," Starless giggled, "Even without the dress."

        "Shame," I sighed, "I'd been saving that dress. It's one of the ones I' brought back with me from Equestria."

        "You had it all these years," Starless said, her eyes widening, "Now I feel even worse for tearing it."

        "Oh, don't worry, silly filly," I said, "I'm sure it can be repaired."

        "Right," Starless said, again putting on a smile, "Well, shouldn't we be off?"

        "Yes, we should," I said, turning towards the door as I used an illusion spell to mask my horn and, as I began a canter towards it, Starless fell in step beside me.

        As we exited the coach, Morning Star nodded to the waiting guards, all of whom stood at attention. Most had been in the Canadian Armed Forces before The Event, and still felt an obligation to serve their country, even if it was gone today. I was the closest thing they had to it, me and my little city.

        "So," I said, turning to Morning Star, "How far is it from here to Alexandria?"

        "Several kilometers," Morning Star said, "I flew ahead myself. I think it would be best if we flew."

        "But....," I started, "What about Starless?"

        "I can stay here and hold down the fort," Starless said, a smile on her aging face.

        "You're sure," I asked, worried for my friend.

        "Of course I am," Starless said, "Besides, there's guards on the train. I'll be fine. Okay?"

        I saw that look in her eye; the look that told me she was sure of her choice, and wasn't going to budge from it, not matter what I did. "Oh, alright. Fine. I'll be sure to bring back a souvenir. Morning Star, thestral, pegasi, and griffon guards only, then."

        "Right," Morning Star said, motioning said guards to step forward. Two were pegasi, three were thestrals, and one was a griffon.

        "Well," I said, spreading my wings, "Let's be on our way."

        8:00 AM

        From far off, I had spotted the massive tower within the city and, as we’d drawn closer, had noted the buildings, looking almost like something out of an old western. As we’d closed it, it has looked more and more like just that; a city that resembled one at the turn of the 20th Century. Even from a distance the city was a buzz of activity, filly the sky with grindings and clanks and other industrial noises. A cloud of smoke rose in the distance, but thankfully for the residents the wind seemed to be carrying it away.

        I groaned as we landed on the outskirts of Alexandria, my wings only slightly cramped from the flight. Despite the old-fashioned look of some of the construction, all the streets seemed to be paved with concrete, flat and straight. Even early in the morning on the outskirts, there was plenty of activity. Ponies pulled carts, or hawked breakfast from little roadside stands, or just hurried from one place to another. The general flow of traffic appeared to be towards the half-finished tower of glittering blue crystal, though it was hard to say for certain.

        “So milady,” Morning Star said, standing beside me as I looked around, “What shall be our first order of business?”

        “We must speak to whomever is in charge here,” I said, looking to Morning Star, who nodded. I then gestured to the tower, which stood out like a sore thumb. “Perhaps we should try looking there first.”

        “Worth a shot,” Morning Star said as we started walking, gaining more than a few odd looks from the locals. I sighed. I had known we’d stick out when we got here but…. to actually be here now… it was a little unsettling. Almost everypony in town seemed to be wearing clothing of one sort or another, but their clothes seemed more a parody of human concepts of modesty than any submission to them. I, by contrast, was wearing Equestrian-based regalia, and my guards were wearing much the same.

        After some walking, we were approached by what I assume was a police officer. His uniform only covered the front of his body, but the gun on his belt looked real enough. The lettering on his uniform, like most of the street signs, was written in the pony runic language instead of English. It was cut short enough to expose his cutie mark, a clear bag of chocolate chips.

        At least he didn’t speak it. “Good morning.” His tone was respectful, though he also kept his distance. As a Unicorn, he probably expected a few feet would give him time to draw the gun, if he needed to. “I hope I’m not presuming by suggesting the two of you might be visitors.” He stared openly at the Tiara, apparently collecting his thoughts. “Most visitors at least pretend to come in using the marked entrances, instead of flying right over the walls.”

        “Sorry…. we’re looking to speak with whoever is in charge here,” I said, doing my best to keep a regal pose.

        “A complicated question,” the policeman answered, though he seemed to be growing less suspicious the longer the conversation went on. “Technically the city council is in charge. They only meet once a week, though, and today isn’t one of the days. Maybe you could find one of its individual members, depending on whatever your business is. Joseph Kimball is Headmaster of the University, though good luck getting him to talk to you if you haven’t brought some esoteric magical problem for him to solve.”

        “Cody Haggard is council of industrial affairs, which covers farming too for some reason.” He rolled his eyes. “Paula Goodman handles security, though you should know she’s a changeling drone in disguise, and if you talk to her you’re really just talking to Queen Riley. Make sure you eat before you meet with her. And that just leaves Archive. Foreign and Human affairs. If you came here because you want to talk to the ‘mysterious’ HPI, or some foreign power sent you to make treaties or whatever, she’s the mare you want.”

        “I’ll put my chits on the last one, given the accessories.” He levitated something off his belt, but it wasn’t the gun. A radio. Unlike the old-fashioned buildings or the western-style handgun he wore, the radio was a single flat piece of plastic, looking more modern than modern. Futuristic, even. “I can ask around if you like.”

        I mulled over the names given to me, none of them being the name I’d been hoping to hear. After a few moments of quiet contemplation, I turned to the officer once more. “Would you inform them that Princess Starlight Waltz has arrived? I believe I am expected.”

        The pony’s eyes widened a little, obviously recognizing the name. He seemed to look at the place a horn should’ve been, where it was concealed by illusion, before nodding. “Sure, sure. I can do that.” He levitated the radio closer to his face, and made a series of noises into it. Not words, more like insectoid clicking and chirping.

The response, barely audible from the other end, came in English. “Get them some breakfast or something at the Galleria, you know the place. I’ll get the Ambassador ready.”

He put the radio away. “Forgive me, princess, but I don’t think we were expecting you today. Most diplomats don’t just, uh… fly in. I’ve kicked the hive, but it will take a few minutes for anything coherent to fall out the other end. If you’re willing, I could show you to one of our finest early morning food establishments while you wait. The Council will find us there.”

        “Milady enjoys making dramatic entrances,” Morning Star smirked.

        “I do not,” I said, holding a strongly regal pose before giggling. “Okay, maybe a little. Lead on, officer.”

Once they started moving, they attracted comparatively little attention. The officer was soon joined by several others, quietly making a path through the crowds. They headed towards the tower, and soon the streets were packed with ponies, many of which wore different colored loose robes with more Equestrian runes on them.

The University was clearly the center of activity here, with hundreds of ponies flowing from all directions up into the sprawling buildings. Not the old-fashioned kind either, but the Pre-event variety, old churches and schools and public buildings all linked together with wooden wings. The officer led them to somewhere called ‘The Galleria,’ a posh-looking cafe on the second story of a building with a commanding view of the university and main thoroughfare below. Its tables each had metal cook-surfaces, though it was now empty.

Empty except for one table nearest the window, where a young mare with hairnet, apron, and cart of ingredients was pacing back and forth nervously. She looked up, and met the policeman’s eyes. “These are the ones, Chip?”

“So long as you aren’t talking about the awful series. Some things are better left dead before the Event.”

“Dramatic.” The pony gestured to the table, lowering her head respectfully. “Welcome to the Galleria. I understand you’ve come a long way. Take a seat, and we’ll see about getting you refreshed before the important ponies arrive.” She waved to the officer, who left without a word, stepping back out the door.

“We cook only Equestrian recipes here. But if you tell me what you like, I’ll figure something out.” She brushed a length of pastel mane back into her hairnet with one hoof, smiling politely.

        “I see,” I say, taking a seat, my guards taking up positions by the entrances, though Morning Star remained at my side, “It’s been years since I last had something of Equestrian origin. I was in Equestria for…. a very brief time. Morning Star, would you like something?”

        “We ate before we departed the train, milady,” Morning Star said, bowing, “Although…. It has been ages….”

        “Then it’s settled,” I said, turning to the only other pony, “What’s on the menu today, miss…. oh dear… forgive me, but I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name.”

“You can just call me Chef. Though honestly, I’m still figuring everything out, and my boss would probably call me a chef in training.” the young mare was an earth pony, so she had to use her hooves to lift all the different ingredients off her cart. They all looked fresh, milk and eggs and fruit and grass in the same, dull white plastic containers with air holes on the sides. She had an Equestrian level of dexterity with her hooves, manipulating them easily despite lacking wings or magic.

She listed off several Equestrian dishes, her pronunciation perfect for each one, and started warming up the grill before taking their orders. Occasionally a little of her mane would get free, and she’d have to tuck it back under her hairnet again, but otherwise she moved with apparent experience. “Word is you ponies are from the great white north. An awful long way to fly. Got to be… at least a week on the wing. Adventurous for a princess.”

        “We came by train,” I smile, “If we’d known the lines run here, we’d have came right into the city instead of flying from St. Louis.”

“Yeah, the Chicago line. Not much Chicago left up there anymore, but we’re still here.” Fresh ingredients, gigantic grill surface, and soon enough the old smells of Equestrian cooking filled the room. “I got these Recipes from the Bannered Mare in Canterlot, but I only ate there once. I’m not sure how accurate my imitations are.” She went quiet more than once, since she had to use her mouth to manipulate some of the cooking tools.

Of course after being quiet one minute, she’d be loud the next. “I’ve heard some very strange rumors from up north,” she said, and for the first time there were hints of suspicion in her grey eyes. “Rumors about an Alicorn ruling as a princess in a new city. I don’t know how these rumors can be true, but I hear them. Lots of rumors come through here.”

        “Well,” I smile gently, “I can tell you that, without a doubt, the rumors of there being an Alicorn up north are true. If you stick around when the Council shows up, you’ll see. Oh…. and great reference. Skyrim was a great game, Chef.”

        She smiled bashfully, shrugging one shoulder. “Only the name is made up. The recipes are authentic. As you’ll be able to judge for yourself. I just… I wanted to ask. The stories I hear from up there, well… obviously some of them are true. None of you are using human names.” she had to stop as she shuffled steaming hay-based omelets with mushroom sausage onto their plates, and poured a few glasses of fresh, pulpy orange juice. Her restaurant name might be a lie, but she did know Equestrian cuisine.

“I wonder if I could ask another question, Princess.” she hung up her tools, switched off the grill, and pulled off the hairnet. She struggled a bit with the tightly bound mane underneath, which was just a few shades darker green than her coat. “Do your ponies still remember what they were? Do they care?”

        “They do,” I say, “I simply offer safety and security, in exchange for some small amount of loyalty. My ponies are free to do as they please, within the constraints of the laws, which, in all honestly, are pretty lax. Murder and theft are not tolerated, but most of other things are acceptable…. within reason, of course. We also frown on things like strip clubs and the like.”

        “In short,” Morning Star elaborated, “We keep things much like they were here on this world before the Event, but add some Equestrian law into it. And yes, Chef. I’m an Equestrian.”

“You’re not with Sunset?” Morning Star’s statement made the chef stand a little more stiffly. “I didn’t think many ponies wanted to rough it on earth’s ‘wasteland.’” A little bitterness there, though not directed at her. “Well, you can tell me if I got it right. I haven’t been cooking for very long, so… I guess your judgement is best. Since Sunset can’t be bothered to fly north every now and then to say hello.”

        “We’re not with Sunset Shimmer,” I said, smiling gently, “And Morning Star is here of her own accord. She volunteered to stay with me.”

“If you’re not with Sunset, maybe you can explain to me how an Alicorn is ruling an Earth city.” She shrugged off the apron, hanging it on her ingredient cart. The rest of her coat was an even light green, with an open book for her cutie mark. Unlike many of the local ponies, she wasn’t wearing anything underneath, except for a white plastic grieve over one of her back hooves, looking faintly electronic.

“And don’t lie.” The ‘chef’ sat back on her haunches, glaring. “I’ve seen beyond the iridescent veil and tasted Soma that the gods’ discovered. I don’t like pretenders.”

        “The Alicorn is a former human,” I said, finding it odd to be speaking of myself in the third person, “She ascended by performing a great feat, one that nearly claimed her life. And what do you mean, ‘seen beyond the iridescent veil and tasted Soma that the gods’ discovered’? Only ascended Alicorns can seen what lies beyond the void, on their path to true ascension.”

        Starlight furrowed her brow. How in Luna’s name could a regular pony know of these things…. unless…. “You’re Alex…. aren’t you?”

"Well, I'm no Alicorn," she muttered, sitting down beside the table. There was a strange confidence in her tone that her young body didn't match. "So your theory has one slight problem. But I am Alex. Or Archive, if you prefer the pony way of naming things," she shrugged one shoulder. "Riley's police told me you were here, so I suggested they bring you to my restaurant. Hopefully my cooking wasn't that bad."

“Well, Archive,” I say, dropping the illusion spell, and revealing my horn, “I am, not that I like to gloat about it. It was a long and difficult road to get to where I am, but…. I made it.”

"You did," she stared openly for a few seconds, and her eyes seemed to lose focus, staring past her as much as at her. "So what brought you to Alexandria? We've been wondering when you would visit. Most of the leaders of the other major cities have by now, to use the library. If you waited this long, I’m guessing you weren’t desperate for some critical knowledge or whatever."

“I’ve visited Equestria,” I say, recasting the illusion spell, hiding my horn once more, “So I had some base knowledge in a few notes Morning Star wrote for me. I…. wasn’t too dexterous with my hooves back then. That, and one other thing….”

        Alex just listened, silent.

        “The other thing is that I’ve seen you…. in my visions,” I say.

"Visions," she repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Don't take this the wrong way, but... I think you might be talking about dreams. Dreams can seem real, they can seem convincing, but... magic that looks into the future is serious stuff. Spells that do it are even banned in Equestria. Against one of the laws, Sunset tells me."

        “I never meant to,” I stammer out, “It just…. happens. They’re the reason I’ve strived for such things…. why I’m an Alicorn…. why I’m here…. heck, the day I first woke up like this, it was a dream of earlier today, back on the train. The dreams…. they’ve given me something to strive towards.”

“Well that much clearly worked out.” She stood, staring again. “You aren’t the only pony I’d heard was trying to discover the secret. I’ve been looking for it myself, but… with less success. And no, I won’t ask. I’ve walked far enough down the golden road I know it’s a different path for every person who takes it. I know you can’t help.” She looked down, staring at her hooves. “Sometimes I think that maybe I can’t ever do it. Celestia and Discord trapped me; ageless, immortal, unchanging. Maybe ponies like me can’t be Alicorns at all.”

“You’ll do it someday, Alex,” I said, smiling gently as I recall what I’ve seen, “Trust me.”

She shook her head. “Anyway, you’ve done it. You saw a vision, and now you’re here. If that was the goal you’ve been striving for all this time… what do you do now?”

        “It’s one of many,” I say, “The other goal is…. well, it’s kinda silly.”

        “I doubt it. ‘Silly’ and ‘Princess’ don’t often go together.”

        “I’m not your average Princess,” I smile, “My visions have shown me a city…. With walls and a tower at its heart…. and me, standing upon a balcony, looking out at the city. The problem with this goal is…. I’ve had no idea how to reach it…. until now.”
        
“A challenging goal.” Alex returned to the table, gathering up the remnants of the meal as though she were a waitress, tossing dirty dishes into a plastic tray as she went. “Consider the world as it is. Since the event, there have been…” she closed her eyes briefly, apparently concentrating on something. 

        “Two million, one hundred twenty eight thousand, two hundred and six humans that have returned. I don’t know how many foals they’ve had, can’t see all of those… point is, that’s not very many. If we put every single pony in the whole world in one place, the city would be smaller than all the hundred largest human cities before the Event. Freakin’ Ekurhuleni had more people, and I bet you haven’t even heard of it! Or Hefei, or Peshawar…” she trailed off.

        She finished clearing off the table. “I don’t mean to be discouraging. It’s still early, really. Not a single pony has died of old age since the Event, did you know that? Not a damn one. Even someone a century old when the magic hit would still be healthy today. Wild stuff.”

        “But we have other problems. We’re hunted, princess. You, and me, and any other Immortal. The monsters humans only dreamt about are real now, and they hunt us first of all. Our cities may be doomed.”

        “Monsters,” I asked, “What do you mean?”

        Archive just sighed. “It’s… a long story. Lots of long stories, really. Long, depressing stories,” She shook her head, wiping away some moisture with the back of one leg. “The HPI, uh… the humans that are still left… they’re trying to fight them. Maybe they’ll succeed. The worst of it seems to be concentrated in the South China Sea, so… if you have to do any trading that far away, try to fly instead. That, and call Alexandria if you see anything horrible. We can usually figure out what it is.”

        “I will be sure to do that,” I said, looking out at the University, “If you’ll indulge me, may I ask how you built such a massive construct? As you said, it is still ‘early’.”

        “You mean the waste of chits that is the new university building? About a thousand unicorns working nonstop for god knows how many hours…” she glared up at it for a moment, grinding her teeth. “But Joseph says it’ll act as some kinda foci when it’s done, drawing in magic for hundreds of miles… whatever, maybe he’s right. The method is… complex, but we have a book that talks about it. Apparently Equestria had a whole city built that way. I can only imagine how long it took to build…”

        “I believe it was called The Crystal Empire,” I said, which Morning Star gave an affirmative nod to as I looked at the tower, “Seeing this tower of yours has given me an idea…. a solution to the problem I’m faced with.”

        Alex remained quiet, listening.

        “I had thought I’d need hundreds of ponies to build my city, and to find a quarry for the proper stone,” I sigh, “If I could use this magic to build Blacklight instead of building it from stone, and asking for many, many volunteers…. it would be safer to build, would probably last longer, and could probably be built in only a fraction of the time. The only challenge would be making the gems black.”

Archive muttered an old curse under her breath, shaking her head. “I just told you it’s been a nightmare for the infrastructure, but that isn’t impossible I guess. I can have a copy of the appropriate books made for you while you’re here…” she trailed off, looking back out the window. “Are you sure you aren’t from Equestria? That would be so much easier to accept than another Human at the end of the road so quickly.”

“Alex,” I said, “I devoted the last ninety years to becoming an Alicorn, not knowing how or when it would happen. I only ascend last year…. today, in fact.”

        “Everything seems to happen on your birthday,” Morning Star said, “That cannot be a mere coincidence.”

        “It might be,” I said with a shrug, “Who knows.”

“Well, who am I to judge. I often wake up thinking Luna chose a poor ambassador. But… that’s my problem, not yours. I suppose I’ll be seeing you around. Or… maybe you’ll be seeing me. I don’t have a city of my own, really. Alexandria might be named after me, but I don’t rule it like you do your city. With as little diplomacy as there is, my position is ceremonial with everyone but the HPI. Once my friends…” she trailed off, scratching at the ground with a hoof. “Well, when my friends aren’t around anymore, I’ll probably try it somewhere else. I’m sure you’ll see me passing through eventually. I’ve got.. an awful lot of time to kill.”

        I chuckle, “You and me both. I would like to offer you something.”

        Using my magic, I produced a small SD card from my collar, “This SD Card contains every name on the Books of Remembrance that were once stored at the Peace Tower at the Canadian Parliament Building. I brought them to Solitude for safe keeping, but…. well, if you’ve been tasked by Luna to preserve all knowledge of humanity, I figured it’s something you should have a copy, should the originals ever be destroyed. And personally, I believe Luna chose a fine ambassador.”

        “Sure.” She took the card, then lifted up one of her back legs and slid off the plastic thing she was wearing on it. The card went into a slot on the back, and she put the whole thing back onto one of her front hooves this time. “I’ll memorize them as soon as I get the chance. I never forget… well, anything, so they’ll be safe forever. So long as the memory of humanity lasts. Until the last Initiative rocket vanishes into the sky, and the feet that made our world walk its trees no more.”

        “Or… something similarly poetic. I’d rather remember these than old South Park episodes.”

        “Indeed,” I said, giggling a small amount, “I personally would rather remember every episode of Game of Thrones, or Pokémon XY and XYZ. Or, at least, the episodes that were aired before The Event.”

        “The worst part is knowing it won’t ever be finished. Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well,” she laughed weakly. “I guess having it all in your head isn’t a prerequisite for being an Alicorn. Not that it helps me to know.”

        “You never know,” I said, looking to Alex, “Perhaps you might find the knowledge that sets you on the path to becoming an Alicorn, just as my dreams set me on my path to becoming an Alicorn. The destinations are the same, but the reason, and the path, to reaching it, differs greatly.”

        Alex nodded. “I dunno. I can’t see into the future, thank God. The past is hard enough, and the present sucks sometimes.” she turned away. “But it doesn’t have to right now. Why don’t you come with me? I usually give tours when somepony important. By now my car will be waiting… most visitors enjoy riding around in a working car, since it’s like something out of a museum. We’ll go to the university first— maybe if you get a good look at crystal construction in person, you’ll have second thoughts. If not, you can at least talk to the foreman. Learn what they’re up to.”

        “Thank you,” I said, smiling gently, “I’d really like that, Alex. Shall we?”

        Alex nodded, then made her way to the door. She was quite a bit shorter than either of them, but seemed to be trying to make up for it with longer strides. “It’ll be fun. We won’t even feed you to the local changeling hive, honest.”

        “I hope not, otherwise my guards won’t be happy,” I chuckle as I follow, “And I must warn you, Alex. While it’d be nice to ride in a car again, I’m probably too big to fit.”

        Morning Star just sighed, motioning for the guards to follow, “Gonna be a long day….”