Exodus, Book 2

Chapter 2

Celestia stared down at her reflection in the water of the city square fountain. The years had matured her from a young filly to a beautiful mare with a long, flowing pink mane. Due to her alicorn heritage, she had also gone through a growth spurt that left her towering over every other pony in Canterlot. Only her younger sister, Luna, was anywhere near the same size. Celestia was loved by all the citizens of Equestria for her beauty, kindness, and wisdom, and she was particularly admired here in Canterlot, where she had spent much of her time studying in her youth. Just last week her mentor, Starswirl the Bearded, had told her and Luna that there was very little he had left to teach them, and anything else they would have to learn on their own.

The thought made her uncomfortable.

Even after ten years of study, she did not feel any more ready to rule this land than when she started. At the beginning of her training, she had expected to learn about magic from Starswirl, and eventually return to her homeland, but as the years had gone by, both she and Luna had resigned themselves to the fact that, as unpleasant a prospect as it was, they would never be able to go home.

Celestia gave her head a little shake. There was no point dwelling on such things now. With her training under Starswirl drawing to a close, she had to focus on her next move.She turned away from the fountain and headed up the stairs behind her to the palace. It had served as her home during her time in Equestria, and whenever the alicorn princess had to do some deep thinking, she always headed straight for its vast library. With its strict no-noise policy, it was the perfect place to go to be free from distractions.

As she entered through the library's large oak doors, she saw she was not alone. Sitting at the front desk, hunched over a huge tome written in a language she didn't understand, was Starswirl the Bearded. In the ten years she had known him he had not changed one bit in her eyes, but she did notice that he was getting slower in his old age. He looked up at the sound of her hooves and smiled.

"Princess Celestia," he said, inclining his head in respect, "what brings you to the library today?"

"Oh, nothing Starswirl," Celestia answered. "Just... thinking."

"What about?" Celestia paused before answering. She had wanted answers, and perhaps Starswirl could provide some.

"I was thinking about the future," she said, choosing her words carefully, "and what Luna and I will do after our training is complete." Starswirl nodded, but said nothing, so Celestia continued.

"I know you've been grooming us to eventually become the rulers of Equestria, but I still know hardly anything about it. You've taught us all the lore and history, but I know nothing about the ponies themselves. What are their hopes? What are their fears? Will they even want me as their leader?" she looked down at Starswirl, hoping she wasn't being too direct.

"Celestia," said Starswirl, smiling gently, "When I first took you under my wing and began teaching you magic, you had already built a reputation among the unicorns of Canterlot. Remember your run in with Discord? Unicorns far and wide heard about your exploits. Over the past ten years your and Luna's names have been spreading like wildfire across Equestria. You've become a symbol."

"A symbol of what?"

"Of freedom," a voice said. Celestia turned. Walking into the library was the first pony she had ever met since coming to Equestria, an earth pony named Blueberry. Over the years his once bright-blue coat had dulled somewhat, and he and his wife Chestnut had sold their farm so they could retire to Canterlot, where they had been happily living ever since.

"You're living proof that we don't need to live in fear anymore," Blueberry continued. "Before you came along Sombra controlled the North, Lord Thrall controlled the South, and Discord ruled everywhere in between. Except for a few pockets of unicorns living in hiding, there was nothing you could do but hope they left you alone. But when you and your sister came along, everything changed. Now the ponies of Equestria have leaders to rally around who will protect them. I know that whatever happens, you'll make us all proud."

Celestia smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Blueberry," she said. "I know how much everypony is relying on me and my sister, I just hope we won't disap-" Celestia's words were cut off as she noticed something strange occurring outside. The sun seemed to be dimming, as though a cloud were obscuring it from sight, but Celestia knew that today had been scheduled by the pegasi to be cloudless. Also, there appeared to be some commotion outside the library. Celestia, Starswirl, and Blueberry all rushed outside. Just as Celestia thought, the sky was completely clear, but the sun appeared to be dimming, as though something was blocking it slightly.

"What's going on?" asked Blueberry fearfully.

"I'm not sure," said Starswirl grimly, "but I have a suspicion." He turned and ran back into the library, heading for the staircase to the upper floors. Celestia and Blueberry followed. The staircase led up to the roof, and at the top Starswirl was standing looking to the North, his jaw set.

"Starswirl!" cried Celestia as she reached the top of the stairs. "Why does the sun and sky look that way? It's like someone cast a shadow over everything."

"Princess," said Starswirl," I am afraid that is exactly what just happened." he turned to Blueberry. "Would you find the Canterlot Guard and tell them to keep the ponies in the city calm? We can't afford to have panic in the streets."

"Right!" Blueberry answered and quickly ran off. Starswirl turned to Celestia.

"Find your sister," he said, "and bring her here. I think Sombra might be behind this."