The Search for Light: Finding New Hope.

Chapter 11: Forward Movement.

“How long have you been here?” He gives a shrug. Direct eye contact. Mine meeting his. For once, I drop the stern glare I would normally give him. Letting in a more welcoming one. “I sit here. Every night. Well, every night that i can at least.” He lets out a small smile. “So. Why did you come here?” He asks this question, his voice letting out the tones of mixed confusion and astonishment. “Well. I haven’t visited them since the. . . you know.” He gives a nod. “So, you’re not here to see me?” I smile. And walk up to him. I grab my brother and pull him into a hug.

After a minute, I pull away. I stare him in the eyes, and then hit him as hard as I can. “You’re an ass. You know that?” I start out. My voice strangely calm for the anger I am feeling. “You left me. Alone. I was a kid, who just lost his parents. And his brother, who I thought would stay, and be there. But no. He just left. And never came back.” I pant softly. “I worked my flanks off day and night. I had to do everything. I didn't want to be a pity case. But. . . But, in the end. It all kind of worked out. I pushed myself harder than I would have, and look at me now. I’m an official Night Guard member. So I sorta have you to thank for that.”

“But,  I can never forgive you for just leaving me like that.” Gold stares at me, just holding his hoof to his face. “Silver. . . I Know. I know what I did was wrong, in every way possible. But. I was just a kid too. I just didn’t know what to do. I loved mom and dad so much. Then ‘poof’ they just disappeared.” I glare at him. “Yeah. Well I loved them as much as you did. And I loved you too. But all of you just went ‘poof’.” He looks down at the ground. Then, for the first time ever. I finally get that look. The look of hurt. The look of sadness. And, finally, a look of regret.

“Silver. I really am sorry.” I nod, and hug him again. “I know you’re sorry. But. I can’t forgive you. At least, not now. Not yet. We have a long path ahead of us.” He smiles, and pulls away from me. “I’m sorry.” He looks towards the grave maker. Looking at the words that are neatly inscribed across the stone surface. He closes his eyes. “ ‘In loving memory of Rose Petal and Virtue Mark. A goal is never too far to reach, if you know where to aim.’ “ He sniffs lightly, sliding his hoof across his eyes. “Out of all the lessons dad has taught us, I will never forget that one.” He sniffs more. “I’m so sorry.” I give a small frown as I wrap my hoof around him. “Hey. I know. I know. Don’t need to keep saying it.” I let out a nervous chuckle. Gold stares at me, his eyes all teary.

I guess this is the second time I have seen him cry. “I made a promise. One that I failed to keep. Mom. She told me. . . She made me promise, when you were born, that I would always be there for you. That I should be your brother, and guardian. And I failed her. . . I could live with disappointing dad. He would let it move on. Mom. She would never let me live this down.” I pull away from Gold. Making him face me. “Good. I hope you never live that down. But. . . But, the past is in the past. We can move on. It’s just going to take some time.” Gold smiles, pulling me into another hug. “Th-thanks. If I were you, I would never forgive me.” I smile, and hit the back of his head teasingly. “Let me go.” Hoof steps approach from behind me. “Isn’t that just cute?” Huh. When did. .  I turn around to see Stella, Double, and Midnight standing there.

“How long have you all been there?” They all look between each other. Trying to hold in their snickers and giggles. I let out a frustrated sigh. “Can it.” They all laugh, finally. You know. It’s good seeing Stella got along with at least a couple ponies. “Double. You all have to bring everyone back to the castle. You can’t come with us.” Double shakes his head, and Midnight speaks up. “I’m afraid we can’t do that. It’s a lot to handle for all of us. But, if we are going to be the new bearers, then we have a right to meet the other two.” I hold my hooves up, shaking them. “No no no. This isn’t up for debate. Me and Luna will go.”

Luna? Where did she go? I look around the field, seeing no sign of the princess. “Luna?” I call out. “Up here.” I hear the rustling of tree branches above. “Luna what are you. . . . Why?” My hoof smacks my face harder than intended. “Well. I didn’t want to interupt your touching moment. And, it gives a nice view of the sky.” From now on Silver. Just don't ask. Just. Don’t. Ask. “Well. Princess. If you could kindly get down here, and tell these three why they can't come.” The princess slides off the branch, landing solidly on the ground. “They are right.” I smirk and turn towards the three again. “See I told. . . Huh, wait, what?” I look to the princess, who is munching on an apple.

“They can come. But, I have to hide them. And, they must make sure they are not discovered till I can explain everything. Got it?” She smiles over to them, and all three nod, smiling wide. . . “You. . You all had this planned, didnt you?” All four of them shake their heads. Remember about not asking Silver? I meant it. “Well. It seems you are kind of busy. See you later?” I turn back to Gold finally. I give a small nod. “Yeah. Later. See you. Lets go now.” I look to Luna, and with a nod she teleports us to the Everfree