Our Shining Light

The Crystal Empire’s train sped across the rails to Ponyville under the cloudy summer sky. It charged towards Ponyville with its three high-class passengers in tow. Lapis and Cadence sat side-by-side on the left side of the train, while the Second Lieutenant sat on the right.

“We’ll be arriving shortly, Your Majesty.” Lapis informed Cadence.

Cadence turned her head and smiled at him. “Thank you, Lapis.” She chirped. “I’m looking forward to seeing my stepsister again.”

Lapis quickly turned his head away from her, and his Lapis-blue mane fell down from underneath his crystal helmet. He quickly went to work tucking the lengthy mane back underneath the helmet, and Cadence pouted behind his back. Is it just me, or does he turn away every time I smile at him? She pondered. Shining acts like this sometimes, but that usually means he’s hiding something from me…

Lapis succeeded in concealing his mane, and he turned back to Cadence. His ruby eyes met hers, and he returned her smile. “I’m sure she’s looking forward to it too.” He calmly responded.

Cadence regained her blissful face. That’s more like it.

As soon as he had spoken to her, Lapis turned away again, and began staring out the window. Cadence’s happiness faded, and she decided to press him. “Is there something on your mind?” She asked nosily.

“Nothing special. Just thinking of the Gala.” Lapis quickly replied, without turning around.

He’s lying, isn’t he? Cadence asked herself irritatedly. I could just order him to tell me… No, don’t do that. Just find another way… “So, how is the ticket distribution coming along?”

Lapis awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Fantastic! I’m already, uh, halfway done!” He replied sheepishly.

Cadence furrowed her brow. Why does he act like such a foal? She thought angrily. There’s obviously something wrong, why won’t he tell me? “If it’s too much for you, I can do it myself…”

Lapis spun around to her. “No!” He yelled without hesitation. Then he covered his mouth and began blushing embarrassedly.

Well, that got a response out of him. Cadence noted amusedly.

“I mean, I said I would get it done, and I will.” Lapis corrected himself. “Don’t worry about it.”

Cadence opened her mouth to reply, but then the train screeched to a halt. “We have arrived in Ponyville.” The conductor called out.

Lapis sighed in relief, and grew a happier expression. “Let’s move, Your Majesty. She’s waiting for you.”

Cadence swore internally, but exited the train regardless. Waiting for her was her stepsister, as well as her six friends. “Cadence!” Her sister-in-law greeted her, and then embraced her.

“Good to see you again, Twilight.” Cadence replied elatedly. Lapis and the Second Lieutenant exited the train, and stood a few paces behind her. “It’s good to see all of you as well.” Cadence addressed the small group in front of her. She received multiple smirks and smiles, as well as one awkward wave. She released Twilight, and looked at her expectantly. “Well let’s get to business then! Or did you just want to see your favorite sister-in-law again?” She asked humorously.

Twilight looked disappointed, but began leading the way regardless. “I just need to discuss a few things with you. I know you’re probably busy-”

“Not at all! I can always make time for you!” Cadence interrupted.

Twilight smiled at her, and continued leading her away. “We’ll talk at the castle. I’ll see you girls later.” She bid goodbye to her friends.

“Make sure to invite the Wonderbolts to the Gala!” Somepony called after them.

“Rainbow Dash!”

“Yeah Dashie, for shame! But make sure to have a disco ball!”

“Pinkie dear, you can’t have a disco ball at a Gala…”

“Is there a garden at the Castle…?”

Cadence burst into laughter as she approached Ponyville’s castle. “Oh Twilight, your friends are such charming characters.” She chimed.

“Yeah…” Twilight sighed wearily. She opened the large doors to her castle, and invited Cadence inside.

“We’ll wait out here.” Lapis announced suddenly.

“Are you sure?” Cadence asked concernedly.

“No. I can’t deal with being alone for a few minutes.” He joked, and then seriously replied, “Take your time, Empress.”

Cadence gave him a motherly smile. “Thank you.”

Lapis nodded, and then took his place on the right side of the doors. Cadence followed Twilight inside, and Lapis shut the door behind her. As soon as she entered the castle, she was greeted with magnificent crystal walls, as well as a regal violet floor. There were a multitude of doors and hallways, yet there were no ponies in sight, save for the lavender alicorn ahead of her.

“Gee Twilight. It sure is… extensive in here.” Cadence observed, ignoring the obvious.

Twilight chuckled. “It sure is, isn’t it? I had to label the path to the throne room.”

Cadence looked down at her hooves, and sure enough, “TO THRONE ROOM” was engraved into the floor. She jammed her hoof into her mouth to stifle her laughter. Soon enough, the two alicorns entered a circular room with seven thrones in it. “Now that we’re alone…” Twilight said mischievously. Cadence was confused, but then caught on, and approached Twilight.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” The two chanted and danced in unison.

After their little song-and-dance, Twilight sat in the throne with her cutie mark in it, and Cadence awkwardly took the throne with three butterflies on it. Cadence looked around herself, and took note of the uncomfortable silence of the castle.

“Not to be rude Twilight…” Cadence sheepishly broke the silence. “But doesn’t it seem a little… empty in here?”

A dark cloud seemed to appear above Twilight, and she hung her head dejectedly. “I know its empty in here…” Twilight blubbered. “I’m just so used to the library… I have no idea what to do with this place…”

Cadence grimaced at her response. “H-hey, empty isn’t bad! That means you have plenty of room for visitors!”

Cadence’s attempt to comfort her only made Twilight’s head droop impossibly lower. “L-let’s change the subject.” Cadence stammered.

“Ok.” Twilight immediately perked up, and Cadence breathed a sigh of relief. “Cadence, who’s that stallion outside? The one who keeps following you?”

Cadence chuckled, and reclined in Fluttershy’s throne. “We really have been out-of-touch, haven’t we? That’s Lapis Lazuli, my personal bodyguard.” She explained lightheartedly.

“You have a bodyguard?” Twilight questioned.

“Yes. Shining Armor assigned him to me six months ago. He was always getting worried about me when he couldn’t be around, so he gave me Lapis. He follows me wherever I go.”

Twilight cringed. “You have a pony follow you everywhere? That sounds terrible! Where’s your privacy?”

Cadence giggled loudly. “At first, I thought the same thing.” She answered in a bubbly voice. “But it isn’t bad at all. In fact, he’s quite enjoyable to be around. And he’s willing to leave me to myself if I ask him to.” Cadence leaned forward in her seat, and put a hoof next to her mouth. “But don’t tell Shining Armor that.” She whispered jokingly.

“Speaking of Shining Armor, how has he been lately?” Twilight questioned.

Cadence’s eyes became spacey, and she looked up at the ceiling. Shining… She thought longingly. “Shining’s been… distant lately.” Cadence answered unsurely. “He’s been pulling a lot of all-nighters, and whenever he does come home, he barely has enough energy to talk to me. And I can’t talk to him during the day because I have to run the Empire…” She sighed miserably. “I suppose that’s how it goes when your husband’s the Captain of the Royal Guard.”

Twilight looked around awkwardly, thinking of a response. “Well… your anniversary is this week, right? Do you have plans for that?”

Cadence returned from her trance, and put on her normal smile. “Of course. It’s nothing extravagant, just a little reminder of our special day.”

Twilight grinned at her. “I’m sure he’ll love it.” She assured, and then gained an expression of sudden realization. “Oh! I almost forgot!” She exclaimed, and then lit up her horn. She levitated a folded sheet of paper from behind her throne, and unfolded it in front of her. “The reason I called you here. I made a checklist of everything you need to have at the Gala for it to be perfect.”

Cadence quietly laughed to herself. Some things never change. She thought blissfully.

“Ahem.” Twilight began. “So, at the Gala, you will need: Quality refeshments, a large, classy ballroom, a high-class orchestra, proper invitations, the attendance of all four Princesses, exquisite decorations, a fireworks display, and some scribbled items… hold on a sec… ok. A fireworks display, a mandatory… cider-drinking party, and… hunky… stallions…”

Twilight’s lavender face turned beet red, and she crumpled the list in her hooves. “Hahahaha ya know, who follows lists these days?! Let’s just move on!” She shouted, completely flustered.

Cadence could barely hold in her laughter, and she spoke through her chuckles. “But Twilight, I already knew all that.”

Twilight sat idly for a few moments, and then buried her face in her hooves. “So I called you here for nothing, then…” She deflated.

Cadence exploded into merry laughter. Cider?! Hunky Stallions?! She screamed internally, as her giddiness overtook her.

Twilight watched her sister-in-law crack up, completely shamefaced. After watching her for as long as she could take, Twilight cleared her throat. “So, Cadence, why don’t you tell me more about this bodyguard of yours?” She shifted the topic. “Why would Shining pick him? He seems rather… incapable.”

“He is not incapable!” Cadence instantly shot back. Twilight flinched, and Cadence cleared her own throat. “He might act childish sometimes, but I couldn’t ask for a better bodyguard.” Cadence began, and started to zone out. “He used to be a writer, you know. It was his talent. He only joined the guard after we freed the Empire. He’s loyal, he’s well-built, his mane looks great when it’s down, he’s fun to be around… And most importantly, he’s one of the only ponies I know who would sacrifice himself, if for some reason he needed to.” Cadence looked over at Twilight, who was now staring at her, her mouth agape. Cadence only now realized what she’d said, and she quickly put on a mask of certainty. “Like I said, he’s an incredible bodyguard.” She lied.

Twilight let out a loud sigh of relief, and smirked at Cadence. “Sheesh, sorry I asked.”

“Haha, sorry. So, what else is on your mind?” Cadence questioned. ...Where in Tartarus did that come from? Cadence asked herself. He’s your bodyguard, not your high school crush…

“Hmm… nothing really.” Twilight answered indecisively. “Why don’t we head back into town? It’s depressing in here…”

That came from somewhere, Cadence. But… from where? What was I thinking? “That’s a great idea! I always enjoy seeing the sights here!” Cadence agreed without a second thought.

“Come on, then! I don’t want you to get lost in this empty palace of mine.” Twilight said bittersweetly.

Cadence nodded her head, and the two alicorns filed out of the castle. What was I… No, it’s nothing. Cadence told herself. A mere slip of the tongue. You’ve got a Gala, and an anniversary coming up. Just enjoy this visit with your stepsister.

Cadence and Twilight paraded through Ponyville, touring it as they usually do. But even as the two alicorns were enjoying each other’s company, the questions Cadence had asked herself still rang in her mind. As she walked through Ponyville, she caught her bodyguard eyeing her quite a few times. But sometimes, when she caught his eye, she couldn’t help herself from staring back at him.

*******

Four days had passed since Cadence’s visit to Ponyville, and the Gala was scheduled for the following day. The Crystal Empire had been successfully prepared for the Gala. Its ballroom had been cleared, it had been decorated with the finest crystalline fabrics and artworks, and multiple tables and stages had been set up for the food and musicians coming the next day. The tickets had all been distributed, and all of the V.I.P. guests had been sent a formal invitation. Even though all of the work had been finished, the Castle was a tad gloomy, for it had begun to storm outside.

Lapis entered Cadence’s throne room as he usually did in the morning, and Cadence greeted him with her normal charismatic grin. “Happy Anniversary, Your Majesty!” Lapis greeted her cheekily.

Cadence tilted her head, confused. “Oh… you remembered my anniversary?” She asked perplexedly.

Lapis smirked. “Of course I did! I mean, you can’t be this happy because of the Gala.”

Cadence shot him a playful smile. “Yes, you’d be right about that. The Gala has been a rather big nuisance lately.” She closed her eyes, and beamed thankfully. “Thank you for handling the tickets, and helping me with the decorations. You did an outstanding job.”

Lapis’ smile suddenly faded, and he avoided Cadence’s gaze. “Yeah… don’t mention it.” He quietly responded.

Cadence was troubled by his response. Did I say something wrong? She worried.

“So, if the Gala’s ready to go, I need to step out for a little bit.” Lapis let out an overblown sigh. “I need to go buy a suit.”

Cadence regained her endearing composure. “Take as long as you need to. You are dismissed for the day.”

Lapis grinned, and bowed respectfully. “I’ll make sure that it’s presentable. Have a nice anniversary.” With that, he whirled around, and charged out of the throne room. Cadence watched her bodyguard disappear, and breathed a sigh of relief.

See? She assured herself. Nothing. No undesired feelings, or special attachment. Just a bodyguard.

She stood up, and took a walk to the throne room’s large balcony, which overlooked the entire Empire. Cadence looked over its golden rails, and took in the breathtaking sight of her Empire. The dark storm clouds overhead did nothing to take away from the illuminant city. Cadence leaned on the railing, and cracked a small, wistful smile. Everything’s perfect. She complimented herself. Tomorrow will be the first ever Gala in the Crystal Empire, as well as the best in Equestria.

Cadence felt a drop of rain fall on her back, and she retreated back inside. Shining will be home tonight. I need to go make sure his surprise is ready. She decided. Cadence shut the crystal door to the balcony, and walked over to the large room behind the throne where she and her husband lived.

*******

Almost immediately after Lapis had left the clothing store, rain had begun pouring down outside the castle. “Well isn’t that typical…” He cursed his luck. He looked over at his new expensive suit, and its meager plastic coat. He quickly muttered a spell to himself, and created a magical bubble around the suit. “That oughta keep it dry.” He complimented himself. He trotted out of the rain, and took shelter underneath the Crystal Castle. Lapis let out a weary sigh, and leaned against one of the castle’s legs.

“It’s the Empress’ anniversary today… She seems pretty excited about it.” Lapis monologued. “Two years now, huh? And she’s still this excited. Heh, makes me kinda jealous. I wish I had a wife who loved me that much.”

That’s not why you’re jealous. His inner voice nagged him. Lapis shook his head, and looked straight ahead. His eyes were caught by the sight directly in front of him, the Crystal Heart.

“The Crystal Heart… I doubt I’ll ever forget when the Princess brought it back.” Lapis recalled nostalgically. ‘The Crystal Heart has returned. Use the light and love within you to ensure that King Sombra does not.’

Lapis closed his eyes, and smiled dreamily. “Princess...” He whispered. If I was her husband… “Shut up.” He stopped himself. “She’s your Empress. She has a husband, whom she is very happy with. Stop desiring something you can never have.”

Lapis hung his head, crestfallen. He knew that he had preparations to make for the upcoming Gala, but he didn’t budge. He just leaned against the castle, watching the Crystal Heart, and listening to the sound of falling rain.

*******

Night had fallen over the Crystal Empire, yet it was near unnoticeable with the heavy storm clouds hanging overhead. The crystal ponies had all gone back to their homes, and the sound of the rain went unchallenged in the night.

Cadence was pacing inside of her living quarters, double-checking everything she had set out for her anniversary. On the kitchen table was both the cake she had baked, and her small, delicately wrapped present. “Shining will love it.” Cadence chirped gleefully. “This will cheer him up. After all of the extra work he’s been doing, he’ll need it.” Cadence beamed at her work, and waited anxiously for the door to open. “I feel like a filly again.” She giggled.

Cadence’s happiness began to ebb away as the minutes flew by. She continued to sit and wait for her husband to walk through the door, but it seemed like it never would. Did he get caught up with something? Cadence wondered as she glared at the unmoving door.

Finally, after there was no light left outside, the door creaked open.  Cadence snapped out of her half-sleep, and jumped to her hooves. Shining Armor stepped through the doorway, and hung his purple helmet on the wall. Cadence beamed, and ran up to greet him.

“Welcome home, Shining.” Cadence greeted him, and then gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

“Good to be home, Cadence.” Shining Armor replied in a relieved tone.

Cadence broke away from him, and smiled giddily. “I have something for you.” She sang.

Shining Armor seemed incredibly surprised by her statement. “Really?” He asked.

Cadence giggled, and skipped over to the kitchen table. She gestured to the present, and Shining Armor approached it happily. “Heh, what’s the occasion?” He queried, as he picked up his present.

All glee fled from Cadence’s face. She stared blankly at Shining Armor, who was smiling innocently. “Haha, hahahaha, good joke honey.” She attempted to laugh.

Shining Armor now looked completely confused, and his eyes drifted to the cake on the table. “Happy anni…ver…” His eyes instantly widened as he read the writing on the cake. He swiftly set down his present, and whirled around to Cadence. “H-happy anniversary, Cadence!” He shouted frantically.

Cadence looked into his fearful eyes, and came to the only conclusion possible. She sighed heavily, and looked down at her hooves. He… forgot… She thought sorrowfully.

“Uhm… Cadence…” Shining Armor stammered nervously.

Cadence looked at him with a frighteningly wide grin. “Well, who cares if you forgot? It’s out anniversary! Open your present, dear!” She ordered him with forced happiness.

“Cadence…” Shining Armor murmured guiltily.

“Go on! Open it! Don’t be shy!” Cadence encouraged him.

Shining Armor didn’t make her wait any longer, and he unwrapped the present’s ribbon with his teeth. He removed its contents with his magic, and his guilt grew tenfold when he did. “Oh no…” He whispered dejectedly.

In his magical aura was a pink, crystal replica of his shield cutie mark, in the form of a badge. The badge was shining perpetually, and yet was translucent, like a gemstone. “It’s an enchanted quartz.” Cadence explained, her fake smile fading away. “It’s enchanted to shine forever, like… our… love…”

Shining Armor cringed, completely wracked with guilt. “Cadence…”

Cadence stared at the floor, all of her happiness gone, real or fake. “Let’s… let’s just eat the cake already.” She muttered bitterly, before taking a seat at the kitchen table.

Shining Armor sat down quietly, and magically cut two pieces of the cake. He gave one to Cadence, who just looked at it sadly. My own husband forgot our anniversary… Cadence cried internally. It’s… not a big deal. It’s just an anniversary… Of the most important day of my life…

Cadence glanced over at her husband, who was silently eating cake. He’s just been… busy lately. He wouldn’t have forgotten if he hadn’t been so busy…

But Lapis remembered. She thought suddenly. Well of course he did! I’ve mentioned it for the past week! She countered herself. But you’ve reminded Shining before… and he knows when our anniversary is… How could he forget, when somepony else could remember so easily?!

“…Cadence?” Shining Armor whimpered.

“…Yes?” Cadence slowly hissed, without even raising up her head.

“Uhm… the cake was really good.” He awkwardly complimented.

Cadence continued staring at her hooves. “…Thanks.” She murmured. Shining Armor attempted to say something meaningful, but he couldn’t find the right words. Eventually, Cadence stood up, and began walking to her bedroom. “I’m going to bed.” She muttered to her husband, and then locked the bedroom door behind her.

Cadence wobbled over to her bed, and collapsed in it. She rested her head against her plush, white pillow, and pulled a blanket over herself. She closed her eyes, and let her emotions flow out of her. A lump appeared in her throat, and she began quietly crying into her pillow. Her tears soaked into the pillow below, and she silently hicced and sobbed in the lonely bedroom.

“Why… Why did he have to forget…?” She bitterly cried. “Why does it hurt so bad…?” She slammed her hoof on the bed. “It’s just… *hic*… a stupid anniversary… so… why…?” Cadence rolled over, and rested her head on her forelegs. “Why does it hurt me so much…?”

Cadence wept bitterly into her forelegs, and then started grinding her teeth together angrily. “And why… Why do I keep thinking of him?” She wailed. “Why does he keep entering my thoughts? Why… Why did he have to remember my anniversary… why…?”

Cadence broke down, and violently sobbed into her pillow. “Why…?” She sniveled between breaths. “Why does my heart ache so badly?!”

Cadence grabbed Shining Armor’s pillow, and squeezed it in her forelegs. “Why… Shining… Lapis…” She cried despondently, before her tears overtook her, and she couldn’t talk anymore. Her quiet wails were the only sound she could make. After her pillow had become damp with tears, Cadence fell into a heavy, unhappy slumber. The Princess had cried herself to sleep, cold and alone, while her husband found himself occupying the couch for the night.