Shining Feather

“And that's about the jest of it. Any questions?” Twilight asked. She had finally explained to Shining Star about the history of Equestria to the lost princess. Twilight had found out that Shining Star was a super genius through their talk and was shocked to find out about some of the stuff she knew. The only thing she didn't really know was common things in the outside world like different genders and the like. But when it came to technology she was amazing, magic she studied it more the herself. Basically anything that involved her mind she was excellent at.

“Well it sounds like princess Luna and princess Celestia abuse their powers if you ask me” Shining Star said plainly.

“What makes you say that?” Twilight asked.

“I'm not saying their bad people, but the whole Nightmare Moon thing could have been avoided if Celestia gave Luna some time in the spotlight, I mean banishing her little sister for a thousand years seems a bit harsh for something like that, really who wouldn't be angry at their older sibling for taking all the glory and credit?” Shining Star pointed out.

“It wasn't because she wanted to, Celestia had no other choice, Nightmare Moon would have killed her” Twilight said back to counter this.

“But like I said, there would have been no need for it if she just gave Luna some time in the spotlight. Everyone wants or has been in the spotlight, kind of like you Twilight” Shining Star said with a smile. “Your a princess after all. It wouldn't be shocking to learn if your friends are jealous of you in some way”

“You think my friends are jealous of me?” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “That doesn't make any sense”

“Twilight, you have it all, to be honest it sounds like it was all given to you on a silver plate” Shining Star pointed out. “No offense of course. But you were made a princess and being made a princess doesn't make you a princess, from the sound of it Celestia still rules over all of Equestria and Cadance is the only other one that has a kingdom. You and Luna are just kind of there”

“Well...yeah, if you put it like that I guess that's true, but it doesn't bother us. I can speak for myself anyway” Twilight said feeling hurt. She didn't want to admit it but Shining Star was right. She was just there for show, that's how she felt anyways.

“I don't mean to sound so negative Twilight Sparkle. It's just for me princess is just a title if you don't have a place or kingdom to rule over. And to be honest, Cadance confuses me” Shining Star brought up. “I know she's a princess and all. But is she ashamed of her husband or something?”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked. “They love each other”

“But in my books a married couple has rings to symbolize their togetherness. But they don't wear any, and a princess is only an unmarried Queen really so shouldn't she be Queen Cadance? Not princess. That just makes me think they don't love each other as they let on” Shining Star pointed out.

“It's not like that, they need to wear their rings to show that they love each other, trust me Shining Star the books don't do love justice. I can't really explain how love works ether” Twilight said trying to explain something she's never really experienced.

“Hmm, I guess I'll have to study what love is more” Shining Star said to herself. “It's so confusing”

“Don't worry about it Shining Star, love is complicated. It's not something you can really make sense of” Twilight said with a smile.

“Do you have anyone you love?” Shining Star asked.

“Me?” Twilight blushed thinking about it. “Well that's hard to say”

“I see” Shining Star said taking notes on the subject. “The world is amazing outside the walls”

“You've only seen the start of what our world has to offer Shining Star, it'll change your life” Twilight said.

They were talking for so long they barely noticed the train coming to the station in Canterlot. Twilight got up and stretched. “Well that was fast, shall we?”

Shining Star nodded and stood up. They left the train and Shining Star was impressed with the city they entered. “Wow, this is Canterlot huh?”

“It's the best place for magic users and studying, you'll like it here” Twilight said as they walked. She noticed that Shining Star was close behind her just like before.

“Uh...maybe?” Shining Star slightly whispered. “So...many people...”

“Oh right. Well just stick with me and you'll be okay” Twilight said.

“Right...okay...” Shining Star said worried.

Twilight took Shining Star out of the train and looked around. She missed Canterlot and all her visits with her friends. “I wonder if the girls would like to come here and just hang out again?”

Before they could leave the station Twilight noticed Melody Bloom at the station. “Huh?”

“Let's see some cute guys...” Melody Bloom said to herself. “What about the girls?”

“Melody? What are you doing here?” Twilight asked as she walked over to her.

Melody turned and smiled at her. “Oh hey Twilight. I'm just looking around for some hunks like I promised”

“You know Melody? You don't have to do that for me, I mean I'm thankful for you trying, but shouldn't I be looking for my lover? Not you?” Twilight pointed out.

“Well sure, but all I'm doing is finding you options, although I've been getting a lot of weird looks” Melody said pondering why she got those were looks.

“Well I'd rather us just hang out again” Twilight admitted.

“Oh well sure Twilight.” Melody smiled at this. “I have some running around I have to do but later we should do something”

“I'd like that that. I have to visit the princess's” Twilight said. “I'll see you later then”

“Wait the princess's? I have to see Luna today, she needs my help for something” Melody said. “I don't know what though”

“Oh that's cool, would you like to come with me?” Twilight asked.

“I'll be seeing Luna late tonight, that's when she wanted to talk” Melody explained. “I'll see you and your new friend later”

Melody pointed out Shining Star who had been trying to hide behind Twilight. “She's new, you'll get to like her. Her name is Shining Star”

“Nice to meet you Shining Star. I can't wait to talk later” Melody said. “But I have to get going”

Shining Star didn't make a sound as Melody left. “Who was that?”

“She's Melody Bloom, a good friend, we had some bumps but we're over it now” Twilight explained.

“Oh okay...” Shining Star quietly spoke. “She seemed nice...”

“She is” Twilight took Shining Star to the castle as fast as she could so Shining Star wouldn't freak out as much. When they got to the castle the guards were at the gate waiting. “Princess Twilight. Princess Celestia is waiting for you at the throne room”

“Thank you, we'll go right away” Twilight said as they walked past them. “You feeling alright so far Shining Star?”

Shining Star was clinging to her back feeling eyes on her ever since they got to Canterlot. She wanted to get out of the city and hide but thanks to Twilight she was only half as scared as she could have been. “I...I'm okay...”

“That's good” Twilight said as they walked through the hallways.

They walked into the throne room and saw Celestia and Luna talking. Celestia was a beautiful white furred alicorn girl with magenta eyes and long hair with many different colors such as cerulean and pink as well as greenish blue and a normal blue. She was wearing a white royal dress with gold trim. The dress cupped her breasts nicely and held against her figure perfectly.

Luna was a dark blue alicorn girl with sapphire blue hair and cyan colored hair. She had a blue and silver dress that hugged her waist and showed off a bit of leg through a cut.

“Sister I don't think we're ready for another princess. Twilight was already rushed and we still have no kingdom for her. Cadance has her own kingdom but it took years to get her one. I don't mean to question your decision but if there is one alicorn born like we were. Haven't we invaded their country?”

“I understand what your saying Luna. But we're not even sure we can trust her, she could be like Sombra or the queen of the changelings” Celestia pointed out. “It wouldn't be wise to let this new princess run free until we know who she really is”

“Well we actually have no say dear sister. She is a alicorn naturally born that means we don't have any say with her” Luna said.

“Excuse me?” Twilight asked as they walked up. “Princess Celestia and Luna?”

“Oh Twilight. Thank you for taking time away from your duties to asset us with this...problem” Celestia said relieved to get off the subject she was having with her sister.

“It's no trouble at all princess Celestia” Twilight said and stepped to the side revealing Shining Star. “This is Shining Star, the one Cadance told you about”

Shining Star looked at them and was impressed with their royal demeanor. “Uh...hello?”

“Greeting to you Ms. Shining Star” Luna said. “We have much to discuss with you”

Celestia smiled and went down to meet her face to face. “My name is Celestia and this is my sister Luna, we are alicorns like you”

“Hm...hi...” Shining Star looked down away from her. “Ni...nice to....meet you...”

Celestia looked her over and something caught her attention. “You...remind me of someone...I can't place it though”

“Can you tell us about yourself?” Luna asked as she walked down to them.

“Uh...well...there isn't much to talk about...” Shining Star said playing with her fingers. “My mother and father left me in a sealed up room all my life, all I had was books to read and magic to study, as well as technology but that was it”

“Do you know anything about your parents?” Celestia asked.

“No but Sometimes I dreamed I met them but that was all” Shining Star admitted.

“And as far as you know you've always been a alicorn?” Luna asked.

“Isn't everyone?” Shining Star asked. “I mean Shining Armor didn't have wings but I thought everyone outside was one”

“Do you know about Unicorn, Pegasi and earth pony's?” Celestia asked.

“Well I read about them in my books but I thought they were just a fairytale” Shining Star said blushing at her lack of knowledge of the real world.

“I have a question Shining Star?” Luna spoke up. “If you are a alicorn and lived in the Crystal Empire all your life. Does that mean you are the princess of the Crystal Empire?”

Celestia looked at her sister annoyed. That was something they didn't want to bring up until later but Luna was curious more then she thought.

“Me a princess?” Shining Star looked at her confused. “If I was a princess I'd be a princess of a room”

Twilight laughed to herself at this. She enjoyed the sarcasm Shining Star did, she found it rather funny and she noticed Celestia herself was enjoying it as well.

“So your an alicorn and not a princess?” Luna looked at her annoyed.

“Well to be a princess you have be born into it as far as I read. I don't know anything about my family so I don't know if I am or not” Shining Star explained.

“I suppose that makes sense, your a strange case Shining Star” Luna said.

“Enough with all the questions Luna, we simply wish to get to know you Shining Star. How about over a cup of tea?” Celestia said stepping in.

“I'd like that” Shining Star smiled finally.

“I'd like to stay but I really should get back to Ponyville” Twilight pointed out. “I'll be going now. Have fun Shining Star”

“Wait...your leaving?” Shining Star looked at her worried. “But...I don't want to be alone...”

“Your not alone, Celestia and Luna are great people. Give them a chance okay? I'll be back later” Twilight said and walked out of the room.

Shining Star looked back and at the princess's. “Oh my...”

“Don't worry. We would like to discuss some times with you that's all” Celestia said calmly to calm the scared Alicorn.

“Well...I guess so...” Shining Star said as Celestia and Luna took her into a different room with a table and some chairs.

Luna and Celestia sat down and Celestia patted the chair next to her. “Please sit”

Shining Star nodded and sat down with them. Their servants quickly served them the fancy tea with some cookies. “You have people to give you food?”

“Well being a princess means having others do things for you among other things” Luna pointed out.

“I think I read about that once in one of my books” Shining Star said taking her tea and taking a sip.

“Well the real world and the books are very different” Celestia spoke up. “We can teach you everything we know if you wish?”

“Really? You'd help me even though we just met?” Shining Star looked at the older sister with a slight smile.

“Of course, your young and lost in a world you don't know, we'll do everything we can to help” Celestia added.

“Thank you...I..I've never had friends before...” Shining Star smiled fully now.

“It's been ages since I've had a friend around my age, Twilight and Cadance are nice but they do not understand me” Luna said. “Maybe you do? Being locked away for a thousand years puts a toll on ones mind”

Celestia looked at her sister worried and Shining Star nodded. “I do understand what it's like, to be all alone”

“Do not worry sister I am not blaming you, I am blaming myself for my actions” Luna said to cheer her sister up.

“Twilight told me all about you two on the way here, family must be rough huh?” Shining Star pointed out.

“It is hard” Celestia said. “But thanks to some help we've moved past it”

“I wish I had a family...” Shining Star said with a sigh.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other and then back at lost alicorn before Celestia spoke up. “Would you like to be in our family?”

“Huh? Me?” Shining Star looked at her confused. “But how?”

“Well Cadance is part of our family and Twilight is like a daughter to me” Celestia pointed out. “I don't see why we can't take you in as one of us, your an alicorn all you need is a kingdom and your a princess like us”

“Really?” Shining Star smiled. “Well...can I think about it?”

“Of course, you should probably get used to the outside world first” Celestia said smiling back at her.

“Yeah, I have a lot to learn. Good thing I'm a fast learner then” Shining Star said before taking her cup of tea and taking a sip.

“So Shining Star? How old are you?” Luna asked before she took a sip of her tea.

“I'm only about 117 I think” Shining Star said.

“But you were sealed away for one thousand years, wouldn't you be older?” Celestia asked.

“Actually it's a bit odd but once I haven't aged in a long time” Shining Star explained. “I don't really know why”

“You have an amazing history Shining Star” Celestia said smiling. “You must have had a trying day Shining Star. Finding out about a brand new world, discovering what men are and learning so much all on one evening. Would you like to get some rest?”

“Well where could I sleep?” Shining Star asked.

“You could rest in my room, my bed is big enough for two” Luna pointed out.

“Would that be okay?” Shining Star looked at Celestia as if to get approval, she knew that Celestia was the older sister and knew it would be weird having her younger sister sharing a bed with a stranger.

“Well your room won't be ready until tomorrow so I don't see a problem with that” Celestia said approvingly.

“Then it is settled, I shall get ready for you then!” Luna said before she finished her tea and got up. “You two can chat while I am gone”

Luna left to go prepare and Celestia smiled at Shining Star. “So tell me, did you ever question why you were a alicorn?”

“Well sometimes I guess, why do you ask?” Shining Star raised an eyebrow.

“It's just that me and my sister were the only Alicorn's born in a long time, seeing another like us is...it's rather amazing and I'd like to get to know you more. As true friends” Celestia said taking her hoof out.

“I'd actually like that...very much Princess Celestia” Shining Star put her hoof against hers.

“Please, we're alicorns, you don't need to be so formal with me or my sister, your not one of my subjects” Celestia said.

“Okay Celestia, I look forward to future days in this kingdom” Shining Star said getting up. “I feel a lot better knowing that”

Celestia and Shining Star both then finished their cups of tea and Celestia walked away, she had a few things to do for the rest of the day. Shining Star yawned and walked out of the room. She finally had a good look of the castle since she was alone.

She noticed the stain glass windows with Twilight and some other mares along the hallway. She stopped to look at the glass and knew it told of Twilight's adventures. “Twilight's gone through a lot huh? I wonder who this Discord is?”

She stopped at the Discord panel and looked at it confused. “Some strange creatures here too”

“I'm strange? What about you?” A voice came from the glass.

“What? is...is someone there?” Shining Star asked looking around.

“Of course. I'm right in front of you” The window spoke again.

Shining Star backed up and looked right at the window. “Huh?”

Discord then popped out of the stained glass and grinned at her. “I didn't know we had another princess coming to Equestria, I would have washed my hair”

“Woah...your...alive? A painting is talking to me...” Shining Star thought herself crazy for a second but realized this thing was real. “You must be...um...Discord...”

“I'm flattered you know me princess. But you have me at a disadvantage” Discord said appearing around her like a snake.

“Uh...m-m-my...name is....” Shining Star was shaking due to how close he was. “Uhhhhh...”

“Well hello there Uhhhh. What kind of princess of you?” Discord laughed enjoying the fact she was so new to everything.

“Well I...I don't know and my name is...Shining...Star...” Shining Star jumped away of his coiling body.

“Shining Star? Why that is a cute name. I do hope we get along. We can be the best of friends” Discord said and turned himself back to normal.

Shining Star's horn glowed a pink color and a crystal barrier appeared around her. She didn't know who or what Discord was. But she didn't trust him. “Stay back...creature”

“Harsh. But I understand. I'm not that well liked and for good reasons” Discord said not getting any closer to her. “I'm not a villain anymore you know? I'm reformed”

“Your a villain? What's that?” Shining Star asked keeping her guard up.

“I probably shouldn't have said that. Oh I'm just terrible with old habits” Discord laughed about to move towards her when Luna appeared behind him.

“DISCORD!!!” Luna spoke in her powerful royal voice. Lightning shot behind her as she spoke. “GET AWAY FROM HER AT ONCE!!!”

Discord stopped and backed away before turning to the princess on the stairs. “Oh Princess Luna, I was just meeting our new guest-”

“ENOUGH!!!” Luna teleported in between them and glared at Discord. “You are NOT to speak to Shining Star or even look at her! Do you understand!?”

“But we're becoming so close now, isn't that how friendship starts?” Discord asked as he pointed out Celestia's whole friendship thing.

“Your friendship's always end with betrayal, as I recall you broke Fluttershy's heart when you turned against her, after everything she did for you” Luna pointed out.

“That was so long ago though. How can I redeem myself if no one gives me a chance?” Discord asked annoyed. “And I've been trying to fix that problem”

“Unlike my sister I do not forgive so easily” Luna spoke in anger.

“Oh come now Princess Luna. Let's not get so angry now” Discord said. “We're going to have to work on that anger problem of yours”

“Silence Discord. You will not bother this young ailcorn again” Luna said as she grabbed Shining Star.

Shining Star looked at them both confused. “What is going on?”

“Discord is a Draconequus. His magic is cruel and wild and he used to be a villain, they say he is reformed but he has turned on us more then once” Luna explained.

“Twilight told me a bit about him...but I didn't know he was that bad” Shining Star said embarrassed that Luna was holding her.

“But people can change. And everyone deserves another chance. Isn't that what Celestia says? She never says how many chances people can have” Discord said jokingly.

“You pushed your chances over and over. As far as I am concerned you lost your chances” Luna said before taking Shining Star up the stairs.

“I guess I deserve that. First Melody hates me and then Princess Luna and Fluttershy. I'm not as good at making friends like I thought” Discord said to himself and went back into the stained glass.

Luna took Shining Star into her room and smiled. “Sorry about that show of anger. I can't stand that freak”

“I thought you didn't like me at first but the way you talked to him. You don't mind me at all huh?” Shining Star asked as she looked around the room. The room was dark and only lit up by candle light. The entire room was rather large but all she really had was a bed and a few old books on a desk with some ink and quills.

“Of course I don't mind you. I'm sorry I was so rude to you before. I haven't been good with people for over a thousand years” Luna explained. “Living on the moon all alone with only oneself will do that to you”

“Wow..” Shining Star smiled at her. “That means we're a lot alike then huh?”

“We were both alone for the last thousand years..” Luna nodded looking a bit sad.

Shining Star could tell she was hurt and understood why. Her own sister banished her to the moon after all. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean it to be a bad thing”

“It's not your fault I was sealed away on the moon for a thousand years” Luna said. “My sister did that to me”

“Do you hate her for it?” Shining Star asked as she sat on the guest bed.

“I can't say I hate her. I'm hurt yes but I don't hate her anymore” Luna said sitting on her own bed. “You should get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day”

“Is it always big for princess's?” Shining Star asked as she laid down.

“Not always, sometimes we talk to the common people” Luna said seriously.

“Common people?” Shining Star looked at her confused. “What do you mean?”

“Those who are not royalty of course” Luna pointed out. “My sister has forgotten what it means to be a princess”

“Really? She seemed really nice though” Shining Star said before she let out a yawn.

“Everyone says that about my dear sister” Luna said laying down and turning to her side.

Shining Star closed her eyes and went to sleep just as there was a knock on the door. Luna smiled and got up making sure not to wake Shining Star. She quietly opened the door and saw Melody on the other side.

“Hey Luna!” Melody said happily and Luna put a finger over her lips. “Mmm?”

“Shh. My guest is sleeping” Luna said.

“Oh sorry” Melody said and moved her hand away from her mouth. “I came by for your request”

“My request is to learn music. I heard you are one of the best” Luna said.

“Wait...you want to learn about music?” Melody raised an eyebrow confused.

“Is that bad?” Luna asked.

“No. not at all. I'm just wondering why” Melody said as she paced a little. “You have everything and can get the best tutors for that sort of thing. Why ask me?”

“Because I wish to learn...and I also wish to clear the air between us princess's and you” Luna admitted.

Melody rolled her eyes at this. “So that's why you asked for me? Do you know me at all?”

“Yes. You and my sister have been at odds for quite some time and I wish to help you two as well as learn music” Luna said.

Melody groaned as she leaned against the wall. “Are you kidding? Me and Celestia are on friendly terms aren't we?”

“Your friendly terms “Don't talk to me and I won't bother you” isn't really working. Celestia wishes to be on actual friendly terms. She truly wishes your friendship” Luna explained.

“Four thousand years of a frozen prison isn't something that's easily forgiven. What more do you want from me?” Melody asked. “And why do you care how I feel about your sister?”

“I know. I know. I am not a fan of my sister myself but I still love her and I want her happy” Luna pointed out.

“Well...the music thing I can do. But Celestia and I...it's tough to say at the least” Melody explained. “I can't just pretend to enjoy being around her”

“Can I ask of you to at least give her a chance?” Luna asked.

Melody stopped and thought about it. She didn't like the idea but then again her friend Twilight was also an alicorn so she couldn't ignore this problem anymore. She was so focused on her built up rage against Alicorns that she hadn't fully stepped out of the past. “Maybe I've been stuck in the old ways for too long...”

“So will you do this?” Luna asked again.

Melody nodded. “Sure. I'll give it a shot”