Chapters I originally thought my name was Shining Armor. It was the name I was given after all, as if my dad had high hopes for me. I was my own colt, being able to entertain myself when no one else was there. I thought it was just me, and to say it was lonely would be an understatement. It wasn't until little Twilie was born that things changed. I could simply say I wasn't lonely anymore now that I had a sister, but that would leave out the very important details.
I was her. When she was born, it was as if I was too. I was still Shining, I had my thoughts, memories, and everything. But now that this new life came into the world, my mind was split in two. I had her thoughts, her memories (however short they were). She was mine to control, just as I controlled myself. Originally I thought of her like a remote control toy, as twisted as it sounds, but I began to realize I was her. I was Twilight Sparkle, just as I was Shining Armor. Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle, we...well...I shared a conscious. Two ponies with one soul.
I shared the senses between my two bodies. Two senses of smell, touch, taste, sight, and sound. They overlapped each other constantly. I spent to first few weeks in seclusion. I would hide away, while I tried to figure this all out. If it was possible for a colt to go insane at such a young age, I'm pretty sure I did. In my lack of action I noticed there was no such thing as an auto-pilot, I couldn't let Twilight do her own thing, unless I wanted her to just stay motionless somewhere.
Sharing a conscious between two bodies is something impossible to describe perfectly. It wasn't something where I could simply “change channels” between the two. It was as if I had two televisions on different channels at the same time. Of course, over the years I got the hang of it. Needless to say, I'm a great multitasker now. One thing I never got used to, though, was both of me being in the same room. Seeing two versions of yourself, through two pairs of eyes, is maddening. Hugging, for instance, was unimaginably disturbing. I wouldn't have done it if I didn't have to hide this secret. No one knew, not even my parents.
I made use of it though. I naturally used Shining for more demanding tasks, as I was better connected with that form. He had been here longer. I had Shining studying some serious combat magic, and I went through some rigorous training through him. I enlisted in the guard, and made my parents rather proud in that fact. Then there was Twilight. Since she was born, and I was given her, I had this insane sense of curiosity. Not just of my situation, but of everything. That's how Twilight was put to use, she read and read and read. She study all other fields of magic, mainly trying to figure out how something like me could exist. Naturally my searches came up fruitless, but she was, and indirectly me, incredibly smart because of it. I was so obsessed with finding an answer I had her try out for Celestia's school for gifted unicorns. It was rather embarrassing, I won't lie. What was so scary about that situation was when she lost control of her magic.
I lost her for a minute.
I was focusing on her, while I was reading some military history through Shining, as I knew Twilight would need a lot of concentration for today. Suddenly a massive explosion of color ran through the sky. I shook in the tower while I was reading, rather unshaken as Shining. Twilight, however, lost all restraint completely. The next thing I knew my entire being was thrust back into Shining, as if Twilight had never been born. Naturally, I lost it. I started thrashing about, screaming at the top of my lungs, crying for my sister. I thought she had perished.
I ran outside and saw the tower she was testing in off in the distance. Massive lights were shining through the windows. Then a massive dragon broke through the ceiling. Had I not been disconnected from my other self, I probably would have laughed at that, as he looked rather silly. I was about to curl up and sob, mourning the loss of my other half.
Then she was back.
I had Twilight's senses back, and I saw that Celestia had saved her from whatever had happened. I sighed an incredibly heavy sigh before trotting over to my other self, not wanting to be far from Twilight anymore. Apparently in the chaos, she had earned her cutie mark. I was elated at this fact, aside from having her back. After all, not everypony gets a cutie mark a second time. On top of that, she had become the Princess's personal student. I was a prodigy twice over. Shining was the youngest Captain of the Guard in centuries, and now Twilight was the protege of Celestia. Damn was I happy.
After the test, I met myself and hugged tightly on to the other, never wanting to be separated like that again. Even though it was unnerving originally, I have never felt such comfort before or after. In that little span of time, I imagined the two as two different ponies, as if I was hugging my sister who wasn't me. No one can ever understand the strength I felt. Somewhere, in Twilight's subconscious, I could have swore I felt the same relief as my own, but it wasn't mine.
I rarely left my side from then on, often going on trips as “siblings.” That prospect confused me to no end. Ponies often told me that I was closer to myself than most other siblings. I wouldn't stay far away from my other self for anything.
Then it happened again.
On the night for the Summer Sun Celebration, I was sleeping as Shining, as I needed the rest for him for tomorrow. You see, whenever one body was asleep, I had full concentration on the other. So with Twilight having my undivided attention, I had recounted her day's events. Ponyville was a nice place, I had to admit. It sucked we had to be away from each other, but at least the carriage ride wasn't too long.
Throughout the day I had met some crazy mares in such a short amount of time, and now I was trying to shrug off the pink party pony, Pinkie Pie, who had invaded my new library home. I noticed the others were there too. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity. They were an annoyance, at the time. All I wanted to do was see if this library had anything to offer to my ongoing project of trying to figure out my situation. It would seem however I wouldn't get that chance. I was getting frustrated at the loud noise going on that it almost woke Shining. I retreated to the room upstairs to see if I could get some rest. However, Spike informed me that wasn't going to happen, but he let me be. I looked outside at the moon. I still found myself worried about what the book had said.
Once it was time to watch the sun rise, I found myself in Ponyville's town hall. What was odd was I found myself hoping to see Shining there with the guard. I knew I was asleep in my other body and knew that wouldn't happen. I hoped to have both of me there because of the prophecies. Once Twilight read that omen, I grew paranoid, and it showed. Celestia had assured me, both of me, that I had nothing to worry about. Sure enough, she appeared despite Celestia's promises. Shining woke up instantly, and I tried to scrambled some troops while I held things off in Ponyville. She was confident, that much was sure, but if anyone was going to stop her it was going to be me, Twilight or Shining. Nightmare Moon made her little declaration that the night would last forever, and took off toward the Everfree Forest. Once I got home I put Spike to bed. I was interrupted searching through a book by those crazy mares, Rainbow Dash even accusing me of being an accomplice. I told them about the Elements of Harmony I had studied earlier. I told them to meet at the entrance of the forest.
This gave me time in Canterlot to conduct a search for Celestia. I had squads check every single corner of the city for her. I searched through Twilight's memories for anything to do in this kind of situation. If Celestia had a hiding spot, if something was supposed to happen to her, anything. Nothing came up, not from the memories or the guards. Sighing in defeat, I decided these Elements would be Equestria's only hope. I retired back into Shining's quarters again and focused on Twilight.
I met with the other mares near the entrance and we began our trek. These new friends of mine proved incredibly helpful, and I'm glad they were there to save my flank a number of times. We had only met that day and their personalities were almost clear to me. I trusted them, and they trusted me. I remember Applejack's honesty, as she saved me from falling to my death. Something I'll have to thank her for later. Fluttershy's kindness was something I respected, a few of Shining's guards could learn a thing or two. Pinkie Pie, as it turns out, is actually rather funny. That, or she's insane. Either way, she was definitely a good singer, and got us out of a pretty creepy section of the forest. Rarity was a beautiful mare, and I'm certain, had I experienced this through Shining, I would have been attracted to her. She was pretty and she knew it. Despite this, she actually gave away her tail to a sea serpent we met along the way. I was stunned honestly. Rarity had certainly gained my respect after that. Then came Rainbow Dash. At a broken down bridge keeping us from the castle, she flew across to tie it at the other end. Nightmare Moon must have caused some sort of illusion.
Beforehand, when I first met her, Rainbow Dash had mentioned how it was her dream to join the Wonderbolts. I had actually met them a few times through Shining, and I liked them a bit. Seeing her in their ranks would be quite the sight. From what I could see from the other side of the gorge, it would seem as if a few Shadowbolts were trying to recruit her. Shadowbolts, haven't seen them outside of history books. If they were talking to Rainbow, I knew we were screwed. To my shock, and pleasant surprise, she actually came back to us, bridge repaired. I really had to stop underestimating these mares. I made a mental note to introduce her to Shining.
The six of us reached the castle ruins where the Elements were supposed to be. Five in total, I just needed to figure out what the sixth one was. Fluttershy and Rainbow brought them down to us. I laid down on the floor and focused my magic, warning them that I had no idea what i was doing, and I heard them make their exit. I was so busy trying to make a spark, I hadn't noticed Nightmare Moon begin to steal the balls of stone right in front of me. I jumped in after her, teleporting to another end of the castle ruins. I was dazed for a second before I saw her, holding the Elements on the other side of the chamber. I wasn't going to take her shit, so I got ready to charge her.
“You're kidding. You're kidding, right?” I remember her saying. Oh no, I was not. I galloped after her and she did the same, ready to engage in a little joust. I instantly teleported behind her to the Elements. I focused magic, trying again to desperately cause some sort of reaction out of them. The last thing I remember was it starting to work, then I was hit with what I can only describe as feedback from the Elements.
Then she was gone.
I woke up instantly, now back in Shining's quarters. That sickening feeling of loneliness came again full force. I was paralyzed, my heart and insides felt like they were going to implode. The air above me felt like multiple ten-ton boulders crushing me. The emptiness I felt in my heart was killing me. It felt as if my soul had been cut in half. My mind was reeling in horror at what had just happened, and I feared for Twilight's life. I managed to calm myself, if only slightly, and waited for her senses to come back to me.
They never did...
I didn't sleep that night. My mind was continuously reaching out for something that wasn't there anymore. I was impressed I managed to continue on the next day like nothing had happened, considering I had lost the other half of my being. Princess Celestia was back, so that was good. Apparently Princess Luna, who had been locked up for a thousand years was free too, no longer Nightmare Moon. I heard her welcome back party was fantastic. That's all well and good, too.
But what the hell happened to my sister?!
My anxiety slowly manifested into rage, trying again to search my memories for any sort of clue. This brought forth a startling fact. I hadn't just lost Twilight's senses, I had lost everything. Thoughts, emotions, and most importantly, memories. Everything Twilight had learned, all of her studies that Shining didn't learn, were gone. I was nothing but Shining now, nothing but his experiences and his knowledge. While I was still well off in comparison to most ponies, this frightened me beyond belief.
If I had lost Twilight to something hostile, that met the enemy was more knowledgeable and, honestly, more powerful than I was in my current state. Oh, that wouldn't do at all. I rushed straight for the castle and demanded an audience with Celestia. Luckily, despite that maddening events not a day before, I didn't need to wait. Well, I was Captain of the Guard, I could cut to the front of the line if I wanted to anyway. I barged in, practically sprinting from the other side of Canterlot.
“Celestia!” I pleaded, almost like I would to my mom whenever I managed to hurt myself or Twilight with a wooden sword. I had no use for formalities, even if I was supposed to use them arguably more than any other pony in the kingdom. I'm pretty sure she actually liked that about me though, “showed my youthful authority,” or something like that. I don't know.
“Good morning Shining Armor, what have you been doing that's left you so tired?” She asked, that classic stoic grin ever present.
“I'm fine, but where's Twilie?!” I asked frantically, accidently calling her by my little nickname for her, but I didn't give a damn right then.
“She's fine, don't worry yourself. She managed to use the Elements of Harmony with her new friends and brought back my sister to us. I couldn't be more proud of her. It seems she has decided to stay and live in Ponyville to further study the magic of friendship.”
Okay, that knocked me on my flank. I stared blankly at the throne. So Twilight was actually acting on her own. That's not good. Or maybe it is and I was just paranoid, but with the way I had been utterly severed from her I had just reason to horrified. I was not scared of Twilight herself, I was scared of whatever the hell happened to her. I had no idea what to expect, and that's what scared me the most.
“Shining, are you alright dear?” The Princess asked. I wanted to tell her what had happened, I really did. I just shook my head and made my way out of the throne room. No, I didn't need her motherly help on this one. Something had happened to my Twilie, and I was going to found out what.
I must have had my war face on our something, because as I was walking down the hallways the guards kept stopping to salute me, which I normally order them not to do. Whatever, I was far too distracted to deal with it. On a more pleasant note I had run into Cadance.
Oh Cadance. Sweet Celestia, could I go on about her. I bet you a Canterlot annual income I could write at least three books about her. I'd be lying if I said the idea never crossed my mind. Long story short, she was gorgeous and I was head over hooves for her.
“Shining, are you okay?” She asked me. It would seem I was wearing my troubled banner today, oh silly me.
“Yeah, just...stressed.” I answered simply. She seemed to instantly drop what she was doing and walked with me. Damn I loved her.
“About what?”
Okay, so I have never told anyone about my situation, but I sure hinted at it from time to time. “I just have this really bad feeling about Twilight, I'm worried about what happened the other night.”
“Why's that? Everything seemed to work out all right. Auntie Luna's back, the day is back, and Celestia said Twilight was okay and happy in Ponyville.”
“Yeah, but that doesn't help. In fact, it only worries me more.”
She giggled at me. “You're really are over-protective of her, you know that.”
“Of course I am.” I couldn't help but smirk a little. She was so disarming it was almost illegal. I decided to at least make an excuse for my fear. “She's never really left Canterlot before, or at least for this long.”
“She has Spike with her right? I'm sure she can handle herself without her big brother swooping in to save the day.” She said, rolling her eyes at me. It didn't do much to calm me down though.
I needed to find out whatever I could about what happened, but had little to no leads as to what could have caused it. The only thing that came to mind was when I got her cutie mark...
A large, unstable discharge of magic.
I could only feel it for a second, but both times I was flung from her being. In retrospect, Twilight had seen more action than Shining. Twilight had an incredible reservoir of magic within her, much more than Shining did. It was strange, to say the least, and I honestly found myself scared of it whenever I had used magic through her. Then when I lost control during the exam, I lost her too. But I didn't just lose her, per say, I was thrown .
I remember something, I don't know what, rising as the magic did too. I didn't know what it wanted, I was too busy trying to contain the outburst. I got this sense of hostility, like I was intruding or something. Then I was only Shining.
The same can said for the second time, only it didn't come from within Twi. Actually, I think it came from those rocks at the castle. Those were the Elements right? Did they cause this?
I'll admit I had forgotten all about Cadance next to me, and I'm surprised she didn't speak up. The two of us were walking down the corridor, and she was probably feeling rather awkward without me flirting with her, in a gentlecoltly manner of course. I suddenly stopped as a puff of green smoke blew in front of my face, popping into a scroll in front of me.
I can safely say there is only one other time I have been more scared than when that letter came, but not by much. This message came from Spike, anyone who knew Twilight knew that. They would also know Spike doesn't normally write letters from himself.
Twilight was trying to contact me.
I had no idea what to expect. I stared at the letter on the floor like it would turn into a bunch of snakes if I touched it. I didn't even want to touch it with my magic I was so spooked. Cadance didn't seem to notice my worry.
“Oh, speak of Discord! That's from her isn't it?” Cadance asked me, grabbing it with her magic.
“Cadance...” I started. She looked at me, a little confused, before giving it back to me.
“Sorry Shining, I won't invade you and your sister's privacy.” She stated, almost sarcastically. She didn't seem to notice how scared my voice sounded.
We said our goodbyes and left each other. I didn't even watch her flank as she left. So yes, I was very preoccupied. I trotted as fast as I could back to my quarters in the castle without drawing too much attention, holding the letter as far away from me as I could without it looking suspicious.
As soon as I entered I threw the paper against the wall as hard as I could, bucking the door closed. I casted a number of sound wards to make sure no one could hear anything. I stood in the middle of my room and slid to the floor. My body felt completely numb. The fear I had earlier was replaced with bitter anger over what was stolen from me. I glared at the letter, debating whether or not to set it ablaze.
After I spent an eternity trying to calm my nerves, I finally grabbed the letter and opened. I immediately learned another important piece of information. I couldn't read it at first. It was protected by a special enigma ward I had made years ago for myself.
Now why, you may be asking, would I make a secret encryption technique between two ponies if I had access to both of them at any given time? You see, I used to keep a journal of my rather odd life. I figured if I never could understand what was happening to me, I should at least document it for any future generations who might have the answer, or be suffering from it themselves. With that in mind, I made a special journal with an enigma code, the translator on the back cover visible only by magical sight under a special light. I would switch ownership of the journal between Shining and Twilight whenever something important was coming up or had already happened.
An idea sprang to my head as I began to vigorously search my room. Sure enough, I found the journal underneath a little hole in the floor beneath my bed. I had completely forgotten to give it to Twilie before she left for Ponyville. I was thanking my stupidity as I took another look at the letter. If I had the only guide to our language with me, than that meant one thing.
She still had her memories.
Twilight still had her experience, and therefore her knowledge. This could be very, very bad. If she had indeed been taken over by something of ill will, then it had a wide arsenal to use. Then again, it was the Elements of Harmony that caused it, so maybe it was just a necessary means to save Equestria from Nightmare Moon. Although, it could have also been some sort of magic placed by Nightmare Moon herself.
Witness, fillies and gentlecolts, the birthplace of my paranoia.
I sighed, knowing I was getting way too ahead of myself. I haven't even read the damn paper yet. After I quick run through, I translated it in my head:
Shining Armor,
I hope you're okay. I'm not sure if anything happened to you too, but I think I'm actually myself now! I don't know exactly what happened or why, but I think I've finally gained my independence! I no longer hear our thoughts, my mind is my own. I admit I was incredibly lonely that night, but at least my new friends were there to keep me company. I'm sure you must feel as lonely as I am, but I'm still here and you should have no reason to worry. I can't wait to see you with my own eyes for once.
I have so many questions Shining, and none of the books I've read, here or under our collective conscious, have any answers. I hope you're not as scared as I was. I had no idea what had happened, nor had I any idea of what I should do. It was, after all, the first time I had control of myself ever.
Just know that I am okay down here, but I want to see you. I want to know if you know anything about what was going on, before and after. I talked to the princesses and they would love for me to come back up home for a visit in a week or so.
This next part wasn't in my code.
On a lighter note I noticed they are going to start selling tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala. I was wondering, were you planning on going? I don't know if I will but it would be a lot of fun if we both went.
Take care of yourself Shining,
Twilight Sparkle
Okay, I admit, this relieved me somewhat. I was honestly expecting it to be a giant curse and hex covered threat letter of her blaming me for complete domination of her soul and that she was now free of my evil will, now seeking revenge. The thought actually rolled around in my head that she might have been suffering an extreme case of Stockholm syndrome. That actually made me laugh a bit, although I do not believe she was. If I was actually holding her captive the entire time, I don't think I was that cruel. I thought I was treating her properly. It's not like I really had a choice in it either.
Well, everything would just have to wait until next week. I could at least take solace that she didn't seem to hold me accountable for it. With that little concern now busted, I could start adapting to life without her, however hard it might be.
It doesn't mean my paranoia over the situation was gone.
The next day after our little severing was very real to me. It was hard to hide it from the others too. With my worries temporarily put aside I could finally experience life as a single entity, in one body. Of course it was strange to my peers why I seemed to be spacing out so much recently. I would never really tell them why.
I can't really count how many times I've read over Twilie's letter. While it seems she means well, I can't help feel that she might think I was captive too. That it was both of us under some force's control rather than just her. I hope this isn't the case, or she's just accepting of the circumstances, because I don't want to think of the consequences of her ignorance.
However, I'd rather worry about that when it happens. Right now I had more important things to take care of.
“There you are Shining! I was looking for you!” Cadence called from behind me.
“You're always looking for me.” I stated with my ever-present charm.
She had practically trained me to be her personal carriage, and as per usual, she jumped upon my back. Now, I will never tell her this, or any mare for that matter, but alicorns are heavier than they look. Princess Celestia? Hell, I know of only one stallion who could properly lift her. Believe me, we've tested. “Well you're not that hard to find. I can see the muscular, white coat of yours miles away.”
“Oh really? Have you tried? Are you stalking me Cadence?” I smiled.
“Of course not! I use those tiny telescopes to watch the stars! Anyway, for the real reason I'm here, we need to head to the throne room. Auntie's waiting for us.”
Normally those words would strike the nerves of every pony in Equestria. Whether Celestia's audience with you was good or bad, you're going to be sweating bricks. When you're Captain of the Royal Guard, however, she'll hit you with a silly little nickname as a reminder of how you humiliated yourself that makes you want to hit yourself in the face with said sweated brick. It was one time dammit!
So I made my way to the throne room as a one-pony capacity alicorn transport and pushed open the door. Now what they say about Celestia and her throne is actually true, she does sit on it for most parts of the day. Not because of the power or anything like that, but because it's apparently very comfortable. She sat there, with the only other ponies present were ones I trusted who wouldn't spread the word of what Celly calls me.
“Hello Sunshine.” She greeted. The amount of self-control it took not to slam my face so hard into the perfect marble floor was so powerful, I think the potential energy could have moved the planet a few inches. Didn't stop my “friends” from laughing however. How one little slip of the tongue due to morning fatigue became the inside joke among the guard and royalty I'll never know. Guess I should just count my blessings Blueblood doesn't know about it.
“Hello Princess. What do you need?” I asked. Simple, nothing more.
“Why don't you both come with me, there's someone very special I want you two to meet.” She explained. I had a pretty good idea who it was and I'm sure Cadence did too.
Time to meet the legendary Mare in the Moon.
I wish I could say Cadence and I walked side by side in anticipation of what lay before us, but the fact was she refused to give my back a break.
“So Shining,” Celestia began, signifying this may be a hike, “how is everything with Twilight now that she's in Ponyville?”
That caught me a little off guard. She knew how close we were, but I figured she must have sensed Spike send mail or something like that. I couldn't tell her the complete truth, but I couldn't really lie either. “With all that's happened and all the stories I've heard, it'd be wrong of me not to worry. This whole experience is new to everyone, including you, and I still wonder if everything has been completely resolved.”
“You still worry about Nightmare Moon or Luna?”
“Nightmare Moon, she had the most powerful magic thrown about Equestria with hostile intent. That fact alone scares, who knows what might have happened because of it.”
“You always were a worry wort.” Cadence chimed in.
“It's a Royal Guard's duty to be paranoid.”
“Oh really? I thought your duty was to keep me entertained.”
“I want a raise then.”
Celestia always seemed to enjoy our little flirts. She giggled as we reached a pair of crescent-moon-embedded doors. I have seen the entire palace and have a personalized mental map of Canterlot and of all the crystal caves underneath, however this room is the only one I have never entered.
After a few gentle knocks the door swung open. Sitting next to the fireplace was the Princess of the Night herself. Star-filled midnight blue mane and tail, even darker coat, and figure mirroring a much younger Celestia. I have personally known two alicorns before this point, something incredibly few could say, and now I was about to meet the third. I don't know if any other Captain has been as lucky, or ever will be.
Both Cadence and I were taken aback by the force of the doors' opening, and judging by Luna's reaction, she didn't mean to use such force.
“Hello sister!” Celestia sang, happier than I've ever seen. I followed her inside, Cadence finally deciding to get off my back. “I trust you are feeling well?”
“Rather fatigued, but nothing to fret over.” Luna spoke, barely looking away from the two of us.
“These two here are some very important ponies in this day and age. This is our niece, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.”
Before Luna could have even registered what her sister had said, any ounce of timidness in Cadence disappeared, and Luna found herself in the most powerful bear hug few stallions have ever survived. Believe me, we've tested.
“Auntie Luna!” She screamed in joy, before Luna found a way to pry her off.
“AND HELLO TO YOU, MY FAIR NIECE!” Luna shouted. I think I went deaf for the next twenty seconds.
“Sister, there's no need to be so formal.” Celestia explained.
“Oh uh, sorry.”
“And this unicorn is the Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor.” After hearing my title, I instinctively puffed my chest out like back in hoof camp. Something Cadence just loved to try and embarrass me of.
Ignoring her crude whistle I introduced myself. “Greetings, Your Grace...”
“Sunshine, what did I just tell my sister? No need to be formal.”
I groaned. “Of course Celly, and please stop calling me that.”
“But you are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are grey.” She began to sing. Much to my dismay, Luna seemed to enjoy my torment.
“Anyway...” I seethed through my teeth, “I believe you know Twilight Sparkle?” I asked Luna.
“Oh yes, my sister's personal student. It was because of her and her friends that I am here.”
“She's also my younger sister.”
“Is she? Wow, a daughter as the Princess's personal student and a son who is Captain of the Royal Guard? Your parents must be very proud.”
“Yeah, but we're all pretty modest about it.”
“You sure aren't!” Cadence chimed in as she, once again, landed upon my back.
“I also forgot to mention I moonlight as a personal carriage for this little pony.” I said, agitated.
“Oh don't give me that. You love the attention.”
I turned back to Luna. “If you need anything, I'm available almost anytime.”
This apparently reminded Cadence of something. “Oh! Celestia, what day of the week is it?”
“Wednesday.”
“Oh, really...” Cadence said rather smugly, looking back at me.
I sighed. “What?”
“It's been a week...” She sang. Both the Princesses looked at us in confusion. “You owe me lunch!” She teased.
Right. I promised Cadence that she could go a week without asking me to get her out of the castle for some form of activity I would take her out to lunch or dinner or whatever. Seems I had completely forgotten since I had just lost the link with the other half of my being.
All dire emergencies aside, we said our goodbyes and I walked us out of the room. I'm sure Celestia has quite a bit to explain to Luna about the two of us.
Luckily her choice of restaurant wasn't fancy, well by Canterlot standards. We sat at a nice outside table, simply having our drinks and waiting for our orders.
“So Shining, why are you always wearing that cuirass? It's not something a Captain should be wearing.”
“That's 'cause it's custom-made. A friend of mine fixed it up for me after I was promoted.”
“It only covers your chest.”
“But it's made of silver, know what that means?”
“Huh?”
“Silver is very good at insulating magic, whereas iron conducts it. The amount of wards and counters I have on this thing is hard to count. All in all, this provides more protection than the hardest metal.”
“But what if you're hit with a sword or something? Will it hold up to that?”
“That's if they can hit me, some of the stuff I have on this will make it just slide right off.”
“That's a lot of protection, not to mention you never seem to take it off. Shining, this isn't war time, why so cautious?”
I've had this silver cuirass since before the separation. And have had it on almost always since it was made. As to why? I'm not overly sure. I wasn't paranoid before it, I guess I just liked the way it looked.
Thinking on how to properly answer her, I magically grabbed my cup for a sip, and immediately let go before it was in the air. You see, when a unicorn uses magic, they use up what they have inside, and if they use too much they get fatigued. Then it's just a matter of resting and waiting for it to recharge. I used up a very tiny amount and felt a little weird.
My magic was not coming back. It wasn't replenishing.
I didn't notice it the other night when I opened Twilie's letter because I was already rather tired. So it wasn't just me losing Twilight, I lost my ability to regenerate magic...
...Well shit.
Things just kept getting better. First I lose Twilight, now I can't perform magic without dying slightly every time. Whoo-hoo.
Excusing myself from lunch with Cadence was hard enough, but then I had to go through the next six days without using magic. I had to get it generating again. I was hoping against hope Twilie could help me find a solution. Assuming there even was one.
Luckily nothing eventful happened that required my attention. The only problem was convincing Cadence I was fine when I was being incredibly secluded.
“Shining, you've hardly left your room all week. What's going on?” She asked. I hated it when I gave her cause for alarm.
I was busy making sure my wards were in check. “It's nothing, I would just rather have you see me face-to-face rather than through a telescope.” I joked.
“Shining, you're checking your wards everywhere, just what is wrong? Please I want to help. Don't make me use force.” She demanded.
Well, she was gonna learn sooner or later. “Yesterday at lunch, when I tried to pick my cup, I noticed...I noticed my magic wasn't coming back.”
“What?”
“I don't know. My magic isn't replenishing. It hasn't since Nightmare Moon returned.”
“Shining...”
“That's why I'm so anxious to see Twilie tomorrow. I'm hoping she can help me out.”
“Shining, why didn't you tell me earlier?” She asked, growing pretty angry.
“You know me Cadence, I'm not one who goes around and announces my problems to others.”
“You really need to fix that about yourself. It might get you killed one day.”
“I'm aware.”
“What are you doing with the wards then?”
“I'm trying to see if I can refund them. Seeing if I can unweave them with their own magic and return all of it to me.”
“Will it work?”
“I don't know. I'm only testing the idea right now. If it seems possible, then I'll refund one tonight. Either way, I still have a very limited resource.”
“And you'll lower your defenses while you're at it.”
“Unfortunately yes.”
“Is their any way I can help? Give you some of my magic or something.”
“Do you know how to do that?”
“...No. Not properly.”
“Neither do I.”
“What if I replace the wards for you?”
“I'd greatly appreciate that and hope you do, but that doesn't solve my problem. My best bet would to be wait until Twilight gets here and tell her about my issue.”
“What do we do until then?”
“Well, just pretend everything's normal, I suppose. I'll worry about these later. What do you want to do?”
Ahh, the Crystal Mines. A double-edged sword. On one hoof, it's gorgeous and the feeling you get of seeing your reflection that many times is surreal. On the other, it scares the living hell out of me. I don't know what it is about those shiny rocks, but the silence invokes a sense of claustrophobia I haven't experienced anywhere else. I love the place, but I also hate it.
Canterlot was actually placed here because of the luck. Not only is it a great vantage point to look over most of Equestria, but there's also a plethora of precious stones underneath it. Mining has stopped, since there are much more safer places to get the gems, but if you had access to the secrets of Canterlot, or lived there long enough, you could find a way in.
Cadence and I came in through the west entrance. As we made our way to the first chamber, I got the idea that maybe Cadence has never been here before.
“This place is incredible...” She said, confirming my theory.
“Every guard learns about this place, and how to navigate it. Should any sort of disaster happen, these mines can take you straight to the base of the mountain.”
“This place is beautiful for a series of escape tunnels.”
“Few ponies think so.” I smiled to her. “C'mon. There's a whole lot more to see.”
The chamber I showed her next was both the largest and the highest in the mines, nearing the summit. It had the biggest crystal veins of any known mine. The large spires of diamonds would stretch out from both the ceiling and the floor, most larger than some buildings in Canterlot. These beautiful pillars were so refined, it was almost transparent. The heat of the earth was settled thanks to Cadence emitting a magical coolant on top of her light orb.
“This place is amazing. Do you ever come here on your own?” She asked me.
“Only for research.”
“You seem to do that a lot, huh?” She noted, before turning to me.
“Well, Twilight got her bookworminess from me, believe it or not.” Ah, the underlying meanings are everywhere.
“So what did you find out about these?” Cadence asked as I sat down by one of the stacks of sapphire.
“Well, unfortunately for us, we can't use these as batteries for me, since they can't store magic. However, I have found this place to be almost impenetrable by magical means. Some pony can hide here and, well it'd take one talented unicorn to spot them. As to why this happens, I don't know.”
“Still, that's useful to know.” She stated.
She cantered over and sat down next to me, sighing contently as her head happened to find its place on my shoulder. It was hard to be calm when careless magic use could kill me in no time at all, but I found a way. For the first time in those caverns, I was content. Cadence can do that to me. Well, she can do that to anyone if she really wanted to, but she didn't need to force it on me. I'll never stop loving her for that.
“So how did you become Twilie's foalsitter?” I asked her, breaking the silence.
“Celetia wanted me to get some social interaction, and there just happened to be a certain special little filly who needed one, seeing as her parents were hard-working and her older brother was off in hoof camp. That and it got me out of the castle before I went stir-crazy.”
“Kinda like now?”
“Yeah, but at least someone here can take time out of their busy schedule and talk to me.”
“Yeah, like simply assignment is busy. My pay seems rather high for what I do day-to-day.”
“Wait until you have to actually guard us from a threat, then you'll be asking for more.”
“Or retirement. C'mon, it's almost time to get back.”
“Aww.” Cadence whined as we both got up.
I was right on time. As we neared the exit and could sit safely near the edge, Celestia's sun was hitting the adjacent mountain top perfectly. The orb of life peeking through a small gap in between two towers. I didn't need to show Cadence, she caught it immediately. Her hoof met her mouth.
“Beautiful huh?” I asked her.
She nodded slowly. “How often does this happen?” She asked, blissfully stunned.
“Once every year I think. The angle is just right for the sun to shine through at its brightest before it goes to rest.”
We sat there for another few minutes. She had never looked so happy, never looked so content with the world. The orange light bathed her pink coat in such a natural splendor it seemed as if it created a new color. The color of Cadence.
“There's another fact that makes it so beautiful. Do you know what those towers are?” She asked me.
“No, actually.”
“Those towers are monuments to the Prince and Princess that were hit with the love poison. Despite what had happened, they believed their graves should fit the most beautiful spot of Equestria. I guess I know it's beauty now.”
“Huh, rather ironic. A nation based around love, peace and friendship and all that, and its only real love story is about it dooming Equestria.”
“One day it'll save it. I'm sure of that.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“Thanks for today, Shining. It means a lot to me.” She stated, before she kissed me upon the cheek.
I turned to her in confusion. The look she gave is embedded into my memory. That beautiful unique color of her's was blending beautifully with the colors of her mane. Her eyes were determined that I'd never leave her sight, and that nothing could ruin her happiness then and there. The lavender of her eyes seemed to be more pronounced, as if what was missing to complete their glow had been found. I kept staring staring into the pleasant purple lake, completely entranced. The shadow of the mountain enveloped us, before she closed the gap between her and I.
The next morning I felt absolutely fantastic. I could not be any happier, given the circumstances. I was awoken by a messenger of Celestia. Apparently she wanted me to be with her to greet Twilight at her old tower, even though it was barely sunrise. Despite my fatigue, I couldn't help but crack a smile. I thanked the messenger and made my way to the last place I felt safe as Twilight. Although she had lived there, her memories were lost to me. Shining had only been inside twice. It was an incredibly disturbing sense of deja vu. All of the books on the shelves I know I've read are now alien to me. All of the scientific devices that I used to tinker with no longer there and now forgotten. It wasn't so much as I lost her memories, otherwise how would I know? It was more that I couldn't reach them. I knew they were there, just not within Shining's mind. Celestia was waiting on one of the tower's balconies.
“Good morning Sunshine.” She greeted. I didn't even care, I was so happy.
“Hey Celly. Not that I'm complaining, but are we here so early? I thought Twilie would be coming sometime in the afternoon.”
“As did I, but she insisted last night that it be in the morning. She'll be here soon.”
I'll be honest, I was very excited. This was a chance for the both of us to start individual lives, and I'm sure it meant a whole lot more to Twi, now having her own body back under her control. I was happy for her, I really was. All of the loneliness and danger aside, I'm glad the separation happened. I never wanted to have Twilight be under my constant command, and if I had the ability to end it, I would have done so long ago.
“What about Cadence?” I asked. “Will she get a chance to see Twilight?”
“Unfortunately not. Some rather nasty business is unfolding in Baltimare that requires her unique skills.”
“Civil unrest?”
“Nothing of that caliber. A simple family dispute. She'll be back in a few days.”
“Why did Twilight want to meet here? Is this a small visit?”
“She stated the only two she wanted to talk to was the two of us, so I arranged a private little meeting. No one will disturb us unless it requires both of our attention.”
I nodded. I knew Celestia would have to let the two of us talk privately, but I was sure she wouldn't mind in the least.
Soon enough, Twilight's carriage had arrived with its cargo. Holy Celestia, did this hurt my mind a bit. This was the first time I saw here as she was, just as I had left her. Her aura had changed however.
Everypony, even earth ponies and pegasai, has a unique aura about them that unicorns can “see.” I remember standing both Twilight and Shining in front of a mirror to see the auras. Our auras were connected, as was our souls. When we were one we both shared my sapphire aura. It looked as if there were veins connecting the two bodies.
And now here she was. Her aura was now her own, a serene purple that enveloped her, almost like Luna's mane. I don't know why, but an overwhelming sense of pride washed over me, seeing her now. It was nice to see my Twilie all grown up, in her own way.
Through my reverie, I noticed both of us were staring at each other. I gave her a welcoming smile. She didn't return it, instead shaking her head before greeting the two of us.
We sat down and chatted about the past week. I chose to remain quiet for most of it, trying to figure out what might be wrong. Twilight told of us of the whole deal with the gala tickets, and how she just recently help an earth pony friend of hers overcome her stubbornness and accept the help the others were offering. It seemed she was handling things rather well, and I was happy for her. Then came the moment I knew was coming.
“So Princess, can I talk to my brother alone for a bit? Me and my...uh..Big brother best friend forever have some things we want to figure out.” She said. My heart skipped a beat. Celestia gave her affirmative and took her leave. Twilight waved goodbye to her teacher before turning back to me. I figured it be best to be direct.
“So Twi, I need your help.”
“Shining have you seen your aura?” She asked me, completely derailing my train of thought.
“No...” I answered. It was the one thing that never crossed my mind until I saw Twilight's new aura, I haven't seen my own since she had left for Ponyville.
“It's all uneven, maybe even fragmented. It looks kinda freaky honestly. How come you didn't check it when I was separated from you?” She asked.
I was too distracted trying to find a mirror to answer. I saw what Twilie was talking about once I found one. I still had my sapphire aura, that hadn't changed. However, it wasn't even throughout the entire body like it normally would be. Instead it was moving about, filling some areas of the body while leaving others bare. The sort of wave effect it had gave the impressions of tendrils trying to reach out for something. I was dumbfounded.
“Well...I was a little busy trying to figure out why my sister had vanished from my conscious.”
“Angry I escaped?” She teased.
I smiled. “No, I'm actually rather happy you have a life of your own now. If I could of let go of you I would have. I'm not exactly proud of myself for holding on to you for so long.”
“Shining, it's not like you did anything wrong. I remember hearing your thoughts, neither of us chose what would happen. I appreciate you making the best of it though.”
“Well, Captain of the Royal Guard and personal student of Celestia isn't too shabby for one pony I'd say. All bragging aside Twilight, we've got a serious problem on our hooves.”
“Oh, what's wrong?”
“Ever since we split I've been unable to regenerate magic. I can still use it, but what I use isn't replenished.” I explained as I started pacing around the place.
“That is serious. I suppose we should count our blessings nothing terrible has happened to you yet.”
“Don't jinx it sis.”
“We are some very strange ponies. If we can find out what happened to us, we might have the answer you need.” Twilight stated, stopping in front of me.
“Good luck with that, all the research I've done so far had absolutely nothing.”
“Don't you worry Shining, I'll get to the bottom of this in no time at all!” She shouted before galloping back to the carriage, leaving me to the tower to ponder.
Having an actual conversation with Twilight made me realize that I had practically met my sister for the first time. Over the course of these misadventures I would get to actually see her as herself, and therefor understand her own personality. I was excited, to be honest. Regardless, it was time I did some research of my own.
I had made my way to the Starswirl The Bearded wing, and dove right in. Most of the texts behind that gate were spells and enchantments and stuff, but there was a small section on anomalies that I hoped had an answer for me. If not for what happened between Twilight and I, then maybe one to get my magic back to me.
I grabbed a tome, thankfully within reach of my mouth, and sat down next to the huge hourglass. It was about strange things that could happen to a pony's aura, so it was a good place to start as any.
I had flipped through half of the damn thing before I had found something. It had nothing to do with my predicament, but I couldn't stop reading it. It was on some special color of an aura, which the book described as a lush green hue. The reason this caught my eye was because a certain color of an aura happened to be mentioned, which seemed pointless. Usually the aura's color simply identifies somepony's magical signature. What made this unique confused me. I read on, trying to figure out why such a color would be so important.
That's when I heard the noise for the first time.
