Out of the Light

Out of the Light

by glorg

Chapter Four

The Prodigal Student

The following is an excerpt from the diary of Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria, raiser of the sun, and mentor to Twilight Sparkle.

Dear Diary,

I realized today that I have not written in my journal for... well, years now.  The moths were certainly surprised to see me in the secret section of my bureau.  But I believe bringing you out of retirement now is a good idea.  I do not know what my opinions or my thoughts shall be later on, but I am in the opinion that recording everything is the best course of action.  Perhaps even just the action of writing would be of cathartic value.

My star pupil, Twilight Sparkle, has not sent me a letter about friendship in almost three days now.

At first, I felt no apprehension.  ‘Twilight is such a studious, punctual mare’, as I explained it to myself initially; ‘I’m sure she just could not send me a letter today whilst too busy learning about friendship.’  And even if that was not so, I had told Twilight before that she needed to relax, especially after the incident with her stuffed toy and the spell.  I was certain of every possible reasoning I gave for her tardiness.  Daresay, all of them were entirely plausible.

Even when the second day went by, ignoring the funny feeling in my stomach, I refused to believe that anything could be wrong.  If a disturbance or accident had created this delay, I felt, then it would have been large enough to warrant my involvement, or at least rumors would have spread through the ubiquitous gossip chain in Canterlot.

No word.  Not one neigh.

Throughout today, I have become more and more troubled by what may have happened.  I did not hide from my royal duties, certainly, but I can tell that Luna senses my worry.  She has not spoken of it to me yet, but I have caught her looking at me curiously several times.  I shall not bring it up with her, not yet.  Personal research would be best beforehand.  I would not want to cry wolf so soon, to throw her concerns into something that may just be my own delusions.

But still, my stomach wails with dread.  I am almost certain that this is just irrational fear.  I am almost beating my head over my emotions, so disgusted with how unregal I am acting about what could quite possibly be an imaginary issue.

Almost certain, however, is the term.  I simply cannot rest my inner turmoil until I do some investigation on the matter.  Whatever results this may bring forth, all I hope for is the safety and well-being of Twilight, as well as Spike and her friends.  Something about the thought of all of them brings me the greatest unease I have known in years.

I would much rather look back on this and laugh at my silly behavior than lament not acting upon instinct.

I intend to head down to Ponyville and solicit some testimonies.  Perhaps to begin with the Cakes would be a good start, or those three fillies preoccupied with gaining their Cutie Marks.  I wish not to cause alarm.  I have considered going incognito, although I worry that the ponies would not divulge enough if they saw me as a stranger instead of their monarch.

I will write soon.  I do not plan to waste much time with this business.

But I must sleep.

The following is an excerpt from the diary of Princess Luna, co-ruler of Equestria, raiser of the moon, and the reformed Night Mare Moon.

Dear Diary,

Something is wrong with Celestia.

Let me tell you something, and I mean it: Celestia does not “do” frantic.  She is my elder sister, and I swear I have only seen her frazzled two or three times in the millenia that we have spent alive.  Even with some of the most serious threats we have ever faced, including my own turn for the dark side, she has never been the kind to fall apart.

In truth, it is wrong to make it seem as though she is a mess right now, for that is a lie.  She still has her regal composure, and I doubt that anypony in the court of Canterlot has noticed any divergence in her majesty, but I know when my sister has something weighing on her mind, and this is one troubled Celestia.

But what troubles her?  I refrain from asking her just yet, for the sake of respect.  She is fully capable of taking care of herself, no doubt about that.  And I have always known that she was never too proud to ask for help.  But for the life of me, I cannot discern what is perturbing her so.

For some inexplicable reason, my mind keeps returning to Twilight Sparkle.  Certainly, they are close.  Even I have an affinity for the little unicorn.  But I doubt my sister would not alarm Equestria if the mare and her friends were in trouble.

At least, trouble that she knew of.

I have already checked the statue of Discord, in fear that he may have escaped once more and attempted to wreak mischievous havoc on those who imprisoned him in his marble tomb, but he remains blissfully trapped.  I did not believe he could have a hand in this, whatever it may be: Discord does not act without an audience to appreciate his chaos.  He would not, could not bear to go this long with such a ploy and not attempt to attract some attention.

No.  No such wickedness is apparent.  Even so, perhaps acuity is best.

Something about this situation has me... on guard.  I am the watcher of the night in any case, vigilant when others rest.  My sister most likely sleeps as I write in you, my journal.  I shall keep a watchful eye to the ground and an open ear to the wind.  Perhaps the stars will have whispers and the moonlight secrets to tell.

Rest, my dear Celestia.  And be careful Twilight Sparkle, wherever you may be.

I must ponder if I am the only pony with a curious feeling in her stomach.