Sunset

“It’s said that purple mountains are a sign of something good in the future. It’s called ‘Luna’s Blessings’ down in the Crystal Empire.”

Goldie Sugar and Aurora were trotting side by side down a worn path, looking at their surroundings. Thee mountains in the darkness had a sort of a purple glow at the time. It was strange, since no pony had seen the sun or the moon, light really at all, in months.

The two new friends had helped set up camp in the mountains, laboring to get tents up and get ponies warm and safe. Then, the two ponies decided to go up to the observatory were Goldie Sugars little sister worked.

“Trust me,” Goldie assured, “My lil’ sister is the best in robotics and cybernetic-ish parts. She’ll help you make a new wing.” The two ponies trotted through the deep snow, and soon saw a little bit of light from an observatory high in the mountains. The ponies started to canter, seeing warmth and light. They soon stood outside the gleaming golden observatory, panting. Goldie reached up her hoof and knocked on the golden doors since they were locked for some unknown reason.

“ A bit strange. They never lock their doors. The observatory is normally always open to the public!” Goldie said, looking at the building then Aurora.

“Maybe it’s because of Sombra and stuff. You said big scientists work here and stuff. Maybe their working on important things that can't be disturbed.” Aurora thought out loud.

But just as Aurora finished her thought, the doors opened. A nerdy looking stallion looked at the two mares outside the door. He looked at them with curious orange eyes. He brushed a hoof through his unkempt green mane and started to speak.

“We're not having visitors right now…” He said, shyly. Goldie was able to see a nervous blush form in his light orange cheeks.

“You’ve gotta let us in,” Goldie stated, “I’m Nebula Sugars sister, Goldie Sugar.” The nerdy ponies jaw dropped, and he opened the doors wider.

“Come in! Come in! I’m so sorry...” He said, beckoning them in. It was nice and warm inside, and the two mares shook off the snow and looked around. The front lobby area was golden and warm, with a nice circle rug and a brick fireplace.

“Damn, they’ve updated the place since I’d last been here, ” Goldie said, looking around at the high golden ceiling and framed pictures of supernovas and galaxies and other space things Goldie had no clue about. A long circle stairway was in front of them, and lots of doors there everywhere too. Ponies of all shapes and sizes were bustling around, wearing lab coats and holding papers and boxes and weird scientific tools. The amount of life and activity in that area was dizzying.

“Goldie?!” A voice exclaimed from the top of the stairway. Goldie Sugar and Aurora looked up the stairwell and saw a grey coated, purple-haired unicorn, smiling brightly.

“You’re here! I missed you, big sissy!” The mare said, hopping down the stairs and landing in front of Goldie and Aurora.

“I can see happiness and cheer runs in the family,” Aurora remarked under her breath with a sarcastic sort of tone.

Goldie and her sister embraced for a bit, then they looked at each other.

“So, why are you here?” Goldie's sister (whose name is Nebula Jewel Sugar) inquired, “It’s probably not to look at planets and space.” She cocked her head and looked at Aurora.

“Well, I need a favor,” Goldie informed, looking at Aurora. Aurora’s sudden attention made her purple cheeks turn pink. Nebula looked at Aurora and noticed her missing wing, with the nub all bandaged up.

“I think I know what.” Nebula said, with a bright smile. Goldie smiled back, and Aurora tried to smile, but she didn’t know why they were smiling.

“Follow me.” Nebula said, starting to trot up the stairway. The two mares at the bottom looked at each other, and then followed the scientist pony up.

Upstairs, there were lots of ponies, bustling around, looking at telescopes and computers and weird scientific things that Goldie and Aurora never saw. It was a bit crazy.

“Don’t mind in here, this is the space division. It’s been very busy these last few months, I think you know why.” Nebula informed, leading the two mares to another large room were few ponies were. It was full of gleaming machinery and tools.

And robotics.