It seems like ponies these days have lost interest in the past. They're always in the present or looking forward. But not me. I feel that there's much you can gain by studying it. Why am I this way you ask? Good question. You see it all started back when I was a single young colt.
***
I was relaxing with a cup of tea after a long uneventful day. I was just about to finish it and was just calling it a night when I heard some barking at the door. Curious, I walked over and opened the door. Standing outside was a rather disheveled poofy white dog with wings.
"Well hello there little fella," I said. "What are you doing out here all by yourself?" A quick inspection showed no collar or any other kind of identification. "It's getting cold out so you might as well come in."
A quick bath later found him drinking some water out of a bowl. "Say you couldn't happen to tell me where you came from?" I asked sipping on my tea. No response. "That's what I thought. You need a name though. Since you're all white and puffy how about Cloudpuff?
Cloudpuff just looked at me. "I'll take that as a yes. Now since it's getting late both of us should-"
Knock Knock "Hello is anypony there?" Who could this be at this time of night?
"One moment." I open up the door. "Hello, my name is-. Hang on. YOU'RE A UNICORN!"
She seems unmoved by surprise. "Yes, so I've noticed. My name is Sunset Shimmer by the way and I'm looking for a place to stay. May I come in?"
"Yes of course. I'm Argyle." There's a unicorn at my door! "Come in. Come in." I can't believe it. A real live unicorn is in my house! "Can I get you anything to drink? Some tea perhaps? Or something stronger?"
She took off her saddlebags. "Tea is fine thank you."
A few minutes later found the both of us in the kitchen with a hot cup of tea. Okay, there's a unicorn in my house. For the first time in my life. So many questions that I want to ask. Don't screw this up. Be cool. "Would like some sugar or milk with that?" Smooth Argyle.
She smiles. "No that's fine. Now, how about you ask me the other hundred questions you have."
"How did you know? Can you read my mind?"
"No. It's simply written all over your face. Now I believe you have some questions."
"Yes, one moment please." I dash upstairs and return moments later with ink and paper. "Where are you from? How old are you? Can you do magic? What-"
"Don't you know it's rude to ask a mare about her age?" Sunset interrupts.
My cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Oh I'm sorry"
"It's alright. You remind me a bit of myself when I was your age. Now to answer your questions. I'm from Canterlot. My age is one hundred twenty, and no I can't do magic. At least not anymore."
"Fascinating." I scrawl her answers down. "Where's this Canterlot? I've never heard of it."
"It used to be Equestria's capital city. Unforantly it was no longer around when I came back."
"Came back from where?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me." I retort.
"All right, I'll try you. But don't say that I didn't warn you. I came from another world through a mirror."
My jaw hits the floor. "I'm sorry, I don't think that I heard you correctly. It sounds like you said that you came from another world. Through a mirror?"
"You heard me right. Let me tell you all about it." So she did. Over the next few hours, I wrote down everything she had to say about this strange world. She talked about the strange creatures called humans that lived there. The friends she made there, and the amazing adventures they went on.
"So after that, I decided to settle down back in Equestria. Only after I came back did I find how much things had changed. Every pony that I've met so far treats me with suspicion or hostility. You're the first one that's been nice." She yawned. "I'd like to answer the rest of your questions but it's late and I'm tired. Can we pick this up tomorrow?"
"Of course. There's a bed upstairs. I can sleep on the couch."
"Oh no. I wouldn't want to impose. I'm okay with the couch."
"It's fine," I reply. "You're my guest."
"No, I insist. A couch is much more comfortable than other places I've slept. I'll be fine."
"All right. If you change your mind let me know." I head upstairs and fall into an uneasy sleep. Morning can't come soon enough.
***
Once I wake up I dash downstairs to find Sunset already in the kitchen making breakfast. The smell of fried eggs hits my nostrils. "Morning Sunset."
"Good morning Argyle." She replies, not looking up from the pan. "How do like your eggs?"
"Sunnyside up with some toast please." A few minutes later she places a full plate in front of me. I take a few bites. "This is delicious. I didn't know that you could cook."
"Yeah, well when you're living on your own you pick up a few skills. Now I believe that you had some questions about magic?" She holds up a hoof forstalling my reply. "I have a few things that can help with that." She brings over her saddlebags and pulls out several books and scrolls.
"What are these?" I ask inspecting them carefully.
"These are all about magic. Some I wrote myself, while others were found during my travels. And I want you to have them."
I just stared at her for a few long seconds. "Are-. Are you sure? I mean these must mean a lot to you. Just answering my questions would be enough. You don't need to -"
"Argyle!" I shut my muzzle surprised at her tone. "I understand why you feel that way, but they'll be useful to you. I'm not going to be around forever. Look. I'll make you a deal. You can have these in exchange for answering any questions I have. Deal?"
Can I accept this deal? Should I? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it also seems too good to be true. Is it a trap?
Or trickery? There's only one way to find out. "I'll accept the deal if you answer some questions first if that's all right with you."
"Of course. Ask away."
"Why are you giving this to me? There are unicorns in Bridelwood that could have received, this. Instead, you choose me. An earth pony who has neither the ability nor the skill to cast any spells."
"Simple. You're the first pony who's shown any interest in magic. I first tried to give this to the unicorns, but the mere mention of the word magic sent them into a frenzy. As for your other concern, yes you can't use magic, but I can teach you the theory. Now you had more questions for me?
"Only one. All you want is information, correct?"
"Yes. I've been gone for a while and as I said before, you're the first pony I've been able to talk to. So do we have a deal?" She extends her hoof to shake.
Well, she seems honest. "Deal." I shake her hoof. "Now I supposed we should get started."
"Indeed," Sunset replies. "There's much work to be done."
***
The next few days pass in a blur as we exchange information. History, science, and of course: magic. I learn more during those few days than the rest of my life. On the final day, a thought occurs to me. "Hey, Sunset?'
"Yes?"
"You wouldn't happen to know why magic failed, would you?"
Her face darkened. "No, I don't. It was working when I came back, otherwise, I wouldn't be here. Shortly after my return, I found myself unable to cast even the simplest of spells. I've searched for a reason for years, but it continues to elude me. Perhaps you can succeed where I failed."
"Oh come on now don't be like that. I'm sure that we can figure it out if we work together."
"No, we won't."
"What? Why not?"
"Because I'm leaving."
It takes me a few minutes to process what I heard. She's kidding, right? Right? "Why would you want to leave? You're always welcome here. Surely if you stay we can find a solution." I'm practically on my knees begging at this point.
"No. I'm old Argyle." For the first time since I've met her, she looks her hundred and twenty years. "It's time for the younger generation to take over." She lifts my chin. If you remember all that I've taught a solution will be found. If it makes you feel any better I'll visit you again someday. Okay?"
"Okay." Without another word, she leaves with Cloudpuff trailing behind her. Hours passed before I can move again. She'll come back. She has to. When she does, we'll find a solution
But she never did. Why she didn't return I'll never know. But that won't deter me. It can't. I will find a solution. I swear it. I swear it on my life.
