In my bedroom, Father’s scolding words weighed down. Showing affection isn’t in his nature, and he rarely expressed any feelings of fondness or love. Not to me, my mother, or my younger brother.

“But father—”

“No ‘buts’ about it. As the elder sibling and my daughter, you have responsibilities. There will be no more lollygagging with that Serene Snowfall plebeian.”

“But—”

“AM I MAKING MYSELF CLEAR?”

My aching throat became more arid with each breath. And with a deep, struggling gulp, it felt like I swallowed empty space rather than saliva. “Crystal, Father.”

“Good… Tidy up your room and prepare your things. As soon as the weekdays start, you’ll go to Baltimare.”

Father left the room with a final slam of the door, isolating me with my thoughts. Frustration vented into my pillow. There was nothing I could do. The weight of leaving my little brother behind in this ordinary town was heavy, and the thought of leaving my best friend, Serene Snowfall, only added to the burden.

Wet droplets fell onto my pillow while the hushed tune of wind and snow beat against my window.

On a dark brown wooden porch before knocking on my neighbor’s door; I hesitated, wondering if it was too early in the morning. I straggled away but couldn’t resist turning back when a set of hooves clopped from behind the door. A yellow muzzle peeked out from the cracked slit and spoke inquisitively. “Hello?”

The door retreated inward and exposed the pony. A mare around my age, sixteen. The earth pony’s pearl white and blue streaked mane was tied back in a ponytail. Her black ice skating dress was accented with a pink stripe, helping her stand out on the rink.

“Snowfall, it’s me, Freeze Breeze.”

“Freebee? Your timing could not have been more perfect! I’m going to the ice rink to showcase my improved, dazzling moves. I’m prepared to pull off the most challenging one yet!”

“Why don’t you ever use my full name…”

“Well, your name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue… Freeze Breeze, bleh. What a horrid name.” She stretched the muscles of her mouth and tongue. “Freebee is so much better. What do you think? Cute, right?”

I appreciate the crude frankness.

I awkwardly rubbed my right foreleg with my left. “It’s fine. I’m unsure how to say this, but I must tell you something.”

“If it pertains to my excellent ice skating abilities, trust me, I’m aware.”

“That’s not—”

“Well, spit it out so we can hit the rink!”

Maybe I should just imply what I want to say to make it easier. Then, ease into what must be discussed. “We can do that… But not for much longer.”

“Not for much longer? Freebee... What are you talking about?” Serene Snowfall asked, exiting out the front door to approach closer.

I paused momentarily, gathering any sheltered courage before squeezing it out. We had no time to waste. Every second counted. “I’m moving.”

Serene Snowfall and I hung out at the town’s ice rink. We talked, we laughed, and we cried. Tomorrow would most likely be our last day seeing each other. The only way we could see each other sooner was if she planned a visit. But for now, we would have to settle as pen pals.

With the door closed, I returned home to the living room. Nothing special; it’s precisely what everypony in Luna Bay would expect. Upon entering, a kitchen greeted me from the right with a rustic wooden table. On my left was the living room with a fireplace to keep the family warm and a television for entertainment. Lastly, a narrow flight of stairs lay ahead, leading to our bedrooms.

“Freeze Breeze, you’re back!” My younger brother sprinted over and hugged me, planting his tiny muzzle into my black and grey striped scarf. This was a pleasure I didn’t want to say goodbye to. “It’s not true, is it, big sister? That you’ll be moving to Baltimare?”

“Unfortunately, it’s true.” He was emotional, which showed in the tears that readily came to him. I tried to convey calmness in my voice as I told him everything would work out in the end. “Don’t worry, Ice Whistle. Everything will be alright, and you can come visit me when you’re older.”

“But I want you here, big sister! Life like that won’t ever be the same!”

My heart ached to cry with him, but I realized I had to be the pillar of strength for my little brother. Despite my inner turmoil, I plastered a brave face.

“Your uncle Mystic Frost will be there if you need anything,” Mother commented.

Father remains strict as always, whereas Mother is more laid-back. She’s far more caring to Ice Whistle and me. Although, Father does ensure we have efficient nutrients in our bodies with the meals he cooks us.

“Why do you even have to go? Is it some school? What’s the name? I can go visit one day!” Ice Whistle cried.

Under normal circumstances, this question came with a simple answer. Be that as it may, I could not tell him the entire truth. “I—”

“You can’t go where she’s going, Ice Whistle. I forbid it,” Father cut in, his tone serious.

Ice Whistle didn’t understand. Naturally, only one response could escape his lips. “Why not, Father?!”

“Because I said so. Now leave it,” Father pressed. His behavior did nothing to ease the tension. Ice Whistle cried with greater intensity than before.

He only recently turned eight, Father, learn to take it easy.

I offered to lighten the mood. “Ice Whistle, how about you and I hang out for the rest of the day?”

He sniffled and looked up at me. “The whole day?”

I nodded, used telekinesis to grab a nearby napkin from the kitchen counter, and wiped his tears away. What would I do without seeing this icy blue coat, white mane, and magenta eyes? “The whole day.”

As promised, I dedicated my entire day to my younger brother so we could enjoy quality sibling time. Outside, we casted telekinesis to furl up some snowballs and flung them at each other.

“Here goes my triple snowball shot, big sis!”

“Then I’ll just have to make a triple snowball shield!” All three of his infirmly crafted snowballs burst into specks, scattering about as they collapsed and fell apart upon hitting my compact snow shield.

“Hey! That’s cheating! I can’t do that with my horn, and you know it!”

In response, I couldn’t resist the urge to gloat. “Guess I overestimated your abilities! If the snow is densely packed enough, it can form a solid surface similar to this.”

His adorable little horn glowed a magenta hue, and he took a firm stance. “No way! If I really wanted to, I can lift whatever I put my mind to!”

“Give me your best shot then, little brother,” I challenged, slanting my eyes.

“Remember, you asked for this!” He attempted to create a gigantic snowball utilizing magic, but the feat proved too tricky. He failed miserably, and as a result, he was buried under his piled-up snow attack. I acted immediately and cast telekinesis to pull him out by his tail, snow plopping off his fur and mane, returning to the small heap below.

“Haha! From the looks of it, you asked for it.”

Ears drooped, Ice Whistle crossed his hooves in disappointment. “Ah, phooey!”

I wonder…

The ice rink proved to be the perfect place to go after our snowball fight. With Serene Snowfall by our side, we skated and played games, the frosty air nipping at all four of our cheeks. Hopefully, Serene Snowfall wasn’t attempting to snatch my role as the big sister.

“Woooaahhh… Freeze Breeze, Snowfall, look! I’m getting the hang of this!”

“Woohoo! Way to go, Ice Whistlllle!” Serene Snowfall hollered.

Ice Whistle wobbled unsteadily across the ice. His legs flailed as he tried to keep himself from falling. He must have felt his confidence slipping away with each gliding step. I wondered whether he would get the hang of it, but I could see the improvement.

“Ice skating is hard. I can’t believe you have a cutie mark for this, Snowfall!” Ice Whistle blurted.

“Aww, it’s nothing. Ice skating demands not only balance but also powerful leg muscles for propulsion. Concentration is also necessary to help balance yourself on the slippery surface. The key is to keep your center of gravity over your blades.”

“Oh, okay. Here I go again, then!” Ice Whistle attempted to lap around the rink again but struggled the same.

“Psst, Snowfall, I don’t think he’s going to remember everything you suggested.” I nudged Snowfall’s shoulder, trying to destabilize her balance. Icy wind bit my face, and my prior action almost resulted in me falling instead. In no time flat, I regained composure.

Realizing my plan, she forcefully returned the favor. We were caught in a game to see who would collapse first. “He’s your younger brother… I’m sure he’s as smart as you. Just, you know, seven years old.”

“He’s eight now.”

Serene Snowfall gasped. “I wasn’t invited to his birthday party?”

With a triumphant smirk, I couldn’t help but look at her like I had won the ice skating trophy for first place.

hen Ice Whistle circled back to us, we ended our standoff. “Can you do some tricks, Snowfall?”

“C-Can I? Of course I can! I’m going to be the best ice skater in pony history!”

“Really, the best?” Ice Whistle pressed, a glint of astonishment in his eye. “Is that possible?”

“Watch and see for yourself, young colt!” Serene Snowfall’s performance was filled with impressive jumps and spins, which Ice Whistle watched in awe. I watched him with a grin. The same sparkle in his eyes could be found in the glistening ice Serene Snowfall swept over. It reminded me that I wouldn’t be here to watch him grow. When he needed advice about a filly, a mare—or a colt, depending on his age and preference. When he needed help with school, friends, Father, or pure boredom.

I halted my thoughts on such things. If I continued, I’d break down. I attempted to keep our joyous expressions from fading, even as the situation grew more complicated. With each passing moment, the day in question drew nearer, the pressure building like an unrelenting assault of water on a dam. It was getting more challenging for me to keep up my facade of bravery, the cracks in my emotional barrier threatening to give way at any moment.

Still laughing from our ice skating escapade, the three of us headed to a restaurant called Hayday for a delicious meal—a foodery serving almost everything, naturally, with only ponies in mind and not other creatures.

We chose a small booth with red cushioned seats intended for four, which, from the side, resembled two L’s with a table in between. (I_ — _I) Ice Whistle and I were on the right side, while Serene Snowfall occupied the left.

“Hey, Ice Whistle, watch this.” Serene Snowfall caught his attention and playfully tossed a hay fry into the air. With a swift reflex, she caught it in her mouth, but not without some honey cream cheese making a daring escape down the side of her lip to her chin.

“Cool! I think I can do that,” Ice Whistle said, determination in his voice. He copied Snowfall’s movements and missed the target: his mouth. With a splat, the cream cheese-covered fry fell on the cushion right beside his flank. “Never mind…”

You could have used magic to assist, goofball.

After chatting and dining at Hayday, we parted ways with Serene Snowfall and went home. Mother welcomed us back, and we moved to Ice Whistle’s room to play some of his video games.

“No, the house is supposed to be made of oak wood planks, not dirt!” Ice Whistle pointed at the correct material.

“So? Does it make a difference?”

“I don’t know!” Ice Whistle exclaimed, his avatar meandering into a cave. “And look at this... You marked the cave with redstone torches instead of normal torches!”

Go easy on me. I’m still new to this sort of thing.

“Last time I checked, they’re still torches!” I decided to just put the controller down—until a wolf pup approached my avatar, begging for the bones I held. Maybe I can play for a little longer.

To finish the day before Ice Whistle reached his bedtime, we spent the rest of the night watching movies with our favorite snacks. “Ice Whistle, you little fart, you ate all the gummy pears!”

“Payback for eating the last apple fritter.” His lips formed like a duck’s bill as he crossed his front hooves and slouched further into the couch. “Payback for eating the last apple fritter.”

Before the last movie, Father wanted to talk to me privately. We continued out back and left Ice Whistle with the television in the living room.

As I stepped out into our tiny backyard, the wintry air stung the skin below my fur. The starry night sky, unobstructed by light pollution, welcomed me. Our backyard, a small patch of frozen grass, was barricaded by a sturdy wooden fence with a gate we could exit. Leaning against said gate, Father awaited. “Get to wrapping things up. You’ll be leaving first thing tomorrow.”

With an intense throb in my chest, an instant surge of astonishment caused my throat to dry and constrict. “T...To...Tomorrow? But father, you said I’d be leaving the day after that.”

Father spoke casually as always, his voice revealing no hint of the bombshell he had dropped. “I did, but I lied.”

Shocked, I inhaled the humid night. “Why lie about that? That’s so…”

“You never know if any ears are pricked to listen. I just said that to distract any potential eavesdroppers. However, it is unlikely that it would be required in this unfrequented vicinity. But one should always exercise caution. Even here and now.”

Gloom settled upon me, an awning casting a shadow over my facial features. “So I’m going to Baltimare tomorrow?”

“That’s right. At first light, make your way to the town sign up front. I’ll be there, so don’t keep me waiting.”

“…Yes, Father.” Defeated, I retreated inside.

Before returning to Ice Whistle, I fled to the restroom and used its amenities. I looked in the mirror—a mare with a stone-blue coat and one side of her indigo-blue mane reaching down to her chin, staring into my soul.

I realized something. Telling Ice Whistle everything I needed to say would not be possible with the time we had left. There could never be enough time. No doubt, Father would do something to my message if he noticed I left one. So I used telekinesis to grab a sheet of paper, walked to my room, and retrieved an ink quill from my desk.

It’s important to me that Ice Whistle has the knowledge and resources to thrive independently, with potential love, friendship issues, school difficulties, and even self-discovery. I believe sharing a particular secret about this town, which I discovered in our grandfather’s notebook, would prove most effective. Father’s oversight in not immediately taking the notebook into custody after our grandfather’s passing was a stroke of luck for me, and now, for Ice Whistle.

“I hope this will be enough for you, Ice Whistle.” I placed the note in Ice Whistle’s beanie. He loved wearing it so we could match, though he forgot to wear it today. It just goes to show. Either he got caught up in the moment, or wearing it saddened him.

I unfastened my scarf and placed it on a rack behind his door. It would likely go unnoticed until the next day. The day I would be gone. I stepped back from the bedroom, the door hardly creaking, and rejoined my little brother in the living room. We settled in to watch our final movie. He must have heard my descent because he called out to me before I reached the bottom. “Big sis, can we have some popcorn?”

“Sure thing, baby brother.”

I wonder just how much…

The sun’s head illuminated the snow-covered village with a delicate orange tinge. Mother and Ice Whistle weren’t anywhere in sight. Only a small, tattered wooden sign with the words ‘Welcome to the town by Luna Bay.’ Next to that sign was my father.

As always, he was wearing his glasses and reading into the distance with a stern expression. Not looking me in the eye, he spoke as snow crunched beside him. “Good. Not a moment too late.”

I came to accept my father’s wishes and my situation. “So now I just trot along to Vanhoover?”

Father responded coolly, each breath forming tiny clouds into the brisk space. “Precisely. You should make it there before the last train.”

“Quite the distance.”

After all this time, his eyes finally met mine. “Consider it like a challenge. Where you’re going, you’ll need the stamina.”

The rising sun’s orange embrace crept up on us, adding a slight touch of warmth to our coats.

Not used to my signature accessory being absent, I tried rubbing my dual-striped scarf with my hoof for reassuring comfort. “I received a farewell hug from Mother before leaving home.”

He scanned back out at the snowy distance, dotted with frosted pine trees. “What about it?”

“…Nothing,” I said, my voice heavy with disappointment as I trudged away. “Goodbye, Father.”

Then, unexpectedly, his voice reached me from behind. “Freeze Breeze.”

With no hesitation, I turned. “Yes?”

“A pony will be there waiting for you. They know what you look like, so tell them Obelus sent you when they find you. And please sit in the passenger car closest to the front and choose the seat nearest to the door.”

“Got it.” Even now, I still wanted a hug from him before I left. But I couldn’t ask for it.

Without looking back, my adventure to Vanhoover began with catching the train to Baltimare.

The orange sunlight appearing over Luna Bay accompanied my trot into the distance. As if it were my loyal companion, I cantered along with it, gradually fading away from the small town I called home. I bid farewell to the familiar snowy terrain this region of Equestria was known for and set my sights toward a warmer climate. Now, it was just a dirt trail, fields, hills, trees, grass plains, and a faraway view of a pear farm and silhouetted cityscape.

Despite the excellent scenery, tears refused not stop. I was grateful Father wasn’t present to witness this moment of vulnerability. I cried until my eyes were dry and my tear reserve depleted. Then, with my mane swaying in the summer breeze, I looked on bravely, the sun in my eyes like a placid flame.

Sniff…

Monolith Kernel stood at the wooden sign, the muggy air’s chill stinging as he watched his only daughter disappear from view. From his perspective, I approached suddenly, interrupting the silence from around the corner of a nearby building. “I’m not sure how you did what you did, but you actually carried out and forced this foolish ideal of yours upon her.”

“What are you doing here, Page Martinet?” Monolith Kernel asked, spitting my name even though he didn’t care about the reasoning.

I leaned against a wooden exterior with my shoulder. He didn’t know how long I’d been near, but it was enough to witness everything that transpired. “It’s my village, Monolith Kernel. My care extends to those who call it their home.”

“Hmph, still going on about that load of hogwash?” Monolith Kernel replied, still staring off into the distance, not bothering to show face.

“What more would you want from the village leader? And as that figure, I must express my utmost lack of approval toward the decision you’ve made today.”

In retaliation, Monolith Kernel shot back. “And as village leader, I’m sure you have more important things that need attending to. In fact, don’t you have another delegate meeting from Canterlot to ignore?”

Irritated, I furrowed my brow and narrowed my gaze. “That’s funny. More important? Your priorities seem to be misaligned based on that.”

“Heh, well, unlike you, I have never done wrong in life.”

Leaving my position of resting my shoulder on the nearby building, I stood up with a firm stomp, leaving a hoofprint in the snow crushed underneath my composed wrath. “Done nothing wrong? Hmph. Tell me, I’m curious. Is Freeze Breeze even aware of the fact that she won’t be leaving for Baltimare?” Without answering, Monolith Kernel turned and began walking away, keeping his mouth shut. “Harsh move. You know I’m an advocate for the ordinary. The only thing I desire for the residents of this town is a life of normalcy. Now, a few of my beloved citizens had that taken from them... By you. I must say, accommodating respect for you is no longer something I can endorse.”

His short, pale blue mane fluttered in the wintry air as he countered. “Fine by me. After all, this is our family’s ordinary. Our duty. It has nothing to do with you. Hypocrite.” And with receding hoofsteps, Monolith Kernel left and returned home to his wife and newfound only child.

My eyes followed until he could no longer be seen. “Imbecile… The reason I started striving for ordinary lives in the first place was because it used to. Because it was primarily... for you.”

When I awoke, Freeze Breeze was gone. Only her matching scarf remained. I sprinted to her bedroom—which was left barren. Cold blobs streaming down my muzzle, I ran to Father and Mother, searching for answers. They told me she had to leave early, and I believed them. Throughout the night, my thoughts were consumed with plans for our last day—a day that would never come to pass. My room was suffocating as I cried in bed all Sunday, unable to shake off my despair.

Why’d you leave so suddenly? Freeze Breeze…

The second day since my sister left, I woke up, preparing for another school day. Monday, the first day of the week. A folded-up paper fell out of my black and grey striped beanie just as I was about to put it on. I opened it with my magic. It was a letter from my sister, and despite the wrinkles, I read it with no hesitation.

Dear Ice Whistle,

This is your big sister, Freeze Breeze. After reading this message, flush it down the toilet. Father must know nothing of what I’m about to tell you. I won’t lie. At some point, you will encounter hard things in life. The important thing is to face them off with all your confidence. Whether with a filly, mare, colt, stallion, a friend, our father, or yourself. Everypony has bumps in their path. Some more than others. Try to be the sort of pony to help others and make lots of friends. Be the best pony you can be. No, be the best Ice Whistle you can be.

Now, read this next part with care. Whenever you see you’re stuck in a rut or feel disconnected from yourself, make your way to Luna Bay at night, walk out into the water, and take a moment to reflect. Our town keeps this to itself, so please keep it a secret. It’s a hidden gem that few ponies are aware of. If you wish to discover your true self, visit Luna Bay—a magical phenomenon. By staring into the bay, you’ll gain insight into your future and learn the steps to make that future a reality.

According to legend, the bay will not only reveal your future but also show you the consequences of neglecting it. I’m confident Father knows of this, too. He had hidden our grandpa’s notebook for that very reason. I never tested this legend out myself, but Grandpa was never one to talk about his past or our ancestors. It’s all there, but I didn’t have time to read everything.

And get this: Page Martinet is apparently a descendant of the unicorn who discovered Luna Bay. Maybe the role of chieftain is determined by bloodline? Moreover, she may be our great-aunt, but I couldn’t find solid evidence. Grandpa’s notebook could be destroyed by now if Father so wished it to be. Don’t go looking for it, little brother. It’ll only raise suspicion.

Finally, let me tell you more about what I could read about this town’s supposed ‘origins.’ It all started with a unicorn named Ocean White. During the night, she gazed upon the surface of Luna Bay and saw something in the reflection. It reflected her; specifically, it showed you who she would be. It told her the future the universe had in store. Strangely enough, the reflection would show you all that, but not your cutie mark, whether you already have one. Ocean White was content with what she witnessed; she would continue living her dream until the end. And since the bay showed her living her dream life, she named it after the pony who governed the literal ‘dreams’ throughout Equestria – Princess Luna.

Oh, and Ice Whistle, this might come to you naturally while growing up, but try not to yell as much when talking.

With much love, your older sister,

Freeze Breeze

P.S. I just wanted to say I love you again. I love you. Very, very much.

Leaving clear stains on the letter, I did what she asked. I crumpled and ripped the paper multiple times, then flushed it down the toilet.

Afterward, I returned to my room, grabbed Freeze Breeze’s scarf, and wrapped it around my neck. The next time she saw me, I’d be a different pony. I wouldn’t be as childish, and I would have a lot of friends I supported with all my heart. And I’d do it without the support of that magical bay. Freeze Breeze never tested the legend out. Then, neither will I.

That settled it. Today marked the day when I would “change.” Just as Freeze Breeze had hoped.

The rhythmic clatter of the tracks grew louder and louder as the train approached. Steam dissipated, leaving only the shrill whistle to echo through the station. “All aboard!”

There weren’t many passengers that needed to board. I hopped on without problems and followed my father’s instructions to the letter.

Whoooo!!

Soon after, the train started moving. As I sat down, a pony dressed in a sharp suit from another passenger car gestured for me to come over. “Psst, you’re Freeze Breeze, correct?”

Hearing the female voice, I answered. “That’s me.”

“Who sent you?”

“Um… Obelus?” I responded, realizing this was the pony Father had told me about.

“...Come in.” I stepped inside, the interior design a stark contrast to the previous. It must have been first class because it was filled with the most extravagant green seats, resembling recliners. Apart from myself, the solitary pony in the stable who granted me admission ambled further into the passenger car. I could tell the mare was getting up there in age, in her late thirties or early fifties, perhaps. The color of her coat reminded me of the inside of a fresh apple, a light goldenrod yellow. She wore a traditional black tuxedo and donned black shades to complete the look. The brim of her black fedora cast a shadow over her face, but I could still see the curls in her hair. The mystery mare’s mane looked like half of it was a shade of cobalt blue and the other a light fuchsia. “Take a seat. Our destination is quite a way off.”

She sat down and sank into a recliner’s green cushions, opening a newspaper article. I took the seat across from her and asked a question. “How long until we arrive in Baltimare?”

“What?” Puzzled, she studied me and then continued. “Oh, that’s right. We aren’t going to Baltimare. Our destination is Manehattan.”

A strange, indescribable sensation sank into the pit of my stomach with a mix of confusion, disappointment, and betrayal. “Huh?! But Father said headquarters were at Baltimare…”

“He lied. Haa… Look, as per the rules, we can’t have anypony coming to visit you.”

Melancholy washed over, and I stared emptily at the carpet flooring. The train thundering below only added to the mood, rumbling a particular thought back into my head. “So my brother won’t be visiting me.” The realization hit like a ton of bricks.

“Sorry… but no, this is what it means to join us. Trust me, I’ve been through this situation before,” the mysterious mare replied, her voice carrying a tinge of buried regret.

“I understand…”

“I don’t,” she remarked, flipping the page, producing a rustle.

“Huh?” Perplexed, I peered up and looked at the front cover of her newspaper, noticing an article about Princess Flurry Heart’s birthday celebration. She looked happy in her picture, hugging another pink mare with a coiled pale blue mane. They appeared to be around the same age.

Above said newspaper, behind those pitch-black shades, the enigmatic mare’s arctic blue eyes must have been staring blankly at mine. “Is this really what you want?”

”Our family made a vow, and we owe them our lives. You’ll join and take my place. I’ll help your mother take care of Ice Whistle.”

His life-changing words resurfaced. As the elder sibling, the responsibility of joining the ranks fell upon me. If Father and I refused to undertake the mantle, it would be the responsibility of Ice Whistle to bear. I could not let that happen. It’s unfortunate, but it was the pledge our family took. “It is.”

“Okay then. I’ll be the pony to take you there and show you the ropes. Actually, I’m retired now, but I enjoy helping newbies like you. So I’ll ask you one last time. Are you prepared for this?”

The time for lamenting is over.

I steeled my gaze as I met hers. “I am.”

With a softened smile on her face, she lowered her black shades. “Then I’d like to be the first agent to officially welcome you to S.M.I.L.E. I’m Special Agent Sweetie Drops. If you see me outside the field, please refer to me as Bon Bon. And with that, welcome to the agency, Agent Glace.”

I wonder… exactly how much you will grow, Ice Whistle?

The school day unfolded like any other, with the familiar commotion of students and the hum of classroom activity. In my class, a brownish-orange colt sat in front of me. An earth pony, his mane home to yellow and two shades of green. He was my closest friend. We’ve known each other since we were foals. But sometimes, talking to him was almost like talking to a brick wall. I didn’t mind, though. Nature Thorn’s quiet demeanor often made others uneasy and distant. Not me. I knew he was listening to every word, and that was what counted.

We were in the middle of a class learning about the land of Equestria. I was still down about what happened with Freeze Breeze. However, I couldn’t help but be intrigued when I noticed Nature Thorn looked more lively about the subject. So, I posed an unusual question nopony ever seemed to ask. “Hey Thorn, how vast do you think the world is beyond Equestria?”

His head resting atop his hoof, his ears twitched in response. “Hm? What do you mean?”

All nonchalant, I continued to explain. “You know, because our planet is an immense and complex system, full of life and wonder. Equestria is a small nation on a vast continent. Just a tiny speck on a monumental globe. It goes without saying that our planet comprises more than one continent. We’re far from being alone. The possibility of having many nations, each with unique creatures and personalities, doubled with strange yet beautiful lands, is… endless.”

At that moment, scarlet eyes lit up with fascination for the very first time. Or at least, a glamour I’ve never seen in anypony before. I could tell he stared at the paper map of Equestria pinned to the wall as he responded in a whisper. “Seriously?”

Seeing his reaction, I couldn’t help but garner a sense of delight. “Since nopony has traveled that far, it’s hard to say. But no doubt, there’s much more out there... A whole other world.”

The feeling that consumed me that day etched into my memory and burned deep within my soul. What Ice Whistle described was so incredible that it stretched the limits of my imagination. I mean, a whole other world? Why are we dedicating so much time to learning solely about Equestria? What in Celestia lays beyond?

When Ice Whistle told me that, it was like sparks set off before my eyes. More of an indelible impression than an actual visual.

What is this?

School had ended, and I hung out at Nature Thorn’s house. We were in his room, and I wanted to tell him something. Freeze Breeze didn’t want this, but I needed somepony to empathize with. So, I started the conversation in a low voice. “Nature Thorn, you wouldn’t believe what I learned about this town.”

Thorn laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling. “This town is a place where nothing out of the ordinary ever happens. According to the Chieftain, this is how it’s been and always will be.”

I sat in a chair by his window, peeking at the snowy distance leading to our school. “There’s some truth to that. But my sister left me a letter containing a secret. She believes in it, and I believe in her.”

“You’ve never lied to me before, so I’ll believe in you, too.”

“Thanks, and remember, this is a secret. Luna Bay, specifically the body of water outside, holds mystical power.”

Nature Thorn stopped staring at the ceiling and set his dark red irises on me. “Then it’s magic? How so?”

“When you walk out and gaze into the bay, you may see glimpses of your future and the path to reach it. Choosing a different path will also reveal the outcomes of that choice. In short, it showcases the pony you will transform into and the pony you’re fated to be.”

“That’s cool.” Nature Thorn bobbed his head to the side, his colorful bangs swaying in unison. Then he darted his eyes to the side, ruminating. “You know, Ice Whistle... you’ve changed.”

“Have I?”

“You haven’t been talking as loudly as you usually do. You also seem to act more down to earth, like you matured. Did your sister leaving cause that?”

I knew you were the right pony to call my best friend.

“Yeah. Something unexpected happened. And I’ll do my best to grow into a pony my sister won’t recognize. One she can proudly call her younger brother.”

Nature Thorn plopped back down on his pillow. “Hmm.”

Just as I was about to explain further, a snow-bunting bird fluttered by, its tiny cone-shaped beak pecking at the shards of ice on the window. The sound of its delicate pecks filled the room, momentarily distracting us from our conversation. “I’m not that different, honest. My excitement was easy to let out since she was around. After all, it made her smile… And I could always go to her for advice. But now…” Seeing me notice its presence, the snow-bunting bird flew away in panic.

“It’s okay, I understand. You weren’t faking your personality; you just continued being the little brother she knew. The baby brother you enjoyed being.”

“Something like that.”

“If that’s true, you aren’t an ordinary seven-year-old, Ice Whistle.”

“You’re not too far off, Thorn. Besides, I’m eight now.”

Plus, I still have that urge to cry like a foal.

“You’re wise for a colt. Is there much for you to learn?”

“It’s because I’m a colt that there’s plenty for me to learn.”

Before we could continue talking, Nature Thorn’s mom knocked, soon opening the door. “Ice Whistle, your mother called. She wants you home pronto. Say goodbye to your friend, Whittle Bramble.”

I whispered to ‘Whittle Bramble.’ “Why does she call you that?”

Nature Thorn mimicked my volume. “Apparently, every time she tried to hug me as a foal, I would bite her. She saw it as my immature way of showing affection. Since my bites were like pricks, and my name being what it is…”

“Ah… ‘Whittle Bramble…’” I looked toward that mare’s exultant gaze and walked over. ”See you tomorrow at school, Thorn. Thanks for listening to me.” Misty Fleurs escorted me out.

“No problem. Tomorrow it is.”

Again, I know Freeze Breeze wanted me to keep it a secret, but I needed somepony to turn back to. Nature Thorn was like my brother, so he was the natural choice. Guess that’s one thing I’ll have to work on. Keeping secrets to myself. But with a friend like Nature Thorn, I could make it through. Hope you don’t mind, big sis.

Since I plan to visit Baltimare one day, I’ll need to keep the memory of the address she wrote down in the letter.

At nighttime, fly-ders incessantly flew around. Everypony in town was asleep around this time. Usually, I would be, too, but my mind was consumed by the secret my friend had revealed to me earlier.

“As you gaze into the bay, you may see glimpses of your future and the path to reach it. Choosing a different path will also reveal the outcomes of that choice. In short, it showcases the pony you will transform into and the pony you’re fated to be.”

Again, Ice Whistle’s words kept repeating, charging me awake. He proposed a groundbreaking question I’ve never heard anypony else bring up. Then he told me about an accessible place to show me my future. There was only one way to fix this. I slid out of bed, left my room, went to my parents’ bedroom to check on them, and then slipped out of the house. Frustrated in not understanding how to get my cutie mark had reached its utter limit. With an eagerness to discover what was in store for me, specks of snow flew behind, each like their own shooting star, as I sprinted toward Luna Bay.

The container of curiosity was already wide open, and the thrill of the situation proved too much to handle. The excitement was too overwhelming to resist. I was keen to uncover the secrets of my future self. Who am I going to be, and how will I get there?

The sky, painted ultramarine, promised this night would be unforgettable. That the memory would be cherished as the finest moment in my life.

Hastened, I took in the nightly scenery and trotted out into the bay when I reached my destination. Then, before striding out further among the floating ice shards, I examined the water beneath with clear intent. “So this is Luna Bay...” Continuous sloshing and babbling ensued.

🌠

Little did I know, this was just one of many nights to come.

Author's Note

The story of what happened to Ice Whistle's sister has been revealed. However, what happened between Page Martinet and Monolith Kernel still remains elusive. I do plan to tell the tale one day, but it'll happen when you least expect it.

Freeze Breeze, faced with her father's demand, made the tough decision to leave home and join the SMILE agency. However, because of her home situation and connections, her disappearance and employment were executed with a method slightly deviating from the norm for agents. Ice Whistle was left with nothing. Although he expected a gloomy day at school, the sight of his friend's eyes sparkling for the first time with excitement brought a wave of happiness. Nature Thorn was always your everyday young colt. He smiled at fun things, laughed at stupid jokes, and was shy about approaching the unfamiliar like friends. He didn't say much to anypony other than his parents. Still, Ice Whistle could tell the difference when it happened—that sense of wonder brimming Nature Thorn's eyes.

Speaking of Nature Thorn, he had a late role in this chapter. I'll leave it up to you whether his last scene was the prologue or not.

Onto Act Two, Chapter Eleven, 'Ponyville Arrivals'!