Falling Stars

Prologue

"You're sure this isn't just another one of your blown-out-of-proportion 'emergencies', Twilight?" Spike pressed, his fingers forming bunny ears to emphasize the word "emergencies". As he spoke, he was hard at work gathering various supplies his surrogate sister had requested for her night out with Princess Luna, which included, amongst other things, her telescope, quills and parchment, and her copy of The Constellations of Equestria, a Guide to the Night Sky, written by Starswirl the Bearded.

"Well… no, Spike, I'm not sure, but that's why I'm meeting with the princess tonight to try and confirm what I've been seeing." the purple-hued mare replied as she paced about collecting last few things she'd need for her meeting in the field just outside of Everfree Forest. "She would know better than anypony if what I've found means anything, so I can't just sit around; this could be a very important discovery!" Spike rolled his eyes as he carefully packed the picnic blanket in with the rest, which sat neatly in their little red wagon that Twilight always brought along for picnics and other outdoor activities. Spike yawned, bringing one of his clawed hands to his mouth as he did so, his eyes half-lidded, which brought a warm smile to Twilight's face. "In the meantime… I think it's time for someone to get some sleep."

The juvenile dragon appeared indignant, at first, but quickly relented as a second yawn stifled his rebellious words before they could be formed. "Yeah… alright." he managed before turning to begin the climb upstairs towards their bedroom, but stopping at the halfway point to glance back down at his sister. "Just… don't be too disappointed when the princess tells you you're worrying over nothing, ok?" Still smiling, Twilight nodded once. "For once.. I hope it really is nothing to worry about; it's been quiet around Ponyville, lately, and I'd kinda hoped that it would stay that way for a while." Spike scoffed as he resumed his climb. "Sh'eah, wouldn't that be something?" Twilight giggled quietly to herself and shook her head as she turned to leave their treehouse.