Northern Lights

Compared to any major city on Earth, Canterlot was rather quiet and tame. Sure, there were lots of ponies around, but without a thousand cars zooming by or massive billboards flashing their lights to catch your eye, you actually had the ability to think and process everything around you.

Canterlot itself looked like a rather interesting city. The nobles were just as stuck up as I imagined them, but the architecture of the city was beautiful. The white marble buildings weren’t all shaped perfectly square, like something on Earth. Rather, they had a more rounded shape, and sometimes went off on rather strange tangents. It went surprisingly far in defining these ponies - even more than what I’d read in the book, to an extent. It’s like on Earth when you looked at the ancient Roman and Greek constructions, and then compared it to something from Africa or China. There are still houses, shops, or palaces, but each culture had a unique way of building them to fit their environments and lifestyles.

Of course, there were still the usual drawbacks to the city life. The main one I was feeling at the moment was one of being watched. Which, of course, I was. After all, Twilight is nobility, so it’s only natural her presence would turn some heads. And then they’d notice the pony beside her, with her mane in her eyes and walking like she’s only just learned. Needless to say, my new pony ears picked up many an unkind whisper.

I guess some things will never change, I thought, with amusement.

“You’re not bothered at all?” Ri asked, and from her tone she was thoroughly confused. “They’re most likely whispering unkind things about you, and you’re just shrugging it off?”

It’s the way life goes, Ri. Why should I care what they say about me when they don’t even have the decency to say it to my face?

“I envy you, sometimes.”

“Now, this here is the Maegus District,” Twilight droned, forcing my attention away from Ri. The lavender princess had been busy been explaining the names of every street, plaza, and living section we’d passed. In all honesty, I’d kinda toned her out when I’d set eyes on the architecture. “All the shops here sell items, books, and tools for the study of the arcane. Obviously magical study is the most common, but there’s also shops that sell alchemy ingredients, and even a few arcane abilities picked up from neighboring kingdoms.”

“Really?” I inquired. Magic was the most interesting subject of this world, so any chance to learn more about it was instant priority.

“Yep,” Twilight said. She then gestured with a hoof to a large spiral shaped building. ”Just over there is Scores of Scrolls. They have one of the best selection of scrolls and books from all over Equestria. And over there is Calamitous Cauldron. From the name, you can probably guess they specialize in alchemy ingredients and recipes.”

“Indeed,” I said, then paused a second to ponder. “Now, is this alchemy the classical type, or magical?”

Twilight turned to look at me, a hint of curiosity shining through her eyes. “What do you mean? Did your homeland also practice alchemy?”

“Yes, but not anymore,” I replied. “See, where I’m from, alchemy is more of a philosophical tradition, with dozens of different way of looking at it. To some, it’s about reaching enlightenment. To others, it revolved around the attempts to make the Philosopher's Stone - an item that was said to be able to transmute base metals into precious metals. It could even be used to brew an elixir of eternal life.”

“Really?” Twilight asked. “Did any manage to make one?”

“No,” I said plainly. “The practice died off because of this.”

The spark seemed to die in Twilight’s eyes, and her ears dropped slightly. “Oh, that’s a shame.” A moment later she’d regained herself. “Still, Equestrian alchemy is much more than that. Here, we’re able to produce potions and tonics that can perform across a wide variety of tasks.”

Ah, I thought. So more like the fictional representation of alchemy.

“Isn’t that good?” Ri asked. “I mean, works of fiction can often make things unfathomably superior to their uses in reality.”

Of course it’s good; it gives me more of a feel as to just how this world works and operates.

“Ah, here we are.” Twilight said jubilantly. The building we were currently starring at looked plain on its exterior. Same white walls as everything else, no visible windows, and a small, rounded front door.

But, as the old says goes, never judge a book by its cover. Glass instruments lines the shelves, and crystals of all size, shape, and colour filled any vacant spots. A particularly large clear one was hanging from the ceiling, with jagged edges protruding out in all directions. From them came a thin fog that billowed down over the floor and covered up to my wrists. It wasn’t even a cold fog - as a fog should be - but a warm one; even relaxing to an extent.

Despite myself, I felt a smile creep across my face. These ponies will never cease to amaze.

“Impressive, isn’t is?” a soft, whispery voice spoke from my right. I turned towards it and spotted a green unicorn with a short, neatly cropped mane and tail standing behind the counter. They were rose coloured, same as his left eye. The right one was covered by some sort of magnifying helmet.

“I’d say so,” Twilight interjected. “I’ve never seen a CZ Precipitation Crystal of that size before.”

The pony turned to her. “Princess, what a pleasure it is to see you. How might I be of assistance?”

“I’m looking for a Maegus Crystal, preferably one with a high percentage of lead.”

The shopkeeper brought a hoof to his chin. “Yes, I should have one of those in stock, if you’ll excuse me.” He gave a stiff bow and trotted through a door behind his counter.

Once he’d left, Twilight turned towards me again. “I’m guessing they don’t have crystals like these where you’re from, Aurora?”

“No, crystals are able to form larger than this back home, but you don’t often see them in museums because transportation and excavation damages them.” I replied. “Also, I’m going to go out on a limb and say you use crystals for more than just decorations.”

Twilight nodded. “Crystals are actually an important aspect of magic. Many form of specialized spells and magical theories can only be accomplished with the use of Focus or Storage Crystals. Some can even be used to store magic over long periods of time, or you could copy a spell into the molecular structure of the crystal and have it permanently duplicate the spell.”

“I take it that’s what this fog maker is?”

“Yes, CZ Crystals are among the most cooperatable of crystals for you to imprint a spell onto. However, they’re also impeccably picky. Depending on the conditions the crystal grew under, and the specific compounds that make up the molecular bonds, it will only accept spells that follow its pattern. So, if you tried to put a light spell into this crystal, the magic would have slipped through the holes in the molecular chain.”

Inside my head I was mentally trying to hold my brain together. Ugh, it sounds like chemistry all over again.

“What? I was able to follow what she’s saying clear enough,” Ri said.

Chemistry was never my strongest branch of science. Biology, space, light and colours, I can understand those, but chemical reactions and molecular bonds... ugh, my head hurts.

The shopkeeper chose this opportunity to come back, which gave me an excuse to find something else to focus on. Hovering beside his head was a dark violet crystal in a light green aura - same as his horn. It was almost shaped like a sphere, but made out of dozens of pentagons pressed together on every angle. In the center I could make out some sort of flickering white fire.

“Is this one of sufficient quality, your majesty?” the shopkeeper asked, before levitating the crystal beside Twilight. She took it in her own magenta magic and rotated it in front of her, taking in every little detail she could find. Occasionally she’d let out a small humm, as one often does when curious.

“Yes, this one should work just fine,” Twilight twisted her muzzle to flip the strap of some sort of saddlebag on her back. She slipped the crystal inside and then lifted a hefty sack of money onto the merchant’s table. “There, I hope this’ll cover your losses. I know how difficult it is to find a crystal of this size.”

“No trouble at all, your majesty. I am simply happy to be of assistance.” The merchant smiled an honest and pleasing smile.

“Well, if it’s any consolation, you are contributing to an important scientific discovery,” Twilight dipped her head slightly, and left the store. I gave a quick smile to the guy and quickly followed suit.

Well, that went rather well, I said in thought.

“I’ll say; can you imagine all the possibilities one could accomplish with these crystals?” Ri said, and for the first time, she didn’t sound nervous or scared at all. Nothing but jubilation came from her voice. “If only I could get a decent look at one.”

Since they have to do with me getting home, I’m sure you’ll get your chance.

“I appreciate the words of encouragement, but please, don’t plant false hopes in me.”

I swallowed, not liking her tone what bit. What do you mean ‘false hopes?’

“Let’s see,” Ri scoffed. I could just tell this was going to end badly “Unless there’s some way to completely change my anatomical structure from silver to carbon based, it’s nothing but a fleeting dream. And even if that we’re to happen, I might not have my internal organs or skeletal structure. I’d be nothing but a carbon shell.”

Damn it, there I go again! Why did I have to go and say that? I must look like some sort of inconsiderate, simple minded jerk to her.

Ri, I-

“Don’t Tyler. Just let it drop, please...”

I obliged her wishes and instead tried to focus back to whatever Twilight was explaining now. It sounded like how these crystals worked; apparently there’s a specialized process where, when magic is used to replace some of the molecular bonds, the result are these Maegus Crystals. They had a lot of uses to them, but the most prominent one had to do with magical readings. These abilities ranged from just reading the level of magic in an object, to determining the individual makeup of spells.

It was interesting, but I felt myself drifting away from it. Even though all those things Ri had said were meant for her, it applied to me in a way. There was still the possibility that, even if this machine was proven safe for use, and I was allowed to go home, I would stay a pony. Still a girl.

Wouldn’t that be the perfect sight for my folks to see?

I could already imagine the scenario playing out. My mom would freak out to the point of tears - probably dropping her glasses. She was always letting her glasses slip down her face. Dad would be silent first, trying to stay strong and supportive. He was never good at containing his emotions. Sooner or later they’d get out.

And then there were my sisters. God, how would they take it? Seeing their big brother like this; their parents trying to contain their losses and support what was once their son. Would they break down with them? No, that wasn’t right for them. They’d show some emotion, sure, but I think they’d be more distant support. They’d be comforting from the background while my parents are in the foreground.

Or would their reaction be something else entirely? Would they like this, maybe? The opportunity to have a big sister whom they can tower over?

No, they’re not like that... are they? I never did spend much time with them when we all matured. Did they grow up into completely different people?

I cringed as my heartbeat picked up its tempo. Fifteen years I’d known Catherine, and Elizabeth for fourteen. But how much of them did I really know? They were always the outgoing ones; they joined all the social groups they could and had so many friends I could never recall them all. Catherine was even learning to play the flute. As for me, I just stayed with my handful of friends and read history and fantasy novels. If I wasn’t doing that, then I was immersed in the online world of gaming.

I wasted my chances with them...

“Aurora, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked concernedly. I turned to look at her, suddenly aware of the liquid forming in my eyes.

“Sorry Twilight,” I said, bringing a hoof to my eyes and clearing away the half formed tears. “I was just...”

Twilight stopped me with a look and gestured over to a group of circular tables covered by a blue umbrella. “Want to rest for a second?”

“Sure,” I sighed. We then walked over and took opposite seats at one of the many unoccupied ones. Twilight moved carefully into her seat so that her wings didn’t get in the way.

“Now, Aurora, what happened?” Twilight’s voice had an underlying layer of authority to it.

“It wasn’t,” I swallowed. For some reason my throat chose this time to become uncomfortably dry. “It wasn’t anything... just some unpleasant thoughts.”

“Thoughts of your home?” I gave a small nod, and Twilight sighed. “I’m sorry Aurora.”

“It’s not your fault...”

“It is in a way,” Twilight said. “If I hadn’t had activated that machine then you wouldn’t have been brought here in the first place.”

I sighed, furrowing my eyebrows at her. “No, please, don’t start playing the blaming game or we’ll be here until sundown. Whatever conclusion we might come to, it still happened, and placing the blame on one specific person is not going to get us any closer to fixing things.”

The Princess looked like she was going to speak, but I wasn’t done yet. “You had no knowledge of what would happen, or at least, that’s what you’ve told me. So, how about we instead continue to try and find the solution instead of singling out the cause?”

Twilight gave a small chuckle. “Yeah, you’re right.” Her eyes then wandered across the street. “Say, Aurora, I know you wanted to get back to the castle quickly, but I’m thinking of checking out that shop across the street there.” She gestured with a hoof towards a small building with a rather large display window. Inside of which I could see all sorts of antiques. Further back, it even looked like there might be some books.

“You don’t mind, do you?” Twilight asked, turning back to me.

“You’re the princess here, I’m more or less at your mercy.”

Twilight’s ears seemed to drop slightly. “Please, I don’t want you to think that my position as a princess makes it so that you can’t speak your mind against me.”

“Well, considering I’m a foreigner, yes, I am at your mercy,” I joked, or at least attempted. It failed, and the stress evolved to my skin itching.

“In answer to the question, no, I don’t mind. But... do you mind if I stay here while you look?” I used my left hoof to scratch my former right arm. “I won’t go anywhere, I promise. It’s just... I kinda need to think a few things over...”

At first it looked like Twilight was going to refuse, but she gave an understanding smile and nodded. “I won’t be more than ten minutes, tops.” She then proceeded to stand and made her way towards the antique shop.

“That went well,” Ri said, so suddenly I almost jumped from the chair.

“Please, don’t startle me like that,” I said as my heart left my throat.

“Sorry,” Ri said.“I just... I thought you handled that well considering your situation, is all.”

“Oh... well, thanks. And, I’m sorry for earlier.”

She let out a small sigh. “Don’t be, please, It was more my fault than yours. I shouldn’t have overreacted.”

“No, it was me,” I retorted. “I was inconsiderate of how much you’ve been through, and I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, Tyler,” From her tone, Ri sounded genuinely appreciative. “Now, stop talking out loud and calm down before you draw attention to yourself.”

I felt my cheeks flush with blood as my eyes scanned the area. A couple was watching me from across the way, but they quickly lost interest and went to conversing amongst themselves. One mare with a broad green hat seemed to be observing me from across the street, but made no indication of moving. Another pony was sitting in the table beside mine, but their face was covered by a newspaper.

Good. I leaned back into my chair and sighed. I’m not in the mood for anymore excitement today.

“That seems impossible, given the circumstances,” Ri pointed out. “Also, how did you not notice that you were speaking for all to hear?”

It’s a habit I picked up on Earth, OK? When she didn’t respond, I sighed and let my muscles slump. I’m sorry, I’m just-

“Tyler,” she said, cutting me off. “I’m not mad. Tensions are high, and everyone is on the verge of an emotional blowout, so please, stop trying to place all this blame onto yourself.”

I make no promises.

My heart thumped painfully against my ribcage. I put a hoof over the spot to try and sooth the organ, but had little success.

“I’m surprised you haven’t suffered heart failures at this rate.” Ri said. “How ever did you calm yourself down in the past?”

Well, my most common method was to run my fingers through my hair, or squeeze a stress ball. Anything to keep my hands occupied.

“Considering you lack both appendages, I suggest a different strategy.”

I closed my eyes and took in slow breaths of air. At first it seemed like the breathing exercise would work, but my ears kept picking up the sounds of the ponies around me. Snippets of conversations flew into my head: The upcoming show for the Wonderbolts and how one stallion had gotten the best seats available. One mare was invited to the party of Fancypants, whoever the hell he was. Another was talking about some dress she bought in Ponyville.

Too much, I reached up with my hooves and covered my equine ears. Yet still the sounds found cracks in my defences. It didn’t make sense; why was I getting stressed now? I’d been out and about Toronto plenty of times. Sure, the noise and the crowds were bothersome, but I could tone it out. So why couldn’t I tone these out?

“Shh, Tyler, it’s OK.” Ri soothed. “Everything is just stacking up.”

Yeah, I replied. Yeah, that’s it. I just need to get back to the palace and calm down.

As I finished that sentence, a funny feeling began to creep up my neck. At first I thought it was part of the stress, but that wasn’t the case. This was a strange, skittish feeling, like I was being watched. My ears gave a few twitches under my hooves, and I freed them whilst also opening my eyes.

Both sensory organs gave little twitches as they moved around. The sound of approaching hooves surfaced on my left. I turned my head a little too quick, thanks to all this apprehension I was feeling, and saw the unicorn mare in the large hat approaching me. She was a pale blue - slightly darker than myself - and the outfit she was wearing was the same yellow as her mane.

“Hello?” I said, trying to make my voice sound as calm as possible. “Can I help you?”

“Forgive the intrusion,” she said. “I just happened to notice you seemed in a bit of distress.”

I cocked my head to the side, causing a few strands of hair to drift over my left eye. “It’s nothing really, but thanks for the concern.”

“Obviously it is not ‘nothing,’” The pony said, though in a much different tone. “If you had any senses about you, you would leave Princess Twilight’s services and allow a more capable candidate to take your place. Somepony who will not succumb to such emotional blemishes.”

“Wait, service?” I asked dumbfoundedly.

The pony cocked an eyebrow at me. “You are the Princess’s personal aid, aren’t you?”

“Do I look like an assistant, lady?” I snapped. I was already stressed and on edge, I really didn’t need to add blatant labeling onto the list of things that have gone wrong in the last five minutes!

“Far from it; though one would assume as much since you were conversing with the Princess. I also assumed that necklace you had was a badge of office. Shame it is so... bestial in appearance.”

I heard a soft whimper in the back of my mind, though not my own. Instinctively my hoof rose protectively over Ri’s necklace. I glared daggers at the mare, all reasons for caution and restraint leaving my head. These types of people could insult me all they wanted, I was used to it. But picking on my friends was going too far!

“Well, nobody asked for your opinion, lady! So why don’t you go before my oh so inferior choice in jewelry spreads to you!”

The mare’s irises shrank to green dots, and for a moment it looked like she was frozen in place. Sadly it didn’t last forever, and she soon regained her composure. “Why we allowed ones as unruly as you into Canterlot is beyond me!”

With that, the pony turned her nose to the air and stormed off.

“Good riddance,” I snorted, then leaned back into my chair, muscles twitching. “Honestly, who just comes up to someone to chastise them?”

“You’re talking out loud again,” Ri said frantically. “Please Tyler, you need to calm down.”

I know that, Ri, but it’s not so simple! Nothing is ever so simple!

“Tyler! Calm down now!”

The funny feeling crept up my neck again and instinctively I started looking around. A great many unicorns heads had turned in my direction. Some were looking at me apprehensively, whilst others seemed to be muttering unkind words between their colleagues.

Sufficed to say I’d had enough of these aristocrats for today, and shot them a message to ‘get lost’ with my eyes. With any luck they’d also changed to green. The look on the crowd’s faces seemed to suggest so, and they dispersed rather quickly.

All except for one mare, that is. She was a warm grey colour, and dressed in a brown suit and tie. Our eyes met, and the mare smiled approvingly, then vanished down the closest street.

What was that about?

Before I could calm down enough to think on it, I saw Twilight fast approaching from the antique store. Poking from her bag was the corner of a dark blue book.

“Hey Aurora, sorry I took so long,” Whatever her next thought was seemed to die once she got a good look at me. “Did something happen?”

I didn’t answer at first. Instead, I closed my eyes and focused on the noises all around me. The clopping of hooves on the tiled pathways, the conversations ringing all around me, a cart wheel rolling along the ground. Once I’d focused on them all, I began to tone them out. One by one I heard the sounds enter a deep tunnel, until they were far enough away that I could think clearly.

I opened my eyes and looked at Twilight, blowing some of my mane to the side in the process. “I’m sorry, I just needed a moment.”

Twilight’s eyebrows furrowed. Not in anger or frustration, as was most common, but rather concern. “What happened?”

“I’ll tell you on the way back, just can we please get going?” I paused to breathe, shifting out of the seat and into a standing position. “Please? I’d really just need to get away from this all.”

The inquirious look didn’t leave Twilight’s eyes, but she nodded to me and began walking back to the palace. I kept pace beside her. Between explaining my meeting with the aristocrats I tried to sneak a few peeks at whatever it was she’d picked up. That proved quite fruitless, as the shifting of her muscles prevented anything inside the saddlebag from staying still long enough for me to get a good look. There wasn’t really a reason I wanted to see it; whatever it was, it would obviously help in getting me home. But it was a way for me to focus on something else. Something that wasn’t the world around me.

“Sorry to hear your first time in Canterlot ended up like that,” Twilight said once I’d explained what was going on.

“It’s fine, I needed to get out,” I replied. “I just need to work on my stress levels, is all.”

Twilight smiled. “I understand. There have been a few times where I’ve gone to a few extremes myself.” she chuckled. “Though, in the future, you might not want to be so projecting. These high-class ponies love to gossip.”

“Oh joy, my own fanbase” I said with a smile of my own. “Better get started on planning a press conference and handing out donations.”

“I wouldn’t advise it,” Twilight said. After that we spent the rest of the trip in silence.

~~~

When we finally reached the palace, both the Princess and I were surprised to see a large group of ponies gathered in the main entrance hall. They were all lined up in front of a pair of large lilac doors, with two pure white pegasus guards standing in front of them.

Of course, one of the unicorns ended up spotting us. Pretty soon the line had dissolved, and we were being mobbed by a million questions a minute. All pertaining to some strange lightshow that happened above the city last night.

Oh, this is just what I need. My ears pressed themselves to my head, and tried to make myself inconspicuous. They were here to talk to Twilight, after all, not me.

“Please, settle down everypony,” Twilight said, though her tone wasn’t loud enough to make it over the ensemble of questions.

“Quiet!”

A pregnant silence suddenly befall the castle. Twilight looked at all the starstruck nobles and exhaled slowly. “Please, everypony, Princess Celestia, Luna, and myself, are doing the best we can to uncover the source of the mysterious lights. If you’ll all just be patient, we’ll be more than willing to share what we’ve learned.”

The unicorns looked between the Princess and each other. Coincidentally, they all decided to regain their composition at the exact same time.

And that is why she is royalty, I thought, whilst smiling an amused smile.

“You doubted her authority?” Ri asked.

No, but it’s good to witness it first hand. Physical confirmation, and all that jazz.

“Interesting word choices, but I think I got the message.”

By now all the nobles had calmed down enough for Twilight to explain she had some affairs to take care of. It was a good enough excuse, and pretty soon the two of us were back on our way through the lavender corridors.

Finally, some peace and quiet.

“Should I just go silent for a few hours?” Ri asked. “I mean, if you need to calm down-”

No, you can stay. I actually enjoy speaking with you.

“Thanks...”

Even though it was wrong, I couldn’t help but smile at Ri’s timidness. Maybe it’s because I saw a lot of how I used to be in her. Of course, I’d had years of horrible social courses to help with my shyness. Maybe, when this is over, I can help her in return?

It was then that I realized that the princess was staring at me, curiously.

“Um, can I help you with something, Princess?”

Twilight blinked hastily. “Sorry, Aurora, I was just thinking.”

“About what?” I asked. There was something rather odd in her tone of voice.

Twilight didn’t respond instantly. Her eyes had trailed away from my face and towards my neck. Or rather, the silver necklace. The expression she was giving was as if she was seeing it for the first time.

“Aurora, where did you get your necklace?” She said at last.

“Well...” I began, but caught myself before more could be said. There was no way I was going to tell her about Ri. Not when I could barely trust what she was saying right now. “It belonged to my grandmother, so it’s kind of special.”

“I understand, but do you think I might be able to borrow it for a time?”

“No!”

Ri’s voice came so quickly I ended up crying in alarm myself and falling backwards.

“Aurora! Are you alright?” I heard Twilight say. I didn’t acknowledge her, instead bringing a hoof up protectively around the necklace.

Ri, what happened? Her reply was the sound of hyperventilation. Ri, say something.

“No! No! Please Tyler, don’t let her take me! I don’t want to go back to the darkness! The Silence! Please!”

Ri, calm down!

“Aurora!”

I snapped back to the world around me and turned to Twilight. She was fretting, and looked ready to restrain me with her magic again. Hastily I rose my hooves in front of me.

“It’s OK, I’m alright.”

“No you are not,” Twilight said. “You just started spazzing out again. That is not OK.”

I tried to think of something to say; something that could calm her down enough for me to explain. But with Ri freaking out in my head, thoughts were turning up stillborn.

“I’m alright, Twilight, I just need to blow off some stress.”

Twilight eyed me. “This could be serious, Aurora. Maybe I should perform a scan to see if it’s affecting you in other major ways.”

I cringed; Ri was now muttering something too fast for me to understand. “I’m fine, really. I just need to go and relax for a little. So if you don’t mind...” I moved my leg, but the princess extended her wing to block my way.

“This is serious, Aurora. The magic of the machine could have affected you on a fundamental level. And unless I’m mistaken, you were wearing that necklace when you came through. It’s obviously linked in some way, so if you could just give it to me for examination-”

“NO!” Ri screamed.

Calm down, Ri. I thought as my skin began to itch and crawl. I can't think with you like this!

She didn’t go silent, but from the sounds of things she was trying to control her sudden hysteria. With the distractions inside my head significantly reduced, I focused on Twilight again.

“Twilight, please. I’ve had a long day, and I really need to calm down.” The princess opened her mouth, but mine was quicker. “I promise that I’ll comply with whatever you want tomorrow, but please, just let me unwind and get myself under control!”

My voice strained as I held back the desire to scream. Twilight sighed, and lowered her head so her horn touched my forehead. I felt a calmness flow through myself again. A calmness settled over every inch of my body until the stress had all but vanished.

I sighed and let my muscles relax. “Thank you, your majesty.”

“I’ll give you today to yourself,” Twilight said. “But tomorrow I’d like to perform those scans. We might find something from them that could help get you home.”

Home. The word echoed through my head. “Yes, I’ll comply. Now please, can I go?”

Twilight nodded and lowered her wing. I bowed my head and hastily made my way to my room. Twilight might have used too strong of a dosage on me, because I began to feel lethargic after the first step. By the time I reached the room, my eyelids were beginning to flutter.

I quickly closed the door and sat myself in front of the mirror. “OK, Ri, we’re alone. Now what the hell was that back there?”

“I’m sorry, Tyler,” she whispered. “But you don’t know what life has been like for me all these years...”

“Years?”

“That’s what it feels like.” Ri faltered for a moment. “When I’m not worn... when the necklace is left on its own... There is nothing. Try to imagine darkness... darkness without sound. Without space. Without life.” Ri’s voice cracked. “I see nothing. I hear nothing. I am... nothing.”

I was at a total lost of words. Probably for the best; if I was to say something now, chances are it would have just been made worse. So I looked at the necklaces reflection in the mirror and carefully stroked it. I wasn’t sure if Ri could see me this way, but it made me feel like I was comforting her in whatever small way I could.

“Thank you, Tyler.” she whispered.

“No problem, Ri,” I said, yawning. “I’m sorry I brought it up. I just... I don’t know, I want to help.”

“I know, Tyler,” She chuckled. “It’s funny, I thought I was the one trying to help you.”

“We’re both ineptly attempting to help the other and failing miserably.” I gave the best half smile I could. “Guess mom was wrong when she said I’d make a good psychologist.”

“Personally, I see you as one of those guides in museums that informs visitors about all the displays.”

“I’ve thought of that as well,” I said, blowing my mane out of my face. “But preferably I’ll be back in Whitby for my first job.”

“I hope so,” Ri said.

Hope, I thought to myself. What a funny word. Hope was the feeling that had led so many to better futures. The feeling that drove people forward when their lives were crumbling around them.

I’d had my fare share of dealings with hope in the past. It was a two faced coin; sometimes it would bring me to where I needed to go, but most often it built up to disappointment and despair.

Despair is the enemy...

I shook my head as another wave of fatigue came rolling over me. I shouldn’t be thinking like this right now. Twilight got her equipment, and with the exception of the market scene, nothing overtly bad happened today.

Slowly, I inched myself over to the bed and hoisted myself on top. I never felt the mattress beneath me. I was weightless, aimlessly drifting along.

“Night Ri,” I yawned and lay my head against the pillow. “Or afternoon... or whatever...”

“Tyler?” Ri called from the end of a deep tunnel. It was the last thing I heard from her before falling asleep.

And for the first time in Equestria, I dreamed.