Glorious Song

Chapter Two: Unfamiliar Surroundings

        The air in Canterlot felt to be of an entirely different caliber than that of Manehattan. Much less...metropolitan. This is a city I once called home, but everything was different. Granted, I haven’t been here for years, but I didn’t think it would change so much. It’s all a little unsettling.

        “I’m going to need you to follow me now, sir.”

        I jerked my body around in surprise. The guard pony who had accompanied me since leaving the club was standing behind me. I could tell from his blank stare and drooping eyelids that he was tired. Perhaps I could persuade him to let me look around a bit before I go to the castle.

        I hope this works. “I’d be glad to, but I was kinda hoping I could um...look around the city first.” Oh no. I hesitated. This isn’t going to work.

        He continued to maintain his empty gaze. “But Celestia told me to bring you to the palace immediately, once we arrive.”

        “Don’t worry. I’m sure it will be fine. If she says anything, I’ll tell her it’s my fault.”

        “Well. I suppose it couldn’t hurt. Provided you go to the palace once you’re finished.”

        Sweet! It worked! “I will! I promise!”

        The guard sat on a nearby bench, took off his helmet, and fell asleep. Well, looks like I’m free to explore. I don’t think I’ll be able to persuade a fully conscious guard though. I doubt Celestia would tell them about my appearance. What reason would she have to? It’s not like she’d expect me to do anything wrong. I think.

        I departed from the station and quickly trotted to the town plaza. The city looked every bit as amazing as I remembered. The buildings may have changed, but the streets were the same as when I was a kid. There was a fountain in the plaza’s center that I didn’t recall being there. I approached it and looked at the water. My reflection reminded me of something else that was different in this city. Me. There’d be no way anypony here would recognize me, because they haven’t seen me since I was little. Assuming there’s anypony still here that knew me.

        I broke eye contact with my reflection. I couldn’t bear to dwell on these thoughts any longer. A book store caught my eye as I turned away from the fountain. Maybe I should get a gift for Celestia. It has been some time since I left Canterlot. She probably isn’t happy with me, so this may soften the blow of my upcoming lecture. But...what could I possibly get her that she doesn’t already have. She has the entire royal library!

        Before I could decide whether or not to attempt to scour the store, somepony behind me laid their hoof on my shoulder. I slowly turned my head and saw the tall black stallion glaring at me. He was an earth pony. His mane, covered by a dark blue helm. His tail, a brilliant silver. His armor told me he was a member of Luna’s guard.

        “You. You are supposed to be at the palace. With Celestia.” He was not amused at my ditching of the guard pony from earlier.

        “Sir, I’m very sorry. I just wanted to see the city.”

        “You’ve seen the city before.”

        “Uh yes, I know. I just uh wanted to see what was new. Wait. You recognize me? Did Celestia tell you about me?”

        “She told me you were supposed to be at the palace, and to find you when you didn’t show up. A description wasn’t necessary. I can’t forget your face even if I tried.”

        “Um I’m sorry. Do I know you?”

        I must’ve said something funny because he started laughing. “Of course you do! And I know you! Do you really not remember ol’ Loose Cannon?”

        “Cannon?! Is that really you? I haven’t seen you in—"

        He cut me off. “We both know how long it’s been.”

        “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. I guess you really haven’t changed after all. You were old then, and you’re old now. My memory must’ve been foggy, I suppose.”

        “Old? Watch your tongue, boy. I’m still young enough to protect Canterlot and Princess Luna. I’ll keep doing so until the day I die! I’ll never be old!”

        “Mid-life crisis?”

        “You have no idea. Now, come with me. The Princess is waiting.”

        Cannon led me through the city. We were left with an uncomfortable silence not unlike the one that guard pony and I shared the night before. “So, Cannon, how’s life been since—”

        He cut me off again. “Since you left Canterlot? Things have been...unpredictable. The whole debacle with Shining Armor and Princess Cadence’s wedding was something. Then, Twilight becomes a princess. I don’t think anypony but Celestia saw that coming.”

        “Twilight always did have something special about her. I certainly never expected to hear of her becoming a princess though. Oh! What’s Luna like?”

        “Luna is magnificent as the night sky. As beautiful too.”

        “Sounds like somepony has a crush. You always did prefer the night. Even before Luna returned. I imagine Celestia was relieved to have her sister back.”

        “Don’t speak of things you don’t know, boy.”

        I couldn’t help but giggle at the way he blushed at my comment. We neared the palace, and as we reached the top of the stairs leading to the door, Cannon stopped.

        “This is where we part ways. Say hello to Twilight for me.”

        “She’s in Canterlot?”

        “No, she’s in Ponyville.”

        “Oh ok. Wait. What?” I watched as Cannon turned and began walking away. “I’m going to Ponyville? Cannon! Wait!” It was too late. He hauled ass out of here as fast as he could. Almost as if he made a mistake. “I suppose I’ll go in then.”

        The inside of the palace was even more amazing than the outside. I found it somewhat perplexing how I’m still finding wonder in a place I’ve seen so many times before. Without a guard to guide me, I had no idea where to go though. The palace was so big that I couldn’t remember how to get to the throne room.

        I began to wander around the corridors and hoped Celestia put up signs while I was gone. When I had walked around for thirty minutes or so, I gave up on my hopes of finding a large door marked “Throne Room.” Surprisingly, I encountered nopony while I engrossed myself in this maze of a building. Just when I thought all hope of me not getting chastised for eternity was lost, I heard a voice call out in the direction I was headed.

        “Hey, is that—” I heard one voice say. It sounded female.

        “It is! Hey, Wubs!” shouted another voice. This one was male, and clearly recognized me.

        I approached the two ponies with apprehension. I wasn’t entirely ready for a fan meeting, but I was also hopelessly lost. As I neared the two, I quickly realized that they were no fans. Before me stood two ponies sporting striped manes. One with a pink coat and a mane of purple, pink, and yellow. One with a white coat and a mane comprised of several shades of blue.

        I bowed before them. “Princess Cadence. Prince Shining Armor. How nice to see you.”

        Cadence looked down at me and giggled. “You know you don’t have to bow to us, little one. We’re all friends here.”

        I stood up, and looked at Cadence angrily. “Cadence! I’m not little anymore! That much should be obvious.”

        “Oh, I know. You’re all grown up and on your own now. I just like to remember when you were cute and playful.”

        “Cadence, you can’t treat him like a kid anymore. He may have been one before, but he isn’t now,” said Shining Armor, coming to my rescue.

        “I know, Shining, but when I see him I can’t help but remember foalsitting when he and Twilight had playdates. They were so cute together. She’s still single, you know.” Cadence gestured towards me and winked.

        “Cadence!” Shining and I exclaimed in unison. Both of us now blushing.

        “Twilight and I aren’t like that. Besides, I think we all know that she isn’t exactly seeking relationships of that sort,” I retorted calmly. “By the way, I’m sorry that I couldn’t make it to your wedding.”

        Shining turned to me, now calm as well. “It’s alright. We know you were busy. Besides, you would’ve been caught up in something big. You could’ve been hurt if you were here, so it’s best you didn’t come.”

        Cadence chimed in. “Your visit to the Crystal Kingdom more than made up for it. I had such a lovely time catching up with you. We should do it again sometime.”

        “We should. Maybe, by then, I’ll have something more interesting to share,” I replied very matter-of-factly.

        “Don’t say that. I loved hearing about your time in Manehattan. But now, I’m afraid Shining and I have some business to take care of. So we must be off.”

        “Wait!” I shouted. Cadence looked at me quizzically. “I was hoping you could guide me to the throne room. I’m supposed to meet Celestia and I can’t remember the palace layout.”

        She giggled again. “Certainly. Come with me.” She turned to Shining Armor. “Shining, you go tell the guards that I’ll be along shortly.”

        “Don’t be long. They’ll start telling me stories about when they were my age,” Shining replied jokingly.

        I’ve found myself being escorted three times in the past twenty-four hours. It wasn’t bad having somepony to rely on for a change, but it wasn’t reassuring my hopes that this whole thing is nothing more than Celestia wanting me to visit. Then again, she wouldn’t send a guard for something like that. Just what am I in for?

        We reached what I assumed to be the throne room by the massive doors. Cadence turned to me and smiled. “Here we are. I’ll be going then. Say hello to Twilight for me.” Again with Twilight. What does everypony know that I don’t?

        I entered the throne room as Cadence went on her way. It was huge. I couldn’t think of a time I had been in this room before. I had seen the doors, but never dared enter them. I always felt as though I was unworthy of stepping hoof in such a place. But now, here I am, summoned to this very room by the Princess herself.

        The Princess, however, was nowhere to be seen. I took this chance to examine the room. I felt like a young colt again, adventuring through the palace, and exploring territories unknown. I approached the throne, paused, and looked around to make sure I was completely alone. I climbed up onto the throne and looked out the windows. The windows!

        I had heard about these stained-glass windows from Twilight, but naturally I had never seen them. There were five of them, each depicting an important event in Equestrian history. I still found it hard to believe that Twilight had done so much for Equestria. She was truly destined for greatness, I guess.

        As I continued to sit alone in the throne room, it occurred to me just how long I had been sitting here. Where’s Celestia? She should’ve been here when I arrived. I arrived late! What excuse could she have for not being here? For me to be upset over her delayed arrival was rather hypocritical, but I expect more from a princess.

        As I contemplated this, I heard a sound from the other side of the door. I swiveled my head in the door’s direction and noticed it had begun to open ever so slightly. A hoof adorned in gold stepped through the opening. It was time. As the door slowly opened, I turned to face the princess that entered through it.

        “Princess Celestia, it’s been awhile,” I said, bowing before her.

        “Indeed it has. I had heard you took up bowing since we last met,” she said with a smile. “I apologize for my tardiness, but they needed me at Cadence’s meeting. It appears your own tardiness played into both our hands.”

        “So it seems. If you don’t mind me getting straight to the point, what is it you need of me? Surely, this isn’t just some visit.”

        “We’ll get to that in a moment. First, there’s somepony I’d like you to meet.” Celestia looked back through the door. “Luna, come in. There’s no need to be shy.”

        The dark blue alicorn entered as her ethereal mane sparkled like the night sky. Cannon was no liar. She was stunning. Luna took her place beside her sister and looked at me. “It’s very nice to meet you. I wish the circumstances were better though,” she said.

        “I don’t understand. Celestia, what does she mean?” I asked. This whole day has been a puzzle that I just can’t put together.

        “How have you been?” Celestia said, clearly not listening to me.

        “Celestia, please, I’m so confused.”

"Have you been taking care of yourself properly?"

        “Celestia! Listen!” Is she ignoring me or just not focusing?

        “Is there a special mare in your life?”

        “Teacher! Listen to me!”

        Celestia’s eyes widened as she heard me. The embarrassment showing very clearly on her face. “I’m sorry. It’s just been so long. I had so much I wanted to ask you.”

        “That can wait. Please, tell me. Why did you summon me to Canterlot?”

        Celestia’s gaze grew rather intense compared to the happy-go-lucky disposition she had when she entered the room. “Right. I suppose this must be addressed. You, my student, are about to fulfill a great service to Equestria.”