Comet's Tale

The golden afternoon sun bathed the Ponyville train station in warm light as the engine let out a sharp whistle, signaling its imminent departure. Ponies bustled about the platform, saying their goodbyes, checking their tickets, or making last-minute dashes for the train doors. Among them, Comet Tail and Twilight Sparkle stepped onto the platform, saddlebags packed and ready for their trip to Canterlot.

Comet adjusted the strap of his bag with a sigh. "Remind me again why we couldn't just take a chariot? Or teleport?"

Twilight rolled her eyes but smiled as they approached their designated car. "Because the train is more practical, and you know long-distance teleportation is exhausting unless you've mastered spatial anchoring spells. Have you?"

Comet opened his mouth to argue but quickly shut it, opting instead for a small huff. "Still. Trains take forever. And they make my legs stiff."

Twilight giggled as they boarded and found their seats by the window. "Oh, poor Prince Comet Tail, suffering in a cushioned seat for a whole hour. How will you survive?"

Comet shot her a look but couldn't help the smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm just saying, with all the magic we have, there should be a better way to travel."

Twilight pulled out a book from her bag and gave him a knowing glance. "There is. It's called reading. Time flies when you're learning something new."

Comet groaned and leaned back against the seat as the train lurched forward. "You sound like Princess Celestia."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Twilight beamed.

The train rolled out of the station, Ponyville gradually disappearing into the distance. Fields of green stretched past the window, giving way to thick woodlands as the train made its way up the mountain toward Canterlot. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against the tracks filled the air, a steady backdrop to their conversation.

Twilight vibrated with excitement, her eyes bright. "I can't believe the Canterlot Archives actually requested me to help with the organization! Do you know how many historical texts they've had locked away in storage? Some of these haven't been read in centuries!"

Comet smirked as they stepped onto the train. "I don't know if I should be impressed or concerned that sorting old books is your idea of a dream vacation."

Twilight shot him a mock glare as they found their seats. "Don't pretend you're not just as excited to discuss friendship studies with Princess Celestia. You've probably written three essays in your head already."

Comet chuckled. "Only two. The third one's still forming."

The train gave a soft jolt as it started moving, the landscape outside shifting from the familiar buildings of Ponyville to open countryside. The golden fields stretched under the morning sun, and the occasional grove of trees provided shade to grazing animals.

Twilight sighed happily as she settled into her seat. "You know, for all the times we studied together back in Canterlot, I don't think we ever took a train trip just the two of us."

Comet leaned against the window, watching the scenery roll past. "Probably because we were too busy trying to outdo each other in spellcasting exercises."

Twilight laughed. "You were trying to outdo me. I was just focusing on the work."

"Oh, please. You definitely turned every lesson into a competition."

"Only because you always acted like you had to be the best," Twilight shot back, though her tone was lighthearted.

Comet waved a hoof dismissively. "I was the best."