Comet's Tale

Under the Moon

Twilight groaned, rolling her eyes. "There it is."

They both laughed, falling into the kind of easy rhythm they had developed years ago as classmates. It was nice—comfortable in a way that reminded them of their time at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.

Twilight levitated a book from her bag, flipping it open. "Since we have some time, do you want to go over anything for your meeting with the princess?"

Comet considered for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I think I'll just go in and talk. Friendship isn't something you can just memorize from a book." He smirked. "I know that's a shocking concept for you."

Twilight stuck out her tongue before turning her attention to her book. Comet stretched, shifting to get comfortable.

Outside the window, the rolling hills slowly transitioned into rocky cliffs as they neared Canterlot Mountain. The grandeur of the city loomed ahead, its golden spires glinting under the sunlight. The sight of it still held a special kind of awe—this was the city where they had both grown up, where they had learned magic, and now, where their paths were leading them back once more.

Comet let his head rest against the window, trying to ignore the occasional jostle of the train. Twilight, satisfied that she had won their little debate, returned to her book.

For now, the journey was peaceful. Neither of them had any idea how much the trip would change their lives by the time they returned home.

The afternoon sun filtered through the towering trees of the royal forest, casting golden patches of light on the soft, well-trodden dirt path. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine and damp earth, filling Twilight Sparkle's lungs as she trotted beside Comet.

"I forgot how peaceful it is out here," Twilight murmured, her eyes sweeping over the familiar surroundings. "It's been ages since we last walked these trails."

Comet nodded, his gaze drifting to the distant, sun-dappled clearing ahead. "Yeah... It feels like nothing's changed. The trees, the smell of the campfire spots... It's like stepping back in time." He chuckled softly. "I half expect to see your dad leading Shining Armor on some kind of 'survival drill.'"

Twilight laughed. "Oh, remember when he tried to teach us how to make a fire without magic?"

Comet groaned. "How could I forget? We sat there rubbing sticks together for an hour before he finally took pity on us."

Twilight grinned. "Shining cheated. He used his magic the second Dad wasn't looking."

"That explains a lot," Comet mused. "Meanwhile, I think I nearly set my own mane on fire trying to do it the 'right' way."

Twilight giggled, nudging his side playfully. "You always were the overachiever."

They walked in comfortable silence for a few more minutes, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest—the distant chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, the occasional crack of twigs beneath their hooves.

"Oh! I just remembered something."

Comet raised an eyebrow. "That you left the stove on back in Ponyville?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "No. There's a rare plant that grows in this forest—silverleaf mint. It makes the most amazing tea. I saw some earlier but forgot to pick it up." She turned to him with an excited gleam in her eyes. "I want to bring some back to Ponyville for a taste test."

Comet chuckled. "Of course you do. Only you would think of botany in the middle of reminiscing."

Twilight ignored the teasing. "It's just a short walk back. I won't be long."