It had been a few days since the Poison Joke incident, and with Zecora having moved to the Everfree Forest and being part of Ponyville. I must admit, I was sure glad that the girls finally forgave my zebra friend after the fiasco with Poison Joke and their problems.

I wonder what will happen now? Things sure are more interesting in Equestria than they are on Earth, I’ll admit that for certain.

Currently, I was in the Golden Oak Library with Twilight and Spike, helping make the place look comfortable by cleaning up. I must say this place is making me feel more at home every day, since Twilight was somepony who had also been to Earth where I was from. As for Spike, he was placing some books on their respective shelves, making sure that they were easy to find.

“So Dawn, what do you plan now?” Twilight asked. “Your momentos are gone, right?”

“Yeah,” I nodded, as I thought about my items in the saddle bag that went missing for several days now. “I miss having my items to remind me of my time on Earth.”

“Well…if you ask me,” Spike started, “then you could seek out the culprit who stole your items.”

“That wouldn’t be good, Spike,” I sighed. “What if I get into trouble with the Princess about that? Wouldn’t I be sent into some sort of prison for that?”

“Dawn, that’s a silly thought,” Twilight giggled. “Princess Celestia isn’t like that. She’s understandable and wise. You know that, and I know that.”

“Maybe you’re right,” I agreed.

Suddenly, Spike belched a letter out of his stomach. “Huh, a letter from the Princess.”

“Speaking of the devil,” I rolled my eyes. “What does it say?”

Spike unfolded the letter, clearing his throat and read it:

“Dear Dawn Darkness,

It is with my great attention to let you come visit Canterlot today. If you decide to accept this request, then I will send a chariot down to Ponyville to get you to Canterlot.

Your princess,

Celestia.”

“Huh, a direct request from the Princess,” I rubbed my chin with my hoof.

“I wonder why she wants you to come?” Twilight wondered.

“I have no idea, honestly,” I shrugged. “Spike, send a letter of my acceptance to let her know I would like to visit.”

Spike nodded. “You got it, Dawn!” Then he wrote a letter from my words, then sent it off with a green breath of fire.

Soon, another letter came from the Princess. Spike unfolded it and read it, before I soon smiled as I heard some pegasus guards outside.

I bid farewell to Twilight and Spike before getting on the chariot.

(Later)

As soon as the chariot arrived at the station of Canterlot, I was met with somepony clad in golden armor. He had blue eyes.

“Welcome to Canterlot, Dawn Darkness,” he spoke in a friendly voice. “My name is Shining Armor, Captain of the Day Guard. Allow me to escort you to the Princess.”

“Sure thing, Captain Shining Armor,” I nodded.

He turned around and together, we trotted on the streets of Canterlot towards the castle. While most of the trip to the castle was silent, I was beginning to be bored of it.

“So…” I started speaking, trying for a conversation. “What kind of things are you doing as Captain?”

“I train trainees,” Shining replied. “I am managing the Day Guard so that everypony is ready for anything.”

“So basically like a trainer who trains young cadets,” I concluded.

“Indeed,” he nodded.

I guess he is not like anypony I’ve met before. Heck, he wasn’t even mentioned once by Twilight to me. I feel like he was shrouded in the shadows by her, or something like that.

“How’s my sister doing?” Shining asked me.

I looked at him. “Twilight’s your sister? I could’ve sworn you two weren’t.”

He chuckled. “I guess she hasn’t talked much about me, am I correct?”

“Yeah,” I nodded.

“Understandable of her to do,” Shining said. “We’re here,” he announced as soon as we neared the castle.

I blinked and looked up. The castle’s majestic structure was indeed a sight to behold.

“Let’s go inside, the Princess is waiting,” Shining said to me.

“Then let us not let her wait for too long,” I agreed.

And we entered the castle, where two guards saluted to their captain and allowed us to pass through.

While we were inside the castle, I noticed several guards looking at me curiously. I leaned to Shining Armor, asked in a quiet voice, “Why are they staring at me?”

He looked at them, before replying, “You may remind them of somepony who used to be in the Day Guard.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, or otherwise, it’s just a coincidence,” Shining said with uncertainty in his voice. “I’ve never met somepony who looks identical to you before.”

I only stared at him. Why would the guards think I look identical to somepony who had used to be in the Day Guard? Who could it have been? While I was thinking about it, we soon arrived at the door that led to the throne room.

Shining stepped forth and opened it, allowing me inside.

I trotted into the room. There were a few pieces of glass on the walls in between the windows, most likely depicting the rulers of Equestria. I looked towards Princess Celestia, who was smiling down at me from her throne.

“Welcome, Dawn Darkness,” she spoke. “I see your trip here was pleasant enough?”

“Yes, Princess,” I nodded. “It was.”

“Good,” her smile widened.

“Princess, if I may ask, what is the reason for why I am here in Canterlot?” I wanted to know.

“Straight to the point, dear Dawn?” Celestia chuckled heartily. “Can’t a Princess see somepony who is a friend of her personal student?”

I smiled. “Of course, Princess Celestia. But if I may ask… why is it I’m here?”

She sighed, standing from her throne, and trotted down to me. “Dawn, I know you’re feeling distressed about something.”

I lowered my head. “So… you knew that I was missing some precious items?”

“Indeed,” she nodded. “However, before we go further into that, I want Captain Shining Armor to help you on your tour of the city.”

Shining stood, nodding to her. “Of course I will, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia looked pleased, then turned to me. “Dawn, we will get to the bottom of your items. For now, please enjoy Canterlot. That is the only thing I’d like you to do.”

I was a bit quiet, then nodded to her. “Right, Princess.”

“You may leave,” she told us.

Both Shining and I bowed respectfully to her, then turned and left the throne room. I was quiet while I was trotting alongside Shining Armor, who looked at me. “You know you don’t have to think about it,” he spoke.

“I know, but those items… they mean a lot to me,” I sighed.

“As Princess Celestia said, you should enjoy Canterlot while you’re here,” Shining reminded me.

“You’re right, maybe I am overthinking and getting stress.”

“Good,” Shining said.

“So…where should we go?” I asked.

“Anywhere you’d like to,” was all he replied. “I am only here to escort you around.”

“Like a bodyguard,” I concluded.

“More or less.”

I was beginning to like Shining Armor. He is that type of guy you’d hang out with for protection… he kinda reminds me of Merlin back on Earth.

As soon as Shining had said I could go anywhere I’d like, I went down to the main street of Canterlot, with Shining Armor right beside me.

Hello, everypony, and welcome to Part Two of Season One for Dawn Before Twilight.

Now, before you ask any questions about the split, let me tell you that I have a limit on how long I can write on a story. Right now, I can't write more than two whole months (meaning anywhere between 50,000-60,000 words)

Everyone have their limits on their storytelling. And the above word counts are mine on these "epic" length fiction. I hope you guys understand.

Enjoy the second half of Season One!