A LIGHT THAT NEVER COMES

Chapter III - DILIGENCE

"Young Master, may I come in?" Star called, disrupting Destiny as he played the piano. 

His hooves lifted from the keys, and he hopped off of the stool.  He ruffled his feathers, looking into the mirror. His ear twitched as his head jerked to the left, and his eyes rolled.  He hoped his magic would relax.

"Come in," Destiny called back, the doors opening.

"Ruby Blade is here," Star said, Destiny looking at his teacher.  He felt so tired, but sleeping surely meant a nightmare.  Destiny couldn't take any more nightmares.

"I'll be down shortly," he said, looking away again.  "Get Ruby settled in and some tea.  Make her feel at home.  See if she has anypony we could contact and bring."

"Of course, Young Master," Star said, before staring at Destiny for a moment.  "Dessie, make sure you sleep tonight."

"I will, Teacher," Destiny said, hoping he was being honest.  He still had so much work to do.  Torrent was appointed as the new general, and Twister was still on edge about leaving.  Destiny still had to relax him, find three more ponies, and then lead them on the trail he chose.  He had to ensure that the trail would remain at a safe distance from where the battle would be taking place.  There was too much to do in less than a week.  If only he found out the dire circumstances sooner.

      Destiny came into the common room, hearing Ruby laughing before he saw the three.  His wings ruffled against the cool breeze gliding through the open windows. 
When he spotted the trio, Twister looked calmer than before, Ruby looked happy, and Star seem pleased.  Destiny calmly stepped forward, careful not to let his hooves click against the floor. 
Star spotted him before the former general or the young aristocrat.

"Young Master, good to see you from your quarters and joining us," Star said, pouring some tea for Destiny.  "I made some ginger tea.  I do hope it's to your liking."

Destiny watched Star's magic guide the teacup to the table in front of him, his hoof jerking up and tapping the floor.  His ears twitched up and down, before the sudden movements stopped.  He opened his eyes- when had he closed them? -and smiled at the trio.

"Thank you, Star," he said, Star smiling nervously.

"You seem a little tired," Ruby said, Destiny feeling anxious.  She noticed.  Was it that obvious?

"I can confirm the route, Your Excellency," Twister said, Destiny shaking his head.

"Mother will be suspicious if you do it," Destiny said, Star prompting him to take a drink.  Destiny didn't want a drink.  He wanted to welcome Ruby, confirm Star did what he was asked, check on Twister, then continue executing his plan.  "Welcome, Ruby, I'm glad you chose to join us."

"Thanks for inviting me," she said, Destiny appreciative of the casual nature of her words.  "Star asked me if I knew anypony who I shared a strong bond with in town.  Somepony who I clicked immediately with."

"Yes, do you?"  Destiny asked, his wing touching Twister's.  Twister wasn't tense anymore.  Perhaps it was originally Destiny who worried him.

"I have two," Ruby said, Destiny feeling relieved.  "One's a pegasus and the other is a Changeling."

Destiny retracted his wing from Twister, focusing on Ruby.  Twister seemed upset Destiny stopped touching him.  Destiny chalked it up to his lack of sleep and imagination.

"Where are they?"  Destiny asked, Star seeming to sense the desperation.

"Young Master, are you really taking anypony?  We still have two weeks, don't we?"