Disclaimer: I don't own My lil Pony, this is a fanbased story.
Equestria's Shadow
"I can't believe we have never heard of such a place." Rarity said sipping tea from her cup. "Isn't it obvious, that's because no such place exisists!" Rainbowdash said flying over head in the train car. "I really doubt that Princess Celestia and Luna would lie about such a place, dash." Applejack said looking up at her. "Well then why didn't they come with?" She asked folding her hooves. "Because they can't leave Canterlot unattended. Both have shown great sorrow in being unable to attend," Twilight said looking up once from her book. "So why are we headed there again?" Rainbowdash asked feeling a bit of weight of guilt. "The Princess of the Shadow Province has recently agreed to reunite with the rest of Equestria. But since Luna and Celestia can not go themselves I was asked to take their place. And I was pretty sure the rest of you would have enjoyed the opportunity to see someplace different." Twilight said with her eyes glued to her book. "And you were right. I am so nervousited!" Pinkie yelled throwing her hooves in the air. "I also must agree. One couldn't imagine such an opportunity coming about just any day." Rarity smiled. Twilight smirked and continued reading.
"I don't wanna sound like I am complaining or anything, but why is this train ride so long?" Dash asked. "Well from what Celestia has told me the Shadow Province is pretty far. As we all know now the Crystal Empire is to the far north, the Shadow Province is in the far south. And from what I've read the land is pretty hostile, thick jungle like forest, dry desert like plains, dark skies caused by huge billows of smoke from the very active volcanoes in those plains. A lot different from what we are used to," Twilight explained. "That sounds awsome!" Pinkie said bouncing. "That sounds pretty dangerous," Fluttershy said shuddering. "Don't worry girls, the Shadow Kingdom is miles away from the forest and the magma plains that lay beyond. We are going to the castle so we don't have to worry about much, we'll just have to get used to less sunlight." Twilight said matter of factly. "Well at least we don't have to worry about sunburns now right?" Rarity asked with a small smile. Silence crept over the ponies as the lengthy train ride continued, slowly one by one they turned in for the evening. Alone Twilight continued reading as the sound of the train speeding along the tracks filled the air, a dim light from a candle gave just enough light that caused the shadows to dance. "Whatcha reading?" Spike asked holding up a cup of tea to her. "It's a book of the Shadow Kingdom, tales of when it was part of the Equestrain rule. It is sorta like a history book but it's pretty old. The last time the Princess had spoken to Celestia is when she was receeding from the shared rule. That was a thousand years ago, when Celestia had banished Luna." Twilight said before sipping the warm liquid and gave a hearty hum of delight.
"Does it say why?" Spike asked climbing onto the bench and sitting beside her. "No. This book was written before that night. But Celestia did tell me… She had confessed that she or Luna could have come but her heart feels to heavy and Luna couldn't bring herself to. The Shadow Princess is their sister and was very close to Luna, so out of anger she receded when Celestia had banished her. Luna feels… ashamed." Twilight explained and Spike's brow furrowed. "Things were a lot different back then, huh?" He said without looking at her. "I am afraid so Spike. Even now it seems that a year ago is such a long time ago and had been so different." She said and took another sip of her tea. "But now she is reuniting her kingdom with the shared rule. So why are the others so upset?" Spike asked. "I don't know Spike. It must be hard for them, so that is why I agreed." She said. "Well what else is in that book?" He asked and she turned the page showing some pictures. "It talks about the large gem mine, and about some of the documented creatures there. It even speaks of another Kingdom that had sworn fealty to the Shadow Princess. There are some drawings here of them but it doesn't talk much about the ponies that live there," She said and smiled as Spike sleepily looked at them. "You should get some sleep. We still have awhile before we reach our destination," She said and turned her gaze to the sleeping Dragon. "Oh spike," She smiled and layed a blanket over him.
The sun had risen some hours ago and everypony had just finished lunch. "Man I can't wait to get there and stretch my wings," Rainbowdash said stretching. "And legs." Applejack added. "Yeah it is a pretty long train ride huh?" Twilight asked. "Yeah it is," Rainbowdash replied. "Pardon me Princess, but the train will be stopping very soon. Last stop the Shrouded station." The conductor said briefly and exited the car. "Oh thank goodness," Rarity said as the train slowly pulled into the station. Exiting the seven stopped and a Stallion approached them. "Greetings your Majesty and guests. I am Taklishim I am the Princess' royal advisor, and am here to greet and escort you to the Castle." He said after bowing. "It is a pleasue to meet you," Rarity said smiling. "If you'd please follow me this way," He said smiling and walking in the direction of the castle. "I hope your trip wasn't too exhausting. Your accomidations have been prepared, and your suites are prepared for you if you'd enjoy some time to get comfortable before your meeting with the Princess," Tak explained as they neared the castle. "I hope we didn't cause too much of a fuss," Twilight said and he looked at her shocked. "Oh no your Majesty, it is well just such a huge event. Reuniting with the rest of Equestria and that you all are the first visitors in a thousand years to visit. I hope we've not offended you." He said hastily. "Don't be silly darling, we are not at all offended. What my dear friend here is saying is we wouldn't want to impose on such graceful hospitatlity," Rarity explained and the others nodded. "Oh please believe that it is of no bother. In fact our Princess is very excited to be meeting you. In fact we hope no disrespect or offense but she was hoping to see Princesses Celestia and Luna." He said as two gaurds opened the very large oak wood doors so they may enter. "I understand, they are family and all." Twilight replied trying to assure him.
"Oh my goodness. Might I say that this castle holds such elegance, I mean would you look at those tapestries and these ornamental rugs." Rarity stated admiring the grandeur. "I think so as well. And with all the upkeep and how well it has been taken care of we've been able to keep everything as it was for a thousand years. Well all but some parts of the outside that really show this castles age," Tak said leading them towards the throne room. A trumpet had sounded and the double doors opened as the eight of them entered. "Your Majesty I present Princess Twilight and her esteemed guests," Tak said bowing. "You're Celestia's and Luna's sister?!" Twilight asked and all of their faces held confused expressions.