//------------------------------// // Secret's Out // Story: Family 101 // by Kail //------------------------------// Quicksilver watched as Lightning flew off to work, the same as every morning, but she could tell something was up. For the past week, Lightning had been acting odd. Quicksilver noticed that Lightning had been staying up at night. For what, she had no idea, but now Lightning seemed to be more relaxed. That however didn’t explain why she felt that Lightning was keeping something from her. Maybe it’s got something to do with that group she said didn’t want changelings here? Whatever the reason she was sure Lightning would tell her when and if it became important. Right now Quicksilver had to get over to Twilight’s. The lavender unicorn had said they would be working on some of Twilight’s personal research for a while and to arrive as soon as possible. Putting her questions about Lightning to the back of her mind for now, Quicksilver began trotting toward Twilight’s library. ================================================== Twilight studied the arcane symbols scrawled in her notes and nodded. “Ok, give me the crystal, and remember, I need you to keep it shielded from outside mana while I work.” Quicksilver nodded and levitated a marble sized pale blue sphere over to Twilight who began focusing on it. After a few minutes glowing symbols began hovering around the crystal. The symbols swirled and melded into the crystal, imprinting themselves on it’s surface. With a smile, Twilight turned to her assistant. “Now for the test. You’ve practiced the binding spell I showed you?” “Not that it was easy, but yes, I’ve got it down.” Twilight’s smile widened. “Ok let’s start then.” Twilight took hold of the crystal in her magic. Giving the little gem a flick upwards, Twilight tilted her head back and as the crystal came down, she swallowed it. Once Twilight ingested the crystal, Quicksilver began forming the binding spell. Chains of arcane energy solidified in the air and began wrapping around Twilight’s body. After securing the unicorn’s body, the chains sank into the floor, anchoring themselves to the mana of the world. The spell was simple by design but very powerful and taxing on the caster. Making sure her chains were correctly formed and connected to the worlds natural mana, Quicksilver released her hold on the chains. “The spell’s set.” Twilight nodded and closed her eyes. almost instantly the chains started cracking. Glyphs, the same cast on the crystal, glowed on Twilight’s body as the chains snapped and dissolved into the mana they were made of. When the last ethereal link faded away, Twilight opened her eyes and smiled hugely. “Wonderful! The focuser worked!” Quicksilver chuckled. “So the chains didn’t stop it’s magic at all?” “No, there was no resistance at all. It’s not completely practical yet but with more research I think I can work out how to contain more than one spell in a crystal at a time. Then magic could be available to all pony races.” Quicksilver tilted her head. “Won’t they still need a unicorn to activate it?” Twilight shook her head as she wrote down some final notes in her research notes. “No. All they need is physical contact and a bit of focus. The crystal does all the work. Better yet, since the crystal is like a container, the spell won’t rebound.” After jotting down a few more things Twilight gathered her notes and started to go upstairs when Quicksilver stopped her. “Don’t forget about that crystal you swallowed.” “Oh, right.” Twilight stopped and made a few swallowing motions. She stuck out her tongue with the crystal resting on it. After placing the crystal on a nearby table, Twilight continued upstairs, followed by Quicksilver. As the unicorn and the changeling were taking a break, Quicksilver decided to strike up a conversation. “Twilight how can you get someone to talk about something that’s bothering them?” Twilight's brow lifted. “What brought this on?” “Lightning’s been keeping something secret. I don’t know what it is, but I feel it’s important.” Quicksilver sighed. Twilight tapped her chin in thought. “Well why not just be direct? Maybe she’s just worried about your reaction, so show her she doesn’t have to be afraid to tell you what’s going on.” Quicksilver lowered her head. “I don’t know about that. I’m not sure how I’ll react.” Twilight looked confused. “But you’re together right? Shouldn’t that be enough?” “It’s....not as simple as that. We feel for each other but neither of us has ever loved before. Lightning and I are still trying to build something.” Twilight nodded. “Then what I said stands. Be direct, if you want to build anything you need to be honest and supportive.” Quicksilver sighed. “I’ll try.” The two sat in silence for the remainder of their break and didn’t talk much for the rest of the time Quicksilver was there. Twilight was focused on her work and Quicksilver was occupied with her thoughts on Lightning. ================================================= After working on Twilight’s crystal for the rest of the day, Quicksilver was now sitting in the living room of her home, still wondering how to question Lightning about her odd behavior. Luckily, fate decided to intervene and make her decision for her. There knocks sounded from the front door and Quicksilver moved to answer it. Opening the door, Quicksilver was met by a pegasus stallion wearing a suit. “Hello, miss, does a changeling named Lightning live here?” Quicksilvers brow furrowed in confusion. “Yes she lives here. What’s this about?” “Please give her these papers. Good day.” The stallion hoofed over a manila folder before turning and flying away. Left with nothing but questions and a folder that could answer them, Quicksilver closed her door and returned to her seat in the living room. She stared at the folder. After heaving a sigh Quicksilver opened the folder. ========================================== Quicksilver was sitting at the desk in her bedroom, the contents of the folder spread out over its surface. She shook her head and turned as she heard the door open. Lightning stood in the doorway. “Hey, Silver. Why’re you up here? Scootaloo said you’ve been up here since she got home.” Quicksilver left the desk, levitating the folder and it’s contents beside her. “Close the door.” Lightning stepped into the room fully and did as Quicksilver told her. “What’s up?” Lightnings brow rose questioningly. Quicksilver tossed the folder on the bed, spilling the papers inside across the comforter. Lightning read over a few of the papers illuminated by the bedroom light. Lightnings eyes widened and she frantically turned to quicksilver. “I can explain. I-” “You what Lightning? You hid this from me, from Scootaloo. Why didn’t you tell me about this? Don’t you trust me?” Lightnings head lowered, her ears flat against her head as she moved closer to Quicksilver. “I didn’t want you to worry. I didn’t want Scootaloo to worry. I wanted to protect her.” Quicksilver sat on the floor and sighed again. “Lightning, you said you wanted to try and build something. we can’t do that if you keep secrets. I can understand that you didn’t want to upset Scootaloo so I’ll forgive you. Next time though tell me, I’m here for you, Lightning.” Quicksilver leant forward and gently nuzzled Lightnings neck before turning to look at the scattered papers on the bed. “So what’ll we need to do for the trial?” “Well, Berry, our lawyer, said she’d be looking into some laws about foal adoption and extenuating circumstances.” As Lightning went on explaining about what Berry had already told her, neither noticed the door was open slightly. Nor did they notice the quiet hoofsteps leading away from their door.