//------------------------------// // Connections // Story: True Harmony // by Omniscientearl //------------------------------// True Harmony Chapter 2 Connections Twilight was once again in her room at the palace, looking herself over in the vanity. The down on her shoulders was once again sticking out at odd angles, her coat shone in the light, and her hooves once again were gleaming with perfection. The work Rosy Dawn had done had worn off scant minutes after the ceremony had finished. The facts of her recent change were finally starting to settle in; this was really happening. With that realization, she once again felt a knot in her stomach. What did the future hold? Princess Celestia had said that she could remain in Ponyville, but how would the other ponies react to her transformation? She knew she was over thinking the situation, but she couldn't stop herself. “Whats up, Twilight?” Spikes question dragged her out of her thoughts, pulling her attention back to the present. She smiled softly to her long time companion, and leaned down to nuzzle the side of his face. “You know me, Spike,” Twilight said, “this is a big change, and I can't help but think about how this will affect the way we live.” Spike nodded, always ready to support his adoptive sister. “Nothing to worry about,” Spike offered, “Princess Celestia said she'll help out, and we can even stay in Ponyville with the others.” He shrugged as if that was the answer to all the problems that would now face the lavender alicorn. Twilight caught herself, perhaps it was the answer. She couldn't change a future that wasn't guaranteed to happen, she could only control how she conducted herself in the now. She smiled again, thankful for the unintended depth of Spike's advice. She pulled on her saddle bags and with a bob of her head, she tossed Spike onto her back. “You're right,” she offered, “besides, this is a change brought on by deep friendship, how can it ever be a bad thing?” She smiled, and with barely a thought used her magic to open the door and began her trek back to Celestia's study. “Come on, its almost time to meet with the others again, and get to the bottom of this change.” As they were walking along, Twilight felt Spike lean forward, his clawed hand reaching down for and playing with the down on her shoulder. “Rarity was right,” Spike said, “these feathers are really soft. I can't wait to see how your wings look.” She chuckled softly at her assistant's words. If she was honest with herself she was giddy at the thought of flight. Not only for the freedom it would give her, but for the vastness of learning she had before her. She knew it was what had caused her more athletic friends to call her egg-headed, but she loved to learn. Whether it was from a book, from personal experience, or from the gentle words of her mentor, she loved to learn as much as she could. Learning to fly, learning to connect with nature, and now studying the Elements of Harmony on a scientific level rather than an emotional one; she felt as though she were attending her first classes in school again. The excitement was almost too much to bear. Before long Twilight found herself at the door to her mentor's study, and with a soft knock on the door, she let her presence be known. “Please, come in,” Celestia's voice filtered through the wooden door, regal and caring as always. Twilight gently opened the door, admitting herself into the room. Inside Celestia was seated at the table once more, sipping softly from a cup of tea. There was nopony else in the room, Twilight noticed. There was a second cup of tea placed on the table in front of the cushion next to Celestia. There was a tea service in the center of the table, but no other cups were filled. “Twilight,” Celestia called, “please sit. The others will arrive shortly, but I am glad you are the first. It has been so long since we have had time for just the two of us.” Twilight walked over to the cushion next to her mentor. Celestia lowered her head and pressed against the side of Twilight's neck, a gesture  the small lavender alicorn happily received. Spike allowed himself off of Twilight's back, and meandered over to a rather large cushion in the corner. Being a baby dragon, he felt the urge for an afternoon nap upon him. Settling himself onto the cushion, he closed his eyes, sleep quickly taking him. “It has been a long time, hasn't it Princess?” Twilight agreed with the elder alicorn, setting her saddle bags on the floor next to her, “I'm glad I'll be able to stay in Ponyville, but I've really missed our time together. Maybe my time in Canterlot will help to make up for the Gala.” Celestia laughed at the images brought on by the memory. The resulting excitement Twilight and her friends had wrought on the Gala had been just what she needed to break up the monotony of yet another royal function. “Please, Twilight,” Celestia begged, “dispense with the titles, at least when we are in private company. While I may still be one of the princesses of Equestria, you are all but my equal now.” Twilight looked down to the table with a bashful smile. Celestia continues, keeping any silence at bay. “Luna and I have always been gifted with magic to touch the Sun and the Moon, when we became alicorns, that connection deepened. If I am correct, then I suspect your connection to your own talent will deepen in the time. Magic is no small part of Equestria my dear student.” Twilight nodded, listening to Celestia's reasoning. It was logical, but something in her continued to put the Princess of the Sun above her. “I'll try, Princess,” Twilight offered by way of compromise, “but it might be a bit difficult for me. You've always been my mentor and princess, its part of who you are to me.” Celestia let a small sigh slip out of her bemused smile. “I suppose that will have to do for now, then,” Celestia relented, “I admit, no matter the distance, you will always be my most beloved student.” Celestia leaned in at that remark and gave a smiling Twilight another affectionate nuzzle. Neither noticed the well oiled door slide open noiselessly to admit Celestia's younger mischievous sister. “My, my,” Luna's voice startled the only two others in the room, “perhaps I shall contact the other Elements and request we postpone tonight's engagement. Sister, you do move quickly don't you.” Luna neatly dodged a cushion that sprang from the floor at her. “An amusing jest” Celestia warned, “but unnecessary. Please join us, Lu.” Luna laughed, her voice tinkling as a wind chime caught in a night breeze. “Certainly,” Luna agreed, “if only to keep you from ever using that coltish nickname in front of anypony ever again...ever.” Luna happily trotted to Celestia's side, opposite Twilight Sparkle. “I took the opportunity to request Rosy Dawn bring refreshments, though I see tea has already been served.” Celestia smiled at her victory, Luna may be a prankster, but she would always be the elder sister, an advantage she would forever enjoy. Twilight smiled at the play between the two. It was, perhaps, one of the few displays the sisters had ever allowed another pony to see, since their ascendance, of just how normal they were. They were not above sisterly squabbles. She already missed the moment she and Celestia had shared, but there would be more, she was sure. Knocking at the door interrupted any further taunting by either sister. Luna beckoned the others enter, and the door opened to admit the other Elements of Harmony. Twilight smiled happily as her friends gathered around the table and made themselves comfortable. Celestia sipped quietly at her tea, enjoying the small talk the gathered ponies began to engage in. It was an opportunity rarely afforded to her since she and Luna took up their duty to Equestria. She allowed the friends their sorely needed time with one another after Discord's escape. She even spoke with Fluttershy for a time about phoenixes and their life cycles. “As much as I enjoy time spent with friends,” Celestia spoke, ending the flagging conversations, “and I really do enjoy it. We have gathered here for a reason.” Twilight slapped her hoof to her forehead. “Of course,” She groaned, “I can't believe I forgot already. I'm sorry, Princess, I just got caught up in the moment.” Twilight's friends rolled their eyes collectively, Celestia nearly joining them. “Worry not, my pupil,” Celestia said, “truly, time with friends seems to have a magic all its own. Suspending even the most urgent of matters.” Celestia smiled to all of the ponies assembled. Twilight wore an embarrassed expression. “Right, sorry,” Twilight apologized once more, then cleared her throat. “Okay, everypony, we'll have all the time in the world to chit chat later, but for now we should focus on the task at hand.” With a glow of her horn, she plucked the Tiara of Magic out of her saddlebags, setting it atop her head. “Did everypony bring their Element?” “Sure did, sugar cube,” Applejack announced, dropping her hat to the floor and reaching in to pull out the Element of Honesty. Rarity was already wearing her choker, the Element of Generosity. Pinkie Pie pulled the Element of Laughter from seemingly nowhere. Fluttershy reached into her own saddlebag and retrieved the Element of Kindness, and Rainbow Dash was playfully balancing her Element of Loyalty on her nose. “Excellent, “Twilight said happily, “okay, this will be the first time we've tried to use the Elements outside of a dire situation, so we should all be able to focus on the magic. It's different from regular unicorn magic, so focus on what the magic feels like, and since we know they resonate with one another, try and see if you can feel the magic from each other.” The Elements all nodded and Twilight continued, looking to the princesses present. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. Would you be willing to help us? Perhaps an outside eye will notice something we do not, and you do have experience with the Elements.” “You need not ask, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna offered, Celestia nodding in agreement, “it is the least I could do after you rescued me from the nightmare. And Celestia would be more than willing to do anything for the student she is so  fond of.” She laughed as Celestia playfully swatted at her with a wing. “Enough jesting L-” Celestia found her rebuttal blocked by one of Luna's hooves. Luna could only laugh at Celestia's cross-eyed glare directed at the offending appendage. “Of course, sister,” Luna interrupted, “please, let us continue.” Celestia rolled her eyes, but did not comment further when her sister removed her hoof. Twilight covered a laugh by coughing lightly into her hoof. “Um, yes,” Twilight stuttered to continue, “Like I said, once we start, try and focus on how the magic feels. Well... I guess we should begin.” She finished, somewhat awkwardly, before closing her eyes in concentration. Her friends followed suit, and before long a soft glow surrounded each of the chokers around their necks. At first, Twilight was unsure how to activate her tiara even though she had used it twice before. Soon, though, she felt it reacting, as if it was trying to reach out for something. She felt the need begin to grow within herself as well, and mentally reached out, in the same 'direction' as her tiara. The Tiara of Magic began to grow warm on her forehead, and she knew that it had finally activated.  The reaching sensation grew, and Twilight began to have some trouble directing it. The effort required began to grow quickly, and soon she felt as though she were trying to lift an ursa minor once more. She could feel herself sweat with the effort and almost began to give up and call for her friends to stop for a moment. That was when she felt a light pressure on her shoulder. Twilight maintained her focus on controlling the Element of Magic, but spared just enough attention to open her eyes and see what the pressure was. It was a golden clad hoof, belonging to her admired mentor. Celestia's gaze was warm, and she smiled to the young alicorn before closing her own eyes. Celestia's horn began to glow softly, and Twilight immediately felt the almost unbearable burden ease greatly. Twilight closed her eyes once more and was surprised to feel Celestia's magic mingling with her own, guiding her back to the tiara, rather than the magic the tiara gave off. It was a soothing feeling, the embrace of Celestia's magic, calming and guiding her own will, showing her how to use the tiara she had helped to craft ages ago. Twilight relished the feeling, this was something new. Years earlier, when she was first taken under Celestia's wing, Twilight was often encouraged to work out magic for herself. Never before had Celestia so directly guided her. Celestia's presence pulled her along gently, lovingly guiding her into the tiara, Twilight's will began to enter it as a hoof might enter a boot. As soon as she connected with the Tiara properly, Celestia's will backed off lightly, though never leaving entirely. Twilight felt ease in the presence, and began to focus in earnest once more, reaching out through the tiara where it told her the other Elements were awaiting her. She felt as though she were stretching across the entire room, seeking the joyful presence that signified the gathering of the other Elements. Scant millimeters before her lay the presence, yet at the same time it was an eternity away. Time slowed to a crawl as she reached across the yawning gap, and before she knew what was happening, she connected with it. Unfettered happiness filled her as she felt the embrace of her friends, as though she were hugging each of them individually at the same time. All at once her friends were part of her, she could feel each of their driving reason resonating within her very core. A need began to fill in her, to always be by their side, no matter the odds. A thousand Discords could sweep across Equestria and she would stand in its way, shielding her friends from harm. A thousand wants threatened to pull her away from them. Promises of everything she desired called to her, but the need to stay with her friends crushed every temptation and swept them away as so much filth. Nothing would pull her away from her very best friends. The only temptation left untouched by the need was the desire to give. To give everything she was to ensure the happiness of everypony dear to her. Every book, every lesson, every bit she owned was nothing compared to her friends' happiness, and so it could all be cast away without a care. Every truth would be given to them as well, for they deserved nothing less. No masks, no lies of omission, nothing but reality. Even the most unpleasant truth was theirs to have, from the very depths of her heart. They would forever know her as she really was. And there, in the deepest part of her heart was love. She loved them all dearly, and would drop everything she was doing at a moments notice and extend her helping hoof. She would gently guide them in their times of need and offer encouraging words. That would forever be her will. Realizing her will pulled forward a joy so pure, that it chased away everything sad and scary in the world. It was an intoxicating joy, something to be spread about and shared with everyone she knew. It began to bubble inside her. The joy percolated into a chuckle, which grew and grew, from a giggle to full laughter. Everything she was now, she realized, was her friendship. Every need, desire, truth, care and joy was, in fact, the presence of her friends. She had never had the time before to really experience the very being of her friends. There was always something important to do, some great danger to overcome. But here, in Celestia's study, she could simply sit and enjoy her friendship. And so she did, for countless moments, each second an eternity of love shared between friends. She drifted with them in serenity. She stood strong with Loyalty, reached out with Kindness, gave with Generosity, shared all her truths with Honesty, and shared pure joy with Laughter. These were her friends, and she could feel nothing but pure gratitude for them. As she basked in their warmth she noticed something. There, just beyond the spiritual group hug, was a presence keeping its distance, watching. She could feel it, though, it was a presence of infinite possibilities, something dreams were made of. There was only one pony she knew that could fit that feeling. She reached out, coaxing her friends to do so with her, and pulled Luna from her distant perch to join them. The Dreams were hesitant, at first, but Kindness reached out and guided her to the rest. Laughter ran around them all in giddy excitement, and Generosity gave her only good will. Honesty held no resentment at her presence, and Loyalty supported her staunchly.  And so, with the aid of friendship, dreams shared limitless possibilities, and the Elements were overjoyed. Magic, allowed herself to lazily float along a river of Dreams with her friends, sharing happiness with each other. There was only one thing missing. She was having trouble putting her hoof on it, though. She let her focus wander, feeling all around her for that missing part. It took only an instant to feel it. It had been with her all along, and so she had not noticed it before. It was a guiding presence, a Promise of potential fulfilled. It was her beloved mentor, Celestia. So, eager to share the joy she had found with her friends, she reached out, back through to the other side of the tiara and pulled. The Promise pulled back, letting her know that what she was sharing with her friends was special, to be shared only with those she loved above all else. Magic agreed with the Promise, and so she pulled all the harder, ignoring the weak protests the Promise offered. One final tug pulled Promise through the tiara to join in her friendship, but something was different. It was not like when Dreams were shared, it was as though the Promise of potential fulfilled had become part of her. Perhaps it was because she had pulled Promise through the tiara, but she had felt a joy she had never known swell within her heart. She held Promise in an unbreakable embrace, unable to release her. So she carried Promise to the gathered friendship and together they enjoyed one another's presence. Too soon, Dreams began to pull away, duty she said, to be with every pony across Equestria. Promise spoke to Magic, then, telling her that she must aid Dreams in her duty. So at the behest of Promise, Magic bid her friends farewell and carried Promise gently back through the tiara. Once more she was Twilight Sparkle, her sense of self had returned as she passed through the Tiara of Magic. Held tightly within her magic was Princess Celestia's magic. Twilight knew that it was now time to lower the Sun and raise the Moon, and so she released her hold on Celestia's magic. Her mentor's will hesitated for a moment, before it reluctantly returned to the ageless alicorn. Twilight opened her eyes, which protested against the light that was finally allowed to assault them. She grimaced and let her vision adjust. She was breathless, that had been an experience unlike any she ever had before. Was that what happened every time they had used the Elements? That was intense, to say the least. “Well,” Luna's excited voice broke Twilight out of her stupor, “as much as I would love to continue such an enjoyable session, I'm afraid duty requires Celly and I to usher in the night.” Luna stood, and stretched the soreness out of her joints. She quickly offered a nuzzle to each of the ponies present, and turned toward a window, opening it with magic and allowing a gentle breeze to filter into the room. “Come, sister,” Luna called, “we have already delayed too long.” Twilight looked at the sundial in the center of the table and saw that Luna was right. The sundial's shadow stretched to the very end of the markings, touching a silly caricature of Luna warning that the moon was growing impatient. “Of course,” Celestia's voice drew Twilight's attention to her mentor, who was standing hastily. Celestia turned quickly and moved next to her sister. “Let us be off,” Luna stated with a turn and a flourish of her wings, cuffing Celestia lightly in fun. Luna laughed in joy as she flew out the window to perform her duty, Celestia following quickly. “We have discovered much, but we will have to discuss it when we return!” Celestia called as she flew off. Twilight took a moment to catch her breath and let her heart beat slow to normal. She looked around the able at her friends, they had all begun to talk to each other excitedly, and Twilight could only smile in light exhaustion. “That was amazing!” Pinkie Pie's voice cut through the chatter, infectious in its excitement. “It was like, I knew you girls were there, but I couldn't do anything. Then Twilight came along and it was like the best group hug ever!” “I know, right?” Rainbow Dash said, “It was like, when I was with you girls, nothing could stop me.” “It was nice.” Fluttershy agreed. “Indeed,” Rarity agreed, “that was like no unicorn magic I had ever heard of. Twilight, dear, was that the Princesses that joined us? I thought they were only going to observe.” “It was,” Twilight explained, “I think it was different for me, than it was for you girls, though. I'm not sure if it was because I represent the Element of Magic, or if it was because I'm now an alicorn. What was certain was that I could feel what each pony represented, rather than who they were.” Her friends listened intently. “When we were all together, it was the best feeling ever, what you represented became a part of me, as though nothing could ever go wrong. I could feel Princess Luna watching, she felt like a dream that fades from memory each morning. I remembered how lonely she seemed at breakfast, and how great it is to have friendship. I couldn't help but reach out and pull her in.” They all smiled happily at the memory of Luna joining them. “After that, I thought, why not bring in Princess Celestia?” Twilight continued, “But I think I did it differently.” She looked at the sundial for a moment, then spoke again. “Its strange, though. It seems like we were only in there for maybe half an hour at most, but, looking at the time, it was several hours.” “Hey, yer right,” Applejack said, “It was still early afternoon when we started, now its sundown.” “I think its safe to say,” Rarity stated, “that experimenting with the Elements should be something we schedule from now on.” The other girls nodded in agreement. Twilight stood up and gave a great stretch, her muscles protesting the movement after hours spent unused. “Hey everypony, look!” Exclaimed Rainbow Dash, pointing to Twilight. “She has wings... sort of.” Twilight looked to her shoulder, amidst the gasps of her friends. Sure enough, where there had only been silky down feathers before, was a tiny wing. Twilight judged it was perhaps a bit smaller than an average pegasus filly's wing. The tiny appendage stood out straight from her body, no doubt subconsciously commanded to do so when she stretched earlier. She tried to send a mental command to the wing, imagining it closing against her side as she'd seen so many pegasi do. Her wing, however, remained steadfastly extended, ignoring the order. Of course, thought Twilight, it probably has its own set of nerves. I don't imagine moving a hoof, I just do. This is going to take some time. Twilight tried several times to move her wings mentally, but to no avail. “I bet they grew because we used the Elements,” Rainbow Dash guessed excitedly. “Maybe we should use them again, and see if we can make them grow all the way!” She sat back down in her excitement before giving off a great yawn. The action spread contagiously to the other ponies around the table. “Wow, you all look really tired,” Spikes voice came from the now open door. Twilight turned to face the young dragon, he must have awoken some time when they were using the Elements. Her assistant shut the door behind him and idly took a bite out of an emerald held in one of his small claws. He must have already eaten dinner. “Maybe we should call it a night, girls,” Twilight suggested, turning back to her friends. “I'll wait for the princesses to return, you can go ahead and return to your rooms to get some sleep.” Her friends all seemed to agree as they each stood up and stretched. “Good night, sugar cube, don't work too hard,” Applejack said. “Applejack is right, it wouldn't do for you to tire yourself out,” Rarity agreed. “Good night, Twilight, try to get some rest too,” Fluttershy offered, “things have been a little too exciting lately.” “Hey hurry up and grow some wings,” Rainbow Dash said, “I can't wait forever to help you learn how to fly.” “Nighty night!” Pinkie sang as she hopped along after her friends out of the room. “Good night girls,” Twilight called after her friends, before she sat back down stretching again for good measure. She glanced back over her shoulder to one of her new wings and experimentally rolled the shoulder it sat behind. The tiny wing wiggled in response to the motion. Twilight smiled in small victory. “Hey, you've got wings,” Spike pointed out. Twilight smiled and nodded her head to the young dragon before turning her attention back to the small appendage. “Okay, Twilight, you can do this,” Twilight told herself and stretched out her left foreleg. The tiny wing reached out as far as it could in sympathetic response. Grinning, she pulled her leg back in, an action which only prompted another wiggle from the immature wing. Twilight pouted in reaction to the rebellious wing's lack of obedience. She knew it would take some time, but she had hoped moving her foreleg would have drawn a more immediate sympathetic action from her wing. Still, it was something. Perhaps she could create some exercises to help her better understand how to go about getting some control over her new additions. Her attention was again diverted a short moment later when a soft clapping pulled her eyes to the open window. Princess Celestia was hovering just outside of the open portal with a smile on her face. She stopped clapping and alighted on the window sill before stepping back into her study. “Very good, Twilight,” Celestia offered in praise, “I see the growth of your wings was stimulated by the Elements. You can even wiggle them a little bit.” She sounded excited, but it was small consolation to the young alicorn. “Its good that they've begun to grow,” Twilight compromised, “but a pathetic wiggle will hardly get me off the ground.” Her frustration was pushed aside by a soft nuzzle from her mentor. “On the contrary, my young protege,” Celestia argued, “you're doing much better than Luna and I in our first attempts to control our wings.” Celestia got a far off look in her eyes as she laughed lightly in memory. “We hadn't expected the change at all, and were surprised to find ourselves with a third pair of limbs.” Twilight listened raptly to the revelation. “Really, princess?” Twilight asked, grasping onto the hope that she wasn't in some sense a failure. “Of course,” giggled Celestia, “look on the bright side, Twilight, at least your wings are still small. Imagine trying to get control over two fully grown wings.” She spread her wings, displaying her full wingspan for effect. “Luna and I were saddled with four very wild wings between the two of us, and several bruised friends and family members.” Twilight couldn't help herself, and she began to laugh at the mental image of Celestia and Luna inadvertently harassing several ponies around them. “I would have hoped such an image would be difficult to imagine,” Celestia pouted at her student's laughter. Twilight managed to control her laughter after a time, and wiped a tear from her eye. “I'm sorry princess, I mean Celestia,” Twilight corrected hastily, in response to her mentor's further pout at the title. “I guess after seeing Applejack's brother behaving like a dog yesterday made it easier to imagine the impossible.” Celestia smiled fondly at her. “Not that impossible, my dear,” Celestia explained, “after all, I began as you have: a young unicorn thrust from normalcy.” Celestia padded across the room  and sat beside Twilight. “Though, I believe you never had that normalcy.” “What do you mean princess?” Twilight asked, of course she had been a normal unicorn before. “What I mean,” Celestia began to explain, “is you always had been the most gifted unicorn I had ever met. That includes Luna and I before our change.” Celestia plucked the Tiara of Magic from atop Twilight's head and placed it upon the table. She gestured to the purple gemstone. “We've never spoken of it before, but what do you see there?” “A gemstone?” Twilight ventured, unsure of what her mentor was suggesting. “Indeed it is a gemstone, selected specifically for its magical properties,” Celestia explained, “however, I must admit I'm surprised you have not drawn the connection yourself already.” Twilight thought for a moment before it struck her. She brought her hoof to her face in irritation at herself. “I don't know why I didn't notice it before,” Twilight said, “the jewels on the Elements of Harmony all resembled the cutie marks of the ponies who represent them. It's shaped like my cutie mark.” “That is almost correct,” Celestia said to her student, who adopted a confused look. “I don't understand,” Twilight said, “what do you mean almost correct?” Celestia laughed lightly, again letting her student know that the answer should have been obvious, or rather that it would be obvious once explained. Celestia pointed a hoof, which Twilight followed with her gaze to an old tapestry hanging next to the door. The tapestry depicted the Elements of Harmony, all still in the form of stones with various shapes carved into them. In the center of the five Element stones was the Tiara of Magic. “That tapestry,” Celestia explained, “was created shortly after Luna and I imprisoned Discord the first time. Do you notice something significant in the depiction?”Twilight thought for a moment as she looked the tapestry over, dissecting all of the parts of the image. “The Tiara, its not a stone like the other Elements,” Twilight pointed out, “But that makes no sense, it was a stone when I first called it when I confronted Luna.” “Of course it was, my dear,” Celestia said, “I had sealed it away in my grief, after having sentenced my own sister to a thousand year imprisonment on the moon.” She let a look of sadness pass over her face for a moment before she smiled fondly. “It had been a secret worry of mine for almost a thousand years, that I would have to use the elements again, when Luna returned. But the something magical happened.” Twilight listened to Celestia's story, being granted another glance into the past that made Celestia the pony she was this day. “I was wandering the gardens down by my school for gifted unicorns when a great explosion caught my attention. I looked up to see a magnificent rainbow spreading across the sky, but then another crash drew my attention to a nearby tower.” Twilight smiled, she must have been talking about Rainbow Dash's first sonic rainboom. “Imagine my surprise when I found the gigantic head of a baby dragon blinking vapidly at the sky poking out of said tower.” Celestia stretched her forelegs out wide to indicate the size. “I hurried to where I assumed the dragon was, and there, amidst a storm of raw magic, was a young lavender unicorn.” Celestia again leaned her head down and pressed it against Twilight. “And after countering the magic and settling the young filly, could anyone guess what her cutie mark would be?” Twilight looked back at the tapestry by the door. “Are you saying that my cutie mark doesn't just represent magic, but the Element of Magic?” Twilight asked. “When you consider the shape, color, and the five smaller stars surrounding it, the proof seems incontrovertible.” Celestia stated, “That was what initially spurred my decision to ask you to be my protege. The Element of Magic is powerful, it was impossible for me to control when Luna and I brought down brought down Discord. It proved to be nearly as unmanageable when I used it to imprison Luna.” “That there would be a pony with the talent to use the artifact properly astounded me. That she would also possess more potential than any unicorn in history convinced me to take her under my wing, to ensure that she would use her tremendous gift for the good of all ponykind.” Celestia paused in her pontification, smiling proudly at Twilight. “And she has delivered all I could dream of and more.” Twilight looked down at the table, blushing at the praise. A thought struck her though, if she was meant to wield the Element of Magic, what of her friends? “What about my friends?” Twilight Sparkle asked, “was it some sort of destiny that led me to them?” Celestia laughed, amused at the question. “Destiny, Twilight, is an interesting thing,” Celestia explained, “as far as I've seen, destiny is in reality potential. When somepony is able to reach their full potential, most would call it Destiny. In my opinion that would do them a disservice. You meeting your friends was a happy coincidence, nothing more.” “A very happy coincidence,” Twilight agreed with her mentor. She smiled as she thought of her friends, “I'm lucky to have them.” “And they are very lucky to know you, my dear,” Celestia said. “It is unfortunate that they left already, as there was much I discovered as I monitored your use of the Elements. That is, before I became part of the phenomenon, at least.” Celestia could not help but smile at the embarrassed look that came across Twilight's face. “I'm sorry about that, prin- Celestia,” Twilight apologized, “I hadn't meant to drag you into that. But after I felt so much joy being connected with my friends in such a special way, I couldn't help but allow Luna to join us when I felt her presence. After that, one thing led to another, and I sort of ended up acting on a whim and pulled you into it, too.” Twilight hung her head, ashamed at her earlier lack of control. Her head was pushed back up by an insistent nuzzle from Celestia, who smiled as she gazed into her student's eyes. There is no need to feel shame, my dear student,” Celestia said. “It has been so very long since Luna and I have felt such close companionship with anypony, it certainly was one of the most enjoyable moments the past thousands of years.” Celestia gazed fondly at the Moon hanging in the night sky outside the windows. “I feel I must thank you for sharing the experience with us,” Celestia could not suppress a bemused grin that suddenly appeared on her face. “It was an uniquely intimate experience, I must admit I have never been embraced quite so thoroughly before.” Celestia giggled as the embarrassed look returned to her student's face, she was easier to tease then Mr. and Mrs. Cake. “I didn't, I mean, that wasn't-” Twilight became immediately flustered at her mentor's insinuations. This  situation was far beyond anything she ever thought she'd have to plan for. Luckily Celestia knew her student well, including how far she could be pressed with a prank. “Calm yourself, Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia cooed softly to her protege, “I was merely joking. Sun's warmth, my dear, I do miss your companionship. While life has certainly become… interesting at the palace with Luna's return, life here has lacked a certain quality with you gone.” Twilight regained her composure and sighed fondly at Celestia's informality with her. “I'm glad to be back, even if I would like to return to Ponyville,” Twilight admitted, “being able to spend time with you, it made having to put up with the elitist attitudes here in Canterlot worth it.” “Oh, Twilight,” Celestia said, “that's kind of you to say, and I'm honored you feel that way. The happiness you and Spike have brought me, when I was allowed to simply be your teacher, has been one of my greatest joys.” Twilight smiled at her mentor's words. The two sat in comfortable silence for some time, enjoying each other's company, and staring out the windows to the beautiful night sky. Celestia spoke again, however, breaking the silence. “Seeing as how it would be best to delay discussing our findings with the Elements until your friends awake,” Celestia began, “perhaps I shall aid you in understanding how to gain control over your new wings?” Twilight nodded enthusiastically at the idea. “That would be wonderful,” Twilight acknowledged, “I thought that moving my foreleg would force a sympathetic response, however I was not as successful as I wanted. I was hoping to be able to feel my new muscles when the wing moved, so that I could isolate the area and then attempt to move my wings independently.” “What a wonderful idea,” Celestia praised her student, then went silent for a time, pondering what she could do to help. Twilight tried to wiggle her foreleg again, and was met with the same response as before, a week wiggling wing. She huffed in annoyance and tried again, achieving the same results. Celestia let out a small hum as a thought occurred to her. Perhaps Twilight was on the right track, she just needed an outside stimulus to help her identify the new nerves leading to her wings. Deciding to test her theory, Celestia moved to act. Twilight was caught off guard when Celestia leaned in and gently took one of her tiny secondary covert feathers in her lips and gave a light tug. The nerves in her wing tingled in alarm, the appendage shrinking away from the princess' explorations. Twilight, for her part, gave off a light shrieking giggle, trying to back away from her mentor. Celestia smiled as her idea bore fruit, Twilight's wing had indeed moved when she tugged on one of her new feathers. She reached out and again tugged on a few feathers, eliciting a similar response from Twilight, amusing the Princess of the Sun further. She knew she shouldn't, that Twilight was in sore need of guidance in this trying time, but her student's response, in addition to the liberating feeling of finally having a peer other than her sister, egged her on further. Twilight rolled back onto her rump, laughing at Celestia's tickling exploration of her wings. She logically understood what the princess was trying to accomplish, but she couldn't keep her body and wings still. She had no idea that new and unused nerves could be so sensitive. Soon Celestia gave up all pretense of helping her student. Instead she leaned over the young alicorn, moving her head back and forth, using her lips to pull gently at random feathers. The freedom she felt in this display was intoxicating. Sure, she played the occasional prank on her subjects, like the Cakes, but there had always been a distance, a sort of social barrier she could never cross. The childish mare that had been locked away when she became an alicorn demanded she continue. Eventually, Celestia's horn was encased in an illuminating glow, and small points of telekinetic force began to rain across both of her young student's wings. Twilight was at her mentor's mercy and there was nothing she could do about it. “Oh sister, you simply must see this new constell...a...tion...” Luna's voice caused all activity in the room to suddenly stop, save for the ragged wheezing of a breathless Twilight Sparkle, and the soft snoring of Spike. Luna stared in shock at the sight before her as she stood on the sill of the window she had exited earlier. Celestia stood, her expression one of a child having been caught sneaking sweets before dinner, over the prone form of her student. In her lips for several feathers of one of Twilight's, apparently recently acquired, miniature wings. Said student was on her back, prone, and damp with sweat. Her gaze was without focus as she gasped for air, an earlier exertion causing her gasps to be ragged and halting. The relative silence stretched out for an impossible infinity of time. The silence was broken when Celestia, hastily releasing Twilight's feathers from her possession began to try and explain herself. “I had never thought, dear sister,” Luna began, walking toward the two from her perch, “that, while I was creating art with the infinite vastness of the night sky,” she swept a hoof out wide, gesturing towards the sky, “and you returned to speak with your beloved student,” she brought the same hoof in a low sweep, indicating the pair before her, “that there was never even the most remote of chances that you might possibly need,” now she pointed in accusation to her sister, “a chaperone!” “Luna, this is- or rather, what I mean to say is that I wasn't- I mean I was, but,” Celestia, ever cool in her composure, and calm when she spoke, was stammering like a schoolfilly. She was interrupted by the sound of Luna clicking her tongue in a chiding manner. “Whatever shall I do with you?” Luna asked, then she held Celestia in a silent gaze for many minutes. Eventually the silence was broken by Luna, who gave an unladylike snort before erupting in gales of laughter. Celestia gaped at her sister in indignation, unable to form a response she sat up, and decided to wait it out. As Luna's laughter died down, Twilight finally managed to get her breathing under rather shaky control. She pushed herself up from her back and into a sitting position. Wiping a hoof across her brow, she gave a calming exhalation before speaking. “Princess Luna,” Twilight addressed the dark alicorn, “I understand what this might look like, but Celestia was merely helping me isolate the nerve endings for my new wings.” Luna raised an eyebrow at the lack of a title when her sister was referenced, and smiled as Twilight finished her explanation. “Indeed, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna smiled, dropping her charade of protest. Celestia settled on offering a withering glare at her sister, who only smiled in return before clapping her hooves together. “Lucid Dream!” Luna called. “Yes, Princess?” asked a young pegasus hoofmaiden from the open window. She was a deep purple, almost black color, with a silver mane, Twilight could not see her cutie mark. “It seems the tea here has gone cold,” Luna explained, “I pray thee, fetch us some fresh tea, so that we may continue to entertain our guest.” “Yes, my lady,” the hoofmaiden bowed low from her perch atop the window sill before taking off quickly. “Forgive my joke, sister,” Luna requested, “it truly is good to see you letting down your mane. I imagine it must have been difficult for you in my absence, and ever since my return you've seemed so distant.” Celestia dropped her glare, instead giving her younger sister a smile of appreciation. “A light punishment for what I did,” Celestia explained, “I would endure the isolation for an eternity if it would take back your years of imprisonment, my dear sister.” Any tension Twilight had felt up to that moment melted at the heartwarming scene. How often had they shared moments like this since Luna had returned? She smiled, how many more would they share? They were always set apart from their subjects, with only each other to treat as equals. She would ever remain Celestia's most faithful student, but she quickly decided that she would do what she could to allow the sisters more reprieve from the duties of ruling Equestria. This was a wonderful opportunity, Twilight decided. She had been given a great gift from her friends, she would find a way to repay the gesture to them, and do all she could to share the happiness with those around her. Her posture relaxed, and she allowed herself to chat through the night with Celestia and Luna as friends. Chapter 2 end. AN The AC adapter for my laptop took a crap, so more than half this chapter was written on a smartphone. Thank god for amazon japan, managed to get ahold of the correct adapter in just two days, and they allowed c.o.d.! By the by, I am contemplating Twilestia, though right now their relationship is more friendly. Just a warning to those who might request otherwise, I write to my whim, no one else's.