Twilight finds a book written by a unicorn long before the founding of Equestria.
After finding a book written long ago by one who studied magic, Twilight begins her journey to discover the secrets of magic hidden within the collection of the author's writings. But this path leads her not only to the hidden powers of magic itself, but reveals the true nature of her beloved homeland. Follow, as Twilight and her new accomplice, Trixie, seek to gather the long lost words of the most powerful unicorn.
Twilight woke up finding that she had slept in. She was feeling rather unmotivated for a notable event happened the night before.
Twilight had finished reading "Super Naturals" cover to cover. As she breathed a sigh of relief having finished another book, she felt as though she had forgotten something important. She made sure to double check her checklist to find anything and had found not only was everything checked for the night, but that she had already double checked her checklist. She felt relieved but still uncomfortable. She paced back and forth contemplating what might be bothering her. She was hit with realization on that the book she had just read had been the last. As she scanned the books along the shelves she could not find a single one she had yet to read. Twilight fell back on her flank at this. "What's left?" she said to no one in particular. She stared blankly at the books after failing to find one she had never read before. She chuckled slightly at herself that she knew so much that she didn't need to refer to any of the books before her. Within her head lied an entire library's worth on information. "That's it!" library had yelled with none present to hear. "I've read all these books, but there's more at the Canterlot Archives!" The lavender pony was positively ecstatic to know that her quest for knowledge had yet to end. But still the fright of having nothing left to learn kept her thinking of what might happen when she had finished the archives as well. She read with such speed that she had read through an entire library before even considering herself a full grown mare.
Twilight went to bed with a frightening chill in her heart and a persistent question pulling at her thoughts "What would she do when there's nothing left to learn."
After twilight had gotten out of bed, the question stuck. It kept her from focusing and she seemed distant. Twilight's special talent had always been magic but she believed that had been so because of her studious nature guiding her to the knowledge that books withheld. As she looked down the stairs at the shelves filled with book that might as well contain blank pages for she could recite them by memory.
She remembered a mare from her youth who helped in tutoring Twilight when the princess was busy, her name was Star Charmer. When the old mare had first entered Twilight's home in Canterlot she was taken back by the high shelves of books stacked along the wall. "That's quite the number of books you have there." said Star, her tone rather humble being of Canterlot.
"The Princess gave them to me to help me learn more about magic." The young filly replied.
"Even still, it would take a while to read all those."
"I can read fast"
"I'm sure you can it's just that i prefer to only shelve books that I've read."
Twilight remembered those words. and after that lesson Twilight had taken down all the books that she hadn't read making sure only to shelve those she had finished. Sure enough, she had read every book in her house had had filled those shelves before coming to Ponyville.
Twilight would send a letter to the princess expressing her intentions to visit the archives regularly. As Twilight looked to Spike's bed to find it empty she was disappointed with herself for she had awoken later than Spike the lazy dragon. She stepped outside after grooming herself and saw Spike in the distance sitting atop a light-orange mare wearing a cowboy hat. This pony had been Applejack. Intrigued, Twilight trotted over to the crowd that had assembled there to find Spike and the other ponies looking curiously at the wares of a travelling vendor who had set up just out side the library.
"Spike! Why didn't you wake me up?" Twilight complained.
"You looked tired, besides, today's a free day." Spike replied.
Twilight accepted the dragon's response and focused more the the stand that had been set up. "What's going on?" Twilight had asked Applejack.
"Well it seems this here stand sells 'curiosities' and things." Applejack had seemed confused with the word.
Twilight had looked at the stand and noticed the The dark brown unicorn stallion with an unkempt mane with the color of leaf green standing behind the counter. Twilight must have the eye of this vendor for with a movement of his hoof, he beckoned her over. Twilight went in closer hoping to get a better look at his wares. When Twilight had approached the stand the vendor smiled.
"Welcome to Odsanends' Odds and Ends." The pony announced directed towards Twilight while extending his forelegs. "You're a librarian are you not?" the stallion said before coming down.
Twilight smiled and nodded before looking at the jewelry on display. "How do you come by these if you don't mind me asking?"
"Well, these are just things I buy from ponies who need a quick bit. Sometimes I haggle, sometimes I have a fixed price, Either way, nopony walks away unhappy from from my stand. For example as a librarian, I'm guessing you are in the market for some books am I right." The pony asked happily.
Twilight had been amazed by such luck, to find a vendor selling books the day after she had run out. "Why yes I am, what do you have.
Odsanends, stood up from the box he was standing on and it pushed out from behind the counter. After unhinging the latch he opened the box to reveal it filled with books. "Please, have a look."
Twilight excitedly began looking through the books, but began to sink for she had read she had picked up, most she had at the library not thirty paces away.
Odsanends had noticed the pony's distress while selling a trinket. He walked over. "Whats wrong?" He asked.
Twilight sighed, "I've read all of these and have many of them already." Odsanends was surprised to hear that anypony could read somany books.
"Well, like I said, nopony walks away unhappy." The stallion stepped away for a moment before returning with a book balanced on his back. "Have you read this?"
Twilight looked up to see the book.
"This was a gift from a my cousin. I've never been one for magic, but I think you'll appreciate this."
Twilight levitated the book from Odsanends. The cover simply read "Log -132- invisibility" on a weathered label. The book was a powder blue with a few stars dotting the corners. She Opened the book to find the interior had been in immaculate condition, noticeably old, but appeared new relative to the cover. On the inside of the cover was written in fine handwriting "Property of S.S."
Odsanends had waited while Twilight had examined the book. Twilight looked up smiling and asked "How much?"
The brown stallion, smiled before stating, "I can't sell it!"
Twilight's smile dropped as did her jaw. "What! Why not!?"
Still smiling, Odsanends replied "Because it was a gift! You can't properly sell a gift can you? But I can give it to you."
"You can?" asked Twilight feeling cautious.
"And will. Under one condition of course well... two actually."
"What are they"
"First, you must take good care of it. It's a gift to both of us and should be respected."
"And second?"
"Second, you must leave this stall with a sincere smile."
After hearing these requests her grin widened from ear to ear. This was satisfactory as Odsanends replied, "Alright, you take good care of that book now."
Twilight held the book close not knowing what lie inside, and it was that ignorance that excited the young mare, for from the vessel she held lied information unknown to her and many.
Twilight had wasted no time as she began to read the book. She had found that it was hoofwritten meaning that it was either a first edition or made before the printing press. she moved to the first page.
Entry 132-1 I have begun my research in to art of illusion and have chosen to start with the fantastic idea of invisibility. This being a magic of only myth and rumor, I have chosen to experiment on simple objects such as vases and and stones. There have been stories as old as time that a pony can hide as though transparent as glass without shimmer or sign of presence. My assistant seems quite excited with the idea, I myself am ever wary of the dangers of untested magic. The unstable element that it is has harmed many a pony and I am recording all I can, or can't, observe whilst attempting to find a stable invisibility spell.
Twilight was surprise to read this. She had never heard of any such spell and wondered if she would find it in the book before her. As she turned the page, a feeling of excitement and wonder fill her as she just waited for the page to turn.
Entry 132-2 From what little I could attain from my research into folklore and legend, in order to perform the spell one must first envision the object in question as though it were not there. I shall attempt this upon a simple clay vase.
Entry 132-3 The trial, unsurprisingly, had met without result. The method that had been mentioned earlier had been tried numerous times and yet no progress was made. A new method was required. My assistant offered that perhaps it would be simpler to envision the object as though it was made of glass. I shall attempt this next.
Entry 132-4 Once again I owe another great inspiration to my amazing assistant. The method advised had not made the object disappear but did changed the physical qualities. The object seem to change color to better suit the surroundings. However the object remains opaque and upon close inspection the texture is clearly visible. This spell while not true invisibility would work wonders as camouflage likened to that of a chameleon. I shall remember this spell and improve upon it for I am certain that it has many uses in the name of our king.
Twilight felt confused about the last statement, knowing full well that Equestria had never had a king. She pondered that perhaps the author was of a different nation, but she still wasn't certain for the writer certainly had to be a unicorn and would often refer others as ponies. Could this be from before Equestria. If so than this book would have to be centuries old. An absurdity for this book though obviously aged could not have been so old. She had pondered whether it was a hoax or some joke played on Odsanends, or on herself by Odsanends. Twilight convinced herself that she would find the answer in the book if she were to keep reading. She would watch for inconsistencies and contradictions not knowing what she would do if she were to find none.
Entry 132-5 The "Glass" method as I and my assistant have begun to refer to it by has been rather improved by trial and error. It had initially taken only the common color of the surroundings but as we focused more on the texture, the the vase had begun to take the patterns of surroundings as well. We had ventured out into the forest for a trial. The vase had appeared with the patterns of leaves and grass, though if hard to find, it was still clearly visible. My assistant had tried to move the vase before dispelling it and I was amazed as the patterns moved. We had immediately decided to move the vase to the earth pony fields. Though not being on the best of terms with them they accepted us with little more inconvenience than an occasional sneer or off-putting look. I was further amazed as the vase had taken the image of wheat and soil upon it. When we returned it to the castle, it had blended in with the brick walls and marble floors. This may be the right path to our ultimate goal.
Twilight had remembered reading that the castle in Canterlot had been made a replica of the castle that the unicorns had made before Equestria having brick wall and marble floors. Perhaps this is from before Equestria. The thought had passed her mind, but she would not decide until she had finished the book.
Entry 132-6 I am distraught. The spell had been perfected yet it is not what I had hoped for. The vase did seem to be made of glass was clear enough that I may read my own print through it though I had wished for it to seem as though it were not there. The "Glass" spell seemed to leave distortion through the shape and if movement were to be made the user would surely be seen. I have decided to look back in to the first method hoping that a hybrid of the two spells shall offer the results I desire.
Twilight had stopped caring whether or not this was a hoax. The story intrigued her as she wondered what would become of the spell, fantasy or other wise. However it had been setting and Spike currently wasn't at the tree-house. Twilight was hoping to send the message to Princess Celestia about frequenting the archives before night. She would have to find him.
Twilight stepped outside into the golden orange scenery the twi-cough- the dusk had created on. She followed her long shadow as she searched for her dragon. She found Applejack in the town center closing her apple-stand for the day. After exchanging pleasantries, Twilight inquired as to where Spike was.
"I saw him with you earlier, do you know where he could have gone?" Twilight asked.
"Ah saw him go to the boutique, he probably with Rarity."
Twilight sighed. She felt foolish for having not checked there on her way to the town center."Thank you Applejack, I'll check there right away." She began turning to leave.
"Now hold on there Twilight." Twilight paused and looked at the pony. "Now ah now a hungry pony when I see one."
Twilight stood still for a moment before she heard the grumble from her stomach. With a bit of embarrassment, she blushed and said, "I must have forgotten to eat earlier." Twilight remembered her day as she had awoken late. Shortly she had been given a book by a traveling vendor and had been reading it til now.
Applejack lifted an apple in a gesture to offer it to Twilight. "Here, This keep you 'til you get home."
"Thank you Applejack." Twilight was about to offer some bits before Applejack interjected.
"Woah there Twilight, you should know a gift when you get one. It's on the house." Twilight smiled.
Twilight began walking. "Thanks again Applejack, I'll see you later ok?"
"You bet'cha! And don't mention it." Applejack finished loading the cart before dragging it off.
Twilight continued to think of the book while eating her second gift today. She was careful not to eat the core. After taking the last bite, she stared the apple core. "I wonder..." She focused her magic and envisioned the core as though it were glass. She had imagined it refracting the light of the sunset, shining like a fine wine glass. When she opened her eyes, her heart skipped a beat to find it was gone. Surprised that she had done more than camouflage it. She began to search to search for an indent in the dirt road, or perhaps dust resting on nothing visible. Her head low, she circled the area before finding two purple scaly feet. She looked up with disappointment to find her dragon assistant spike holding an apple core.
"What'cha doin'" The dragon inquired before eating the core whole.
Twilight quickly lifted her head with a little embarrassment. "Uh, Nothing. What are you doing?" In an attempt to break away from the subject, she got defensive. "Where have you been all day? Hmm?"
Spike, taken back by the sudden interrogation, answered quickly, "Woah, I was over at Rarity's, I helped as a pincushion again. That's all I swear." Spike was frightened that Twilight was accusing him of something.
"Oh... Right." Twilight had forgotten about that. "Sorry for the attack Spike. I just need your help right now."
"You need to send a letter?" Spike said hopefully. He had not wanted to reorganize the library again.
"Yes, now let's go home. It's getting dark."
They walked towards the silhouette of the tree-house made black by the sun setting behind it. She thought back to the apple core, perhaps she should try again.
After Twilight and Spike had gotten home, Twilight made a slight bounce before saying, "Spike, take a letter."
Despite spike already knowing to do that, he made no complaint as he grabbed a paper and quill. At least the library's still clean. Spike thought with a content smile.
Dear Princess Celestia
I have run out of literature and am planning on frequently visiting the Canterlot Archives, I am writing ahead to make sure this will not be an inconvenience to you. I plan on beginning my visits in two days. If this is an inconvenience please reply to this by tomorrow.
Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.
With the letter completed, Spike quickly, yet carefully, rolled it up before opening the window and blowing it out with a puff of green fire. "Twilight, what do you mean you ran out of literature?"
"What? Oh, you see, I've read every book in the library." Twilight gestured a hoof to the bookshelves.
Spike was dumbfounded. He had often, if not always seen Twilight with her nose in a book, but to have read every book that lay before him, Spike would have imagined that to have taken a life time. "You read every book here?"
"Yup, well except for this one." Twilight had pointed to the blue book with stars. She felt the sudden urge to open it and continue but stayed focused. "This is the book I just got today from that vendor."
"Yeah I remember that guy, the brown unicorn right? You know I noticed he didn't once use magic to move his stuff. He use his horn to pick things of the shelves but no magic."
"You know he did say something about magic not being his thing. Maybe he just didn't care for it."
"But still, that's like a pegasus not wanting to fly."
"Scootaloo and Fluttershy don't fly."
"Oh yeah..." Spike remained quiet as he thought. Twilight decided to open the book an continue reading
Entry 132-7 The "Hybrid" method is showing results however minor they may be, there still might be something to this old mare's tale. It would seem that the texture of the vase is no longer visible, I had made sure to rub my cheek against it to be certain that I hadn't merely hadn't smoothed it out. It might just be a trick of the eye but the distortion stated earlier seems to have lessened. I need to find a way to measure this. On a side note I have found the "Glass" method has been deemed safe enough for animal trials.
Twilight gave thought to trying once more to make something "disappear," or at least change color. She looked around the room. Spike was sitting on the windowsill, there weren't many decorations aside from a couple potted plants, and the books had all been placed neatly. She looked at the books and considered them as test subjects. The books no longer value they once had, but as a librarian, she couldn't. She stepped outside for a moment looking for a rock, no harm could come to a rock. Twilight had brought the rock inside. And set it on the table next to the book. Spike, out of his trance noticed the rock.
"What's that for?" The dragon asked.
"Well this book researches into spells of invisibility and there is one I wanted to try out."
"Invisibility? like not being seen? That sounds awesome! Can you try on me?"
"No Spike, I've never done this before, nor has anyone else in a long time, that is if this book is real."
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Well the writing indicates it's hundreds of years old, from before Equestria. But the condition makes look little more than a decade or two."
"Well maybe it's enchanted."
The thought had yet to cross Twilight's mind, perhaps her assistant was correct, the writer had been a unicorn focused on magic, but she had never heard of such a spell, otherwise she would have enchanted every book she had after Spike had burned her only copy of Astronomical Astronomer's Almanac to All Things Astronomy. Having a dragon in a building made directly from a tree fill with paper had worried Twilight, but Spike was perfectly in control if not for the occasional mishap.
"Maybe, I could test it with a rip or burn or..." Twilight had remembered Odsanends saying something.
"You must take good care of it. It's a gift to both of us and should be respected." If she were wrong, if she were to damage, she wouldn't be a good friend to the pony who had given this to her.
"No, on second thought, I'll just keep reading, looking for clues." Twilight said proudly. "But first..." Twilight looked at the clock. "Time for bed."
Twilight awoke the next morning early bright and early. A sense of purpose pushing her out of bed. Upon inspecting her list, The first thing she had noticed that spike had written was "Tell your friends you're leaving." Twilight smiled at the sleeping dragon laying in his little bed. Twilight had noticed that little more had been written. No groceries because I'm leaving, nothing had happened recently that had required her attention, but still... Twilight was confused by the short list, She decided to go through the garbage and find the list from two days ago. She had found the reason of her open schedule.
"Right, no more books." Twilight had read at least one book every day, depending on the size of course. No one had ever been shocked to see Twilight with a different book, assuming that Twilight had merely read between books, never knowing she had refused to put down a book until finished, unless some pressing matter arose. She looked and saw that the she had read three books, finishing with Super Naturals. A feeling of void took hold of her. She looked around the room, along the shelves. Along the shelves was a cache of knowledge that had kept her occupied for many years. All throughout her foal-hood, she had her nose shoved between the pages of a book, eager and excited for what information it gave, what lessons it taught and what stories would consumer her imagination as envisioned the tale of wonder brought forth from some thinker. Twilight's favorite spell as a filly was a simple illumination spell making her horn shine as a lantern. With this, she would sleep fewer nights after sneaking a book into bed and reading it cover to cover by dawn. The nights she did sleep, she would dream of the tales told of fiction, lore, and history. But knowledge was what she prized most. The gift she held highest among those given by these tomes was the practical knowledge that found in her study. The most obvious being that of magic.
Twilight looked to the starry blue book and sighed slightly. The sight of it filled the void plaguing her with small warmth, as though a candle had been lit within her. The loss to her routine, still daunting, was calmed, at least a little, by the blue book given by a passing trader. This was a book of magic, no ordinary one for it did more than teach something practical, but it told a story. Twilight was eager to read the book but looked back to the list, she had not deviated from the list in a while, and would not do so simply to read a book. "Tell your friends you're leaving." Twilight took these words to heart as she walked to the door. She paused to look at the dragon still sleeping above. "Should I wake him?" Twilight whispered to herself.
She walked up the stairs and over to Spikes bed. "Spike?" Twilight whispered as she nudged Spike on his back.
"What is it Twi?" Spike not opening his eyes did his best not to groan these words.
"I'm going out to to do some errands, wanna come with?"
Spike smiled as he half-opened his eyes. "Sure Twi." With a stretch and a yawn, Spike sat up in his bed and reached under the covers revealing a carved wooden jewelry box. Spike opened the box that contained a wide assortment of gems. He grabbed an amethyst the size of cherry and ate it whole. As if powered by the stone, Spike jumped from his bed looking energized as ever. "Alright then, let's go."
Twilight and Spike were just about to leave but Twilight stopped. She looked at the list and noticed that her new book was not on it. She felt that it would be best if she finished it before arriving at Canterlot lest she read it while she was there, distracting her from the mountains of literature that stood there. The lifted the book with a faint purple glow and moved it close as she walked out the door. She had decided to read the book on the way. She flipped to the page she had marked with a convenient blue ribbon she had found. She had no idea where the ribbon had been from But it matched the book so well, Rarity would appreciate it. Twilight thought to herself. Thinking of Rarity, Twilight should see her first, her boutique being closest to the library.
After Turning to the boutique she gladly continued her book from where she had left off.
Entry 132-8 It has been rather eventful since my last entry. Starting the hybrid method, The distortion has reduced significantly. If one were to cast it upon them self, assuming that it is safe, they could run through the night of a full moon and would likely not be seen, however the imperfection remains. The "shimmer", as my assistant has taking to calling it, is still apparent in daylight. Though harder for the eye to follow, the user could still be spotted by one knowing to look for it. Another discovery is that the "glass" method is not "certainly" fatal. Some prisoners from the dungeon have volunteered in name of their freedom. I had decided a fox captured for killing and eating a few too many of the farmer's chickens would make a fine subject. The punishment being life imprisonment seemed extensive, but had it not been for the princess witnessing the act that she claimed "savage" and "distasteful" the fox would merely have been lashed three times, one for every chicken. But the princess being forced to witness such an "unsavory" act was a crime worth life in the dungeon. I believed the fox would be fine after testing and should be released anyway. I had tested the spell on fruit and vegetables and when my assistant placed a rock within the vase we had refused to dispel, we had seen the rock disappear. The spell does not change any physical property of the object, but creates a field that bends the light around it. I regret choosing the fox. After the fox had heard of the nature of my plan, he began so seem especially eager. I should have predicted what would happen next. After performing the spell. The fox had taken the attributes as the vase. But as I looked away to record I noticed a faint movement at the corner of my eye. I looked up to see the window open as the shimmering fox as he took his leave. So I leave this entry stating simply, I've given the greatest camouflage known, to a chicken thief.
"Oh. Good morning darling." Twilight looked up to see an ivory white mare with purple flowing mane that was curled perfectly, smiling.
"Morning Rarity." Rarity looked radiant in the light. "I came by to tell you something."
"And what would that be?"
"Oh well spike and I will be leaving tonight for Canterlot."
"Oh my! What's the occasion?"
"No occasion, just wanted to pick up some books."
"Ah yes, you... ran out."
"How'd you know?"
"Well Applejack told me. She had also stated that you were given one by the trader yesterday, a mister Odsanends was it? I myself had purchased this necklace from him. So few things can accent me as well as this fine piece. I swear I could not have made a better one myself." Twilight examined it closely to see that the sapphires and amethyst coiled like a snake around three bright diamonds. "I dare say it is as though this wonder was made specifically for me."
"I see what you mean. The jewels match your mane and the diamonds seem to mirror your cutie mark. Who would think that came from a street vendor."
"Oh I know darling, and he gave the sweetest story that a jeweler had sold it to him for one bit, that the jeweler had been compelled to make it and asked Odsanends to find a pony to match its brilliance."
"He told you he payed one bit? how much did you pay?"
"Oh that sweet stallion claimed he needed to make a profit and sold it to me for just two."
"Wow how does that guy even make money?"
Rarity smiled and shrugged. "Maybe we are just two lucky mares. So how long is it that you will be gone?"
"Oh just the weekend. I'll see you later rarity." Twilight began to walk away
"Wait! Is that the book he gave you?" Rarity raised a hoof to point at the blue book suspended by Twilight's magic.
"Why yes it is." Twilight said with a smile.
"What is it about?" Rarity was showing intense curiosity,
"I think its about Invisibility."
"Invisibility huh? Such a pointless spell, why would one want to go unnoticed?" Rarity asked as though not expecting an answer. "I hope to see you soon Twilight. Bye!" Rarity shouted as she went back into her boutique.
Twilight smiled, opened her book and continued on.
Entry 132-9 I have yet to hear of the "fox" incident and have left it out of my report to the king. I only record it hear as a reminder of the folly that had taken place. On this day however, I decided to use a tortoise . The tortoise was another unjustly punished for something so simple as eating a flower in the Castle gardens. Punished harshly by "our fair princess." Honestly I have nothing but respect for the king and royal family, but the princess can be so hotheaded. After instructing the tortoise of what was going to happen, he nodded to show his agreement and smiled looking to the window. I was suspicious to this for reasons understandable, but the creature could not make it to the window as swiftly as the fox. Even acknowledging this I carefully watched him, having my apprentice record the notes as I speak them. After performing the spell, the glimmer in his eye as he gazed out the window to the sunny day, did not disappear. He had gazed thoughtfully to the outside never breaking away for the hour he was in camouflage. I felt infected by his peace and sighed in relaxation that made the hour pass as though lounging in a park. When the hour was done, I performed the dispelling. The tortoise blinked at me and smiled once more. I like to imagine what his thoughts were but I would never know. As I kept him for an hour longer to examine any possible late effects. He merely continued that thoughtful smile as he watched the sky as the clouds passed. When this was done, I decided to escort him off the castle grounds. He smiled brighter as I thanked him for his help and promised to take him home. I'm happy to write that there were no ill effects in using this spell. The tortoise seemed to live in the Chaostangle woods. I still wonder what how the Everfree are. I hope the tortoise makes it home safely. the Chaostangle can be rather dangerous as the earth ponies know. The hybrid method is nearly perfect, I have even tripped over a few test subjects but will not continue until there is no sign whatsoever.
Twilight took a moment from the book to study where she was. As she looked up, the first thing she saw was...
"PINKIE!!!" Twilight shouted at the pink pony not hoof's distance from her face... who seemed to show no reaction to the shouting unicorn save for cheerful smile.
"Hi Twilight! Hi Spike!" Pinkie replied with a high tone. "What'cha readin'?"
"Oh this?" Twilight closed and lifted the book. "This is just a book on magic."
"Oooooh, does it teach any spells?"
"No... wait yes!... well... I don't know."
"How come?"
"Well it has a lot about a spell, and how to cast it but..."
"But what?"
"Well I don't know if it's real."
"Why don't you try it?"
Twilight had thought about the apple core. She had thought about trying the spell but Twilight was never one to leap before she looked. "I need to finish the book first." While Twilight had not lied, this was not the whole truth.
"Let me know when you do. Hey, you wanna try some of my new cupcakes. They're made with this lemon icing that I read about in this book." Pinkie produced a book from seemingly nowhere. The book was white with a red ribbon hanging from the spine. "It's called The Joy of Baking. I got it from Odsanends."
"Pinkie, I have this book at the library, you could have borrowed it. You didn't have to buy it!"
"I know that Twilight, I read it all the time, and I didn't even buy it."
Twilight blinked at this. "You didn't?"
"Nope... well not really, I traded for it."
"What did you trade?"
"A cupcake!"
Twilight blinked again. "A cupcake?"
Pinkie nodded.
"As in one? Just one?"
Pinkie nodded again. "I was on lunch break and I had taken a cupcake from the display. I was actually walking over to the the library to check this book out when I saw you!"
"Me?"
"Yeah, you were going through this box of books and you looked real sad. I began running over to cheer you up but then you got real happy when that Odsanends guy gave you a blue book. It made me really happy to see you happy and even happier to see someone else make you happy."
Twilight had remembered getting the book from the vendor as Pinkie recalled it.
"Well anyways, I went over to thank him for making you happy which made me happy and I saw that box of books was still open. I was walking by it when I saw this. I asked how much because, wow that was exactly the book I was going to your place to read, like what are the chances of that. So I thanked him for helping you and asked how much the book costed and he said he was hungry so I offered him my cupcake and gave me the book."
"Just like that?"
"mm-hmm." Pinkie nodded "Just like that. And check this out!
Pinkie opened the book and pointed a hoof at the first page.
The Joy of Baking by Petite Madeleine Est. 745 First Edition.
"First Edition!?" Twilight shouted in disbelief. "But this is the most sought after cooking book in all of Equestria!"
"I know isn't it exciting. Why if that pony ever comes back, I'll throw him a party with a thousand cupcakes!"
"Oh right! I totally forgot." Twilight remembered why she came here in the first place. "I came here to tell you I'm leaving tomorrow."
Pinkie began talking a mile a minute and it seemed like nothing would stop her, until... "PINKIE!!!"
Pinkie had made a big gasp as though to continue her barrage of questions but held it in with puffed cheeks.
"Pinkie. Nothing's wrong and I'll only be gone for two days also this is going to be a regular thing. So... Pinkie?"
The puffy cheeked pink pony with a poofy pink mane had stopped being pink but began to be... blue.
"Pinkie? PINKIE BREATH!!!" Twilight shouted with great distress.
Pinkie Pie had released her bated breath that mad a rather comical sound similar to that of a deflating balloon, followed by a gasp that returned her light-red hue immediately. Pinkie smiled. "Two days? Where are you going?"
Twilight sighed seeing her friend continue to inhale and exhale naturally. "I'm going to Canterlot, to visit the archives."
"Twilight you live in a library, why go so far to visit one?"
"Well since I've read every book there I need to-"
"WAIT WHAT!?"
Twilight had expected this reaction and had made a plan on how to approach it but had forgotten while getting lost in her book. "Well yeah I read every book and I wanted to keep reading so I'm going to check out a few in Canterlot."
Pinkie blinked and quickly tugged on the red ribbon of her cookbook. "Quick, how do you make lemon icing."
"Pinkie I..."
Pinkie made a pout and had her eyes shimmer and even appear to expand which was more disturbing than cute to Twilight.
Twilight dropped her head and sighed in defeat. She than began to close her eyes in concentration. "Combine half a cup of butter, half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, two tablespoons of lemon juice and three cups of sugar. Beat until light and fluffy and add sugar and juice until you get the consistency desired."
"Wow Twilight, you got that to the letter. Is it like that with all the books?"
"Yeah... Is that weird?"
"Weird...WEIRD!... THAT'S AMAZING!!! You should have told us!"
"Really? Wow I didn't know."
"Twilight! You're not just a librarian, you're a library!"
"Wow thanks!"... Twilight thought for a moment. "I think..."
Pinkie just nodded. "Well see you tomorrow then."
"Yeah see you-wait! Tomorrow?"
"Well yeah silly, I'm gonna see you off. You're taking the train right? In the morning?"
Twilight nodded.
"I'll make you breakfast than."
"Thanks. Yeah I'll see you tomorrow. Bye."
Pinkie walked back into the store waving a hoof goodbye. "See ya'."
Twilight opened her book once more and continued in to the square where Apple jack would be.
Entry 132-10 Alright, it appears that I've created a new urban legend. A mysterious creature marked only by its footprints and a shimmer that has given the being name as "The Glass Fox." A few of the local citizens had complaints in the markets saying that their chickens have disappeared. I have denied all allegations that I am related in any way whatsoever which is of course a giant falsehood, but if they find out it was my fault, they'll lose faith in me and strip me of my position as Royal Wizard. This incident however has given me a great piece of knowledge. The Glass spell is not lethal even over an extended time. What is even more fascinating is that the spell doesn't seem to wear off. I has been a fortnight since the incident and yet the fox remains affected.
Twilight had looked up to see the apple stall, but not Applejack. Apple Bloom had been sitting there looking rather annoyed. Staring at an apron hanging out of the basket.
"Hi Apple Bloom. What's up?" Twilight asked.
"Huh-what?" Apple Bloom snapped out of her uncomfortable trance as she examined Twilight. "Oh ah was just watchin' the cart here until mah sis came back from the farm." Apple Bloom returned to her disappointed demeanor. "Ah'm not s'posed to sell anything." Apple Bloom saw the book. Her tone lifted with curiosity. "What's that yer got there." She gestured to the book.
"Huh? Oh this is just some book I'm reading. It's about magic and invisibility."
"Hey Twilight?"
"Yes Apple Bloom?"
"Is it fun to read thick books like that one?"
"Well... yes... for me that is. Not everyone likes to read a lot. Do you like to read?"
"Ah don't know. There aren't many books 'sides a few manuals for the machines and what not. Ah also have a few coloring books from when I was younger. Ah used to have fun learnin' to read with sis and Big Mac, but now they seem so childish and silly."
"Well you can read this while I wait for you're sister. I need to tell her something. I hope it doesn't downplay what you think of reading. Everyone has their own thing. Even Rainbow Dash likes those Daring Do novels." Twilight lowered the book to the ground.
"Alrighty then." Apple Bloom spoke with an amount of excitement. She was glad not to simply stare blankly at an apron as she waited. Apple Bloom gently nudged the book open, respecting what was not hers.
Twilight thought on what Apple Bloom had said, about not having many books. Twilight was relieved to understand that at least Apple Bloom could read. Twilight didn't know what life on a farm was like and tried to avoid making assumptions. Twilight looked down. Apple bloom had just finished a page and was moving to the next. Apple Bloom wasn't a slow reader either. She had finished that page in a fair time. But as she watched, something seemed... off. Apple Bloom was turning another page. and in only a few moments she was turning another. Twilight stooped her head down and couldn't believe what she saw. Apple Bloom's eyes were shaking back and forth, blazing across the lines as she turned another page. Her face was stone. Apple Bloom had solid concentration as she sped passed the writing turning the pages rather quickly.
"Hey Apple Bloom?" Twilight put in.
Apple Bloom blinked as she brought her head back up. "Yeah Twilight?"
"What do you think of the book so far." This wasn't what Twilight was truly interested in but she wanted to be polite.
"It's kinda funny with the invisible fox and all. But mostly strange. Can you do this spell Twilight?" Apple Bloom gestured to the book.
Twilight had only ever read like that when studying for a magic test. She's never seen somepony read so fast with such ease. She quickly composed herself as not arouse suspicion. "No... Well I haven't tried yet. I'm waiting until I finish the book."
Apple Bloom nodded, accepting the answer. She continued to read at her lightning pace. It wasn't long until the book was complete. She closed the book and sighed with satisfaction, amazing Twilight for not even Applejack had arrived yet. "Thank ya Twilight. Ah'm happy it got funnier. Bit sad at the end though."
"You don't say." Twilight said flatly, to stilled to react more so.
Apple Bloom nodded and sitting flat on her flank, began to sway, humming a familiar tune that was interrupted by the occasional giggle. Twilight left her previous state to smile proudly for she had bettered the day of the filly, and with of all things, a book no less.
Twilight continued her reading.
Entry 132-11 Today was a strange day indeed. First, as I was entering my lab, I was tackled by an ethereal being that was whimpering atop me. I quickly understood that this was the fox and performed my dispelling. The fox was quickly elated and even danced a little before leaping from my window as it had before. Secondly, as I was showing this spell to the court, I quickly and rather easily quelled the accusations that the fox had been my doing. I stated that It was the fox that inspired me to perform this spell. I even told them that I had stopped the fox using my research. My assistant, who was there to witness me as I was tackled, rolled eyes at my deceptions. And lastly, after quelling the assumptions, was the proposed use of my spell by none other than the princess. I'm not sure if the court was merely agreeing out of intimidation or had truly agreed on their own accord but the accepted consensus had been to use a weakened spell as a form of self-modification. Instead of dyeing one's mane, imprinting the coat with ink, or piercing one's, one would show status by giving themselves a slight transparency and shine to appear as crystal. It is not the vanity of this idea that vexes me, it is that my spell will be forgotten at the coming of the next trend.
Twilight had snickered. 'Is this why no one knows this spell?'
Entry 132-12 I have perfected the spell, or more accurately, my assistant had. With simply adding at the pinnacle of the spell, to envision the object to shatter as glass in a beautiful imagery. Not as a disaster, but as an event. The object must shatter and the particles of dust shall be blown away in the wind. My assistant had claimed to testing this spell all night before insisting to try it on me. The spell was unlike the "Glass" method with a cold and unnerving sensation, but instead had a warm calming feeling to it. Like being on the balcony on a summer's evening. The spell had worked to perfection and I felt as a ghost. I examined my hoof closely, nearly making contact with my eye, but there was nothing. There was no distortion, no bending, nothing. I felt as a ghost, but not dead. I felt free. I hesitated when my assistant had asked when I should present it. I said that because of the previous spell and how similar it was to the last, the king might merely brush it off. I promised that should my assistant ever decide to present it, that I would be there to show support and act as a trusting guinea pig.
Entry 132-13 I had closed this book moving on to other projects. It had been a while since my protege had perfected this spell. Out of the blue my assistant had asked to present the spell having gained much faith from the king and even gaining favor from the princess who calls my apprentice friend. I had kept my word and acted as test subject. The king was even more amazed than I could have imagined. For a good moment I was proud. I am still proud. When the king had watched me vanish before his very eyes only to shocked to hear my voice by his side. I played no trick and explained my every action and movement. He laughed haughtily and i smiled under my invisible screen. When I had dispelled myself and appeared on the steps before the throne, the court made applause. That is until princess had interjected with a cough. The court was silenced. I had never known such quiet. The princess had then stated that I was no longer necessary. That I had trained a pupil to be better than myself and was merely a relic. My assistant was about to defend me but I stopped her knowing that to insult the royal family would bring a fate worse than the one I knew was to come. My former student was named Royal Wizard and I was asked to leave. This is not my last journal, but this is my last entry under the king. As I said, I am still proud.
Twilight closed the book. She stared at it a moment. something had felt wrong. Instead of the satisfied sigh that she had felt rise in her chest at the end of every book, a shuddering breath escaped. It was as if the final page had been torn. She felt...incomplete. She looked at Apple Bloom, still humming a delightful tune which raised Twilight from her sad state. Apple Bloom had read the book, rather quickly at that, but had shown no loss, no missing element.
But something else began to take hold. Twilight smiled broadly and a shine appeared in her eye. 'This is book 132, and it was not the last.' Twilight felt as though a hole in her heart had grown. But this hole was not want or desire, it was ambition. She would find as many of these books that still exist and read more beyond that. She had a goal and new she would continue even after it was accomplished. A breeze had blown across her mane that now flowed in the wind. She felt as though this was a new day. The beginning of a new age for Twilight.
In turning to face the wind and feel it on her face, the air felt cool and seemed to blow away any feelings doubt. Doubt, that she would learn all there was to know and be left without a reason or goal. In the distance, Twilight could see a figure coming up the road. It was the bright orange mare she had been waiting for. Applejack had been hauling a small cart, meant solely for transporting unlike the stall she stood by. As Applejack came closer, the sound of clanking glass grew. The twinkling shine of the bottles nearly blinded Twilight as they came into view. Applejack saw Twilight and began to wave.
"Howdy Twilight!" Applejack hollered on her approach.
Twilight merely waved back as she waited for Applejack to arrive.
When Applejack had arrived she dropped the cart of bottles next to the stand and turned her head to see Apple Bloom swaying comfortably like a blade of grass in the wind. Applejack watched for a moment and smiled a little grin before looking to Twilight and smiling broadly and welcoming. "Hi there Twilight. How are ya'?"
Twilight smiled before explaining her intentions and reasons as she had before but this was an odd reaction.
"Well travel safely Twilight." Applejack said kindly. "Hey, how was that book that Odsanends fella gave you?"
Twilight was delightfully surprised to the lack of surprise from stating reading every book in a library, but avoided to press into why in fear of sounding boastful. "It's quite nice, I learned quite a bit, at least I think so."
Applejack smiled and raised an eyebrow. " 'believe in half of what you read' amirite?' "
"Why yes." Twilight said, surprised how well Applejack understood. "There are some elements to the book that seem a bit far fetched. I hoping to try the spell in the book, but I fear it might be a hoax."
"T'aint ya' worry Twilight. I doubt that unicorn would steer you wrong, heck, ah sold him some apples at a rather unfair price."
"How does that make him honest?"
"He offered me a hundred-twenty bits for a bushel of apples and refused to negotiate!" Applejack said matter-of-factly.
Twilight failed to understand what a bushel was and how it translated into apples. Her blank stare was understood by Applejack.
"That's at least two bits an apple Twilight."Applejack huffed. "Ah wouldn't sell a single apple at that price and certainly not in bulk. Ah tried to reason with him telling him that was worth a barrel of apples but he just smiled and said 'ah don't need a barrel, just a bushel.'" Applejack lowered her voice and spoke calmly when quoting.
Twilight was again confused by the terminology, a situation she was not used to, so she simply nodded and avoided looking confused.
"When ah asked why he wanted pay so much he said ' ah like this place and want to leave a good impression 'case ah come back.' " Applejack chuckled under her breath as she kicked dirt. "Ah tell you Twilight..." Applejack rose her head to Twilight. "If that pony ever comes back, he'll get the next bushel free-of-charge!" She said with a calm smile.
Twilight returned the smile. "He seems to be doing a lot of good around here, at least he did." Twilight said.
"He said that luck has treated him well so far. 'Said he always tries to do good, that he doesn't want to tempt fate by actin' any different." Applejack looked wistfully off in the distance, "A good pony if ever I met one, right to the core." A sigh escaped her. She blinked and smiled bashfully, "Well ah shouldn't be keeping you. Ah'm guessin' you need to say yer goodbyes and whatnot before the day is through. Have a good one Twi."
"Later Applejack. You too." They exchanged smiles as Twilight walked passed. But a nagging question overcame Twilight. "Why weren't you-"
"Spike told me." Applejack didn't turn around, but it was as though her smile were audible.
Twilight looked up to Spike, sitting on her back, who merely shrugged with a smile that meant 'what can I say.'
"That's mighty impressive, but not surprising. What else is one to do in a library?" She turned her head to show a cocked eyebrow and a smile. "See ya later Twi." Applejack tipped her hat and put on the apron. "Ya'll can go now sis. Tell your friends ah said 'hi'." Apple Bloom hugged her big sister and trotted of happily.
Twilight smiled as she continued over the bridge to Fluttershy's cottage. The beautiful scenery so calm and serene. Twilight bounced her back up to shake Spike. "You've been awfully quiet Spike, what's up?"
"I've been thinking. Why don't you just order some new books? I mean, why go through all the trouble of leaving for Canterlot every week?"
"Spike, the library's filled with books, and it's hard to build an extension on a magically grown tree. Also it wouldn't be fair if I just threw out some books because I don't want to read them anymore."
"What about the basement, we could use it for storing older books people usually read."
"But that's where I..." Twilight thought of the equipment she stored. She rarely used it save for the odd occasion when she tested her own magic and that time she theorized the magic within the mysterious 'Pinkie Sense.' Twilight lowered her head and sighed. She would have to remove it. 'But where to put it', Twilight thought to herself. "You're right Spike, but what should I do with my equipment?"
Spike brought a claw to his chin. He looked thoughtfully as he pondered an answer. With a flash of insight and a snap of his fingers, "A-Ha."
"What? who is it." Twilight looked up.
That "flash" of insight turned into a frozen figure. Staring blankly for a few seconds before Spike returned his claw to his chin. "no, that won't work..." Spike mumbled under his breath. His thoughtful, pondering look returned as he continued to rub his jaw.
"What was it Spike? who were you thinking about?"
Spike didn't look up, maintaining his expression of intense wonder. "Well, I thought the Apples would appreciate it."
"Why's that Spike?"
"You see, even though Granny Smith perfected Zap-apple jelly-"
"Zap-apple jam." Twilight put in.
"Zap-apple jam." Spike continued. "They haven't perfected any other recipes, like zap-apple pie, zap-apple fritter, zap-apple dumplings, zap-apple cinnamon muffins, Zap-apple..."
In Spike's attempt to think of another recipe, Twilight interrupted, "But why would they want my equipment?"
"To study zap-apples of course. Nopony can deny that they're magical, but then I remembered that your equipment was to study ponies not fruit."
"Well that's not entirely true Spike."
"Huh?"
"The 'helmet' I use is meant to study the head of a pony, primarily the horn, but the device itself is a siphon and meter for all kinds of magic and energy. So with the proper adjustments, the device could examine anything's magical qualities."
"So we can give it to them?"
"I don't know. Applejack might refuse it saying something like, 'it's so grand, I couldn't accept'."
"Just tell her why. Like 'oh it's just taking up space and you seem like you could put it to better use.' "
"Maybe... yeah I could see that. I'll ask her when we come back."
"So we're still going?" Spike groaned.
"Of course. Not only so I can keep reading, but to order some more books for the library. Why don't you want to go?"
"It just seems like a hassle. First we gotta pack, then get up real early for our train, then we gotta say goodbye," Spike was counting off of his talons, (or claws, is it claws? anyways) "then after we leave there is the long boring train ride."
"You don't have to go Spike."
Spike stopped in the middle of his counting and ranting, "Wait, what?"
"Spike, if you really don't wanna go, then you don't have to. Besides, I need somepony to watch the library anyways."
Spike gave an approving face and nodded, "Really? cool." Spike had given no great excitement truly not wanting Twilight to go either, but was content with the compromise.
Twilight looked ahead seeing Fluttershy's beautiful cottage on the hill. Well, the cottage wasn't beautiful, It seemed cozy and welcoming, but the scenery around it was certainly stunning. The bushes were blooming with flowers, the grass had grown thick, yet not unkempt and the light shined perfectly. The grove was lively with bunnies, squirrels, and an armadillo.
There appeared to be some kind of sport as the bunnies were competing against the squirrels using the armadillo, who was rolled into a ball, as the centerpiece. Twilight had stopped to watch as the bunnies maneuvered the armadillo around the squirrels. The squirrels were defending a noticeably taller patch of grass which was mirrored on the opposite side of the grove. The bunnies and the squirrels were now head to head, pushing the the ball against each other in some kind of scrum. Twilight couldn't look away. She leaned over the fence and watch intently. The squirrels achieved to push the armadillo over the hoard of bunnies. As the bunnies attempted to regroup behind the armadillo, Angle, who had been acting as goal keeper for the bunnies, ran up behind the ball and allowed it to roll over his head onto his back. Angle then shot out his legs, and launched the armadillo over the squirrels and straight into the soft grassy goal zone. Twilight and Spike began to cheer as the bunnies jumped and hugged each other, dancing. The squirrels hugged, but did not dance, for they had lost. The armadillo had unrolled and smiled at the players, now shaking each other's paws in a display of showmanship. Twilight smiled at the sportsmanship as the bunnies and squirrels would give a nod as they shook the others hand.
"Hello?" A soft voice followed the slight squeak of a door's hinges.
Twilight raised her head to the cottage to see Fluttershy poking her head out a crack in the door.
"Oh! H-hello Twilight, hello Spike." Fluttershy looked around. "What were you two shouting about?"
"We were just watching the game!" Spike exclaimed.
"Game? What game?"
"Right over there!" Spike pointed to the grove.
As the three turned to the grove, all that remained of the play field was thick grass and a white bunny whistling 'inconspicuously'.
"Oh, alright then. Please, come inside." Fluttershy didn't look away from Angel. Staring with a blank face.
"I'd love to but I have to find Rainbow Dash after this. The hot air balloon will take a while to fill and I want to get started early." Twilight said sadly.
"Oh but Rainbow's inside." Fluttershy said with an unusual flat tone. And with an unbroken gaze she continued staring at Angel who's whistle became distorted and strained.
"Well that's wonderful!" Twilight trotted up the hill to the door, stopping to watch Fluttershy and Angel for a second before shrugging and continuing into the cottage.
Fluttershy lifted a hoof to her eyes, gesturing to Angel before walking back inside. Angel had finished his whistle, which was by then nothing more than air blown between pursed lips, making a foolish 'spitting' noise. Angel took in deep breaths before falling backward and panting heavily.
Twilight stepped inside to see Rainbow Dash sitting quietly at a small table. Her eyes were closed and she seemed to be taking slow, deep breaths. Twilight stood perfectly still, watching silently, hoping not to interrupt Rainbow Dash in... well, whatever it was she was doing.
Fluttershy had come back in and hovered to the kitchen and returned with a single cup and dish. She placed it at one of the empty seats on the table, and beckoned Twilight over with a silent gesture.
Twilight walked silently, while not really sneaking, to the table. Rainbow had taken in an especially long breath and held it for a second, before releasing a vividly relaxed sigh. She opened her eyes to see Twilight sitting at the table. With calm eyes and a content smile, Rainbow said, "Hi Twilight, 'sup Spike? When did you get hear?"
"Just a moment ago. What was that you were doing just now?" Twilight replied.
"Ah nothing, just a breathing exercise to help me wind down. I do it every time I come here." Rainbows voice was audibly relaxed, and relaxing. Twilight felt like yawning at the soft tone.
"Why's that?"
"It's so quiet here, even the birds sing softly. All I hear is the breeze pushing the leaves on the trees and bushes. It's just so calming."
"Really? But what I meant to ask was, why do you do it at all?"
"I heard that stress can be bad for your health, and I wanna make sure I'm in peak condition at all times." Rainbow was returning to her haughty tone. "Besides, it feels good to do."
"Are you stressed out?" Twilight asked with concern.
"What? No, not really. My job's pretty easy, it can be hard work, but it comes naturally to pegasi. But even an easy job can strain ya'. I started coming here and found work got easier to do the more I came. Fluttershy makes tea and we talk. I get to relax and spend time with a friend. After a while, I understood that it was good for me to come here after work and I wondered why. It was Applejack who told me, she said, 'If ya' don't take a minute to stop and smell the flowers, you'll work yerself to an early grave, you take it from me, I learned the hard way.' " Rainbow impression of Applejack entertained the girls who smiled in return.
"What about the breathing?"
"Oh that? I learned that from Rarity, I had walked in after her sis Sweetie Belle had actually cleaned her 'inspiration room'. She was huffing and puffin until she just stamped her hoof and started taking these deep breaths. When I asked her what was up, she told me about her breathing technique and how she would do them to avoid blowing up and 'breaking her poise'." Rainbow waved a hoof at the expression, "She taught me how and I just use them to relax when the time feels right."
"I looks like it works! How do you do it?"
"Easy! just breath in through your snout, and out through through you mouth. Close your eyes, and focus on taking deep breaths." Rainbow Dash lead through example. "After a while the world seems to melt away." Rainbow Dash sighed before lifting her cup to her lips. She took a long whiff before sipping.
Twilight was surprised, she had never seen Rainbow Dash so calm. Even her 'cloud naps' looked like the consequence of labor. When she looked down her self, she had seen the cup Fluttershy had brought out for her, steaming with hot tea. Twilight hadn't even noticed Fluttershy fill her cup. Twilight looked to Fluttershy. Fluttershy was staring wistfully out the window with a slight grin. Twilight looked to Rainbow, who was holding her cup close to her snout. Rainbow breathed calmly. Twilight looked down to see Spike, sitting on a cushion, watching Rainbow Dash with a raised eyebrow, as though he were studying her. Twilight lifted her cup with a purple glow. The tea was a light amber and smelled mildly of mint and... something else.
After taking a sip, the presence of mint was confirmed, but the tea was weak, and that 'something else' had yet to be named.
"W-what?" Twilight looked at Fluttershy, confused. Perhaps she was staring at the tea with a cross look. "Oh, no it's... it's nothing just that the tea's a tiny bit weak is all."
"Oh. I sorry Twilight, we don't usually have guests so the there wasn't enough tea for everybody and..." Fluttershy looked flustered, "I'll just go make another pot. Yes that's it." Fluttershy began to get up from her seat before...
"NO! No, it's alright, I'll just add some sugar. That's all it needs, sugar." Twilight lifted the sugar bowl and brought it close before taking a teaspoon of sugar into her cup. She mixed for a couple seconds before removing the spoon and tapping it against the back of her cup and laying the spoon flat on the small dish the cup resided upon. After taking another sip. She looked up to Fluttershy. "What kind of tea is this? Mint?"
"Mint and ginseng."
"Ginseng?" Twilight had tried to recall what that was. 'How could you forget!? You just read about it the other day!' Twilight had shouted at herself in her head before hitting her forehead with her hoof. "Ginseng is a natural stimulant found in Northern Equestria. It is harvested primarily for it's root and is used for an energy boost and assisting stallions with-" Twilight forced a hoof into her own mouth. She was blushing through her coat. After removing her he hoof, "I had just read about it in Super- Naturals." Twilight coughed and asked, "Where did you get it?" Twilight had seen the pattern, "Wait! let me guess, Odsanends?"
Fluttershy blinked, "Why, yes Twilight. How did you know?"
Twilight just smiled, "Educated guess. It seems he's helped nearly everypony in some way or another. He gave me a this." Twilight showed the book to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. "He sold a priceless cookbook to Pinkie, Rarity a necklace that seemed made for her, and now an uncommon root for tea." Twilight looked to Rainbow dash. "What about you? What did he do for you Rainbow?"
"What? Oh, he sold me the tea, said it would help with my workout. It felt like it worked great yesterday. He even sold me some seeds and told me how to grow it myself."
"How much did it cost? Wait, was it free?"
"Not really... It was more like, payment."
"Really? How so?"
"Well, he wanted me to make a cloud to 'block the beating burn of the sun.' So I figured my break had been up, and I might as well leave my 'rest cloud' hanging over the dude. S'good to know where my nimbus is too. So, after I finished my shift, I flew over to his cart to see what he was pushing. And get this! he recognized me! I had to be like, 12 stories above him with the a solar flare right behind me when he called to me, not to mention behind a cloud with just my head sticking out. Turns out he had some shades." Rainbow Dash produced a pair of sunglasses. "I mean, look at these things, it's like, You could weld with these things. He also said it's hard to miss a mare with a rainbow mane." The sunglasses had a red frame and the lenses shined like oil on water.
"He gave you those!?"
"Pfft! I wish!" Rainbow adorned the lenses. "I had to beg him to even sell it, and then, they were not cheap! I had to pay twenty-five bits for these babies."
Twilight was confused, her story had been so different from the others. Not only had she bought the shades, but for so much. 'I guess he has to make a living somehow, right?' Twilight figured. "And the ginseng?"
"Oh that? After wrestling the glasses from him, he called out and threw this baggy at me." Rainbow pointed to the the small green bag on the table. "He told me that it would help me with a workout and that it was 'thanks' for the the cloud thing. Must've had a good eye, but then again, my talent is clearly visible." Rainbow dash struck a pose, glowing with pride.
"And the mint?"
"Fluttershy." Rainbow said blankly, admiring herself in pose.
Twilight raised an eyebrow to Fluttershy.
Fluttershy, with the sudden attention on her, coughed in her tea splashing herself. "I'm so sorry." Fluttershy wiped the tea from her mouth with a napkin. "The tea had smelled... 'off', so I added the mint for aroma."
"Fluttershy, did you meet Odsanends?"
"What? Oh me? No, but Angel did."
"Really?"
"I'm sure of it." Fluttershy's voice, still soft, had a slightly stern tone to it, almost angry. "Angel had come home with that over there." The item in question seemed to be a simple rubber ball, placed high on the book shelf. "At first, it looked harmless enough, but then..." Fluttershy took a sip of tea before 'stamping' her hoof on the table. A light tap that barely shook the porcelain tea set. "They started playing that violent game."
In the corner of Twilight's vision, she could sea Rainbow Dash rolling her eyes.
"All that pushing and shoving, And I thought I taught them better."
"You mean with the squirrels and the bunnies?"
"So you did see it? I mean, before you came in?"
"Well yeah I-"
Fluttershy interrupted, "With what, did they have another ball?"
Twilight remembered the armadillo. "Well, not exactly."
"Then what was it then? A ball of yarn? Twine?" She gasped, "A rock!?"
Twilight coughed, the gulped. Nervous she said, "Well they were uh... they were using an armadillo..."
"AN ARMADILLO!!!"
Twilight had never heard Fluttershy shout, no, roar like this before, save for a certain incident at the gala.
For a single second, she looked around flustered, confused, and oh so angry before dashing out the door at a speed that rivaled immediate company.
Twilight looked to Rainbow Dash, who with her eyes closed, made a ticking noise with her tongue as she slowly shook her head.
Twilight rushed to the door, regretting having told Fluttershy what Angel and the other bunnies had done. Outside, Fluttershy had was in a rage. She was spitting every bush, bending every tree, and flew around her cottage three times shouting, "ANGEL!!!"
The birds that weren't shaken from their trees flew away, following those who were. Twilight could feel rumbling and saw a stampede, running along the horizon. All the small cute creatures were no where to be seen, all save for Tank, Rainbow Dash's Tortoise, which was hovering just above the cottage, watching the chaos borne from his former caretaker.
Rainbow Dash was just walking out of the cottage, calmly, while still wearing that disapproving look about her. "Tch-tch-tch," Rainbow clicked her tongue, "Why oh why did you have to say a thing like that, to a pony like her?"
Twilight would have been confused by Rainbow Dash's strangely calm tone, had she not become frantic by fear and guilt from what was happening. "I didn't know what to do, I couldn't lie to her!"
"So you told her that two groups of rodents were abusing a-... wait what is an armadillo? Is it a rodent to? Or a marsupial maybe?"
"Neither! I didn't mean it like that!" Twilight shouted over the wind.
Fluttershy's flight around the area had gone so fast as to create what seemed as a small localized hurricane. The wind pulled small saplings from the ground.
"You ever wonder why I wanted Fluttershy so badly to help with the water!?"
"What!?" Twilight shouted Failing to understand Rainbow.
"You remember! When all the pegasi needed to transport water to Cloudsdale! This is why!"
Twilight saw bunnies, fleeing their rabbit holes.
"Uh-oh. They should not have done that!" Rainbow chuckled at the sight of the bunnies.
"Uh-oh!? What Uh-oh!?" Twilight was frightened.
"I actually get a lot of my moves from Fluttershy!"
"What!? What is that supposed to mean!?"
"Watch!" Rainbow dash simply pointed at Fluttershy, who was suspending herself at the center of this mini-hurricane, she had a dark look about her.
Fluttershy began to spin with the hurricane. She seemed a statue, with only her wings in motion. Even her rising and falling seemed imperceptible. Her speed increased until it met that of the surrounding hurricane. Fluttershy lifted her hooves and threw them to her side, jerking them as to increase her speed passed that of the wind as he bolted up through the eye of the hurricane.
"What's going to happen!?" Twilight shouted, fear clearly audible.
Rainbow lifted a hoof to her lips, "Shhh." Just as she hushed Twilight, all became silent. The wind had stopped, the sound of Fluttershy spinning was gone. Rainbow Dash looked to Twilight with a evil grin, "This is my favorite part."
Twilight starred but for a second at Rainbow before it happened.
The silence was shattered by a thunderous noise, liken to that of a sonic-rainboom. A pink and yellow tornado had smashed down through the clouds, forcing wind in the opposite direction it had gone before. The tornado was drilling into the soil of the grove where once, a fun game was played between bunnies, squirrels, and a volunteering armadillo. The dirt was flying about in every which-way. Rainbow was ever-stoic, untouched by the dirt that was whizzing pass her head, while Twilight made a fair effort at dodging the clods.
She made refuge behind a familiar boulder that had no business being in or near Ponyville. Twilight was truly horrified to see Rainbow Dash, laughing maniacally. Twilight had wanted to ask what was so funny, but was preoccupied at the moment. Seconds later the wind had slowed to a stopped. the roaring sound of a furious Fluttershy has subsided, and the dust had settled.
Rainbow wore an amused smile, clapping her hooves together. "Woo-hoo Fluttershy! You ROCK!"
Twilight peeked out from behind her barricade and nervously came out. Before her was a crater. Inside this crater was Fluttershy and Angel.
"Now, I'll give you back your ball, if you promise never to be mean to Mr. Armadillo again, ok?" Fluttershy's tone had returned to normal, while still a bit stern. After the bunny nodded nervously, "Good, now com here." Fluttershy had given Angel a hug and flew gently out the crater, meeting Twilight and Rainbow approaching.
"Now that's what i'm talking about!" Rainbow hollered.
"I'm sorry?" Fluttershy said, confused.
"Never mind." Rainbow Dash turned to Twilight, "What did you think of it Twi?"
Twilight looked behind Fluttershy at the crater once more, "I think we should clean this up. Don't you?"
Fluttershy turned around, "Oh my! did... did I do that?"
"Eeyup!" Said Rainbow Dash, "Wasn't the first time either!"
"What?" Twilight was frightened, but intrigued.
"Yeah. You think that's bad? You should see her when she's protecting them. Truly, a sight to see." Rainbow Dash spoke proudly
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked.
"Remember that timber wolf? That was crazy!"
Fluttershy's head dropped, "Oh, yeah..."
Rainbow Dash turned to Twilight, "You see, there was this huge timber wolf! It came out of the forest and-"
"Rainbow" Fluttershy mumbled.
"I thought I could take it on but when I got pinned-"
"*Ahem* Rainbow, could you uh... stop?
"Huh? Oh yeah... So anyways..." Rainbow turned to Twilight, scratching her head. "What brings you around?"
"What? What did I come here for?" Twilight asked her self. She felt a tug on her mane.
"We're leaving remember?" Spike said.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy both looked between Spike and Twilight.
Rainbow Dash looked confused and angry, "What's that supposed to mean!?"
"Oh no! No, I'm just going to Canterlot, you know, just checking out some books."
"What's wrong with the books in your library? Huh? What's so special about those books up in canterlot?" Rainbow said raising an eyebrow.
Twilight sighed, "Well for starters, I haven't read them yet."
Rainbow tilted her head, looking confused.
"You don't mean you...." Fluttershy paused, "read every book already, do you?"
Twilight grinned nervously, nodding.
Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped, her eyes wide.
"I'm going to Canterlot to check out books, I'll come back in a couple of days and return them and pick up more."
"Wait wait wait!" Rainbow interjected, "This doesn't make sense, there are like, a buhzillion books in that tree of yours. How do you read all of them? How many do you read a day?"
Twilight began drawing circles in the dirt. "I umm... I average about three to four books a day."
"Three to four!? I takes me days, sometimes weeks to finish those Daring Do's and you can read four of those in a day!? If there was a competition for reading, you would take home the gold medal!"
Twilight smiled thinking fondly of winning the speed-reader event for the Canterlot Academic Little Filly games. She had in fact gotten a gold medal, but kept it to herself, not wanting to gloat. But maybe she should have Apple Bloom apply next year.
"How long is it before you read all of the books In Canterlot? Then what?"
"Oh don't be silly Rainbow Dash," Twilight chuckled "The Canterlot Archives are far more extensive than the library here. It would take me years, even decades before I ever read all those." Twilight laughed again.
Rainbow Dash looked a little annoyed, but it turned quickly to concern, "How long did you say you'd be gone again?"
Twilight realized Rainbow's tone, ceasing her laughter, "Just the weekend, I'll be back in no time."
"Be safe, okay Twilight?" Fluttershy added, with concern of her own.
"Of course. It's really good you were here Rainbow, I was going to visit you in Cloudsdale. But now, I have enough free time to leave by night." Twilight looked at her shadow, "Ooh! I should leave now if I want to make the last train. Bye girls." Twilight turned around and began walking away with spike closely following.
"Later Twilight!" Rainbow Dash waved her hoof high in the air.
"Goodbye twilight" Fluttershy gave a sweet, motherly smile.
Twilight had gotten her things together, Spike had already packed. Twilight decided to bring her book, feeling as though it would be necessary, quietly hoping to find another like it. They boarded the train and left, their goodbyes already being said.
The ride was quiet, with so few passengers, Twilight and spike had their own car. Spike fell asleep beside her. The ride was uneventful, but relaxing, the sun setting along the horizon was a beautiful. Nopony would ever dispute the importance of day and night, but she knew that when the sun rose and set, were the most beautiful times. The sky appeared on fire as the horizon sped past. Twilight marveled as the sun shined brightly in the west while the night approached from the east. Twilight was between night and day.
When the sun was gone, Twilight herself began to doze off, she was awoken by the sound a train whistle. The night was illuminated by the the bright shining lights of Canterlot. Twilight got off the train, and straight into the bustle of Canterlot Market. The market was filled with carts, stands, patrons, and vendors. None piqued her interest, but that was plainly because none of them sold books. The carts and stands were loaded with exotic foods, vases with unique patterns, even jewelry of beautiful design, shining like the stars themselves. I should bring Rarity along next time. Twilight thought to herself, She would love to see these.
"Hey Twilight! Can we stop over at the jeweler's?" Spike asked from atop Twilight's back.
"Why? Looking to buy a gift for somepony special?"
"What? No!" Spike began to blush, "I was just hoping for a snack!"
"Oh. Alright then. We'll check if they have some uncut gems? Anything you wanted in particular?" Twilight approached the stall, wading through the crowd.
"I was hoping for an amethyst, but I've never eaten a topaz before!"
Twilight looked closely at the intricate necklaces and tiaras, their detail was staggering. They appeared more as art than mere trinkets.
"See anything you like?" A gray unicorn with a white mane spoke up from behind the counter. He was wearing far more jewelry than anypony should.
"No thanks, I was just looking."
The stallion pouted. "A snack perhaps for your... familiar?"
Spike smiled, "Yeah! do you have any topaz?"
"Why yes I do, straight from Pie Farms in fact." The stallion laughed, "Such a misleading name." He rustled around under the counter before rising back up with a red-and-white striped paper bag filled with topazes. "That'll be ten bits please!"
Twilight produced a small purse and floated the coins out with a purple glow. She was surprised and grateful at the low cost of a bag of gems.
"Thanks! So, are you studying at the academy?"
"Excuse me?"
"Your dragon." He gestured to spike, who was examining and eating the stones one by one. "They give them to those who passed the entrance exam, well more accurately, they are the entrance exam. My sister took it, She passed and brought home Claw. I saw yours and just assumed you had done the same. That's why I have these gems under the counter, also of course for when students pass by."
"Yeah I took that test, I passed but gave that up to study with a tutor. She's taught me quite a bit."
"She must be very powerful."
You have no idea. "Hey, do you have any business cards? A friend of mine loves jewelry like this, and I wanted to bring her along next time I came."
"Of course!" With a light-blue glow that matched his eye, he lifted a gray card from behind the counter. "Here you go."
Twilight read the card.
Oval Cut, Jeweler of Destiny, Stone Fashioner of the Soul Located in the Canterlot Market between Clay's Pots and Discover's Maps
"It was very nice to meet you Oval Cut." Twilight said politely.
"And you to ms....?"
"Twilight Sparkle."
"Ms. Twilight Sparkle, I hope to see you again soon."
Twilight left. "How are those topazes spike?"
"They're okay. Kinda minty."
"Is that bad?"
"No, just not what I expected, I thought they would be sour, like... oranges, or lemons. You know, stuff like that."
Twilight had often wondered what it was like to eat gemstones, on one attempt, she had crushed a ruby into powder and licked it. the result was like licking sand.
The rest of the walk was quiet once they had left the market. The streets were calm and dark. Luna's moon shined brightly full nearly every night since her return. Celestia had followed a cycle, she was just pushing the moon along a path. most night's it was caught in the umbra, but now, Luna takes care to let it glow, guiding the ponies through the dark.
"Twilight Sparkle?" A stern tone surprised Twilight.
Twilight down from the sky. A two pegasi stallions adorned with royal armor were standing beside Twilight in the road. "Yes?"
"We've been sent to bring you to the castle, if you'll please come with us."
Twilight had failed to notice the chariot these two pulled. She nodded before entering.
The chariot flew high over Canterlot. She could see the whole of the illustrious city. The market glowing with lights while the rest shined the light of the moon. The air rushing past felt cool, relaxing. In the distance was the castle, carved into the mountain, stood high above Canterlot. Twilight saw it as a symbol of Equestria itself. Built on the design of the old kingdom, but from the combined effort of all three of the races.
The chariot landed softly upon a balcony. Two more guards, unicorns, approached, "Please follow us." Said the one on the left.
Twilight complied as the pegasi flew off into the night. The guards were quiet and looked straight forward with stoic faces. This treatment was normal to Twilight having come to the castle many times before to study with Celestia, and more when visiting her brother at the barracks, but something was wrong. Twilight noticed that the guards were uneasy,breathing deeply, sweating, it seemed as though, they were afraid. "Is something wrong?" Twilight asked, concerned.
The guard on the left blinked and shook his head, as though surprised by the sudden break in silence, "What? No, no. It's just the p-princess would like to see you."
Twilight made a mental not of the stutter when the guard said "princess." Why would these guards fear Princess Celestia? With realization, Twilight hung her head. Princess Luna, they still fear her. Twilight pitied Luna, though she'd never say it for fear of insulting her, but even now, when she and her friends had saved her and worked to calm the fear on Nightmare Night, even the guards still feared her.
With the guards, Twilight arrived at large dark-blue doors that mirrored the sky with stars, and an beautiful image of the moon. The guard on the right raised a hoof, hesitating, before knocking three times. The two quickly lowered their heads and stepped back.
The door opened, seeming to suck the air in as it did. Twilight could not see beyond the inky blackness behind the doors. Luna appeared from the shadows, standing tall as over the guards. Twilight could see the sadness at Luna's sight of the guards. "You may leave, thank you." Princess Luna spoke in such a soft, somber tone.
The guards kept their heads low, and stepped away before rising.
"Good evening Twilight, Please walk with me." Luna asked
"Of course." Twilight followed as Luna strode through the castle. Though the castle was bright, it was so silent, even the foot steps of the princess made little more then a soft thud.
"I would like a favor of you Twilight." Luna said as she walked.
"What is it?"
"Can you keep a secret?"
"Sure."
"Celestia doesn't know you're here yet, and so, she still slumbers. Otherwise, she would welcome you herself."
Twilight nodded.
"I am about to share something with you and I ask only that you keep it to yourself."
"I will."
"You must promise me." Her tone became stern.
Twilight raised a hoof to her chest, "I do."
Luna stopped "Pinkie promise?"
Twilight was confused, "How do you-"
"We... hang."
Twilight shrugged, and did the necessary motions, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
"Thank you Twilight." Luna smiled at the gesture and continued walking, "You know of course that Discord ruled Equestria long ago."
Twilight nodded,
"I need you to find out who he is."
Twilight was confused, "Discord is the spirit of disharmony. Right?"
Luna stopped, "Yes Twilight, but he is, or was, more."
"I don't understand, what more could he be?"
Luna lowered her head, "I'm sorry Twilight, but I can not say anymore." Luna whispered to Twilight, "You must keep this conversing between us, and you certainly must not tell my sister. Understand?"
Twilight nodded
"Thank you Twilight." Luna lowered her horn to Twilight's. A soft blue glow emanated. "Just in case." Luna whispered. Luna raised her head. "Tomorrow, at the library you will meet with my student."
"Student?"
"Yes, one who seeks to learn magic from I as you do my sister."
"I didn't know you took on students."
"I don't, usually, but this one is like I."
"How so?"
"She too was consumed by power, and now seeks redemption."
Twilight thought for a moment, "Do I know her?"
"I believe so." Luna gestured a nearby royal guard to approach with her wing. "Please show Twilight here to the guest quarters please." She turned to Twilight, "Good night Twilight, I will see you in the morning."
Twilight awoke to the sound of sizzling, her eyes still shut. She could not remember her dreams and instead thought back to the night before. What was Luna asking of me? How is discord more? What's... What's that smell? Twilight opened her eyes to great surprise for two soft blue eyes stared into her own.
"Morning Twilight!" Pinkie said with such joy, her friend awaking from a slumber.
"Wh-what?" Twilight was tired still, and couldn't comprehend what was happening.
"Morning silly!" Pinkie walked over to the curtains to open them. "Like when Celestia raises the sun, but not too high, right after luna lowers the sky. Not like mourning when somepony is gone, but thinking about that makes me sad so I try not to think of that." Pinkie lowered her head and her tone seamed to diminish before popping back up, "Oh I almost forgot!" Pinkie stepped outside the room.
Twilight, desperately attempting to piece together what was happening, began to rub her hooves around her temples. Before Twilight could complete a thought, Pinkie returned pushing a cart, which seemed to be the source of the sound and smell that had awoken her. Twilight Remembered quickly and shouted, "Breakfast!" without thinking. Twilight immediately smacked her hoof into her own face.
"That's right Twilight, I mean, what else would it be? I said I was gonna make you breakfast and I did."
"I'm so sorry Pinkie. I should have told you I was leaving early. I forgot and had extra time when Rainbow Dash-"
"Oh come on Twilight, Its not a big deal. After all it is still my day off, and it could have been way worse, like, you could've broken a pinkie promise like the one with Luna."
"How did you-?"
Pinkie smiled "We hang!"
"Did tell you what it's about?"
"Of course not silly! It's a secret. Now, for your breakfast!" Pinkie lifted the silver lid revealing Twilight's meal.
The scent blasted Twilight and made her mouth water. The meal smelled delicious and looked just as good.
"I made a dandelion omelet skillet with hash browns on the side, and a bottle of apple acres apple juice for a pick-me-up!"
"Pinkie, this is amazing!"
Cheerfully, "Thank you! I got the recipe from the royal chef downstairs. And let me tell you, their kitchen is HUGE! I mean like really really big, like so big that you could play hoof ball in their, but who would do that in a kitchen? Like, hello, theirs a field just outside the size and shape of a hoof ball field why play in a kitchen."
"Pinkie?" Twilight said softly
"What?" Pinkie lost her train of thought, "What is it Twilight?"
"This is too much."
"What is, the food?"
"I don't think I can eat all this." The skillet was deep and wide, seemingly the size of a pie.
Spike opened the door, sniffing the air. "What's that smell? Can I have some?" Spike walked groggily to the foot of the bed before making an effort to climb up on it. He then walked over and sat next to Twilight.
"Good morning Spike." Twilight said with a smile.
"Morning Twi." Spike returned.
"Good morning Spike!" Pinkie stated with audible joy.
"Morning Pinkie. Did you make this?" Spike pointed at the
"Yes in-deedy!" Pinkie was proud.
"Would you like some Spike?" Twilight offered.
"Would I? Totally!"
Pinkie produced a pie server from within her mane, a disturbing act done commonly by Pinkie, but Twilight had yet to find a single hair in any meal she prepared so far. Using the tool, Pinkie cut the skillet into three pieces. She reached under the cart and pulled out three plates. She served the two and her self a piece, "I hope you don'y mind. I just wanted to try it myself!"
Twilight smiled and nodded before the three dug in to their respective plates. "How did you know we were here?" Twilight asked. "Luna?"
"No, it was my Pinkie sense."
Ah, the infamous Pinkie sense"You have a Pinkie sense for knowing where I am?"
"No, of course not. I can just tell when a friend is leaving in Ponyville. You see, I get really dizzy, and a shiver goes up my spine, when ever one of my friends goes too far. And I knew you were leaving, so I went to the train station and asked Ticket Master if he had seen you. When he told me he had, I hopped on the next train to Canterlot and visited Luna. She had told me you were already here and I stayed the night and woke up really early to make you this." Pinkie motioned to the meal.
"You can tell when one of us is leaving?"
"Yeah, it even let's me know for how long."
"Really? how so?" Twilight had given up on ever explaining the dreaded Pinkie sense, and instead chose merely to examine it as a phenomenon.
"I think the the word is 'inversely proportional'. " Pinkie made an effort of saying it.
"So the longer I'm gone, the shorter the reaction?"
"Yup! But the feeling is more powerful."
"Interesting."
"Like right now for instance, you're about to leave and I won't see you until you go back to Ponyville."
"Really? Alright then. Spike let's go." Spike was laying back on the bed, with belly visibly filled. Twilight gently used her magic to raise the dragon and lay him across her back. "Bye Pinkie, I'll see you at home."
Pinkie raised a hoof and waved as Twilight walked out.
As Twilight walked, she thought to herself,Where am I going? The library right? Yes, yes I am. Wasn't I going to meet someone? The student! Luna's student was going to... Wait, where did Luna say I would meet her? She didn't... Did Luna know I was going to the library? Did she read the letter I wrote to Celestia? Did Celestia? Twilight's mind raced. She was lost as to Luna's intentions, but confused most of all to Luna's statement that Discord was something "More." What more could he be? He's the embodiment of chaos and insanity, not some fallen angel or something. Twilight stepped outside into the sunlight before...
"Twilight!" A regal voice called from behind her.
Twilight turned quickly to see the goddess of the sun herself Celestia, "Princess! I was just leaving."
"Leaving? I wasn't even aware you had arrived." Celestia's expression of confusion showed slightly past her grin.
"Really? I had sent a letter just the other day. Didn't you get it?"
Celestia's expression became one of realization, before she lowered her head. "I'm so sorry Twilight, I've been busy lately. The Griffons of the highlands have considered allying themselves with Equestria."
"I had assumed you were busy, otherwise I would have come to tell you I was here, but I thought you had gotten my letter with the escort and-"
"Escort?" Celestia visibly relaxed, "Oh thank goodness, then Luna welcomed you, am I right?"
"Yes she did."
"Good, then she must have received your letter. By the way where were you going, you wouldn't mind me accompanying you would you?"
"Of course not Princess, but aren't you still busy?"
"No, not at the moment. The ambassadors are out eating. Their meals take so long to prepare. I should have enough time to take my student to..."
"The library."
"Ah, perfect." Celestia and Twilight began walking, "So Twilight, as I'm sure you mentioned in your letter, why have come to Canterlot?"
"I was hoping to Check out some books while I'm here, I plan to come more often, every week in fact. It's just so convenient with the train and all."
"I'm guessing you've read every book in the library at home, haven't you?"
Twilight was surprised. "Why yes, in fact. How did you know?"
"You're never one to turn down a book, no matter the subject. And you would never read the same one twice."
Twilight smiled and remembered the lessons Celestia gave and her surprise when Twilight had read far ahead of the assignment.
"Anything you hope to find?" Celestia asked.
Twilight's mind went back to the book on invisibility and her quiet hope to find another like it. "No, nothing in particular."
"Then if you don't mind a suggestion, I would advise looking in to polymorphic transformation."
"Oh no, I've tried that already, it did not work out so well." Twilight remembered turning a poor blue-jay and a frog into oranges.
"Well whatever you choose, I hope have fun." Celestia looked up. "Well it appears I must be returning. It was very nice to see you. Celestia flew high into the air.
Twilight could see her join two well-dressed griffons in her flight. Upon looking around her, she noticed that the "high-class" ponies who wouldn't lower their nose to smell the flowers were staring at her. One such stallion was so bold as to approach Twilight.
"Excuse me miss, but my name is... well who am I kidding, the real question is so are you? If I may be so straight, might I inquire as to how you know the princess?" His coat was a tan, with a yellow mane.
Since Twilight's moving to Ponyville, she had been freed from the constant approach of strangers when entering and leaving the castle. "I'm her student." Twilight had long been patient with those who asked these questions. She thought it polite to always humor them.
"Really?" The pony seemed interested. "In what facet? Are you apprenticing for political reasons? Or are you training as a guard officer? Those are rare, but if Spitfire can do it then-"
"Magic." Twilight knew the pony would not stop. He spoke with the enthusiasm of a reporter, and the only thing they like more than hearing themselves talk, Is to listen... if you're lucky.
"Pardon..." The pony surprised leaned in an ear to listen.
"Magic, Princess Celestia, gives me personal lessons in magic among other things."
The pony looked insulted as well as amazed. "'How did I know'! You're the Element of Magic! Everyone knows who you are. Listen, I know we just met but..." The pony seemed nervous and scratched his head, "I'm going to this gathering later today, perhaps you'd like to come?"
Twilight had not been approached in this manner before, but since her return to Canterlot, she has matured. The population of stallions had been so low in Ponyville. "Sure, what time is it?" Twilight had learned much since leaving Canterlot, she was no longer reclusive or shy.
The stallion had produced an invitation. The time was just after sundown. As the stallion walked trotted away with pride, he stopped, and span around, "Meet me at the entrance, okay!?"
"Okay! Wait, what's your name?"
"OH! It's Patchwork!"
-----
Twilight stood in the gardens outside the archives.
"Hey Twilight. Remember last time we were here?" Spike laughed, snorting a little."
"Yes Spike, I do." She had remembered her last visit. She recognized the humor in her actions, breaking in and sneaking past the guards when she was one of the select few who could enter with unlimited access. She had even avoided Spearpoint, an old friend of her brother's. Twilight lowered her head and shook it, smiling. She was embarrassed of the event.
"Hey their's Spearpoint!" Spike pointed out.
Twilight raised her head to see the gray stallion stand stoically by the doors.
"Let's go say Hi!"
Twilight trotted towards the door. "Spearpoint!" She shouted.
The motionless guard blinked and his stern, serious expression quickly melted to a smile as he watched an old friend approach. "Twilight? Is that you?"
"Hey Spearpoint, how are you." Twilight lifted her forelegs to hug the guard.
His stern expression returned, "Twilight, you know that's against the rules."
Twilight tilted her head, looking un-amused.
Spearpoint's smile returned, " 'Guess I couldn't get you that time." He embraced Twilight.
"How have you been? I thought you were promoted during the invasion."
"It was temporary, I lead a squad of mixed units to defend the archive, protect our history, you know? Strangest thing is though, the changelings that did break through, went to the fiction section first."
"Fiction? Why?"
"Get this, after the invasion, the books that were missing were all taken from the romance section. Guess they wanted to know our weaknesses, but not like we had expected."
Twilight chuckled, "Well, how many were taken?"
Spearpoint smiled. "Nine."
"Nine! That's it?"
"Eeyup, only three got past and got out. Three books each I'd imagine."
"And your promotion was temporary? Why!?"
Spearpoint's smile faded. "After the battle was lost in most of Canterlot, we were still holding out. It wasn't over for us until the blast cleared out Canterlot." Spearpoint lowered his head." When I was promoted, Everyone looked to me, I did what I could, but, I lost two... Their names were Quick Strike and Solid Defense. Others were injured, there was one of the militia, her name's Firefly." He smiled as he mentioned her name. "She's a unicorn like you Twilight, great with magic. She's tough too. When the fight came, she wouldn't back down. She broke her left legs defending the doors against a wave of them with this spell, she called it the 'fire lance.' It was beautiful as well as effective. She generated this stream of sparks that none would go near until her horn gave out. We quickly prepared ourselves for the rush that would come as soon as she stopped. Even formed a quick code to distinguish ourselves from them, should they mimic our looks, which they did. But I didn't expect Firefly to keep fighting after she exhausted herself."
"That can't be, when I use all my magic, I feel like fainting. How could she keep fighting?"
"She just... did. She must of forced everything out of her." Spearpoint's smile seemed wistful.
"How is she now?"
"Firefly? Oh she's fine now. Except she's marrying some idiot who obviously doesn't deserve her."
Twilight tilted her head giving him the "Really?" look once more. "When's the wedding?"
"There's no fooling you is there?" He said with a tone of satisfied defeat. "Two months."
"I'll be there."
"Thanks Twilight, bring your family too, We'd love to have you."
"Of course, but about your promotion..."
"Oh, right. well after the blast. We were cheering, we had won! Firefly had even managed to lift a hoof before finally giving up and passing out. We rushed the injured and the...lost, to the hospital. We didn't even know about Firefly's injuries until a doctor got a hold of her. I was given all these commendations, enough pats on a back to break it. But I can't stop thinking about those two. I watched over all the injured soldiers I lead that day. I was there when she, Firefly, when she woke up. She was thanking me, her family was thanking me. All those who followed me, and everyone they knew, praised me for leading them as well as I did. Even the families of the two, smiled past their tears, and thanked me for seeing them off." Spearpoint took a moment to breathe."After I saw those two off, I demoted myself back. I'm not hear to fight, but I will if I have to. I'll defend with as much will as Firefly did, if that's possible. I'll do everything I can and more to never lose another pony."
Twilight hugged Spearpoint again, even Spike hugged his leg. "I'll see you at the wedding." Twilight spoke softly.
"You too Twilight."
Twilight and Spike walked inside. It was quiet, as was a library. Twilight walked to the Star Swirl The Bearded section, hoping to find a rare book like the one she had brought. To her surprise, the barred door had been open. Few had access to this part of the library. Who would be so careless as to leave this wide open... Unless... Twilight entered hoping to find the student Luna had mentioned. But why would she be in here? Twilight asked herself. As walked along the cupboard, she could hear the silent brushing of paper. She could hear pages turning and the silent murmur of one reading to herself. "Excuse me? Is anyone here?"
The turning of pages stopped and the murmur was quiet. Twilight listened carefully. Through the now dead silence, all Twilight could hear was the heavy steps of a guard passing through corridor outside. She walked along the shelves seeking who may else be in here.
"Hello?" Twilight called again, trying not to be to loud in respect to the environment. Turning a corner around a standing bookcase, she saw a rather untidy pile of books stacked upon one another, and forming a horseshoe shape opening away from the bookcase, large enough for a pony to be sitting within. Upon approaching, she was met with an usual obstacle, she bumped into somepony. Twilight reacted on habit and instinct. She closed her eyes and shook her head. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you."
"I'm sure you didn't Twilight" spoke a disembodied, yet familiar, voice.
Twilight looked around looking for the pony. "Trixie? Is that you?" The pony was nowhere to be seen.
"Of course Twilight." Before Twilight shined a bright light that was Trixie's horn. Trixie's body appeared, ethereal, slowly transitioning before becoming opaque, showing Trixie stand proudly. "Was there ever any doubt?"
"Trixie, what are you doing here?" Twilight asked.
"Surely the Princess had told you of our meeting."
"You're the student?"
"But of course. Your letter to Celestia arose interest from her sister. She came to me in a dream, and asked me to explain in better detail the story of how it is I came to be what I am and how I knew where to locate the Alicorn Amulet."
"How did you know? It was lost for centuries after-"
"After Celstia cast it into the darkness of obscurity and hid it where no pony could find it. Yes, Twilight, I know the tale. It was my great grandmother who wrote it."
"Your great grandmother? What do you mean?"
"My family has, for the longest time, ventured for and studied magical phenomena."
"Speaking of magical pheno-" Spike interupted, " Phenom- fino, Whatever you just said! How were you invisible?"
"Family secret." Trixie said proudly.
"She learned it from a book." Twilight put in. Trixies smile twitched, "Blue, with white stars?"
Trixie was shocked, "How did you-?"
"Hey Twilight?" He tugged a bit at her mane. "You mean your book?"
"HER BOOK!?" Trixie was less than pleased, "That book has been in my family as long history goes back! How did you... Did you steal it?!"
Twilight backed away, Trixie was clearly angry. "N-no! It was a gift!"
"From who!" Trixie was not calming down, "Who in MY family would surrender one of our most precious relics to simple unicorn like-"
"Odsanends!" Twilight answered, frightened.
"Why would he- did you say Odsanends?" Trixie stopped, "Why would... why would he just give it to you?"
Twilight could see Trixie relaxing. "He wanted... a smile."
Trixie was taken back. She fell onto her flank and smiled herself. "Twilight... I am ever so sorry for my assumptions and tone."
"I don't understand are you related to him?"
"Why yes, I am. He's my cousin you see." Trixie seemed pleased to speak of him.
"Why is it okay if he gave it to me?"
"Because then it was your destiny."
"My destiny?"
"Yes. Twilight, do you know what a wise pony is?"
"A wise pony?..."
"I'm sure you do, you read enough books to see the correlation."
"What's a wise pony Twilight?" Spike asked.
"A wise pony Spike," Twilight started, " is the spark of a journey. Many tales have a doctor, a scientist, or a..."
"A vendor." Trixie added, "I have, since I was a foal, believed that Odsanends, is such an equine. He has never excelled in magic, or cared much for searching for relics of old. But it became apparent that he was a most important pony. Me and my family would travel in a caravan of carriages, much like the one I entered upon during my first visit to your own Ponyville." Trixie scratched her head with frustration. "Before that cursed Ursa Ma- Minor, had crushed it. I had taken it out on those two, Snips and Snails during my more recent visit. Perhaps I was too harsh, I was corrupted." Trixie shrugged," But I digress, This caravan appeared as any other, we would trade what goods we had, entertain the populace, or should I say 'distract' the populace. The older ponies would dance, sing, and perform feats of magic, while the young and quick would search the empty houses for items of magical significance. And before you ask. No, that was not my plan in Ponyville. Entertainment was my passion. But Odsanends found retrieving these things to be far less of a challenge. He would sometimes simply ask, and they would surrender it with a smile. He obtained more objects with less effort than any other. When my family's caravan was accused of thievery, which was not entirely false as we did not ask for these artifacts every time, an ambush of guards dissolved the caravan. I was but a filly, not liable of crimes, and while my parents were tried for their trespasses, I was taken and put into foster care. I rejected all who sought to adopt me, knowing fully well that my parents had neither died nor abandoned me."
"What did happen to them?"
"They were banished." Trixie spoke flatly.
"Banished? For thievery? Even bandits and pirates aren't banished. Only those who represent a threat to Equestria are banished."
"Perhaps somepony assumed we were." Trixie said casually. "When I came of age to exit on my own accord, I was released my family's carriage and it contents, which includes the book of which you spoke earlier. I entrusted it to Odsanends. And if he had entrusted it to you, then that is that. Might I ask as to its whereabouts. In the library of Ponyville I trust?"
"It's at the castle."
Trixie's face became one of horror.
-----
Twilight followed Trixie as she ran to the castle. Spike gripping at Twilight's mane to avoid falling "I don't get it, why are we running?"
"There is another objective of my family, and it is to guard what we secure!"
"What? There's nowhere safer than the castle!"
"We guard it from those who reside within the castle."
"But why!?" Twilight was truly confused.
"You have to trust me Twilight. Tell me exactly where it was you left the book!"
Twilight was lost. "I don't... It's in my room!"
"Take me there!"
Twilight looked over her shoulder at... nothing. Trixie was gone. Twilight stopped and looked around. She was at the caste gate and Trixie was nowhere to be found. She heard a whisper.
"Move on."
Twilight took the notion and ran through the gate. Though subtle, Twilight could hear the hoof steps doubling upon her own, Trixie was synchronizing to her own taking care to avoid detection.
The guards recognized Twilight running through the halls, and became alarmed at the sight, a few guards pursued her.
"Is something wrong Ms. Sparkle, why are you running." A guard had caught up to Twilight's side.
Twilight looked behind herself to see a company of guards that were following her. "What? Oh no, nothing for you to worry about, I just...uh... forgot something is all. I-in my room, I was off to get it."
"Of course m'am, we were afraid you were running for more... dire, reasons." The guard turned his neck and shouted over his shoulder, "Alright you fillies, everything is a-okay! Break!" Upon his order, the small contingent of guards dissolved and ran past Twilight as she slowed and stopped to enter her own room.
"Where is it?" Twilight heard the whisper again.
"Over there Twilight!" Spike shouted. He must have heard it as well.
Twilight ran to her saddle bags, hanging off a post of her bed. Anxious, she opened it slowly. With a great gust, an invisible, yet obvious, force opened the bag a withdrew it's contents.
"What are you doing!" Twilight asked in a hushed voice directed at her bag.
"Where is it? Where is it?" The bag's contents of paper and quills littered the floor. This persisted on and on before the bag was turned upside-down all together whereupon, the satisfying thud of the book's appearance as it impacted the floor. "A-HA!" Trixie shouted. The sight of the book elated Trixie visibly, even if she wasn't exactly visible. "Thank goodness."
"Why would it be gone anyways? Who in the castle would take that book?"
"Oh who wouldn't dear Twilight? This book holds a secret of magic so long kept hidden that it would show the true borders of magic."
"Which are?"
"None. The writer of this book found magic that could turn back time, break laws of reality, and change the very nature of the world." Though Trixie's face could not be seen, Twilight could imagine the look of admiration from the tone.
"So why would anypony try to hide this. It sounds revolutionary! Monumental Even! Who would want to hide that from the ponies of Equestria?"
"Those who understand the danger of the unknown. Twilight, while I agree with you that this knowledge should be shared, I hope you understand the intent of those I fear. The road to Tartarus is paved with good intentions."
"Then who Trixie? Who is trying to get the book? Who wants to keep the book gone?"
A voice came from the hallway, "Twilight? Is that you?" Celestia came in. "Twilight who were you talking to?"
"What, oh Spike! He made such a mess, he was looking for...uh..." Twilight scanned the floor. "Uh... A-ha! My favorite quill!" She grabbed a quill next to her hoof and held it in her mouth for the princess to see, "Shee? Ah foned it!"
Celestia examined Twilight, and the quill, likely it's identical appearance to the others that strewn across the marble. "Twilight? Are you feeling alright?" Celestia was concerned
Twilight spit out the quill, "Of course Princess! Hehe... I mean, what could be wrong? Nothing! nope, nothing wrong here! Just me, Spike, and Tri- I mean, just me and Spike." Twilight had a nervous smile.
"Alright then. Just know that you can always tell me if something is bothering you, okay?"
"Of course, Princess..." Twilight felt a bit of guilt.
"Good." Celestia relaxed. "I'm about to have dinner with the ambassadors, would you care to join me?"
"I would love to but... I have to go back to the library and find books before it closes."
"I understand Twilight." She looked off into the room staring at nothing in particular. She smiled. "Let me clean this up first, before I go." With that, her horn glowed as she levitated the paper and quills, spinning them, forming a cyclone of desk supplies. Before lifting Twilight's saddlebag and flowing the debris in. "Sorry about that, I was always a bit of a showoff. Just ask Luna." Celestia laughed as she left.
Twilight closed the door. "Trixie?"
"R-right here T-Twilight..." She sounded scared. Her horn glowed revealing her. She was face down, covering her head with her hooves, shaking. "She... She saw me."
"How did she see you? How could she?"
"I... I don't know. She looked directly at me then smiled."
"I think we should go..."
Trixie stood up, her legs still shaking. "Y-yes Twilight, I believe you're right."
"Twilight!" Spearpoint called from the library gate, "Is something wrong? I was told you bolted out of the library straight to the castle. What happened?"
"I'm so sorry Spearpoint." Twilight lowered her head as she approached him. "I know me running can tend to be a kind of... omen, but everything's all right! I just forgot something is all."
He leaned his head in close, "Are they making you say that?"
Twilight could help but laugh a little, even if he was serious. "No, they did not make say that, or this for that matter."
He stared at me, intently, before nodding, "Alright Twilight, I believe you." He smiled, relaxed.
Twilight sighed.
"Hey, how do you know her by the way?" He gesturing at Trixie, visible now since leaving the castle.
"Oh, we're friends. Imagine my surprise when Luna had taken her as a student."
"You must be pretty darn good at magic for that."
Trixie smiled at that, blushing. "Why thank you."
"Well, as a humble guard to, not one, but two royal students, I am honored." He bows his head still smiling.
"Thank you Spearpoint." Twilight said.
"Yes... Thank you." Trixie was still blushing.
After spike had given a 'bump' to Spearpoint, the three headed inside.
They walked directly to the Star Swirl the Bearded section, which was rather close to the door. "I've been meaning to ask," Twilight said, "those books you were reading, what were they?"
"I suppose you are referring to my 'nest.' A dreadful habit of mine, but it... comforts me. When I read, I face the bookshelf organizing the books into two categories. To my left, books with no information that I desire. To my right, books that may or may not contain the secrets I wish to reveal."
"And why were you invisible?"
"Princess Luna had suggested it. No doubt as to my having no credentials as her student and therefore, no proof. I wouldn't have been permitted to access the books I intend to. But with you here, your word is enough for anyone."
The section was still a mess. The books still stacked in the 'nest' Trixie had described. The left side significantly larger then the right.
"If you'll excuse me, I intend to keep researching." Trixie stated before returning to her nest and dropping her flank.
"By all means Trixie." Twilight began to scan the room. She had been here once before and how Pinkie had helped find the time spell. "Maybe if Pinkie were he-" Twilight stopped herself mid-sentence. Be careful what you wish for... Perhaps it would be enough to think like her. Twilight thought. She immediately walked to the 'R' Section for Research. The books were grimy, frayed along the spines, and faded. But one stood out, it sat on the highest shelf. The color wasn't faded and it looked like new. It was blue, which attracted her more as the shade was identical to the one Trixie had "flipped out" about. She tried to remove it with magic... Nothing happened. Her telekinesis didn't work. Twilight was stumped. She had no difficulty holding the other. "Spike? Could you come her for a moment.
"What is it Twilight?"
"Could you grab that for me?" Twilight pointed at the blue book.
"Okay..." Spike was confused but agreed without question. "Where's the ladder?"
Twilight darted her head left to right with no ladder in sight. "Hmm..." Twilight thought of a solution. "OH! Here use this." Twilight's horn glowed with magic as she pulled a large number of books from the shelves with her telekinesis, aligning them to form a staircase for Spike.
Spikes eyes widened and he scratched his head, "Why would you..." Spike was clearly thinking something along the lines of "Why not just pull the book out." But the answer had already been established. Spike just shook his head of it. "Whatever." Spike climbed up the books, held in place by a violet aura. He had grabbed the book. "I got it!"
"Great Spike!" Twilight was sweating now from the spell. "Come down... quickly!"
Spike ran down the steps and making it to the bottom just before Twilight's magic failed and the staircase collapsed.
Twilight was exhausted, panting between every word "Thank... you... Spike..."
"What is with all this noise? I can't be expected to focus on the my research when-" Trixie stopped when she saw Spike and what he held. "What is that?" Trixie's shock was matched only by her excitement. "Is that what I think it is?"
Twilight, still panting, manged, "It... was... under... R." before collapsing herself.
Trixies horn glowed a bright blue. She seemed confused, then she tightened her face in focus as her horn glowed again. "You er.... dragon."
"My name is Spike." He looked annoyed.
Trixie was embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Spike, could you bring that to me?"
Spike looked to Twilight, struggling to breath on the floor, before shrugging and walking over to Trixie, book in hand. As Trixie attempted to hold the book, she flinched. "OUCH!" she held her hoof close.
"What's wrong?" Spike asked.
"The book it... it shocked me."
Twilight got up, "What do you mean."
"See for yourself!"
Twilight approached the book. She hesitantly extended a hoof to the book. Upon making contact, she recoiled from the pain. "OW! You're right. But why doesn't Spike... Spike open the book."
He did.
"What does it say?"
"Dear reader," Spike began. "This book holds secrets that must be preserved. In the name of protecting my logs written here, I have enchanted this book so that no wielder of magic may affect it. It is shielded from all the elements, including time. If you are capable of handling this, assure its safety, lost is better than destroyed."
"Spike... Show me the cover." Twilight asked.
Spike closed the book and brought it closer. The Cover was identical to the last.
Twilight looked out the window of the locomotive into the night. The passing of shadows that were treas and other foliage appeared only as blurs and streaks of black. The only thing truly discernible was the sky. The bright magnificent moon seemed so smooth, like a pearl,shining brilliantly. The sky that had once been a flat black before the return of Luna, was now a beautiful sight as blues and purples streaked the sky making it seem as a shroud upon the world, with stars giving openings to a true light that lay beyond the mystery that is the night.
Trixie cleared her throat. "Why is it that we are going to Ponyville of all places?"
"What's wrong? It's not like we have anywhere better to be."
"Are you insane? We are leaving behind us the largest collection of Equestrian knowledge."
"We have what we need, besides, we can go back anytime."
Trixie pouted as she crossed her forelegs. "Fine..."
Twilight thought of something to cheer her up. "Spike, could you read the book to us?"
At this, Trixie's ears shot up.
"Sure Twilight." Spike was holding a book in his arms that present company was incapable of handling. He dropped flat on the floor, causing Trixie to wince, before opening it. "Let's see here..." Spike cleared his throat before reading.
Log -97- How God Are born
Entry 97-1 My apprentice and I are planning upon venturing into the forest near the Castle. Due to recent events of ponies disappearing, the king had demanded an answer. I gave no hesitation in my volunteering as head explorer, leading an expedition through woods. The king considered me valuable for my magic and denied my request for being, "too great an asset to lose." I explained to the king that my magic will protect me in my venture. My apprentice insisted upon accompanying me I considered leaving her without word, but I understood that I would be lost without her. She has helped so much, so I agreed on her assistance.
Entry 97-2 I have prepared my supplies, consisting of food, water, and some necessary tools. The volunteering party, upon my request, consists of all three races. Needless to say, the tension is unavoidable. However, they had volunteered already with knowledge of the organization of the group. Along with my apprentice and I, two pegusi, Wind Breaker and Steadfast, and two Earth ponies, Vernal and Bountiful Harvest (Bounty), will be entering into the woods, hoping to find those lost. The pegusi hope to find some lost soldiers that had gone on their own mission to survey and record the terrain for strategic advantage. Over who? Every inquiry is met with 'whoever'. The earth ponies had lost some children desperate enough to search for food within. I had assumed that they had the most food, making it themselves. Are they being robbed? Are they giving more food than they can? We leave in the morning.
Entry 97-3 The beginning of our journey was as expedient and efficient as I hoped, while a bit somber. Everypony had kept their head down, focusing on whatever task was to done at the moment. The time in between was silence. Nopony would speak a word, not even to their friends. The lack of any noise beside the buckling of fastenings and the moving of cargo was so complete, I nearly jumped out of my coat when Steadfast had approached me from behind. and said "Ready whenever you are sir." The professional tone of his voice was nothing but that of a soldier. And to call me sir...
Spike looked out the window. On the horizon, in front of the moon, was the silhouette of what could only be the town of Ponyville. Spike was relieved at the sight.
"Is something wrong Spike?" Twilight asked.
"No not really, I'm just glad to be home."
Twilight was confused, "Canterlot was out home once too."
"Well yeah, but Twilight, all our friends are here. Canterlot's nice and all, but really, what's so great about it."
Twilight smiled. She looked at the time. "You should get some sleep, it'll still be a few hours until were home. I'll wake you when we get there." Twilight tucked the dragon in beside her. We should get some sleep too Trixie."
"Twilight I... I wanted to thank you again." Trixie said.
"For what?"
"For helping me when I had done those terrible things in your town. For forgiving me. Even though the amulet truly did corrupt me, but the darkness that lied within me was my own. I had such scorn for you. For showing me up, when it was only your intention to save your town from destruction. Destruction that would have been my fault."
Pinkie waited on the platform of the train station, tapping her hoof impatiently upon the wooden floor. "Come on...Come on..." Pinkie produced a golden pocket watch from her mane of infinite wonders. "Come on already!"
"Pinkie, why'd ya'll bring us here again?" Applejack watched as pinkie fidgeted and squirmed anxiously.
"Because..." Pinkie, exasperated, said, "Twilight's gonna be here any minute, and I want to surprise her." Pinkie was bouncing off the walls with anticipation, figuratively, and literally.
"And how do you know she's gonna be here now?" Rainbow asked, annoyed.
"Because my Pinkie sense, that's why!" Pinkie responded.
Rainbow Dash was left to force her hoof into her brow. While the "Pinkie Sense" was never a satisfying answer, no questions could be asked to get one beyond that.
"I don't see what all the fuss is about." Rarity put in, "I mean, she liveshere. And she was gone for not but a few days. Surely you must all see this is over the top!"
The rest of the group were left to stare at Rarity. This was not the expected opinion from Rarity of all ponies.
"I understand that seems... out of character for me, but as Twilight's friends, we should know by now, this is not the kind of 'welcome home' Twilight would want. She's always been a bit of a minimalist and we should respect that. So, Pinkie, I think it best to put the cannon away."
Pinkie eyes Rarity with suspicion, "How did you-"
"Oh please! Pinkie, was it not you who said, and I quote, I don't go anywhere without my party cannon!' "
Pinkie lowered her head in resignation, "Fine I won't use the cannon."
"Look!" Rainbow Dash Pointed out a hoof as she lifted into the air, "She's here!"
The five mare all looked in the direction Dash was pointing, and sure enough, a train approached along the railroad tracks. The train's whistle could be heard in the distance.
"Woo-HOO! Let's get this party started!" Pinkie was pushing her cannon.
"PINKIE!" The ponies chorused.
Pinkie dropped her head and pushed the cannon away.
The brakes screeched before the locomotive had come to a final stop. The doors opened in unison. The cars were mostly empty save for a pair of ponies and a dragon, getting off of the back car. The ponies rushed to greet Twilight, slowing down at the sight of a powder blue unicorn donning a purple cape and hat strewn with stars. Their running had become a steady, examining walk at the notice of Trixie.
Trixie had held her hat over her face concealing the obvious. Everyone recognized her, and none would forget soon. Twilight walked, chest up, while Trixie attempted to hide the shame that was her identity.
"Oh! uh...Hi Twilight!" Rainbow Dash attempted to break the awkward moment. She was obviously unnerved as she scratched her mane and failed to make any eye-contact with either Twilight or Trixie. "How was... how was Canterlot?"
None of the ponies who looked comfortable, especially Pinkie, who looked agitated, angry even! This concerned Twilight at Pinkie was often the most welcoming.
Fluttershy was looking at the ground, kicking at seemingly nothing. "Hi Trixie..." Her voice was barely audible, "How are..."
"How are things?" Rarity spoke up, hoping to spare Fluttershy.
Trixie could not be seen behind her hat.
"Trixie, in hope of redeeming herself, had become a student of Luna."
The surprise could be seen on all their faces, excluding Pinkie, still sullen.
"That's pretty cool... right gals?" Rainbow offered.
The girls simply nodded and hummed in agreement.
"And," Twilight added, "She'll be staying with me."
At this, Pinkie's face changed to surprise, contemplation, and then joy! Pinkie gasped before running away then coming back. "Can't forget this!" and running off again.
Those remaining were left confused as to the actions of Pinkie Pie, but quickly shrugged as to the fact, they often were. Returning to the matter at hoof, the four looked again to Twilight and Trixie.
"Sooo..." Rainbow began. "Welcome to Ponyville." Rainbow Dash extended a hoof.
Trixie approached slowly, still making an effort of concealing herself behind starry cap. She lifted her hoof to meet Rainbows. The contact was slight, and the gentle shake more so. The quiet mare stepped back once more.
Rarity stepped forward. "Yes, welcome to Ponyville. You may find me at my boutique, and know, you are always welcome." Rarity acted without any sign of notice to the awkward nature of this meeting, and accepted Trixie as friendly as Twilight could have hoped, despite Trixie's past transgressions towards her. "Now, I simply must be returning. I've been working on an ensemble to match that fine piece of jewelry Odsanends had graced upon me." She began to walk away.
Trixie lifted her head at the sound of her cousin's name, revealing her face. "May I see it?"
Rarity was stopped in her tracks. She turned back, obviously surprised. "Of course. But not now, it's only in the drafting stages at the moment. Not much more than cloth. The true magic is yet to come."
Trixie nodded in agreement. "I hope to see it soon."
"All in due time darling." Rarity left, elated.
Applejack was the next. "Ah best be off as well. Ah need to get back home. Now don't be afraid to visit the farm. If'n you want, ah could fix you up some applesauce." With a wink, Applejack was gone, leaving Trixie blushing.
"I'll be sure to see you around." Rainbow Dash bolted off into the sky.
Fluttershy nodded to Trixie before leaving herself.
Trixie returned the gesture and left, following Twilight.
The walk through Ponyville was quiet, but not pleasant. Upon the faces of everypony was every gesture from fear to curiosity, hatred to pity, and accusation to utter disregard. But the silence was deafening. Not even the sound of crickets was to break the absolute quiet that was Ponyville.
Twilight saw that Trixie kept her head down as she watched her hooves. Good. Twilight thought, At least she won't have to see them. The library was in sight. Twilight was pleased to know this "walk of shame" would be over soon for Trixie. The door opened with a slight creak, it was darker than usual. In this, Twilight could see her hoof in front of her own face. "Don't worry Trixie, here you can be alone if you want. Now where is that light."
"SURPRISE!" With a flash of light and an explosion of confetti, the walls were covered in decorations. Food was laid across tables not their before. Across the library hung a familiar banner saying, "Welcome to Ponyville."
"Pinkie what are you doing!" Twilight shouted, frustrated.
"Well..." Pinkie took in a deep breath. "When I said that I knew when you were coming back I planned a surprise at the train station and filled my party cannon ready to go off when you got off the train but then Rarity said that you wouldn't like that so I got sad then angry then happy when you said Trixie would be staying because that meant that I could throw a party still so I brought the cannon here and hung up that banner when we were welcoming Princess Celestia but she couldn't come because of the parasprites and I tore off the part that just said "Celest" and got food from the bakery and now..." Pinkie stopped to breath, "I threw this party for Trixie!"
Twilight looked at the the food. and was about to retort to the argument that wasn't happening before...
"Thank you." Trixie said. "This all looks very nice... Thank you." Trixie walked to a table and lifted a yellow cupcake. When she ate it, she seemed so happy. Twilight could see her eyes watering.
"Now you enjoy everything while I go get some more ponies to party with us." Pinkie was just at the door before.
"Wait!" Trixie pleaded, "Please just... stay here, just us."
Pinkie stopped, She could see Trixie's desire to be alone. "Okey-dokey, just us.
The party had lasted into the night. Barely any of the sweets that filled the library were even touched. Whole cakes so pristine that Pinkie had decided to return them to Sugar-Cube Corner and get them under the display.
"Now, about where you'll be sleeping tonight." Twilight started. "I've thought about it and decided that it would be best to have you stay in the basement, but it's a little crowded right now, so I'm going to move a few things tomorrow, but for now, you could stay on the couch." Twilight pointed at a small blue couch.
Trixie stared at it a moment, confused.
"Oh don't worry, it turns into a bed."
Trixie looked doubtful. "It does..."
"Here, watch." Twilight's horn glowed as she lifted the couch in the air. It glowed before a bright light flashed as the couch stretched and warped, contorting into a bed. She had dropped it back down, looking out of place, being a bed in the middle of the library. Twilight sighed, "There, goodnight."
"That was astounding!" Trixie was astonished. "I knew you were great with magic, doing what you had done with the Ursa Minor, but that!" Trixie pointed at the bed, "You did that with such ease. How?"
"Well, I study and practice nearly everyday, and my cutie mark does represent magic." Twilight gestured to her flank. "Doesn't yours too?"
Trixie lowered her head. "It does, but more in the matter of illusions and petty party practices and parlor tricks. This wand," Trixie points at her mark, "Represents a magician's tool, to distract the audience while he performs the real feat where none can see. Here, allow me to give an exposition." Trixie stepped to the coat rack where her hat and cape were pinned. She lowered the hat with a teal glow, grabbing it with her hoof, and putting it on. She stood tall, up atop the table. "Now..." She cleared her throat. "Prepare yourself for the amazing spectacles of The Great, and Powerful Trixie!" Trixie waved her hoof into the air as petite fireworks exploded all around, yet, with a faint noise that seemed as distance, making the fireworks seem far away and grand, not as small as they really were. Trixie removed her hat and moved it around to the invisible crowd, revealing it to be empty. Trixie reached into the hat, with a face showing confusion and strain, "Now where could it be?" She said in a tone that seemed whispered, but clearly audible. With a face of delighted surprise, "Aha!" Trixie removed a long black stick with a glimmering star at the end, mirroring the one within her cutie mark. The star appeared to be gem, shining a beautiful spectrum as the light hit it. "Now, for my first trick, I shall pull a dragon out of my hat!"
Twilight looked to Spike, watching the show engrossed. Twilight returned her gaze to the "magician" performing upon a "Stage".
Trixie seemed so pleased, so immersed in a world of her own. Trixie tapped her hat with the wand, and collapsed it against the ground revealing Spike, standing with the same astonished look he was wearing when Twilight looked at him.
Spike examined himself, confused as to how he had appeared on stage with Trixie, And before he could speak a word, Trixie pulled her hat from under him, flipping him into the air. Spike let out a short yelp before Trixie swiftly cast her hat over him, leaving nothing behind.
Twilight looked around, with Spike nowhere to be seen. Twilight looked back at Trixie, who was now holding a bouquet of purple roses, wrapped in a green linen.
Trixie stepped down from the table, presenting the flowers to Twilight at her hooves.
Twilight examined it before it burst into green flames. Spike stood tall, arising covered in ashes with a stature of exposition, and pride with fireworks appearing just as before. "Trixie." Twilight said with eyes of shock, "That was amazing."
Trixie smiled, bowing with a wave of her hat, "Thank you, thank you, you're too kind."
Twilight's face shifted into an expression of confusion, "Wait, Trixie?"
"Yes Twilight?" Trixie was placing her hat upon the coat rack.
"Why didn't you do that when you came to Ponyville the first time, instead of... you know, challenging everyone?"
"Because it wasn't my first time here."
"Huh?"
"Like I said, my family had traveled nearly all across Equestria, I, as but a filly, had visited this humble town once before. I had even performed the very act you had just witnessed. To do so again would be absolutely mundane, I would be offering nothing more than a sense of nostalgia to the ponyfolk who deserve so much more. I only displayed it to you as you were not of Ponyville, or any small town of which I performed in. I had learned you grew up in Canterlot from Princess Luna."
"Then why insult them."
"My arrogance was but a ruse, an attempt to gather challenges at skills and feats of power. I was hoping that most of all that a pony like yourself would challenge me. Hoping to show you up, if only in appearance, as a greater unicorn of magic. That's why my biggest claim was 'Greatest Unicorn in Ponyville', followed by 'Greatest in all of Equestria'. No matter what great feat, I would make an illusion to match, and even show-up your performance, much the way you had when you had challenged me. I became angry when you had defeated the Ursa Minor, proving me a fraud and lesser pony. I couldn't have planned for a couple of foolish foals to go off into your dreaded Everfree forest." Trixie lowered her head in shame, "After that... 'incident', I had become so angry, at snips, snails, you, all of Ponyville! I went to retrieve the Alicorn Amulet, another cousin had revealed to me it's location. I made haste, and obtained it with some ill-begotten gold. I swore revenge, and had the means to follow through. I would shame you as I believed you had I. When I had the amulet, I was so arrogant, proud, blind. I would have done anything to reek havoc upon this town, and all who reside within."
"I'm so sorry, I didn't know. I didn't know who you were, what you had done, or how you came to be like this. I am so sorry." Twilight's eyes began to water.
"Don't be, I forgave you quite a while ago. What you had done was purely justified." Trixie gave a half-grin, "Justice, It was illusions that had lead me into this mess, and illusions that had stopped me from my terror upon Ponyville. That just defines justice. However, I'm sure this town has yet to forgive me for my cruel act."
"Then apologize."
"You speak as though it can be done easily." Trixie sighed.
"Simple maybe, but not easy. I'll help."
"And how?"
"I'll represent you, the ponies here may be a little shortsighted, but they can be reasonable if dealt with by someone they trust." Twilight's face glows with inspiration, "That's it! Me and the girls will stand beside you as you make a formal apology. We'll explain what caused you to act that way, and support you."
Trixie's look of defeat was replaced by caution. "Are you sure? I mean, do you really believe we may succeed?"
"Positive! Now, why don't we go visit them and tell them the plan."
"No."
"What? Why?"
"I think it would be best you go yourself, I don't feel comfortable returning outside, not just yet."
Twilight resisted the urge to argue and and instead nodded, "Okay, but we're meeting here tonight to discuss in better detail."
"Don't worry I won't be leaving. And I won't be alone."
"You won't?"
"Of course not, Spike will accompany myself."
"I will?" Spike asked.
"Oh won't you please?" Trixie pleaded.
Spike shrugged, "If it's okay with you Twilight."
Twilight shrugged, herself, "I guess I don't see why not." Twilight adorned a coat as it seemed it would rain soon. "We'll be back tonight." Twilight stepped out the door.
Trixie watched as Twilight walked of to the Carousel Boutique. "Spike?"
"Yeah?"
"Could you get the book, I wish to do some reading while we wait."
Spike lifted the book on the table. "Are you sure about this?" Spike asked.
"Oh please! I've been searching for that book longer than you could possibly imagine. Why, I scoured all of Equestria for so much as a clue to that very tome. And to think, it's been doing little more than collecting dust within the capital's very own library." Trixie stamped her hoof, "I must read it!"
"Woah, I meant, are you sure about doing it right now, we could wait for Twilight."
"I've waited my whole life. She can read it upon her own time."
Spike shrugged, "What do you want me to do?"
Trixie shut the blinds, "Just turn the pages as I read, I'll nod when it's appropriate."
"Whatever."
Trixie sat opposite Spike, who had turned the book to face her.
"Whenever you're ready..."
Trixie nodded.
Entry 97-4 Our party set off into the woods, with no clear path of entrance, it was accepted to simply walk straight in from our meeting point outside the Earth Pony village. The two pegasi, Wind breaker and Steadfast, took point without inclination. In hope of not appearing superior, I chose to follow from behind the Earth ponies, Vernal and Bounty, leaving my apprentice and I in the rear. You could tell the expectations of these ponies from what "supplies" they chose to bring. As the soldiers who lead in front were clad fully in armor, their carts were filled with many weapons and medical supplies. The farmers in the middle brought food, rope, and tools meant for excursions such as this. The closest things to weapons they brought were a scythe and a shepherd's crook. I chose personally to bring paper, quills, ink, and this very logbook, revealing the true nature of my volunteering to such a task. I wish to discern the origin, not only of the missing ponies, but of the whole history of phenomena linked to this forest. Strange beings have been witnessed along the treeline, and legend tells of creatures so horrible to be born of nightmares. If these do exist, I wish to catalog and describe their appearance and habits, hoping to unlock the secrets of a whole new branch of biology. Yet, if their existence is little more than an old mare's tale, than I will be satisfied in assisting the separation of what is merely myth, and what is fact.
Entry 97-5 Night had fallen, and it was decided to set up camp. Clover had brought the necessary tool to start a fire, gather more versatile equipment then I had. I had attempted to start a fire with flint and steel. I had failed numerous times before...
"Excuse me." Vernal said, "But why don't you use magic?" His face showed confusion.
"I was hoping not to offend anyone."
"That's just crazy!" Wind breaker laughed. "I mean, would you be offended if I flew, or walked on a cloud?" He didn't speak at all with the tone one would expect of an officer.
"Well... no, not really." My reply sounded weak. "I mean... I just..." I couldn't speak.
"He just thought that because of the tension between our races, he would act humbly." My apprentice spoke for me.
"Listen," Wind Breaker started, "I don't mean any offense, but I heard that he was some great wizard or something, and with the rate he's going, we're gonna freeze before there are even embers there." He gestured to the fire pit.
"Well if it's alright..." I said.
Everypony nodded, "By all means." Bounty said.
I used a basic spark spell and a blaze arose immediately. They even applauded me for it. I had decided upon a new way to ease tension.
"I would like to know you, please tell me your story!" I said.
Everypony looked at eachother, "Who are you talking to?" Bounty asked,"
"Why, to all of you. I wish to learn about who I traveling with. Any volunteers to go first?"
It was Wind breaker who spoke first. "My name is Wind Breaker, and this is Steadfast. We were sent here to assist you, and monitor you throughout this journey. I was chosen for being notably tolerant. And this fella'..." He gestured to Steadfast, "Was chosen by none other than yours truly for being the least difficult pony in the entire Avian Fleet. And there's not one other who I would allow to stand both beside and behind me with a blade in his mouth." Steadfast nods.
Bounty seemed confused, "When you say monitor us..."
"I mean that everypony is a suspect. I personally doubt it considering that the earth ponies are likely not capable, and nopony has a motive." Wind Breaker replied, with a grin no less.
They seemed put off by this.
"You're awfully forthcoming with this." My apprentice stated.
"Like I said, I doubt it. What about you two?" Wind Breaker asked the Earth Ponies.
There was a silence and visible discomfort to them. Before Vernal spoke, "Well then, my name is Vernal, I was born and raised in this valley. I'm a shepherd and tend to the livestock. I also try to help in certain odd-jobs and random tasks around my village." The stallion stood tall and strong. I had expected him to be a field worker considering the scythe, but it must be the crook that was his.
"My name is Bountiful Harvest, but you can all call me Bounty, most do. Like my brother here, I was born and raised in the village right here in the valley. I volunteered because my brother wanted to help the ponies that had gone missing and was just to stubborn to change his mind. Damn if I'm gonna let brother get himself killed. I'm a reaper of wheat and grain and maintain the rationing of food." Why would they need to ration?
"I suppose that leaves us now doesn't it?" I say. After introducing ourselves I catch myself bragging. "And I am the head of all magical knowledge. Which is why I am court magister."
"You are?" Steadfast seemed intrigued, "Where does magic come from?"
"From within."
"Within unicorns?"
"Within all ponies."
"All?"
"Yes, every pony retains some magic within. The only different is we can more accurately control our magic through this." I point to my horn. "Pegasi use there magic to fly and walk on clouds, feats improbable if not impossible due to your weight and shape."
"So, we generate thrust through magic as well as our wings?" He seemed truly enthralled within my words.
"Yes."
"What about us?" Bounty asked, "How do we use our magic?"
"Earth Ponies, despite not being any larger, are far stronger by nature. I discovered this while comparing an Earth Pony merchant to a Unicorn stone mason. The mason had done more physical labor, but was weaker still than the merchant. As I studied further, I noticed this stayed constant. Also, plants grow faster and healthier in the presence of Earth Ponies which is the reason as to your position in agriculture."
"What about other animals?" Vernal asked "I mean, does my magic have any correlation to job as a shepherd?"
I didn't know what to say, "You know... That is a good question. I've yet to look into that, but perhaps its merely your talent as a shepherd." As I said this, I realized I knew little of the talents my peers retained. "That is your talent, correct?"
He nodded.
I looked to Wind Breaker and Steadfast, "And what is your talent? The armor you wear conceals it, and you have yet to take it off."
Steadfast was first to answer, "I defend, that is to say I guard ponies and shipments of importance. I was gifted this cutie mark on my first mission, where my commanding officer was "clipped."
"Clipped?"
"Yes, his wing was broken. In truth, he had commanded me to abandon him as griffons began an assault as he was downed. But he had later reported that he made no such command, maintaining my record. My mark is that of a scarred shield, similar to the ones wielded by minotaurs and diamond dog soldiers." I assumed this was fitting being a tool of defense."
"And you?" I directed towards Wind Breaker.
"Why I'm a diplomat! Bringer of peace between warring nations I-"
" *cough* Oh excuse me, please go on." As Steadfast coughed, I could have sworn I saw the slightest hint of a smirk. The first I've seen of him."
Wind Breaker eyed him intently. "Is something wrong, buddy?" He sounded offended.
"Of course not sir."
"But...?"
"No 'but' sir."
"Buuutt...?"
"Sir I-"
"Buuuuuutt!?..."
Steadfast lowered his head in defeat. "But sir, I witnessed your 'diplomatic methods' and must say they've caused more wars than settled."
"Steadfast!? That's preposterous. If I'm so terrible at it, than why did the council appoint me as diplomat of this expedition?"
"Because we're expendable."
"Steadfast!" Wind breaker was insulted, "I'm the best officer in the fleet!"
"How so?"
"Why, my men are have so much morale, they're ready to take on the world!"
"They're also insubordinate and lazy. Sure you make everypony laugh and organize the greatest of celebrations, but you make everypony... too happy."
"How could there even be such a thing? Too happy? Next you'll tell me you can eat too much cake."
"But sir I-"
"Silence! It's late and I require rest to saturate my brain."
Steadfast nodded, daring not to disobey a superior I assume.
"I guess he's right." Vernal said.
"Yeah, It's pretty late. We best get some shut eye." Bounty added.
Entry 97-6 After my inquiry with my new associates, it had been agreed upon to rest. The night was dark. With the canopy of branches and leaves above, the light of the moon had failed to pierce through the foliage leaving no sign of light but the embers of our extinguished campfire. Yet even within this void of light, I had the strangest sensation that I was watched. I know well what it is like to be watched, having caught my assistant sneaking within the lab, and the king's spies following me to detect and report any sign of treason, so being watched was not what felt strange. What felt strange was, I felt comforted. It seemed not like I was being monitored, but protected. I felt a presence I could only describe as "motherly."
Entry 97-7 I awoke before my party had, giving me time to make the previous recording. Everypony seemed to have rested well. The time was late morning as the sun began to be truly showing through the bush. The songs of birds filled the air and provided a sweet melody as we packed to continue out venture. We continued West into the forest.
I had heard so much of the dangers that lied within these very woods, yet have not so much as seen a common predator, much less these 'monsters' of legend I've heard about from the nearby villages. I made sure to acquaint myself with the lore of the forest, if only to give a broad idea of the danger. I've heard stories of lions with tails of scorpions and bat wings. I've heard of wolves born of wood. I was even told of a chicken, whose lower half was that of a snake, and to look into its eyes, would turn one to stone. I took all these tales in with mind open. But I fear more of the common danger.
Entry 97-8 The common danger has come. Upon our tread through a clearing, we were met with a bear. I was frightened to say the least. It was huge with brown fur and what appeared to be blood dripping from its maw. It stood on its hind legs, standing at three times the height of any one of us. The roar was so powerful I could feel it vibrate the earth below me.
"What should we do sir?" Steadfast said.
"I suppose we could overwhelm it." said Wind breaker, "Hey! Do either of you know any spells that could help offensively?" he directed towards my apprentice and I.
"I suppose we could hold it down or back with telekinesis." I gave.
"Wait!" Vernal shouted drawing our attention, "Look." He gestured to the bear, which had not advanced upon us.
"What?" Wind Breaker asked,
"She's not attacking." His voice was calm.
As I examined the bear, "She" was not moving from her spot, Though her roar was loud I could see its true intent. "Let's back up." I said. As we did, the bear ceased its roar, relaxing before stepping off, back into the bush. "How did you know it was a women?" I asked Vernal.
"Over there, by the trees." he nudged his head off behind the bear. I could see two silhouettes, matching the shape of their mother.
"Those... those are her cubs?" I asked.
He simply nodded. His expression was unreadable.
"If we attacked we would have..." That's all I could say, the horror of what I could have done. What I would have done. I would of acted in fear and done something quite unspeakable. If Vernal weren't here was my only thought as we walked past the clearing, from an unspeakable act thankfully not committed.
Entry 97-9 After exiting the clearing, Steadfast claimed he could hear the running waters of a river.I heard nothing. He lead us to the sound until we could all hear it. The air felt cooler as we approached. The river was wide, and through dark water, I failed to see the bottom. It cut through the forest, causing a break in the canopy that allowed us to see the sky.
"We should follow this river." Steadfast spoke plainly. "We move up the river, and if we don't find anything, we have a way back to this point. From here we can find the clearing, then the campsite, then the way back to from where we entered."
Bounty jumped head first into the water, causing a large splash. She stayed under the water for a moment too long leading us to worry. I looked to Vernal, who seemed calm, if not, annoyed. Bounty broke the water, whipping her mane out of her face before shouting, "Come on in! The Water's fine!" She dived back in.
I thought why not? and removed my cap and cloak before walking slowly into the waters. I had not yet learned to swim, with now large bodies of water near the castle, and chose to stay in the shallower area. The water was cool and relaxing. I felt calm as the water rushed past my legs. This calm was broken rather quickly by a...
"CANNONBALL!" Wind Breaker shouted, And the following splash all but shattered my momentary peace.
Standing in the bank, with my mane and coat soaked, I watched as Steadfast and Vernal were collecting and filtering water for the voyage, their faces like stone as they focused on the simple task. My apprentice sat quietly, with a pondering look upon her face. "What is it?" I asked her.
Before my question could be answered, another splash came down upon me. I turned around and saw Wind Breaker doing a backstroke with his wings, whistling nonchalantly, and Bounty, trying, and failing, to repress her giggling. With no conclusive evidence as to who splashed me, I did the only logical thing...
I splashed them both. The resulting "Splash war" was something else. Bounty dived back down and broke the water with such force, it splashed us both. I used magic to launch balls and sheets of water at them. But wind breaker, whether or not he splashed first, starting this battle, what he did finished it. He flew high into the air before spinning back and smashing into the water with such force, the tidal wave created not only drenched Bounty and I, but all withing the surrounding area, including some "collateral damage" to the others.
We continued the trek up the river in an eerie, awkward silence. Steadfast and Vernal took point. Bounty and my apprentice in the middle, and I was in the back with Wind Breaker. We held our heads low in shame. We didn't talk until night had fallen and we had set up camp.
Steadfast had been the first to speak."Sir, when you were in the air, had you seen anything?" he asked wind breaker.
"Like what?"
"Like a plume of smoke perhaps?"
"Now that you mention it, I believe I did. It was faint, but definite. Why do you ask?"
"I smelled smoke on the wind, coming from up river."
I spoke up, "Some survivors perhaps."
"Maybe..." Steadfast replied, tone full of doubt. "Maybe"...
