It was a refreshed yet bewildered Starlight who woke just after noon. Her fuzzy brain fumbled for several seconds before she remembered where she was. When the answer came to her, heat flushed to her cheeks. They were being treated to a spa date by Rarity...then suddenly everything had went black. A genius was not required to work out what had happened.
“Well...this is embarrassing,” she muttered, giving her head a shake to disperse the cobwebs weaved during her sleep.
Looking to her left, she saw Twilight still passed out on the massage table. This was the second time in as many days she had woken up next to her friend. Before she could put any real effort behind that thought, hushed voices caught her attention. Carefully, so as to avoid disturbing Twilight, she exited the veil of fabric and closed the curtains behind her.
Hearing her emerge, Spike and Rarity removed the cucumber from their eyes and turned. Putting cucumber over one's eyes was still something Starlight found odd, but she had to admit that it was pleasant. As long as she did not overthink it.
“Sleep well?” Spike asked, flashing her a cheeky grin.
Starlight nodded, sitting on the edge of Spike's table. “Yes thank you,” she replied, remnants of her blush returning to flood her cheeks. “Though I am really sorry for falling asleep on you all.”
“Oh think nothing of it darling,” Rarity smiled. “That's what people come to spas for...well not literally that but if you feel better then that's the important thing.”
Nodding once again, Starlight rolled her shoulders. Her whole body felt so warm, relaxed and loose. If only she could feel this way all the time.
“Did I miss anything? How long was I out?”
“About three hours. I was expecting you to be asleep for a little longer. Spike tells me you didn't sleep at all last night.”
“I'm not a very good sleeper,” Starlight replied nonchalantly, but cast a wary glance towards the pony who was currently attending to Rarity. Bringing up certain things in public was still not a good idea.
Understanding completely, Rarity simply nodded. “Fair enough darling. As for what you missed, Canterlot Records sent a letter to Twilight saying that they can fit you in this afternoon.”
This caused Starlight to pale. “That was...faster than I was expecting...” she muttered, apprehension weighting her belly. She had known all along that she would have to revisit Canterlot at some point. Even so, the thought of doing so in mere hours with little time to prepare almost turned her green. Thankfully breakfast had been hours ago, long enough so that nothing would be ejected as her stomach rebelled against her.
“The sooner you get it done the sooner it will be over,” Rarity reasoned, sitting up and wrapping a hoof around the distressed mare. “I'm sure if you really don't want to go to Canterlot you can stay behind. Though, if I may... I really think it would be better if you were to go. Get it all over and done with.”
“No you're right...” Starlight sighed, “Staying behind would do me no good... I'm just... nervous... The only other time I was there I was too wrapped up in my revenge against Twilight to really care... But now...”
“It's perfectly natural to be nervous, especially about something like this. Though as you said, you did it once, so I'm absolutely sure you can do it again.” Rarity encouraged, deciding to glance over the reason Starlight had been able to overcome her nerves and instead focusing on the now. “Just remember that we're all right there with you and focus on the task at hand. I'm sure you'll be fine.”
“Y'know, that might actually work. Thanks Rarity,” Starlight beamed, the tension in her belly loosening slightly.
“No problem darling. Though since we do still have some time to waste and Twilight is still asleep, can I interest you in a hooficure? They are positively delightful.”
Starlight blinked inquisitively, “A hoofiwhat?” Rarity rolled her eyes and cracked a small smile. This mare really needed to spend a little more time in her company.
Some time passed before Twilight roused herself from the grasp of sleep. Feeling better than she had in a few days, she stepped out into the light. Almost instantly she was greeted by a hug from Spike. Smiling slightly, she returned the gesture.
“Canterlot Records got back to you,” Spike told her, handing her the letter. After quickly scanning the letter, she raised an eyebrow.
“Well...that was quick...”
“That's what I said,” Starlight sighed. With a shrug she added, “Someone is looking to impress.”
“Yeah, Pinkie is usually the one who everyone knows... I'm not sure I'll ever quite get used to this.”
“We're all making waves in the world darling,” Rarity pointed out. She then gently touched one of Twilight's wings. “Yours are just a little more...out in the open.”
“Guess so,” Twilight sighed, frowning at the letter for a brief moment before scanning the room for a clock. When she spotted one, her eyes widened in horror “We're never going to make it in time!”
A light giggle pulled her from panic mode. Turning to Starlight, who was tittering behind her hoof, Twilight raised an eyebrow. In response, the unicorn called upon her magic and vanished with a quiet pop. An instant later she reappeared, sporting a cocky grin.
Stunned by the simplicity of the solution, Twilight was only able to say, “Oh.” Excitement at attempting such a huge teleportation had her wings fluttering rapidly.
“We were going to wake you up about an hour ago but Starlight insisted that it would be a simple matter to teleport to Canterlot if the pair of you worked together,” Rarity explained.
Still buzzing with enthusiasm, Twilight performed a quick calculation in her head. “Hmm, yes we should be able to manage it between the two of us. Oh this will be so fun! Who else is coming with us?”
“Well I was thinking just everyone in this room,” Starlight admitted. “Rarity pointed out that the whole group is probably too many to go barging into Canterlot Records and everyone else is busy so...”
“I already went around and let everyone know that was the plan,” Spike said proudly, puffing out his chest. “They all wish us luck and want to know the moment we're back.”
“Okay. That works,” Twilight nodded. “Starlight and I should probably do some warm up teleportation before we get going.”
“Got it!” Starlight squealed happily, igniting her horn. In an instant the entire group was displaced, ending up just outside the spa.
“Just like that yes...” Twilight said, shaking her head in quiet amusement. Magic was always enough to brighten Starlight's mood, and her own for that matter.
The air crackled as three ponies and a dragon winked into being just outside of Canterlot. Warping directly into the streets had been deemed too large a risk, as they could have crashed into anyone or anything. The caution proved justified, as their landing was anything but dignified. Extracting herself from the disorientating bundle of bodies, Twilight looked back sheepishly at their failed landing.
“Maybe we were a little ambitious trying to pull off such a long ranged teleport...” she chuckled.
“Are you kidding!” Starlight called from underneath Rarity, giggling like a filly. “That was amazing! We should do it again!”
“Maybe after some more practice darling,” Rarity suggested, standing up and frantically trying to straighten her mane. “That was perhaps the most undignified entrance I have ever made into Canterlot. Please tell me that no one is watching us right now.”
“You're good,” Spike assured her after a quick look around. “There's no one around.”
“Oh thank goodness,” she replied, finally satisfied with the state of her mane.
“Sorry Rarity. I wasn't expecting the landing to be quite so bumpy,” Twilight apologised.
Rarity made a dismissive noise, “Ugh, think nothing of it. As long as no one saw me then I shall simply have to make do. Though may I please motion that we return by train?”
“Good idea,” Twilight agreed, rolling her eyes at the disappointed little simper that Starlight gave out. Giving the pouting unicorn a playful elbow, Twilight chuckled, “C'mon. We still need to get to Canterlot Records before the appointment.”
The group made it to their destination with minutes to spare. This was owed to both Spike, Rarity and Twilight's intimate knowledge of the city. Starlight on the other hoof, was glancing around with a dismissive expression on her face. Inwardly, she was amazed at just how little the city had changed. It brought a sickening taste to her mouth to realise just how much the place that had thrown her into disarray had remained the same. Seeing the anger starting to build under Starlight's bored facade, Twilight wrapped a wing around her.
“Ugh...the sooner we get out of here the sooner I won't feel the need to scream,” Starlight groaned, pressing into the alicorn's side.
Twilight just nodded, gradually picking up the pace. It came as a relief to everyone when they were safely inside Canterlot Records. With walls enclosing her away from the city she despised, Starlight began to relax. As if on a set of scales, it was now Twilight's turn to go rigid. Walking into Canterlot Records had greeted her with the sight of the last pony she had expected to see, whose magnificent presence filled the entire room.
“Princess Celestia?” she gasped, drawing the attention of several well dressed unicorns waiting to be attended to. Her heart fluttered nervously. This was not the state she wanted to be in when bumping headlong into her old mentor.
“Twilight?” Celestia asked, raising her head and giving her student a surprised yet warm expression. “I did not expect to meet you here. How have you been?”
“I've been...good. We're just here to research some of the old birth records,” Twilight answered, already knowing it was pointless. Celestia had known her too long, hiding anything from her old mentor was futile.
Sensing that something was wrong, Celestia in that moment decided to act. Turning to the pony she had been conversing with, a dark coated stallion with greying hair, she said. “We shall have to continue our conversation at a later date. Is there anywhere my friends and I can talk in private?”
“You can use my office,” the stallion replied easily, pointing with a hoof. “It's just in there. I'll make sure you won't be disturbed.”
“Thank you Note Quill. I appreciate your assistance,” Celestia said gratefully, moving towards the small room.
“My pleasure your highness,” Note Quill replied, performing a low bow. He then proceeded to lend his aid to another unicorn who had just entered the building.
Once everyone was inside the small, tidy office, Celestia closed the door behind them. Worry creased her flawless visage, cracking the perfect mask that few were allowed to lift. Maintaining as calm a tone as possible, she spoke,
“My apologies for delaying your business Twilight, but I can't help but notice you appear troubled? Is something wrong?”
“No...well, not really,” Twilight stammered, as always completely losing her words under Celestia's gaze. Knowing that trying to lie would only set the older princess worrying, Twilight sighed, “Sorry, it's just been a strange couple of days.”
“Would you like to tell me about it?” Celestia asked, straining to keep herself at arms length from her former student. “Perhaps I would be able to assist you.”
Perhaps it was selfish of her, to relish a chance to assist her young pupil once again. They had grown more distant since Twilight had ascended to the role of princess. The absence of their weekly correspondence had left a void in Celestia's heart that only grew stronger every time she had to again rely on her former student to save Equestria. Even the dinner Twilight had scheduled between them had ended in disaster. While Celestia felt great pride in watching her student rise to the role of teacher, sadness tainted her soul when she realised just how little time they spent together.
“Well, it's not really my story to tell...” Twilight said uneasily, turning to Starlight.
Celestia shifted her ancient gaze towards Starlight, who was obviously trying to hold herself together. Most of Twilight's limited letters involved her new pupil and all her trials and tribulations. It was when she read them that the warm feeling of pride was at its strongest, coupled with nostalgic amusement. It was a shame that their scheduled dinner had not come to fruition, though the charming apology letter she had received from Starlight had almost made up for the inconvenience. It gave Celestia a good sense for the mare Twilight had taken under her wing. A talented yet misguided pony who was trying to find her hoofhold in the world. If anything, she seemed to have inherited Twilight's curse for attracting difficult circumstances to her.
“Oh?” Was all Celestia decided to say.
Understanding that she could not continue to stay silent in front of the highest authority in the land, Starlight gave a small nod. Fighting to speak, she said softly, “It's, something that happened a long time go. Everyone is trying to help me find answers.”
“And that brought you here?” Celestia asked, already trying to piece together the story. The less Starlight had to say aloud, the less painful it would be for her.
With a pained smile, Starlight nodded again. “Yes. We're...” she paused, turning to Twilight for guidance. A reassuring smile encouraged her to continue. “We're looking for my foal, after I was forced to give her up eleven years ago.”
The only reaction Celestia gave to that revelation was a slight widening of her eyes. Starlight's shoulders started to shake, and her bottom lip quivered. Her posture all but collapsed as she struggled to stave off the tears. In an instant her three friends were around her, offering their unbridled support.
“I'm fine,” Starlight said after a moment, a little more forcefully than she meant to. In a softer tone she repeated, “I'm fine...”
Everyone backed off at her insistence, though Twilight moved the least, still within touching distance of her student. The same kind of hooves on approach that Celestia had employed during her first years of teaching, before Twilight's progress demanded a different method.
“And what caused this to be brought up now?”
Celestia wished that the question sounded less accusing, there was no doubt in her mind that Starlight's story was genuine. She had seen enough liars to know when a pony was being honest. It was simply a necessity to get as many facts as possible. If this really had happened in her home city then she herself would have to take action.
“I placed spells on myself years ago, to prevent myself seeking revenge. It turned out to be pretty good foresight as it happens.”
The bitter laugh that burst from the unicorn filled Celestia with sorrow. It was the same laugh that Luna often used when trying to talk lightly about her dark misdeeds. Not as a way to make them seem insignificant, but as a way of coping. The mare before her had so much of Luna in her and so much of Twilight, yet in many ways she was still unique. Celestia drew herself away from her observations to listen intently to what Starlight said next.
“It came up when Twilight was showing me her old photo album,” Starlight continued. She missed Twilight's furious blush; Celestia allowed herself a slight inward smile at the adorable display. “Then we decided that it would be better for me to at least try and get some closure, now that everything was out in the open again.”
“I understand,” Celestia nodded, rising to her full impressive height. Her heart ached that such a thing had happened to any one of her little ponies. Another reminder that no matter how hard she tried, she could not protect them from everything.
“I am sorry that I cannot stay much longer to assist you in your task, but I wish you well. Twilight.” The mentioned pony raised her head sharply. “Keep me informed please, and do not hesitate to ask for my assistance. There are some important matters I must now discuss with Luna. I shall likewise keep you informed.”
“Of course Princess,” Twilight nodded, barely able to stop herself from bowing. It would be a long time before being equals with Celestia would become natural. “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome Twilight,” Celestia said warmly, a small portion of her heart filling up once more at hearing those words of gratitude. “I hope everything goes well for you, Starlight Glimmer and I hope we have the opportunity to speak under more pleasant circumstances.”
Another quiet nod. Opening the door, Celestia held it to allow everyone to depart. An extended wing stopped Twilight's exit just long enough for Celestia to say softly. “Anything you need, even if it is just an ear, I'm only a letter away Twilight.”
“I know,” Twilight murmured, already having such a letter in mind.
With that Celestia closed the door behind them and made her leave. The conversation, though brief had left her with a lot to ponder. Giving them one last smile, she summoned her guards and made her way back to Canterlot Castle.
“She's...something when you meet her up close,” Starlight said, trying to clear herself of the sense of saw hanging over her.
“You've met her before,” Spike snorted, having gotten used to the solar alicorn after spending most of his life in her castle.
“Yeah but that time the fate of an entire empire was in the balance. I wasn't the focus,” Starlight shot back. Maybe it was just her imagination but she felt, better after talking with Celestia. As if everything would just go right now that she had the solar alicorn watching over her. That was probably why Twilight had so much faith in her, though it did not explain the frenzy Twilight often worked herself into whenever said alicorn was involved.
“Fair enough,” Spike shrugged. “So...where do we go now?”
“Well... I'd assume we find someone who can help us finding birth records for eleven years ago,” Twilight replied, looking back and forth for any available assistance.
“Birth Records, right this way please,” Note Quill suddenly announced from behind her, causing Twilight to leap into the air. Starlight could not help herself, she snickered behind her hoof. Twilight shot her a teasing glare before turning to Note Quill.
“Sorry, you startled me.”
“It is no problem princess,” the stallion said, completely at ease. “I should have announced myself more delicately. Please, follow me.”
Starlight flinched back at the sheer size of the room. It was huge. There was an entire library's worth of records here. Her foal was just one name amongst thousands. How were they supposed to know where to start. At the horrified look on her face, Note Quill cleared his throat.
“Ma'am, do not fret I will do everything in my power to help you find who you are looking for as quickly as possible.”
“Thank you,” Twilight said gently. “We'd be looking for a young pegasus filly born eleven years ago...I'm afraid that's all we can give you. Events are...somewhat murky.”
“I've had to work with less,” Note Quill said simply, carefully levitating a cluster of scrolls towards them. There were about twenty in all.
“That's all?” Starlight asked. Rather than fill her with relief, dread clutched at her with iron talons. There was every possibility that the records would not even be in Canterlot. That would only make the search much harder.
“Pegasi births are a rarity in this city,” Note Quill explained, quietly scanning each of the scrolls. “Officially I cannot let you see any of these, but I can report anything suspicious to you princess. I assume any births that can be accounted for will not be pertinent to your search?”
“Correct,” Twilight nodded. “I'd imagine that we would be looking for a scroll where the mother is not mentioned.”
Papers shuffled as Note Quill set to work with that line of enquiry in mind. “There are three. Though one mentions a unicorn, which would imply that the mother is a pegasus in most cases.”
“If I grow wings I'll let everyone know,” Starlight muttered under her breath. Spike snickered.
“The next two are interesting. I am going to break procedure here and allow you to see the names of the fathers. I hope it is helpful.” Note Quill stated, scribbling down the two names on separate pieces of parchment.
Taking both papers in her magic, Starlight held the first in her gaze for a full minute before dismissing it. Her spells were either holding, or the name was useless. The air could be cut with a knife as she slowly revealed the second name. In an instant, her vision turned blinding white. Hot searing pain stabbed into her head, shattering something beneath it into a myriad of razor sharp shards. The agony only intensified at this, destroying her grip on the world around her. As the shards dug into her, memories rushed out over the torn landscape of her mind. What had once been locked was now unlocked and nothing would stop the flow until it had gouged out its rightful place and settled there.
When Starlight regained control of herself, she became aware of strong hooves wrapped around her. Her breathing was heavy and ragged, each inhale exhale cycle tearing at her lungs. Suddenly weak, she found herself leaning against whoever was providing her support. Remnants of the scorching river that had carved into her mind slowly started to cool. Then she heard her name.
“Starlight? Starlight?” the voice called, soft but frantic. It was familiar, very familiar.
“Twilight...” she whispered, and the pony beneath her breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
“I'm here,” Twilight murmured, hugging Starlight to her chest.
“I...I remembered,” she mumbled, feeling no inclination to break away from the alicorn's embrace.
“Should I call for a doctor?” Note Quill asked, tentatively moving forward. It was not often one of his clients suddenly started writhing in agony.
“No. I'm fine now,” Starlight said firmly, even though her tongue felt like it was coated in fuzz. Bile had risen in her throat, forcing her to swallow.
“If... If you are sure,” Note Quill said quietly. After taking a moment to regulate himself, he announced, “I'll leave this with you. I believe it is what you are looking for,” he continued, handing the scroll to Spike. After replacing the irrelevant scrolls in their proper sections, he left to allow the group time to collect themselves.
“Are you sure you're alright darling?” Rarity asked, biting her bottom lip nervously. “That looked dreadful.”
“Several powerful spells imploded in my memory. All things considering it was okay.” Starlight stated matter-of-factly. Rarity cringed at this, trying not to envision such a horrible thing.
“I tried to ease the process,” Twilight said gently, helping Starlight to her feet. “But the spells were so old and embedded I'm not sure how much I was able to do.”
“I just hope that's the last my head has to take,” Starlight groaned, reaching out for the scroll. Spike relinquished his hold on it as the paper glowed with her teal aura.
“Maybe we should get out of here before we cause a scene,” Starlight suggested. “Well... more of a scene.”
“Say no more! I know the perfect place!” Rarity proclaimed, ushering them all out into the streets of Canterlot once more... Starlight was just glad her head was not involved in walking.
“So... the father is Wind Rider?” Spike gasped, taking a sip of the tea Rarity had insisted they all have before talks commenced. “You mean the famous Wonderbolt?”
“That... doesn't really mean anything to me...” Starlight answered, unable to keep a low growl from seeping into her tone. Now that she once again had the name of the one who had torn her life apart.
“I met him once when he tried to get Rainbow Dash kicked from the Wonderbolts. He has excellent taste in cologne but it appears his faults are mounting higher and higher,” Rarity said, rolling her words around as if they tasted bitter.
They were all seated comfortably in the staff break area of Canterlot Carousel. Sassy Saddles had assured them that she would keep the staff out of the room. It would provide them with privacy, and a comfortable place once Starlight either found her answer or was disappointed once again. Fervently, Rarity hoped it was the former.
“Hmmph... I'm not surprised,” Starlight snorted, casting an anxious look at the scroll. In truth she had been delaying the inevitable, revealing the father first. That was not what they had been working towards. However, now that the answer was in her hooves, her heart was racing. Swallowing hard, she took the scroll in her magic and opened it. Everyone held their breath and the tension was palpable. Scanning down to the bottom of the certificate, Starlight found her answer.
“Scootaloo?” she managed to choke out, disbelief tightening her throat. How was that possible? The odds were a million to one.
“WHAT?!” three voices shouted in unison, echoing her raging own thoughts.
Silently, Starlight passed the paper to them, so they could all confirm the validity of her statement. Everything felt distorted, and her body was numb. Now that she had her answer...how was she going to move forward now? How could she move forward now?
“H-how...” she mumbled, finding herself wrapped in Twilight's embrace once again. No one knew what to say. Things just got much more complicated. Now everything was much closer to home. Just a scooter ride away.