As Mika heads down the stairs to the lower courtyard, an angrily marching Twilight Sparkle brushes past him in the opposite direction. He gives an apology that Twilight ignores and continues his journey. He makes his way through the courtyard, into the main reception and out of the front doors and towards the cafeteria to get some breakfast.
Twilight heads straight into corridor M, pushing the doors open with such force that they bang against the doorstoppers on either side before swinging back slowly. She marches down the corridor with stomping hooves, passing the group that Mika bumped into as she reaches room M23. She knocks heavily and loudly on the door. The group turn quiet and look on in interest. There was a pause before the door unlocked itself and Reeds appeared in the doorway. He looks down and meets her stare.
“Well, well, well,” He says with a smirk. “If it isn’t Miss Sparkle substituting Celestia’s visitation. What brings you to my attention that needs my assistance? Though I may have an idea of what it is that draws you here.”
“I’m not here for you.” She says bluntly. “I’m here for Nick. Where is he?”
“And what of my proposal to Celestia?” He says, ignoring her request. “Has she accepted my offer? Her time is running out. These lips won’t stay uncovered for long.” He wipes them dry and puckers them up.
“She will never accept anything from a lowlife pathetic human like you.” She responds sharply before repeating, “Where is Nick?”
His smirk almost immediately vanishes. He squints his eyes at her and steps out from the doorway to lean down to her level, and inches from her face extends a finger pointing to her. She shows little retaliation but initially stays her ground. “Now listen here you stupid…” He starts but quickly holds his tongue upon noticing the group of students standing and staring at them with fascination in their gazes. He exhales sharply and pulls himself up and steps back into the doorway, concealed from the view of the group. He stills his cool and strokes his chin. “I’m afraid we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.” He says in a calming voice, as if trying to lure her in. “It seems that I appear to have forgotten the whereabouts of Mr. Galluver.”
“Cut the act, Reeds,” She abruptly interrupts him, “and tell me where he is.”
He stares at her with a glistening in his eye. If Celestia is unavailable for the time, perhaps her student will make a fine alternative. “Maybe a little leverage will… jog my memory, per se?” He holds the door open and folds his hand inwards.
She peers inside the room to find it empty. She flicks her head in response. “Hmph! Not a chance.”
“Then I’m afraid I can’t help you.” He says and shuts the door firmly. It locks, with each click like a cymbal of anger struck on Twilight.
Her cheeks puff up and her face burns red with anger. Her horn begins to glow and spark up, but before she can explode the doors leading to corridor N burst open and two characters appear in a hurry. It was Tobias followed by Sophie. They make it halfway down the corridor before Tobias suddenly halts his progression and stares at Twilight. He quickly turns around to Sophie, who pulls off an overhead swing and strikes him heavily on the head with her book.
“Ow!” He says, rubbing his head.
“That’s what you get for…” She glances over his shoulder and spots Twilight standing their staring at them. Immediately all playfulness in her was replaced with disgust at the sight. She takes off her hat and forcefully shoves it into Tobias and walks towards Twilight, but Tobias holds her back.
“Wait, Sophie, don’t bother.” He says, holding her firmly by the arm but with a struggle. “It’s not worth it. Do you want another trip to Mrs. Hook’s office?” He spins her around and tells her to walk the other way and that he will meet her at the entrance to the cafeteria. She breathes heavily and says “Fine!” before taking back her hat and doing as she’s told. Giving her farewell to Tobias, and Twilight a glare of repulse, she disappears through the fire-exit staircase and takes the scenic route to the cafeteria. There, she bumps into Mika sitting alone at a table eating a piece of buttered toast. She sits at the opposite side of his table and asks for a piece, which he happily hands over (after flipping his Bit, of course), and they converse about Rainbow Dash’s attempts at keeping the skies clear of cloud.
Tobias breathes in relief when she disappears and turns to find Twilight walking away from him. He jogs to catch up with her, calling her to wait, and walks beside her. “Are you still upset about the incident with Sophie?” He asks with a smile.
“Don’t mention her to me. I want nothing to do with her.” She spits.
“Okay, I’m sorry. What brings you ‘round here, anyway?” He asks. “You usually avoid this side of the building.”
“I’m looking for Nick.” She says. Her anger subsides temporarily to ask, “Have you seen him?”
“What do you need him for?”
“I don’t. It’s the Princess who needs him. Says she has plans for him but is inclined on keeping them secret.”
“What do you think they are?”
“I don’t know and as long as they don’t involve me, I don’t care. The Princess can do what she wants with him. Boil him, mash him, stick him in a stew. Have you seen him?”
He scratches the side of his head with a finger. “Actually, I have. He bumped into us on N, said he was heading to his next class.”
“Which is where?”
He shrugs. “He never said. Didn’t even say what lesson it was.” She sighs as she pushes open the door to the courtyard. “He was in a hurry because he was late. Said Reeds held him back a while. Why don’t you ask Reeds where he is?”
“I have, but the jerk wouldn’t tell me.”
“Oof. That sucks. What about the reception? I’m sure they’ll give you his whereabouts.”
“I know you’re stupid, Toby,” She says as they head down the steps, “but even you know they don’t give out information like that, especially to other students.”
He ignores her attempt at insulting him and says, “But you’re not a student; you’re Princess Celestia’s apprentice. If you tell them that, they’re sure to tell you anything you need to know.” She doesn’t respond but her hooves decide to follow his advice as she pushes open the doors to the reception. “What do you need him for again?”
“M-Miss Twilight!” Grace flutters as she approaches the desk. She begins to fumble around her desk, gathering loose sheets of papers and generally tidying the desk. “I-it’s a pleasure to see you here. What can I do for you?”
“I need to know where a student is.” She answers. “Goes by the name of Nicholas Galluver.”
“I’m sorry, Miss.” Says Victoria, sitting at the opposite end of the desk concentrating on the computer screen. “We can’t give out that information.”
“Excuse me,” Tobias cuts in before either Twilight or Grace could respond to her, “I don’t believe you know who you’re talking to. This is Twilight Sparkle.” He holds out his arms towards her as if he were about to embrace her in a huge hug. Victoria ignores him. “This is Princess Celestia’s apprentice. If she wants to know something, you best tell her what she needs to know.”
Victoria heavily rolls her eyes and swivels herself around and says, “Excuse you, who’s going to say otherwise?”
“If you know what’s good for you – Princess Celestia.” He holds out an arm and aims his fingers at her like a triggered gun. “She’ll hunt you down without mercy and strike you down in a single strike and turn you into ash.” He fires, cocking his hand back and uses his hands to simulate a poof of smoke bursting in the aftermath.
“Not if I reflect the attack!” She shouts, standing to her feet and holding her arms out like she’s holding a large iron shield.
“Hey, that’s not fair!” Tobias says, lowering his hands in defeat. “You can’t reflect the attack with just your hands.”
“It’s not ‘just my hands’”, she says, poking her head out from behind them, “it’s a magic barrier. And yes, I can do that.” Tobias lowers his poised finger upon hearing the last sentence and pauses to conjure a relative comeback.
In the real world, while Victoria and Tobias were play-arguing with each other, Twilight and Grace were having a conversation their own beneath them.
“Victoria’s right, Miss Twilight.” Grace says. “I’m afraid we can’t give out that information to anyone.”
“It’s by the request of the Princess.” Twilight tells her. “If it were up to me, I wouldn’t be here in the first place. I don’t even know why she needs me to get him.” She adds to herself.
“Oh. Well, if it’s by the Princess’ request…” Grace says. Twilight nods. “Then my hooves are tied. Who are you looking for?”
“Nicholas Galluver.”
“Galluver, Galluver.” She repeats, typing the name into her computer. “I hope I don’t get into trouble for this…” She pauses as an expression of bewilderment crawls onto her face. “That’s strange. It says here he’s supposed to be in room O53 for Advanced Drama.” Twilight snickers. She alters her spectacles. “But it shows he’s in room C32.” She scratchers her mane with a hoof. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Twilight leans in. “Let me have a look.” Grace swivels the monitor around to give Twilight a better view of the image. Sure enough, room C32 was flashing red on the overhead layout of the ground floor but his schedule at its side showed where he should be, O53.
“Do you think he’s skipping class?” Grace asks.
“It wouldn’t surprise me.” She remarks. “Why is this room flashing?”
“It’s a tracker.” Answers Grace.
“What’s the tracker based on?”
“The Dushuck.” She answers.
Okay, so you might have guessed that I have yet to give an official name to the device Vice Principle Norma gave Nick in Introduction Part 2, calling it the ‘school device’ since its appearance. That is because I am not smart enough to create a unique name for such a device and have not really been thinking about naming it. That is until now.
Say hello to the Dushuck! A multifunctional touchpad handheld machine; Silver plated chromatic steel edges, near indestructible triple-layered .5-centimetre glass touchscreen, 5k megabytes of storage, high definition video and audio quality, extendable and retractable screen for any size (within the given 15-20cm range), waterproof, fireproof, bulletproof, mobile phone, alarm, messenger, music player and just about everything your tiny little brain can imagine! Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime offer of $399.99! Order today by calling 555-PLEASEDONTLETTHISDISTRACTYOU and receive your very own Dushuck within the next working day (not available outside the States, offer lasts ‘til September, terms and conditions apply)!
And now back to the show.
“Wow.” Says Twilight. “That was weird.”
“And distracting.” Grace says.
Twilight nods in agreement. “He might have forgotten it in that room. It wouldn’t be a shocker.”
“Was he not told he must have it on him at all times?”
Twilight shrugs. “I’ll check them both anyway. Thank you, Grace.” She turns away and walks off towards the stairs at the back, leaving Tobias behind to play his games.
“Not a problem, Miss Twilight. Give the Princess my good name!” Grace gives a farewell wave and closes the screen. She glances back between Tobias and Victoria and rolls her eyes to hear they now have tropical pets that disable each other’s special ability.
Being a clever mare, Twilight decides to visit his classroom first. She walks past the statue and heads up the right-hand stairs and back into the courtyard, across the balcony and into corridor O. She heads down the eventless corridor and knocks heavily on room O53. It takes a moment but the door opens slightly and one of the students, a light grey coated pegasus colt wearing a duck mask, peeks out.
The unexpected sight made her stagger slightly, but she quickly regains her senses and smiles amiably at him. “Hello, little colt, is your teacher in? I need to speak with them.”
He turns over his shoulder and shouts for the teacher, telling her someone wishes to speak with her. After a second, he opens the door wide and invites her in. She steps in as he returns to one of the many small groups scattered in front of the stage. They all were wearing costumes of various amenities. She scans the groups but finds no sign of Nick among the younger students.
Quil immediately glides over to her upon recognition. “Miss Sparkle!” She greets optimistically, bending down and taking her hoof in both hands by force. Twilight grimaces as she tries to remove her hoof from her grasp. “What an honour it is to be been given this humble visit. Why, I can’t remember the last time I met hands with royalty.”
“I’m not royalty, I’m here for-” She pulls her hoof out of her hands. “I’m here for Nick.”
“I’m sorry, Miss Sparkle. Royalty or not you simply cannot take one of my students out of their lesson. She places the back of a palm to her head and proceeds to act horrified. It would be unethical for their education, ruinous to their future, disastrous for their lives.” She looks at Twilight from the corner of her eye. “How am I doing?” She asks. “Am I believable?”
“I’m not here to play games, ma’am. Princess Celestia has requested him.” Twilight explains. “Immediately.”
“The Princess?” Quil exclaims, straightening up and returning to her serious state. She folds in her arms and wonders what for before telling Twilight, “Very well. By the Princess’ wish, you may borrow him.”
She turns around and claps three times, shouting his name. Her voice echoed loudly throughout the hall, making some of the students jump in surprise and turn to face her. She ignores their stares and looks over the stage. Twilight peeks around her and follows her gaze. There was silence for a few steady seconds before Nick finally pokes his head around the curtain. He sees Quil waving for him to come down and spots Twilight behind her. His face drops and he hides back behind the curtain.
After a moment of God-only-knows what, he emerges outfitted as a bright yellow banana complete with brown spots. It takes Twilight by surprise and her face turns to a clear scowl as she was unimpressed by his sight, despite knowing not that the costume was not his idea.
Quil claps her hands rapidly. “You look the perfect fit for the part!” She cries in laughter. Nick wonders if it was out of amusement.
“Thanks, I guess.” He says before looking at Twilight, who stares resentfully back at him. “Good morning, Twilight.” He greets with a smile. “It’s been a while.”
She looks away from him and murmurs a slur under her breath that he didn’t quite catch, and considering her attitude towards him would rather not find out.
“Ah, I see you’ve met before.” Quil says. “Then I guess no introduction is necessary.”
“Why?” Nick asks, shifting his eyes between Quil and Twilight. “What’s going on?”
Twilight answers. “You’ve been summoned at the request of Princess Celestia.”
“Celestia’s here?” Nick asks. “Why am I always the last person to hear about these things?”
“Now you’re sounding like a true actor.” Quil says, pointing at him.
“Why does she want me, and what for?”
“I don’t know, and I don’t care,” Twilight answers his question, “but she wants to see you immediately.” She turns and walks out the door. Nick watches for a second before following, quickly scrambling out of his outfit and throwing it to the side of the door.
“Don’t keep him too long!” Quil calls after them. The door slowly shuts itself and she returns her attention to her class.
He jogs up to Twilight walking briskly and hurries beside her. “Haven’t seen you in a few days.” He says. “How’ve you been?”
“Fine.” She says sharply, clearly not wanting to converse with him. Nick senses this and remains silent despite his desire to.
With no further questions or attempts of conversation she leads him out of corridor O, through corridor P and into corridor Q. She opens the door to Miss Mare’s room, Q13, and Nick follows. Inside the room Miss Mare and Princess Celestia were standing in the exact same spot as when he first met them a few days ago as if nothing had changed, complete with hanging decoration, but this time they were accompanied by a third party member, one of whom Nick had not seen nor heard about for months and stumbles at the sight of her.
Standing at the opposite end of the desk from where Celestia stood was a deep dark blue coated pony, larger than average but smaller than Celestia; her mane was flowing deep purple and was littered with glittering star-like beads. Across her breast she bore the Royal Seal of a crescent moon and atop her head a crown sits before her horn. Her wings were folded which, outstretched, could reach to Celestia from where she stood. Her name stands tall among the ranks as Princess Luna, Queen of the Nights and sister to the beloved Celestia.
“Princesses,” Nick bows, “and Mistress.” They return his greeting.
“I’ve done as you asked, Princess.” Twilight says as Nick walks to and stands in the centre of the room. “If you need any more from me, I’ll be in my room.” She turns and heads for the open door.
Before she is able to reach it, the handle glows golden and the door is pushed to and clicked closed. Taken by surprise, she glances over her shoulder to Celestia who stares at her with worry in her eye. “Actually, Twilight, this involves you as well.” She says. Her voice was as calm and authoritative as always as she conceals her concern.
“Me?” Twilight asks, turning around. Celestia nods. “What could this possibly have to do with me?”
“Yeah, what is this all about?” Nick asks, his intrigue also peaked.
“All in due time. First introductions are necessary. Dear sister, this is the Nicholas Galluver that I told you about.”
Princess Luna takes a step forward and lowers her head to stare into his gaze. “My, my, he is handsome, isn’t he?” She says in soliloquy and he blushes slightly. Her voice has strength but is at the same time gentle, much like her sister’s but with less assertiveness. “And you’re sure he’s capable?”
“I do.” Celestia answers. Both Nick and Twilight wonder what she means by ‘capable’ as Luna returns to her position at the other side of the desk. “Nicholas Galluver, this is my younger sister, Princess Luna.”
“Princess.” He bows again. “I’ve heard many great things about Your Highness.” She smiles at him graciously but does not entertain his gestures. “You do a fine job in the roll of night-calling.”
“Okay, tone down the flattery.” Celestia says, showing a little jealousy at Luna’s appreciation. Nick smiles.
Twilight steps forward and stands beside Nick at legs length. “Can you please explain what’s going on?” She asks irritably. “What do you need me for?”
“Of course, Twilight.” Celestia says, straightening up. “As for the matters of hoof; I have called upon you, Mr. Galluver, for an urgent appeal, a request if you will. Am I to assume you have gotten to know my most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle?”
“As much as she’s willing to share.” Answers Nick, looking to Twilight who blushes upon hearing this. “But I have reason to believe she doesn’t enjoy my company as much as you believe.”
“Then this will be an education for both of you.” Says Luna. Nick looks to her. Her face remains stoic and unreadable, along with Celestia’s tense gaze. This troubles Nick with thoughts of what their plans might be, and if they have thought them through well enough.
“Let’s not postpone this any longer.” Celestia says, sounding firm. “I will not equivocate; I want the two of you to stay in an apartment together.”
“What!?” Twilight says, almost screaming. The news did not sit with her well and her frustration rises as quickly as air pressure in a shaken bottle of soda. “Live with him, a human?” She pulls a vile face at the word. “Princess, you can’t be serious!”
“Allow me to explain. I want the two of you to study each other and learn from one another. I want a monthly report and both of your findings to be sent to either me, or Miss Mare to redirect it to me.” Twilight, clearly irritated, shuffles on the spot. Celestia spots this and addresses her tension. “Twilight, I believe you will benefit greatly from this experience.” She repeats what she told her the day she was introduced to Nick. “Believe me when I say this: I would not do this if I did not care.”
“You always say that.” Twilight mumbles. Celestia hears this, as does Nick, but does not address it.
“I’m only doing this for the betterment of your future.”
“By associating me with this foul creature?” Twilight snaps, stepping forward.
“Hey!” Nick turns to her, a flavourless scowl forcing its way onto his face.
“That’s enough, Twilight.” Celestia booms, the potency in her voice enough to startle the wallpaper. “You’re staying together, and I’ll hear no grievances about it.” Twilight staggers and takes a step back. She removes her gaze from Celestia and looks down. “Don’t make this harder for yourself.”
Twilight knows there is no arguing with her, but that does not stop her from trying to escape out of this situation.
“He can’t live with me, anyway. My room is a single.” Twilight says softly though through reluctance. But her hypothesis was no match for Celestia’s many decades of wisdom.
“Then you’ll stay with Nick.”
“My room is a single also.” Nick says.
Celestia raises a hoof to the underside of her jaw and rubs it. “Miss Mare.” She says, turning to face her. “Are there any two-bedroomed apartments immediately available?”
“Not on my side of the building.” She says, finally breaking her silence. “But I can check with Norma about her side. I’m pretty sure she has at least one spare.”
“See to it that it is done.”
“I have to move to the that side of the university?” Twilight says, looking back up. “That place is disgusting.”
“It will have to do; I have no available rooms on my side.” Miss Mare explains.
“But why?” Twilight asks. “Why can’t I be left on my own to study alone?”
“You’ve been slacking on your reports recently, which is why I’m sending you with Nick to help in your studies, which you clearly need.”
“I’ve been trying my hardest to give reports.” Twilight says. “How can you do this to me? This isn’t fair! I don’t want to go through with this.”
“I’m sorry, Twilight, but you’ve forced my hoof.” She says. Despite sympathy hanging heavy on her heart, her voice remains stern. “I’ve placed my trust in you for the last time, and you’ve shown no promise of change. I am afraid there is nothing else I can do for you. You’ve left me no choice.” Twilight looks at her as tears start to foam in her eyes upon hearing these words. “I suggest you go and pack your things and ready yourself for tomorrow. I will send a letter when preparations are complete. Expect an early rise.”
Immediately the door is swung open with force and Twilight bolts out into the corridor with a sob. A heavy feeling of remorse enters the atmosphere of the room and they turn silent for a few peaceful but chilling seconds which felt like an eternity. Celestia sighs after a while and turns to her sister for moral support. She looks at her with a reassuring smile.
“You did well, sister.” She says. “There was nothing you could have said to give her comfort.”
“She did not take the news as well as I’d hoped.” Celestia says, glancing back at the door. She uses her magic to close it gently.
“It was to be expected.” Luna says.
“She’s lost her confidence and her freedom all in one day.” Miss Mare says. “Try to be patient, Princess.”
“This is for the best.” Celestia says, attempting to make light of this situation but falling back to guilt. “But it is a shame she doesn’t understand. I hope she doesn’t do anything rash in the meantime.”
“Have faith, dear sister.” Luna consoles. “She will understand the reason behind the arrangement sooner or later. She will come round eventually.”
“Pardon me, Princesses,” Nick speaks, his heart thumping loudly in his chest from the anticipation of the event. They turn to face him, “but do I not have a say in this?”
“Ah, and I require something else from you, Mr. Galluver.” Says Celestia. “Something more important than simply studying alongside Twilight.”
“And what if I refuse this ‘requirement’ of yours?” Nick responds, not fully understanding Celestia’s request. She shuffles slightly at his unexpected response.
“I’m afraid you don’t have a choice.” Celestia says, turning to face him dead on. “I have already discussed this with the Headmaster and he has accepted our terms. I will not allow you to back down from this agreement.”
“An agreement I never accepted.” Nick says, staring sternly at her. “I’ve been here for three days. I haven’t even settled in my own apartment yet.”
“All the better.” Luna says. “You shouldn’t find it difficult to relocate.”
“Besides, I have no interest in babysitting your precious little student, and neither does she.”
Despite the frustration rising inside of her, Celestia’s face remains in a state of calm and commanding. “Listen, Nicholas,” She starts, her voice gentle and fierce as her face, but as she continues her tone changes to that more of a beggar’s tremble, “you know about Twilight’s predicament, you’ve seen how she behaves and know it isn’t healthy for neither herself nor society.” Nick staggers backwards as she takes a step forward and seemed to tower over him. “I have single-hoofedly hoof-picked you specifically for this task, out of all the students in this building, because of one shining aspect in you; your intelligence. You are smart, Nicholas; smart enough to help us in our current affairs, smart enough to think what I cannot possibly imagine, smart enough to tread the road I could not walk, smart enough to shine a light so bright not even my powers can outshine. I understand the weight of the burdens I am giving to you, and I would not if I knew you were not capable of handling them. But I believe you are, Nicholas. You can help Twilight; of this I am sure.”
She pauses and turns to her sister, who greets her look with a comforting smile despite deep down feeling full of sorrow for her sister. She closes her eyes, as if ashamed of what she is about to admit. “This is my last hope for Twilight. If you refuse to accept… I cannot say for certain what will happen to Twilight. But I will never forgive myself if it ever comes to that.”
Her speech resonates on his heart and mind, and they thump vigorously. His face turns from a stern stare into a feeling of deep sympathy. Despite not fully understanding her full predicament, he knows now that Twilight is in dire need of help and, according to Celestia, he is the only one who can provide.
He turns away from the Princesses and walks to the corner of the room, staring at the floor. He rubs his head forcefully with his fingers, tapping his temple as he tries to force himself to come to a decision. He closes his eyes and breathes heavily, thinking of the best course of action.
“And you think I’m capable of this?” He asks after a time over his shoulder.
“I do.” Celestia repeats with a nod of her head.
After a lengthy thoughtful self-provocation, he throws his arms in the air and says, with much reluctancy, “Fine.” The three mares look at him as he returns to the centre of the room. Celestia’s face brightens up a little upon hearing his conclusion. “You’ve tugged at my heartstrings and forced my decision. I’ll try to listen to her melody and learn her lyrics.”
“Thank you, Mr. Galluver.” Celestia says, returning to her princess-esque ways rather rapidly but pulling a puzzled look as she tries to decipher what he is implying. “But what do you mean by ‘listen to her melody…’?”
“What I mean is this – getting to know a person is like hearing music; what attracts us to them is their melody, and as we get to know who they are we learn their lyrics and slowly start to sway with their rhythm.”
“I think I understand.” Luna says with a hint of inspiration glistening in her eye.
“Twilight is no different. Her melody may be a little off key, and her rhythm off beat, but her lyric can be learned all the same. Afterall, songs supposed to be admired, for one reason or another. They might not sound beautiful, though beauty is to each their own, but they each have a lot of effort put into them. We owe it to ourselves to listen at the very least.”
“Now I do understand.” Luna says.
“I see your point, Mr. Galluver, and I thank you again for helping us.”
“However,” He continues, holding up an extended finger, “nothing in this world is free; you have to pay for music with some form of currency.” Celestia stares at him sharply. She knows what he’s going to say next and awaits his request. “There’s something I desire in return.”
“And what is it you require?” Celestia asks with slight intrigue.
Nick smiles. He starts pacing slowly back and forth. “There’s something I’m looking for.” He says. “Something very dear and very close to me. I’ve been studying to become a composer for a long time in the hopes that I could one day use these abilities to help in my search. So far it has proven to be in vain. But I am only one person, and with little effects at my disposal it appears I am outvoiced in this whole wide world.”
“And you require the help of Royalty to help in your [selfish] need?” Luna asks, displeased by his lack of volunteering. He stops pacing and faces them.
“It would help a great deal, yes.” He says. “I mean, after all, I am taking time out of my own life to care for one of yours. It would only seem fair that you return the favour.”
He falls silent and the sisters talk among themselves, discussing their options with a secondary opinion from Miss Mare. It doesn’t take long, with Celestia’s firm hoof, to come to a decision. “We accept your proposal.” Celestia says with much less reluctancy than he had thought. “In return for you helping Twilight, you will be given the official title of composer when you have completed our task.”
“Thank you, I– Wait, what?”
“Then it is done. If there is no–”
“Wait, that’s not what I desire.” Nick says, cutting her off.
“Is that not what you want?” Luna asks. “To finish your studies and start your search?”
“No! I mean, kind of, but…” He pauses as his eyes fall and thinks: is that really what he wants? To leave his studies behind and search the world for Them? It is a big world out there, and he could easily get lost in his searches as he predicted. He has never been a stable-minded person, but as time goes by he has learned to train his mind to focus on what he really wanted – that is to finish his studies and use his knowledge to search for who he’s missing – but now the question is asked of him, what does he really want? “Look, I just need you to help me in my search for them. That’s all I want.”
Without any further questions or debates, Celestia says, “Very well. We will aid in your search for this ‘thing’ you so very much desire.”
“Thank you, Princess.” He says, bowing his head. “I am ever so grateful.”
“Now, you have until the end of the year to change Twilight’s–”
“Whoa, hold on there.” Nick interrupts. “A few months won’t be long enough. I’ll need more time. You can’t expect someone to know a song’s subliminal meanings after only a few listens. These things take time, and lots of it.”
“Then what do you propose?”
Miss Mare joins the debate. “How about the end of the academic year?” She says. The three turn to her. “That gives you roughly, eleven months to help Twilight out.”
“That’s better.”
“So be it. You have until the end of the academic year to change Twilight’s ways.”
“Understood. In the meantime, what will happen to my classes?”
“This should be no excuse to stop attending them.” Miss Mare says.
“But my schedule will not allow me to spend enough time with Twilight.” He says. “I’ll be absent from her for far longer than you, Princess, would like.”
“You’re pushing it, Mr. Galluver.” Luna says.
“We can’t simply remove classes from your schedule, I’m afraid, not without important validation.” Miss Mare says. She pauses and rubs her temple with her hoof in a counter-clockwise motion three times before continuing. “But you do have a valid point. If Norma allows it, I will negotiate appropriate arrangements.”
“If that is all you wish to discuss, then you are free to go.” Celestia says.
“Actually,” Nick starts, raising a finger, “since you say that, there is one more thing. There’s this teacher of mine, Mr. Reeds, who is somewhat of a bully.” At the sound of his name, Celestia’s face turned immediately sour as if she was sucking a writtersnick (which is a horrible-tasting sour cube of pickle-flavoured candy, YUCK!). “Gave me detention for being absent on a day I don’t have his lesson. I’m supposed to be in his room tonight at eight. Maybe you could, uh…”
“I’ll speak to him.” Miss Mare says.
“I appreciate it, thank you.” He says, bowing.
“Before I dismiss you, I have one final favour.” Celestia says. “I request of you not to tell Twilight I put you up to this, or anyone for that matter. She’ll never forgive me if she knew about this.”
“I think you are way past that stage now.” Nick jests light-heartedly. “Besides, would it not destroy her more when she is revealed the secret?”
“Don’t underestimate Twilight; she may be ignorant towards certain people, but she is a smart mare. I think my sister is right; she will come to understand and accept the decisions I make over time, but please don’t mention any of this to her. If she finds out our plan now, she will never open up to you.”
Nick stares at her with wonder as he is still left in the dark of her true intentions and meanings. “I don’t fully understand,” he says with a fold of his arms, “but I do understand what you ask of me. It will remain our little secret, at least for as long as I can detain it.”
“All will become clear in time.” Celestia says. “Now, if you are content with the decisions made, I suggest you return to your room, pack your things immediately and prepare for your departure tomorrow and await my instructions. As I mentioned earlier, I want a report to be written and sent to me about Twilight’s progression.” He nods and bows again and turns to leave. He lightly places a hand on the door handle before Celestia calls to him. “And Nicholas,” he turns around, “I will not tolerate any phallic behaviour towards my pupil, or the consequences will be dire.” She stares at him with a serious glint in her glare. “Do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly.” Nick says, showing a clear sign of having no interest in the subject. He opens the door and leaves the three behind in the room to discuss future plans and preparations. As he walks down the corridor in the direction of his current class, which had almost finished and he would then be free for the rest of the day, he smiles amusingly to himself. “Wait ‘til Jesse hears about this.”
* * *
As Twilight bolts out of Miss Mare’s office, she gallops down the hallway with tears wrapped around her eyes. She enters corridor R and into room 72, her own apartment. She throws open the door and slams it shut when she enters. She runs through her living room, past the bookshelves riddled with books and into her bedroom, slamming shut the door. She jumps onto her bed and throws her head into her soft doubled-up pillow and cries her heart out into them.
Her muffled cries were heard by no one, and the apartment was currently empty. On her bed she lies for over an hour, cursing the likes of Princesses Celestia and Luna, Nick and most vividly herself.