//------------------------------//
// Of Inception and Interruptions 
// Story: Lines and Webs 
// by Airstream 
//------------------------------//

Twilight drifted through a void. It wasn't the dark void of heavy sleep, or the blank void she had floated in while unconscious in the hospital. No, this was a void of light. A gentle white glow came from the mist that surrounded her, coiling in around her like a friend or lover, embracing her in a warm, dull heat. The unicorn hung suspended, taking in the world around her, feeling safe and secure and happy. As she drifted, she began to hear speech off in the distance. She couldn't quite hear it, but she knew that the words were important, very much so. She tried harder to listen, but the words slipped away.

Frantically, she twisted in the air, wishing to hear what they were saying. They sounded familiar, tantalizingly so. But they were fading away, and she knew that whatever she was feeling was important, just as important as those words were. She cried out, her voice echoing in the darkness, and she drifted, alone. She was alone, so very alone, not a place to stand or any progress to make, and she began to weep.

The mist curled around her face, warm and supportive. Looking into it, she felt a rush of relief as she realized that it was Morning Star. He smiled beatifically, and she returned the smile, her heart fluttering a little. "Twilight..." he said, leaning in close, whispering in her ear. 

"Yes?" Twilight asked, hanging on his every word.

"Twilight, listen to me..."

"I'm listening." Her heart was beating fast, so very fast, and her head was spinning with the force of his nearness.

"Listen..."

And he began to speak, the words unknowable but the intent all too clear. It seemed to last for an eternity, but when it was over Twilight wondered if it had only taken an instant. She nodded her head, totally willing to obey. He smiled again. "Good...now, wake up, Twilight. Wake up..."

"Twilight, wake up. You need to wake up Twilight..."

"Twilight!"

The purple unicorn mare shot awake, looking around wildly. Spike was looking at her. "Twilight, are you ok? You were muttering in your sleep."

She shook herself, clearing the cobwebs of sleep from her mind. "Yes, I'm fine. Just a dream."

"A dream? What about?"

Twilight looked out of the window. The moon was setting, which meant that soon they'd need to leave for the final ceremony. "I don't remember, Spike. I wish I could, but I don't..."


________________________________________


The duo proceeded down the stairs, pausing only once to let some of the servants from the night shift pass, heading for bed.  As they walked, Twilight realized that she felt far better than she normally did at this hour, full of energy and ready to face the day. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, they were privy to the sight of Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance deep in conversation. Cadance was the first to see them, her face lighting up at the sight of her sister in law.

"Twilight! How are you? It's been far too long!" she said, catching her in a hug. Twilight had not seen Cadance in nearly five years. Her Royal duties and Shining Armor's assignments kept them preoccupied up in Canterlot, and the last time they had visited Ponyville they had only stayed for an afternoon before returning to Canterlot. 

"I'm well, thanks for asking!" The unicorn replied, pulling away and taking her in. The Princess had changed a bit. Whereas her mane had lain normally on her last visit, it now seemed to shimmer and float a bit, sort of like a hybrid of her old hair and Celestia's multicolored aura. The Alicorn noticed her staring. 

"Do you like it? Aunt Celestia says it's because I'm coming into my power. Soon it'll flow like hers and Aunt Luna's!"

"Indeed it will, once you come into it. Don't try to force it though. Luna can tell you about what happened when she tried to force hers. Bald as a donkey, she was!" Celestia joked, stepping forward. "Now, unless I am mistaken, you have somewhere to be, isn't that correct, Cadance?"

The Alicorn's eyes widened. "Oh, shoot! How could I have forgotten? Sorry, Twilight. I'll catch up to you both later, ok?" And with that, she disappeared in a flash of light.

Celestia shook her head. "Sometimes I worry about her. But she is learning. Are you ready to go, Twilight?"

Twilight nodded. "Of course! Do we need to stop and get the Elements?"

"No, my faithful student. The other Elements will not be a part of this ceremony. It is for you, again. We only need the Element of Magic, and that is waiting for us there." The Alicorn said, bending over. Her horn began to thrum with magic, and she turned to face her protégé, her eyes glowing with the power of creation itself. Her student looked back at her, her visage one filled with love and trust. Gently shutting her eyes, the diarch exerted a small amount of will, and in the blink of an eye, they were standing in a small pavilion. 

The walls were in Celestia's chosen colors, gold and white silk, blowing in a pre-dawn breeze. A small standing table of mahogany stood to one side, on which rested a porcelain tea set and a small assortment of fruit and bread for two.  A small brazier provided enough light to see by, and several chairs were arranged around it, so that the occupants could share in its warmth. The air inside was much warmer than the air outside, which had cooled off considerably in the early hours of the morning. Princess Celestia left Twilight's side, walking over to a nearby chest, which she unlocked with her magic. Carefully, she withdrew the Element of Magic from within.

Twilight gasped. The Element glowed faintly, the metal seemingly freshly cast from a forge, the gold wire glimmering as if it were still molten. The air around it hummed with power, and the stone shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow, glinting in the firelight. The amount of magic it contained actually rose from it in waves, distorting the air like the air off of a rooftop on a sunny day. Twilight looked at the Princess. "Princess Celestia, I... What is this?"

Celestia smiled. "Do you know what day it is, Twilight?"

The unicorn frowned. "Day? The day of the Summer Sun Celebration, why?"

Celestia nodded. "It is. But, it is also the tenth anniversary of my sister's freedom, the tenth anniversary of your friendships in Ponyville, and the tenth anniversary of the day you left Canterlot for a new home. The Elements are an extension of me, Twilight. As long as I prosper, so do they, and vice versa. Every year, on this day, they exude power in small amounts. But this year is different. Not only is it the height of my power, its Bearer is nearby. The last time I saw it like this, I had just pulled it from the fires of the sun itself, ready to help my little ponies win back their lives, free from fear and struggle. Twilight, today you wield vast power, and I can think of nopony I would rather wear this today, including myself." She placed it gently on Twilight's head, where it rested, emitting a gentle heat. "Now, our time together is short. Are you ready to stand by my side, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight was stunned. Of course she had known, in the back of her head, that she was close to her ten year mark, but it had seemed to her to be a distant event, not one worth remembering. That, and she had really not considered how powerful the Elements might have been. She controlled one of, if not the most, powerful magical items in the world. It may have been Celestia's magic, but it responded to her. That was the sort of magic she took up to defend her kingdom, the magic of creation itself. She steadied her thoughts, and looked up at the regal white Alicorn in front of her. "Yes, Princess. I am."

Princess Celestia nodded, pleased at the response. "Very well then. Go ahead and wait out on the dais, I need a brief moment to prepare myself."

The unicorn proceeded out of the tent, noticing that it was situated directly behind the altar where Princess Celestia raised the sun every year. She stood to the right of the monument, depicting a rising sun, noticing that there were already a crowd of eyes on her. She looked around, her vision sweeping over the crowd, noticing her friends in the front, smiles on their faces. Spike stood in the rear, allowing ponies to get a better view of the ceremony, and as she watched he gave her a supportive thumbs up. Morning Star was there as well, and Twilight blushed a little at the sight of him. She felt calm, powerful and peaceful. She felt like the moon itself, steady and serene. And she felt like the sun, for all eyes were on her. The guards ringing the base of the altar stepped forward, blowing their ancient trumpets, the sound silencing the audience, who bowed their heads in respect.


________________________________________


Are you ready?


Yes, Celestia.


Luna?


...


Luna, are you there?


I am here and ready, sister. On your mark, then?


Yes. Let's begin.


________________________________________


The horns blow, low and deep. The crowd is quiet. At last, before them stands the monarch they spent a week in celebration of. She is the light incarnate, illuminating and guiding, a paragon without equal, the reason their nation is the greatest in the world. Though it is not tradition, for some reason the crowd bows their heads respectfully. This year, however, she is not alone. She has revealed her pupil, a hero and a scholar, who has captured the public eye. She stands near her teacher, wearing the Element of Magic, the most powerful of all. Her lover is not nearby, a source of scandal, to be surely noticed if not for the fact that this is the first time another has stood so close to the Equestrian monarch as she raises the sun. See! As her horn lights up, so too does the diadem worn by her pupil, whose eyes even now glow with the magic that struck down a hydra and saved her home, that broke spell and fought fate. The crowd rumbles, something is wrong. As their monarch rises, so too does the little unicorn. Her coat is turning white, mane flowing in the wind. Celestia notices, but she cannot stop, else she risks losing control of the sun. At last, she brings it above the horizon. Her student yells, in agony or ecstasy we cannot be sure. At last, she lowers herself to the ground. Her pupil collapses in a heap. Her friends, heroes in their own right, rush forward to comfort her, and so too does her lover. A dragon lifts himself into the air, landing near the altar. There is a brief hubbub. Is she alive, or has the unthinkable happened?

Her mentor and friends back away slowly. The unicorn is back on her feet, shaking her head from side to side. The monarch bends over, says something unheard by the crowd. The white fades from her coat, her hair settling back down. Now, in addition to the purple and pink in her mane, a deep wine-red streak runs through it, which refuses to fade. She says something back to her teacher, who smiles a little. They share an embrace, and the sun goddess pulls away. She hugs her friends in turn, and at last turns to her lover, the hero Archivist. The ponies in front begin to stomp their hooves, cautiously at first but gaining in speed and intensity as the mare pulls her love in close, and delivers such a kiss as to make their first one seem shameful in comparison. A cheer is heard, and as the crowd begins to applaud in earnest, the young couple quietly disappear from the altar in a flash of light.


________________________________________


The two unicorns reappeared in a small garden, one that was almost totally unused by any of the palace staff or guests. The space was closed in, almost claustrophobic. Twilight remembered it from her days at the castle, a small space, seemingly unused, that she and referred to in her head as her "private garden", a space she had come to study in peace, to practice small cantrips, or to gaze at the sun and stars. It was here that she had found her love of the heavens, and the ethereal beauty of the night or the strong majesty of the sun.

She hadn't shown anyone this place, and to this day she could not remember how she had originally found it. Some adventure or another, she supposed. Either way, it was still abandoned, save for the roses that grew on the walls and the stone bench in one corner, covered by a delicate arbor which groaned under the weight of more roses. This was her place, more so than her old room or the library she had spent much of her late childhood in, an area for secrets and concealment.
It was perfect, then, for what came next. The two unicorns looked at each other lovingly.

Twilight spoke first. "I know we decided to wait, but I think that we should, um..."

Morning Star met her eyes. "Are you sure? We don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with."

Twilight nodded, flushing a bit. "Um. I'm not sure if it's the magic, or the holiday, or what. I...it just feels right. Do you want to, y'know..."

Morning Star was silent. Twilight wriggled a bit. She felt it even more strongly now, and she was sure. She composed herself, and spoke again. "Morning Star...do you want to...make love?"

The alabaster unicorn inhaled slightly. "Yes. By the sun, yes, I love you too much to not want it. But if you feel uncomfortable, just let me know. I'm in no hurry, Twilight. And I can wait as long as you like, so-"

He broke off as Twilight took the lead, locking him in an embrace, and leaning in for a kiss. The unicorn closed his eyes, returning the gesture. As the two of them lay there, lost in the moment and each other, the smell of grass and roses filled the air, along with the faintest scent of pine needles. Their embrace was one filled with passion, as they gave in to mutual need for each other, their love raging like the sun whose rays were creeping over the garden walls. It was a joyous dance, an almost primal need for the other to be as close as possible, to never leave and never to let go, no matter of what may come. It was not just a primitive thing, not in the least. There was love there, and laughter. They rolled back and forth, playing as much as loving. Soon, though, it was drawing close to the fateful moment.

Twilight lay on the ground, staring up at the colt she loved. "Morning Star. I'm ready, if you are too."

He returned her stare, eyes full of love for her. "Ok, Twilight. I'll be gentle, I promise."

Twilight nodded and lay back, her eyes closing as she prepared herself. She inhaled, and waited. Their breathing mingled, and the two of them met in one last kiss. There was a dull thud.

Twilight grunted, as Morning Star's full weight was suddenly on top of her. Her eyes shot open. "Morning Star...can't breathe... Morning Star?" She looked at the unicorn colt, whose head was pointed off to one side. She realized that he was limp, completely boneless save for slow breathing. She pushed him off gently. He lay on his side, unresponsive. Worried, she checked him over. He was fine, but why was he...oh. The knot on the back of his head was sizable, and provided a reason as to why he was currently unconscious. Twilight made sure he was ok, careful not to move his head in case of concussion. She looked around for the culprit. She found it laying on the grass a few feet away. A heavy tome, yellow with age. The spine read "Gryphon Guardians of the Kefick Era. A Proper Equestrian Reference, by Harmonius L. Fobwatch." Twilight looked around for where it possibly could have come from. She spotted a coal black Pegasus with one open saddlebag full of books flying away. A winepress Cutie Mark adorned one flank, but he or she was too far away to hear Twilight's calls, trying to get its attention.

Twilight looked at the book, and at her comatose lover, and at the Pegasus. Sighing, she levitated the book and the unicorn into the air, using the former to support the head of the latter. She trotted off to the infirmary, realizing that she would probably be there for a while. The rays of the new sun illuminated the road ahead, as a slightly peeved unicorn visited the hospital for the third time in a week.


________________________________________


You're joking.


Unfortunately not, Celestia. The spell went off without a hitch. Everything was going exactly according to plan. Up until the point your Candidate had a book dropped on his head. I sent somepony to take a look at the damage. He'll be bedridden for the rest of the day, and won't be able to engage in, *ahem*, strenuous activity for a while.


Well, that's fantastic. Six months of planning, down the drain because some fool of a scholar didn't secure their bag. Aether preserve, we'll need to come up for a reason to get her back here in six months. Damn it, of all the ridiculous luck!


It could have been far worse, sister. I ran the math, if the book had been two pounds heavier your student would have been attending a funeral soon enough. Now we have the opportunity to try again, a bit behind schedule. Invite them both to the Winter Gala. Invite them all to the Winter Gala, if that is your desire. Put them up in the castle and try again.


I suppose...thank you, Luna. Well, we certainly won't be able to do much more here. I'll go ahead and send them all back to Ponyville. Cadance, would you be willing to plan this year's Gala? We have much to do, and I'll need all the help I can get.


Of course. I enjoy those dances anyway, this should be fun. And look at it this way, at least the magic took. New streak in the hair and everything! Now our result is pretty much guaranteed!


Thank you, Cadance. That is a comfort, I suppose. You are both dismissed. Thank you.


Majesty.


Sister.


________________________________________


A coal black Pegasus waited in a dingy bar, near one of the poorer sides of town. It was the basement, actually. He stood alert, surrounded by wine barrels, and glared at the saddlebags he had been carrying. Damn things had left a crick in his neck. He stretched idly, allowing his wings to breathe.

The shadows at the far side of the basement began to writhe and twist, at last allowing themselves to reveal the shape of an Alicorn. Princess Luna, Dio Noctus ex Equestria, stood before him. He bowed low, laying his wings on the ground in subservience. "Princess."

"Rise." she said, walking forward and checking to make sure the door was locked. "And well done, you performed admirably. Everything went according to plan?"

"It was as you said, my Princess. I flew over and dropped the book. It was nudged on the correct path, and struck true, hitting its target square. I was gone before she could properly identify me."

The Alicorn relaxed visibly. "Thank the Aether, we still have time. I have a new assignment for you, but here is not the place. You will receive the new location in your dream tonight. Until then, I recommend you leave the city."

The Pegasus bowed again. "I shall leave at once, my lady. Pray tell, why the interest in Celestia's pupil?"

Luna glared. "If all goes well, I shall tell you everything. Until then, ask not of Twilight Sparkle. You are dismissed."

"Ego Servire Nocte, your Highness."

Luna listened to his footsteps retreat. Waiting for the door to close, she allowed herself a chuckle, which quickly grew into a laugh. She allowed herself to cut loose, laughing loud and long, relieved.

"I still have time." she thought, laughing for the first time in a long time. "We all still have a little time."