//------------------------------//
// The mysterious Book 
// Story: The Alicorn Book 
// by Nova Star Sparkle 
//------------------------------//

Written, translated, edited and Post corrected by me: Nova Star Sparkle





* Chapter 1*





It was a bright and sunny summer day in Equestria, well past midday, but still pleasantly warm.

A significant larger than average pony hurried out of his castle in Ponyville and quickly made the way towards Canterlot Mountain. A book in her arcane magic grip. The two large, golden double doors slammed shut surprisingly very quiet for such massive doors, behind the pony.

Even though it was not visible to the naked eye, the protective spells on the entire construct were activated afterwards. And thus effectively prevented the intrusion of strangers, although this was already thanks to the guards in the castle an almost impossible undertaking.

But the mare wasn’t worried about that in any regard at the moment, it only counted for her to get to Canterlot as quickly as possible.

As she flew along, she tried to enjoy the sun’s rays on her massive, currently mostly lavender wings and the wind blowing through her dark navy blue mane that waved around her slightly upwards curved horn.

However, as hard as she tried, the large mare failed rather miserably.

The sun’s rays were also further reflected in the golden crown, peytral and hoof guards she wore.

In truth, the crown was only gold alloyed and consisted entirely of alicornite underneath. The rest of her acceisour was the same gold alloyed design, but made from Shade instead. An also very expensive and sturdy metal like material, yet in both still far lesser than alicornite was.

Alicornite in itself was the strongest element found on Equus. Nothing could come even close to it's durability. It most closely resembled a metal, though it lacked the typical properties of metal detector detection.

But all this was standard procedure in Equestria anyway, as only materials with the highest prestige value were used for the regents’ accessoire.

The crown for discription resembled a winged headdress. Whereby it went from the back to the ears upwards per side into 4 elongated pieces - best discribed as “blades” - each. The ends were quite pointed, but otherwise had nothing to do with a real blade.

Furthermore, the crown went over the side of the head to her horn. Where it formed a tight protective ring at the base of the unknown mare's horn. Attached to this ring in front of the horn was a flat purple sapphire about the size of a golf ball. A gemstone of breathtaking purity with several hundred carats.

Normally this would be an unthinkable purity, but Equestria was known for some rare and extremely pure crystals.

Now if the crown was to be put on or taken off, it had to be pulled along the entire length of the horn.

A bit more complicated than simply putting it on like any other headdress, but all the more securely sitting on the head.

The peytral on the other hand was highly ornamented, with a Jewel shaped like the Cutie Mark of the Mare, in the middle of it. With a carved design around it. As well as the Guards that had a purple star etched into it.

Her piercing and determined magenta eyes directed at the target in the distance held an intelligence that most others could only dream of, even though the pony was deep in thought.

Her Intelligence was probably the reason why the mare was so deep in thought anyway.

On her way to Canterlot, just outside Ponyville, she passed a massive and impressive building made only of clouds.

But to the bewilderment of the pony living there, she did not pay much more attention than a short wave with her hoof.

Completely surprised by this so short greeting, from her otherwise so open and helpful friend. The cyan pony with the rainbow-colored mane rose to follow the fastly bypassing Pony.

Now less deep in thought, but still determined to arrive as quickly as possible, the mare noticed her friend Rainbow dash.

”Great, somehow I knew Dash would follow me. After all, my behaviour just now was a bit strange. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to talk to her right now...”, Twilight pondered.

Exactly for this reason she flew a lot faster in order to lose her friend, although she didn’t really feel comfortable doing so.

Well, she would just apologize later and explain her motive to Dash and the rest of the girls.

However, anyone who is familiar with Dash knows that this pony is not so easy to get rid of.

First of all, you just don’t get the title “fastest Pegasus pony in Equestria” for nothing and secondly, you dealed with a mare that could be in the dictionary next to stubborn and ambitious as a synonym.

Due to this it wasn’t a surprise when Twilight heard her name shortly after.

“Twilight?”

“Twilight!”

“TWILIGHT!!!”

“Twilight hold on, what’s going on? Is there some all-important threat we have to fight again?” yelled Dash. “Man that would be so cool. It’s been almost two weeks since the last one.”

Rolling her eyes and continuing to fly faster and faster, Twilight turned her head back to look her friend in the eyes.

“No there is no threat. I just need to get to Canterlot Castle as soon as possible because I have to ask Luna or Celestia something very urgent” - Now frowning, Twilight continued: “And we should really talk about the fact that it’s not really cool to be involved in dangerous situations all the time."

"We can’t assume that we’ll always be as lucky as we have been so far, that none of us has been seriously wounded.”

By now both ponies were at the same height, so Twilight could look ahead again to watch for obstacles.

Whereby that would probably be less the case at an altitude of almost 7km.

As expected, Twilight’s reconnaissance did not have much success as Dash simply replied shortly afterwards,  “Phhh please, what could ever happen to us? We’re an incredible team overall , nothing and no one will get us down.

Now shrugging - "And so what! You are an Alicorn and by far the best in all areas of Magic, even before you became one, as Archmage of Equestria. In a pinch, just throw a mountain at the bad guy and be done with it.”

Preferring to use both front hooves and wings to cover her eyes with, but not doing so, as it wouldn’t be beneficial for flying as one might suggest.

Twilight set a frown on her face to tell her friend that she would not throw a mountain at anybody. Think of the damage the impact would cause.

Netherless she decided against it, in the end. As Dash wouldn’t regognice her criticism in this area anyways. And mearly answered Dash, with a wide smile on her muzzle.

“You’re right we are an incredible team and yes, I am an Alicorn. I’ve figured that out by now too.” Thinking briefly, Twilight replied Dash further. “Moreover, this very same fact is also the reason why I need to get to the castle in Canterlot as soon as possible. So if you’ll excuse me? I’ll explain everything later when I get back.”

With these words, Twilight directed her gaze forward, tensed her muscles, and flapped her wings vigorously on more time.

Since she had constantly increased her speed the whole time while talking with Dash, she now broke the sound barrier at mach five, entering Hypersonic Speed and created a huge ring of light in her fur and mane color. It spread forth from her previous position.

Thanks to that powerful boost, she now flew towards Canterlot at around 3 times her previous speed, even faster than Rainbow could with her own Sonic Rainboom that "only" brought up her speed to twice its value which was still 7.600 MPH or around Mach 10. The alicorn mare swiftly leaving behind a streak of dark blue with a magenta, purple and yellow colored streak in her wake. If she wasn’t so focused on the thought of getting to Canterlot asap, she would have been surprised by her own abilities.

Now slightly more surprised than before, but much more reassured, Rainbowdash looked after her alicorn friend, shook her head slightly, and headed back to her house.

You could trust Twilight blindly. If the mare said there would be no crisis, then there would be none.

Still, she would set the others straight so they could prepare for the explanation later.

Boy, what a day. Technically she had her day free and wanted nothing more than lie down and take a good long nap on a comfortable cloud near her house. But now she would have to fly forever to tell the remaining four, since Rarity and Applejack were in Manehatten and Appleloosa...Hell of a hassle.

Thanks to her increased speed, it didn’t take another minute for Twilight to reach the outermost boundary of Canterlot.

With one last strong flap of her wings, she catapulted herself towards the main road, then spread her wings as straight as possible from her body and let herself glide. Her glide also increasingly took away her insane speed converting it back into pegasus magic and storing it away inside her being and her magic reserves.

When she was just above the ground, she flapped her wings a few times again and managed to make a landing that would leave even a jury breathless.

Ha, it paid off to have 2 pegasus friends who knew a lot about flying and were willing to share their knowledge with her after all.

Now, Twilight was a bit calmer as she could see her destination, the first wall in Canterlot around the noble quarter in about half a mile. The district stretched around Celestia and Luna’s castle, which was another quarter mile up the road.

Confident with newfound strength Twilight made her way towards the main road and castle at a moderate trot.

As she walked down the street, many of the ponies in the stores noticed her and waved. Some even bowed and respectfully mentioned her princess title or held the foals back when they tried to rush at her with loud cheers.

Twilight wouldn’t have minded in either way. She was always happy to make conversation with other ponies. This was most likely due to the fact that she had been the Alicorn of Friendship for about 3 months, and since then she enjoyed talking to others about everyday things in life even more.

Plus, if it made the foals happy when they could bounce around her full of joy. While they enthusiastically told each other what was the coolest thing she had accomplished with her friends. Then it brought a smile to her face over and over again.

With the bowing of other ponies near her and the mentioning of her title, she had come to terms more or less well in the meantime after almost three and a half years.

Twilight obviously had tried several times to dissuade others from doing so. Especially in the beginning, as it was very embarrassing for her shortly after her ascent.

But most of the ponies were not convinced and assured her that she definitely deserved it.

And as long as she did not become as arrogant as some of the nobles in Canterlot. Neither did she think there would be any problems with having her ponies bow to her in Honor if they had the likening to do so.

Ha, as if that could ever happen to me. If everything in this book I found about Alicorns is true, then I don’t have to worry about developing any envy, hatred, pride, or other such feelings.

Nevertheless to all that previous stuff - thanks to her considerably improved senses as an alicorn, she did not miss the young unicorn foal with the dark grey coat and the light yellow mane, racing towards her full of joy with a big grin on his face.

The pink mare with the yellow mane running behind the foal was also a unicorn. As well as most likely the mother. 

At least she kept calling the foal’s name desperately and prompting him to stop and come back.

In accordance with the calls, the little one was called Star Hunter, a really beautiful name in Twilight’s opinion.

Just in front of her, the young colt stopped and grinned at Twilight with wide eyes and wagging tail.

"Woah! Your beautiful!"

"Well, thanks", Twilight responded with her kindest voice she could master and couldn’t help but smile as well, even if it wasn’t quite as big as the foal’s.

It probably wouldn’t have been possible anyway, because the foal was grinning as if he was about to burst with joy.

Twilight obviously hoped not, she had just started reading some of her new books in the castle about resurrection spells last week.

And despite her quick learning of new knowledge, she wasn’t sure if she should test the spell on a pony quite yet.

She would rather practice with something easier and less drastic first, just to be sure -  even though as it seemed, there was nothing Alicorn magic couldn’t do with ease.

Hell, the day after she became an Alicorn and decided to make herself a cup of coffee, she had sub-atomized her cup in the most literal sense of the word when she lifted it. Not a single clue remained afterwards - R.I.P. second most favorite coffee cup, you served well in your short live.

However, Spike was able to help her make breakfast and it was rather interesting to see how earth ponies got through everyday life.

Whereby also there were some things broken, because the rise from a unicorn to an alicorn apparently also included a decent physical boost. In both sheer physical strength and endurance - by quiet some hundreds of percents.

Twilight herself could remember all too well, with a big smile on the muzzle, the next following week of her alicorn ascension. In which she had collected, read and documented without interruption non stop all possible information about her new appearance.

Afterwards, she unfortunately had to somehow get out of her house without moving the whole planet. - Hey if you’re going to atomize your cup when you lift it you better be careful. You never know.

However, back to the present. The foal had to be about 6 years old and was still grinning happily at Twilight.

Twilight also smiled back this time and waited the brief amount of time until the little one’s mother had arrived to.

Unsurprisingly, the mare was very nervous when she stood in front of the lavender coated alicorn, also trembling slightly out of fear and bowing deeply, shortly afterwards.

All this probably because she didn’t know if she would get into trouble or not.

However Twilight was not that kind of a pony. Alicorns were known for their general peaceful nature and extremely high tolerance, which according to some ponies was rummored to be infinite.

Well, the tolerance wasn’t that high, Twilight pondered. But as long as you didn’t try to make fools of us alicorns when we tried to be reasonable, it was as good as impossible to annoy one of us. Besides, greed, prejudice, or unreasonable anger were alien to all four Alicorn princesses. There simply wasn’t any reason to develop such emotions.

And on top of that, she was the alicorn of friendship. Therefore, it wouldn’t be good to be influenced by such trifles. Just like the other princesses, she wanted to create peace and order, not suffering and hatred. For that was what the status of an alicorn primary stood for.

Especially since Equestria was a generally very peaceful country, where most of the citizens had a regular job. The few without were furthermore supported by the state aid system, which made real poverty a case among millions.

Offenses such as exploitation, discrimination and oppression were also subject to horrendous penalties, which, however, due to the just-mentioned conditions occurred very rarely.....But she had already strayed again with her thoughts from the topic, Twilight realized slightly frowning.

Therefore, she shook her head briefly to concentrate and nodded encouragingly to the unicorn Mare, still bowing in front of her.

However, this didn’t seem to have the desired effect. For now her counterpart was trembling all the more and bowed even deeper in reverence, whispering quiet apologies to herself. Whilst her neckfur stand on edge, slightly from anticipation.

Inwardly rolling her eyes to not to cause the mare any more worries. Twilight set up her best smile, stretched out a gildet front hoof to help the mare up, and addressed her.

“Please, there is no need to bow or apologize. You have done nothing wrong. However, I would like to know your name, if you would be so kind.”

Afterwards this statement the pink mare looked up to the regal, lavender alicorn in front of her, visibly relieved. Twilight’s hoof, however, she did not dare to take. Probably still a bit too insecure in the presence of one of the royal princess.

With a slightly shaky voice at the beginning, she answered to Twilight.

“Pr- princess Tw- Twilight, please excuse m- my son, he simply wouldn’t listen to m- me when he caught sight of you. I will try harder to teach him manners in the future so this won’t happen again. I also thank you for not punishing me for my failure,” and lowered her head again slightly in deference.

However, shortly after, she raised it again with wide eyes.

“Oh no! Your majesty, I’m so sorry. You had asked for my name - my name is Ocean Song,” the mare added hastily.

Smirking amiably, as that seemed to have the most effect. Twilight addressed Ocean Song in a calm, comforting but netherless royal tone.

“As I stated before, you have done nothing wrong - Also nothing to apologize for any more than you have anything to fear.”

“Furthermore your son has done nothing wrong either - because as far as I know, joy is not punishable in Equestria - OH and please, Twilight is perfectly adequate, I’m still pretty new to this entire princess stuff.”

Shaking her head vigorously, the mare replied almost hysterically.

“Oh no no no, I can’t do that princess. That would be beneath your status. I’d rather stick with my previous adression if that’s all right - Unless of course your highness insists.”

Cursing inwardly, Twilight thought about how she could solve this situation without causing the mare in front of her anymore distress.

She finally decided on the simplest solution - A sincere smile and just going with it .

“Alright if you feel more comfortable that way, then that’s perfectly fine from my point of view.”

Furthermore, she spoke with a slight tilt of her head towards the foal, “If you don’t mind, I would like to have a conversation with your son.”

Ocean Song seemed very delighted by this statement, by which she escaped from the centre of the conversation.

“Of course you may speak to my son”, she spoke, nudging Star Hunter, who had been watching Twilight with fascination the whole time, forward with her left front hoof. “Star Hunter! The high princess wants to speak with you.”

Twilight meanwhile bent down considerably to be at least close to the eye level with the colt - given their mayor height difference. As she asked for his name out of basic courtesy, although she already knew she had heard it several times in the last few minutes.

“Well young one, how come I can help you? And primarily, what´s your name?” Putting her hoof on her Chest. “I’m Twilight Amicitia Aurora Sparkle!”

Grinning even more - surprising that this was still possible at all - and moreover now jumping on the spot, the young stallion answered with much less hesitation than his mother had three minutes earlier.

“My name is Star Hunter and I am so happy to meet you. Oh wow thats a very long name. You are my favourite princess. May I touch your wings? I heard they are mega soft. Why are they multi-coloured and shimmer? I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. What’s that cool mane you have? It looks like it has stars in it. Why are you so sparkly and ...uhhh wavy-pulsy-thingy overall anyway? Why are you so graceful? Where are you going right now? Do you have to go to an important princess meeting? Oh, no, you’ve got another disaster to avert! Don’t you? Where are your friends? Aren’t you fighting together? Though you are mega strong. I bet you could beat any bad guy with your eyes closed.”

Ok wow that were a lot of questions. And in only 9s, Twilight was impressed. However, it would be rude not to answer the questions, especially since the little one seemed so happy to see her.

Now no longer wide grinning, but still with a friendly expression on her face. Twilight looked up briefly and scratched her chin to think of the answers to the questions.

“Well hello Star Hunter, it’s nice to meet you too.” Chuckling to herself Twilight gave her reply to the young one further. “Your farily right and thats not even the legically full Version of it. But normally im only addressed as Twilight Sparkle or simply Twilight. I hope you are well, and thank you for the nice compliment. I’m very flattered to be your favourite princess.”

Before Twilight could say more, however, she was interrupted by Star Hunter.

“But of course you are my favourite princess. You’re powerful, intelligent, warm-hearted, graceful, and kind...Not that the other princesses aren’t as well, but you’re just the coolest of them all,” the young stallion replied hastily, blushing heavily.

Twilight couldn’t help blushing a little either. So much for that. I wonder if he knows what he just implied. Eh I guess not. It doesn’t matter, I don’t have to confront him with that now.

Focusing on Star Hunter again, Twilight continued her round of replies. “Yes, if you’re careful, you may touch my wings as an exception, but please don’t think you can do that to just anyone. This is really an one time thing. It would be very rude if you did that to others without asking permission! Especially since you’re not the first one to ask me that very thing.” - “And to the reason why they are multi-coloured and iridescent...That’ s an effect that occurs for every alicorn, and extends in 3 phases throughout the day.

Right now my feathers tend to be bright, but should it be approaching evening and night-time thereupon. Also the colours of my wings change to darker and better matching colours to the night.”

Fascinated, Star Hunter approached her with twinkling eyes, while responding to Twilight at the same time. Meanwhile, Twilight had bent her knees a bit so he could reach up to her wings easily. “Of course princess! I can absolutely understand, and I wouldn’t do it unasked to others. My parents were very diligent about it - almost too diligent...” he added quietly at the very end. Although he spoke so softly, Twilight could clearly understand him as if he had spoken at a normal volume.

“Oh man they’re even softer than what I’ve imagined. Could I possibly have one of your feathers as a souvenir if it’s not too much trouble?”, the little colt Star Hunter asked with glittering, pleading eyes to Twilight.

Twilight had to give him a slightly compassionate look.

“I’m sorry kid, but that’s not possible even if I wanted to”. As she pulled on some of her feathers with the help of magic to make the point. “Besides, your comrades would surely be jealous and might all want a feather. And moreover, I don’t have an infinite number of them,” Twilight responded while stifling a laugh.

Somewhat dejected, Star Hunter’s reply followed: “Too bad. Well, I almost thought so. Thanks anyway, princess.”

Not wanting to dwell on the subject, Twilight asked him if she should answer the rest of his questions as well. Whereupon Star Hunter looked up again happily and nodded vigorously.

“Alright then, your next question was “What a “cool” mane I have and if that’s stars in it” - “The first is again an effect of an alicorn. We all get an ethereal mane about 2 years after our transformation that adapts to our task.” Taking a slightly firmer stance and lifting her nose a bit in amusement, Twilight continued with a grin. “I don’t know if you knew, but I am also the alicorn of the stars. This also gave me the Titel of “Astra Princess”. And I’m responsible for how the night sky, minus the moon, looks every night. That’s why inside my mane and tail are stars, meteors, and images of galaxies.”

Literally hopping like a bunny and prociding to jump around Twilight, Star Hunter acknowledged his pure surprise. “What! For real? Man this is mega cool, this makes me like the night even more than before.”

Smiling at this statement, Twilight continued. But not before she had to admit to herself, laughing in her mind, that the “sparkly” pun was somehow appropriate. Even if Twilight didn’t assume that the kid had said it with intensity. Let alone had he even noticed it.  But back to the fact,” Twilight reflected, forcing herself back to reality. 

Well Alicorns are slightly fluorescent, as you obviously have noticed. In my own case as you can see, my lavender coat glows faintly, and as I mentioned earlier the whole mane is luminescent, as well as the tail. The wavy-pulsy-thingy you asked about is actually a constant breeze of special magical energies that emites from our body out of the inner Magic Core.

Furthermore you might have also noticed that my hair, in addition to the fact it’s luminescent, leaves trails of light as it moves. That’s also normal for an Alicorn”

Shortly clearing her throat to sort out thoughts Twilight continued. “Going down further, my cutie mark very slowly pulses with inner power in perfect sync to my heart beat. And almost the last fact, but at this time a little hard to see outside. If you look at my eyes, you will realize they are more radiant and do shine faintly."

Chuckling." Well and to end my talking. Lastly, Alicorn wings have a less strong but existing ethereal effect like the mane - I hope you could follow along with me?" Twilight smiled to little Star Hunter, as she questioningly tilted her head to the left side.

Eagerly nodding he assured he did, but otherwise stayed quiet.

“Before I answer your next question, I’d still be interested to know how you know what graceful means. You are still quite young, after all. But netherless good educated.”

Without hesitation Twilight got her answer. “My father used to mention it a lot when he talked about the princesses. He says it means something like unimaginable pretty.”

“Star Hunter!!! You can’t just go around saying things like that!” his mother hastily admonished him. Still somewhat intimidated.

“It’s all right. This is definitely not the first time I’ve heard that one,” Twilight smirked. “And your father is right about the description of the word - To answer your question, it probably has to do with the many auras that emanate from us Alicorn’s - Now before you start to ask me what auras are, though. The library here in Canterlot has at least a dozen books that will explain what they are. I’m sure your parents would be willing to borrow one of those for you.”

Okay, thanks princess!”

Nooding her head. “You’re welcome!” - “To get back to your question of where I’m going right now. I’m on my way to the castle, and also starting to have to hurry, even if I would have liked to talk to you a little longer. You really are a very polite colt. I am sure that you will become a handsome stallion one day. With that enthusiasm, you can go far.”

While Twilight was ruffling his mane, she put on a more serious face. “Still, I’ll quickly answer the rest of your questions before I have to go.”

Thinking briefly, Twilight collected her thoughts and then continued. “No I don’t have to go to an important princess meeting, just a normal conversation among friends. There’s also no disaster to avert, which is why I’m here alone today. My friends have stayed in Ponyville until I return. Otherwise, we would fight together if it comes to a crisis once again. Thank´s again for the compliment. But I am not that strong. I’m just doing what’s necessary.” Phew, that was a lot of questions but fortunately I was able to answer them all.

Visibly satisfied with the answers, Star Hunter bowed deep before Twilight and addressed her one last time.

“Thank you Princess Twilight, it was a real honour to have met you in person. Also thanks for answering my questions so willingly. As well as for the compliment. My biggest dream is to become the captain of the royal guard to serve you and the other princesses.”

Also nodding slightly once more, Twilight bid farewell, “The pleasure was all mine. You and your mother have a wonderful day.”

As she walked away, she nodded to Ocean Song and gave her a quick compliment as well. “You should be really proud of your son, he is a truly polite young man.”

Bowing yet again, Ocean Song thanked her, " Thanks princess, I’m really grateful to hear that. Have a splendid day as well.”

With a last friendly glance, Twilight set off in the direction of the noble district. Again slightly lost in her own thoughts. Star Hunter has real potential, I must definitely remember checking after him in a few years. Maybe he can really reach his goal. I would be happy for him in any case.

Not even a minute later, she reached the 10 feet high outer wall of the noble district. There were no guards positioned at the outher gate, but it was still somewhat impressive to look at.

While Twilight trotted through the gate, her thoughts wandered about what made this area different from the rest of the city. In the noble district were the most distinguished stores and restaurants. - whereby this was probably more something for Rarity than for her - Even as a princess, Twilight still preferred the more secluded and simple as well as not so crowded stores. But the absolute best was still Donut Jo. She would not be shaken by that.

And after she became a princess, she even got her donuts there for free. By his own admission, Donut Joe would never dare let a princess pay anything for his goods. Even though both parties knew that Twilight secretly threw quite a few bits into the donation jar every time before she left the store.

Just as in the castle, there were several guards patrolling the noble district around the clock. Nevertheless, no one was barred from going in and out here. It was only the luxurious part of Canterlot, nothing more.

Twilight’s parents’ house was also located in the southwest of the noble district. Whereby one had to say rather gigantic mansion. After all, the house of Sparkle was one of the oldest and most respected families in Canterlot and not exactly known for poverty - but untold wealth was something else again. 

Moreover, since she was coronated as a princess. Her parents’ house was protected by an extra layer of always 2 guards at the entrance gate of her family’s house - So the protocol provided.

Twilight still could not help rolling her eyes at this thought. In her opinion this was completely unnecessary; her parents Night Light and Twilight Velvet were as ex-veteran and head of the research unit for magic well above average in the position to defend themselves. But some rules even a princess could not simply bypass, even if all four of them stood over the Equestrian law.

Another big difference from the rest of Canterlot were the Nobles. The thought alone made her mood a little dull. As most of the nobles were nodding at Twilight in a polite way, but furthermore were not paying any more attention to her - And even all that only because Twilight was a princess.

As Twilight had already learned at a young age from all the galas, festivals and other events - to which she was invited with her family. Most nobles only cared about something. If it brought them an advantage. Only a few of them were really friendly without expecting anything in return, like...

“Princess Twilight!”

Quite taken by surprise because she had been so deep in thought and had acted on autopilot, as she walked the streets, Twilight winced slightly at the exclamation of her name and title, and turned her head jerkily to the place of the exclamation. The stallion she saw there made her smile grow a lot bigger again. Oh wow, the coincidence strikes today, but once again properly. That’s exactly who I was thinking of.

Pleased, Twilight turned to face the stallion and greeted him with a wave of her hoof as well as spoke to address him.

“Fancy Pants! What a pleasure to see you here, I thought you were in Manehatten on important business?!”

Stopping close in front of Twilight, Fancy Pants bowed shortly in regard. “The pleasure is all mine Highness. And up until yesterday, so I was. But the meetings went easier and better than expected. That’s why I’m already back.”

“It’s always good to hear when important talks go better than expected. I know what I’m talking about”, voiced Twilight with a slight frown of her brows.

“I can only imagine, Princess. I was afraid I would have to stay longer but then everything went smoothly,” Fancy Pants replied with a laugh beneath a held hoof. 

Cringing inwardly Twilight pondered to herself. He does it on purpose. Doesn't he?

“Please Fancy, you’ve known me since I was five. And my parents are representatives of house Sparkle in the elite Council of Canterlot. Just as you are too - Twilight is quite fine.”

“As you wish your highness,” Fancy Pants teased with a smirk.

“You’re awful,” Twilight exclaimed with an attempted offended look, whilst she thumped him on his right shoulder carefully.

The look, however, had no effect on the stallion.

“Speaking of which, I was just on my way to the elite Council for a last-minute meeting. So I’m afraid I have to leave now.”

“That’s no problem, I’m honestly in quite a hurry myself”

“Well then, have a pleasant rest of your day Twilight Sparkle”

“You too Fancy Pants”

The two said their goodbyes with a quick wave of the front hoofs. And thereupon set off in opposite directions to their respective destinations.

Now running slightly faster to at least make up some of the lost time. Twilight stayed out of her own thoughts this time to avoid any further distractions.

However, it did not come to another encounter as before and so she reached the massive forecourt of the castle after about another 30 seconds.

Here, at galas or important events, the carriages with the arriving ponies drove up and were parked. Currently, however, the place was completely empty, except for a couple of young ponies, the two of them clearly flirting and the guards at the front gate of the castle.

As she approached the guards, Twilight raised her wings while the two guards at the gate saluted and greeted her.

“Princess!”

“Princess!”

This all was a gesture Celestia had taught her, and also explained Twilight that on the one hand it was a friendly greeting. But on the other hand, it also made the point of who the guards were interacting with. Because by law, the soldiers protect Equestria and were not allowed to forbid a princess anything. Which in this case was irrelevant anyway. Nearly every single guard knew Twilight personally, as she had lived in the castle for several years as Celestia’s student. And therefore she could have walked freely in and out of the castle at all times anyway.

Heck, the southern part of the castle with the tower where she had lived all those years was even renamed in her honour when she was crowned princess. And now bore the name “Magic District”, or almost as often used "Hall of Friendship". The other 3 districts were the “Solar District” in the north; “Lunar District in the west” and the “Emotion District in the east. A wing dedicated to each princess of Equestria. And furthermore in matching colours and decor adapted to the respective princess.

Hers was mostly in lavender/navy blue. With ritch ornaments, chandeliers, and various kinds of decoration dedicading the walls and ceiling. A matching carpet to her body color, magically lit flames in the same manner. Tons of stained windows and paintings dedicated to her friends and Twilight. As well as some subtle other things - At first Twilight had been insanely flustered about it, thinking that she didn’t deserve such an honour. But after a long talk with Luna and Cadance, she was convinced. Besides, the district was much too impressive to say no.

The three others were sunny yellow/white; dark blue/black and pink/purple. With also paintings and stained glass windows of each alicorn’s most glorious achievements. 

Just before she arrived at the gate, one of the unicorn guards activated his horn to open the front gate so Twilight could simply walk through. Then the gate was closed again behind her. Being a princess certainly had some useful advantages, Twilight smirked to herself.

Behind the big gate was the public part of the castle gardens, freely accessible to all ponies from 7 am to 8 pm every day. For instance, to relax, enjoy the sun on their coats, have a picnic and maybe if they were very lucky to see one of the princesses.

And as luck would have it for the Ponys today, Twilight was a princess walking by. Therefore, it wasn't surprising that many of the ponies in the park looked from their current activity and waved happily to her. After all, the princesses were in general very well-liked and respected. And, of course, friendliness paid off in both directions.

However that was not the reason why Twilight and the other 3 did what they did. After all, they were all determined to do the best for their ponies.

Directly behind the public part of the castle park was yet another wall with an equally impressive gate, this time guarded by a Pegasus and Unicorn guard on each side. Behind this wall lay the actual castle of Canterlot with its impressive private castle garden, the headquarters for the high-ranking officers of the royal guard and the captain of said guard.

This section was not open to the public and one needed a request, a staff badge or an invitation from the princesses to be allowed to pass. Since otherwise no passage was to be expected. Well, or you were a princess yourself and the gate was opened for you to pass through without complications. As said the title had its advantages.

Even though Twilight had lived in the castle for many years and had also helped Celestia and the castle’s security officers design and construct the defence mechanisms. She was still slightly impressed how effective the runes, wards and spells were.

One could not simply fly over or teleport into the inner ring of the castle. This task would require being “registered” in the network of defences - to call it that. Also as one might have guessed, all the Alicorn’s, Twilight’s friends and closest confidants of the royal house, as well as the captain of the guard were registered.

Though this made the procedure immensely laborious every time a post changed, it made it absolutely impenetrable. After all, there were close to 900 runes, wards and spells protecting the castle. And one had to be implemented into each one individually.

Canterlot Castle was, simply put, a stronghold of security. Which, as the most important building in all of the Kingdom Equestria, was not really a bad thing, if one thought about.

Compared to the outer castle garden, the inner garden was much smaller, but all the more beautiful. Spanned despite that but still a green strip from approximately 115 feet between the outer wall of the castle and the inner defence wall one time around the castle.

After trotting for a short moment, Twilight crossed the drawbridge over the moat of the castle. Where she repeated the previous gesture with the earth pony guards positioned there. Sword Swinger and Gold Chainmail, two of Celestia's highest ranked Guard members. There’s no turning back now, Twilight thought slightly nervous. As she walked deeper into the castle. On her way to Celestia’s personal chambers.




~~~ End of Chapter One ~~~