* Chapter Two - Part 1 *
Celestia's personal chamber were, as already mentioned, in the northern part of the castle and since the main entrance was in the southwest, with direct access to the throne room - If you followed the corridors. One had to walk through the southern, east and partly the western part of the castle to get to Celestia´s quarters.
As already in front of the gates of the castle, several guards were positioned on both sides of the corridors inside. To be exact at every second corner. If you really managed to get inside the castle uninvited, this was the end of the line. But as expected, none of the guards even made an effort to stop Twilight on her path. The only thing they did was salute and greet.
Friendly as Twilight was, she also greeted them with a slight nod and even called most of them by their names. Whereby she focused more on the huge, colourful and impressive windows, her hooves silently clicking on the carpeted floor.
Every time I pass by here I can't believe how much the six of us have achieved in only 5 years. Plus, each of our successful achievements has been eternaly incorporated into a stained glass window for all to see. That is simply unbelievable. I never thought I would be able to say that myself - after never really putting much effort into connecting with others. But those five girls are just absolutely irreplaceable, I wouldn't know what to do without them. Reflected Twilight with a warm feeling around her heart. Her body perhaps shining a little bit brighter for a second.
Just before the large, brown, gold-ornamented double doors to the western district of the castle, Twilight stopped abruptly in front of the last two windows. And contemplated the moments engraved there for all times.
The first one showed Twilight herself, in a glorious light shing through the window from outside. Creating a truly impressive display of colors. There she was, for the first time with crown, wings spread and the element of magic above her horn - The stained glass window in the honour of her coronation as Equestria's Crown Princess. Most likely the happiest and also the tensest day of her entire life. Still, a moment she wouldn't trade for anything in the world...Except maybe her friends.
The second was a more painful memory, as it showed the moment shortly after she had received her very own crystalline castle and the regency of Ponyville, as well as the proclamation regarding the Council of Friendship shortly after that.
Just fond memories, really. However, that had also been the day Lord Tirek had levelled her old library to the ground, in a violent display of fire, smoke, ripped books and wood. The material loss had been minimal in retrospect, since she had received a fully equipped castle with a total of 5 libraries of various sizes. In addition to the fact that Celestia had spared no effort a short time later to have as much of the old inventory as possible, mostly specific books, redelivered to Twilight's new castle - for which Twilight was still very grateful.
That favour was probably the best birthday present that anybody could have given to her. BUT it could not bring back the memories and beautiful moments of the Golden Oak library. And that still hurt after several months deep into the heart.
Well yes, Twilight's five friends, along with Spike, had helped her decorate the castle a few days later and had created a truly stunning chandelier from the old roots of the library's remains. Along with a total of hundreds of glowing jewels suspended from each individual root. Each containing a particular, important moment or fond memory. Still, Twilight couldn't completely get around the feeling of getting a little bleaker again.
But what was done was done and could not be undone, she encouraged herself. Besides, she had not come here for that particular reason.
And so, after another short round of reminiscing, Twilight set off back on the path through the double doors, her steps still mostly muffled by the lavender carpet.
Like the last time, the guards opened the door for her.
The short trip through a section of the Emotion District, as well as the Solar District to just before the doors of Celestia's chambers were also nice, but Twilight didn't stop again to take a closer look at the windows. Especially since she had done so hundreds of times before.
Momentarily standing motionless to collect herself, shortly closing her violet eyes and taking several deep breaths. Twilight raised her right front hoof to knock on Celestia's door.
The jumper moves in a sort of 'L' formation. It's only able to move to a square that is two squares horizontal and one square vertical, or two squares vertical and one square horizontal from the square it is currently said on." Celestia afterwards set the chess piece down and smiled at her opponent across the board. "Are there any more questions?"
"NO, THANK YOU." The Pale Horse heaved a sigh like the dying breath of a thousand orphans, preferring to move his pawn rather than attempt the knight. "YOU'D THINK I'D KNOW HOW TO PLAY THIS GAME BY NOW. IT'S NOT LIKE IT'S CHANGED AT ALL."
"And you'd think I'd learn how to deal with magical disasters by now," Celestia countered, shifting her remaining tower into a slightly better position. "Still, it's like there's always something going wrong somewhere. Sometimes I really wish I would be able to not care about any of it. But that really wouldn't be right.
A sudden knock, in a pattern all too familiar to Celestia, caused her to deviate from her current statement.
" Speaking of which," Celestia sighed resignedly, rising from her seat. "It seems we'll have to put our little game on hold for the time being."
"I CAN WAIT," the personification of death assured her. Celestia gave him a motherly smile and slipped through the door into her bedroom.
"Come in Twilight. The door is open."
While Celestia settled down onto one of the big, soft pillows in her bedroom she prepared another pillow and tea - The pot for this she always had on her nightstand for quick access. And after a short, golden spell to fill the pot with water and a few seconds of heating with a suitable spell. She hung 3 tea bags into the pot and put it aside on a nearby table for the time being - Twilight meanwhile had opened the door with her lavender magic and stepped into Celestia's bedroom. Where she promptly bowed politely after closing the door.
"Princess Celestia!"
Smirking slightly to herself, Celestia rose from her pillow anew and, to Twilight's total bewilderment and panic, also bowed in the same manner.
"Princess Twilight!"
"P- Princess Celestia what are you doing?"
Smirking "What do you think I'm doing? I'm greeting a princess of equestria as befits her dignity." By now they had both arisen and were looking each other straight in the eyes. Whereby Twilight looked rather confused and Celestia amused.
"B-but you're a princess of equestria yourself, remember?!", retorted Twilight with wide pupils and energetic raised wings.
Giggling softly into her hoof, Celestia continued, "And that, my dear Twilight, is a lesson you have yet to learn. We are both princesses. We don't have to be so formal with each other. You should realize that as a princess of this kingdom, you don't have to plead to be summoned, you can seek out your fellows and speak freely everytime you want - although I would prefer it to be at least somewhat normal times."
"B- but you and Luna are the regents of Equestria - the dual high princesses. Moreover, YOU are my role model. Of course, I must treat you with respect."
"Respect is always a good thing. But that's a lesson you didn't have to learn anyway. But honestly, are you sure you really want to keep addressing your equals like that?"
"Especially since the title as Regent, is nothing more than a title that obligates us to take care of the land. And to make sure that our ponies are doing well. Someday you will be regent of equestria yourself. And I don't think you'd be comfortable with the idea of Luna and me suddenly bowing for that reason alone. Wouldn't you? And if I remember correctly, you don't bow to Cadance. But rather, you have a good friendship with her. How do you explain that?"
At this statement, Twilight spread her wings wide open, twitching them frantically, "equal? Whatever do you mean by that? I am nowhere near as capable as you both. And certainly not worthy of being put on the same level as you and Luna. A- And Cadance is my former foal sitter. We've known each other forever and are very close. But YOU? Are YOU!"
Celestia easily waved off Twilight’s worries, with her front hoof and continued. "I beg you Twilight. Don't make yourself into something worse than you actually are. When you were recently coronated as Crown Princess, we had already made you aware of that. In fact, you are not inferior to us in anything and even surpass us sometimes. Well except not in experience, perhaps. But that my dear will come in time - And before you contradict me now, listen to me first. Would you?"
Celestia held Twilight in check with one of her gilded front hooves on the younger alicorns muzzle. As the latter had already opened her mouth to retort something.
"You are one of the smartest minds in the kingdom - Most likely the smartest, in fact. You are known for your impeccable intellect, sophisticated scientific methods, breath-taking ingenuity in design, philosophical understanding, leadership qualities, your ability to and consistency ...one would think this would be an immense burden on a single pair of shoulders."
"But you are an alicorn, your already impressive abilities have been further augmented not only physically, but mentally." Celestia then almost didn't manage to continue talking, as Twilight was so red-faced that she could even rival Big Mac.
Spreading one of her Wings and pulling Twilight a little bit closer she proceeded.
"Yet I can understand why you have such an inhibition. Luna and I are thousands of years old. That's several times older than magic makes it even possible for a regular pony to live. These results in an impressive effect on you, as well as others, which makes us seem like beings with endless knowledge and supernatural abilities."
"Yet we are no different than you or Cadance - alicorn remains alicorn - no matter which one we are talking about."
"That's also why I dearly hope that one day you will be able to look me in the eyes. And see in it not a government figure, but a counterpart and friend. Because that's what I really want our relationship to be."
Now less crimson than a minute before, but with glistening tears in her eyes. Twilight looked up at Celestia and opened her muzzle several times without a sound. Visibly searching for words. "Prin- Celestia! Are you serious about what you were saying just now?
Pulling Twilight even closer with her wing and giving her a good, strong hug with it she proceeded.
"Of course, I'll gladly help you if the need arises. But you have long possessed all the necessary skills of a true leader and do not need me to secure your approval. We have as much confidence in you as you have in me. Furthermore, you have helped to save Equestria so many times and have personally worked so many wonders. I can think of no test of trust that you have not already passed and exceeded spectacularly. You are far beyond proving yourself in that regard." Celestia smiled back with a motherly smirk.
Twilight was a bit shaky in voice when she replied and used her left wing to clear the still small tears of joy from her eyes. "Thank you Celestia. I have a feeling, somehow, that was just needed."
"And even though it will probably be quite a few decades before you ascend the throne of Canterlot - all depending on the fact, when the time arises in which you do want to rule the country and feel confident in doing so. Both the Crown of my sister and I are rightfully yours by law. No pony could change that, even if they wanted. That's not how the equestrian laws were written thousands of years ago. For you hold the titel of crown princess of Equestria, our successor and next in line as the heir for the high throne of our beloved kingdom."
"As there can only be one at the time and the laws are clear what that Position entitels, there is no debat about who will inherit our Crown after we step down from the Canterlot throne. Still we have a great amount of time for that, so you can have all the time in the World you want to. Neither of us will force you to assend the throne if you don't feel ready. Even if I'm still as confident as I could be, you would be ready for it by now."
Celestia paused for several seconds, sorted her thoughts and then continued with a wide smile on her muzzle in Twilight's direction.
"At that Time I'm looking forward to a more extended vacation. And as said before, I have every bit off confidence in your abilities and those of your friends to support you." Celestia induced a short pause and smirked mischievous even more - "And of course for the Chance to rag you with the title of Queen of Equestria that is." Celestia finally added.
Taken aback Twilight snapped open her eyes in bewilderment and jumped up from her pillow. Wings flared wide.
"Queen of Equestria? Why queen? You and Luna hold the title of Princess of Equestria, as regents of the kingdom, don't you?" The confusion was more than evident on Twilight's face.
Clearing her throat, Celestia explained the situation to the younger Alicorn.
"According to Equestrian law, if only one princess sits on the throne in Canterlot and rules the kingdom, then she must hold one of these two titles - as the Kingdom is then a Monarchy on paper. You can choose between" Queen" and "Empress" - If, as in Luna's and my case, more than one princess rules Equestria then the title "Princess" falls to us by default, as the Kingdom is documented like a Diarchie."
Seeing Twilight's question, but continuing to talk as the question would be answered that way.
"Yes, even if we rule Equestria, all four together in equality. Thus creating a Tetrarchie, by our own decisions. The legal form by law still remains unchanged. And honestly I don't see any disadvantages in it. The laws were decided thousands of years ago, when Equestria was founded, by the representatives of the pony tribes, you should be familiar with. And still remained mostly unchanged through the entire time. And as I'm sure you also know. That whereupon the founding we were chosen by them to be the regents of the kingdom ever since."
Grinning sheepishly, with slightly back layed ears, Twilight returned her answer. "Eh...Yes I would prefer Queen Way more in that case." Continuing to move her hoof in circles while frowning. "That sounds less...imperious?
Twilight firmed her body. "Still. I had come here because I needed your advice, about a book I found today." - While Twilight retrieved the book from her pocket dimension, Celestia settled back on her pillow and pulled the other one right next to hers. Close enough that when Twilight would sit down on it, there furs could touch.
"Well then, I am curious to know what kind of book it is." Friendly grinning. "But first, why don't you sit with me? And tell me if there's any news from Ponyville. We haven't seen each other for a few weeks. And I'm honestly very interested in knowing, how things come along."
Twilight followed the offer, during which she wiggled her head this way and that in thoughts, swishing her tail behind her in rhythm. With slight anticipation she finally layed down next to Celestia.
She was visibly still a bit nervous, as she felt her lavender fur lay against Celestia's pure white. And her incredible good senses, she now possessed as an alicorn didn't make it any easier, in ignoring the subtle touching - and don't get me started on the wings. Pegasus wings were already highly sensitive, but the ones of an Alicorn were another level entirely.
Noticing the tension in Twilight’s body, Celestia put one of her wings over Twilight's back and pulled her closer. To which Twilight replied with a startled squeal, while flushing a little bit red yet again.
"Epp! Hey, what are you doing?"
With a sly grin, Celestia replied "Huh? I just want you to be comfortable. Isn't that the case? Feel free to slip away should you not like it."
Instantly dispersing the thought. "No, no. I was just surprised. You're very nice and warm, it's actually really comfy." Replied Twilight as she blushed even more. Even Celestia couldn't quite get around it either.
Clearing her throat, Celestia started the conversation. "Well then. Would you like some tea first? I've got your favourite kind of chamomile brewing. It may be a little strong and bitter, as it was ready brewed some minutes ago. But I don't think that shouldn´t be too much of a problem."
Eagerly nooding. "Oh yes I'd love some. A nice warm chamomile tea would be just the thing right, for our conversation", came the grinning reply by the other mare.
Reaching for a filled cup with her brilliant-raspberry magic, Twilight made herself a bit more comfortable. Afterwards she wanted to start telling Celestia what had happened in the last 4 weeks.
"Ewww, this tea is definitely quite bitter," Twilight complained after her first sip, whilest she wrinkled her snout and jerked back, putting down her ears in strong disgust.
Not wanting to let Twilight feel bad about her favourite flavour of tee, Celestia reached for the Sugar with her golden magic. "Here, try it with a little sugar. Maybe then it´s drinkable." Whereupon 4 pieces of sugar fell into Twilight's teacup with a slight plop.
"Thanks a lot!"
Taking a sip from her cup and not making a displeased face this time, Twilight now could begin telling. "There's actually not much new to tell you. The last few weeks have generally been very quiet. Except for maybe a few conversations with the Ponyville Council and Mayor Mare about some construction projects that needed to be approved. As well as the final accounting of the expenses of Ponyville." Turning to Celestia." I guess you are all too well familiar with that?"
"Oh, yes, more than too well," Celestia laughed so harshly and energetically that her entire body vibrated. "Whereas, in my experience, the amount of work involved is not that much greater when comparing the size of Ponyville to Canterlot. If I remember correctly, the currently acting council takes over a large part of the work, for you as well. And all you have to do, just like us, is giving your consent. Am I right?" Celestia inclined her head afterwards.
Also laughing and taking another sip from her cup, Twilight continued. "Yes you´re right. Most of the work is already taken off my hoofs - Quite convenient I might add.
Thinking briefly Twilight continued. "Also, for Rarity's sake, I was supposed to ask if the property to the left of her boutique is for sale. She would like to expand it."
"Did it work out?"
"Unfortunately, no. The property is currently occupied by a protected species until the end of the fall. And Fluttershy would certainly not be overly pleased if the little ones were left without a habitat overnight. However, I have already asked her to talk to the animals. To tell them that from next year on they will live on another beautiful place - I think with Fluttershy as a supervisor, the new home will be breathtakingly beautiful," Twilight finally added with a cheeky grin.
Nodding her head sympathetically, Celestia added her own thoughts. "I don't doubt that at all. Your friend Fluttershy is the best when it comes to animals. I'm really surprised she hasn't put in a petition to build a sanctuary for all the animals near Ponyville. - Or just ask you," Celestia implied with a wink.
Laughing to herself, Twilight had to wait several seconds before she was able to respond to Celestia. "Yes you're right, I´m kind of surprised myself. I might ask Fluttershy about it later when I get back to Ponyville. I'm sure she's just still a bit too shy to ask, even if I´m one of her closest friends - as well as the prime Authority." Twilight quietly added at the End whilst she raised her left front hoove to indicate she wasn't finished. "But that has improved a lot in the last years; I remember that in the beginning it was almost impossible for her to talk to other ponies than her parents. She has made good progress", Twilight smiled fondly.
Acknowledging the fact, Celestia bowed her head. "Yes that is truly delightful - So is there anything more to tell?" While they both took several sips from their respectful cups.
Thinking briefly and scratching her chin with her hoof, Twilight shook her head. "Hm no, not that I can think of anything else right off the second. So, I'd like to talk about this book now. I'm really starting to get a little impatient." With slightly laid back ears and an apologetic look, Twilight gazed up at Celestia.
With a dismissive hoof gesture to indicate she had no problem with that, Celestia continued. "Absolutely no issue at all. After all, that's why you came to me in the first place. So...let me see it then, maybe I can help you along."
Grabbing the book Twilight had put aside earlier, again in characteristic magic. She showed it to Celestia. "This one! I found it today in the last shipment of books I got recently. Do you know it and have any knowledge of it?" Celestia was asked by Twilight, with an expectant expression.
For a very brief moment, Twilight could see a shadow pass over Celestia's eyes. However, it had disappeared so quickly that she wasn't sure if she had really seen it. So she dismissed the thought.
Nodding. "Oh yes, this book looks familiar. I think I have seen it before somewhere. Still, I can't remember exactly what was written in its pages. So it might be better if you read me the indicated part."
Slightly confused, Twilight replied with a pointing gesture at the book. "Well, from the title, you can tell that it's about Alicorn's. After all, it's titled "The Alicorn Book." on the cover. However, I've read some things in there that confuse me and I'd like to have your opinion - whether it's really true or not. After all, you've been an Alicorn much longer than I have."
Shifting her sitting position again slightly, Celestia replied with a maternal smile to Twilight. "Then please read to me what exactly confuses you that this book says about an Alicorn," Celestia kindly prompted Twilight.
"Okay, so it does state here...," Twilight began as she opened the book to the second page. Celestia looked curiously over Twilight's shoulder to read along as well.
Preface:
“An Alicorn, a mystical creature with a legendary status as well as a pure and divine soul. Free of malice, greed and ill thoughts. Gifted with the feathers of pegasi, the power of an earth pony and the magic of a unicorn, all in far greater Control. The graceful, perfect fusion of body, mind and spirit. Blessed with powers beyond the comprehension of mortals. Everlasting, supreme entity of order. Righteous, protective, and loyal to anyone who is willing to shelter or protect others in need - Or simply be guided by their actions. But merciless to all who are filled with pure hatred and darkness, like creatures who want to see the universe suffer. They see through the chaos, know the way which shall be chosen. The trace of their hooves is guidance for all the living. Leader, who shall be followed. The cutie mark of the Alicorn´s always represents their unique ability which was born with them - Every Alicorn has a unique spell that only they possess since their birth → those abilities can't be learned nor inherited.”
The paragraph ended with that and Twilight closed the book once again. Whereby she still seemed quite puzzled. "I just don't know what quite a bit of it is supposed to mean. And what the heck are these unique spells, please? I've never heard of anything like that."
Clearing her throat and curving her muzzle up to a decent smile, Celestia began to explain. "Well. Everything in this book is about right. It pretty much briefly describes the main aspects of what an Alicorn is and what it stands for. Almost precisely the same way it ought to be in the public books in the libraries. Although slightly modified, which was unfortunately required for certain reasons. But more about that later. I assume it strongly you are very interested in what these special spells are all about?", Celestia smirked in Twilight´s direction.
While Twilight's wings unfolded slightly in excitement, unnoticed by her, making a damn cute picture in Celestia's eyes. She grinned expectantly at her former mentor. "Burning! Is it really true that there are spells that no one else can learn but us?" You could practically see and hear the feathers in Twilight's wings twitching and rustling with excitement.
"Yes, Almost 100% correct.", Celestia agreed. "There are actually only 4 spells that just 1 alicorn each can ever learn and the talent is truly unique. You see each of us owns exactly one of them, and has named it personally. Cadance, for example, can cast the self-proclaimed "Love Crush". According to the observation, the solidified form of love. - I assume you are aware that love, friendship and harmony are as solid forces as wind and water?"
Nooding. "Oh, Yes. This is even usually covered in class, in the upper grades of school. And there are endless books about it, too," Twilight grinned, eyes shining.
Celestia had to chuckle once again at the younger Alicorn's inquisitiveness. "Exactly. So like I said Cadance can cast a spell that uses pure love to attack. Then there's also Luna with Luna Strike, a beam of pure lunar energy, and myself with Solar Strike. A spell where I use pure solar energy to attack. - Well and insofar as I know, you haven't named your spell yet. But from what I've seen in your fights, I'd say your attacks are passively enhanced by the powers of friendship. And for sure your special attack should be the solid form of friendship." Celestia reasoned flatly.
Before Twilight could give her answer however, her wings sprouted to full span due to tension and anticipation. Much to the alicorn's distress. "Damm it, I sometimes hate these things. Why don't they do what I want them to do?" Twilight pondered while forcing her Wings back to her Sides with her Hoof. Celestia could only lightly chuckle and even Twilight didn´t seem to be really annoyed. Just irritated.
"You will get used to it. Not even after such long time I am totally resistant against such sudden hiccups"
"Eh, nevertheless. But that knowledge is absolutely incredible. Well almost even unrealistic. Though I've since learned that you should never preclude anything from the start. Equestria is full of surprises after all." Laughing, Twilight then added." I would say I call my spell "Friendship Strike" - I think that's a fitting name."
Also laughing, Celestia replied. "Truly a fitting name, for a spell so devoted to friendship."
Technically, they both wanted to chat some more, but Twilight interrupted Celestia frantic.
"Wait, I just noticed something." She flipped the book back open to the same page than before and hastily skimmed the text. Definitely looking for something specific. Having found it she tapped it with her Front hoof. "Here, in this line. *Everlasting, supreme entity of order.* - Everlasting? Is this supposed to mean each alicorn is immortal?". Twilight exclaimed with a slight tremor in her voice and an uncertain look at Celestia. Her pupils only small dots by now. Seemingly not very thrilled to know the answer, she would get from her.
Smiling sincerely and thinker her own thoughts in her head Celestia responded. "Yes my dear Twilight. That is exactly what is implied. We Alicorns are perfectly immortal in terms of existing. No alteration in space or time is able to do anything to us. Nor is it possible to travel through time to prevent our existence. The universe does not allow this to happen because..."
A sudden hectic leaping up, followed by an outcry from Twilight. Whereby she slapped Celestia with her left wing in the face interrupting the white princess.
Nothing furthermore happened to Celestia except that she didn't really expect it and was startled by the action. As the lower part of a Pegasi or alicorn´s wing was relatively softer than one would imagine, except for several thin bones.
NO! NO! NO, I'm really sorry but I can't do this. If being an alicorn means that I will outlive all my friends. Then I don't want my crown or any of it."
Enclosing her golden crown in her raspberry magic she took it off her head and held it out to Celestia energetically. "Take it and everything else back, please. Give it to a pony that truly deserves it."
Taking the crown into her golden magic, Celestia looked at Twilight's regalia briefly. Before promptly placing it back onto Twilight's head, smiling comforting. "This crown already belongs to the pony that deserves it more than anyone else. There is no one to whom it should belong rather. And even if I wanted to, I couldn't change any of this."
"WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SAY WITH THAT PLEASE?" roared Twilight in Celestia's direction with the full force of the royal Canterlot voice. As more and more tears ran down her cheeks." Celestia's mane was completely blown out of shape by the sheer force. While everything behind her that was not firmly anchored was swept away. Fortunately, thanks to the massive amount of protective spells, nothing was broken at all. WOW! If there weren't so many protection spells on this room, it would most likely be uninhabitable.
Also rising to get Twilight back under control, Celestia spread her right wing to assist Twilight. Twilight, however, shied away from her and energized her horn, in a truly impressive display of spells, runic shapes and circles. Completely panicked and possibly with the intention of keeping Celestia away, with everything she could think off, from her if necessary.
With a slight frown Celestia stayed where she was, alicorn magic was not to be trifled with and she wouldn't wish anyone to be hit by it unintentionally. Even if an alicorn really hadn´t to care about such plain things. The structure of her room, internal and external structure of Canterlot castle and rest of Canterlot would surely be grateful, if Twilight didn't attack her.
Folding the wing back to her side so as not to make the situation worse and get a free flight out of the castle. She started talking slowly and caringly to Twilight.
"I meant to say that it is not possible for me to have any influence on your alicorn existence. Nor to have ever had one. So listen to me, please. There's a bunch of things I should have explained to you, at a sooner time."
"How! What? I don't understand." Twilight´s brain probably had just crashed and all of a sudden, Twilight was completely silent. She just stared at Celestia completely motionless. Her previous grief completely forgotten. Even though tears were still running down her cheeks and her horn was still lit.
"Let me explain. It's like this..."
*Knock Knock*
The sudden sound startled Twilight, who would have hit Celestia right in the chest, thanks to her still-lit horn. If the indicated mare didn't have greatly improved alicorn reaction times, had heard the approaching hoofsteps, and in wise foresight was already ready to cast spells.
Therefore, she was able to intercept Twilight's unwanted attack, compress it into an incredibly dense ball of energy, and teleport it into her sun as additional energy. All this in a fraction of a second.
Hmm, never say no to a free 2 years of luminosity.
The Voice from the other side of the door was heavily concerned. "Sister? Is everything alright? Can I come in? - The whole castle just trembled. And I sounded like it was dear Twilight who was the one screaming."
Still a bit shaken from Twilight's outburst just seconds before. It was almost impossible for Celestia to answer her Sister Luna. But in a somewhat brittle and very quiet voice, she nevertheless invited Luna in.
"C-come in, the door is not locked!"
Dark blue, almost black magic seized the door not a second later, whereupon it opened inwards and Luna cautiously and curiously poked her head through. When she caught sight of the ongoing situation in the room, she energetically opened the door completely with an audible exclamation and the door slamming against the doorframe. The door, due to the sheer force decently cracked and broke from its hingers at the highest point. Absent-minded, Luna fixed, with a slight blush, the door and stepped into Celestia's quarters.
"What the hell is going on here? Twilight...? Why are you in tears? With a sinister look, noticeable deeper voice and slightly pulled back lips, Luna growled at her older sibling afterwards. "SISTER?! WHAT did you DO to dear Twilight?"
Due to the rather expected outburst by her younger sister. Since the aforementioned had an overly excellent friendship with Twilight. Celestia was able to answer fairly calmly. However, she hung her head sadly.
"Twilight had asked me about a certain book and I couldn't lie to her....anymore. And well, as you can see she didn't really like the answer I had for her."
Before Luna could say anything in response, all three Alicorns were reminded of their most important and sacred task of the day by an all too familiar pull. Knowing what to do at this point, even if the moment was more than inappropriate for it, Luna turned to the other two Mares currently in the room.
"As much as I'd like to know what's going on here. And as painful as it is to see Twilight and you in distress. We three know what we have to be doing now."
Stricking a pleading look, to increase the effectiveness. "And for the love and safety of our ponies we should do our job. After that, we can settle this misunderstanding once and for all."
Both nodding, Twilight and Celestia followed Luna to the balcony outside Celestia's private quarters. Reaching the monstrous glass double door first, Luna opened said doors with her magic and held it open for the others, whereupon she stepped through as well. Still, she couldn't help but give another pitying/encouraging look to Twilight. After she saw how she hung her head and ears while walking. Even though she tried to put on a happy expression, she failed both miserably.
Once on the massive balcony, with it's unbiased view across Canterlot and the surrounding area, the two older Alicorn's activated their horns to set the sun to rest and the moon to the sky, in an magnificent display of grace, power and motion.
The afternoon light, that the sun gave so late in the day to Equestria, slowly faded from view until it wasn't anymore than a thin band of pleasent red, orange and yellow at the Horizon. At this Moment Luna begann to accend the moon into the sky. The very much cooler and smother colors of blue and white began to overshadow the still strong light of Celestia's sun. Until the moon was at around half its hight. Whereupon Celestia once again activated her horn and fully set the sun below the horizon. Thus creating a slowly, but static discrease of light, that slowly fully faded into the light of Luna's moon.
With this accomplished, they waited for the stars to appear, but nothing like that happened. Turning around in confusion, they spotted Twilight standing stock-still, no apparent physical movement left in her body. Not even a breath motion was to be seen anymore. Looking at each other slightly uncertain faces, Celestia and Luna waited.
Twilight’s even further than pegasus, enhanced alicorn senses, allowed her to gaze across their entire kingdom with it's beautiful landscape, tall mountains, deep valleys and vast oceans. She could even see the borders of Equestria and the surrounding empires. Like the smokey dragon lands; partly clouded Griffonstone; a very tall and suspicious mountain in an distant ocean; the cold, snowy but netherless welcoming Crystal Empire and so much more. Her Vision was only broken by the natural curvature of Equus.
~~~ End of Chapter Two - Part 1 ~~~