//------------------------------// // 8. Skulking Between the Shelves // Story: Mirror Mirror // by LittleFaerieFire //------------------------------// Skulking Between the Shelves Cadance The rest of the day that I spent with Shining shadowing him as he went through his school day was an enjoyable experience. We thankfully didn't have another session of deal-making. I had already suffered through two such occurrences, were another to happen I was not liable for what I would do. Taking a moment to breathe out as I let the stress of the day bleed out into the air. Glancing back towards Canterlot High School I could see the students leaving, focusing in on one student, in particular, was an easy task. Especially when Shining had walked with me to the carriage. I knew he couldn't see me but I still waved one of my wings at him one more time. It would be a long wait until I was properly crowned Princess, but afterward, I would be able to spend my time around ponies my age. Relaxing into the cushioned seat I fell into a conjured fantasy of my future in the school. Even with being a Princess most of the students would quickly get over their gawking and reverence, and I would spend my time together with a tight-knit group of friends. Of course, as the Princess of Love, I would happily give out relationship advice whenever they requested it. That would be a nice change of pace. Instead of skulking through a castle filled with guards, staff, and Sunset. Celestia had done her best to make the transition a pleasant one but she stood firm on a few of her rulings. Such as my gilded guards, Rebound, and Gentle who were tasked to be my shield whenever I was outside of the castle's walls. Another far more annoying ruling was that I was unable to enter any place of learning until my coronation. Falling into an agitated state I lightly shook my head allowing my mane to freely catch upon the air. Opening my eyes and seeing the beautiful sight of the Canterlot Castle in the distance. While It was indeed beautiful I could only hope that during my stay that it would not quickly lose its luster. Perhaps I could convince Celestia that I was able to enter the school as a student before my coronation earlier? It would be a matter to think upon. I had more pressing concerns such as finding the healing magic that Shining had requested and once more learning to fly. Glancing towards the sun moving towards the horizon I made my decision as we touched down. “I will spare you both tonight but tomorrow I would prefer that you both were available to help me relearn to fly. I have gone too long without the ability to fly on my wings.” I said once more in a regal tone. “Of course your Princessessness.” Rebound said dropping into as much of a bow as he could while still attached to the chariot. “We shall be ready to assist this fledgling flier to learn how to properly soar upon the winds.” He exclaimed with a fervor that was unmatched by Gentle. She simply nodded and separated herself from the carriage. “What time would you want us both to assist you?” Gentle asked, turning around and meeting my eyes. “Shall we start just after noon?” I offered to the two guards who both froze. “How about two?” I said my tone showing a sliver of apology. I didn't realize that they had a date planned for tomorrow. After watching them both glance at each other for half a minute Gentle finally nodded her head. I couldn't help but wonder if it would be preferred if I pushed it off a day. Before I could open my mouth Gentle spoke up. “Two works for the both of us. I will make sure that we have space to practice.” She says with a short wave of her wing as she trotted off into the castle proper. Turning my eyes to Rebound who had managed to get himself stuck in the harness. I could see the colt before me begin to tremble something fierce, as his eyes began to flow with tears.  “You know I could leave you here.” I started enjoying how the crocodile tears quickly faded away, replaced by an amused glint that I quickly squashed “Gentle wouldn't even blame me. After all, which one of you was the one who spent the entire day making veiled references to both Shining and myself about several barely veiled carnal acts?” It is at this point that the colt pretending to be a stallion begins to swallow his pride. I however shoot him a bright smile as I help him escape his confines. “It was amusing to see Shining blush. However, he does have a mare that he already has his eyes on so in the future I would ask that you stop when I ask you to or I will look into transferring you to Canterlot High as Principal Cinch’s aid. Did I make myself clear?” I said, not letting the cheer drop from my voice. Rebound shuddered slightly but nodded. “Crystal” He says in a warbly-sounding voice before he rushes off in the way that Gentle went. Shaking my head at the sight of the retreating Pegasus. I wonder if he was going to tell on me to his partner? Probably not I however would likely be in store for something mildly degrading or embarrassing in return. Shaking my head in amusement I spent a moment longer looking over the city. It truly was a masterpiece of work. A shining light that had cleansed the darkness of a once shadow-filled world. In the distance, I could faintly see the moon beginning its journey to replace the sun. Turning my back on the lunar figure I began to make my way toward the castle. Celestia would want to check up on how today went. Moving through the castle towards the royal auditorium where Celestia held her court from dawn to dusk. I could see after a short trot the assembly that had gathered each waiting for their turns with the ruler of Equestria. It would be far easier to report to her later so I changed my destination to the library. After all, there were numerous books that I would have to search through. Perhaps I shouldn't have allowed Rebound to escape relatively unpunished. Well, it was unlikely to matter in either the short or long term. I could always enlist the library ponies to help with my search. With my head held high, I entered the royal library and began my search for the medical magic section and a librarian.  I found the second easily enough it was the brown Unicorn that had kicked… Politely asked me to leave the library. He had his nose buried in, tilting my head slightly to read the title, “Noble Bloodlines”, a rather large book that had his entire attention. Even as I trotted over to him he made no sign that he knew that he was now in the presence of royalty. I managed to get within horns distance of him before his eyes flickered up from the pages and met my form. Instantly the once sedentary pony was a wave of motion as he turned to fully face me.  “Ah, Princess!” He squeaked out as the silver magic that held up the book shattered as its caster lost concentration. It would have impacted the ground as the pony was so busy bowing instead of saving his reading material. I prevented any potential damage to the book as I caught it with my magic before it could fall to the library's floor. “As a librarian, shouldn't you focus on preserving knowledge and books? Not letting them slam into the floor?” I asked as he once more straightened himself before me his wide eyes still resting upon my own, but he did no longer seem as if he were about to explode. “Ah my apologies Princess, I didn't expect any pony to patronize the library at this time.” He said before pausing and opening his mouth once more. “I never introduced myself, a thousand apologies to the future fearless ruler of the realms. I am, Storyteller.” He introduced himself with a shallow bow. “Pleasure to meet you, Storyteller. None of the bowing is needed however as I was the one who startled you.” I said waving off his concern with my wing. I smiled before I continued “Are you busy?” I asked while gesturing to the large book that was still floating in my grasp. “Ah, my apologies Princess.” He said as his magic enveloped mine. Huh for such an excitable pony his magic was controlled and not at all frantic. He must have spent a long time honing his control. Letting go of the book as I watched it float to his side. “And no, I was simply studying some research on Prince Blueblood’s lineage, as he is visiting this vaunted castle in a few short days. I have no interest in simply slighting him or his entourage so I hypothesized how it would be a smart move to do some serious studying.” I couldn't help but frown at what Storyteller had just said. “Prince?” I questioned. As there were no Princes in Equestria and even if there were I would likely have been told of their existence when I had become an Alicorn. After all, I was going to become a Princess in a short while. Storyteller adopted a thoughtful look before he answers my question. “Well not a prime Prince of royal regality, but he does hold a position of high nobility.  His family claims that they can trace their lengthy lineage back to King Cobalt. His family has been claiming the titles of Prince and Princess for countless centuries. Princess Celestia has never raised an issue with the fact, so most forthright ponies don't either.” Seeing the confusion that was written across my face he sighed before proffering the book over to me. “They should arrive a day after the Griffon's ambassador.” I accepted the book and slipped it into my saddlebag even while I winced as I thought of even more being piled onto what I needed to do. It had to be done, however. Who would have thought that to become a Princess you needed to do so much homework? Castle work technically I guess? That aside I voiced my question to Storyteller. “Visiting nobility aside, would you be willing to point me towards the section of the library on healing magics?” I could push off the Prince that wasn't a Prince and deal with it later. Now that I thought of it the name Blueblood was vaguely familiar. Either way, I would bring it up to Celestia tomorrow. If there was a particular way I should act it would be prudent to know before he arrived. “Of course Princess. If you wouldn't mind making your way after me?“ He asked as he began a trot deeper into the library. “I am impressed by your inquisitive nature towards the art of healing Princess. Perhaps if more ponies performed such highly patronized practices, further ponies would be protected and more potions produced.” He rambled off with a smile as he led me further into the depths of the royal library. Not once did Storyteller double back before he stopped in front of a particular section of the library. “The healing section my majesty.” He states with a grand display before continuing in his normal tone “Do you require any more assistance?” “Thank you for your help, but unless you know which book holds a spell to fix a broken Unicorn horn, no thank you,” I responded dryly as I was looking at what appeared to be three entire bookcases that stretched on and on. This would indeed take some time. Storyteller looked pensive for a moment before speaking. “Princess I am unsure if you know having just gotten your horn, but for most Unicorns, if we are to break our horn it is almost impossible to be fixed.” He catches the look on my face as he continues “It is the most complex tool that ponies, well most specifically Unicorns, have. I unfortunately must damn your hopes.” He once more paused before speaking the final words that crashed over me. “There is no way to heal a broken Unicorn horn.” That… was unfortunate to the highest degree of annoyance. That does bring up why if there wasn't a spell to fix a broken horn it wasn't shared far and wide. If that were the case, Shining's soon-to-be mare friend would have had her horn restored long ago. Without this spell which didn't exist, I wouldn't be able to get easy access to the information that Shining Armors family has on the Crystal Empire. Why would Sunset claim that there was a book that could have fixed her horn then? To taunt her opponent? To simply degrade her even further? Because she could? Was this another example of her burning another pony for amusement? Giving them hope only to let them fruitlessly strive for a false panacea. “Princess, please, the books! Please be careful!” Storyteller exclaimed with a panicked hurry as I snapped back to reality and I could see a familiar pink hue covering the shelf that we were in front of. I couldn't help but glare at the shelf that was covered in my magic. Tilting my head to get a better look at my unconscious work, I had covered an entire bookcase and every book. It would be all too easy to flick that mental command and will my frustrations upon the books that did not hold hope, but I took a calming breath and envisioned myself upon the crystal throne. All the while corralling my magic back from the books. It would be a pointless endeavor to destroy these books. I imagined myself within the crystalline palace and took a deep breath. “My apologies.” I breathed out. “I was under the impression that I could find a book that had a spell that could fix a broken horn,” I said, ensuring I kept my emotions in control. It would have been disastrous if I had destroyed all of those books. So much would have been lost if I had let my temper get the best of me. “No worries at all Princess, it looks as if there was no damage.” Storyteller said with a grimace as he checked over the books. Before he turns to me his eyes burn with excitement “Perhaps your impression is not incorrect. I do not doubt that within these books there are secrets left forgotten. After all, that is the reason why I partook in this position.” He says as books from the first bookcase begin to float over to one of the tables. I couldn't help myself as I watched Storyteller begin to hum an off-tune. After a shelf of books had been situated at the table he nodded before making his way over. Sitting at the table and flipping open a book.  “Storyteller?” I called out in confusion. His eyes flicked up from the book towards me. “Oh yes. What do you need, Princess, I can of course provide much more help.” He answered as if I needed more of his help. “Why are you helping me this much?” My question must catch him off guard as the tune he is humming stops. “I do indeed believe that this is my job?” Storyteller tilts his head in confusion. “I mean if you were to go through all these tomes by yourself Princess it would perhaps take many moons.” He continued before turning back to the book in front of him. I felt a smile stretch over my face as I trotted over towards the table. Taking a seat I copied Storyteller’s actions after I gave him my thanks.  There we sat for hours only taking a break to get some food. Storyteller waved off my concern stating that as long as I didn't use the books as plates, he would happily take the heat for eating in the library. We went through about a dozen books. From ‘The Trinity of Healing’ by Debaker and ‘Lengthening Lifespans’ by an unnamed author. When I began to read through that book, Storyteller couldn't help but chuckle. When I had asked him what was amusing about this particular book he had of course answered. “The pony that wrote that book has quite an interesting view on the preciousness of a pony's life.” He said as if that explained why he thought that was amusing. Only upon reading the book myself did I find out why he found it amusing. The author had an amusing proclivity for alliteration I do believe. Even more so than Storyteller. Eventually, the sun ended its journey across the sky and night began properly. I would inform Celestia about my experience in Canterlot High tomorrow. I may or may not have forgotten about informing her. She would understand, after all, I was doing this to help some pony. However when it was eventually just myself and Storyteller once more in the library. I was prepared to be once more asked to leave. Storyteller instead proceeded to once more surprise me. “Alright, Princess I am not as much of a night pony as I used to be.” He yawned shaking his head. “Graciously give me a merry moment,” he said as he trotted out of view. Returning a minute later with a golden key floating beside him. “Just promise that you will refrain from burning down the books within the library?” he asked as the key floated over to me, setting itself down next to the book I was currently skimming through. “Thank you, Storyteller. I promise that none of the books shall be harmed under my care.” I responded after a moment. Struck by how much he was willing to do for me. After a pause, I decided to check if he was certain about allowing me to stay later. “Are you sure that this is alright? I wouldn't want you to get into trouble with your boss.” Storyteller just made a small smile. “I highly doubt Princess Celestia would care about me letting the newly ascended Alicorn search for a potential way to heal a pony.” He said once more, yawning. “In truth were I a younger stallion I would happily help you search through the night, but alas.” He ends off with a shrug. “Oh just be sure to lock up after your dutiful searching is done.” He said as he trotted away. “Thank you” I called out to the hastily retreating pony. Storytellers' kindness would allow me to push forth and check through many more books tonight. While I doubted even if I stayed up all night looking through the books I would be able to get through even one-third of the first bookshelf. It was still more progress than I would have had. With the night awaiting me, I began once more my search with renewed vigor. It was only after two more food runs and getting through another dozen books that a new font of light brightened the library. Instead of the enchanted candle that I was using it was a fountain of flames. No, it was more a torrent, a very familiar one. The flames quickly fade away as an amber Unicorn stepped through them. Sunset had somehow managed to look even worse than how she had during our lesson two days ago. Her mane was somehow even more frazzled, but what was most concerning was her eyes. Easily illuminated by a floating ball of light that hovered over her side. The twin orbs of emerald were filled with hate. Instead of the softness that is so often found in the eyes of ponies, Sunset's eyes were shards of obsidian that scanned the room. I quickly threw myself under the table. Hiding from her sight. Princess Celestia’s brooch or not you don't go poking an angry dragon. A moment later the air quickly heated. Taking a moment to still the pounding of both my heart and ears I continued to watch as Sunset’s gaze searched for any pony unfortunate enough to still be in the library. After a tense minute, Sunsets' eyes stopped their search and I watched her eyes soften slightly as she continued deeper into the library. Moving past my impromptu hiding spot did I once more allow myself to take a breath that I didn't realize I had been holding? Taking a moment to just relax as I had just potentially escaped an early end. However, my relaxation was soon cut short as I could hear the ramblings of my teacher. “Just a few more days of suffering then I will return to your oh-so-loving embrace.” I could hear Sunset snarl out into the air. “Just wait until I finish up my work then you can sink your claws into my flesh.” She calls out into the darkness, her tone was no longer harsh but exhausted. “Well, then Cadance time to prove to yourself that Celestia didn't make a mistake,” I muttered to myself as I prepared to do one of the most foolish things I had ever attempted. I took a long glance at the way toward the exit to the library before wrenching my gaze away and working myself out from underneath the library table. Taking one more deep breath as I made my way toward where I heard Sunset. While I will admit to not usually being a pony that sticks to the shadows and skulks toward an unsuspecting pony. I was happy to make an exception in this case. Following the wild speech that Sunset continued to say, almost as if she was talking to some pony else. Ranging from talks of dancing shades, lost castles, and something regarding the Tale of Two Sisters foal-hood tale.  However, as I peered around the corner of the bookshelf I could see Sunset alone amidst a pile of books. Angling my head to spy the subjects of what she was researching so late at night. The books were all about teaching a Pegasus how to use its tribal magic in various ways. From controlling the weather to even a book that I recognized on how to relearn flying after a wing injury. I watched in bewilderment as she had multiple books open in front of her all the while a feathered quill danced over a scroll. Every so often Sunset would replace one of the floating books with a new one from the shelf next to her. Placing the previous book back onto the shelf with precise care. I then continued to watch her for some time until once more the library was bathed in light. However, in comparison to Sunset's fiery arrival, this light was more comparable to the birth of the sun. Celestia now stood tall in front of Sunset. Her incandescent mane somehow waved despite there being no wind. I couldn't see her face but I could tell by her tone that she was displeased with her student. Sunset’s face shifted back to the one that she had held during the tea party. A mask of calm indifference. But once more her eyes adopted a manic glee that threatened to escape her emerald orbs. “I find myself uncertain if I should chastise you for staying up so late into the night or morning,” Celestia said with an edge to her voice. “I believe that we have talked about you getting the required amounts of sleep a growing Unicorn needs?” Celestia questioned Sunset, her voice no longer holding the edge. Now only holding concern. However, Sunset's demeanor didn't change. Sunset simply levitated the books back onto their shelves, rolled up the scroll, and responded to Celestia in an even tone. “My apologies Princess Celestia. Do you require my assistance for anything?” Sunset asked as she stared back toward Celestia, who had slumped slightly at Sunset’s response. “Sunset this isn't healthy. You can't continue to substitute sleep with magic. You are going to irrevocably harm yourself at this rate. What could be so important that you haven't gotten any sleep in over a week?” Celestia asked as she stepped forwards towards Sunset. “I am prioritizing my time to succeed at one of the tasks that you have assigned me.” Sunset calmly states as the rolled-up scroll floats over to Celestia. Unrolling before her. Celestia takes a moment to read it as I attempt to read it over her mane. Unfortunately for me, Celestia is taller than most ponies. “You have been going without sleep so you could finish your lesson plans for Cadance?” Celestia said in exasperation. Wait. What? Why would Sunset do that? That makes no sense at all. How would she even finish the lesson plans? We have only gone through two lessons? Celestia thankfully was as confused as I was. “There is no need to prepare months ahead of your current learning material Sunset. I appreciate your efforts and I know Cadance does as well. But like myself, I know she would prefer you to get some sleep. Why would you do something so foolish like getting no sleep so you could finish up your lesson plans?” I could hear the sunny smile that had been placed upon Celestia’s lips. Celestia’s magic encases the scroll of lesson plans as she shakes her head slightly. “Why don't you head back to your room and get some sleep? Then how about you and I spend the entire day tomorrow together? I would be happy to-.” “I wanted to ensure that even after I leave the castle she can continue her lessons uninterrupted.” Sunset interrupts Celestia, her words laced with ice. “After all, you are too busy with your duties as Princess.” I can see Celestia recoil back as were she physically struck. “Sunset? What do you mean to leave the castle?” Celestia asks Sunset as she steps closer to her student. Sunset simply shrugs as her gaze I can only assume continues to match Celestia’s. “I have put together plans for a small trip that would allow me to search for lost relics.” Sunset says and then continues with a tilt of her head “My apologies if you had wanted me to strike out on my own. I would of course be able to change-” “Sweet heavens Sunset,” Celestia shouts, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Why would you say something like that?” She says as she closes the gap between the two of them. Sunset simply tilts her head in I would say confusion but for the first time, I can see the emotion in her eyes. I took a step back in bewildered horror as I can see the depths of hate in her emerald eyes for a singular second. All focused on the pony showing only concern for her. “I didn't want you to worry about me pushing off any of my responsibilities. So I have proceeded to ensure that even after my departure she will be able to continue to master her new talents.” Sunset calmly says however I can feel the air becoming heated and If I can feel it I know that Celestia can. “Sunset Shimmer what are you going on about? If this is about your actions when you first met I can assure you that-” Celestia stops whatever she was about to say as her head twists towards the ceiling. Quickly turning her head back towards Sunset “I am needed elsewhere. This conversation is not over. I know you have promised but that is not an excuse to work yourself to an early grave.” Celestia says before once more a blinding light permeates the library. When it fades only the amber Unicorn remains. It is only now that I realize that I had listened in on something that I should not have. Instead of listening in on a conversation between master and apprentice, it felt much more personal. Which lead to me connecting a few other odd pieces of information that I would need to sort out later. I began to make my way out of the library but am propelled into a bookcase by the torrent of burning heat that originates from behind me. “My apologies for once more getting in your way Princess. I am trying to get out of your way so you can be happy with your new perfect Princess.” I can hear Sunset snarl out as the heat increases in temperature. Without thinking I turn on my frog and rush back to Sunset. Even as I step in front of the bookcase to try to get her attention she doesn't seem to see me. I can see her however as she is trembling from horn to hoof. Her eyes were wide and frantically moving around. “Sunset Calm down!” I shout out at her as I charge toward her. The heat this close to her is oppressive and I swear I can see books starting to smolder. Even as I can feel the familiar feeling of my coat beginning to singe I continue towards her. Even as the temperature skyrockets Sunset begins to convulse more profusely. “I am sorry that I am not able to be perfect for you. I have tried everything. What else do you want me to do?” She starts off screaming but her voice falls to a whimper. “I'm sorry Celestia that I am such a failure.” were her final words before her eyes turn pitch black as she collapses. Ignoring the burning of my wings I managed to catch her with my wings before she planted her face into the floor. “Sunset are you alright?” I asked in desperation as I cradled her still twitching form. She didn't respond, however. The oppressive warmth that had permeated the air was quickly fading as the one who had fueled its existence was no longer conscious. “Damn it Sunset,” I couldn't help but grumble. The unconscious form of Sunset didn't respond leaving me with little choice in what I had to do.