The last book slammed to the ground, its echo soon joined by the voice of a frustrated alicorn.
“Nothing! Not a single book in this whole section! Not one!” Twilight fell to the library floor and buried her face in the pages of Splendid Spells of Starswirl the Bearded: Volume XXV.
“There, there, sugarcube,” said Applejack reassuringly, “there's plenty of other places we can look.”
“Yeah, this isn’t the only library in Equestria!” added Spike.
Twilight sighed. “No, of course it’s not. It’s just the LARGEST AND MOST THOROUGH IN THE WHOLE KINGDOM!” Her wings shot out on either side, knocking over several stacks of books beside her.
Her voice echoed throughout the sunlit halls of the Canterlot Library. She covered her mouth in vain as she noticed two mares snickering to themselves as they passed by the enormous entrance doors. “Princess Twilight is definitely back,” said the younger looking mare. The alicorn watched them before letting out a defeated sigh and sinking down with her head halfway to the floor as her wings drooped around her.
“I’m sorry, everyone. It’s just that this meant a lot to me. It could have answered so many questions. Everything would have been just fine if we had found it, and now…”
“Now we just look somewhere besides a book.”
The voice of Rarity cut her off as she trotted down the aisle towards her, re-shelving the books as she came. “I keep telling you, Twilight, embrace your new position!”
“Uh, that’s kinda why we’re in here in the first place, Rare,” said Applejack.
“Exactly! And it’s exactly that which will solve your problem!”
“That would be a nice change,” said Twilight. “So far that, and these” – she raised her wings halfheartedly, then let them drop once more – “have only caused problems.”
“It might help if you took better care of them, dear. They're a mess.” Twilight watched Rarity as she stared at her neglected wings in disgust. “But I digress! You are royalty now, correct?”
“Yeah, and?”
“Unless I’m mistaken, with a title like that come certain… privileges.”
Twilight sat for a moment, processing what she had said. Rarity smiled as the look of realization appeared on her friend’s face. “Are you saying that there may be some things only royalty are permitted to know?”
Rarity gave a single nod.
Twilight hesitated. “Do you really think Princess Celestia would tell me?”
“I can’t see why not! After all, the summit isn’t until later.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before! Rarity, you’re a genius!” Twilight leapt forward and embraced her friend.
“Save it for when you have what you’re looking for, sweetheart!" Rarity laughed. "The sooner you ask, the sooner you’ll know, and you’re not getting any closer by thanking me now!”
“You’re right! I’ll see you all later!” Twilight galloped out of the library, her wings knocking several books off their shelves, and her speed turning the pages of opened books.
“You never fail to amaze me, Rarity!” said Applejack. “That’s the first time I’ve seen Twilight smile in weeks!”
“You’ll find I’m full of surprises, my friend!” she said with a satisfied smile.
“Such as...?” Spike approached her with the best charming smile he could muster.
Rarity chuckled. “Another time, Spikey-Wikey!” She levitated him onto her back. “Come, now. You’re better at organizing than I am. Let’s do the librarian a favor while we wait.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Twilight approached the guards at the purple wooden doors. “I must speak with Princess Celestia at once,” she said her most authoritative voice.
The stallions saluted. “Good to see you again, Your Highness! Her highness is currently meeting with their highnesses, but I–”
“Wait… Her highness... is what?” Twilight's voice lost any hint of authority.
The second guard sighed. “Princess Celestia is currently meeting with Princess Luna and Princess Cadance.”
“Ohhhh.”
The first guard looked at his comrade. “I told you it causes problems!” He turned to Twilight. “I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but do you know why we only have princesses, and no queens?”
Her eyes widened. "I… I don’t know. I never really thought about that.”
He suddenly remembered her request. “Well, as he said, Princess Celestia is meeting with Princess Luna and Princess Cadance at the moment, but I can ask if she can see you.”
“Yes, please!”
“Very well, then. I will only be a moment.” He turned and entered through the large doors, closing them behind him.
“So you really don’t know?” asked the second guard. “About the princess thing?”
“No. I think it would have something to do with there being two rulers of equal rank, but that doesn’t explain the Crystal Empire. The only kings or queens I’ve ever heard of were…”
They both shuddered.
“I think you may have just answered that question,” he said grimly.
The doors opened, and the first guard stepped out. “Princess Celestia will see you now.”
“Thank you, sirs.” With a nod in thanks, she proceeded through the massive double doors.
Twilight entered the familiar environment of the throne room. The checkered floor had been cleaned and polished, and the reflections of the great arches of the ceiling could be seen. The long pink and red carpet had received similar treatment, and lay straight as an arrow. On either side of her, between tapestries of the sun and moon, the familiar stained glass immortalizations of Equestrian heroes greeted her. Three of the greatest, in her eyes at least, were waiting at the far end of the great hall.
“Twilight!”
As usual, Cadance was the first to greet her old friend. The two sprang forward, meeting in the center of the room, and together they chanted their familiar rhyme:
“Sunshine, sunshine,
“Ladybugs awake!
“Clap your hooves
“And do a little shake!”
“It’s wonderful to see you again, I’m so glad you made it!”
“As are we, my faithful student.” Celestia and Luna calmly rose in unison and approached the two.
“Not that there was ever any doubt,” added Luna with her usual serious tone.
Her sister chuckled. “You’re here sooner than expected. I take it your trip went well?”
“Yes, Your Highness. I–”
“You need no longer address us like that, Twilight,” said Celestia warmly. “As a princess, you are of equal rank, and may refer to us without our titles.”
“Yes, Your Hi- I mean, Celestia. But you see, that’s exactly why I’m here. I was hoping–"
“You’re just as eager to get down to business as always!" laughed Cadance. "Couldn’t bear to wait for the summit; that’s the Twilight I know and love!”
“Very well, Twilight. We shan’t keep the Princess waiting!” chuckled Celestia. “Since you’re here, we may begin… if that is alright with you two, of course.”
Luna and Cadance nodded. “Splendid! There is much to talk about, and we should have plenty of time afterwards to catch up.”
Twilight’s look of disappointment was quickly hidden by one of joy. She could wait just a little longer.
The four traveled together out the doors and down the left passage, and through the winding grey hallways to the council chamber, a large yet simple, circular room with a round stone table displaying a map of the continent in the center, and a torch or tapestry between every glassless window. The details of the summit were pretty much the same as the previous: no threats had been made against Equestria or the Crystal Empire, relations with Saddle Arabia and the Gryphons were good, and there was a massive budget surplus. Several other areas were discussed, and Twilight did everything she could to focus, but she couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she thought about how close she was to finally having answers.
When at last the meeting was adjourned, it was time for the day to end. Celestia made her way to a nearby window to tuck the sun beneath the horizon, allowing Luna to start the moon on its ascent into the starry sky.
“Oh, Twilight!” said Cadance suddenly. “Before I forget…” She hurried over and hugged her. “…your brother asked me to deliver this for you.”
Twilight smiled. “How has he been? I haven’t heard from him since I asked him to search the Crystal Archives.”
“He’s been doing well. Not much has been happening lately, so he was pretty excited that you had something for him to do. Speaking of which, we didn’t find anything, sorry.”
“That’s quite alright,” said Twilight with confidence, “because I think I know just where I can find what I’m looking for!”
“And where might that be, Twilight Sparkle?” Luna asked more cheerfully than earlier as she joined her fellow princesses.
This was the moment Twilight had been waiting for. For weeks now these few questions, which held so much value for her, had plagued her. Now was her time to finally have peace of mind. “You and Celestia have lived for over a thousand years.”
A look of embarrassment spread across Luna’s face. “A thousand years of which I would prefer to forget sooner than later, but yes,” she said, looking down. Celestia put a hoof around her sister. Luna looked back up, feeling a bit more calm.
“Continue, Twilight,” said the elder with a smile.
“You were the only one who recognized my costume that one time, Luna.”
“Yes, Starswirl the Bearded…” She tapped her chin as she remembered her first Nightmare Night. “A most commendable costume, indeed.”
“Did you know him personally?”
“Of course we knew him!” she laughed. “We were there when he was creating some of his finer spells!” Luna looked towards the ceiling as she fondly remembered years past.
“Why did he create the spell from the book?”
Luna looked at her and froze. “W-What did you say?”
“I’ve done so much research, but I can’t seem to find any record of the spell, or of his later years, for that matter. I figured that if anypony knew, it would be you two.”
Neither of the sisters spoke. Luna looked forward, as if she were staring into the depths of Tartarus, the flames from the torches reflecting in her eyes amongst the stars they gazed towards. Celestia wasn’t much better, showing concern for one of the few times that Twilight had ever seen. She looked down at her sister and held her closer, trying to snap her out of her trance. Yet a single tear began to form in Luna’s eye.
Cadance suddenly turned and bolted out the doors, and the loud bangs could be heard all down the halls. As the guards rushed into the room, Luna broke free from her sister and took off out the nearest window. Within seconds, she was but a small, forlorn silhouette against the full moon.
“Your Highnesses! What happened?!” The guards looked about with their spears ready to strike.
“Nothing; everything's fine. Thank you, sirs.” Although she tried to remain collected, there was a hint of despair in her voice.
“Princess Celestia, what’s wrong with Luna and Cadance? What have I done?”
Her teacher sighed. “Twilight Sparkle, you must understand that this is not your fault. We will discuss it another time, but not now. The guards will escort you to your room.”
“But–”
“Another time, Twilight.” Her tone was slightly firmer. “I am sorry, but I must tend to them. Do not worry, and do not blame yourself. You have every right to ask, but I feel that Luna is the only one who could tell you everything, and that she is not yet ready to tell anypony but myself. Even then, it will take time. When that time finally comes, I will let you know, if you still wish to." Celestia smiled reassuringly. "Until we meet again, Princess Twilight.”
"Yes, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Highness."
Celestia followed her sister out the window. Upon returning to her room, Twilight responded to her friends inquiries with silence until they all retired to their beds, and made every effort to sleep. Yet her mind was racing more than before, and her wings only made things worse. It wasn't as bad as her first few nights, but everyday life was still difficult. Despite Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy teaching her how to take better care of her new appendages, they still reminded Twilight of her position. She was a princess now, and still very unsure of whether or not she was truly deserving of such a title.
While her friends didn't act much differently, two things still reminded her of it. The crown, though somewhat uncomfortable, could be easily removed and stored. Her wings were a different matter; they were always with her. Every morning, when she looked in the mirror and saw them, she remembered. Every time they knocked a bunch of books off their shelves or got stuck in a doorway, she remembered. Every time she got excited, or frustrated, or deeply focused in her studies and they opened, she remembered. No matter what she did, they would always be there, and they would always follow her.
This wasn’t to say she didn’t understand why the princesses had given her this title. After all, she had done many great things with the magic of friendship, and completing the final spell of Star Swirl the Bearded had sealed the deal. Yet questions still followed her, and every time she noticed her wings, she asked them again: Why did Star Swirl create the spell? How was such a great conjurer as he unable to understand friendship? Why was there no record of his later years?
If she knew, she could be sure. If she knew, she could relax. If she knew, she could sleep.
Yet no book in reach could help her. Two archives and her town library contained nothing about his later years. For all anypony knew, he could have failed to discover friendship because he simply ran out of time. That was her greatest concern. Not only would such a magnificent figure as Star Swirl the Bearded have never known the greatest magic of all, but it would also mean that her accomplishment meant nothing, that her only advantage over him was that she was still young when she worked on the spell. Now she had come so close, and was still so far, and had even more things to keep her awake.
What was wrong with Luna and Cadance? What had happened with Star Swirl that Luna didn't want to remember?
Every time she tried to get comfortable with her wings, they would remind her of the questions, and with them came the uncertainty, and away went any hope of sleep she had. Finally, she abandoned her battle with insomnia, and got up out of bed. Tip-hoofing to the other side of the dark room so as to avoid waking her friends in the beds nearby, Twilight opened the glass door and walked out onto the balcony.
The full moon and the stars illuminated the night, and their reflections could be seen in the falls, the river, the lake, and even the fountains along the cobblestones of the castle grounds below. Wisps if smoke drifted from the chimneys to the sky in the city as the tiny lights in the windows went out one by one. A chilly wind was blowing, bringing back memories of her foalhood in Canterlot. On nights like these, she would often write letters to her parents and her brother as she lay by the fire in her room. Then she would look out the window and watch the stars, trying to name the constellations until she was tired, after which she would snuggle up with Smarty Pants beneath the covers, and dream of her lessons and what wonders she would perform, of the magnificent figures of the past and present, and of where her studies would take her.
She looked off in the distance. Although she couldn't quite make it out in the darkness, she knew she must be looking towards Ponyville. That was where her studies had taken her.
She looked back at the room, where her friends slept. They were what her studies had brought her.
She looked at her wings. These were what her studies had given her.
Upon seeing them, Twilight suddenly recalled what Rarity had said earlier that day. Her wings were a mess. They had lost their original shape, and were now little more than a severe tangle of bent and broken feathers. Remembering what Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had taught her, she brought one to her mouth and placed her teeth at the base of one of her pinions.
"Now, you want to be firm, but gentle," Fluttershy had said. "You want to preen them, not pull them."
"If you do that, it could take MONTHS for them to grow back!" Rainbow Dash added. "I can't wait that long!"
"If you do, can I have them?" Pinkie asked. "Rarity said she could make me some fake wings if I get enough feathers!"
With a quick movement, the dirt and dust flew from the feather to be carried off into the night by the breeze. As odd as it was, it felt wonderful! For the first time in what seemed like years, she felt a little relaxed. She laid down on the balcony floor and repeated the process with the rest of her feathers, occasionally pulling a loose one from the tangle and setting it down in a pile. By the time she was done, her wings were straight and purple once again, and were almost as magnificent as the night she got them. At long last, they folded down at her sides like she wanted. She felt at ease with them no longer pestering her with questions of uncertainty. Her tired mind was finally calm, if only for now.
Her wings were fully relaxed and keeping her warm, and her mind was aglow with thoughts of her friends and family and the knowledge that she would eventually have the answers she sought. With the beauty of moonlit Canterlot before her, Princess Twilight Sparkle finally closed her tired eyes and smiled as she let the calm whistling of the cool wind lull her to sleep.