Things sure have changed since my time, Sombra observed as Twilight and her friends stepped off the train onto the Ponyville station. For instance, just what was that thing we were riding on, anyway?
It’s called a train. Twilight replied with a touch of condescension in her voice.
Also, ponies didn’t spontaneously break out into unrehearsed song.
That happens sometimes, yes.
Twilight’s friends were as talkative as ever, but Twilight had important business to attend to. “I don’t know about you girls, but this whole adventure has me worn out. I’m ready for some studying.” Spike hopped on her back as she said her farewell. “See you later!”
As Twilight trotted away from the group and the train station, Sombra spoke in her head, Finally. I was getting tired of that weird feeling when she’s around them…
What weird feeling?
I wasn’t talking to you!
I think the connection is definitely getting deeper. Now we hear all of each other’s thoughts. Twilight shuddered a little. If neither of them could control their thoughts, she would never have peace of mind – literally.
A terrifying development, I assure you. I hope this sufficiently motivates you to find a means to allow me to leave your mind.
Twilight did a quick review of some of the magic she knew. I can think of a few things to try… and what are you going to do once you’re out?
I… There was a pause, something uncharacteristic of him. What am I going to do?
You don’t know?
I wasn’t talking to you!
You might as well have been! Twilight scowled, thankfully not at anypony she was passing by. Well, it can’t be anything good! You must know I’m not going to just unleash you on the world without a way to limit you!
And you must know I’m not going to allow myself to be expelled unless I’m certain I’ll like the results.
And since we’re so open with each other, what would you like?
A vessel, preferably a body. Oh, and since I’m feeling generous, I’ll even give you a hint as to how to accomplish that, since I’ll likely let it slip anyway: dark magic.
Why am I not surprised?
Just think of it as a… research paper. Twilight could almost hear the purr in his voice.
She nearly giggled aloud. Well, I guess that’s one way to look at it.
By this time they had reached the library and proceeded inside. Twilight said, “Spike, gather up all the books on dark magic.”
“Dark magic? What for?”
“A precaution. I want to study as much as I can so the next time we face it, I’ll be prepared. You know how I like to be prepared.” She flashed a smile at him as he jumped off her back. She was, after all, the type to be prepared. She’d once even developed a mustache-growing spell after the incident with the sea serpent, just in case.
“Of course, Twilight! I don’t think we have many, though…”
“Then we’ll just have to ask Princess Celestia for more. Spike, take a letter.” Instantly the purple dragon produced a parchment and quill seemingly from nowhere.
I wonder how he does that.
“Dear Princess Celestia: In light of my recent experience, I would like your permission to study dark magic more thoroughly, so that I might be better prepared in the event I and my friends encounter such forces again…”
As it turned out, Ponyville’s library did not have very much at all on dark magic, the only information being some notes in Starswirl the Bearded’s Guide to Schools of Magic, a treasured tome of Twilight’s that described the different types of magic in detail… though the section on dark magic was puzzlingly short.
Nothing we both don’t already know. Sombra said as Twilight finished reading the small section.
Meanwhile, Spike belched forth a letter, to an amused (and inaudible to him) chuckle from Sombra. An interesting method of communication, to be sure.
Spike opened the letter and read, “My dear Twilight, you know I wish to aid you in your studies however I can. However, the nature of dark magic means it has to be handled with utmost care. As such, I am hesitant to let you study such things without being physically present myself. However… if you wish to continue, I will inform you of any knowledge uncovered on the subject of dark magic.”
“Well,” said Twilight, “That’s that.”
That’s it? Sombra growled.
I’m not content with our state of things either, but that’s the way it is.
“In the meantime, what’s on our to-do list, Spike?”
Spike darted over to a calendar on the wall, with extensive space for notes. “Let’s see… first on the list is-“
He was interrupted by a knocking at the door. Twilight piped up, “I’ll get it,” and trotted over to the door, opening it with her telekinesis.
Beyond was none other than Pinkie Pie, smiling quite widely. “Hi Twilight!” She said without hesitation. “I was wondering if you could come over to Sugar Cube Corner and help me out with some things?”
Normally the phrase “ear to ear” wasn’t literal when it came to smiles, but with this pony, it was true. With a smile like that, it was hard for Twilight to refuse, even if she wanted to, despite a pang of impatience she assumed was from Sombra. After all, she was glad for something to take her mind off of Sombra and dark magic. If anypony could distract her from her unwanted guest, it was Pinkie Pie. Twilight smiled as well and said, “Of course, Pinkie.”
“Super! Bring Spike too!”
Spike happily ran towards the door and hopped on Twilight’s back. Together, the three set off towards Sugar Cube Corner.
Really? Sombra asked, the feeling of impatience growing. Instead of doing important things like studying, you’re going to do menial tasks with others? You didn’t even ask what she wanted help with.
Hey! These ponies are my friends and I enjoy spending time with them and helping them out. If you had a speck of a soul you’d understand what friendship is!
If I stay in your mind long enough, I think I’ll find out.
Twilight wasn’t expecting something that… frank. Huh?
Nothing.
Meanwhile, before Twilight could ponder the issue further, Pinkie stopped just before the door to Sugar Cube Corner. “After you, Twilight!”
“Thank you, Pinkie!” Smiling, Twilight opened the door and stepped through, idly wondering what Pinkie could-
“SURPRISE!” A multitude of ponies burst out from under tables and other assorted hiding places. A music box somewhere began playing a lively tune. Confetti and streamers flew through the air, and balloons floated to the ceiling, from which hung a banner that said, “Congratulations!” Twilight sure was surprised, as was Sombra.
What in the world-
That’s Pinkie Pie for you.
Pinkie Pie appeared in front of Twilight. “You seemed kinda glum on the train so I thought I’d throw you a “We Saved the Crystal Empire” party to celebrate!”
“Aw, thank you so much, Pinkie!” She smiled and blushed a little as her friends converged on her. “But really, I didn’t do all that much-“
“Ah, nonsense,” Applejack interrupted. “You risked Celestia-knows-what to help us out. We couldn’ta done it without ya’.” And with that, she moved forward to hug Twilight, spearheading a charge from her friends that turned into a group hug. As Twilight was glomped by her friends, her blush intensified, but she also felt a strong sense of pride, as well as the happiness of being with her friends.
There’s that feeling again…
What?
Nothing!
That feeling, there? It’s called the magic of friendship. Twilight grinned.
“See!?” Pinkie Pie gave a grin to match. “I knew she’d love the party!”
“I do, Pinkie.” Twilight looked around at the veritable banquet arrayed on various tables. “How did you provide so many pastries and snacks together so quickly?”
“Oh, I have ways. Anything for my friends!” Pinkie Pie made a contented face before breaking from the hug and skipping off towards a game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey with a group of other ponies.
Twilight giggled a bit and looked around to see what activity she should partake in first. She had a lot of fun that day. And she had a sneaking suspicion that Sombra did, too, no matter how much he tried to hide it beneath snark and snarls.
Once the party wore off and the ponies went home, however, Twilight was a little more concerned at the deepening connection between her and Sombra. It looks like we’re sharing feelings now, as well.
So it seems.
But there was a silver lining. So, how did friendship feel?
...Good. After a moment, Sombra quickly added, This changes nothing, Twilight! I still plan on getting out of your mind and into a vessel of my own.
Twilight sighed. Of course. Rest assured, it’s my top priority. After my friends. Anyway, what do you suppose will be next? Memories? Ugh, I don’t want to know what sort of things you’ve done…
Sombra was silent at this. Twilight wasn’t sure if he was actively suppressing his thoughts or simply had nothing to think.
As the sun began to set, she opened the door to the library, Spike riding on her back, and proceeded inside. “Spike, can you find a few books for me? I have some ideas for a spell I want to try…”
“Of course!” Spike hopped off her back. “Name them.”
Twilight rattled off a list of a half-dozen books, which Spike soon gathered and placed on Twilight’s desk on the second floor. Twilight then sat herself down before her desk and opened the first book.
Not exactly light reading, Sombra observed, looking over the hefty stack of books.
It’s nothing for somepony like me! Twilight said with a hint of pride.
What exactly are you researching, anyway?
Twilight read even as she thought. As you might expect, a way to give you a vessel. I can think of a few ways to accomplish that. Creating a body would probably be beyond my ability, but I might be able to channel you into an object of some sort, like a crystal. You like crystals, right? She smirked.
Well, they’re rather fragile. I’m not sure I want my essence inside one of them.
Unfortunately for you, a crystal is looking like our best bet, since they react to magic readily.
On that subject, you may want to visit the Crystal Empire at some point. I believe their library will have a great deal of useful information. Just think, books a thousand years old, knowledge perhaps thought lost for centuries, just waiting to be perused once more…
Twilight thought of the immense library she had encountered, and nearly squealed aloud. It had been such a huge library, but at the time she was searching for one particular book and hadn’t the time to properly read through everything. I’m sure Celestia would understand if I took a trip there… I’ll have to arrange it.
In the meantime, she had a number of books in front of her to read through.
Twilight (and Sombra) studied for hours, and all the while Twilight compiled magical formulae in her head. Sombra couldn’t help but marvel at her intelligence, her magical ability, the way she effortlessly calculated complex problems and considered spells most unicorns wouldn’t dream of. And Twilight could sense that he was impressed, even though he made no comments beyond simple statements such as “impressive…”
At last, Twilight made her conclusion. Their connection was such that she didn’t need to say anything, for he’d followed her calculations well. She intended to channel his consciousness into a crystal, along with a stream of magical power, creating a sapient enchanted object. Twilight believed the crystals from the Crystal Empire would be ideal vessels because of their magical attunement and-
No.
What?
Your work is superb, and I believe it will work. Just… then what?
…Well…
I’d rather stay with you. There was no growl in his tone, no roughness in his psychic voice.
For a long moment, Twilight was too stunned to respond. …Excuse me?
Well, he began, returning to his old tone, what exactly am I going to do as a crystal? We’ll find another way, one that involves me having an actual body. One that you can’t shatter so easily.
Fine. Twilight scowled a little. Have it your way. The only other way I can think of would be to create a homunculus, but that’d require a large amount of magical power, and it might take a while before I find the proper spells.
I have faith in your ability, Twilight. Besides, I’m willing to wait.
…Are you all right?
What?
Thoughts being as uncontrollable as they are, Twilight couldn’t help but think: You’re not staying with me because of friendship, are you?
What?! No, of course not.
There wasn’t any hesitation in his tone, just indignation, and Twilight could sense it was real - though that didn’t mean she was wrong about him. But before Twilight could question him further, she suddenly felt rather sleepy. Night had long since fallen, and, looking about her, Twilight could see Spike asleep in his basket. Twilight smiled a bit, knowing she now had a distinct advantage over Sombra, and then went to blow out the lanterns in the library before turning in to bed.
We’ll see about that.