And All That in the End Shall Be
The reason behind this illness, Twilight, is that magic in Equestria is dying.
The words burned bright in Twilight’s memory; bright like the flame which had burned the letter, bright like Fluttershy’s tears in the evening sun, bright like Rainbow Dash’s eyes as she stood chuckling nervously in the doorway.
The reason is that magic in Equestria is dying.
It had been such a simple thing; just a short sentence on a harmless piece of parchment. And yet it had caused an upheaval in Twilight’s mind as if it were a great earthquake.
Magic in Equestria is dying.
A golden chariot pulled to a halt in front of Twilight, the clatter of its wheels and stamp of the pegasi pulling it rousing her from her thoughts. Twilight began loading her bags into the chariot, assisted by Applejack and Rainbow Dash. It had been a week since she had received the fateful letter, and Celestia had summoned Twilight to Canterlot, promising to explain the situation to her in full. Her friends had come to see her off.
As she stowed one of Twilight’s suitcases, Applejack glanced at Twilight. “I wish you would just tell us why you have to leave so sudden.”
Twilight avoided Applejack’s eyes, concentrating on securing her luggage. “I told you, the Princess summoned me.”
“I know that. That don’t tell us why she summoned you, though!” Applejack snorted.
Rainbow Dash grunted as she lifted a case of books into the chariot. “Yeah, and don’t try to act like there’s nothing wrong! You spent all last week shut up in the library, reading like fifty books a day, and you only ever act like that when you’re worried about something.”
Twilight forced a smile. “That was just a research project! I’m sure Celestia just wants to talk about my responsibilities as a princess or something.”
Applejack stood staring at Twilight. “I don’t believe you,” she said, her voice flat.
Twilight opened her mouth and then closed it again, struggling to find the right words. “I… I really can’t tell you. I’m sorry. I wish I didn’t have to be so dishonest with all of you, but I don’t have a choice.”
Rarity stepped forward, laying a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Twilight, dear, this is obviously eating you up inside. We’re your friends. Please, just talk to us.”
“Whatever the problem is, it can’t be too bad, right?” Pinkie asked, frowning. “If it was, the Princess would’ve summoned all of us so we can zap it with the Elements! Couldn’t you give us just a teensey hint?”
Spike stood next to Rarity, fidgeting with his claws. “Twilight, I won’t ask you what it is, but will you at least tell me this? Is it anything to do with that project the Princess gave you? The one you weren’t allowed to tell me about?”
“What about all that studying you did about the pegasi having trouble flying? Is that what it’s about?” Rainbow Dash asked, cocking her head.
Twilight looked at the ground, debating internally. She could unburden her heart to her friends, but in doing so, wouldn’t she just place a burden of fear and worry on theirs?
Then a quiet voice piped up. “It’s okay, Twilight. You don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to.” Twilight looked up to see Fluttershy sitting behind Rarity, her mane covering her face and her tail curled around herself. “Just please promise to come back soon, okay? We’ll be lonely without you.”
Twilight stepped forward and pulled Fluttershy into a hug, drawing a squeak from the startled mare. The others joined in as well, wrapping their arms around Twilight in silence.
“I promise,” Twilight said, melting in her friends’ embrace. “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, but I’ll take care of things and come back as soon as I possibly can. And besides,” she added, “Spike will be staying here to take care of the library, so we can send as many letters as we can write!”
They finished loading the luggage, and then gave Twilight a final farewell. Applejack and Rainbow Dash gave her a hoofbump and wingslap respectively, and Pinkie nearly crushed the wind from Twilight’s lungs with a bear hug. Rarity and Spike gave her another quick hug, and Fluttershy smiled softly and wished her a safe journey.
At last Twilight climbed aboard, and the gold-armored pegasi bore her off into the sky, away from their waves and final shouts of goodbye. In moments, they were just pony-shaped dots on the ground, and Ponyville began to recede into the distance.
Twilight sighed and turned away, wondering how long it would be before she saw her home again. But beneath her worries there was a touch of stern determination. Before she could return to her home she had to save it, and she would go to Tartarus and back to do so. I’ve done so once before, in fact, she thought with a smile.
In the distance loomed the spires of Canterlot, silhouetted against the morning sky. Perhaps the Princess could ease her mind.
-----
The chariot pulled to a stop just outside the palace gates, where five guards stood at attention. These ponies were not clad in the traditional gilt armor of the Canterlot Guard, however, but rather in suits of burnished steel plate, with skirts of chainmail hanging around their legs. As Twilight stepped forward, one of them approached. He was a unicorn with a pale brown coat, his yellow mane and tail neatly cropped. His armor was polished to a silvery sheen, and a red crest protruded from his helmet. He gave a short bow before addressing Twilight.
“Good morning, your highness. I am Sergeant Enarme. Princess Celestia bade me to greet you and escort you to her majesty’s presence upon your arrival. Are you ready to proceed?”
“Yes, of course,” Twilight replied, returning the bow. Sergeant Enarme turned and led her through the gate. The remaining guards took up a four-cornered formation around her. Nopony spoke as the little party made its way across the palace’s lush grounds. Casting her eyes over her honor guard, Twilight cleared her throat, desperate to break the oppressive silence.
“So, Sergeant... I notice you’re all wearing unusual uniforms. Are you not members of the Canterlot Guard?”
Enarme shook his head, stone-faced. “No, your highness. We are members of the Equerries.”
“The Equerries?” Twilight echoed, the word tickling a vague memory. “I’ve heard that somewhere before, but I’m not very familiar with it.”
“The Equerry Guard is a small cadre of soldiers, independent of the Canterlot Guard. While the Canterlot Guard is tasked with defense and peacekeeping within the city as a whole, the Equerries serve in a much more focused role as personal bodyguards to the Princesses.”
“Oh, that’s right!” Twilight blurted out, suddenly recalling where she’d read the term: The Early Years of Canterlot, one of the first books she’d read after being taken under Celestia’s wing. “The Princess founded your order after she had banished Nightmare Moon. She said she wanted a group of soldiers that could be trusted with anything.”
Enarme nodded, the plates of his armor rasping against one another with the gesture. “Correct, your highness. Equerries are typically chosen not only for our discipline and martial skill, but for loyalty, intelligence and discretion. We serve as more than mere bodyguards, but as confidants and advisers to the Princesses and other dignitaries.”
“I see,” Twilight replied, her attention rapt. “How is it that I’ve never seen any of you before, though?”
“As I said, we’re a small order. We number no more than fifty at any given time. And besides,” Enarme added, allowing himself a thin smile, “When we do our jobs correctly, few ever know we are there. Our role as advisors to the Princesses often sees us entrusted with their secrets, after all.”
“If that’s the case, have the Princesses told you anything about the... the situation?” Twilight asked, glancing at the sergeant sidelong to gauge his reaction.
Enarme’s face remained expressionless as he answered. “I’m aware of it, but I doubt I know anything more than you do, your highness. I believe Princess Celestia will explain the details to you when we arrive.”
The group reached its destination, a sprawling building of old stone which Twilight recognized as the Canterlot Archives. Enarme led Twilight through the archive’s corridors, finally opening a set of ornate double doors to the Magic History Wing. Within was Princess Celestia, speaking to a group of ponies in low tones. She turned as Twilight entered, greeting her with a smile and stepping forward, the princesses sharing a momentary embrace.
“Thank you for coming, Twilight. We have much to discuss.” Pulling away, Twilight studied her mentor’s face. Celestia was still smiling, but Twilight could see dark circles beneath her eyes.
Celestia turned to the Equerries. “If you would, please go to the chambers prepared for Princess Twilight. See that everything is in order, and then return to your barracks to await further instruction. You may stay, Sergeant. Our discussion concerns you as well.” The Equerries bowed and departed, while Sergeant Enarme took up a position by the door.
“Now then,” Celestia continued, “I suppose I should tell everypony what’s going on.”
The ponies Celestia had been speaking to gathered closer. Standing by her mentor’s side, Twilight saw the group was about twenty strong. She recognized many of them, ponies famous for their accomplishments in nearly every field of magic. It was a panoply of excellence that left her giddy. There was Doctor Orion, head of the Experimental Magic Department of Canterlot University, and to his left stood Silver Corona, Head Librarian at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, and noted expert on Magical History. Behind them was Professor Starstruck, head of the ISBEM (Institute for the Study of Biological Effects of Magic).
Twilight suppressed a squeal at the sight of so many great minds gathered under a single roof. Just as she was about to ask Celestia how such an accomplished group of ponies had come together, the Princess spoke once more.
“A few of you are already aware of the reason you have been summoned here,” Celestia began, throwing a glance at Twilight, “but for the sake of those who are not, I shall explain the situation. I am afraid that Equestria’s magic is fading.”
A murmur rippled across the group. “Equestria’s magic fading... How could such a thing be... Is this related to the rumors of pegasi losing their flight... An unprecedented tragedy...” Celestia took a moment for her statement to sink in before holding a hoof up for silence.
“I have feared this was the case since receiving reports of the pegasi’s difficulty flying of late. It was confirmed to me by the research of my protege, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia continued, laying a wing across Twilight’s back. Twilight blushed and smiled, still unused to the attention.
“Each of you is an expert on an aspect of magic; therefore I need not tell you the suffering that would befall our land if magic were to fade entirely. It is my hope, however, that this crisis may yet be averted. This is why you have been brought here. I hereby decree that you will research the decline of magic, for the purpose of finding a way to halt or reverse it. You will conduct your research under the direction of Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
It took a full three seconds before Celestia’s words hit her. Twilight gasped. “Wait a minute... under my direction?”
Celestia nodded. “I can think of nopony better qualified to lead this project than you, Twilight. Very few possess the same broadness of magical knowledge as you, and fewer still have your passion and skill for research and problem-solving.”
Twilight opened her mouth to protest, to say that surely somepony, anypony among these august academics would be better suited. But Celestia shushed Twilight before she could speak, her face bearing a frown.
“You were crowned Princess, Twilight, not for your lineage or power, but because of your capacity to lead. You have displayed this capacity time and time again, and I believe that the task I am setting can only be completed with your leadership. Twilight... will you accept this burden?”
Twilight stood for a moment, gazing into Celestia’s eyes, before finally nodding. “Of course, Princess. I humbly accept.”
Celestia smiled once more. “I knew I could count on you, Twilight. I will leave you to acquaint yourself with your research team. Oh, and before I forget; Sergeant Enarme, would you approach, please?” Enarme left his place at the door and stood by Twilight.
“I am assigning Sergeant Enarme to be your Equerry during your stay here,” Celestia continued. “He is one of the most promising members of the Equerry Guard, and will serve you in whatever capacity you require.”
Sergeant Enarme bowed to Twilight. “I hope my services may be of use to you, your highness.”
Twilight quickly returned the bow. “Oh, er, of course, thank you.” Enarme nodded, his expression stony, though Twilight noticed he held his head a little higher than before.
Celestia turned to address Twilight’s new research team once more. “Before I depart, I have one final reminder for you all. As I said, this crisis has the potential to cause devastation and suffering on a scale unseen for thousands of years. Because of this, I must ask that you all keep your knowledge of the crisis, and the nature of your research, a secret. Riots and panic will benefit nopony.”
Celestia nodded in Sergeant Enarme’s direction. “You may place absolute trust in the Equerry Guard, and any reports or missives to Luna or myself should be sent through them. And with that,” the Princess concluded, “I leave you to your work. I wish you luck, my little ponies. You have a heavy burden on your shoulders.”
Twilight, Enarme and the newly founded research team bowed as Celestia made her exit, striding gracefully across the room and out the doors, magically swinging them shut behind her.
Rising from her bow, Twilight saw that the other ponies in the room all had their eyes fixed on her, waiting for her commands. She cleared her throat.
“Ahem... heh... So, I guess we should get to know each other first, huh?”
-----
A solid thwack sounded through the orchard, followed by a chorus of thumps as several dozen apples fell neatly into the baskets arranged beneath them. Applejack turned to inspect the tree, frowning at a number of apples which still clung to the branches. She gave the tree another kick and the offending fruit fell, bouncing off their brethren and rolling away from the baskets.
“Oh, for pony’s sake,” Applejack snorted, stepping up to the nearest one and tossing it into a basket. That made the third tree this morning that hadn’t released all its apples at once. It had been years since Applejack had needed more than one buck per tree.
“Am I gettin’ soft?” she mumbled to herself as she rounded up the rest of the stray apples. She sighed and took her hat off to wipe the sweat from her brow. “Nah... must be this darn heat.”
Applejack moved on to the next tree, trying to remember the last time it had been so hot this early in the year. It was only mid-May, normally a month of mild, breezy days and cool nights, yet this year it seemed summer had gotten a head start. The sun beat down relentlessly during the day, and the nights were little better, muggy and oppressive.
Another buck, a little harder this time, and the apples fell. This time the tree let go of all its fruit at once. The next tree proved much stingier, however. Even after three solid kicks, a small cluster of apples still refused to fall. AJ grit her teeth, pulling back with both legs and lashing out with a grunt. The last stubborn apples finally dropped.
Applejack stood for a moment and glared at the tree, panting, before suddenly realizing how short of breath she was. Was she winded?
Pressing a hoof to her chest, Applejack felt her heart racing underneath. “What in the hay is wrong with me today? Haven’t even done half my work, and I’m pantin’ like a little filly!” She threw a glance at the sun’s position in the sky, estimating the time: nearly noon. She should’ve been done with this section of the orchard by now.
Applejack scowled. “I must be overworkin’ myself again. Yeah, I bet that’s it. Too much work in this heat. And I ain’t been sleepin’ well, neither.”
Hoisting one of the apple baskets onto her back, AJ set off in the direction of the barn. She could finish this section of the orchard this evening, when, Celestia willing, it would be cooler. For now, she had a lunch date to get to.
Sugarcube Corner was busier than usual, crowded with ponies seeking relief from the heat in the form of ice cream sundaes and cold beverages. Spotting her friends seated at a booth near the back, Applejack threaded her way between the patrons. Pinkie waved to her as she approached, and Rarity gave her a courteous nod. Rainbow Dash mumbled something, while Fluttershy merely sat in the corner of the booth, making no acknowledgment except to briefly make eye contact with Applejack before lowering her eyes to stare at a spot on the table.
“Hey, y’all. Sorry I’m late, I had to get some buckin’ done and stow the apples away,” Applejack said, sitting down next to Pinkie.
“Oh, that’s quite alright, dear,” Rarity replied, fanning herself with a menu. “Although how you can bear to work in this dreadful weather is beyond me. I hope you’re not pushing yourself too hard.”
Applejack grinned. “Yeah, well, I’m kind of on a break right now. I was hopin’ to get the south side of the Red Delicious field bucked before I came here, but it’s just too hot for it. How’ve y’all been doin’?”
“I’ve been super busy all day,” Pinkie replied, laying her head on the table with a yawn. “I’m on a break too, ‘cause the Cakes said I should stop baking and visit you guys, but there’s just so many customers! And normally that wouldn’t be a problem, but the ovens make the kitchen even hotter than outside, and when it’s hot I turn into such a Sleepy Pie!” Pinkie yawned again, her eyelids drooping.
“I’ve been really busy too,” Dash put in, her head leaning on one hoof while the other tapped the table. “This is the first rest I’ve had since I got up this morning, I’ve been flying all over town trying to get enough clouds for a rainstorm. Say, have any of you heard from Twilight lately?”
Applejack shook her head. It had been nearly a month since Twilight had left for Canterlot, and she had kept up a sporadic correspondence with them through Spike.
“Last letter of hers I saw was the one from last week. And Spike would come an’ tell us right quick if she sent another, so unless she sent us a package or somethin’ by regular mail, we would know pretty soon.”
Rarity scoffed. “If that were the case, it would likely be lost before it got here. Derpy is hardly a reliable mailmare even on the best of days, and with this heat she’s been even less so.”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake! I wish you guys would pipe down about the heat,” Rainbow Dash interjected. “We’re doing all we can with the weather, but we can’t work miracles! My team only has ten ponies that are still in the air, how am I supposed to work with that?!”
“Aw, it’s okay, Dashie,” Pinkie said, laying a hoof over Dash’s. “We know you can’t do much if half the pegasi in town can barely even fly!”
Dash jerked her hoof away, glaring at Pinkie. “So what about it!? You think they wanna be grounded?!” Pinkie cringed as Dash stood in her seat, shouting. “It’s not their fault they got sick with this stupid whatever-it-is! So why don’t you just lay off about the dumb weather?!”
Pinkie’s eyes darted between Rainbow and her other friends, her mane wilting slightly as she stuttered. “I’m s-sorry... I was just trying to—”
“Trying to what, make us feel bad?!”
Applejack brought a hoof down on the table, the sudden bang making everypony jump. “Simmer down, Rainbow! She didn’t mean nothin’ by it, there ain’t no call for you to yell at her like that!”
Her expression softening, Dash blinked for a moment before sitting down, averting her eyes from those of her friends. “I’m... I’m sorry, Pinkie. I didn’t mean to blow up at you. It’s just, this whole thing with the pegasi has me really worried. Even I’ve... I mean...” She faltered as her voice caught in her throat.
“It’s alright, Dashie,” Pinkie replied, placing her hoof on Rainbow’s again. “I know you’re just worried about the ponies on your team. I’m sure they’ll start feeling better soon though, and then you can all get the weather right as rain again! Wait a minute, that was a joke! Weather... Rain!” Pinkie giggled to herself.
“A good rain is just what we need to cool things off,” Dash sighed, ruffling her mane. “I wish Twilight was here, She’d probably have some book or something that could tell me how to get a decent storm going with such a small weather team,”
“Speaking of Twilight, I’ve been thinking of taking a trip up to Canterlot next month to visit her,” Rarity chimed in, taking a sip from her soda. “The last time I was there was for her coronation, and that’s far too long a time to go without seeing such a lovely city. Oh, and you’re all invited, of course!”
Applejack shook her head, smiling. “Sorry, Sugarcube. I’d love to see Twilight again, but I’ve got my hooves full with farm work right now.” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie excused themselves as well; the bakery and the weather demanded too much attention for them to take a trip.
Fluttershy, however, squirmed in her seat before speaking for the first time since Applejack had arrived, her voice barely above a whisper. “Um... If it’s not too much trouble, Rarity... I think I’d like to come with you. To see Twilight, I mean.”
Rarity regarded Fluttershy for a moment before patting her shoulder. “Of course, dear, you’re more than welcome to come along! Why don’t we stop by the library after lunch, and we can ask Spike to send her a letter informing her of our visit?” Fluttershy gave a slow nod and resumed her staring contest with the table.
The rest of the lunch was passed in pleasant, light conversation, and afterwards the five friends parted ways again: Pinkie back to the kitchens, Rainbow Dash to the skies, Rarity and Fluttershy to the library, and Applejack back to Sweet Apple Acres.
Applejack noted with displeasure that the temperature didn’t seem to be falling. If anything, it felt hotter than before. Apparently there would be no relief for her as she bucked that afternoon. Eager for something to take her mind off the heat, she thought back to the events during lunch.
Ever since Twilight had left for Canterlot, a strange tension had been growing between her friends. Rainbow Dash had become moody and irritable, lashing out at others with little or no provocation, while Fluttershy seemed to be withdrawing deeper and deeper into her shell. Rarity had hardly left the boutique, claiming to be working on some huge order, an excuse Applejack knew was untrue. Sweetie Belle had confided to her that her sister had hardly done any work lately, sitting around and listlessly flipping through sketches of her old designs.
But of the four, it was Pinkie that Applejack worried about most. To the casual observer, Pinkie Pie was still her energetic, joyful self, but Applejack had known her long enough to recognize the signs of exhaustion. Pinkie always worked so hard to see everypony happy, and Ponyville seemed anything but happy these days. This, of course, just made Pinkie redouble her efforts, pouring so much of her time and energy into others that there wasn’t enough left for her.
Coming within sight of the farmhouse, Applejack stopped for a moment to look out over the orchard. It was funny how empty Ponyville felt without Twilight. Normally, Applejack would have taken her troubles to the library, where she knew she could always find a sympathetic ear and a bit of sound advice. But for now, all she could do was work a little harder and hope for the best. And besides, Twilight’s stay in Canterlot wasn’t permanent. Once she was finished with whatever Princess Celestia had called her there for, she’d come back, and everything would be alright again. Anyway, there was no use worrying when there were apples to buck. Smiling to herself, Applejack began walking towards the farmhouse once more, when she was suddenly overtaken by a trembling sensation.
It felt as though her legs were wobbling uncontrollably, and she placed a hoof against a nearby tree to steady herself. But as she did so, she noticed the tree seemed to be having the same problem, its branches shaking without a breeze. The trembling increased and Applejack struggled to remain standing, stray apples from the surrounding trees falling around her. The air was filled with the sound of soft thumps and creaking wood, and she heard a sharp crack and the tinkling of shattered glass from the direction of the farmhouse.
At last the shaking passed, leaving Applejack’s heart pounding. In the distance she could see Big Macintosh emerge from the farmhouse, approaching her at a quick trot. She ran to meet him, stepping over the fallen apples.
“Big Mac, what was that just now? Did you feel it, too?”
Mac nodded. “Eeyup. It broke the kitchen window in the house. Scared Granny near to death, too. I think it must’ve been an earthquake. You alright, AJ?”
“I’m fine, but an earthquake?” AJ exclaimed, tilting her hat back to scratch her head. “I’ve never heard of there bein’ earthquakes in these parts!” She glanced at the orchard around her; apples littered the ground, and here and there a fallen branch.
“Just what in Celestia’s name is goin’ on around here lately?”
-----
Rarity sat huddled against a trembling Fluttershy, the two ponies cowering beneath a pile of books. The room was silent, a stark contrast to the crashes and panicked yelps a few minutes earlier as the world had heaved violently under their hooves.
Peeking out from under a heavy encyclopedia, Rarity surveyed the room before pulling herself out of the pile. The library was an absolute mess. The floor was covered with books and scrolls, several windows were cracked or shattered, and quills, candles, inkpots and other accoutrements of Twilight’s were scattered haphazardly.
“Fluttershy, are you alright?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy simply nodded, her eyes big as plates, as she sat shaking among the books. Glancing over her, Rarity let out a slow breath. Fluttershy seemed uninjured.
From the kitchen, a series of bangs and clatters was heard, and Spike stumbled into view through the doorway, nursing a large, ugly bruise just above his right eye. Rarity and Fluttershy gasped simultaneously, both scampering over to assist him.
“Oh my goodness, Spike! Are you alright, darling?!”
“Oh, Spike, sit down! I’ll get a cloth for your head!”
Rarity picked up a cushioned chair from where it had fallen and eased Spike into it while Fluttershy ran into the kitchen, emerging moments later with a cloth and a small basin of water.
“M’fine,” Spike finally said as Rarity laid the cloth across his brow. “Was in the kitchen trying to get a jar of pickles from the top shelf when it fell... wait, what happened in here?”
“I’m not sure, dear... the whole room suddenly began shaking, and the next thing Fluttershy and I knew, we were buried under a complete set of Encyclopedia Bitannica,” Rarity said, dabbing Spike’s bruise gently.
As Rarity tended to Spike, Fluttershy stepped up to one of the front windows, peering through its cracked panes. “There are ponies running around outside... and some of the houses look damaged. I think it must have been an e-earthquake.”
“An earthquake? In Ponyville?” Rarity soaked the cloth and applied it to Spike’s head again. “I’ve never heard of such a thing!”
“I hope nopony was injured... Maybe we should tell Twilight,” Fluttershy said, walking back over to Spike’s side.
“Oh goodness, the letter! I completely forgot!” Scanning the floor, she spotted a crumpled and inkstained scroll sticking out from beneath the overturned writing table. Pulling it out, she saw what she had written before the terrifying interruption was now quite illegible.
“We’ll have to rewrite it anyway, so we may as well tell her about it. And if nothing else, it provides a suitable excuse for our visit. I certainly don’t want to remain in Ponyville if earthquakes are happening here!”
Spike let out a deep sigh, looking at the ruined letter. “I really wish I could go with you guys. I miss Twilight so much, but she’s counting on me to stay here and look after the library for her. I don’t wanna let her down.” Looking over the room once more, he began to get out of the chair before being pressed back into it by a white hoof and a yellow wing.
“And where do you think you’re going, sir?”
“Well, I’ve got to clean the library up! It’s even messier than it gets after one of Twilight’s week-long study sessions!”
Fluttershy nuzzled Spike’s cheek. “Rarity and I will clean, you just sit and rest. And when we’re done, you can help us write the letter to Twilight, and you can tell her all about how much you miss her.”
The cleanup took less time than expected. The majority of the books on the floor had fallen from the lower shelves, and with Spike’s knowledge of the library’s cataloguing system, they were soon back in their proper places. After sweeping the broken glass from the floor and cleaning up the odd inkspill, the library looked good as new, albeit with broken windows. Afterwards, Rarity penned the letter informing Twilight of her and Fluttershy’s visit, and gave it to Spike to send.
Spike held the scroll out in one hand, exhaling a gout of green flame at it. But when the flame had dissipated the scroll still remained in his claws, scorched around the edges and burning at one corner. Spike hurriedly threw it to the floor and stamped it out as Rarity and Fluttershy watched, perplexed.
“Um... That’s never happened before.” Spike blushed, picking the scroll back up. “Lemme try again.”
With another deep breath, Spike breathed flame once more. This time the flame consumed the scroll and continued on through the air, drifting through an open window and into the distance.
“Weird. That pickle jar must’ve done something to my head.”
-----
A fight was breaking out in the Canterlot Archives.
“I’m telling you, the arcano-biofield flux is crucial to our understanding of this crisis!”
“It sounds to me like you’re just trying to trump up an excuse to validate your theory!”
“‘EXCUSE?!’ Now see here, you over-inflated windbag, I’ll have you know—”
Twilight sighed, rubbing a hoof against her forehead as she listened to the bickering ponies. The preceding month of study had disillusioned her of her fantasies of collaborating with the scholars Celestia had assembled. For all their credentials and reputation, they couldn’t even cooperate long enough to make headway on a single assignment.
“—And what’s more, your denial of my theory is nothing more than a transparent attempt to deflect scrutiny from your own substandard efforts! Subconscious enchantments, indeed!”
“Why, you pompous, egotistical—if you refuse to acknowledge the superiority of my theory even now, then I shall take it as a personal affront!”
“So be it then! Weansbury Rules?”
“Agreed!”
Professor Nightshade removed his glasses, slicked back his salt-and-pepper mane, and stood on his hind legs, forehooves gyrating in the air. Professor Starstruck mirrored the pose, throwing off his tweed vest. The two stood off, circling one another. Professor Nightshade threw a respectable left hook, but before it could make contact, Twilight Sparkle intervened, teleporting herself between both ponies and forcing Nightshade to check himself, lest he strike royalty.
“And just WHAT do the two of you think you’re doing?!” Twilight shouted, her voice indignant and imperious. “This is a library, not a playpen for foals! Do I need to remind you how important this is?”
“Well, no,” Professor Starstruck started, shuffling his hooves and avoiding Twilight’s eyes.
Professor Nightshade tried to seize the initiative. “I was merely explaining to Professor Starstruck the inadequacies of his theory—” he began, before wilting under Twilight’s blistering gaze.
“The two of you understand what lies at stake for our project,” Twilight stated dryly, her eyes moving between them, “and you know what stands to be lost should we fail. With this in mind, is your little feud really so important?”
The two professors averted their eyes. “No, I suppose not,” Professor Starstruck responded, while Professor Nightshade merely shook his head.
After throwing one more withering glare at the two ponies, Twilight’s expression softened. “Very well, then. Professor Nightshade, please continue your research into the fluctuations of Equestrian leylines. As for you, Professor Starstruck, I’m sure Lady Mornstar and Doctor Orion can provide some input on your theory.”
The two ponies glanced at one another one last time before turning and walking off to consult their books and colleagues. Twilight breathed a short sigh, glad to have defused this little altercation for the time being. Though she was sure the professors were still at loggerheads, at least research that evening could continue.
So far, leadership wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
Twilight looked across the room, a long, two-tiered hall of the archives which Celestia had set aside for their use. The other members of her research team continued their work, either willfully or blissfully unaware of their colleague’s scuffle. The ponies pored over their books and scrolls, taking notes, consulting with their fellows or privately debating among themselves. Morale was dropping. Even after a month of hard research, the team had yet to identify so much as a single causal factor in the fading of Equestria’s magic.
It seemed to Twilight that too many cooks had spoiled the stew. While each pony on the team was an expert in his or her own field, when brought together they clashed with one another to the point of deadlock, resisting each other’s knowledge and input for the sake of their own pet theories. More of Twilight’s time was spent moderating arguments and trying to organize the team’s efforts than on actual research.
Seating herself at her desk with a thump, Twilight closed her eyes and massaged her head again, trying to soothe the dull ache that had been her constant companion over the last month. There was a clinking sound as something was set on her desk, and Twilight raised her head to see Sergeant Enarme placing a saucer and steaming cup next to her. The scent of hot tea filled her nose.
“You looked like you could use it,” Enarme said softly.
“You have no idea. Thank you.” Twilight levitated the cup to her lips and took a sip. “What I really need, though, is some progress. We’ve been at this for over a month now. A month of backbiting, arguing and threats to leave the team, and for what? What do we have to show for it?”
Sergeant Enarme moved to his customary place by Twilight’s side, the plates of his armor producing a quiet scrape-and-clatter as he did. “I’m sure you’re close to a breakthrough, your highness. Princess Celestia wouldn’t have assembled the team and placed you at it’s head if she wasn’t confident you could get results.”
Twilight took another sip and stared at her reflection in the teacup, her face wavering and distorted in the liquid.
“I wish I shared that confidence, Sergeant. I’m not sure I’m as qualified for this as the Princess thinks. I can barely even keep the team moving in the right direction, much less focus on my own lines of research.” She set the teacup down, her eyes roving over the piles of open books and scrolls scattered across her desk.
“Everypony’s so eager to prove their own personal theory that they’re not seeing the bigger picture. And some of them are even flat-out ignoring evidence. Like these earthquakes,” Twilight rifled through her scrolls until she found a map of Equestria and unrolled it. The inked landscape was dotted with red X’s, mostly concentrated in the regions around Canterlot.
“Earthquakes in Equestria were almost unheard of until this crisis began, and they’ve been increasing steadily in both frequency and intensity ever since. I know the two are related, but everypony’s too busy trying to win credit for themselves to look into it. And then they start fighting, and then I have to calm them down again, and we lose more time that we can’t afford.”
Enarme stood quiet for a moment before he answered, his voice still soft. “Princess, as you know, the function of the Equerry Guard is not just to protect and serve, but also to advise. With your permission, may I offer you some advice?”
Twilight set her teacup down. “Of course you may. Please speak freely, Sergeant.”
Enarme turned to face Twilight. “As you have said, this petty infighting is costing you time that you cannot afford to waste. In the Canterlot Guard, we have a system for dealing with recruits who refuse to get along with one another.” He paused, and Twilight nodded for him to continue.
“First, we take the offending recruits and put them in the same squad. Then,” Enarme said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, “we make that squad suffer. Forced marches in cold, wind and rain, reduced rations, combat drills at all hours. The recruits quickly learn that they can’t hope to make it through the ordeal without the help of their squadmates, and that they can’t get that help unless they provide it as well. Bonds of trust form quickly in adversity.”
“I’m sure that’s the case, Sergeant, but I can’t exactly send a team of scholars on a forced march,” Twilight replied, suppressing a giggle at the thought.
“No, your highness, but all the same, you must find ways to force them to work together. Assert your authority, if you must.”
“I’m not sure... I mean, I don’t want to be too hard on them. And besides, wouldn’t they just leave? I don’t really have the authority to force them to work together!”
“With respect, Princess,” Enarme said, looking Twilight dead in the eye, “as you said earlier, much stands to be lost if the team fails. There’s more at stake here than a few a bruised egos, and time is a luxury you do not have. The team must be made to cooperate. And as for your authority, you are the only pony in this room that is a member of royalty. You have the personal mandate of Princess Celestia herself. If that isn’t authority enough, I don’t know what is.”
As Twilight mulled on Enarme’s words, the main door of the hall opened and an Equerry stepped inside, bearing a scroll in his mouth. Striding up to Twilight’s desk, he set the scroll down and bowed. “A letter for you from Ponyville, your highness. It just arrived.”
Sergeant Enarme dismissed the Equerry as Twilight snatched the letter up and tore off the seal. It had been nearly a week since her last correspondence with her friends. Her eyes shot back and forth as she devoured the letter. Her elation wilted as the letter continued, however, and she slowly lowered it as she reached the end.
Sergeant Enarme cleared his throat. “Good news or bad, your highness?”
“A little of both,” Twilight replied, brushing her mane from her eyes. “The good news is that my friends Rarity and Fluttershy will be coming to visit next week. The bad news...” Twilight paused, glancing up to meet Enarme’s eyes. “The bad news is that the earthquakes have spread to Ponyville.”
Twilight felt a sudden, curious sensation of hardness in the pit of her stomach. Turning away from Enarme, she stood, rapping her hoof sharply on her desk.
“Your attention, everypony! Your attention! EVERYPONY, MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE!” The ponies of the team ceased their activity to stare at Twilight, the background noise of conversation and scratching quills fading into silence.
Twilight let the silence stand for a moment before speaking again. “As you are all aware, there have been a number of incidents of arguing and fighting among our colleagues here. Well, everypony, that stops today.”
-----
Dear Rarity,
I would be thrilled to have a visit from you and Fluttershy. I’ve been very busy with my work for Princess Celestia... I can’t say much about it, but it’s been exhausting, and I think a visit from my friends is just what I need right now. I know you said the others wouldn’t be able to make it, but see if you can’t change their minds. I’ll arrange to have rooms prepared for you in the palace, and they should be ready by the time you arrive next month.
Also, if you could, bring Spike along with you. I know he’s been very lonely lately, and I’ve been missing him, too. Tell everypony I said hello, and I hope they’re doing okay.
Lots of love,
Twilight
Placing her quill back in the inkpot, Twilight scanned the letter one last time before rolling the scroll up and sealing it. A lonely bell tolled in some distant square of Canterlot, chiming eleven times.Twilight looked up at the tall, narrow windows of the library hall, gazing at the stars twinkling through the glass.
This had been the first chance she’d had to write back to her friends since their letter had arrived. The hall was nearly empty now, with only herself, Enarme, and one of her researchers, a unicorn with a soft pink coat and bright yellow mane by the name of Amaryllis. Twilight watched as Amaryllis levitated several stacks of notes into a briefcase, preparing to leave. She turned to Twilight.
“Well, your highness, I think I’m about ready to hit the hay. We had a good day today though, especially after that speech.” She grinned. “Maybe now those dunderheads will stop fighting and start doing their jobs.”
Twilight smiled. “I hope so. You have a good night, Doctor. I have a few things to finish up here.”
With a wave, Amaryllis departed, stepping out through the hall’s doors. A moment later, however, the doors swung open again, and a regal form entered,
“Good evening, Twilight Sparkle. We are not intruding, we hope?”
“Princess Luna? Oh, no, of course you’re not intruding!” Twilight stood and the two ponies embraced briefly. “What brings you here tonight?”
“I saw the windows of the hall lit, and thought I would visit you. The hour is late... you are not overworking, are you?”
“Oh, no, I was just finishing a few things up. We have a lot of things to cover tomorrow, so I was just collating the day’s results.”
“I am glad to hear you are making progress, but please be sure to get enough rest. It will do nopony any good if you are too exhausted to perform your duties.” Luna seated herself at a table, sighing as she did so. Twilight noticed dark circles beneath her eyes.
“Princess? Are you alright?”
Luna smiled, her eyes half-lidded. “Yes, just a little tired. I am afraid this time has been trying for my sister and I.”
“How is Princess Celestia? I haven’t seen her since the day I arrived, and even then she seemed to be exhausted, too.”
“Celestia and I see little of each other these days,” Luna said, her smile fading. “We exchange a few words when we meet at dawn and dusk, but we do not have a chance to speak at any other time. The demands of her duties, both of the sun and of government, are taxing.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Princess,” Twilight replied. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No, Twilight, but thank you for offering. The best thing you can do right now is continue your research.” Luna paused for a moment, turning away and biting her lower lip, before turning back to fix Twilight’s gaze in her own.
“Please find a remedy for this crisis as soon as you can, Twilight. In truth, I fear for my sister. The burden of raising and lowering the celestial bodies has grown difficult since the problem began, and I am afraid Celestia is overexerting herself. By sunset she is so weary that it’s all she can do to stagger to her bed. And I don’t think she’s eating, as well.”
Twilight moved to Luna’s side, placing a hoof across her back as she continued. “I try to help where I can, to lift some of the responsibilities of government from her shoulders. But even though I am a princess, I have little power. My past sins, it seems, still make ponies loath to trust me. And my own duties with the moon have become so draining...”
Luna stared at the floor, her voice hollow as she spoke. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been able to count on my big sister. But now, when she needs to be able to count on me, I can’t help her. My sister is killing herself, and all I can do is watch.”
Twilight listened in silence. Once again, she found herself desperate to comfort a friend on the brink of despair, searching for the words that would give Princess Luna hope and strength. The sensation of hardness in her belly returned.
“I won’t let that happen, Princess. I swear it. I’ll find a way to stop this, and everything will be back to normal.”
Luna raised her head, a weak smile crossing her face. “Thank you, Twilight. If there is anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to ask.”
Standing, Luna bowed to Twilight. “And now I must take my leave. The night is yet young, and I have my duties. Thank you for listening to my troubles.”
“Of course, Princess, it was no trouble.”
Luna began to walk to the door, before pausing and looking at Twilight over her shoulder.
“Oh, and Twilight? Please just call me Luna. We are friends, and there is no need for such formality between us.”
“Oh! Of course, Prin— er, I mean, Luna.”
The doors shut softly behind Luna and Twilight turned to her desk, still piled high with the notes and reference material of the day’s research. Enarme stood behind it, his face impassive as always.
Twilight could still feel that strange, hard sensation, as if her insides had turned to iron. She was going to find a solution to this problem, no matter how long it took or how hard she had to work. As she began to walk to her desk, Enarme stepped forward, blocking her path.
“Princess Twilight, with respect, I believe you should follow Princess Luna’s advice and get some rest. It’s nearly midnight.”
Twilight scoffed. “Rest? Now? There’s still too much to do! I haven’t finished organizing the day’s findings, and I still need to plan out tomorrow’s goals—” Before she could finish her sentence, a heady yawn escaped her, and Twilight suddenly realized how tired she was.
“Your highness, you have been up since before dawn, and it has been a very trying day for you. As your Equerry, it’s my duty to ensure you remain in good health, and right now, that means a good night’s sleep. I’m afraid I have to insist.”
Looking between the stacks of notes and books on her desk and Sergeant Enarme, Twilight finally nodded. “I suppose you’re right, sergeant. I won’t be any good to anypony if I’m sleep deprived, and those ninny-hammer doctors and professors can barely put together a report without me there to organize them.”
Twilight walked to the door with Enarme close behind. She could save the world in the morning.