Meanwhile, back in the library.
Twilight stretched as she woke up. Not even mid day meant that there was plenty of time to continue that amazing book that she had started reading about “Ancient Lines, Focus Points, and the Sub-Neither Tuning Crystals.” Clapping her hooves together gleefully, she rolled over and lifted the leather bound book into her lap. Flicking through the pages until she came upon her bookmark, she shuffled under her blanket until she was comfortable.
“Great lines of power or energy, known now as Major Ley lines or Mana lines and Lesser Lines of power, known as Minor ley lines or Mana Lines lay across the land of Equestria in an intricate web pattern. These lines of magic are often summoned for mighty purposes, from the creation of the Elements of Harmony; really I never knew that,” Twilight said aloud, “I thought the princesses created the Elements, huh oh well, to the creation of the Crystal Empire. Ley or Mana lines exist all over Equestria and are known to come to a single point in three separate locations. Under the Grand City of Canterlot, under the Palace of the Crystal Empire, and under the Castle of the Elder Lords, huh never heard of that place in any of my books. Aphirion mentioned that he’s ruled by somepony called a Lord. Maybe I can ask him more about it later. That’s all that here for this chapter, not very long but definitely educational. On to the next chapter, Focus points are the single point where multiple Ley lines converge, then are concentrated into a single highly charged Tuning Crystal (see chapter 3-9) Currently, there are three focus points found in Equestria, under the City of Canterlot, under the Palace of the Crystal Empire, and under the Castle of the Elder Lords. The Focus Point under the Crystal Empire is recorded to have upwards of seventy-four major Ley lines and two hundred forty three minor Ley lines. The City of Canterlot has been recorded as having no less than one hundred and thirty six major ley lines and over four hundred and fifty two minor lines. The Castle of the Elder Lords is recorded to have no less than eighteen hundred major Ley lines and at least three thousand Minor Ley lines, however, the amount of Major and Minor Lines have never been full recorded due to the static discharges from the Focus Point.”
“TWILGHT!” a voice yelled from the front door, “Are you home?” several pounds on the door came shortly after.
Groaning with annoyance Twilight shoved her marker into the book, slammed the cover closed and threw off her soft blanket. Trampling over her bedding she made her way down the stairs, the pounding on the door continuing its constant banging against the wood. Grumbling under her breath, Twilight took a moment to gather herself and opened the door with a wide smile upon her face.
“Hi girls, how nice of you for coming to visit me.” She said sweetly, “especially on my day off”
“Oh it wasn’t a problem at all darling, we just knew how bored you would be on a weekend and we just simply couldn’t allow that.” Rarity said, throwing her mane so that it flourished, “So we decided to come spend some quality time with you today.”
“Yes ma’am, you spend so much time with these here dusty books. It’s about time you got outside for once.” Applejack added.
“That’s very thoughtful of you of you both but honestly I enjoy being inside as much as spending time outdoors. Unfortunately I am very very busy right now, you know, reorganizing the books again.”
“But you just did that the other day?”
“Well yes, but a lot of people don’t put books back in their proper place. So it comes down to me.” Twilight laughed nervously, “and as you see, “a sudden flash of light “ive already taken all the books off the shelves.”
Applejack and Rarity gave each other confused stares before nodding in sync. Without warning, both ponies pounced onto Twilight, pinning her to the ground. Applejack, without fail, whipped her rope out. Years of experience guiding her hooves, she tied the violet unicorn into a tight ball in a matter of a few seconds. Rarity on the other hoof, had used her magic to temporary subdue the struggling pony until the final knot was tied.
“Wait, what are you doing!” Twilight yelled, “STOP IT!”
“It’s for your own good sugar cube; those books aren’t going anywhere no time soon.” Applejack joked, “Now you’re coming with us and enjoying the nice weather.” Lifting Twilight up onto her back, she centered her squarely between her shoulders and headed for the door.
“NOOOOOOOOOO” Twilight screamed.
Across the town, Aphirion made his way back from the market. Passing beneath the wide canopy of the oaks that lined several of the roads, he started to hum a cadence he had learned a long time ago. Birds chirped here and there, sitting on the branches above the streets. With the library in view he slowed his pace, feeling slightly fatigued from carrying the groceries all the way from the market to her house. Pushing the door open with his head, he entered the library and was relieved to see that his mark hadn’t been set off.
“Well she’s safe for another day at least.” He said to himself. Setting the half dozen bags down on the kitchen floor, Aphirion started the tedious chore of putting the food away.
“Hey Spike, is Twilight home or did she leave?” he called throughout the house.
“If you count being tied up and carried out by her friends, after leaving me the chore of picking up all the books off the floor, leaving then yeah, she’s not here.” Spike called from somewhere, “Why do you want to know.” He added suspiciously.
“Just curious.” He responded, “Tied up and forced out, sounds like a good time.” He whispered.
“Anyways,” Spike said as he walked into the kitchen, “I’m heading out myself. Some of the guys are having a weight lifting contest and I wana try my claw at it.” He said confidently, kissing his small biceps.
Aphirion stifled a laugh, but managed to say, “Best of luck”, Snickering as the small purple dragon left the house, and he went back to putting the food away. Sliding the last bushel of broccoli into the pantry, he wiped away a bead of sweat from his brow.
“Man, when was the last time I took a shower. I can’t even remember. Well, Twilight isnt home so this is probably the best time to take one.”
Deciding now would be the best time, he hurried into the bathroom. Grabbing a towel from the closet and quickly browsing through her selection a soaps, grabbing the least girly looking jar he leapt into the shower. Jiggling with the small levers, he felt the water switch from cold to hot over and over until he found the right spot, a perfect balance of heat and chill. Feeling the warmth run across his body, his thoughts returned to Twilight.
“Why, why do I constantly have this urge to be near her? Why am I also catching myself drifting towards her in my mind? It’s not even the right time of the year and yet all I want to do is just be around her.”
Opening the jar, he poured some of the thick gel into his hoof. Lathering it around in his mane, he continued to think of Twilight more and more. His mind slipping into a sensual area, Aphirion didn’t take notice to a certain part of his body. His mind blocking out all other senses to the point where he didn’t even hear the door open.