Ein Sof Zealotry

by ZhaoZoharEX

Chapter 4

Once again, Twilight found herself in Elysium after going to sleep. This time, the scene changed; rather than the grassy field and fountain, she beheld herself on a different landmass in the form of a large open field surrounded by cherry blossoms trees. Within the open field were stone structures resembling more angelic ponies, covered in vines; one in particular was an Earth mare statue holding up a large spear. All around, cherry blossom petals fell from the sky, each glowing with a glimmer as they fell.

“These sculptures pale in comparison to the Grand Creator.”

Twilight looked up at the source of the voice to find Scintillant lounging on a flat structure.

“Elysium has many fascinating sights, but this one in particular isn’t all too appealing for me. The structures are rather sloppy for my tastes. Anyway Twilight Sparkle, I see you have done an acceptable job recruiting that unicorn mare. She has learned another of our virtues and by extension, you have as well: Prudence.”

“How so?” Twilight said somewhat angrily.

“I must apologize. I deliberately withheld information about the Alicorn Amulet. It corrupts the user the more they use it. You see, the holder is seduced by its power, bringing out their inner desire and intention to do evil. They become reckless and arrogant as a result. You had to defeat your friend using creative thinking, no? In that way, you have shown prudence, the ability to govern and discipline oneself by use of reason. You’ve displayed the ability to judge between actions with regard and appropriately to the time. As a result, you have also shown your friend such a lesson as well. Sure, it matters who has the biggest stick, but it matters more it’s swung.”

“Trixie does seem wiser now that she knows power alone doesn’t decide victory.”

“Precisely. She is also less arrogant, is she not?”

“She was like that before though. In Canterlot where I saw her again.”

“But she was unwilling to entertain the thought of Elysium’s existence. When I brought the two of you to the island, the landmass reacted to her rejection of belief. The water in the nearby fountain was frozen, was it not? Wisdom is much like water in a way: both are beneficial to all life, but if it is solid, none can drink from it. I believe there is an old Zebra proverb along the lines of ‘knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand’. Do you understand, Twilight Sparkle?”

“I think so. What does it mean for this land then? Why am I here instead of the other island?”

“This landmass describes the next virtue, which is an important one. Much like these stone structures are held by a foundation that keeps them standing, this virtue lays the foundation for society and cultural norms. But also like these structures, said foundation can erode and crumble under weight and pressure. I wish for you to find a pony who has suffered a miscarriage of law. Not so much a legal norm, but a law of society. You will know when you see them. And one last thing, Twilight Sparkle. Remember that even your friends and allies can hide things from you like I did today. Trusting blindly is the easiest way to be betrayed.”

With a rapid spin and spark of her halo, Scintillant again let a flash erupt. As the light died down, Twilight awoke to the morning sun radiating through her bedroom windows. Great. That headache’s back. At least it’s not as strong this time.

“Hey Twilight! Finally, you’re awake. I was beginning to think you were going to sleep in today.”

“Spike? Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“Uh, Twilight? It’s Sunday. The library is closed today.”

“Err, still! I still have chores to do.”

“Anyway, you have a letter from Princess Celestia.”

A letter? Does the princess want to task me with menial again? “Thanks Spike. Let me read it,” she said taking the letter with her magic. She unrolled the scroll and began reading.

Dearest Twilight.

First of all I would like to thank you for your exquisite work from last evening. The Saddle Arabian dignitaries were more than impressed and the performance helped to break ice greatly. I also applaud to that use of fireworks as the grand finale. I didn’t even know you were interested in that branch of magic.

However, there is an important matter I wish to discuss with you. During the festivities I was told by the mayor that a mare called Trixie Lulamoon tried to usurp rule over the town with use of a dangerous artifact. I came to understand that the danger passed thanks to your effort and effort of your friends. However, I need a more detailed report. Please visit me before the symposium continues to provide the information I seek.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia.

Oh boy… This is going to be troublesome. Of course you want to know more about the one who could endanger your pretty little crown. I might have to talk to Trixie about this later. 

“What’s it say Twi?”

“The Princess wants me to talk to her about Trixie. I will have to go back to the symposium in a few days anyway. I can trust you to look after the library as usual can I?”

“Of course! I wouldn’t be your number one assistant otherwise. Oh! I forgot to tell you that Applejack asked to borrow a few things. We were supposed to prepare for that, but that whole fiasco with Trixie made me forget.”

“Applejack wants to borrow something? For what? And was it really the fuss around Trixie, or were you just busy making another gem cake?” she questioned with a bit of annoyance at her assistant’s lack of reliability.

“Well…” Spike put his claws behind his back and involuntarily licked his lips, betraying the answer. Twi just placed her still aching head in her hooves. Content that his word on the matter wasn’t required anymore, Spike jumped to the other questions. “She and Applebloom are going on a camping trip soon.”

“Ah.” If that’s the case, I should find some maps and a compass. I know I have them around here somewhere. But that will have to wait until she tells me where she wants to go in the first place. “We better gather those things. But first, could you make me some breakfast?”

“Princess Celestia will now talk to you.”

It was something new for Twilight that she had to wait to be allowed in, but it shouldn’t have been that surprising, given the security measures adopted after the changeling attack. She pushed the door open and found herself in a familiar cozy room serving as Celestia’s personal study. When she was younger she used to spend long hours here chiselling her magical abilities. All those memories turned sour from the recent development.

Celestia herself was sitting on a cushion by a coffee table supporting a tea set. “Twilight! I am glad to see you again,” she said standing up and walking toward Twilight to embrace her. Try as she might, Twilight couldn’t find it in herself to dislike the gesture.

“Me too, Princess. It has been a long time since we talked in private.” The two mares made their way back to the cushions and helped themselves to some tea and biscuits. “I hope the talks with the dignitaries went well and they will join the symposium as planned.”

“Yes, they will, and it is all thanks to you.” Celestia took a sip from her cup. “But, just like I wrote you, I need to discuss the events around Alicorn Amulet. For starters, I believe you have known Trixie Lulamoon before the incident.”

What do I say to not share too much? She mustn’t connect us! Twilight scrunched her face in concentration that could have been easily mistaken for distaste. “Yes, she visited Ponyville before and was rather arrogant back then. Then my friend Midnight Spell told me few days ago that she changed for better. But when I met her, she was still the same mare. And then she appeared in Ponyville all of the sudden.”

“I take it she has less than favourable character. I fear she might try something similar again. Would you happen to know where she ran off?”

Not to punish her for her actions, but to eliminate somepony potentially capable of dethroning you. Of course. “No. I was too busy with sorting out the aftermath of her ‘reign’. If I knew where she is hiding, I would be the first to go there,” Twilight answered and smile inwardly since she basically didn’t lie on the last part.

“That’s a pity. Well, I will have to initiate a search then.” Celestia hung her head with a glum expression on her face. From Twilight’s experience Celestia tried to avoid any kind of uproar and harshness around criminal acts, so organising a hunt on a pony couldn’t sit right with her. “I hope the Alicorn Amulet is safe at least?”

“Yes, Princess, we gave it to a reliable keeper who is sure not to use it. Not even I know where the Amulet is hidden now.” It would do no good if Celestia had access to the power of the Amulet. Twilight shared as little information as only possible while still answering the questions.

“Very well then.” Celestia sat up straight, probably satisfied with the information she got. “I have a task for you too. I want you to go to the university library and peruse some ancient texts. They should be useful during the symposium. I have them listed here for you. Would you please give me report on them as soon as possible?” She levitated a scroll toward Twilight and smiled calmly at her student.

Containing her glee about studying Twilight took the scroll and deposited it in her saddlebag. “Of course, Princess. I will get to it right away,” she said with a smile and exited the room. Phew. That could have gone much worse. I’m surprised she didn’t see through my lies. But it probably didn’t even cross her mind that I could be hiding things from her. Scintillant was right about that too.

After making her way out of the castle, she contemplated a route towards the university. She analyzed the distance between the castle and the university and decided the quickest path to take was down a street known as “Limestone Boulevard”, the street known for sculptures and artists, as well as the tourists from around the world coming to look at them. It was common for artists to hang around and try to get customers for whom they would draw portraits. Twilight wasn’t fond of the idea of walking down there because of that, but she wanted to get to the university library as quickly as possible, so she took the chance.

These sculptures. They look familiar. Twilight couldn’t help but think the sculptures resembled the ones from her visit to Elysium, right down to a similar looking Earth mare statue. Walking down the boulevard, she noticed something out of place. While most of the other artists on the street were loud and cheerful, one in particular stood out as withdrawn and with an empty stand. She was a magenta earth mare with peach colored hair. Down by her hooves lay several roses scattered about, one in a vase, another hanging from the stand itself.

She looks kind of down. I wonder if I should go over and see if she’s okay. No, wait. I have to get to the library. I have a job I need to do. Twilight tried to walk by, but stopped herself. Wait a minute. What am I doing? Do I really have to do this job for Celestia?... No, the Princess can wait. That pony might need my help more

“Excuse me? Are you alright?”

The magenta mare looked up with a perplexed look. She seemed to force a smile as she wiped her eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just a little disheartened is all. I can’t seem to make any sales today and I really need the money.”

“Sorry to hear that. If you want, I could buy one.”

“I can’t sell what I don’t have right now. And I’m afraid I used up all my materials with these flowers.”

“Flowers?” Twilight picked up one of the roses up from the ground with her magic. “You mean these?”

“It’s nothing special. Just a habit I do when I get artist block. Unfortunately, that’s been happening a lot recently.”

“What happened?”

“I… I’d rather not talk about it. Besides… you wouldn’t want my crummy artwork anyway.”

I’m not sure I’m getting anywhere with her. But something about these roses… “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you make these flowers? They look so real.”

“I painted them,” the mare said with a shrug.

“Painted? Do you mean you painted on the flowers?”

“No, I painted them on my canvas and they just materialize.”

“Interesting… Could I possibly see you do that?”

The mare glanced away from Twilight to hide her shy face. “It just happens at random, I don’t have any control over it. Besides, I’m out of paint.”

“I could buy you more.”

The mare shot a surprised look. “You would do that for a complete stranger?”

“Of course. I’m not about to walk out on a new friend. Actually, this uh, talent you have interests me. You see, I study magic and your talent sounds like a rare form of pony magic. If I could see it in action, I would be pretty excited.”

The mare stood up, glancing at her equipment for a few seconds, then back to Twilight. “If you insist, I can try to do it again. But I will have to leave my stuff here until we buy more paint. I don’t really feel like lugging it around.”

“Aren’t you worried about it getting stolen?”

“This stuff? Stolen? Who’d want this junk? The other artists here are very specific on what they use and wouldn’t touch it even if they were desperate. Besides, it’s pretty worthless as is. Much like the mare who owns it.”

Wow, she’s got some self-esteem issues. Kind of reminds me of Fluttershy almost.

The two mares walked in the direction of the marketplace and began talking to each other as they strolled.

“My name is Acrylic Canvas by the way. You can just call me Canvas,” the magenta mare timidly said.

“Pleasure to meet you Canvas. My name is Twilight Sparkle.”

“You’re Twilight Sparkle? I’ve heard about you. You defeated Nightmare Moon, Discord, and the changelings, didn’t you?”

“I only helped with that last one,” Twilight said in distaste of the invasion being mentioned for the Nth time. “It was my brother and Princess Cadance who did that.”

“Oh. Uh, well the invasion scared me a lot when it happened. Thank Celestia the invasion was repelled.”

Yeah, thank Celestia… who did little in the way of helping.

The two mares arrived at the shop Canvas liked to go to. Twilight, being no artist, stood by as Canvas browsed the different paints.

“Let’s see. Oh no, it looks like they’re all out of the usual brand I use. That’s a shame, it’s the cheapest they have.”

“Well, what about those over there?” Twilight gestured to the shelf on the opposing aisle.

“No, those are oil paints. I don’t like using them, I prefer acrylic paints.”

“What’s the difference?”

“Acrylic paint dries faster and is more flexible in that you can use it on anything, and you can use water to dilute it when needed. Also, I don’t like the smell of oil paint.”

“Oh I see.”

“I also need to keep an eye on what grade the paint is.”

“Grade?”

“Most commercial acrylic paints come in three grades: Scholastic, Student, and Artistic. I usually use student grade as it has the balance between price and quality. I don’t like scholastic grades because they use dyes as well as pigments, and are only limited to primary colors. I have a hard time getting clean results with them. When possible, I like to go for artistic grade when I have access to it; they’re the most expensive, but are made with the professional artist in mind, and I find they have the best results for blending colors.”

“You really know your stuff Canvas,” Twilight smiled.

“Well, I’ve always had an interest in art. It’s been my hobby ever since I was a little filly. I got my cutie mark when I painted my first portrait of my father. He was impressed and encouraged me to go further with my talent. As a result, I began taking art classes at Rosewood.”

Twilight’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Rosewood? That high end private school?”

“Here it comes…” Canvas said with a sigh.

“How did you get admitted into that school?” both mares said in unison, Canvas more unimpressed than Twilight as if she heard that question many times before.

“My… father is a judge of the crown court. I was adopted by him when I was just a little foal,” the magenta mare said quietly. “If you’re wondering why I’m struggling financially despite that, it’s because I don’t want to seem too reliant on him. I’d want to be able to support myself on my own. Besides, I don’t really want to face him right now.”

This caught Twilight’s attention. “Did something happen between the two of you?” she asked concerned.

“N-no! it’s not like we had a fight or anything. It’s just that… I’m afraid of how disappointed he would be in me right now,” Canvas said lowering her head.

“Do you want to talk about it, dear? You can tell me. I’ve made my share of mistakes, and I can tell you that it helps to talk to somepony.”

Canvas pondered for a moment. “Um… Okay. I would like to get this out of the way. B-but not here! I want to talk about it in private. Anyway, I should probably get those paints.”

“Choose whatever you want. I’ve got plenty of bits on hoof.”

“Are you sure, Ms. Sparkle? I don’t want to be a bother.”

“Well, I’m still interested in checking out that talent of yours, so how about we say this purchase is for ‘evaluation purposes’?”

The earth mare browsed for a good three minutes before making her selection: a set of twelve student grade paints, and a set of brushes. At the checkout line, Canvas was visibly anxious, as if she wanted to leave as soon as possible. Her eyes widened as she saw a group of mares not far from their position; Twilight was quick to notice her nervousness. Thankfully for Canvas, she was able to make her purchase with Twilight’s help and leave before her fear came true, whatever it may have been. Once far away from the market place, she took a deep breath.

“I can’t thank you enough Ms. Sparkle. I’ve never met another pony who was as generous as you.”

“No problem Canvas. I’ve been through this a lot with my… friends.” Twilight hesitated at the “friends” part, saying it with the same distaste as when she talked with Trixie.

“You don’t make it sound like that’s a good thing.”

“Well…” Twilight paused. “Truth be told, I’ve been having trust issues with them lately.” She cast her eyes down for a moment, but lifted them back to Canvas quickly to prevent further questions. “Anyway. You wanted to talk in private, so what about we pick up your things and go to your studio to let you work at the same time?”

“I don’t have a studio,” Canvas stated and after few seconds added in much quieter voice “or a home for that matter.”

Twilight bit her lip at the revelation, but remembering Canvas’ reaction to her direct questioning she decided to not react to it right away. “In that case, let me host you at my place. My suite has a good lighting, so the conditions for painting should be to your liking, and we can have lunch then too.”

“Would that be really alright? I would hate to impose…”

Goodness, if she were to meet Fluttershy, the books about politeness would have to be rewritten afterwards, Twilight thought. “Of course it would, Canvas. I don’t have anything important to do anyway.”

The two mares made their way back to Canvas’ stand and to the castle in relative silence, both weighing their options in upcoming conversation. Once in her rooms, Twilight ordered them a proper lunch, expecting it to arrive in about twenty minutes. Turning back to Canvas, Twilight noticed the mare licking her lips with an obviously hungry expression.

“You don’t get to eat that often either, do you?” Twilight asked with worry on her face.

“Well, no… But I am used to it and I have only myself to blame for my situation. I was stupid.” Canvas looked away and made a point of busying herself with preparing her tools. “Well, all set, what do you want me to paint? And what do you want to hear?”

“Well, what about this. Draw whatever you like in here and if it materializes, you can keep it. And I would like to hear why you are homeless when your father is so rich and influential.”

“Ok then. I think that comb is really nice, so let’s go with that.” Canvas started her creative process and kept silent for some time. At the sound of impatient shifting from Twilight she finally spoke up. “You know what Rosewood is, so you most likely know how competitive the school gets and that hardly anypony plays clean there. Well, I was really good and earned my place there not through wealth, but through actual talent. Or so others told me. It didn’t sit right with my classmates and when an important competition came, I was forced to cheat to even have a chance. But they set me up and destroyed me with it.” She stepped back from her canvas and glanced at Twilight, pointing to the painting.

Twilight approached her and watched with fascination as the comb separated from the canvas, leaving the white fabric untouched, and fell to floor with a clatter. She moved her hoof forward and touched the comb, proving it was very real indeed.

“This is amazing! You can bring things to existence! I have never seen such magic!” she exclaimed and looked at Canvas with admiration. Then she noticed the tear streaks on her face and remembered what was just said to her. In a way, such fate wasn’t entirely unknown to her; being a personal student of the Princess brought many enemies among corrupted and spoiled young unicorn generation, the only difference being she never cheated in her life.

“So your father threw you on the street for cheating in a competition? That’s-”

“No, no. Oh Celestia no,” Canvas interrupted her and waved the newly materialized comb like a sword. “He is the kindest stallion I know and wouldn’t hurt me like that, ever. That’s why I left. I didn’t want to bring shame upon him. I haven’t seen him in two years either.” She sat down and let more tears fall freely.

Twilight sat down by her side and nuzzled her cheek lightly. “There there. Everypony can make a mistake. The only important thing is to learn from it. Besides, no punishment should last forever. I will talk to Princess later and see what I can do.” That earned a raised eyebrow from Canvas, but before she could ask anything, Twilight continued. “For now, I think I hear the servant with our lunch. Let’s get to the table.”

Once seated and with the food laid in front of them, Twilight watched as Canvas consumed as much as possible without trying to hide her hunger. That raised a question in Twilight’s mind. “Canvas, I was wondering, when you can bring things into existence like that, why don’t you paint money to make living?”

Canvas started to cough violently, having breathed in some of the orange juice served. When she regained her composure, she glared at Twilight over the table. “Things are crafted and money is earned, Twilight. Creating money would be just another cheating for me and I refuse to do that ever again. Besides, I wouldn’t taint my art by doing something so nasty!”

“I’m sorry. It was a stupid question.” Twilight smiled to herself, reaching a decision.

Later that day, Twilight collected the books listed on the scroll and brought them back to her suite in the castle. Canvas had spent some more time in Twilight’s suite on Twilight’s insistence.

Twilight lay on the couch in her suite under reserve set of blankets she found in one of the dressers. She woke up several times every night, so finding herself awake before sunrise didn’t come as surprise to her. Contemplating various subjects belonged to usual activities she would perform in such moments. However, the current subject of her thoughts came as a surprise.

When exactly did I become so impulsive as to let a stranger to stay in my room for a night? she questioned. In her defense, it wasn’t entirely her decision that Acrylic Canvas was occupying Twilight’s bed at the moment. Twilight merely invited Canvas to spend some more time with her while she would study the literature requested by Celestia. Soon after the beginning of her reading lesson, Twilight noticed a soft snoring from the bed.

What else should I have done? Woken her up and thrown her back on the street? Besides, there would be the danger that I wouldn’t find her again.

Which would, of course, be a pity, given how much effort Twilight exerted to improve Canvas’ future. Once she finished the studying, she hurried to Celestia to give her report. I taunted her enough with how much time I took, anyway. She didn’t seem to mind, but I can’t be sure anymore. It wouldn’t serve me well if she got suspicious.

Ensuring her duty was fulfilled, Twilight turned the discussion to her discovery of artistic prodigy, and to her surprise it didn’t take much to convince Celestia to act. At least she still values my opinion. If only she did the same in regard to my own life… Well, better get back to sleep before I get too bitter.

Closing her eyes again and pressing her head into her spare pillow she found, Twilight calmed her mind and prepared to slip back into sleep. That, however, wasn’t meant to be, as a panicked gasp echoed through the room.

“Oh my gosh! I never meant- I didn’t want to- Oh Celestia, what will happen to me now?!” A noise of blankets thrown to the side and hooves meeting the carpeted floor reached Twilight’s ears. The sound of painting tools clattering soon joined and the muttering returned. “I hope Twilight won’t be too upset. I make a friend and then I do something so stupid as to impose the whole night! Stupid Canvas, why do you mess up everything!”

Twilight lifted herself from the couch and trotted toward the frantic mare. “Canvas.”

“Maybe if I get away before she returns, she won’t be too mad at me for this…”

“Canvas!”

“Oh who am I kidding. She will send guards to arrest me for trespassing!”

“CANVAS! Calm down!”

Canvas jumped up in surprise and spun around, only now noticing she wasn’t alone in the room. Gasping for air she tried to bolt past Twilight, but the unicorn reached to her and wrapped her in a gentle hug. “Calm down. Nopony is going to hurt you. You are safe, Canvas, I’m your friend and I don’t mind that you stayed the night. Certainly I won’t call the guard. Everything will get better.”

Canvas’ breathing slowly returned to normal, but the quivering didn’t quite stop. A crestfallen look overtook her face as she looked up at the pony holding her. “How can you tell? I’m good for nothing; why would anything get better?”

“Because I took care of it, Canvas, and you shouldn’t think so low about yourself. I talked to Princess Celestia yesterday when you were asleep and she agreed to grant you place at the Royal Academy of Arts. You will be given a stipend and a room in the schools dormitory too. So I’m su-”

She couldn’t finish her speech as the air was pushed from her lungs by Canvas’ powerful hug, the mare burying her head in Twilight’s neck. A muffled “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” could be heard and Twilight noticed her fur getting damp. She decided to hold the sobbing mare until she would calm down, gently caressing the fur on her back.

After a while Canvas’ crying stopped and she pulled away with a sheepish smile. “Um, thank you, Twilight. This is the most beautiful thing anypony has ever done for me.” She looked to the side and her voice got quieter. “Though I must ask, why are you doing it?”

The question caught Twilight off guard. She didn’t expect explaining her motives so soon, so she went with the most convenient answer. “Because we are friends, Canvas.”

“Friends may invite each other to lunch or let each other stay the night, but you went far out of your way to help me. If you were to do that for every friend of yours, you would have no time for anything else. Please Twilight, I just want to know.”

Twilight bit her lip. Should I tell her right away? It didn’t work well with Trixie. But Canvas seems different. I don’t really have a choice here, do I? She took a deep breath and braced for the worst.

“Canvas, this will sound crazy and you may think me insane when I am done, but please at least give it a thought before rejecting it, okay?” Earning a nod, she continued. “I have friends. Or I thought so until recently. You see, I lived in Canterlot for most of my life and I poured myself into my studies. I didn’t care about friendship and ignored those around me.”

“Then two years ago I moved to Ponyville and forced by circumstances I opened to ponies more. It earned me many lovely moments and I thought I could trust those who called themselves my friends. The truth is, they were there for me only when it was convenient for them, always dismissing my worries as silly.”

“During the Changeling invasion they disregarded my concerns about Cadance’s behavior as jealousy and walked away from me. Even my brother, Shining Armour, shouted at me and basically disowned me. Then they came back when I was proven right and tried to apologize, but I just can’t trust them anymore.”

“The Princess is no better. She ruled my life without my consent the whole time and toyed with me, pretending to care. But recently, I met some… pony who opened my eyes. She showed me how corrupted the world and its leaders are and that everything has to be cleansed of that malice. She has been teaching me ever since and I am happy to follow her orders. One of them is to find new friends who I can help and who can help me with my task.”

“Who is this pony you keep talking about?” Canvas asked with intrigue.

“Her name is Scintillant and she is an angel.” The revelation drew a sharp gasp from Canvas and Twilight hurried to rescue the situation. “I know it seems ridiculous and outrageous and strange, but it is true! I even went to Elysium with her and saw other angels!”

Canvas reached over and grabbed Twilight’s hoof. “Okay, Twilight, I trust you. I just wasn’t expecting this.”

“You… trust me? Just like that?” If a sculptor looked for a model for ponyfication of Shock, he couldn’t find a better one in all the history of Equestria.

“Well, of course. You are my friend and you have no reason to lie to me. Besides, stranger things happen every day. By stars, I drew a comb that lies over there just yesterday, why wouldn’t I believe that angels exist?”

“That is actually a huge relieve. Thank you, Canvas, for being open.”

“Anytime. And,” Canvas smiled brightly at Twilight, “if you want me to help you with anything, I am completely willing. I know too well how evil the world is and I would love nothing more than to make it better.”

Once the proper morning came, Twilight and Canvas were escorted to the Royal Academy of Arts. Twilight needed to head back to the symposium soon, but she wanted to at least help Canvas move into her new dorm room. The mare in question was in a brighter mood than she ever was before, impressed by the amazing sight of the school’s lobby, flooded with many works of art by students and professionals alike. Her reaction was not unlike Twilight’s when she first visited the Crystal Empire’s library.

“I hope the classes here are better than Rosewood. I don’t think I can take another competitive environment like that,” Canvas said a bit worried.

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry,” said one of the teachers. “We have many faculty members and students dedicated to helping each other improve their talents. You are Miss Acrylic Canvas, right? Your name alone promises much impressive work. I would love to see what you can do with your talents.”

“Oh I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised,” Twilight said winking at Canvas.

Further escorted to the mares’ dorms, Canvas, with the help of Twilight and some generous students who pitched in to help, became situated in her new room.

“A single?” Canvas said to Twilight.

“I figured you would prefer the privacy and quiet. You can do all kinds of projects in here and have plenty of room to do so.”

“Thank you again by the way. I don’t know what I would’ve ever done without your help.”

“That’s what friends are for. They help out. Just promise me that you’ll show off some of your work the next time I see you, okay?”

“Only if you promise to give me honest feedback. When will I see you again?”

“I don’t know yet, but I do have to get back to the magic symposium today. Maybe I can visit in a few weeks, a few days if I’m lucky.”

The two mares shared one last hug before Twilight decided she needed to go, lest she would be late for the opening. As she exited the building and walked out into the campus grounds, she saw a familiar stone structure, one that resembled another in Elysium. She almost chuckled out loud there.

“That certainly went better than expected.”