//------------------------------// // 1. Twilight the Teacher // Story: Twilight Time Adaption // by Shadow Master //------------------------------// Chapter 1: Twilight the Teacher In the early morning... At Twilight's home: Golden Oak Library, Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Ben were at its entrance. Both Twilight Sparkle and Ben Mare hugged for the moment, before they departed. "So, will you be okay?" asked concern Twilight. Ben chuckled gently, "Don't worry, Twilight. I'll be fine. Besides, Flash will be there for me, just in case if Chase really is 'the bad guy'." Ever since Chase the Warrior came to her home, Twilight Sparkle became concern and suspicious on his behavior, and wondered of whether she can trust him or not. Yet... Chase had proven to be loyal, brave and caring Earth Pony, he did help her friends and family out... And such as training Ben, helping Fluttershy in tending the animals and helping Applejack in taking care of the farm. It seems her friends didn't seem to have large doubts on him, yet they knew they had to be careful of the stranger until they know it is safe to do it. Twilight Sparkle had hope not to create another disruption and argument again, like Shining Armor's Wedding. She tried not to accuse anyone, unless she had the evidence to prove it. Twilight sighed in concern, "Ben..." Seeing his beloved's concern expression, Ben sighed in annoyance, while his eyes rolled over, "I know, Twilight. I'll be fine. I promise. Besides, we've been through the worst before. And in the end, we've made it out alive. So, don't worry." Feeling concern for her beloved's safety, yet she knew he was right, making Twilight to smile, "Yeah... Take care, Ben." Ben smiled at Twilight Sparkle. He leaned his muzzle to her muzzle and gave his passionate kiss on her lips. She can feel her lovely yet passionate kiss, she kissed him back gently. They kissed for the moment. They departed and gave their nuzzling on each other's head gently for the moment. They stopped, looked at each other and gave their sincere and gentle smiles. Ben turned and headed off for his training. Twilight sighed, giving her happiness and glad expression before she spoke, "Ben is such a good stallion. He knows how to comfort ponies like us." "Yeah... He'd made pretty cool dad," said Spike, nodding his head. He turned to his adoptive mother and asked, "Ready for Twilight Time?" Twilight turned to Spike. She nodded her head and gave her smile to him, "Yes, Spike. Go and prepare for it." "Yes, ma'am," saluted Spike, "Ever since you came to Ponyville, you started to build your learning center for fillies and colts Twilight giggled lightly, "Well Spike, I can't help it. Ever since I became Princess Celestia's student, I became better in using my magic. I was inspired by her teachings and guidance. So, I decided to teach some ponies." "Yeah... So far, the only ponies you're teaching with are Cutie Mark Crusaders." "Yes, Spike; Nyx is the first pony I taught with, in both magic and the Equestria. She then led Cutie Mark Crusaders to here for me to teach. I'm so honor." "Yeah, I know, mom," sighed Spike, "But so far... Cutie Mark Crusaders hadn't improve any of their skills. I guess they're having hard time in it." "Improving skills need some time, Spike," Twilight smiled, "but I have faith. One day... they will make a good progress of it." "Yeah... I guess so." Spike scratched his head, smiled happily. Twilight smiled at him. Her hoof went over his right shoulder, bringing him close to her. Feeling curious and wondrous, he turned to her. She smiled at him. She leaned towards him and gave a small kiss on his head, like what mothers do to their children. Spike gasped, felt Twilight's kiss on his head, blushed, "Wow... You'd never kiss me before. But I guess mothers do that all the time." Twilight blushed, understanding of Spike had said, giggled happily, "Yes. After all, Spike, you were so close to me... And I don't know what it feels like to have a son until you came. I am honor, son." Spike smiled at what Twilight had said. "Come on, Spike," said Twilight, "let's get everything ready." Spike nodded his head. Both him and Twilight Sparkle turned their backs to their home's entrance, preparing to enter it. "Gong Zhu (Princess)! Gong Zhu (Princess)!" A voice shouted in Ma's Language., startled both Princess Twilight Sparkle and Spike. They turned and encountered the familiar navy Mystic Soldier. He was running towards them. "Muguang Shanyao Gong Zhu (Princess Twilight Sparkle)!" The Mystic Soldier panted in tired and exhausted from running and trying to regain his strength and breath. He breathed in and out, steadying himself up. He looked at Twilight and Spike. Spike scratched his head, with both curious and confuse, "What did he just say? I don't think it's English." "That's becauseiIt's Ma's Language, Spike. I'll handle it." Twilight explained. Turned to Mystic Soldier, she spoke in Ma's Language: "Huan Ying, Xian Sheng (Greetings, sir). Ni Hai Hao Ma (Are you alright)?" The Mystic Soldier nodded his head. He cleared his throat before he spoke: "Princess Twilight Sparkle. I brought the message from his lordship, Lord Azure Phoenix." "Lord Azure Phoenix?" Asked Twilight Sparkle and Spike, in surprise and shock. Spike gulped in concern, "You mean the guy we met during the fight with Brave Heart? And the one who got anger and revenge issue with Nyx? Oh no! What if Azure Phoenix still had problems with her?!" Twilight Sparkle shook her head, of what Spike had said, giggled, "Ohh Spike. Azure Phoenix is no longer have his hatred on Nyx ver since she faced him about the consequence she had before, and his daughter returned to him. He forgave her." Twilight Sparkle turned to the Mystic Soldier. He gave the scroll to her. She took it through her magic lavender levitation. "And your highness," said Mystic Soldier, "Be prepare for Lord Azure's three advisors' arrival. I hope you are ready for his lordship's objective." "Objective?," asked concern Twilight, "What objective?" Without giving explanation, Mystic Soldier disappeared in blue smoke. Spike looked confuse and concern, asked, "What was that about?" Princess Twilight Sparkle shrugged. She opened the scroll and read it carefully. From reading the message, her eyes widened in shock and worry. She gulped in concern. Spike noticed her expression. He approached her, touching her back head. She turned to Spike and asked him to take a note. Seeing Twilight's expression and reaction, Spike knew something important was about to happen. He took both quill and a yellow scroll out from his back. Twilight spoke out while Spike wrote down of what she had said. ------------------------------- A moment later... Within her home, Princess Celestia entered it. Twilight showed the scroll to her former mentor, who received the young princess's letter in early morning, read it carefully: 'Princess Twilight Sparkle, I, Lord Azure Phoenix, has a request for you to do. Ever since you became Princess Celestia's student, you had proven yourself a worthy student and became the Alicorn. I'm truly impressed. And I had seen your powers and leadership since the day you fought Brave Heart. I was told that you taught students to perfect their skills and abilities. I wish to see your results of teachings. But be warned, I can be earlier than what my messenger had inform you. If you prove your teachings result to me, I would consider on placing Mystic Learning Committee at Ponyville. I wish you luck, Twilight Sparkle. I expect no failure. Signed by Azure Phoenix' Princess Celestia closed the scroll, and turned to Twilight Sparkle. "Ohhh... I'm so worried, Princess Celestia," said Twilight, in her concern and fear, "Lord Azure Phoenix want to see my results of teaching Cutie Mark Crusaders! I'm worry! What am I gonna do?! I'm being pressured again! I haven't felt it since Crystal Empire test you gave me." Princess Celestia sighed, knowing Twilight would reacted in her concern and fear again, spoke up: "Calm down, Twilight. You have nothing to worry about." Spike nodded his head, "Yeah, Twi. No need to feel pressure or rush over again. Besides, I'm sure Cutie Mark Crusaders will pass their test. They will be flying colors!' Twilight sighed and explained: "I know, Spike. But this is Azure Phoenix we're dealing with. He was not only known as 'Emperor of Land of Ma' and 'Conqueror of the North', but as 'Master of the Talents'! He watched, observed and learned of both his enemies and allies of how good their talents were. Azure Phoenix will give the critic and comments to them. He may recruit them." Princess Celestia nodded her head and said, "That is correct, Twilight Sparkle. But do not worry, I'm sure you can make it." Twilight's eyes remained worry, scared and concern, panicking said: "This won't be like before! This is like taking a test from a different teacher! I'm in big trouble now! What If I fail?! What if Lord Azure decided to take me away from my home?! What if... HE decided to wage a ward against you?! I'm gonna be in big trouble if I don't succeed it!" "Twilight Sparkle!" Princess Celestia shouted. Twilight Sparkle yelped in shock. She continued, "Azure Phoenix will not start the war. But taking over your home, yes, should the ruler proven to be unworthy, Twilight. But I have faith in you. You will succeed. Besides, have you ever failed me before?" Twilight Sparkle thought for the moment. She remembered of the tests she had been through, and at the very end, she passed them. She smiled and shook her head. "Good. Then, I'm sure that you'll succeed your mission. I had faith in you, Twilight. Do your best." Twilight smiled and nodded her head. "And if Azure Phoenix indeed start a war against me, I will knock some sense into him," She sighed while shaking her head, "That Alicorn is too ambitious. That Azury. He really needs someone to be there. Somehow, he, me and Ben's father could have been best friends and team, though I don't like the idea of 'Love Triangle'." Twilight looked surprise, asked, "Wait? Did you say Ben's father? And what do you mean 'Love Triangle'?" Princess Celestia gulped. She felt her heart pounding in worry and concern. Her mind filled with fears. Princess Celestia quickly shook her head before she spoke: "Well, for starters, Azure Phoenix and I, were used to be lovers after my sister's banishment. But... He and I don't always agree on the terms of ruling the kingdom. As for Ben's father... he was a good friend, and... he was killed before giving his son to me." "And Love Triangle?" "As of that, he used to have feelings. But I ignore it because I do not wish him to get in trouble and involved with Azure. One thing I don't want is troubles." Twilight Sparkle nodded her head in understanding. She turned to Spike, giving an order: "Spike. Go get my students. It's time to show Lord Azure Phoenix what my students can do." Spike saluted, "Yes ma'am!" Spike headed off to the entrance. Princess Celestia smiled: "Remember, Twilight. If there's the problem, call me. I will handle it, especially Azure Phoenix." Twilight smiled at her former mentor. Princess Celestia turned and headed to the entrance door. She closed the door gently. She looked at the sky. She sighed in shame and upset. She had thoughts, 'Forgive my deception, Twilight. But I can't let you... or Ben know the truth. Especially involving of my death daughter...' Princess Celestia flew up to the sky. ------------------------------- In the afternoon... Her entrance door was knocked. Twilight Sparkle opened it. She then met Schemetrick, cyan Earth Pony with gray mane, small mustache and short tail with his Cutie Mark is Chinese Brush and Scrolls wore the navy Advisor's robe and headwear, and light yellow Earth Pony had a blond curly mane and tail and his Cutie Mark is books wore the bun-shaped with chopstick and wore the greenish and navy Advisor's robe. "Master Schemetrick, welcome," Twilight Sparkle greeted, bowed before him. She stood up and noticed two Earth Ponies. "These must be other two advisors of Lord Azure Phoenix." Schemetrick nodded his head. He held Twilight's hoof up. He kissed on her hoof with his gentle smile, "Yes, indeed, your highness. The cyan Earth Pony is Master James the Confident, and yellow Earth Pony is Troy the Cautious, and of course, yours truly, Schemetrick the Charm." Twilight Sparkle giggled, "I am honor." Master James bowed, "Yes, so are we. I hope your students are prepared for it." "I'm sure they will," Twilight Sparkle said calmly, "I had faith in them." Troy chuckled gently, "Alright then. Bring us to them." Twilight Sparkle nodded her head, bringing Schemetrick, Master James and Troy inside of her hom. "Nyx!" Twilight called out, "We have guests. Can you bring your friends down?" "Coming!" Nyx answered. Nyx came down the stairs. But she wasn't alone. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Dinky Doo, Twist and Pipsqueak followed her to the ground floor. They stood together in one straight line, in front of Twilight Sparkle, Schemetrick, Master James and Troy the Cautious. "Welcome to Golden Oak Library!" Cutie Mark Crusaders greeted and bowed. "Not bad," commented Troy, writing the notes down on his paper on his paperclip, "having manners to the VIPs. Well done." Twilight Sparkle giggled, "I'm sure that every filly and colt knows that." Master James chuckled, "We shall see, your highness. After all, this is Modern Era. Come. Let us see what your students can do." "Alright then," Twilight Sparkle calmly, said, "let's begin with Nyx." Nyx smiled. She stood in front of the center. She closed her eyes, clearing everything from her mind as she concentrating and focusing her dark navy magic aura through her horn. It glowed brightly. She opened her eyes. They revealed the whitish eye balls. It blinded everyone in the library, causing them to blocked the light with their hooves. For the moment later, the white light dispersed. The ponies in Golden Oak Library, removed their hooves from blocking, looked at their friend. They gasped in awe and surprise. Nyx as the black mare Alicorn with her purple mane combed back with her cyan hairband, grinned at the crowds. Master James hummed gently, "Hmm... Impressive. This is second pony we had encountered to perform Battle Mode. Well done." Troy chuckled, "Question remained: what else can you do with this form? Surely, you had some surprises to surprise us, kid." "And please," said Schemetrick, "Don't gives us the simple tricks we had seen so far: Unicorn Blast and Barrier. Most of military had them." Nyx giggled, "Be my guess, advisors." She cleared her throat as she's about to begin her spells. She cried out, "Gravity Moon-Drive!" Her horn glowed in dark navy bright, Nyx smiled gently. She looked around of her surrounding, seeking her target to fire at. She spotted Phobos coming down from the stairs. Her horn formed the small black orb. She smirked. She fired the dark navy blast at him. He yelped in shock and pain, feeling his body had trapped in the black sphere-like. For the moment later, the black sphere disappeared. Phobos looked confuse and worry, looked around his surroundings. A while later, he felt his body being lifted and levitated by magic. He had his eyes shrunken. He screamed in fear and panic for help. Nyx giggled, moving her head around, causing the Moon Dragon to move around on the hall. Schemetrick, Master James and Troy wrote everything down on their notepads from their observation. "NYX!" Phobos cried, "Put me down! NOW!" Nyx smirked, "Okay." Nyx's horn stopped glowing. The dark navy aura around Phobos disappeared. He had his eyes shrunken again. He screamed out loud in fear. He fell right on the ground hard. "Ow..." Phobos groaned painfully. Schemetrick, Master James and Troy clapped their hooves. Nyx transformed back to her filly form. Master James chuckled gently, "Most impressive, Nyx. You certainly live up to your mother's expectation no doubt. Just like Prince Strikespell, he's the only one who can lived up to his father's expectation. She will become her mother's successor." Twilight Sparkle giggled, "Master James, with all due respect, I don't need the successor. Besides, Nyx is already a best pony in magic." Hearing of what Twilight had said, Master James chuckled in amusement, "Why, that's interesting. Lord Azure Phoenix never told me that you can be amusing when you said you don't need the successor. That's the good one." Twilight blinked her eyes in surprise, said, "Hey! I didn't -" Troy interrupted, "Next, please." Twist moved to the front, with couple of books. He asked, "Okay. So, little girl, what are you going to do with these books?." Twist blushed. She took one another History Book in front of three advisors, explained: "Well. I read books - lots of books like who is the founder of Ponyville before Mayor Mare take over as the Mayor of Ponyville? Why, it's Granny Smith. Then, who is the one who defeated the Tyrant Emperor of Land of Ma and various warlords? Lord Azure Phoenix. And as of old legends, Megan, our creator defeated the Warlord of the Darkness: Tirek. And then -!" Schemetrick chuckled gently, commented, "Okay, Twist, that would be enough. I think we got your point. You actually had good various knowledge from books. Next please." Twist smiled. She moved back to her friends. Twist gave the hoof up to Nyx. Dinky Doo came to the front. She bowed to them. She focused all of her energy through her horn. She groaned in determination, trying to make something happen. Popped! The form of Angel the Bunny appeared in the smoke. Three Advisors awed at the sights. Dinky Doo smirked, blasting at Angel. Popped! The bunny disappeared in the smoke, and came with Gummy. Popped! He disappeared by her blast, and came with the appearance of Winora the Dog. Popped! Winore disappeared in smoke. "I call it. Summoning pets," Dinky Doo proudly, said. Troy smiled, "Hmm... Interesting spell you possessed, Dinky. Well done. Next." Dinky Doo smiled in approval. She moved to her friends. Pipsqueak moved to the front. "What ability would you have, little one?" Master James asked gently. "This," Pipsqueak said proudly, taking blue jewel-like, "I want to become the adventurer. I want to explore across the world and discover next things. But so far, I only found this one in Ponyville." Schemetrick, Master James and Troy came towards the item that Pipsqueak found. Schemetrick took the golden dragon-like statue on small box. Master James and Troy looked at it. They observed and examined carefully on the items for the moment. They looked at each other. They smiled. Schemetrick commented, "Well, this is just a jewel, but well done." He turned to Twilight Sparkle, commented: "Well done, Twilight Sparkle. It seems your teachings and guidance to the students have proven well." Twilight Sparkle smiled in approval. She turned to the remaining of Cutie Mark Crusaders: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Twilight said, "Now, Sweetie Belle, let's begin with the basic spell: Levitation. I want you to levitate on the smallest object to biggest. Starting with eraser." Sweetie Belle shook her head, smiled, "Nope. I want to levitate the broom. I know I can do it!" Twilight Sparkle looked shock and surprise, as well as other four. Three Advisors, turned to three Cutie Mark Crusaders, with their notepad and brushes. "Ah, Sweetie Belle," said Twilight in concern, approaching to Rarity's little sister, "Maybe we should run through the steps another few times before you tried on your own." Sweetie Belle shook her head, said confidently, "Nope. Ready to give it a shot!" Twilight Sparkle remained skeptical of Sweetie's choice. Turning and looking at the broom, before she looked at three advisors. They smiled gently, waiting to see the result. Turned to Sweetie Belle, Twilight sighed gently, "Okay then." Sweetie Belle smiled. Her horn sparkle greenly a little at her broom, which is covered in green aura. It then vibrated like it's trying to move. Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at the event with awe and surprise. Three Advisors looked at the event carefully. She groaned, struggling to move the broom, with all of her might and strength. She lifted her head up high, and higher, hoping to bring the broom move and up. Sweetie Belle gave the last strength to push her head up hard. The crack sounded from Sweetie Belle's neck. Her horn stopped glowing. The broom fell to the ground. "Ugh! I think I threw my neck up." Sweetie Belle groaned in pain. She moved her head down, rubbing her neck gently. She faced to three Advisors, who looked odd, shock and not expected. Sweetie Belle sighed, looking down, "Sorry." "No, no, no, no, no, Sweetie Belle," Troy said gently, "It's okay. Besides, you did make the broom move a bit. Besides, as far as my observation, you are the first pony determined to try in lifting the heavy stuff. That is the way of the spirit, girly." "Well, she did fail," Sarcastically, Master James said. "Master James!" "What?! It's true." Sweetie Belle sighed, "He's right. That thing weights the ton." The door was opened by Spike as he entered and asked, "Hey, has anyone see my -!" He spotted the broom in front of him. He smiled, grabbed the broom up high. It spun around before he grabbed it. "Got it." Spike whistled happily, sweeping around the area. Six Cutie Mark Crusaders gathered around Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle huffed in upset, "Hmph, I'll never get my Cutie Mark for this." "Maybe not," Twilight Sparkle said gently, approaching to Sweetie Belle, "but I'm happy to keep helping you learn just for the fun of it as long as you like." Nyx smiled while nodded her head, "Mom's right. It'll be alright, Sweetie Belle. I promise." Scootaloo nodded her head, "It'll be okay." Apple Bloom nodded her head, "Hmph Hmm. A little more magic practice and liftin' brooms'll be a cinch!" Hearing of what her friends had spoken, Sweetie Belle smiled gently. Spike continued sweeping the floor until he encountered the parts, screws, wheels and pedals in front of him. He gasped in shock and upset, "Hey! Who's gonna clean this mess?" Scootaloo giggled gently, approaching to the parts of unicycle, "This is no mess." She smiled, explaining, "These are the carefully arranged pieces of a unicycle I took apart and will be putting back together. As soon as Twilight shows me how." Scootaloo looked up. She gave a puppy dog eyes and smile, squeaked cutely and happily. Twilight Sparkle shook her head gently. Twilight sighed: "Scootaloo, I already told you I won't show you how but I'll help you find the instruction so you can figure it out yourself." Scootaloo groaned in disappointment, standing up and complained: "Ugh! I hate research," Turned to her back, Scootaloo headed to the book shelf. Twilight smiled, instructed: "To your left, third shelf from the bottom. You'll find it in no time," Troy wrote it down while commented, "Rather to help her students. Allow the students to try themselves out by following the instruction and plans. Interesting." "Wow," said Pipsqueak, in impressed, "your mom is so awesome. I'm glad that I join Cutie Mark Crusaders to be with not only my friends, but with the Princess herself. This is the amazing." Nyx smiled gently, "Thanks for the comment, Pip." Apple Bloom approached Twilight Sparkle and commented, "Thanks so much for helpin' us all learn these new skills, Twilight." Twilight turned to Apple Bloom with a smile, "Always glad to pass on my love of learning for learning's sake." Apple Bloom sighed in upset. She approached to the plant pot, and science's flasks, test tubes, tubes and so on that had various chemicals and mixtures, said in concern, "Only I'm afraid I'll never get the hang of this potion-makin'." Three Advisors looked surprise and odd at Apple Bloom's statement, as well as Twilight Sparkle and Cutie Mark Crusaders. Twist approached to Apple Bloom, asked in concern, "Did you follow the magic plant-growing formula Twilight gave you?" Showing concern and worry, Apple Bloom looked at plant pot, said, "Well... uh... more or less." Apple Bloom gave the concern look to Twilight Sparkle. She remained calm, giving a smile to Nyx. She said, "Well, let's try it out on this apple seedling and see how we do." Apple Bloom gulped in concern, turned and faced to the science equipment, "Oh... I hope this works." "It'll be fine." Dinky said confidently. Apple Bloom gulped, pushing the tap down gently. The yellowish teardrop-shaped slowly came off from its injection tap needle-like. Twilight Sparkle, Cutie Mark Crusaders and three Advisors looked at the teardrop of yellow chemical carefully and cautiously. The yellowish teardrop dropped on the plant pot. It caused the greenish explosion, along with greenish smoke. Everyone coughed out loud. Everyone blew and waved the smoke away. They turned to the plant pot. The little green plant with its yellow bud, slowly, going up. It stood still. Before anything could happen, the plant coughed out loud and nonstop. Apple Bloom showed her concern and worry, looking up at Twilight, her friends and three advisors. They giggled and chuckled. Apple Bloom looked annoyed and unhappy mood, glancing at the plant, commented: "Layin' it on a little thick there, aren't we, pal?" The plant sighed of tired. It laid down. "He isn't the only one!" Master James complained, coughing out loud and nonstop, "did I ever told you that I'm completely allergic to 'Dandelion'?! Unbelievable!" Master James continued coughing while both Schemetrick and Troy chuckled out loud, as well as others. ------------------------------- On the outside of Golden Oak Library, Twilight Sparkle and three Advisors were outside, chatting. Twilight sighed in concern, "I hope the first day's result didn't turn out worse." Master James looked angry and annoyed, "Well, if you referring that 'Dandelion'? Then, yes, it is." Schemetrick rolled his eyes before he smiled, "No, it isn't, Twilight. As far as we know of, your students did not bad. But for Nyx, our Lord and we have no less expect of her since she has your blood." Troy nodded his head, commented, "I'd say that Cutie Mark Crusaders have long way to go. For now, our Lord would like to hear our results. But rest assure, our Lord or any of our officer will be here for your Twilight Time." "But make sure, no dandelion," complained Master James, "That thing bloomed and made me sick. Very sick. The last thing I want is that stupid Chicken Pox." Twilight giggled gently, "Of course. I look forward for tomorrow onward. I assure you that Cutie Mark Crusaders will improve their skills." Schemetrick chuckled gently, "That will be our Lord to decide. Enjoy the weekend, Princess Twilight Sparkle." Schemetrick, Master James and Troy disappeared in dark navy smoke. Spike came out from the entrance of Golden Oak Library. "I'd say things gone pretty well?" Spike asked. Twilight smiled, "Yes, Spike. I can't wait to help Cutie Mark Crusaders in learning their lessons. But more importantly, I hope Lord Azure Phoenix build his Mystic Learning Center here. I can't wait to show them of what Ponyville, adventures and what 'Friendship' is all about. Both Equestria and Mystic Ponies can work together as one" Spike smiled, "Especially being Human, beating Bai Tza and Shendu's Hydra. That would be cool for the awesome Princess." Twilight Sparkle giggled, "Yes, it is." To be continued...