//------------------------------// // (Twilight's) Day 7 - Tomorrow Is a Long Time // Story: Winds of the Past // by Fantasia //------------------------------// Twilight's sudden, surprised gaze snapped back up from the ground just as Rainbow pulled away. Her cheeks were an obvious shade of red, and she wore a small, shy grin. "Bye," Rainbow whispered, a different, more hopeful tone in her voice before running off in the direction of the train headed to Ponyville. Rainbow's goodbye, and her running off barely registered in the young unicorn's mind; she could only stand, stunned, with a hoof now covering the patch of fur Rainbow had ever so lightly kissed, a thousand questions crowding her mind at once. Then, all of those thoughts and questions were replaced by a single, lopsided and goofy grin as everything, even Rainbow's own feelings became clear to her. Without wasting a moment, she lit up her horn. An orchid light enveloped the pegasus, catching the running mare in her tracks, and spinning her around, floated her back to where Twilight stood. Rainbow's blush remained on her cheeks while she struggled for a bit in a vain attempt to free herself before ultimately giving up. She sighed, looking back at Twilight with a sheepish smile. She imagined Twilight would, at the very least, be ticked that she kissed then ran, but to her own surprise, Twilight was also smiling, although hers was softer, and loving. The pegasus blinked in confusion. "Twilight...?" "You turned and ran before..." She hesitated, leaning in towards Rainbow until their muzzles almost touched. Rainbow could feel the unicorn's own, quickened breaths on her lips. "Before I got the chance to say... I like you too." At first, Rainbow had a look of disbelief, triggering a slight giggle in the unicorn. Seconds later and the look of disbelief turned into a small, yet happy grin, giving Twilight all the confidence she needed. She closed the gap between their muzzles, and reached for the other mare's lips with her own... only to fail. Rainbow's muzzle was in the way. Twilight backed away a little, her cheeks burning, and a sheepish smile on her lips. "I've... never kissed before," she said, to which Rainbow replied with a roll of her eyes, smiling softly. "I'm guessing I have to tilt my muzzle a little?" "Twilight—" The pegasus was cut off by Twilight pushing her muzzle forward, through the magic barrier that held her afloat, and kissing her awkwardly on the lips. Rainbow's eyes widened a bit at the bold move, and the added... unfamiliar sensation of the kiss, but only for a moment. Her eyelids soon fell until they covered her eyes completely, mirroring Twilight. It was their first, and while neither knew what to make of it, both mares couldn't deny they loved it. It was soft, despite the bit of dryness on Rainbow's lips. There was hardly a taste to be found; Twilight found herself slightly annoyed by the fact. At the very least, she had expected a hint of spice, like a liquified rainbow, but strangely, she found herself enjoying it nonetheless. Rainbow's lips also had the tingling feel of her own magic on them, adding to the overall feel. A few moments later and Twilight reluctantly broke away, but remained ever so close to Rainbow, their muzzles inches apart. Both mares, with their eyes now open and half-lidded, stared lovingly into the others' eyes. Twilight was the first to speak. "Wow..." Twilight sighed out, smiling. "That was..." She paused, finding herself at a loss of words. "Wow..." Rainbow could only grin a little, humored. Seeing Rainbow's grin broke Twilight's own smitten gaze. It was also then that a sudden question entered her mind. "So... uhm..." Twilight hesitated, looking hopefully into the eyes of her likely new girlfriend. "What is it you like about me?" A moment passed before Rainbow's lips parted, about to give an answer, when Twilight cut her off. "It's my personality isn't it? Or maybe my bookish smarts? My looks?" She smiled bashfully, brushing a hoof against the ground. "I mean, I don't try too hard, but—" She found herself interrupted suddenly by a voice, one that in no way resembled the feminine, raspy voice she had come to know, but rather it was deeper, and remained ever so familiar to the unicorn. "Twilight!" "Wha—?" Twilight shot up from her desk, her previous surroundings of the sunset and train station—even the pegasus she loved having already vanished into the air. Her sights were replaced by the bland, and rather unexciting interior of her tower study. Looking around frantically, Twilight soon relaxed once she saw it was only Spike who had called her name. Allowing the realization to set in, she breathed out a sigh of relief. "Oh, it's just you, Spike. Don't startle me like that." Spike rolled his eyes. "Yeah, just me," he said, walking over to her. "Sorry, but you zoned out again, Twilight." "I..." Twilight's ears flattened, and her gaze fell. I was daydreaming again... she thought as she put the pieces together. The third time since... since she left. Hours had passed since Rainbow left Canterlot, and had left her... But she had been sure to leave her with an unsuspecting going away present. A present Twilight could not stop herself from fantasizing about, albeit said fantasies were a tad romanticized. Spike had stepped in time and time again to snap her out of it, and every time he did, it made it all a little easier to accept; but it made it no less painful to know that for the time being, Rainbow was gone. She hid the feelings the best she could, looking down on the work sprawled out on her desk and away from Spike. "Y-yeah, g-guess I did," she replied, her voice shaking a bit. I need to get my mind off of... off of what happened. Spike raised an eyebrow, suspicious as he watched his friend. "I've um, been... thinking about writing to Princess Celestia about our living arrangements, and debating whether I should find her a job, or have Rainbow registered as a Canterlot citizen now that she's decided on staying, but she left so abruptly, I... I can't stop thinking about it..." Twilight finished. About what could have been... Her voice regained a hint of sadness while her sudden attempt to get her mind off Rainbow leaving ultimately failed. Spike sighed, putting a comforting claw over Twilight's own slumped shoulder. "Twilight... I, I know you wanted to go with her, but... You can't just leave for another town on such short notice, and, well... think about how the princess would react to you leaving without her permission. Plus," he recalled. "Didn't she say this was something she ought to do on her own?" Twilight shrugged, not a single, visible change in her demeanor. A part of Spike figured maybe she was just tired, and getting a good night's sleep may just help. If anything, enough time would pass that she'd be seeing Rainbow again in no time. "Maybe you should try getting some sleep—" Twilight's eyes widened in panic. "No!" she exclaimed suddenly, startling the young dragon. "I mean..." Her voice softened. "N-no. I-I can't." She motioned to the top of her desk, specifically to a stack of spell books beside the sprawled out parchment, and one that already lay open. "I... I was actually flipping through these books here, looking for a spell that may help keep me awake!" "Help keep you...? Twilight... that can't be healthy. Why would you want to stay awake anyway?" "Oh... just a little trouble sleeping is all," she replied, passing the question off with a wave of her hoof. "I'm pretty sure there's a cure for that," Spike replied with a slight smile. "Well, no worries, Spike; I found a few easy-to-master spells, and... well, hay, I only need to stay awake for a little bit," she assured him, turning back to the pages of her book. "It won't be forever." "Alright..." Spike nodded, deciding Twilight hopefully knew what she was doing. He turned, stretching his arms out while his back arched slightly. "Well, maybe you don't want to sleep, but this dragon's gonna hit the hay. See you tomorrow." "Yeah, see you..." Twilight whispered out in response as he left to go downstairs. "Alright Twi, focus..." Casting a simple, easy-to-learn spell from the book that currently lay open, her horn sparked to life and encased her figure in a brief, orchid light. A moment later, and already she felt her eyelids become lighter, and her mind clearer. Her eyes blinked open. "It... worked?" She looked herself over as she muttered to herself, astonished. "I-I feel wide awake..." Twilight's face broke out into a small grin. "Awesome!" she exclaimed, then remembering the time, put a hoof over her lips, blushing lightly. Some moments passed after Twilight had cast the spell, and was in need for something to do. Grabbing some unread books from her room, she trotted down into Rainbow's room for a comfy place to lie. But as she started to read, she quickly discovered that she couldn't focus, despite her best efforts. Going from book to book, her growing thoughts were what captivated her attention, and the emotional spikes in the stories she read from undeniably affected them. Rainbow's probably in Ponyville right about now... Hope she's alright... Twilight thought, turning a page. Oh what am I doing? I'm sure she's fine, Twilight assured herself as she flipped another page. But what if she isn't? Oh she's probably scared, and alone... I shouldn't have let her go alone with that Ponyville pony... Another hour passed before she eventually closed the book she had opened, and got up, leaving for the balcony in favor of some stargazing; but even as she lay on her back, lazily gazing up at the sky, the thoughts oscillating in her head refused to stop. Her brow scrunched up in thought, and for a moment, she didn't blame herself. But I couldn't go, Twilight argued with herself, and I shouldn't be blaming myself! She rolled her eyes, a smile on her lips. Besides, she's a strong mare; I'm sure she's fine. A few moments later and the smile from her face faded, and her gaze deviated from the stars above. She chewed anxiously on her lower lip as her thoughts slunk back into worry. Is it so wrong to worry about a friend though? Especially when that friend is your potential girlfriend? These thoughts continued well into the morning. As the sun slowly began to rise, she was, for a moment, torn from her thoughts the second she heard her stomach rumble. She wouldn't want me to worry, Twilight concluded, pouring out some batter onto a pan. She was running on empty and wasn't about to selfishly awake Spike for the sake of a nice meal. She could do it herself, and... it was just pancakes. But I can't stop worrying! Or having these stupid thoughts! She mentally screamed, and without thinking, yanked the pan handle downwards with her magic, causing said breakfast to fly up into the air. The pancake fell from the air, and unknowing to Twilight, impaled itself upon her horn just as a tired Spike came walking in. His eyes were scrunched together, a claw over his mouth as he yawned. When he opened them, the first thing he saw was Twilight in the dining room, cooking... something. Whatever it was, it didn't smell half-bad. "Twilight?" "O-oh, Spike!" Twilight quickly turned with a sheepish grin on her face. "You're awake?" "Yeah, it's sort of morning already," he replied with a slight chuckle. Twilight smiled softly as she turned off the stove. "I figured you would've slept in." Spike dismissed the idea with a wave of his claw. "Nah. Besides, I smelled something cooking," he proceeded to explain as he attempted to look over the mare's shoulders. His gaze shifted to the top of her head as he found himself smiling softly. "I take it you were attempting to make pancakes?" "How'd you guess?" She really hasn't noticed... Spike pointed a claw at her horn. "There's a pancake on your horn." "Hm?" Twilight glanced up to see one hanging right above her line of sight. "Well what do you know? There is," Twilight noted nonchalantly as she began walking, leaving the dining area favorably for the den. With Spike following, she soon found a small couch and plopped down upon it, slouching against the armrest. She tore off a small chunk of the pancake with her magic and popped into her mouth. The sight alone was hard for Spike to watch as he walked over to her. First she stays up all night, and now this... He figured that it must've been Rainbow who was responsible for her sudden, dispirited behavior. He hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Twilight... I know you miss Rainbow—" "I honestly can't stop thinking about her, Spike." "She'll be back before you know it, Twilight. Come on, Rainbow wouldn't want you waiting up for her like this." "Maybe she would." Twilight shrugged, "I can't think of anything else to do, or anything that'll get my mind off her for that matter." "We could always do something together," Spike suggested, only for Twilight to shake her head. "There's hardly a thing we could do, Spike." She looked him in the eyes. "Sorry, but..." "Guess we don't have that many shared interests," Spike agreed with a weak smile. Shaking his head, he walked closer to her. "Well, sorry, but I don't want to see my friend sit around, brooding all day." "I'm not brooding..." "Alright, come on." Twilight felt his claw on her upper back, pushing her upwards and off the couch where she lay slouched. "No, Spike, stop, I'm fine, really—!" Her pleas fell on deaf ears as she already found herself on all four of her hooves and heading up the stairs, lead by an unrelenting dragon. "Why not go outside for a bit," Spike suggested. "Clear your head, maybe visit the princess or something. Perhaps tell her all about what happened between you and Rainbow. Maybe you could even see her about a new assignment... now that Rainbow is no longer yours." The two entered the main lobby area, Spike continuing to walk Twilight to the exit. Twilight herself pondered the idea for a moment. "Perhaps she has a new lesson for me... I... I suppose I could." Spike nodded and went to open the door just as Twilight's thoughts again turned fretful. She turned to him. "But I couldn't just show up unannounced—!" Her voice was interrupted, and their attention both turned to a vaguely familiar mare on the other side of the door, around the same age as Twilight. Her coat was a light yellow, her long mane red with magenta streaks. A pair of glasses sat upon her muzzle, three stars encircling a crescent moon making up her cutie mark. Her hoof was raised, as if ready to knock, but the second she saw the two, her hoof went behind her head and she smiled a soft, sheepish smile. "Oh, uh... e-excuse me," she said. "Uhm... Twilight Sparkle?" Twilight cocked her head a bit, replying, "Yes?" "Uh, well... I um, don't know if you remember me, but... my name's Moon Dancer." Twilight blinked. The name didn't sound... all that familiar... "Okay?" "I was one of Celestia's students, and... wow this is awkward, um..." Moon Dancer hesitated, brushing a hoof against the pavement where she stood. "Some of the other girls have been talking about you recently, and, well..." With a glimmer of hope in her eyes, she looked at Twilight. "Would you like to hang out?" Twilight's face remained unchanged, and she looked back at Moon Dancer with the very same look of confusion as before. "Why?" she asked. The hope faded from Moon Dancer's eyes and she looked down at her hooves. "No, I mean... it's just..." She shrugged. "I remember you; in particular, I remember how well you excelled over the rest of us. Hearing Lemon Hearts and the others mention you after all this time, well, it reminded me that I never got to know you and figured if you just... wanted somepony to talk to, or hang out with..." Her voice drifted off, but she hoped Twilight at least understood what she was asking. And she did, but Twilight quickly found herself split. Exchanging a quick look with Spike, Twilight debated her two choices. Student or teacher, student or teacher, student or... While silently debating, Spike spoke up, choosing to answer for her. If she didn't want to see the princess, maybe she'd be willing to spend time with a fellow former student. "I'm sure she would love—" Before Spike could finish, Twilight cut in, having made her decision. "I-I'm sorry," she said. "I... I have to talk with Princess Celestia about a new assignment." She looked to her left where Spike stood beside her, hinting him to agree with her. "Isn't that right, Spike?" Spike scratched the back of his head. "Uh, well..." Sure, he had wanted her to go see the princess, but after seeing the sad look on Moon Dancer's face... He quickly found himself torn. "I see." Moon Dancer sighed, once again allowing her gaze to drop. What more was to be expected from Princess Celestia's star pupil? "Well... that figures, but maybe tomorrow—!" Her voice lit up for all but a moment before Twilight silenced her. "N-no," she said. "Not tomorrow." Twilight brushed her one foreleg over the over while averting her eyes. "I... it's just, I-I'm waiting for somepony..." Spike's expression softened as he looked up at his friend. "Twilight..." "It's that pegasus friend of yours, isn't it?" Moon Dancer surmised, surprising the pair. "A couple of the girls were intrigued by her, and kept referring to her as Twilight's newest, eh... uh..." She sighed, leaning in close to Twilight's ear, and whispered, "Look, the two of you aren't dating or anything... right?" "Wha—?" Twilight jerked backwards, falling back on her haunches. "No!" Moon Dancer put both her hooves up in defense. "Just making sure!" Spike could only watch, puzzled as the scene unfolded before him. Steadily, Twilight got up, and let out a huff as the eyed the other unicorn. "Look, if you want somepony to "hang" with, I'm sure Spike would be more than willing to keep you company." Spike looked between the two before holding out a single claw. "Excuse us for a moment." Grabbing Twilight's foreleg, he urged her to turn. She craned her neck, lowering herself to Spike's level as he whispered to her, "Twilight, what are you doing?" "That's for pushing me to go see Princess Celestia on such short notice," she whispered back. "I was only doing it for your own good." "Well I'm doing this for you," she argued back. "No you're not!" he exclaimed, keeping his voice hushed. "Well, when was the last time you had any sort of interaction with a pony besides me or Rainbow?" "Yesterday," Spike answered easily. "With Cadance." "Ugh, that doesn't count." Twilight rolled her eyes. "Come on, the two of you might have some things in common." "Somehow, I doubt it," Spike muttered as Twilight turned to face the other unicorn. "So... uh, classmate." She looked at Moon Dancer with an overly friendly smile. "What do you say?" Unsure, Moon Dancer shifted a glance at Spike, then at the ground. "I guess..." "Great!" Twilight exclaimed, stepping past the two before looking back at the pair. "Well then, I'll just... be on my way!" she said with a friendly salute, then turned and trotted down the spiral of stairs. As Twilight trotted out of sight, Moon Dancer sighed and turned to Spike. "I didn't want to say anything, but..." Her ears flattened against her head, her expression becoming worried. "She... does realize she has a pancake through her horn, right?" Spike shrugged and met her gaze with an unsure grin. "It's, uh... breakfast on the go?" The idea caused her to smile slightly. A moment passed in silence, with both dragon and pony searching for something to say to the other. Finally, Spike asked, "So... by any chance, are you into comics?" The question posed caused Moon Dancer's face to light up and for the first time since her arrival, she looked genuinely excited. "Am I!" Canterlot's towers and spires were caught beneath a thin layer of light gray clouds as Twilight began her mid-morning walk through the city. Despite the rather bleak feeling she got from the city, Twilight noticed various ponies out and about, carrying on with their day, though her interest didn't linger. She had other things on her mind, and as she tore off bit after bit of the pancake still on her horn with her magical prowess, eating them without much thought, she couldn't help but fret over what she would say or do when she got to the palace. Okay, Twi... just relax, she told herself. It's simple. You approach the doors, ask the guards for entry, walk to Princess Celestia's corridors... while no doubt being escorted, say "Hi," then ask for an assignment or something. Simple. Twilight smiled, confident in her plan. As she continued walking however, another thought occurred to her that caused her to lose her smile. I should really talk to her about Rainbow too... she thought, the last of her breakfast eaten just as she neared the palace. I only hope she doesn't react too negatively— "Halt!" came the sudden sound of two voices, and before Twilight knew it, two white pegasus wings crossed in an X formation before her, and startled her enough to send her backwards a couple hoofsteps with a stifled shriek. She had walked right up to the doors without even noticing... "Who goes there?" one of the guards asked. She looked up and saw two taller pegasus guards, and behind them, a large pair of goldenrod doors, bordered in yellow. "T-twi... Twilight S-sparkle," she answered as she collected herself. "I... I'm here to see Princess Celestia as her protégé." The two guards exchanged looks with one another. "You... do realize it's summer vacation," said the other guard. "I'm not... that kind of student." The two again looked at the other, before ultimately deciding to let her pass. "Very well..." the very same guard said. "The princess is currently in her royal chambers; I'll escort you there." Figures... She smiled politely at the guard. "Thank you." The doors opened and in walked the guard into the grand entrance hall, Twilight following suit across the crimson carpet. Two halls were present on their left and right, a set of stairs before them with great glass stain windows: one of the sun, and one of the moon. Tapestries in shades of purple and blue decorated the lavender, yellow-bordered walls. The older pegasus guard led Twilight up the main stairs, and up another set, into a long hall. Unbeknownst to Twilight as she walked, she captured the attention of another young guard pony—a pegasus with an orange coat and sapphire mane, who, until then, had been talking with another young mare. The mare in question flushed, leaning up close to him. "I wouldn't mind bumping into you more often, Flash—" She stopped, noting the stallion of her interest staring off at an unfamiliar unicorn mare. "Er... Flash?" "She is the single most beautiful mare I've ever laid eyes on—" The mare stomped her hoof. "Flash!" The door to Celestia's chambers opened as the guard pony entered, lowering his head in a respecting bow at the sight of the princess. "Pardon me, your majesty," he said, causing Celestia's right ear to flicker as she stood with her attention focused on a stocked bookshelf. Twilight peered into the room from behind the guard. From what she could see, Celestia seemed be looking for... something. What that something was, she couldn't tell. "You have a visitor." "Oh, and who might that be?" "She says she's a student," the guard informed her. He looked back on Twilight for a moment before continuing. "Some... Twilight Sparkle." Celestia turned to face the guard, her interest piqued. "Twilight Sparkle?" Sure enough, she saw the familiar colorings of her student's coat and mane behind her loyal guard. Twilight smiled shyly. "Hi..." Celestia returned the smile before looking to the guard. "You're free to go," she said, to which the guard nodded, thanked her, and left, allowing Twilight to walk in. Her steps were hesitant, her eyes focused more so on the ground than on Celestia, even after she reached her. "I must say it's a surprise to see you come all the way here," Celestia said, looking down at Twilight. While considering the reasons she was here, Celestia's smile faded from her face, and she couldn't help but notice the distinct lack of a familiar pegasus. "Is there a problem?" she asked Twilight. "I see Rainbow's not here with you." "Yeah, she's... uh, i-in Ponyville..." "Ponyville?" "Yeah, she sort of lives there..." Twilight explained, her gaze unchanging. "But she has... uh, well... i-if it's okay!" The unicorn chewed on the inner part of her lip as her brushed her hoof against the tile floor, searching for the right words to use. "She... may have chosen to stay in Canterlot with me, and will be back any day." Twilight looked up at her teacher with traces of worry in her eyes. "Is that okay?" Twilight had expected Celestia to react in a number of ways, but in all honesty, she would never have expected a warm smile and comforting hoof on her shoulder to be one of them. "If you're okay with it," Celestia said, "then I suppose I have no choice but to allow it." "Even though it doesn't follow student protocol?" Twilight questioned. "I'll make an exception." Twilight let out a soft sigh of relief, averting her gaze from the princess as she allowed it all to sink in. A small smile crept upon her lips, and for a moment she found it a little funny. And I was worried, she thought, her gaze returning to meet Celestia's as she maintained her gratuitous smile. "Thanks." Celestia nodded. "Now was that the only reason for your visit today, or was there something more?" Twilight's ears perked up. "Oh, r-right! I... uh, i-is there a new assignment for me by any chance, or perhaps something new you'd like for me to study? I mean, now that Rainbow no longer needs to be looked after, I... I figured my regular studies should resume." "It depends," Celestia said. "Did the two of you learn from this ordeal?" Twilight shook her head, smiling softly. "Where do I begin...?" She searched her mind, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. "I... I don't know if it was exactly what you wanted us to learn, but... I think we both learned a little humility, and... while I think we still have a lot to learn... we learned about friendship too." Celestia smiled. "That's precisely what I wanted the two of you to learn," she said before turning to her left, Twilight immediately following. "But why?" Twilight asked, walking by her teacher's side. "I mean... friendship has nothing to do with magic, right?" "You'd be surprised to learn just how powerful a magic friendship is," Celestia responded, but her response only confused the young mare even further. Twilight's brow furrowed in thought. "So... you're saying friendship is magic?" she asked. "It is a type of magic, yes." The two stopped—Celestia stopping in particular at the same shelf she had been at before, this time looking for a new set of books. The pause gave Twilight a little time to think inside her own head. So she thought more about friendship, how it could possibly be a form of magic, and of the ponies she had made friends with, and the friendships she had reclaimed. The thoughts also reminded her that she still didn't know if Celestia was a friend. Twilight berated herself for what she was about to ask... but a part of her needed to know. "I'm going to sound like such a foolish pony," Twilight began, "but... are we friends?" "Of course," Celestia replied simply. She turned, and smiled down on her student. "You thought we were not?" Twilight rubbed a hoof against her other foreleg. "I thought you were my teacher." "Can I not be both?" Twilight shrugged, softly nodding her head. "I suppose..." She smiled, and knowing they were friends gave her the courage she needed to ask the next question she had in mind. "Um, Princess... this is just a random question, but... have you ever been in love before?" Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Love?" she questioned. "Why do you ask?" Twilight scratched the back of her head. "Oh... you know, just wondering, what with all this talk about friendship and what not," she said while nonchalantly looking off to the side. Celestia's surprise faded, and was replaced with a soft smile. "In another world, yes." "You mean like, in literature?" Twilight grinned, her eyes sparkling as they returned to her mentor. "I can already think of a few likable characters myself." Celestia softly chuckled as she held a hoof over her lips. "Is there somepony that has caught your eye?" Twilight felt her whole body tense up at the question asked, and promptly panicked as her grin fell from her face. "N-no, no, o-of course not," she stammered, her gaze faltering to her shuffling hooves. She swallowed hard, desperate to change the subject. "S-so, um... m-my assignment..." Celestia's expression turned serious. "Yes, I feel as though you may at long last be ready to take the next step in your studies." Twilight sighed a breath of relief as Celestia turned back to the shelf, already feeling her body relax. "The next step?" she asked. "You were always meant to accomplish great feats, my student, and hopefully someday play a part in changing Equestria for the better." A part? Twilight shook her head. "I can't imagine myself playing any sort of part," she admitted. To her, the thought was ridiculous. Sure she always imagined having great magical skill, but changing Equestria with it? "Someday you will," Celestia continued, spotting the large history books she needed; "but you must first learn our history. What really happened nine-hundred and ninety-nine years ago..." "What—" The sight of the tattered books and the words she spoke caused a sudden, intense pain to ravage her skull. She placed a hoof over her head. "Ngh... R-really happened?" Another surge of pain pulsated inside her head, causing her eyes to squint shut as her hoof clasped even tighter with every pulse, the pain inducing a sudden sense of nausea inside her. "With the Mare in the Moon..." Celestia carried on, "and the Elements of Harmony." "Huh?" Twilight's eyes opened a bit as her breaths only quickened. "El-elements...? Of...?" Her voice drifted as the dizziness was getting to her. She shivered, her head growing lighter with every passing moment; seeming as if the source of the pain was growing inside her horn, cutting into the organ form the inside. Like cold air working its way into the seams; she stifled the urge to scream. She swallowed, breathing in and out a few times more before another sudden echo of pain wracked her head, causing her to turn to her right, spitting up on the floor. "Hm? Twilight?" Trembling—her body burning—and letting out a few, final weak coughs, the young mare's eyes slowly fell shut, and faltering to her right, promptly passed out. "Twilight!" she exclaimed, stepping over to her fallen student. Twilight's body trembled while her horn began to sizzle, and slowly, a darkened, purple smog seeped out from her horn, crawling over her body and Celestia's hooves. Startled, Celestia withdrew her left hoof from its place on the floor. No! This can't be...! The smog left no markings, and did no damage; it only continued to spread throughout the room. However it bared a familiar feel to the alicorn princess. It reminded her of a time long since forgotten by many ponies, and yet... she could sense magical properties deep within. Her gaze scrutinized. It's... magic, but... Like a mix of her student's magic, and... something else, not of this world. Acting fast, she conjured up a spell and placed her own horn against the tip of Twilight's as it remained barely visible through the smog. A bright, light yellow glow shown outwards, dispelling the fowl fog, while the remnants slithered back into the creases of Twilight's horn. Celestia knelt closer to Twilight as the unicorn shivered, lost in her own personal nightmare. Concentrating on a new spell, Celestia's horn began glowing, and placing it near Twilight's body, began to examine the flow of magic within her body. As she surmised, her magic had become disrupted. She grimaced at the reaction she got from it. Somepony is attempting to link their magical signature with yours... With the use of another spell, Celestia corrected the flow of magic as she continued to think. Whoever... or whatever has been attempting to enter our world must have a magic similar to hers... So it couldn't be... Celestia felt her chest lighten and she momentarily felt relieved, knowing it was unlikely the mare in the moon causing her student such unrest; but if it was not her, then... who was it? And why Twilight...? While her mind scrambled for an answer, her thoughts eventually flashed back to a moment between her and her beloved. She remembered looking on in curiosity as her stallion—grey-coated with a black, blue-striped mane, and wearing a king's cape—stepped over to an open book on a pedestal. A light blue crown stood upon his head, matching the collar around his neck and regal hoofwear around his hooves. The two of them stood in a room of the castle, stocked with books on all sides and a blazing fireplace in the center of the northern most wall. After a night spent together in the gardens, the two returned when she was told he had something more to give her. "I want to give you a spell," the stallion informed her as he flipped a page. "One I've been developing... in case either of our worlds ever undergo an attack from an outside threat." Celestia stepped closer, her gaze shifting to the curious book of spells before him, staring at it intently. "Sombra...?" "I do specialize in magic meant to protect and defend ponies after all," Sombra said. "Every world out there has its own magical signature: its own feel, weaknesses... It was thanks to you I learned that." He turned to her briefly with a thankful smile. "This is a spell that will hopefully be able to protect ponies from both our worlds." "A spell that...? Sombra, how did you—?" "Our world has certain magic, and technological advancements that yours does not yet have," Sombra replied with a bit of a teasing smile. Celestia blushed a bit, narrowing her eyes in faux anger, but never once losing her smile. Sombra continued, turning his attention back to the book. "With new worlds being discovered every day... who only knows what sort of danger we may one day end up facing, suppose one of them makes their way into... one of our worlds." His voice grew more somber as he finished. "Sombra..." Celestia leaned in closer and nuzzled against him. "Thank you." "Think nothing of it, my love," said Sombra, returning the gesture. "Memorize it well. I'll walk you home once you're ready." Celestia nodded, her eyes returning to the page the spell was listed on. It looked more advanced than many of the spells she had seen and learned before. A protective spell granting ponies immunity towards another world's magic, and rendering the enemies' magic powerless... Celestia didn't quite grasp the science behind it, but knew she could at least learn it. It did not contain the same power the elements did, but if such a scenario ever occurred, to defend her own ponies from such a threat... It was something. Celestia's thoughts returned to the present, her gaze resting on Twilight's unconscious form. The spell she had learned that day had been the very same spell she used on Twilight out of panic, and of the possibility that what they were dealing with really was from another world. If it really is a being from another world, then the spell I used will no doubt protect her for the time being, preventing her magic from ever again becoming corrupted... With her own powers out of commission... what else could she do in the meantime but to rely on this magic, and work on restoring her own protective magic: The Elements of Harmony. She picked up Twilight's unconscious form within her magic, and carried the unicorn over to her own bed. The unicorn softly breathed in and out, her own body's trembling ceased ever since the use of the spell. Draping the covers over Twilight, she couldn't help but wonder what led to her vulnerability in the first place? She had detected a spell within her student's body, one to help her stay awake... Was it sleep deprivation? Stress? Whatever the case, she couldn't let Twilight know about what just happened, when she wasn't even completely sure herself. She needed Twilight to remain level-headed and worry free, to focus on a task far more important... Hours passed since the incident involving the nightmarish smog, and Celestia could do nothing more than she already had... but to wait. Thankfully, she didn't have to wait very long. Twilight stirred a bit in her sleep, letting out a soft, tired moan as she opened her eyes. She found herself in a setting she at first found unfamiliar, before soon recognizing it as Princess Celestia's chambers. Putting two and two together, she could only assume one thing. Unmoving, looking up at the bed-hangings above, Twilight asked, "I lost control of my magic again, didn't I?" Celestia hesitated before taking a step forward. "Twilight—" "Argh, I knew it!" Twilight threw both her hooves against her eyes. "I'm so stupid!" Celestia stopped, simply watching her student. Her brow furrowed slightly. "You don't remember what happened?" she asked. "I remember you talking... You were saying something about the... Elements of Harmony..." Twilight shrugged. "I was confused, and then... nothing." She sighed, exasperated, allowing her forelegs to fall to her sides. "I'm expelled, aren't I?" "No, Twilight, you're not," Celestia assured her, sitting down at the edge of the bed. "All you needed was a bit of help." Twilight sat up, looking up at Celestia with interest. "I used a spell, one that would balance the magic within you, and prevent it from ever becoming disrupted." Celestia reached out and gently touched Twilight's cheek with her hoof. "So long as you remain strong and calm, the spell should remain in effect." Twilight thought over the princess's words before ultimately allowing her gaze to fall to the bedsheets. "Those aren't exactly my best qualities..." A moment of silence passed between the two. "You've been under a lot of stress lately, haven't you?" Celestia surmised, a look of sympathy on her face, and a sense of knowing in her eyes as Twilight met them. "W-what? Pfft, me? Come on." She rolled her eyes while wearing a slight smirk. "I mean... sure I've been having some trouble sleeping, a-and my whole life has undergone a massive change, and my best friend is in some far off town doing... who knows what!" Twilight stressed. Her gaze lowered, and her voice quieted, any sudden attempt of hers to convince the princess given up on. "I'm not even sure if she's okay... or if she'll... if she'll even come back to me." Celestia shook her head. "I'm sure she'll return, Twilight," she said; "and I guarantee you that you'll be able to rest easy from this point onwards, but... perhaps you're right. Perhaps I should have tried to help a little more. Perhaps I... I shouldn't have placed all this responsibility on you at once." Twilight chewed on her inner lip. "Princess... I," Twilight paused as she could feel herself getting a little misty-eyed. "I know it's improper to ask this, but... I could really use a hug right now." To her surprise, Celestia complied, nodding in understanding before wrapping her forelegs around the unicorn. "We are friends, Twilight," Celestia explained. "There is nothing improper of this." Twilight's eyes widened a little in remembrance before eventually falling shut and relishing in the comforting embrace, returning the gesture as a single tear trickled down her face. "Thank you, Princess," Twilight said as she stood just outside the castle doors. Celestia stood opposite her, within the doorway as the evening sun now shined visibly in the sky. "For everything. Allowing me to rest, the books..." Celestia raised her hoof, silently hushing her. "Think nothing of it, Twilight," she reassured the unicorn with a gentle smile. "So, uh..." She brushed a hoof against the pavement. "When do you want me to get these back to you?" "There's no hurry," Celestia said. "You have until the date of the next Summer Sun Celebration." "Until the next...?" Twilight went silent for a moment. I have almost an entire year... she thought, pondering the reasons in her head before letting out a confused, "Okay?" "Why not focus on strengthening your current friendships, and try making some new ones in the meantime." Twilight thought about it. Was that it? She had all that time to focus on life, and her friendships... like an extended vacation... The realization caused her to smile softly. "A-alright, I, I guess I could..." she agreed, though not that... she could've said no anyway. "Take it easy now, my student." "I-I will!" Twilight replied reassuringly, a small, flustered grin on her face as Celestia turned and the doors slowly closed behind her. Twilight's smile fell a little. "Thanks..." Twilight sighed and turned, setting out for her next destination. If only she knew where it was... She walked around aimlessly for awhile, thinking about what Celestia had said before her... mishap. I'm destined for great things... Sure that's what I've been working towards, but... Twilight bit her lip, then shook her head. She also told me that I needed to be strong, and calm... Twilight looked ahead of her with an air of confidence. Oh, I'm sure everything will make sense eventually... I just have to relax... Spend time with my friends... like Princess Celestia suggested I do... She sighed, imagining for a moment, Rainbow right beside her, her voice so vivid she could practically hear it in her ear... If only she were still here... Several more steps and she realized holding onto her books with the aid of her magic was beginning to wear on her. Although her body felt rejuvenated from... whatever spell Celestia had used on her and the hours of sleep she got back at the palace, no doubt it was still recovering from the moment she lost control. Whatever the reason however, she let out a small groan. "Really wish I had taken my saddle..." Her ear twitched suddenly as the sound of a subtle swoop was heard, followed by the rustling sound of feathers and something landing on the street—like a large bird landing right beside her. She was startled by it only briefly, before hearing the creature's voice casually greet her, and she smiled almost instantly. "Heya, Twi." "Rainbow!" Twilight masked her happiness with a playful scold. "Don't startle me like that." The pegasus chuckled softly. "You are startled way too easily." "I do not startle easily." "Yeah, you kinda do... but, hey, relax; it's one of the things I love about you. It's cute." Twilight blushed and looked away, her smile slowly faltering as it occurred to her she was no doubt hearing only what her mind wanted to hear. She felt a chill run down her spine due to Rainbow placing a wing over her back. Just a breeze, she convinced herself. After all, she thought, there was no possible way Rainbow would show up out of the blue when she needed her most, with a pair of wings good as new. As nice as that wing felt inside her mind... she couldn't allow her mind to play tricks on her. Rainbow's expression became wry, watching Twilight remain silent. "Twi?" Twilight was quick to cut her off. "I'm just imagining you," she claimed, her expression becoming downcast. "I... I know you're not really there." "Goes to show the state of your mind right now, huh?" "My mind's perfectly fine, Rainbow." Rainbow rolled her eyes as she looked away. "If you say so..." she murmured. "So, where are we headed?" Twilight glanced over at the image of her friend that her mind had imagined. She wasn't disappearing... and ignoring her, regardless of whether she was real or not, would've been too painful for the young unicorn... even if it meant muttering to herself while alone, wandering the streets. So she sighed, before replying, "My parents' house maybe, I... don't really know." Of course, she was already on route there. "You should tell them about us," she heard Rainbow say. Twilight visibly grew nervous at the prospect. "Come on, Twi," Rainbow pressed. "I can tell it's killing you, not being able to tell a single pony—about any of this; and if you can't even tell your parents, who can you tell? Spike? I mean, you don't exactly have a lot of friends..." "And you do?" Twilight asked as she stopped at the door of her parents' home, hesitantly bringing her hoof up to knock a couple times. Rainbow chuckled. "Apparently," she said, just as the door opened up. "Twilight?" Twilight looked to see her mother in the doorway. "How nice to see you again! Your father's at work, but please come in." Twilight Velvet stepped back and motioned for her daughter to enter before noting something. She was standing alone. "Where's your friend?" Twilight Velvet asked, with a slight look of worry on her face, before quickly backtracking. "Sorry, that was probably the wrong word to use." "She's..." Twilight instinctively looked to where the Rainbow she had imagined once stood. Her ears drooped a little when she saw nothing. "Not around..." she finished, turning back to her mother. "B-but she'll be back," Twilight said, "a-and, it's okay, Mother. We actually are friends." Friend? Twilight Velvet was, for a moment, taken aback. She really did make one... She couldn't help but smile a little as her daughter stepped into the living room, setting the books she was carrying down on the nearby coffee table. "I see, well... I-is there anything you needed, or are you just stopping by?" "I honestly don't know..." Twilight muttered absentmindedly and under her breath, before coming to her senses. "Stopping by, I guess," she replied with a sheepish smile, turning to face her mother. "Uhm... Is... is it alright if I just... stay here for a little while?" "Well of course," her mother replied. "You're my daughter. You're welcome here anytime." Twilight smiled softly before soon allowing her nervous gaze to fall to the ground. She scratched the back of her head with her hoof. "I, uh... could use some time alone first." "Oh, well... alright; take as long as you need." "Thank you," said Twilight graciously, before turning and walking towards her room. She closed the door gently with her magic, then ran to her bed before collapsing upon it, throwing a pillow over her face in frustration. "Agh! What am I even doing?" she groaned into her pillow. "My mind's telling me that I need to talk to somepony, that I should tell my mom... and yet, I...!" Another loud groan accompanied her worriment. Twilight sighed, eventually removing the pillow from her face and holding it over her belly instead, her mane a bit disheveled. She breathed out a small sigh, and looking to her left where there, on her bedside table, lay a tape player. Inside it was a lone tape. "This is for you, Twilight," Cadance told a much younger Twilight as the two sat together in the park one afternoon. Twilight only stared with curiosity at the rectangular object held within her foalsitter's magic. "It's a mixtape of mine," Cadance explained. "It's just a bunch of songs I like to listen to when I'm reading or studying for school. I'd thought maybe you'd appreciate it, if you ever, you know... needed something to listen to..." Cadance smiled sheepishly as her voice drifted off, choosing to softly shrug her shoulders. Twilight chuckled a bit, then returned the smile, accepting the gift. "Thanks." Fresh tears rolled down Twilight's cheeks as she stared blankly at the bed-hangings above her, the music beginning to play. "I used to be so like her..." she spoke in a soft voice, as so many forgotten memories were brought to the surface, of her own fillyhood... of a young filly moving her hooves to the music, singing to the plush on the seat of her bed... spending time with Cadance, and her brother... Memories of how her life used to be... Twilight shut her eyes tightly as she sobbed softly, trying her hardest to stifle them. Despite how silly it may have been... she enjoyed it, as much as she enjoyed her time spent with Rainbow. The sniffling quieted, and her eyes slowly opened in realization about her rainbow-maned crush... All the opportunities, and relationships missed out on... Rainbow had given her a second chance on. It was then that made her realize Rainbow was much more then a simple crush, and how much she truly loved this other mare... with all her heart. Twilight sat up slowly, wiping her cheeks dry with the back of her hoof. I should tell her... Twilight thought, gazing up at the bedroom door as she silently composed herself. Tell her about the mare who changed her life. She looked to the empty spot beside her on the bed, and frowned. How desperately, Twilight realized, that she needed that stupid pegasus with her—beside her right now, more than ever... She mentally cursed her mind before sighing and getting up on all fours, leaving for the main room. "So, after the movie, we... well, talked and... sort of ended up becoming friends." Twilight shrugged as she sat across from her mother on the living room couch. "We watched the stars for a bit afterwards." Twilight's gaze lowered and she smiled softly at the fond memory. "We discovered where she was from yesterday, at the park," Twilight went on to explain. "It was later that evening that she also took a train bound for Ponyville." "And you're sure she's coming back?" her mother asked. Twilight looked up, a bit bewildered by the question. "Well, yeah," Twilight replied, like it were obvious. "Mother, Rainbow wouldn't just abandon me like that," she stressed. "She's already chosen to live here with me anyway—" "I'm sorry... I know, I—" Twilight Velvet paused, then looked questioningly at her daughter. "Live with you?" Twilight shrunk back, grinning sheepishly. Velvet sighed, choosing to return to the matter at hoof. Whatever decision the two of them had made was theirs. They were both old enough, and... she supposed it was for the best. The last thing she wanted was to see her daughter's first friendship in ages wither and die because of where her friend lived... "It's just a bit jarring to think," Velvet said, gazing out the window, "that we've both now befriended pegasi in our lives. You and Rainbow, and me and..." "A. K.," Twilight finished, her voice softening. "I know..." A moment passed before Twilight continued to reassure her mother, hastily sputtering out, "B-but Rainbow is different, Mom! She won't leave me, especially not without a single goodbye—!" Twilight Velvet shook her head. "I can't blame Yearling for leaving as abruptly as she did. She is a best-selling author after all," Velvet said. "But even so—" She smiled at her daughter. "—I hope Rainbow's as loyal a friend as you make her out to be." Twilight softly nodded as she lowered her gaze while wearing a small, saddened smile. Loyal... she thought, doesn't even begin to describe how... awesome... she really is... Twilight bit her lip as she thought about what she was about to say, and do. "Mother," she began, keeping her eyes fixated on her hooves—her voice already shaking. "I... I-it might be a bit soon, and I can't help but worry over how you'll react, but... well, I'm sure you already have an idea, and if Rainbow were here, she'd be urging me to tell you..." Twilight's forelegs were trembling as the unicorn took a deep breath. "You... you're familiar with pegasi traditions, right?" "Well I was friends with one, so yes, I'm familiar with a few." It seems like I'm the only one who wasn't... Twilight groaned internally, scratching the side of her head. "How do I say this...?" "I take it the feather you're wearing isn't an ordinary earring," Velvet remarked. Twilight's ear flickered in remembrance, and she slowly brought her hoof up to the feather, touching it gently. She smiled at the feel, and softly shook her head. "At first I treated it like one," Twilight said. "Now... I look at it as... something else..." Swallowing down a nervous lump in her throat, she readied herself for the worst. "I love her, Mother," she confessed, and, as she feared, the room quickly went silent; for how long, Twilight didn't know... but... it drove her crazy. She fidgeted a little, swallowing down another nervous lump. If only she would say something... However Twilight Velvet wasn't upset... or even angry with her. She was only a little too momentarily stunned by her own daughter's confession to say anything. She didn't look down on it like other ponies of her generation—though she hardly ever saw or talked with any gay couples in her life, but even so... it didn't seem wrong. For her, it only took a while to get used to. The image of her daughter... romantically involved with the same gender as her would no doubt take a while, but... she could tell how much this pegasus meant to her; and seeing her sitting before her now, with trembling hooves and a nervous expression, no doubt praying to Celestia for her mother's approval was proof enough. If Twilight was happy, then so was she. May as well count on Shining now if I'm to expect any grankids, she thought with a soft, humored smile before letting out a sigh, at last choosing to speak. "Well, I... I won't pretend like I'm not surprised, Twilight." Hearing the soft and gentle tone of her mother's voice, Twilight let out a small breath of relief, and slowly looked up for the first time since she began her confession. "But... uh, how long have you...?" Twilight cocked her head in confusion. "What?" "How long have you been attracted to... you know... other mares?" "Oh..." Twilight replied before her eyes suddenly widened in understanding. "O-oh!" Twilight chuckled nervously, and somewhat loudly, scratching the back of her head. "I-it's nothing like that, Mom; I... I just like Rainbow." Twilight finished her response with an innocent smile. Velvet lifted an eyebrow. "Just Rainbow?" Twilight shrugged, smiling warmly as she gazed off a bit in thought. "She's the first I ever felt this way about. I'm sure if she were a stallion I'd feel no different." "And... you're not worried about the stigma that may come with liking another mare?" Stigma? Twilight looked up, surprised. That's right, I... guess I hadn't really put much thought into that... It still wasn't about to stop her from pursuing her heart's desire. Twilight took a moment to choose her words. "When... when I first met her," she recalled, "and tried to get her help, I... I was teased about liking her, and that the two of us looked "cute together." At first I was a little grossed out—I mean, I didn't even know if two mares being together was possible! All the romance books I ever bothered to read only talked about fillies and colts, mare and stallions..." Twilight drifted off, remembering Cadance's words. "Then I remembered what Cadance once told me... about how love is love; it shouldn't matter who I end up falling in love with." Cadance? Velvet thought. I haven't seen her in years... So that's where Twilight... Velvet smiled softly in realization. Well who better to learn from than her, I suppose, she thought. She is the princess of love, after all. It was only a matter of time... Twilight Velvet snapped out of her thoughts, adding to what her daughter had said. "So long as they aren't malevolent, and have nice personalities," she said, earning a small chuckle and nod from her daughter. Not that she'd have to worry about that with Rainbow. "I've met many different ponies over the past few days... who all thought we were dating actually," Twilight continued with a sheepish smile. "I know I'll continue to be teased, and... some ponies may even look down on me, but... as long as I'm with her... and I have ponies, and dragons, who like me... I'll be alright." Velvet smiled at her daughter's resolve, but her smile soon fell, her expression becoming slightly puzzled. What her daughter had said about ponies thinking that they were dating confused her. "You two... aren't dating?" she asked. "But I thought..." Twilight shook her head. "We're not dating yet—I'm waiting until she gets back, but... I would like to." "And you're sure that she loves you?" "She kissed my cheek," Twilight softly said, to her own mother's surprise. "I'm certain she feels the same." Twilight bit her lip, and hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are you really okay with this though?" "You mean my daughter liking another mare?" Velvet pretended to think for a moment, before smiling and giving her answer. "I suppose so," she said. "I mean, to be fair, Rainbow is a bit of tomcolt—" The unicorn paused, for a moment, looking as if she had misheard before breaking out into an excited grin. "Wait, really?" "After not only hearing, but seeing how happy she's made you," Velvet explained as her daughter's overjoyed grin only grew wider. "Well... what kind of mother would I be not to allow it?" Twilight leaped off the couch, and ran over to her mother, catching her in a sudden embrace. "Oh, thank you thank you thank you!" she exclaimed over and over, her forelegs wrapped around the back of her mother's neck. Twilight Velvet sat there stunned, caught off guard by the sudden embrace that she hadn't felt in so long... Her eyes quickly became misty before eventually closing them and returning the embrace. "As long as you're happy, then I'm happy too," Velvet told her. "If you're happy, then I'm happy... huh. " Twilight pondered what her mother said in a soft whisper. "Funny, that's how I feel around Rainbow sometimes..." "That's because you love her, just as I love you," Velvet replied, and for a second, Twilight's body seemed to go still. Twilight loosened her hooves only for a moment before smiling softly and resuming the embrace in full force as a few sudden tears formed in her eyes. Twilight walked along the outer reaches of the city as the sun was setting over the horizon. With a tape player added to the pile of books she held in her magical grip, she approached her home, climbing the tall spire of stairs. Just as she neared the doorway, the door began to open, followed by Spike and the pony from earlier. "Hello Spike," Twilight greeted, then looked to the mare beside him. "Um..." "Moon Dancer—" "Moon Dancer, yes!" Twilight exclaimed with a smile. "I take it the two of you had fun?" "We sure did," Spike replied, him and Moon Dancer exchanging a quick smile, before turning his attention back to Twilight. "You sure were gone for a while." Twilight scratched the back of her mane. "Yeah, well uh, you know... princesses have a very busy schedule, and I found myself waiting longer than I anticipated..." she explained with a nervous chuckle. "Got some new books to study though!" "History books?" Moon Dancer thought aloud, noting the books Twilight was carrying. "You're lucky, Twilight. Your assignments are usually nothing more than reading old tomes and spell books." "Well I'm not required to read these for a while..." Twilight continued, stepping into the tower. Sporting a small yet excited grin, Twilight turned to them and announced, "Spike and I are on vacation!" "Vacation?" questioned Spike, excitement already building in his voice. "I can't remember the last time we've had one of those." Just as summer ends too... mused Moon Dancer, letting out a sigh. "Well... guess I should be going... It was nice seeing you again," she told Twilight before turning to Spike. "Thanks for spending the day with me, Spike. See you soon?" Spike lightly blushed. "D-definitely," he promised her. Moon Dancer smiled softly at the young dragon and waved goodbye to the two before walking away. "Well, she was nice..." Spike remarked as Twilight walked up beside him. He looked up at her, noticing her knowing smile. "What?" "You seemed to have taken a liking to her." Spike's blush deepened and he held his claws up. "We-we're just friends!" he insisted. "If you say so," she teased, walking into the study with her still blushing assistant following behind. She stopped at her usual desk, setting her things down upon it. Her eyes rested on the books the princess had given her to read. She figured it wouldn't hurt to at least get a start on them. It was the least she could do to repay the princess after everything she did for her, granting her this time with her friends... the mare she loved... Twilight turned to Spike. "It's getting late, Spike," she said. "Why not head down for the night? I've got some reading I may as well get a start on." "Alright," Spike complied without a complaint. After the eventful day he had, he supposed he could use a good nap. "Wake me if you need anything." "I will," Twilight replied as Spike headed for the stairs. "Thanks..." she added, opening the first book's cover and shifting through the contents. "Alright, let's see... page one..." She only managed to get a few pages in before her mind began to wander. Thoughts of her rainbow-maned love again began to occupy her thoughts. I wonder what kind of day she's had over there... Twilight wondered, resting her cheek on the surface of her hoof as she stared out the large window. She smiled as a thought ran through her head. Wonder if it was as eventful as mine... Her smile soon faded as she sat up, looking back down at her book. Hope everything went okay over there... Twilight thought, closing the cover with her hoof and standing up, knowing she wasn't about to get anymore reading done with her worrying thoughts. Tomorrow, she decided. I'll read more tomorrow. She sighed, and walked over to where they first met, placing a hoof against the glass and looking out into the night. "Please, hurry back soon... Rainbow."