“Summon the royal physician!” The commanding voice of a royal guard stallion boomed in Twilight’s ears. She felt lightheaded and struggled to lift her neck as the room around her slowly stopped spinning. Her eyes drew focus on the armored stallion hovering above her. Supporting her head, his firm hoof helped prop her up.
Even with the support, she struggled to compensate around a shifting center of balance. A tingling sensation radiated into her lower extremities. Making a concerted effort, she raised a hoof in front of her face. The porcelain hairs of her slender foreleg stood on end leading down to a gold hoof cap. Passing focus out into the room beyond, the gaze of a dozen or more ponies and their worried looks cascaded back on her. The panic returned. Only two words escaped her mouth. “Oh no…”
“Take it easy, Princess. Help is on the way.” The voice diminished to a soothing tone as Twilight gathered her wits about her. Blinking up into the light, the guard’s armor reflected her familiar form, but in a way that only she recognized. She swished her billowing tail aside slowly coming to terms with her current host’s body.
A flash of light caught her off guard. A much more familiar voice did nothing to set her at ease. “Sister, art thou alright?” The guard stepped aside as Luna hopped forward and placed a hoof on Twilight’s cheek. Gently sliding it down her elongated neck, Luna brushed the flowing bundle of cosmic mane aside. “Art thou injured?”
“I-I’m fine.” Twilight shook her head and stretched out her long legs. “I must have fainted is all. Would you both help me up?”
“Are you certain, Your Majesty? Should we not wait for the physician?” The guard glanced over at Luna seeking her support on the matter.
“Perhaps that is wise, sister.” Luna crumpled her brow and stared down at Twilight with a stern, but gentle gaze.
Twilight shook her head. “I’ll be fine, just help me up, please.” Luna and the guard consulted silently. Luna nodded her head and they both reached out to support Twilight as she struggled to make sense of her new legs. Getting all four secured beneath her, she lifted up the fore followed closely by the rear. Swishing out her massive tail and tossing her mane, Twilight spread out her wings and stood tall near the base of the throne in the royal hall of Canterlot Castle. Her subjects let out a cheer as they watched their Princess recover from her fall.
Thrust into action, Twilight mounted the throne. She cleared her throat and nodded to the guard. “Please continue.” She turned and surveyed the line of ponies rushing to form up. Luna approached and took up her place by her side. The business of the royal court, impeded by her sudden entrance into the body of the reigning monarch, queued out the far doors.
The royal guard saluted. “Yes, Your Highness.” He clicked his back hooves together and turned to face the petitioners. “Next case, step forward.”
Twilight did her best to smile as a blue Unicorn stallion approached. Averting his gaze and bowing his head near the ground, he mumbled, “A thousand apologies, Princess.” His teeth chattered and his tail hugged his flank in full submission to the head of the realm. “I didn’t mean to startle you like that.”
Twilight blushed. She dipped her head and bent her leg to bow in return. “My apologies to you, good sir. I’m sorry if I frightened you. I promise it won’t happen again.”
Luna shot a glance toward Twilight. The petitioner froze in place. Twilight peeked up to consider the silence that fell over the room.
“Guards,” Luna began, “see to it these ponies needs are met. I shall consult with my sister in private. Court adjourned!” With a flash of her horn, the royal hall blinked away to be replaced by Celestia’s quarters in the upper tower.
Twilight fell back a pace. “What was that all about?”
Luna’s magic secured the door. With a worried look, she circled the bed keeping a steady eye on her sister. “That was thou making a fool of thyself.” Her words cut to the core. “What art thou doing?”
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, unsure of where she stood on the level of private relations with Princess Luna.
“Let me be clear,” Luna came to a stop in front of the balcony doors. “I know something is wrong. Tell me what it is before I have to take matters into my own hooves.”
A sudden fear of being outed came upon Twilight. She backed away and sat down on the step leading up to the central bedstand, nearly tripping over her tail in the process. The same questions as before surfaced once again. Telling her friends was one thing, but Twilight felt she had to draw the line somewhere. The more ponies she told, the harder it would be to keep her cover and complete her mission. In the relative privacy of the royal bedroom, she had precious leeway to work with.
Locking eyes with Luna, she knew there was only one way out of this mess. With a heavy sigh, she blurted out the truth: “I’m Twilight Sparkle.”
Luna grinned, the corners of her mouth contorting into a wry smile. “That’s obvious.” She walked the short distance and sat herself down beside Twilight. “Now, tell me what is wrong.”
“You… You already knew?” Twilight peered down at her golden hooves considering the weight of the mantle around her neck. “How could you know?”
“I know all about the Trials.” Luna placed a hoof around Twilight’s shoulder. “There is little my sister can hide from me, much less thyself. Dreams lay bare many a secret, and it is my duty to assist the dreamer in resolving their inner turmoil. I find discretion in these matters of privacy to be of upmost importance, but I see something is wrong here. Now, shall we discuss this the easy way—” Luna turned and nodded her head toward the bed, a sly grin spreading across her face. “—or the even easier way?”
Twilight grabbed Luna in a full blown hug. “I need your help, Princess. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” The stress of the Trials compounded with her current host state weighed heavily on her. Some guidance from her mentor, a slight inkling of what she was meant to do beyond the cryptic machinations of Starswirl and Aeon, anything would have been a welcome relief. In the absence of her immediate friends, she clung to Luna for whatever support she could give.
Luna returned the hug, if only briefly. Pushing gently away, she stood up and wheeled back around to face Twilight. “Might I first suggest you begin acting more like my sister and a princess in general? We don’t want to raise suspicions any more than they already are. Having to explain Starswirl as some distant relative was far too entangling as it was. We also have visiting dignitaries that must be handled with care. Speaking of which, I should get back to them as soon as possible. What else do you need from me?”
“I think I could use another hug.” Twilight gave a hint of a smile and rose up from the step. Shaking a forehoof and swishing her tail, she added, “More than anything, I need to get used to this body.”
With a thought, she spread out her wings and concentrated on the last piece she still had her doubts about. The spike on her head sparked and fizzed as she strained to levitate a book off the far shelf.
She relaxed. “Well, it was worth a try.”
Luna dropped her smile and tossed open the balcony door. “I see we have a serious problem. Please, follow me.” Swiftly, she slipped through the door and into the light of the sun. Twilight followed a few steps behind.
The sun shone warm on Twilight’s flank, invigorating her soul—a welcome sensation given the dire situation she faced.
Luna held back to the side. Pointing up, she indicated the source of her fears.
Twilight’s realization hit a moment later. “I-I can’t raise the sun without my magic!”
Luna clutched the moon collar at her neck. “I’m not sure that I can either.”
Twilight spun around to face the Princess. “What do you mean? Don’t you know how?”
“Of course I know how!” Luna lashed out and immediately shrunk back, lowering her eyes and tossing her mane. “I am not my sister, however. I do not command the Mantle of the Sun. As far as my duties concern the moon, I am more than capable, but without my sister’s magic, it will be—difficult—to persuade the sun to alter course. I am perfectly capable of raising the moon, and the setting of the sun shouldn’t prove too difficult. Although, I fear, tomorrow’s sunrise may prove most challenging.”
“What should I do?” Twilight asked.
“Do what you must.” Luna unfurled her wings. “Find a way to control thy magic, or else restore my sister to her rightful place. I must see to our guests and prepare for tonight. Good luck, Twilight Sparkle.” With a series of flaps, she took off from the balcony, winging her way toward the East Tower.
Twilight stood alone, the gentle breeze washing over her as she peered down from the railing. The splendor of the capitol city spread out below, an entire kingdom sat at her command. Being a princess was one thing; being the ruler of Equestria was a task she didn’t feel ready to accept—even if the position was only temporary. She had always wanted to be just like her mentor, but never in this way.
“Why me?” Twilight shouted at the sky. “Why, of all ponies, does it have to be me?”
Looking down from Canterlot Mountain toward the southern horizon, the sun sparked a glimmer in the direction of Ponyville. From this distance she couldn’t make out the detail, only the spire of the Castle of Friendship peeked out over the hills. A storm appeared to be rolling in from the Everfree Forest.
The clouds brought to mind her harrowing adventures at sea. How friendships were forged side by side in the squall. Lives very nearly lost, but thankfully saved in the end. The story of her life, in a way. Always waiting on the far side of conflict, she yearned to find her next rainbow.
Twilight’s eyes opened wide. “Rainbow!” she screamed, launching herself from the balcony.
Twilight marveled at the speed with which Celestia’s body flew. Faster than the wind itself, she galloped through the sky toward Ponyville. Dark clouds and chilling rain welcomed her arrival at the castle just shy of an hour after leaving Canterlot. Wet and sore from her hasty flight, she landed on the balcony leading in to the throne room. Tossing open the door, she expected to see her friends. Instead, pillows and blankets dotted the floor with an untouched slice of cake sitting on a plate in the middle of the room.
She carried past the remnants of the sleepover birthday party and out into the main hallway. Shadows roamed the hall in the middle of the day with the windows tapping out the beat of every raindrop assaulting the glass. A light approached from the stairway.
“Spike!” Twilight shouted at the glow.
“Uhh, Princess?” Spike jogged forward carrying a crystal star-shaped lantern.
“Where is she?” Twilight asked, skipping the usual introductions.
“Where is who?” Spike cocked his head to get a better view. “Can I get you a towel, Princess?”
Water pooled at Twilight’s hooves. Her mane sagged across her back and her tail clung to her hindquarters. Even her eyelashes drooped, completely uncharacteristic for a princess. “I’ll be fine. I need to find Rainbow Dash and the others. Where have they gone?”
“Third door on the right. They’re all in there.” Spike held up the lantern and jogged on ahead. “Follow me, Your Highness.”
Twilight shook her wings and tossed her mane. With a flip of her still dripping tail, she turned around in the puddle and followed the lantern down the hall.
Spike pushed the door open and stood aside. The light from within the bedroom spilled out into the hallway, amplifying the glow from his lantern. Twilight gave a nod and stepped through the doorway.
“Princess?” Rarity’s mouth hung ajar.
The others turned away from the bed to acknowledge the new arrival.
Spike poked his head around the door. “I’m going to go get some towels. Be right back.”
Twilight stepped forward and filled the gap created between Applejack and Fluttershy. She raised a hoof and gently laid it across Rainbow’s forehead. The spark sent a tingle up her leg and down her spine, the jolt amplified by her soggy state.
Rainbow Dash coughed and blinked her eyes open. A ring of smiles greeted her revival.
Twilight backed away and sunk to the floor, drained and emotionally exhausted.
“Twilight?” Applejack scooted over by her side. “Are you alright?”
“Of course she’s not alright.” Rarity sauntered over, her horn glowing warmly. “Allow me to help with you with that, dear.” Her magic blew a warm breeze through Twilight’s mane. The billowing hairs came unstuck, resuming their normal luster and flow.
“Thank you, Rarity.” Twilight tossed her mane to the other side of her neck and did her best to smile.
“Will somepony please tell me what’s going on?” Rainbow Dash sat up in bed and unfolded her wings, inspecting the multicolored tips.
“It’s the bestest birthday present ever!” Pinkie Pie shouted, leaping up on the bed and pointing down at the Princess. “Twilight’s back!”
“What happened?” Rainbow scanned around the room. “Where is she?”
“I’m sorry, Rainbow.” Twilight stood up. “It’s my fault for keeping secrets, and you deserve the truth. I’m Twilight Sparkle, and I’m trying to save the world as we know it.”
“Wait… Hold on a sec.” Rainbow Dash took a hoof and bashed it into the side of her head. Shaking off the pain, she turned back to Twilight. “I guess it’s not a dream, and now my head hurts.”
“I wish it were a dream.” Twilight walked across the room holding position by the window and looking out at the storm. “All I can hope for is a happy ending to this nightmare.” She raised a hoof to the window sill. “I just wish I knew what I was supposed to be doing right now.”
“I’ve got an idea.” Pinkie hopped down off the bed. “If you’re anything like the Twilight I know, shouldn’t the first place you look for an answer be the library?”
Twilight turned away from the window. “Pinkie, you’re brilliant!” She reared up and broke for the door. “To the library, everypony!”
The others followed.
Rainbow Dash sat in bed watching the departing herd. “Isn’t somepony going to tell me what the hay is going on?”
Galloping down the hall and right past Spike carrying a load of towels, Twilight skidded into the throne room. She quickly cleared the space in the middle, tossing pillows, blankets, and cake aside. The others approached and took up position near their respective thrones. Rainbow Dash was the last to join.
“Oh no. I forgot.” Twilight’s grin faded as she stared at the floor. “How am I going to open the door without my magic?” The smooth surface between the seats sealed away the entrance to the hidden library.
Spike tossed his towels aside and walked over to the far wall. “If you want to get into the library, all you had to do is ask.” He reached up and turned a crystal knob. “I installed a switch.” The room began to rumble and the stairs leading down to the library fell away into the floor.
“I don’t know what I’d ever do without you, Spike.” Twilight leapt over and gave Spike a big hug. She returned to the stairs just as quickly. “Let’s go find some answers, girls.” Floating in the wake of her whirlwind, the others followed her into the hidden library below.
The same musty smell as always greeted her as the sconces flamed to life. With the priority task of filling the main library, she hadn’t had time to study Starswirl’s personal store all that much. Spike had done his part to help organize and clean the bulk of the dust and mildew from the room. The answers to her questions lay somewhere on these shelves, she was sure of it. “Look through everything. There must be something here about it.”
“Twilight,” Fluttershy asked, stepping softly into the room, “what are we looking for?”
“A book.” Twilight turned and faced her friends. “Something that can show me how to use this.” She raised a hoof and pointed at the collar around her neck.
“Not to sound rude, but isn’t that just another piece of royal jewelry?” Rarity came closer to inspect the collar with the bright purple gem. “I’ve never really studied it up close.”
“It’s much more than that,” Twilight replied. “I should have figured it out when I was reading Celestia’s diary. The information was there, but she left out all the details about how it worked. I hope Starswirl wrote something about it that can help. Look around and see if you can find anything about the Mantle of the Sun.”
The girls quickly scattered to the far corners of the library. Twilight turned back to the nearest shelf and started pulling books down with her teeth. From behind, a timid voice cracked between the thuds of books hitting the floor.
“Twilight?” Rainbow Dash approached. “Is it really you?”
“Yes, Rainbow. It’s me.” Twilight didn’t even pause as she continued to tear through the shelf.
“How? Why… Why did you leave us?” Rainbow’s wavering voice squeaked out the questions.
Twilight sighed. “Blame Starswirl; blame fate; blame me if you want. None of it matters right now. If I don’t find a way to raise the sun, we could be in for a very long night. Not to mention the end of magic as we know it followed by eternal chaos.”
“But…” Rainbow sniffed and drew her foreleg across her eyes. “I thought I’d lost you.”
Twilight turned away from the shelf. From her taller vantage, she looked down on the teary-eyed Dash. The past few days came flooding back. All the lies, all the deceptions. Rainbow Dash took the brunt of it all. Here she stood—brave beyond her strength and loyal to a fault—one of her friends who would always stand by her, come what may.
Twilight threw her forelegs around her. “Oh, Rainbow. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I got swept up in something bigger than I knew and I didn’t want to drag you into it as well.”
“That’s what friends are for.” Rainbow Dash nuzzled in as close as she could. “Now, could you tell me how you turned into Celestia, cause it’s really messing with me.”
Twilight pulled back and shook her head. “Just be glad I’m not you anymore. It’s been a pretty crazy week.”
Kneading his claws and staring down at the floor, Spike stepped into the light at the bottom of the flight of stairs. “Princess Celestia, is there anything I can help you find? I’ve been through all the books in here, so I could probably help if you tell me what you’re looking for.”
Twilight let go of Rainbow Dash and made her way over to the steps. She knelt down in front of her assistant. “Spike, it’s me. Twilight.”
Spike stared straight back into her eyes. His lip quivered. “I knew it was you!” He rushed forward and threw his arms around Twilight.
“I’ve missed you so much.” Twilight wrapped her foreleg around Spike, tugging him in close.
“I hate to break this up,” Rainbow Dash said, “but didn’t you mention the end of magic and eternal chaos or something?”
“You’re right!” Twilight stood up nearly dragging Spike into the air with her. “We need your help, Spike. Do you remember any books that talk about the Mantle of the Sun?” She tapped her hoof to the collar around her neck.
“Of course. That’s easy.” Spike ran over to the shelves and climbed up on a stepstool. Reaching for the third shelf up, he pulled out a small book. Holding it close to his chest, he hurried back over to Twilight.
“Could you lay it down on the lectern?” Twilight gestured over to the stand. “My magic isn’t behaving at the moment, or else I would do it myself.”
Spike obliged and Twilight settled into the chair to begin reading the book.
“Celestial Calling: The Magic of the Royal Mantle.” Twilight opened to the first page and poured herself into the contents. After scanning through the first few chapters, she called out to pair of curious onlookers. “This is perfect!”
“What did you find?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I think I found the answer.” Twilight closed the book and tossed it over to Spike. “Take this and find me a saddle bag. Also, grab some parchment and a quill and meet me upstairs.”
Spike saluted and ran off up the stairs.
“Help me gather the others, Rainbow,” Twilight said, a look of confidence radiating from her. “We’re going to Canterlot.”