//------------------------------// // What Lies Between // Story: What Hath Joined Together // by Bad_Seed_72 //------------------------------// What Lies Between After Twilight and Flash returned to the Crystal Palace from Apt Drop’s tour, the former was full of questions. Although Twilight nearly ached to go back to the library, Princess Cadence managed to convince her to continue taking the weekends off from her studies. Reluctantly, Twilight caved, and thus spent the rest of the weekend either “leisure reading” in her room or spending time with Cadence and Shining in the castle. Despite his objections of duty and order, Flash was given an impromptu quasi-weekend-off by his Princess. He spent the remainder of that first weekend in the Crystal Empire flying through the Crystal Mountains, searching out the perfect vantage point upon which to view the upcoming Northern Lights. He also spent some time with his hosts, along with the other Royal Guards before they left for Canterlot. Between it all, Flash caught up on some leisure reading of his own, feeling truly relaxed as he indulged in some tales he had long forgotten. Sometime late Sunday evening, Flash received a knock at his door, finding Precise Jot on the other side. The elderly mare, looking quite weary, presented him with the two copies of the photograph taken after the play that he had requested. He had thanked her profusely, so overjoyed that he would have hugged her if he could. One of the photographs he carefully pressed into his journal. The other he tucked in between layers of cloth and then hid inside a book about Commander Hurricane. He couldn’t decide what made him happier: the photograph itself, or how he imagined Greyhoof would react to receiving his copy. Monday arrived. With it came the same sense of routine the prior week had already instilled in him. Each morning, Flash would wake, dress, have breakfast with Twilight, then assist Shooting Star with the recruits. Despite Shining Armor’s explicit permission to do so, Twilight had thus far failed to ask to see the recruits in action. Flash noted this but didn’t push it. After helping with the training, Flash would then escort Twilight to the library. The two would read through their respective allotment of books for the day—Twilight at least ten, Flash maybe two if the first was a short read. Apt would bring them daffodil and daisy sandwiches and tea at lunch. Once night began to fall, the two would return to the palace for dinner, after which Twilight would “leisure read” for several hours in her room before her snores echoed through the hallway. Flash would enjoy a restful sleep. The cycle would begin the following morning. This cycle repeated for three days. Throughout those days, Flash noted that Twilight had fallen silent more often than not. Her mind seemed constantly occupied, even when her nose was far from a book. Although he wished to try and engage her in conversation, what little attempt he made was disregarded; she would give him one-word answers or nothing. I hope I didn’t say or do anything to offend her. It’s almost like she and I have started to switch roles. Then again, maybe she’s just frustrated that she hasn’t found any of the information she’s looking for. Even though Apt brought her books on the crystals, she hasn’t read them yet. We keep tearing through book after book, and have yet to find anything about Starswirl, the Tree of Harmony, or the Elements. A part of Flash hoped that, when the weekend arrived once more, Twilight would open up to him again as she had before. Perhaps, then, he could truly know what she thought of things… and where he stood. ~ Thursday was a notably quiet day in the library. Normally, while there was the occasional patron or two who trotted in every hour, today, Flash hadn’t seen a single soul aside from Apt or his mother. Not that he minded. The peace and quiet might have done some good in mitigating Twilight’s growing frustration. At least, he hoped. Twilight groaned as she closed another thick tome, then placed it on the table with a thud. “Nope. Nothing there either. I would have thought a book titled, ‘The Annotated Works Of Past Tense, Empire Historian’ would have at least mentioned something about the great Starswirl the Bearded! Especially since he seemed rather fond of listing the most miniscule achievements of other mages who lived around the same time as Starswirl! But no! I guess that’s asking for too much, now, isn’t it?” she finished, hissing through her teeth as she slumped in her seat. Seated across from her at the table, Flash put down the book in his forehooves. “I suppose so, Twilight. I haven’t found anything either.” Twilight eyed the book in front of him with a scowl. “I wouldn’t expect ’The Complete Lexicon Of Crystal Puns’ to be full of wisdom, exactly.” Flash winced. “I know you said you wanted to go through all the books, but if you would like, I can skip over the ones that—” “No, it’s fine, it’s fine. You’re fine.” Twilight sighed, her wings drooping as she slumped in her chair. “You’re not doing anything wrong. It’s just… I know Apt and his mother are hard at work organizing these books, but at this rate, we’ll go through all of them before they catalogue even half.” Unfortunately, Flash had to agree. He and Twilight had just managed to get through three of the enormous, double-sided bookshelves on one side of one floor of the massive library. I think I saw Precise Jot going through some books right below us… last week. Bringing her forehooves to her temples, Twilight rubbed them in little circles and continued to groan. “Maybe we need to rethink our strategy. Even if we stay here past business hours, there’s no way we’ll finish inspecting all of the books before the month is over. There’s just simply too many,” she said with a sigh. Though he wanted to sigh in frustration along with her, Flash resisted doing so, frowning instead at Twilight’s state. Dark circles hung under her eyes. Her mane and tail, usually brushed and straightened to absolute perfection, had begun to frizz. Feathers stuck out at odd angles from her wings. Silence passed between them, the only sound piercing through it that of Apt reshelving books a floor below. Flash brought a hoof to his chin. Well, if you want to leave no stone unturned, but there’s too many stones… Maybe get more helping hooves? “How about we get some ponies to help us?” Flash offered. “I… suppose that could work, but I’m not going to bring my friends from Ponyville just to go through a library with me. I haven’t properly spent time with them in weeks. That wouldn’t be fair. Cadence and Shining are busy with their own royal duties, their servants have enough on their plates, and Apt and his mother are already working on their project.” “Ah… sorry.” Twilight crossed her forehooves over the table and laid her head atop them. “Thanks for the suggestion,” she said with a slight smile. “You’re welcome.” Flash considered a change of subject. Maybe that will help us both think. After a moment, he said, “So… If you don’t mind me asking, how are your friends?” Twilight appeared to perk up at his question. “They’re doing great, actually. We’ve been sending letters back and forth weekly since I started living in Canterlot Castle full-time. I go see them for about a week each month, but it doesn’t feel enough. The letters help. Still… I feel like I’m missing a lot of their lives already.” Flash began to reply, but Twilight was already continuing. “It’s odd, learning about the magic of friendship for almost three years, and then, once all of that learning leads to these—” Twilight rustled her wings—”I’m whisked away from my friends again. Heh. Ironic, isn’t it?” Flash again opened his mouth to reply, only to be cut off again. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. I love Princess Celestia. I’ve always loved her. She’s been my mentor, my best friend, and my second mother since I was eight years old. And I care deeply about Princess Luna, too. Granted, I haven’t gotten to know her as much, but I’m trying. And even Discord—the Spirit of Chaos, for Galaxia’s sake, who turned my friends and I gray and nearly ruled Equestria again!—is good company. But it’s not enough. Everything changed overnight on me, and I just—” Flash raised a forehoof, yet, Twilight appeared not to have noticed. Twilight was raising her voice now, just a tad, not enough to be considered rude in a library but enough that Flash was taken aback. “And then I come here, and all I want is four weeks off! Read my books, play checkers with Cadence, hug Shining and poke him in the chest when he teases me about the time he made me believe that two plus two equals tomato. That’s all I wanted! I was hoping to get this work done, so maybe I could relax, but no. Nooooo, Twilight Sparkle can’t have that, now, can she?” This time, Flash managed to get one word in edgewise. “Twilight—” “Now all this… this… bullshit—” Twilight spat the word, as if it were fetid and stinking— “Twilight—” ”—about the order, the order, the order! Wanting me to rethink something that’s as basic as table manners and how to properly organize a bibliography! And how could she even dare to suggest that I wouldn’t—” Twilight’s horn sparked with magic, her lips drawn back in a snarl, her eyes angry and wild. She leaned back her chair. Flash jumped from his chair, but not in time. Twilight leaned all the way back. Her chair hit the library floor with a heavy thud at the same time that her horn burst forth with a spark of purple magic, hitting the top shelf of the bookshelf directly above her. “Ow!” Twilight groaned as she made acquaintance with the floor. A book was dislodged from the jam-packed bookshelf by her magic. “Owwwww!” Twilight groaned again as a heavy, dusty book made acquaintance with her face. Pushing the book off her immediately, Flash grabbed Twilight’s forehooves and helped her stand up. “Are you alright?” he asked, trying to hide the urgency in his voice. Twilight rubbed at her snout, then looked at her forehoof. “I think so—oh, wait. Nope.” Two drops of blood clung to her underhoof. Horseapples! “Apt! Hey, Apt!” Flash cupped his forehooves around his mouth and called down to the stallion. Apt looked up from his cartful of books. “Yes, Sir Flash Sentry?” he called back up to him. “Bring us some ice and tissues!” At his words, Apt half-bowed and trotted off. “Right away, sir!” Turning back to Twilight, Flash said, “He should be back soon. Let me see…” Cursing under her breath, Twilight turned to face him. Her lavender forehoof could barely contain the rivers of blood flowing from her snout. Without hesitation, Flash reached back and grasped the blue saddle blanket over his backplate with his teeth. He then folded it to the size of a kerchief and held it out towards her injury. “Here, let me—” “Buh dat’s yer blangkit,” Twilight mumbled, pushing her forehoof harder against her bleeding snout. “Dat’s imporint.” “It’ll wash out.” It has before. Twilight seemed to consider it for a moment, then nodded, dropping her forehoof. After passing the blanket over to her, Flash pulled out a chair and directed her to sit. “Lean forward and apply as much pressure to your nose as you can. It should stop the bleeding in a few minutes.” “I’be hab a nosebreed befur,” Twilight muttered, closing her eyes. Flash bit the inside of his cheek. “Sorry. I don’t mean to patronize you.” “I’b new, sowwy. I’b jus’ grumby,” Twilight replied, shifting her position in discomfort. “Oh? I hadn’t noticed.” Flash stood beside her, watching carefully as the blood began to slow. “That’s alright if you are. We all have… times like that.” Hoofsteps tromping up the stairs caught Flash’s attention. “Over here, Apt!” The librarian hurried over, a sizeable bag of ice on his back and a box of tissues in his hoof. “My apologies for the delay, Sir Flash Sentry, our icebox—Princess! Are you alright?! What happened?!” Twilight rolled her eyes once she opened them. “I’b wa’ bean earnational an’—” Apt set the ice and tissues down at the table. “Err, Your Highness—” “She leaned back, and, accidentally knocked this book down. It then… kind of fell,” Flash explained, selecting his words in a manner that he hoped would save Twilight some embarrassment. Bowing profusely, Apt began giving a thousand apologies, all of them invoking different levels of guilt, regret, or offers of comfort. Twilight, for the most part, ignored them. Instead, she pressed the ice to her snout with her treacherous magic and swapped out Flash’s saddle blanket for the tissues. Flash winced at the dark-red streaks on the blanket. Seeing them sparked his own form of guilt, and while he did not offer to send the Empire’s finest doctor to ensure Twilight’s nose would heal like Apt did, he mentally berated himself nonetheless. If you were one second quicker, you could have pushed her out of the way! You’re starting to get a bit too relaxed, Flash. What if it had been an assassin, and not a book? Stop neglecting your training! No more “leisure reading” or fattening selections at meals! “And I swear, Your Highness, upon all that is holy and true, if there is anything I could do to make this up to you, please don’t hesitate—” Twilight flung the bloody tissues down on the table. “It’s fine, Apt! It’s fine, okay?!” Twilight almost yelled, sniffling to reveal her stagnant nose. “It was just a nosebleed, and I brought it on myself! I leaned too far back and shot the book free with my magic! It wasn’t anything you, or you—” she pointed at Flash—”did! So you can stop trying to kiss my flank, because I’m not going to sue you, or have you thrown in the dungeons, or anything, alright, Apt?! “Can’t everypony stop treating me like I’m made of glass for once?!" The silence that followed was as heavy as nightfall. Finally, Apt cleared his throat and looked at his hooves. “I—I’m sorry, Your Highness. Please, forgive me. I shall leave you be.” The librarian trotted away, but not before Flash noted his cheeks, burning with humiliation. His own were crimson from guilt, and he found himself unable to meet Twilight’s eyes. It’s true. We all treat you this way, because you are special, Twilight… Even if you don’t want to be. Shaking with anger, Twilight grabbed the heavy tome that had started of all of this—not with her magic, but her forehooves. “Stupid book! Stupid!” Flash flinched as the book landed with a crash down the aisle. Without a word, he walked over to the discarded volume, picked it up, walked back over, and set it on a free space on the shelf. Twilight laid her face against the table, swore again, then fell silent. Any notion of speaking that passed through Flash Sentry’s mind was shot down immediately. Whether in guilt, disbelief, or fear, he chose not to. Instead, he stood beside Twilight, like a good Royal Guard should, as talkative as stone. Most other Royal Guards also stood impersonal beside their rulers, but Flash had long crossed that line and would never be able to restore it. After what seemed like an eternity, Twilight raised her head and stared at him. To his surprise, no tears were in her eyes. They must have been only one more mishap away. “... Why?” Twilight asked. “... Why, what?” Flash asked back. “Why did you agree to come with me on this trip? Why haven’t you asked to be reassigned already?” … Because I was ordered to? … No, hah, who am I kidding? Because… you’re beautiful, and smart, and kind, and caring, even if you don’t feel those things, because you treat me like a pony, not a title, not a name, you treat us all that way, even though you think you’re terrible, you’re not, because, in spite of everything, you try, and you’ve always tried, and you’re a better ruler than Celestia or Luna or even Cadence or Shining, and even though I’m not supposed to feel for you, I still do, even though I fight it, and even though you want me to be your friend, and Shining wants me to be your friend, I know I can’t be only your friend, because even right now I want to pull you into my hooves and kiss you and tell you all these things that nopony will ever know, and I want to give you the answers you so desperately need but I know I shouldn’t and I can’t because you are you and I am I? Instead of any of those things, Flash answered simply: “Because you’re a good pony, Twilight.” After a beat, he added, “Even if you don’t think you are, you are.” This answer appeared to be both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because, at hearing it, Twilight seemed to both be further and closer to tears. And a curse because, as his tongue rolled you are into the atmosphere between them, Flash knew he had passed the point of no return. All I want is for you to be happy. “Th… Thank you.” Twilight stood up, and, before Flash could object, threw her forehooves around his neck. “I really needed to hear that,” she whispered into his ear, her breath warm and sweet. Hugs were not forbidden between ponies of different races. They were encouraged. They were a sign of comfort. Of trust. Of the deep friendship that makes up platonic love—the strongest kind of love between those who were irrevocably compatible. A hug between a Royal Guard and a Princess? Now, that was a different case altogether. Flash Sentry had never seen a Princess hug a Royal Guard, except when Cadence was engaged to Shining, or when Shooting Star’s father had passed away and Celestia had held him as he sobbed. Other than those two situations, any such embrace would be grounds for immediate investigation. Flash didn’t give a damn about any of that. Flash hugged her back, his larger, shod forehooves around her shoulders. “You’re welcome.” When they pulled away, their cheeks were luminescent again, and Flash Sentry thought of the cliff-face and the snow. He took a step back and, seizing on the closest distraction, grabbed that awful book that had dared to meet Twilight Sparkle’s muzzle. “Ahem… Heh, heh… Now, what exactly is this troublesome thing here?” Flash joked, thrusting the book open to a random page. “I bet it’s a book on weather patterns, or how to make a really tasty stew, or—” וכשהשמש ונפגש בין הערביים, יש ניצוץ, ואש. ובישיבה של השמיים, לא יהיה קרע גדול בין העולמות “O-o-or what?” Twilight rubbed the back of her neck as she rustled her wings. “S-something silly again, huh?” She peered over his shoulder. “Heh, probably about some h-hoofball player or the f-first Crystal pony to use the crys—” Twilight gasped. “Old Equestrian!” Flash gaped. “That’s what this is?!” I thought it was a bunch of chicken scratches! Any remnants of her outburst, her physical pain, their contact, or one of the other thousand things Twilight Sparkle had a right to be preoccupied with vanished at this discovery. Wound like a top—a top that had seen both ends of the emotional spectrum in less time than it took for Flash Sentry to polish his armor—Twilight was now released. Hopping like a caffeinated jackrabbit, Twilight grasped the book with her magic mid-jump and began cheering. “This is it! This is it! This. Is. It! Flash, do you have any idea what this means?!” Twilight rounded on him, grinning wide enough that he feared she might bruise her jaw next. “Uh… That you… found a book written in Old Equestrian?” “Old Equestrian faded out of use only a few years before Starswirl passed! Because he was the one working on reforming the language! This book is either going to be about him, written by him, or at least mention him! And since Starswirl discovered the Tree of Harmony and the Elements, the odds that this book discusses or at least mentions at least one of them are extremely favorable!” ”Extremely favorable”? Is that something you can bet on in Las Pegasus? Still holding the book in her aura, Twilight looked up at the bookshelf that had caused her so much grief. “Oh, I’ve never been happier to bump my head and get a nosebleed than I am today!” she said with a squeal, more excited than a filly on Hearth’s Warming morning. Grinning, Flash replied, “I… I’ve never seen somepony be so happy for those things, either.” “Oh, let’s forget the rest of our time here today! I want to go home and translate this book right away!” “Of course, Twilight, let’s just—” Twilight came to a halt, the book nearly falling to the ground. A deep blush spread across her muzzle. “But first, er, maybe I should go apologize to Apt…” In spite of the circumstances, Flash couldn’t hold back the smallest smile. And this, Twilight, is why you’re a good pony, and always will be. Flash grabbed his bloodied saddle blanket and tucked it beneath his backplate. Better not to worry ponies on the walk home. I’ll have one of the servants wash it once we get back. “Don’t worry. Let’s go find him.” Meeting her eyes over his shoulder, Flash saw Twilight smile again, and all felt right with the world. ~ Three empty mugs sat scattered amongst a landscape of books, parchment, quills, and inkpots. A fourth sat half-full, its caffeinated contents tepid but still deemed drinkable. One of the torchgems from the palace walls—along with a small hammer, a chisel, a magnifying glass, and a microscope—lay untouched on the table. Twilight set down the strange book, her brow furrowed. While she turned to one of the translation guides, she picked up the last mug of coffee with her magic and took a strong sip. Once the mug hit the table, she grabbed her quill and went to work on a sheet of parchment, scrawling with a vengeance. ”In day night no remorse for serpent…” Ugh, that isn’t right! It’s amazing how broken Old Equestrian grammar can appear at times when it’s translated into modern. Even though I’ve gotten about twenty pages in, there’s still so much left to read and translate. This is going to be much more difficult than I expected. Setting the quill down, Twilight sighed. Even If I push myself with my translating speed, there’s no telling how long it’ll take to ensure that my translations have the correct grammar. This book has to be at least five hundred pages long. While the caffeine revved in her blood, Twilight let her chin rest on the table. She only allowed herself a brief sigh before she sat back up straight in her chair and picked up the book again. Its pages were yellowed and curling, rough and reluctant in her forehooves. Okay, let’s try again…This passage doesn’t seem to make any sense. היום התקיים שום חרטה כלפי הנחש, וגם לא בלילה … Day… no… remorse… serpent… night… A steady knock at her door caught her attention, but not enough to tear her eyes away from the pages. “Yes?” No… Day… hold… no… remorse… “Twilight, dinner is ready,” Flash declared through the door. Nor… do… night… to… serpent… Twilight’s glanced up from the ancient words and opened the door with her magic. Flash stood there with a smile, looking eager yet patient. “Oh, it’s dinnertime already?” she asked, glancing over at a crystalline clock. “I could have sworn we just came home from the library…” “Er… That was… Five hours ago, Twilight.” “Really?” He nodded. “Oh. Well…” Although her stomach wanted to protest, four mugs of coffee kept the monster in her belly at bay. “I really want to make some more headway on this, so…” “I understand. Should I just head down, or would you like me to wait?” Flash asked, a bit of hesitancy in his voice. “Oh, no, no. Please, don’t miss out on dinner on account of me,” Twilight said with a chuckle. “You go on ahead, Flash.” “Alright. Thank you, Twilight. Oh, and good luck. Let me know if I can do anything to help,” Flash added, smiling as he stepped away. “Will do!” As she closed the door, Twilight watched him start down the hallway, his golden armor shining under the torchgems. Absent from his backplate was the blue saddle blanket. She brought a forehoof to her snout and flushed a bit, biting the inside of her cheek. I suppose that’s what I get for being loud in a library. What’s that the Ramayaks and Neighponese call it? Karma? Twilight finished off her last mug of coffee and picked up the book again. After a few attempts, she found herself unable to read past the same convoluted sentence, her thoughts reverting to the incident in the library. Twilight set the book down and rubbed her temples. It wasn’t enough that I had to embarrass and scare poor Apt Drop… regardless of his… issues… he’s still a nice stallion who means well… But I absolutely lost control on top of it. I mean, I know this “order business” is stressful, but really? Am I going to cast another want-it-need-it spell and send the whole Empire into a frenzy or something? If only Spike was here… Or any of my friends, really… The flame of the candle on Twilight’s nightstand flickered as day faded to dawn. Shadows began to dance over her desk, but all she saw was Cadence’s pained eyes and a cold daffodil and daisy sandwich with hayfries. What would my friends think about Cadence’s plan? Would any of them side with her? None of them are in a relationship, and other than Rarity fawning over Blueblood or Spike making googly eyes at Rarity—silly little crushes, both—none of them seem to worry about it. All of them seem to love their special talent, their status, their family… They seem happy. But are they? Is anypony? Am I missing something? Is this something ponies commonly worry about—who they love? Does it not come naturally, as it should? Are there other ponies like Apt? Are there more ponies like Orion and Clover? Are some of my friends like that, and I just don’t know? ... Am I— Twilight shook her head. No, focus. You can worry about all of that later. Right now, it’s time to unravel the mysteries behind the Tree of Harmony. You know, what you came here for? Picking up the quill again, Twilight returned to the first few words of her latest translation. Serpent… Day and night… Surely, this has a deeper meaning. Perhaps— With a clink, an inkpot tipped over on the desk. Twilight gasped, her wings extending as she nearly fell from her chair. “Who’s ther—” “Twilight,” said an irritated voice, “it’s me.” Twilight turned around. “... Cadence?” Cadence stared back, her muzzle blank. Almost pushing an empty mug off her desk, Twilight quickly sat up straight. “How long have you been standing there?” Cadence looked at the clock. “Almost a minute. What are you working on?” Twilight closed her books, then grinned. “I found a book written in Old Equestrian at the library. I’m certain it’s what I’ve been looking for, or a start, at least!” The faintest smile crossed Cadence’s muzzle. “Well, that’s good to hear. Do you have some free time to talk, or should I come back later?” “T-talk?” Again, Twilight thought of an uneaten sandwich, along with a cold plate of hayfries. “Um, I suppose so…” A familiar blue aura engulfed the room. Without a word, Cadence sat down on Twilight’s bed. Waiting. Icy stones settled in Twilight’s stomach. Her tongue grew thicker than her throat. Turning in her chair to face her beloved sister-in-law—her beautiful, terrible, wonderful, horrible sister-in-law—seemed an impossible feat, but she managed. Twilight wondered again about karma. “... A-a soundproofing spell? Again?” Twilight asked at last. Whether the silence had been seconds or minutes, she neither knew nor cared. Cadence raised her forehooves. “It’s just so—” “So what?” Twilight narrowed her eyes. “Is this going to be like our ‘talk’ last week, Cadence?” Cadence lowered her forehooves, her own eyes narrowing right back at her. “Twilight, we haven’t had a proper conversation since that talk.” “We’ve talked plenty since then.” “Not about what’s been on your mind.” “How do you know what’s on my mind?” Twilight said, her tone a near snarl. Twilight turned the chair around before she sat back down, wrapping her forehooves around it. She clung to her lifeline as the relentless sea swept between them, poised and tense, a sneaker wave ready to strike. Cadence watched the waves crash on by before she replied in a soft tone, “Why are you being so hostile?” Twilight held fast. “I know what you came in here to talk about.” “Do you?” “I do.” Twilight tightened her grip on the chair. “Well,” Cadence said with a click of her tongue, “Apt Drop stopped by right before dinner.” By some miracle, Twilight didn’t fall out of her chair. Looking at Twilight as if she were eight years old again, as if she had just been caught with both forehooves and her mouth in the cookie jar, Cadence continued, “He was very distraught. He told me that there had been an accident at the library, and he wanted to make sure that you were alright and wouldn’t—ahem—have him sent to the moon.” The rope was slipping from Twilight’s hooves as the sea raged again. Cadence saw her open her mouth and might as well have muzzled her. “And since you were still hiding in your room, I had to ask Flash what happened—” Twilight, caught up in the ocean that was Cadence, shrank as the lifeline slipped further and further away. “And, Galaxia bless that colt, he tried very hard to downplay any wrongdoing on your part towards Apt—” Twilight flushed at that. “But I know better.” The last few inches of rope were swallowed by the sea. Twilight avoided Cadence’s gaze, her eyes falling to the floor. She was a little foal hiding behind the back of the chair. “Twilight, what is going on?” Cadence asked. Her voice was heavy from a combined feast of concern and disappointment. It passed through Twilight’s ears and stole the last remainder of her appetite. Twilight fought her indigestion. “W-well… I…” Twilight sighed and shook her head, reluctantly meeting Cadence’s gaze. “Cadence… I… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to… to scare Apt like that. I was just… frustrated.” “‘Was’?” “I am.” Twilight fidgeted in the chair. “I threw a fit and hurt myself, okay? And I yelled at Apt and Flash on top of that. But I didn’t threaten him,” she added, feigning confidence in her tone. I may have scared the living daylights out of Apt, but I would never threaten to… “have him sent to the moon”. Is that something ponies really believe? Celestia would never do that! She only did it to Luna because she had no other choice! “I see.” Sighing, Cadence settled into a more relaxed position on the bed. Then, patting a spot next to her, she ushered Twilight over. All four of Twilight’s hooves were gelatin as she moved from the desk to the bed. Whether that was from guilt or a lack of circulation, she wasn’t quite sure. Either way, it was painful. “Twilight, look,” Cadence said with a frown once she was settled, “I know you’re frustrated. I know you’re confused. I know you might even be angry. Maybe even with me.” Twilight’s heart sank. “Cadence—” “But please, please do not take it out on our citizens,” Cadence finished, raising a forehoof again. She brought it to Twilight’s cheek for a moment before letting it fall. “I know you have a lot on your plate right now, and I have certainly added much more to it, but…” “I know, I know.” Twilight shook her head. “I’m sorry.” With a small smile, Cadence replied, “I know you are, and I’m sorry for getting angry with you. It’s just… Apt was pretty upset.” “But I apologized to him. Multiple times! And I never said anything about Celestia, or the moon—” “I know, Twily. I know you wouldn’t say something like that. But you have to understand…” Cadence gestured with a wing towards Twilight’s open window. “Apt, like many of the ponies here, is… living outside of what the rest of Equestria thinks is acceptable. Despite how cheerful he seems, he’s scared, Twily.” Twilight’s ears drooped. “Scared?” Cadence nodded. “He is one of the lucky ones. His mother, his friends, his monarch… We know who he is, and we accept it. But Celestia or Luna would not. They would not bless his union, or even condone it; they would condemn it. They would advise him that he is confused, that he is mistaken, that he should find a mare. They would not jail him, or otherwise punish him—” “Celestia and Luna have never done such a thing!" “The leaders of the old tribes would have thrown Apt and Quartz in prison if they were feeling merciful,” Cadence said, her words as icy as the tundra. “The old tribes beat and sometimes even killed ponies who loved outside their race or within their gender.” “That’s not the case anymore!” Twilight raised her voice. “Celestia and Luna have never and will never thrown a pony in jail for that, nor would they hurt them! Nor would they condone—” “I know that, Twilight,” Cadence said, her brow furrowing as her tone edged towards exasperated. “But it happens. You saw Clover’s bruise. That is why Apt is afraid. He is not afraid of Celestia and Luna, but of what other ponies might think or do. “Other ponies might cast him out, or stop doing business with him, or beat him. Why do you think Clover came here, Twilight, besides the attack? Do you think anypony would want to hire her as a gardener after she—” Cadence gestured with her forehooves—”’brought shame’ to the House of Orion?” Twilight bit her lip. “Well, I suppose I hadn’t—” “Celestia and Luna will advise a pony like Apt or Clover, if asked, what they should do. We both know how they would answer. However, they will not call for the Guards, or exile them from Equestria, or bring a hoof to their cheek. They would not send Apt to the moon.” “Right, but—” “But by upholding the order, by upholding the laws regarding whom they recognize as ‘true couples’ and whom they don’t, they foster an environment for those other ponies who would harm Apt or Clover. Celestia or Luna didn’t strike Clover, but somepony did, and they did it knowing that Celestia and Luna would agree that what Clover was doing was wrong.” “But! But!” Twilight’s wings flared. “But, Cadence—c’mon! Celestia and Luna do not condone assault! It’s a crime without exception, except self-defense! Hay, the whole reason Orion is in prison is because he committed assault and battery against me and members of the Guard—” including Flash—”and not because he decided to go against Nature! If Orion would have just kept himself from throwing his little tantrum, then he wouldn’t be in prison!” Cadence shot back, “And you wouldn’t have dried blood in your snout.” Silence. Cheeks burning, Twilight stared at the floor again. “I said I was sorry.” Cadence laid a forehoof on her shoulder. “That’s not the point.” Twilight refused to look at her. “Then what is your point?” “My point is… Ponies do crazy things in the heat of the moment, Twilight. Love can blind us.” Thinking of Orion and Clover, and Apt and Quartz, Twilight could only nod. Blind to things as they have been, are, and will be. Blind to how things should be. While Twilight engaged in a staring contest with the floor, Cadence took one of her forehooves in her own as she continued, “Love can blind us to the best decision we should make, or how we should express ourselves, or even to whether the other pony loves us back. But, Twilight, what’s worse than being blinded by love, is being blind to it.” Finally, Twilight looked up at Cadence. “What do you mean?” Cadence squeezed her forehoof. “Twilight… I am the Princess of Love. I can not only make ponies realize their love for each other, but I can realize it before either of them do. And not only that, but I can see what a pony’s heart longs for, even if they won’t admit it to anypony—not even themselves.” Twilight took in a slow breath. “Where are you going with this?” “The biggest flaws we notice in others are the things we hate the most about ourselves. The stallion who struggles with his work ethic will condemn laziness in others. The mare who thrives on gossip will decry it to all who will listen. “I think that maybe, when you’re thinking about this—about Orion’s trial, about The Order, about my proposal—you should look into your own heart, and see if there is anything you hate about yourself.” Silence again. Then, Twilight pulled her forehoof away from Cadence. Rather than staring at the floor, she rose up and looked her in the eye. Cadence looked right back. The only sound was the ticking of the clock. She’s right, you know, a voice, long buried, declared within Twilight’s mind. That Earth pony colt wasn’t the first, or the only. There were others. The stallion who sells timepieces in Ponyville. The Wonderbolt you saw at the Best Young Flier’s Competition and the Gala. And Applejack’s brother. There’s a reason you’re grateful for his silence. And there are still others. As if she had read her mind, Cadence lit her horn and grasped the doorknob in her aura. “If you want to prove me wrong, Twilight, open this door, march to Sir Flash Sentry’s room, and dismiss him as your escort. “Request a unicorn guard in his stead. Never speak to him again. “Then tell me you don’t have something you hate about yourself.” Still in the sea, Twilight waited for it to part, but the silence did none of that. Cadence kept her magic on the doorknob. She’s right, you know, the voice said again. She’s right. There was no blushing, no stuttering, no flaring of wings, no averting eyes. There were no gasps, no widened eyes, no denials, no twisting of words. Twilight was caught with both forehooves in the cookie jar. All she could do was admit her fault and accept her fate. A pink aura met the blue and slapped it away. “... Okay,” Twilight said. Cadence nodded. “Okay, and…?” “There is something I don’t like about myself,” Twilight said, hanging her head just a tad, just enough that it was justified. “Why don’t you like it?” Cadence asked. “Because it’s wrong,” Twilight answered immediately. “Why is it wrong?” Twilight took a breath, long and slow, through her nostrils, catching the pain there. “Because,” she said, looking up directly at her again, “I was born a unicorn, Cadence. I have a place in society, as does everypony. That place is magic—using it to protect others, in my case. So, as a unicorn, I need another unicorn. A unicorn stallion,” she corrected, in case Cadence had any doubts. Cadence did not appear to have any, for she only nodded. “Because how else can a unicorn foal live up to their full magic potential, if both their mother and father do not instruct them in magic? How can they understand their part of our history, of our culture, of our traditions, without the proper role models? My parents are both unicorns. My brother is a unicorn. I went to school with unicorns. How could I have become so gifted in magic if I lived amongst Earth ponies or pegasi who have a different kind?” Cadence didn’t nod this time, staying silent. “Because how can I live up to my full potential if I don’t choose a partner who shares the same magic as me, the same culture, the same understanding? Could a pegasus stallion help me memorize runes, or an Earth pony stallion help me practice teleportation? They could be great friends, of course. They could give me perspective. They could show me how their ways of life are beautiful in their own ways. But it is not my way of life. If I was meant to be with them, I would have been born like them.” Pausing for breath, Twilight realized that chills were running all over her spine, her hackles raised as gooseflesh crawled over her back. The words she spoke felt strangely sour on her tongue, almost as if they were… Futile. But how? They were holy! They were truth! They were logic and rationality and history and culture and tradition and family and love! They were sacred in their timelessness, holy in their honesty, so straightforward and true! Weren’t they? Why would her parents have taught her differently? Her brother? Her schools? Her friends? Her society? Her mentor? Breaking the silence, Cadence asked, “So, now that you are an alicorn, why must you be with Captain Ironhoof? “Why is your choice him or nopony?” Twilight paused considerably longer before answering. “Because alicorns are Princesses, and they need a Prince. They need a Prince who can protect them. Only the strongest of unicorn stallions is wor—is able to do that.” Cadence looked her up and down. “Twilight Sparkle, who freed Nightmare Moon, who sent Discord back to his stone prison, who helped me find the Crystal Heart and free this Empire, who discovered the Tree of Harmony, who’s faced down manticores and dragons and Changelings, needs a Prince to protect her, and only one unicorn stallion in Equestria can be that Prince?” As expressive as a stone, Cadence added, “And if she doesn’t want that stallion to be her Prince, she is to be alone.” “Celestia and Luna have been alone for thousands of years,” Twilight said. “Is that what you want?” Twilight started to reply, then fell silent. Cadence grabbed the doorknob again. “Why don’t you go tell him that?” Twilight shook her head. “Cadence, please…” The doorknob rattled in Cadence’s aura. “Go tell him that, Twilight. Go tell him that’s what you want. Go tell him,” Cadence said, her words filled with frost and venom. “Because he’s just like you, and the sooner you decide—” The door slammed shut. “No.” “‘No,’ what?” “No, I…” Twilight sighed, shaking her head, rubbing her temples, rustling her wings. There’s no use in hiding now. The voice within was her own. Just tell her. If you can tell anypony, you can tell her. “No, I… I don’t want him to go. And… I don’t like Ironhoof. "I... I’m not attracted to u-u-unicorns…” Tears unbidden sprung to Twilight’s eyes. She bit them back, but it was too much. It was too much and she had hidden away for too long and tried to bury in parchment and ink. It was too much and she had long hoped it would go away. It was too much, too much she couldn’t leave unsaid. “I like… other kinds of stallions… And I’m… Starting to feel the s-same way with… Fl-Flash. And I know… I shouldn’t… But…” Twilight’s voice fell to a whisper. “... I don’t want to stop this just yet…” Two wings and two forehooves embraced her. Twilight fell into them, into her warmth, while everything around her grew cold. ”Shhhh… It’s okay, Twily…” “N-n-no… It’s not…” “Why isn’t it?” “Because I… I-I can’t…” “You can’t…?” “I can’t… Be like this…” “Why can’t you?” “It’s not—” “Twilight, wouldn’t I know what is right when it comes to love?” “But you and Shining—” “Me and Shining—” “You were… biased.” “...” “...” “... And you aren’t?” “... Heh… I am… That’s why I can’t…” “... What do you think would let you?” “... Something unbiased…” “... Like…?” “... Facts, figures… H-history, biology, ph-philosophy…” “... Oh, Twily… I am the wrong pony to ask about those…” “I know…” “But… If anypony can find the answers you seek, it’s you.” “... That implies the answers are out there.” “You never know what you’ll find.” “... I guess so…” “Mhmmm…” “...” “...” “...” “... Thank you, Cadence.” “You’re always welcome, Twily.” “...” “Are you going to be okay?” “... Y-yes… No… Maybe. I don’t know.” “Would you like some time alone?” “... Please…” “Okay. You know where to find me.” “Okay…” “... Goodnight, Twily. I love you.” “... I love you too, Cadence…” The soundproofing spell was extinguished. The door closed. Twilight locked it with her magic, then fell back on the bed. Her biggest secret was a secret no more. She felt more burdened than relieved. ~ Time passed. Twilight fought sleep at first, then gave in, then fought again. She tried to return to the ancient book. Its pages held no solace. Her tears had long dried, but she had no mind for research. ~ A soft knocking at the door. “Twilight?” His voice. Twilight rolled over and looked at the clock. Barely an hour had passed since Cadence had left. She mustered her resolve and adopted the happiest voice she knew. “Yes, Flash?” “I have something for you.” She ran a forehoof through her mane and over her face before calling out, “Coming!” Twilight trudged to the door and opened it. There Flash stood, a heavy tray balanced on his right forehoof. “I… saw that you hadn’t left your room in a while, so I thought you might be hungry.” Flash set the tray down on the desk. Appetizers, a soup, a salad, bread, a glass of wine, and a dish of ice cream greeted her. “I wasn’t sure how hungry you were, so I brought a little bit of everything,” he said, flashing her a smile. “I hope it isn’t too much.” Despite everything, Twilight smiled. “You’re too kind,” she said, and meant it. Flash smiled back. He looked over the desk, then back to her. “Well, it looks like you’re busy, so I’ll let you get back to work…” “Oh, okay,” Twilight said, unable to conceal her disappointment. Flash stopped on his way out of the door. “Hey, Twilight… What are your plans for this weekend? Er, Saturday, I mean?” Twilight flinched. “P-plans?” “Besides studying, of course.” “Oh, um…” Twilight rubbed her neck. “Nothing really, I guess.” “Because Shining said there’s something you should see Saturday morning with the recruits. If you want to, of course,” he added, raising a forehoof. “I mean, I know you’re really busy with the translating, and I figured you wouldn’t even want to go to the library because of that, but—” “Watching the recruits sounds great,” Twilight said with a grin. “Great! And…” Flash trailed off. Then, with a wide smile, he asked, “Anything after that?” “I… I don’t think so.” Rubbing his neck in turn, Flash replied, “Well, if it’s alright, I was thinking we could go for a flight Saturday night? After dinner, of course. Since it’s the weekend, and all, and I’ve noticed you’ve been—I mean, I thought it would be a nice idea just to relax. If that’s—” “I would love to,” Twilight said, and meant it. Even though I shouldn’t, I really would love to. Even though part of me knows I should have said no, should have sent you home, should have stomped out whatever part of me that does this… I want to. “G-great!” That falter in his voice returned—the falter she recognized in her own. She had known what it meant before, and knew what it meant now, for both of them. Acknowledgment, or a lack thereof, could not change the truth. “Well, er, goodnight, Twilight,” Flash said, his forehoof on the doorknob. “Goodnight, Flash,” Twilight said. Once he was gone, Twilight climbed into bed again. After hours of tossing and turning, she finally closed her eyes. It had been a long day, but many more awaited Twilight. And she knew it.