Another morning came, and with it, another bout of morning sickness. Mist shrugged it off, though, as her mood was too elated to be brought down by a little involuntary stomach evacuation. It was a special day for her; Barely a week ago, Mist had received word from Twilight that her beloved teacher would be coming to Canterlot on this date to "discuss her academic future." Mist had been overjoyed to read that letter, and wasted no time wondering what it meant. Perhaps it would mean Twilight felt she was ready to take her studies to the next level, or she could possibly even give her a glorious research assignment. Mist was practically giddy over the possibilities, something Blue had noticed over the past week, and playfully joked about.
"You know, most mares don't smile after they're done throwing up." He pointed out as she emerged from the bathroom, grinning widely.
"This mare does." Mist chuckled. "Oh, I can't wait to hear what Twilight has in store for me! Whatever it is, I'll make her proud, just you wait and see!"
"That's something I've been wanting to ask you about." Blue frowned. "Twilight's gotta know how far along you're getting. Does she really think now is the best time to kick things up a notch?"
"Give Twilight a little credit." Mist frowned. "Don't forget, she was once Celestia's student, just as I'm hers. That gives her an insight into what its like to be in my horseshoes. I'm sure she knows what she's doing."
"She'd better." Blue frowned. "If not, she and I are gonna have some words. I don't care if she is royalty, nopony messes with my gal."
"I love it when you act all chivalrous." Mist kissed him on the cheek. "But you don't need to worry. Whatever Twilight has in store for me, I'm sure I can handle it."
"I know you can." Blue smiled. "Can't blame me for worrying, though. It's part-and-parcel of being a devoted fiancé."
"It sure is." Mist smiled. "See you soon."
"You know it." Blue kissed her.
Misty made her way to the castle. As she entered the foyer, she saw Celestia speaking to a servant. Once the conversation was over, she approached.
"Good morning, Celestia." She grinned. "Has Twilight arrived yet?"
"Indeed, she has." Celestia smiled. "She's waiting for you in the library."
"Wish me luck." Mist grinned.
"I would, but I don't think you'll need it." Celestia declared.
"Me neither!" Mist squeed, barely able to contain her excitement. "It just seemed like the thing to say! Well, here I go..."
Celestia watched as her sister-in-law raced down the corridor.
"Somepony's in for a surprise." She chuckled, having been informed beforehoof by Twilight of the true purpose of her visit.
Mist headed to the library as fast as her current body shape would allow. As she reached the door, she took a moment to catch her breath before entering, wanting to look as professional and calm as possible for the big announcement. Once she was sure she was ready, Mist took a deep breath, and opened the door.
"Hello, Mist." Twilight smiled.
"Good morning, Twilight." Mist nodded respectfully. "It's always so good to see you."
"You too, my faithful student." Twilight declared, channeling her former mentor. "Now, I suppose you're wondering exactly why I called for this little meeting."
"Well, your letter did say something about discussing my academic future." Mist recalled. "So I'm assuming this has something to do with my studies."
"Indeed, it does." Twilight nodded.
"Well, I have been keeping up with my work, in spite of... you know..." Mist pointed out her swollen belly.
"Oh, I know." Twilight nodded, sitting down. "Speaking of which, how about you sit down, take the weight off your hooves?"
"With pleasure." Mist took the seat opposite Twilight's. "So, what is it you have in mind for me? A new project? A new kind of studying?"
"Quite the opposite, actually." Twilight announced.
"Pardon?" Mist blinked.
"Mist, I think it might be best if we... suspend your studies for a while." Twilight declared.
"...What?" Mist gasped. "But, but why? Did I do something wrong? Whatever it is, I can make up for it. Please, give me another chance!"
"Relax, Mist." Twilight tried to calm her student. "You haven't done anything wrong. I was just thinking that maybe you should take some time off from your studies so you can focus on the foal."
"...Oh." Mist grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. I thought... that you didn't want me as your student any more."
"That will never happen." Twilight smiled. "Having you for a student has been one of the best times of my life, and I'm not letting you go that easily."
"Then why-?" Mist started.
"Because I've been where you are." Twilight declared. "I've been pregnant twice. I know how tough and stressful it can be, and I don't think continuing your studies will help the situation."
"Well, I was planning to ask for a break at some point down the line." Mist admitted. "I didn't think it would be this soon..."
"I know how much you love being my student, Mist." Twilight smiled. "I loved being Celestia's student just as much. But things are different right now. You have a new life growing inside you. You have a responsibility to that foal, far greater than any responsibility you have towards me."
"You're right." Mist sighed. "I guess I just... couldn't bring myself to face the facts. I really do love being your student, and I couldn't bare the idea of giving it up."
"It'll be okay." Twilight smiled. "Once the foal is born, and you've settled into being a mother, you can go back to your studies... part-time of course."
"Of course." Mist nodded sadly.
"Hey, cheer up." Twilight urged. "Being a mother is an incredible experience. Take it from me, you'll learn more from raising that foal than you could from any book."
"If you say so." Mist declared. "I just hope Blue and I are up to the challenge. After all, this was all so unexpected..."
"Hey, you think Flash and I were ready when we found out Dusk was on the way?" Twilight chuckled. "Not a chance. We worried at first, but once Dusk came along, all those worries just vanished."
"You make it sound so easy." Mist frowned.
"I'm not going to lie to you, it can be hard at times." Twilight admitted. "Raising Dusk had its ups and downs, but it was the most rewarding experience of our lives. And we got to live through that experience a second time when Starlight came. Of course, after what we went through with Dusk, we were better prepared that time around... though it still wasn't exactly a breeze."
"Don't mention another foal." Mist shook her head. "Blue and I are having enough trouble handling just the one."
"Believe me, the trouble hasn't even started yet." Twilight joked. "But seriously, being a mother is an incredible experience. The simple joy of raising a foal, watching it grow, and being so proud of it all the while... Ah, I miss those times."
"It was really that great?" Mist asked.
"More than I can put into words." Twilight smiled. "Raising both Dusk and Starlight was the greatest project of my life. Taking care of them, providing for them, having fun with them, guiding them on their path to adulthood... it's indescribable."
"Well, when you put it like that..." Mist mused.
"I can't tell you how happy I was to hear you were pregnant." Twilight admitted. "Knowing that my beloved student was going to feel the joy that I felt, to experience the wonders I did, and see the gloriousness of motherhood for her own... I was totally ecstatic."
"Aww, you were?" Mist smiled, touched by her teacher's confession.
"Of course I was." Twilight nodded. "You're my student, remember? Every triumph of yours makes me so proud. Every time you finished an assignment, or completed a dissertation, I was amazed. Amazed that such a sharp and talented pony elected to be my student."
"Well, it wasn't all me." Mist said modestly. "I had a great teacher, remember?"
"There are no great teachers, only great students." Twilight countered. "I still remember the day you became my student."
"So do I." Mist smiled.
Ten years ago...
The young Mist was sitting out in the garden, reading. She taken quite an interest in books lately, spending most of her time in the library. There were never many books back in Dodge Junction, and Mist had hardly ever travelled up until she joined her brother in Canterlot. One morning, shortly after her arrival, she had stumbled upon the library, and started reading a book regarding classical spell-casting at random. Once she started reading, she found she couldn't stop. She began reading more and more books, eagerly looking forward to the days when new tomes were delivered, all the while learning more and more, as her hunger for knowledge grew and grew. No topic seemed to be too complicated or overwhelming for her; History, culture, magic, she breezed through them all.
This didn't go unnoticed by Shine and Celestia, who agreed that they had to do something to nurture Mist's gift. As Mist continued engrossing herself in the book (a compendium of ancient Unicorn rites and rituals), they walked over to her.
"Mist?" Shine asked.
Mist didn't respond, as she was so thoroughly engrossed in the book.
"Mist?" Shine tapped Mist on the shoulder, making her jump.
"Oh!" Mist yelped. "...Sorry, big bro. Guess I got a little too wrapped up in my reading."
"That's nothing to be ashamed of." Celestia declared. "I find 'Unicorn Rites & Rituals' to be a quite compelling read, myself."
"Isn't it, though?" Mist smiled. "So, what's up?"
"Well, Celestia and I have noticed what an interest you've taken in reading, lately." Shine declared. "I always know you were smart, but I didn't know you were such a little scholar."
"Neither did I." Mist blushed lightly. "Not a bad little hobby, though."
"Don't be so humble." Celestia declared. "for you to grasp such a variety of topics in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable."
"You've got a real gift, sis." Shine declared. "And you need to nurture that gift."
"That is why we are here." Celestia declared. "We have arranged for a way for you to learn even more. That is, if you believe you are up for the challenge."
"I guess." Mist shrugged. "What have you got for me?"
"Oh, it's not what we've got." Shine declared. "It's what she's got."
Shine gestured through the open door, and Twilight emerged.
"Hello, Mist." Twilight smiled.
"Twilight?" Mist gasped, dumbfounded. She had met Twilight several times up until then, and they had gotten along fine, but she couldn't fathom what connection the Princess of Friendship had to nurturing her gift. "Wh-what are you doing here?"
"I've come to make you an offer." Twilight announced.
"What kind of offer"? Mist asked, slightly nervous.
"Well, after talking with Shine and Celestia about your love of books and knowledge, I've decided to offer you my services in helping you expand that knowledge further." Twilight declared. "Basically, I'm asking if you, Mist Paladin, would like to become my personal student."
"I... you..." Mist stuttered. "You want me to be your student?!"
"I certainly would." Twilight nodded. "A bright young filly like you deserves only the best tutelage. What do you say?"
"I... I..." Mist quivered. "Yes! Yes, I do!"
"Terrific." Twilight smiled. "Just give me a day or two to write up a lesson plan, and we can get started."
"I can't believe this!" Mist squeed. "I'm going to be the personal student of a Princess!" She started hopping around in circles. "Yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes!"
"Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction when Celestia asked me to be her student." Twilight chuckled.
"Indeed it was." Celestia beamed. "I hold such fond memories of the time when you were my student. And now, here you are, taking on a student of your own. I couldn't be prouder, Twilight."
"Congrats, Mist." Shine grinned. "I knew you'd love our little idea."
"Thanks for this!" Mist squealed, still hopping. "All of you! This is so awesome!"
"You do understand that being my personal student is a big responsibility?" Twilight asked. "No pressure or anything, but I expect you to give total commitment to your studies. Can I count on you to do that?"
Mist stopped hopping. She turned to face Twilight, and bowed.
"Yes, ma'am." She said confidently. "Consider me 100% committed."
"That's all I need to hear." Twilight extended her hoof. "Student."
"Teacher." Mist placed her hoof on Twilight's. "I'm really looking forward to my first lesson, by the way."
"You should be." Twilight grinned. "I'm already putting together a real doozy. But I'm sure a filly with your brains can handle it. Right?"
"I won't let you down." Mist pledged. "This, I promise."
"Thatta girl." Twilight beamed. "Now, I've got to head home now, but don't worry. We'll be having that first lesson very soon."
The second Twilight left, Mist began hopping around again.
"Oh, this is so great!" Mist squealed again. "Wait'll I tell Big Red and Cherry about this! They're gonna flip!"
"Not unless you beat them to it." Shine joked.
"Very funny, Shine." Mist stopped and rolled her eyes, before returning to her hopping. "This is so amazing! Me, Twilight's personal student! I can't wait to get started! It's gonna be awesome!"
The present...
"That was a great day." Mist sighed nostalgically.
"It sure was." Twilight agreed. "And it only got better from there. Teaching you, watching you learn and grow... it was like having a second daughter."
"Aw, shucks..." Mist gushed.
"Every time you rose to a challenge and conquered it, I was filled with pride." Twilight declared. "But now you have a new challenge: Being a parent. And I'm sure you'll rise to that challenge magnificently."
"As long as I have ponies like you to support me, I will." Mist agreed. "It was because of your support and belief in me that I got so far in my studies, after all."
"You've been an excellent student, Mist." Twilight declared.
"And you've been a terrific teacher." Mist replied. "I'm gonna miss this, you know..."
"Well, just because you're taking a break from your studies doesn't mean we can't still keep in touch." Twilight pointed out. "If you ever need help with the foal, you can send me a letter. Or even if you just want say 'hi', I'm not picky."
"I will." Mist nodded. "I'll write as often as I can."
"I know you will, my faithful student." Twilight hugged Mist. "But right now, you have a new lesson to learn: motherhood."
"I sure do." Mist grinned. "And this lesson doesn't come with grades."
"And at least you'll have a 'study partner' in Blue." Twilight smirked. "I'm sure he'll be happy to help you in this... and other matters."
"Twilight!" Mist cringed, blushing.
"Sorry, couldn't resist." Twilight chuckled.
"Well, you're not exactly wrong..." Mist admitted. "Blue can be quite 'helpful' in certain areas."
"I'll bet." Twilight chuckled. "So can Flash."
"Good thing we found such great stallions." Mist smiled fondly.
"So true." Twilight nodded. "Now that we've got the important matters out of the way, what do you say we catch up? I'll get us some tea, and we can chat about current events."
"That sounds great." Mist beamed.
"I'll get the tea." Twilight declared, stepping out of the library.
"That was Twilight Sparkle." Mist told her bump. "The best teacher ever."
After spending the rest of the morning (and some of the afternoon) talking, Twilight and Mist bid each other goodbye, as Twilight had to return to Ponyville. Mist spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the gardens, reading an old favorite, then met Blue by the gates, as she often did.
"Hey, Blue." She smiled.
"Don't keep me in suspense." Blue told her. "What did Twilight have in store for you? Will I need to have some words with her?"
"I don't think so." Mist chuckled. "You see, Twilight knows how far along I'm getting. Which is why she's given me a break from my studies."
"She did?!" Blue gaped.
"Yep." Mist nodded.
"Good for her." Blue smiled. "I always did like that Princess. A real good egg, she is."
"You know what this means, don't you?" Mist asked. "It means I'll be spending more time at the apartment. With you."
"Ooh, goody." Blue smirked, as Mist nuzzled him. "Remind me to tell Twilight 'thanks' the next time I see her..."
"Somehow, I think she already knows." Mist beamed, as she pecked him on the cheek.
The betrothed pair returned to Blue's apartment together, Mist leaning against Blue, who lovingly wrapped a wing around her.