//------------------------------//
// Act I: Chapter Nine 
// Story: Sparkyll and Hyde 
// by Dragon Spire 
//------------------------------//

         
Act I: Chapter Nine:
A Talk with the Princess


A brisk wind had settled into Canterlot on the autumn morning of September twenty-second. The weather ponies recruited to match this wind accordingly had decided to completely clear out the skies, letting the sun shine though and lift the spirits of those who walked about.

In which case, was everybody.

Everywhere one looked, whether it be in the streets or the various shops, in the local park or at the train station, the city was full of ponies going about, entering stores and purchasing their wares, then proceeding to the next agenda. But unlike any usual Canterlot day, these ponies performed their tasks with content smiles and gleeful spirits, both without any desire to give trouble to the owners or fussing over the quality of the wares.

This mature spirit had settled onto the store owners themselves, as most had left their windows and doors open as a welcome invitation to both customers and the soft breeze alike. Even Hoity Toity himself--whose ruined wares were yet to be replaced--was caught up in this infectious glee, and ended up opening his own store in offering hospitality. 

By noontime the infection had spread to nearly everyone in Canterlot, as most had gathered in the city park laughing and dancing; although the reason behind it all was unclear. There was no national holiday set for today, and the nearest celebration, the annual Canterlot Running of the Leaves, was not scheduled to happen for another two weeks.

A cynical noblepony would perhaps demand the reason behind the celebration, but today there were none who asked. Even those nobleponies had joined in, albeit at their own boundaries, as they stood off to the side just watching it all.

It was a quiet, holiday-free morning that welcomed the casualty of life; and one that allowed a freedom from the strains of formality that controlled the city.

. . . Which was why no one was completely surprised when Princess Celestia herself walked through the crowd, having partook in the casual affair through her choice of fashion. Bearing none of her golden regalia, not even her crown, the princess only wore a beige saddlebag and a long lavender-and-white scarf that had been done in a loop-and-tuck knot, with the ends caught in the breeze sweeping from behind her.

Some of the ponies tore themselves away from what they were doing to kneel before their princess, and, after allowing them to finish their gesture of respect, she gave a subtle nod in telling her subjects to proceed. Seeing that they settled down again, she moved onward.

The rest of the walk went uninterrupted, allowing Celestia to ponder on her surroundings. This park, when erected, had been planted with hundreds of oak saplings, the end result making the place feel more like a forest. The orange leaves above her served as a thick canopy to shield from rainy days; it was so thick that lanterns were needed to light the place, even on this cloudless day.
And along her path was a long, wide rut that had sunk into the ground from centuries of its use during her favorite event of the autumn, the Running of the Leaves--this year was to be the six-hundred forty-fifth event since its establishment to make the job of preparing for winter much easier, as back then pegasi would manually pick the leaves off.

She laughed quietly. Her memory had not dulled in the slightest, even after a millennium of guarding and guiding these ponies.

Coming out of the clearing, she slipped past another group of ponies. One of them, a small colt, pointed at her scarf as if complimenting it, so she offered a smile before moving on. The scarf in question was a gift from one of Twilight's Ponyville friends, Rarity, who'd knitted it herself. In fact, she had made a hundred-or-so of them in both memory of Twilight Velvet, Doctor Sparkle's mother, and support towards the cause surrounding her.

Of course, having received the very first scarf, Celestia being seen wearing it had boosted vital funding towards finding a cure.

She exited the park, setting all four hooves on the cobblestone--but as she did, a biting surge of wind wormed under her skin. Shivering, then wrapping the scarf a bit more, she stopped and looked back to the palace, where numerous of golden spires pierced the skies. In one of them, Sir Blueblood was no doubt performing his duty to direct the winds.

The Wind, although a life-giving force of nature, was still a force without thought or control, just like the clouds or plant life. So a master was needed to maintain control over it, with Sir Blueblood being the perfect choice. Even if his manners were, in her silent opinion, juvenile.

In the five years that he had charge over the Wind, he showed a great potential in his talents, yet a poor example in maturity when it came to his lust for power. She didn't know how, but he'd somehow gotten a rumor going about for the last Grand Galloping Gala that he was Celestia's nephew in hopes of establishing a reputation of his own; and it was by her good grace, and Luna's urging, that she didn't remove his position when she found out.

"Oh, Blueblood, what have you done now?" she said wistfully, returning her thoughts to that sudden breeze. Very few knew it, but being the Knight of the Wind had a personal quirk that, depending on the pony in question, could be good or bad; since the winds and their direction were controlled, their nature could also be manipulated, depending on the knight's mood. On the day after the Gala, many of Celestia's subjects had complained that it was extremely humid outside, despite it being scheduled to be a cool day.

So with this sudden gust being bitterly cold, Celestia could easily sense something like joy, but it felt like a cruel joy. The kind that a smug fool would take to heart.

It took the Princess several glances at her destination and the celebrating ponies for it to fully click. And when it did she felt her spirit damper quite a bit. Questioning nobody in particular, she looked to the empty skies. "Was it not enough for you to crush my pupil's hopes? Did you spread what you call joy amongst my subjects just to gloat even more so?" Like any time that she would ask the skies this kind of forlorn question, there came no answer.

Surely, this glee that had infected her ponies originated from him and his colleagues, if only because of their own exultation. Joy is a thing that should always be spread to one another . . . but this exists for the wrong reasons.

Drawing a deep breath, she moved on, heading towards the tall study tower that was Twilight's. As she drifted onto the path leading there, she couldn't help but notice an creamy-colored unicorn with a red mane and thick sweater talking with the cellist Octavia Melody. They seemed to be hitting it off pretty well, but they were too far away for their conversation to be heard, even for her keen hearing.

Moving on, she finally got to the base of the tower, choosing to fly up, rather than take the stairs. With her massive wings the detour only took a few flaps to reach the top. "Now then . . ." She set her hooves onto the balcony, then raised one to knock. The light sound of tapping almost echoed inside the study, reflecting the feeling of emptiness.

I hope she's alright . . . she pondered. It had been some time since last speaking with her student--their encounter with the return of the Crystal Empire was one such time, but most recently was when she was approving her use of the Mirror water in her TS8 Formula, nearly two weeks ago. Therefore, it was high time to have a face-to-face talk, especially now that her work was shut down.

The Solar Princess had waited for a few minutes, ever-so patiently, but there was no reaction to her knock. No hoof-steps, no shuffling of papers as they would be crushed under-hoof; just . . . nothing.

Even Celestia couldn't keep her patience steady. She knocked again, this time with greater results; a startled cry could be heard, as well as that sound of papers crunching as Twilight rushed to the door. She couldn't help but smile at that.

The door creaked open, contrary to the previous display, partially revealing a sleepy-eyed Twilight Sparkle. "Huh? Oh, P-princess Cele-lestia?" Her voice sounded quiet and shaky, as though driven by fear. "I . . . I didn't realize you were coming today."

She offered a gentle smile all the same, even though they'd set this date to discuss custody of the Alicorn Amulet just last week. "No need to apologize, Twilight. I thought you would appreciate a visit, some time for us to sit down and just talk."

Twilight opened the door the rest of the way, stepping out into the sunlight to meet her mentor. Her appearance had certainly deteriorated in the fashion of one who had refused to leave their place of work for days on end--stress-induced, but still with a sense of tidiness, as her mane had been hastily brushed out. "Guess it doesn't take a wizard to know I failed, huh?" she murmured.

Having immediately caught on, Celestia replied, "No, we won't be discussing the matters of your work, not if you don't want to. This is just a simple talk, one that sets aside our connection as mentor and student. I'm not here to judge your actions, and not to grade your tests. I'm just here to talk."

Twilight made a slight bow, her shoulders slumping into the action. "Thank you, your highness, but . . ." She hesitated, a strange glimmer showing in her eyes. "But I . . . um . . . have some wor-work I need to do . . ."

Celestia raised an eyebrow slightly. Maybe the results of the Governors' visit had gotten to her, worse than she originally thought. But her eyes were dilated, nearly into tiny pinpricks. "By whose order?" she questioned her claim. "I haven't given you any assignments since the Crystal Empire, and the Governors . . ." She stopped herself. "That doesn't matter. You have no work that needs attending to."

Swallowing tightly, the unicorn backed up a bit, struggling to breathe. There was definitely bothering her here. Was she still convinced that she was here to judge her by her failure? It seemed the most plausible explanation.

"Yes, of-of course not," said Twilight, answering to the fact that she had no work. "What I mean is that . . . uh . . . I just d-don't feel like having any visitors right now."

The Princess got closer, her tone patient. "Twilight, I'm not here to scold you. I'm not even disappointed in you. If this is all about the--"

"No, it-it's really not that. I . . . I don't feel well . . . I just want to be alo-lone."

"Hmm . . . yes, you do seem ill," said Celestia upon placing a delicate hoof to the base of Twilight's horn. "Then perhaps some tea may help?" Before Twilight refuse again, she finished, "I insist. Please, let me help you."

Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but ultimately gave a sigh in submission. " . . . Alright." She moved aside, allowing the larger pony to enter, then quietly shut the door with her hooves. 

Light shone in from windows all around the study, brightening up the place like a welcoming home. The small staircase that led to the second floor was impossible to miss, and Twilight borrowed the lead to guide Celestia up into the 'laboratory', where the doctor had spent the last eight years researching the magic of science.
Although this wasn't what she intended for her student to learn, Celestia found her efforts in it commendable, putting it lightly. She established herself as a doctor of science, unearthed lost secrets of magic, and proved herself more than worthy of her place as much as if she'd taken her original path. She would have elaborated with her thoughts, but then took notice of her equipment; that was all--every vial, burner, microscope, and then some--still on the long table in the center of the room. 

She took a quick glance, but Twilight was busy scribbling something at the table before she dissolved the paper, presumably to Spike to ask for tea.

Upon her returning to her side and verifying her guess, Celestia noted the cube-shaped structure, "I see your colleagues decided to let you keep all of your equipment."

The unicorn stiffened her back. "Actually, they didn't want to, obviously because I can't work without it. But Fancy Pants . . . he fought against them to let me keep everything."

Celestia blinked. "I see."

"He reminded them that he commissioned most of it, so it technically belonged to him to do what he wanted. I mean, they gave in, but Fleur de Lis didn't look very happy about it."

"I do not doubt that." Certainly not, considering Fleur's taste for stallions . . . especially ones who will bend to her will at any cost to keep her.

Twilight continued, "Then, after the others had left, he told me I had a new chance, now. To try again."

"Yes . . . that was quite noble of him," Celestia said after a drawn-out pause. "But . . . you're not going to take that suggestion seriously, are you? You got off fortunate enough this time. Suppose if they change their minds about your equipment?"

Her subtle warning didn't quite reach her. "It doesn't matter. I have to finish this. My mother is the only thing that matters to me, and I will free her. Even if it means my reputation and my sanity."

She was playing a dangerous game here. To risk her reputation was to risk her current position as Celestia's student, and, by extension, her intended destiny. "Twilight Sparkle," she worded cautiously, "I would advise you not to test the Governors' patience. Please understand, if you are caught doing this, there is nothing I can do to help you. At best, I would be forced to remove you from the position of my student."

Having drawn in a deep breath, Twilight faced her with that strange glint in her eyes. "I don't care! They can't stop me from achieving this! Once everypony sees what the TS8 Formula--my formula--can do, they'll have no choice but to release it to the public! Nopony would dare refuse to administer a formula that can cure madness, save lives! And what they'll do about me after it all?" She gave a bitter laugh. "They can do whatever they want to me, just as long as I get what I . . ."
The glint of her audacity died out after a slow blink, and Twilight suddenly raised her hoof to the base of her horn and rubbed the area.

Celestia, who had stepped back, admittedly startled from the outburst, took cautious steps forward, then nestled a wing around the unicorn, just as she always did when she was ill or upset. "Twilight, are you sure you are alright?" she questioned, making sure that their eyes were locked.

At first, Twilight hesitated, but then sighed. "N-not really. I'm so sorry, Princess. I'm just so . . . so tired. Why am I even fighting when there's always going to be somepony who stands against your work? Those ponies . . . they don't even care that I'm doing something for the better of equine." She brought both hooves to her skull, and groaned, "And . . . this headache doesn't help at all . . ."

Celestia closed her wing around her, completing a feathery cocoon. "You have my forgiveness, my faithful student. It is only natural to wish things would go our way but once in a while." Looking out the window that gave a grand view of the city, she sniffed, "And, if I may be honest with you, I, too, have never found a liking for ponies like Fleur de Lis and Octavia Melody."
She wrenched her gaze away, closing her eyes as if in a sigh. "I'm afraid I allowed Canterlot to become a city full of them in grief of losing my sister. And now, well, I could reverse it, establish new laws that would allow fairness for all, but I think we both know that others would only see such actions as favoritism towards you."

"O-of course, Princess . . ."

They both suddenly heard the sounds of the study door being opened and dishes clattering. Spike came into view as he set a tray onto the top of the stairs, climbed up, then picked it up. It had a steaming kettle, two glasses, and a sugar bowl. "Hi, Princess Celestia," he greeted cheerfully, upon getting to the table. Then he asked nervously, "Um, oolong, right, Twi? I, erm, put the tea bags in already."

Twilight pushed herself out of Celestia's embrace and approached him. "Yes, Spike. Thank you." She bent down as he slid the tray onto her back, then slid it onto the table, on the small space where her journal usually was.

She must have locked it away when the Governors came, Celestia presumed.

Spike came by her and asked casually, rocking on his heels, "So, how's palace life?"

"Oh, tiring at times, Spike. You have to listen to fools demand lower taxes and more benefits to being famous for hours on end. Fortunately, those are the rare off-days, when nopony has anything fun or interesting to talk about." She looked back at Twilight, who shoved a chaise at the end of the room to the table, then rejoined the two.

"I don't suppose . . . you have anything else for me to do . . . do ya, Twi?" said Spike.

Twilight gave a slight shake of her head. "Sorry, Spike. I just needed the tea for the two of us."

Sensing the cold strain between the two siblings, Celestia then invited, "You could join our company if you want to, Spike."

Spike started to turn. "Nah, I'm good. It, um, looks like you two need to talk about important stuff, anyways. Don't wanna eavesdrop on ya. So . . ." He slowly waved, then excused himself.

Even after the door shut, Celestia eyed where she last saw him. Whatever was going on between them, hopefully this ordeal with Twilight's work's termination would be a blessing to patch it up.

Nodding to herself, she went to the chaise that Twilight had arranged for her. It was unfortunately too small for both herself and Twilight, but even then she seemed content to just stand beside it while she took the seat. After slipping the saddlebag off and hung it on the corner of the table, she sat down, watching the unicorn manually pour the tea and drop the sugar cubes in. Even with said sugar cubes she had used her hooves, rather than her magic, thus bringing an air of concern in Celestia.

The fatigue, headaches, now her refusing to use even a levitation spell . . . "You said you were feeling ill," she said, finally stating that concern. "Have you, by chance, been overusing your magic, Twilight?"

"Huh? My . . . my magic? I . . ." She broke her gaze from her, then started to say something before trailing off.

Keeping a cool head, Celestia patiently elaborated, "Because I've only seen these combined symptoms on times that you had overused it. In minor cases, I mean."

Twilight nodded knowingly. They both knew what happened when Twilight used her magic too often, or used too powerful a spell, in a severe case, rather than this minor one.

Once, when she was a filly, she'd poured all her energy into a healing spell, only for it to backfire on her, resulting in her falling into a coma of her own for two days. Doctor Stable, a well-known friend of her father's, discovered and carefully explained an anomaly in which her magic was connected to her in a unique way.
Unlike other unicorns, who only grew tired or had a slight headache at worst, Twilight's magic had a strong connection to her very life force; the doctor had explained it as being like a major artery, that if severed from the rest of the body the tear would kill it.

What Celestia saw now was a sign that said that Twilight may have overused her magic recently.

"Y-yes, Princess," Twilight finally replied to her mentor's question. "I was trying to boost the potency of the TS8 Formula one night. I overcharged my magic and fainted until the next morning. As for the Formula . . . I did drink it, but the spell . . . um . . . it fizzled out. It ac-actually weakened the formula's effects. That . . . That's why my test failed, and why everything lead to this."

"I see." There was no judgment in Celestia's voice, nor anger for her taking such a huge risk. After a moment's passing, she continued. "I hope this has taught you to be more careful from now on. Taking risks for a good cause is noble, but not when that risk is far too costly for one's own good." Twilight winced, dropping her eyes, so she added, "But as long as you're unharmed, that is all that matters."
She gestured for her to come to the table. "Now come. Let us not let this tea Spike made for us go to waste."

Twilight obeyed, seating herself beside the chaise that Celestia took, and offered one glass to her on a shaky hoof, then took the second. While Twilight waited, eyes filled with impatience, Celestia took quiet sips of her tea, which tasted of vanilla and brown sugar; it reminded her of Hearth's Warming cookies.

As her student drank her tea, some of her vitality returned, judging by the color that sparked in her irises and her headache seemingly stopped, because she didn't touch the base of her horn anymore.

After waiting a long minute, Celestia began to throw in small talk, beginning with the festivities that everyone partook in, (though she omitted the reason why) to the recent success of the Altrotta theatre, which had drawn in quite the large crowd for its wide array of musical genres; not that Soarin's former popularity with the Wonderbolts didn't help with finances.

"About that, Princess," Twilight had piped up, "How come you and Princess Luna weren't there for the opening night? I think the owner, Glider, she had told me you'd reserved seating for yourselves."

Celestia finished her tea, its warmth surging through her veins. Did I reserve those seats? Yes, she did remember talking to Glider personally, asking for spots at one of the tables in a far corner, where few would take notice of their presence, and fewer be bothered by their tremendous height blocking the show. 

Nodding, she confirmed Twilight's statement, "We would have gone, however, the mailing system was a tad off that day." Twilight blinked, not realizing the joke. "Too many nobleponies demanding free perks to go with their nobility, and too few letters from my favorite niece."

"Oh. Were you two talking about the upcoming Equestria Games possibly taking place in the Crystal Empire?" She drained the rest of her tea, then poured herself a second cup, pausing to offer Celestia more as well. 

"No, thank you. And as for the Equestria Games, we haven't thought that far yet. There's still Cloudsdale and Appleloosa to consider for that. Rather, Cadence and I were engaged in a discussion of starting a business trade between our cities. Now that the Crystal Empire has returned in all its glory, the rest of Equestria will want to know and experience more of it. Crystal berries, building materials, even the fabrics made there are considered of high value." She set her glass aside, then focused on Twilight. "Of course, it isn't about making a quick bit. I only mean this as the rest of Equestria getting the chance to learn about the lost empire."

Twilight blinked, confused. "You mean Cadence was exchanging a contract with you? But she's never been able to work on a business contract--at least not without hours of dissecting the fine print."

"Hm, yes, that was always one such chink in her array of talent. But I had spent the day helping her through even the tiniest detail of what must be done to ensure this trading deal be fair for both parties. And, quite honestly, by the time I'd settled those troublesome nobleponies, I really didn't feel like making a public appearance."

"Heh, if only it were that easy," Twilight mumbled. "Just thinking about how easily Octavia can get away with what she does . . . it's almost depressing." She suddenly drew in a shaky breath and pressed a hoof to her chest for a moment, clenching her eyes, before slowly relaxing, releasing said breath in what Celestia thought was relief. Then she got up, walking to the front of the table, then back. Then repeated.
Finally, she made eye contact with her, saying in a firm voice, "Let's just get to the real reason behind your visit. You came to collect the Alicorn Amulet, right? I know you said you would today . . . but with the Governors, I wasn't so sure at this point."

Celestia hesitated, having caught a tone of relief in her voice, but nodded.

"But," she suddenly shifted moods, "I know you always make small talk when you're trying to settle me in for bad news . . . so what's going on?"

Her eyes looked as though they burned with curiosity, yet a dread for what was about to be said, so the Princess didn't hesitate. "I supposed by now you've heard of the recent attack on Hoity Toity's boutique?"
Twilight nodded, fully paying attention. "Good, because you may also know that the crime hasn't stopped there. Over the last week, there have been several reports of boutiques and restaurants being broken into and ravaged, all places that belong to nobleponies."

"But the safes and registers have all been left alone," Twilight added. "At least, that was what I heard from some of the guards who questioned me. Erm, that is, they just wanted to know if I saw anything is all."

"I understand. And Glider had told me last night she found scratches all over the side of her theatre, and one pony left in shock. The poor soul kept saying that he saw a demon."

Again, the unicorn nodded, but not before taking on a startled visage. "S-so, what does this have to do with the Al-alicorn Amulet, again?"

Choosing her wording carefully, Celestia answered, "I fear this perpetrator has no intention of stopping their mayhem, but rather they wish to further it; mainly through seeking out the Amulet. That would explain why the safes and registers in each store have been left alone."

Twilight got onto her hooves and fidgeted in place, as though anticipating the next bit of her information. Celestia gave a heavy sigh. In all her years of selecting and giving pupils with raw magical talent certain assignments, she never once thought she'd have the desperation to ask for such a trying task. "Now, Luna and I discussed the matter thoroughly, and came to realize that if they really are looking for the Amulet, our palace would be an obvious pick as to where it's hidden."

Dread clouded Twilight's eyes. "S-so you want me to continue guarding it. Here, where they would easily miss it."

Regrettably, Celestia felt nothing short of relief, now that she didn't exactly make the request herself. " . . . Yes, Twilight. I know I promised to take it off your hooves today, but with this threat in Canterlot, Luna and I must focus wholly on bringing them down, before they cause real damage to the city. And as my prized student, you certainly have the ability to protect the Amulet from the wrong hooves."

She wasn't met with the confident visage of her student, but rather a sunken expression, as though disappointed in what was forced upon her. "Oh . . . of-of course, P-princess . . ." She sat back down on her haunches, deliberately avoiding her mentor's gaze.

"T-twilight? Are you certain you're alright?" When she didn't so much as make a sound, Celestia glanced at a drawer in the table, presumably where she kept the Amulet. " . . . It's been giving you trouble, hasn't it? Calling your name?" Her head shot back up as she gave an incredulous expression. "Yes, it does seem obvious to me now." Clearing her throat, she elaborated, "You should be at ease to know it's only natural for the Amulet to call you. It has a tendency to lure only those with raw power or a great ambition . . . or the rare case of both."

Now she was the one who broke her gaze. I've said too much already . . .

She heard Twilight get up again. "You know what the Amulet does? Then wouldn't that mean you know how to destroy it? Or at least counter its magic?" She grasped her wing with trembling hooves, looking curiously at her mentor.

But Celestia withdrew her wing, pulling away from her. "What I know is not important to this current issue, Twilight. I merely speak of past encounters with those who used dark magic."

"But if you know how it works," Twilight desperately begged, "Maybe we can find a way to destroy it and--"

T w i l i g h t S p a r k l e.

The unicorn's ramble suddenly cut off, and she stumbled back, undoubtedly taken aback by the sudden use of Celestia's Inner Voice. Not the Royal Canterlot Voice, but something considered sorcery amongst those who weren't Alicorns. Really, it was just a mind-to-mind speech that she and Luna shared when they needed a private conversation, but on the rare occasion in which she needed to be heard at all costs, this voice that drilled directly into the recipient's mind would always succeed in getting their attention.

Twilight gasped tightly, her whole body clenched into a tiny ball; clearly she had it in her mind that she'd upset her mentor, who would now punish her for pressing a subject that should have been dropped.

Celestia promptly severed the link and help Twilight up, before she could break into a plethora of apologies. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I had to do that, Twilight. But I needed your attention, and quickly."

"I-I didn't mean to upset you, I just--"

"You didn't upset me. You did nothing to bring displeasure. But I have my reasons as to why I've never spoken of dark magic, nor its uses." Drawing a quick breath, she resolved, "Let us make a deal, Twilight." Twilight looked up to her, intent to listen. "I will tell you this one thing, why I've never spoken of the subject to you. But, in return, I expect to hear no more of it during our sessions or conversations. Are we agreed?" She carefully shaped her tone to be gentle, but also very firm. Hopefully not too firm.

Had her tone gone too far, it seemed Twilight didn't care, for she answered with a quiet nod, "Yes, Princess. Um, I really am sorry for--"

"Don't. I already told you there was no reason to apologize. Now"--she maintained an orderly fashion with what would be a brief lecture--"You already know that magic has existed for a long time, perhaps since the beginning of Equestria itself. But it has no true alignment to it. It is as you say in your work; every heart has a good and evil side to it, so the same possibly could be said for magic itself.
"But in every story, every fable, every history, therein lies a fool lacked the responsibility to use magic properly, one who strives to reach their goals through shortcuts. That is where dark magic makes its mark in their story. At the very core of our being, we all want power in some way, shape, or form, and in seeking this, magic, if used incorrectly, becomes dark magic. Therefore, the fool in these stories and pasts would forever be known for using dark magic in the hopes of a swift victory, but would only succeed in bringing their own downfall."

Celestia glanced at the drawer again. "The Alicorn Amulet, however, is purely dark magic. Even I don't know who or what created it, but it was designed to be only dark magic, and to call out to ponies with raw potential or ambitious desires, regardless of race. What's worse, dark magic has been known to make itself more enticing the more one knows about it, good or bad.
"This is why I've never spoken of the subject with you. Even with your unfaltering faithfulness towards me, dark magic could still mold you into something like King Sombra became. There will come a time in which you will have the responsibility and resolve to learn about dark magic, yet resist its calling. However, now isn't that time."

She brought an end to her lecture, giving Twilight a look that silently asked if this information sufficed.

"I understand, Princess Celestia," Twilight bowed slightly. "But, if I may ask one more thing, what about ponies who tried to, hypothetically, use dark magic for a selfless reason? Since magic is a force that can be molded to the user's wishes, wouldn't dark magic do the same?"

A bold hypothesis to ponder on, but nonetheless foolish to follow through with. "Dark magic cannot be controlled, regardless of the user's intentions."

Twilight suddenly hopped beside her. "But why can't it? All forms of magic obey the user, right? So dark magic should--"

"You promised me, Twilight." She interrupted, albeit with a patient tone. "I have told you the necessary information on this subject. Now I expect to hear no more of it for now." Upon seeing her student's desperate expression, she added, "You will learn all there is to know about dark magic, its dangers, its reasons, and everything in between; and I mean everything. When you are ready."

" . . . Y-yes, Princess. I swear I won't ask again."

Adding a soft smile to her words, Celestia continued, "Thank you. Now, speaking of, 'when you are ready', there is one more thing I must address before leaving." She lead Twilight back to the table, where she'd left her saddlebag resting on the writing space. "Back when you passed your test concerning the Crystal Empire, I had told you that it was time to take the next step in your studies in magic. I think now is a good time to make do on that promise."

As she went to the table for her saddlebag, she could feel Twilight's eyes practically drill into her back with curiosity. She undid the magic-operated latch and withdrew the spell-book she'd anticipated giving to a student who proved themselves deserving to know the spells within. Now, in Twilight's hooves, that anticipation would pay off.

The worn leather of Star Swirl's journal was cracked at the edges, and its pages had a yellow, crispy quality to them--it appeared as though the slightest, reckless touch would turn the book into scraps. This was thankfully not the case. Celestia had long ago applied a carefully-crafted spell intended to preserve the journal and its lettering within, therefore allowing the student who deserved this test to dive into the teachings of late unicorn wizard without worry of the pages themselves.

She turned back to Twilight and gently lowered the spell-book to her eye level.

"Oh my . . . i-is this . . .?"

"This is Star Swirl the Bearded's spell-book, yes," she chuckled in reply. "And it's yours to read and study as you please."

Careful with her movements, Twilight received the spell-book, making a quick scan of the pages. "This is the next step of my studies?"

Celestia nodded. "It is. You are to read through this spell-book. Learn what you can, try the spells out for yourself, even. And when you think there is nothing left to learn from here, you may come to me and make a summary review of what you learned."

"T-thank you, Princess. I'll protect this with my life." The stars in her eyes winked out, however, replaced with a somber expression. "H-however, I'd still like to continue pursuing my actual purpose, and work on finishing my formula."

The princess nodded again. "Very well. But keep my admonition in mind, Twilight. Yes, this is entirely your choice. But it will come at a price you must pay if found out."

This didn't deter Twilight in the slightest. "I get that. There are too many risks behind what I'm doing. But it doesn't change the fact that I have to do this. Please understand, if for nopony else, then for my mother. I've been held back far too long by those hypocrites, and I'll do whatever I can to stop them from taking her away from me."

Celestia scrutinized her student carefully. Yes, something had changed in her spirit. Something had unhinged her confidence and made her eager to rise above the odds. She hesitated to call it arrogance, but she certainly showed a bit of overconfidence . . . could it be that King Sombra did something to make her like this? Or did going into the field of science just open her up to being a stronger mare?

She shook off the suspicion, deciding that it was because of today's occurrences. It didn't matter. In time, she would succeed in her endeavor, free her mother, and finally return to the path that was patiently awaiting her. "Very well, Twilight Sparkle," she said again. "You may continue your research. Just remember what I said. Those ponies are not known for being open-minded."

"Princess, I swear I'll show them, one way or another. You know what I'm capable of."

Celestia slipped her saddlebag on, securing the belt around her barrel. More than you know, my faithful student. "Yes, but I also encourage you to read through that spell-book. After all, you may yet learn something new about the magic of Friendship."

With that, she said a brief farewell to her student and let herself out of the study. It was high time to return to her sister and continue the morning routine of putting nobleponies in line, the festive spirit of the city notwithstanding.