A time of change

by a937539

Chapter 2, Books

Chapter 2

"Co, I'll go first. Would you watch me and step in if things go awry? I don't foresee any problems."

Ti takes a deep breath, and the air in the library begins to gently swirl around him. After holding his breath for a moment, he releases it, and a wave of magic pours out from his body. As it does, he slowly grows taller and taller.

“Don’t worry Twilight, just checking to see if the world creaks a bit louder with our size and magic doubled”

"There are no issues Ti, but I think you startled Twilight. My turn," Co said.

Spike, who had been bravely setting out tea, yelped and scurried behind Twilight, hiding behind her leg.

"Whoa…" Spike said, a mixture of awe and nervous excitement gripping him. "That's… incredible, Ti!"

Twilight watched as Co underwent a similar transformation. Co, noticing Twilight's shock, reached out with a now even larger wing and softly brushed one wing tip across her nose, eliciting a cross-eyed sneeze from her.

More waves of magic cascaded off the pair of Alicorns standing next to each other as their size diminished and stabilized. The air grew calm, and the magic, once a vibrating wave, settled into a gentle hum around them.

Twilight's right eye twitched. She took a step back, reaching out to her desk for support and familiarity "Don’t worry? They got bigger!... how, what about physics?"

Ti, noticing Twilight's confusion and distress. Offered her a warm smile and said. “Everything is fine Twilight, your world is completely compatible with our magic.”

Noticing the Tea spike set out, “Spike, Tea, that's a great idea this would help us all relax and focus, thank you”

"Ah, of course!" Spike said stepping out from behind Twilight.

"My apologies, It's an honor to have you both here." Twilight said.

Taking a deep breath, Twilight forced her nervousness down. These were guests, and Ponyville prided itself on its hospitality. Besides, the prospect of learning from such powerful and knowledgeable beings outweighed any apprehension she might have felt.

"Now, about that tea…" Twilight gestured towards the tray, a hopeful smile on her face. "Spike, my dear assistant, would you be so kind as to fetch some extra chairs for our guests?”

As Spike scurried off to find more chairs, a feeling of determination bloomed within Twilight. This visit might be unconventional, even a little intimidating, but she would try and make it an unforgettable time for the two Alicorns.

Ti, a look of thoughtfulness on his face asked. “Twilight you seemed unsurprised at our appearance. Do you have Alicorns here other than yourself?”

“You're right,” She said “While Alicorns are rare, there are a few in Equestria. The most well-known are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, who rule Equestria together. They are the embodiment of the sun and the moon, and their magic is incredibly powerful.”

“There's also me, of course! Though, I only recently became an Alicorn myself. Princess Celestia bestowed upon me the Magic of Friendship to help me defeat a powerful enemy.”

“Alicorns are typically associated with leadership and harmony, and they are seen as wise and benevolent creatures. So, while your arrival was certainly a surprise, it wasn't entirely unexpected. Especially considering the magic you used to create the portal in my library!”

“Is there anything else you'd like to tell me about yourselves and your world, Ti Terra and Co Terra? I'm eager to learn more.”

“Sure Twilight” Ti smiled at her enthusiasm, his thoughts swirling back thousands of years.

"Well, as my letter hinted, we are Ancient Alicorn Titans. Imagine... a swirling vortex of stardust in the darkness, the searing remnants of a massive collapsed star. That's the raw material I used, shaping it and changing it with my will. Co her magic braiding the threads of time – quickening growth of the planets, the earth solidifying under my guidance and hooves, together we guiding the dance of the newborn planets that filled our solar system"

"Over 75,000 years we built a solar system. A new sun blazed forth, and beneath it, a beautiful jewel-blue world took shape... our world. Lush forests sprouted on land I willed into being, the seas teemed with life under Co's touch. Yet each sunset, each turning of the ages, the silence grew deeper. "

"The echoes of our own voices are all we hear amongst the rustling leaves of the forest. The creatures we shaped walk, swim, and fly, but their eyes hold no reflection of our own. The world we built thrums with life, a masterpiece... and still, a heartbreaking void holds sadness within us.”

Twilight’s jaw practically slapped the floor. Ancient Alicorn Titans? Creators of a solar system? Her mind reeled, trying to grasp the immensity of what Ti just said. 75,000 years? That was a timescale beyond anything she could even comprehend! Many times older than Equestrian history.

"This is… astounding," Twilight finally managed, a mix of awe and reverence coloring her voice. "To create a whole solar system… the power you both wield is beyond anything I've ever encountered."

A glance at Co, who seemed to be lost in a thoughtful silence, sparked a question within her. "But why come to Ponyville? And why now?" Perhaps there was a reason beyond mere curiosity that brought such powerful beings to our humble town?”

"The loneliness…" Co's voice, soft as a sigh, broke the silence. She met my gaze, a flicker of sadness in her blue eyes, eyes glancing away, with a slight frown. "We've spent eons nurturing life, watching it flourish on our planet, but without anyone to share it with… it feels hollow."

A pang of sympathy struck Twilight. The power to create worlds, but not the companionship to share them with. It was a strange kind of burden, I realized.

"Perhaps," She ventured, feeling a spark of hope, "there's something we can learn from each other. You, about friendship and connection, and me, about the vastness of the universe and the magic that shapes it."

A tentative smile touched Co's lips. "Perhaps you're right, Twilight Sparkle. Perhaps Ponyville has more to offer than we initially thought."

"Don't fret, Twilight. We didn't mean to unload our hearts all at once. Truthfully, Co and I are pretty good at keeping each other's spirits up. And while a single lifetime might take a long time to pass when you measure it in regular seconds, well..." He winked with a slight grin, "let's just say time is much more... flexible for us."

"But all joking aside, seeing your library did spark some genuine curiosity. If your books hold them, we'd love insights into Alicorn biology. We've wondered... is it possible, given enough time, that our world might evolve a being like ponies naturally? Since it seems yours did..."

To Twilight the notion of their lifespan being manageable thanks to Co's time manipulation was fascinating. Time truly was a curious concept, and She was eager to learn more about it.

"As for my book collection," Twilight said, leading them deeper into the library, "I have quite a few texts on Alicorns.”

"Most Alicorns in Equestria seem to be born… well, born Alicorns. There aren't many documented cases of Alicorn ascension, at least not in recent history. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are the only two who truly hold the magic of the sun and moon, and they haven't shared the method of Alicorn creation with anyone."

“My own transformation, fueled by the power of friendship harnessed from the Elements of Harmony, was a unique case. Perhaps there were other ways to become an Alicorn, but nowadays, the knowledge is a closely guarded secret by the princesses."

"However," she continued, determined to be helpful, "we do have several texts on the general biology of ponies, unicorns, earth ponies, and pegasi. Perhaps by studying their biological makeup, we can find some clues about Alicorns as well?"

Noticing Co's intrigued expression, I led them towards a section of the library dedicated to advanced magical theory. "There might also be something here on the magical connection between Alicorns and the elements they represent. It's a complex area of study, but perhaps it holds some answers."

"It's fascinating that Alicorns can embody concepts – friendship in your case, or the sun and moon in the case of the Princesses."

Ti waited, a pause before Co joined him. He shifted slightly to lean into her, the gesture almost imperceptible, and turned his attention back to Twilight.

"It always fascinated me too, Ti" Twilight admitted, a thoughtful look on her face. "The idea that Alicorns can embody such powerful concepts… it's truly awe-inspiring. Your own control over matter and Co's manipulation of time, those seem like fundamental forces of the universe personified."

Co's smile warmed the room, and the affectionate display between them tugged at Twilight’s heartstrings. They were powerful beings, yes, but also incredibly devoted to each other.

Ti Terra's question, however, brought a frown to Twilights face. "Actually," she said, hesitant at first, "there's some debate about where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna came from. The historical records are a little murky. Some scholars believe they were indeed natural-born Alicorns, while others think they might have ascended to their Alicorn status in some unknown way."

"The truth is," Twilight continued, "we simply don't have all the answers. Perhaps your visit will spark some new lines of inquiry, new ways of understanding the magic of Alicorns."

“Let's head towards the restricted section of the library. These texts deal with advanced magical theory and might offer some insights into the connection between Alicorns and the elements they represent.”

As they walked, Co browsed the shelves with a childlike curiosity. Her pink coat seems to shimmer with excitement, and Twilight can't help but smile.

Reaching the restricted section, Twilight carefully unlocks a heavy oak door with a magical key hidden behind her ear (a librarian's secret!). Inside, the air hums with a faint magical energy, and ancient tomes line the shelves, their aged covers whispering promises of forgotten lore.

Spotting a particularly large and impressive-looking book bound in shimmering silver, Twilight carefully pulls it out and presents it to Ti. "This one," she explained, "is titled 'The Harmony of Elements: A Treatise on Alicorn Magic.' It delves into the history and theory of an Alicorn's connection to fundamental forces, and it might just hold some answers you're looking for."

As Ti Terra takes the book, his eyes gleam with an intensity that makes the library seem to hush around him. He flips through the pages with surprising dexterity for such a large creature, his gaze scanning the ancient script.

"Hmm, fascinating," he murmurs, his voice low and rumbling. "This speaks of a connection between Alicorn magic and the very fabric of reality… intriguing."

A comfortable silence descends upon the group as Ti delves into the text, Co occasionally peering over his shoulder with a look of shared curiosity.

After rapidly flipping through the book,Twilight wasn't even sure Ti had been able to see all the pages, he says.

"This suggests it’s possible that Alicorns, like ponies gaining their cutie marks, gain a deep connection to the unique concept they represent through a pivotal event. Something that profoundly impacts them, mentally and magically, shaping their understanding of reality.”

“But if only those in harmony with magic and chaos can achieve this… it raises fascinating questions about evolutionary alternatives.”

“A progression from foals without cutie marks, to those who find their special talent, to those who awaken to a whole new level of existence."

Thinking aloud Ti continues to speculate "Alicorns could continue evolving over millennia, absorbing the magic similar to the concept they represent. Perhaps it's this absorption that leads an Alicorn to embody a fundamental concept of reality, transforming them into Ancient Alicorns like Co and I.

“Your princesses, with their vast control over celestial bodies, must be nearing that extraordinary pinnacle! Could their concept be gravitation, or something akin to my own connection to matter? Maybe light and darkness?”

Stopping to look at Twilight Ti says "However, Twilight, you're an intriguing exception. Your innate magical power sets you apart. This potential... it makes me wonder if your path to becoming an Ancient Alicorn could unfold with unprecedented speed."

Twilight says “That's fascinating, Ti! Your observations about Alicorn magic and its connection to fundamental concepts align with some of our own research here in Equestria.”

“The idea that Alicorns gain insight and a connection through a significant event that strengthens their understanding of reality resonates with the concept of cutie marks. Cutie marks, as you know, represent a pony's special talent or destiny, and they typically appear after a pivotal experience. Perhaps there's a similar process for Alicorns, though on a much grander scale.”

“The notion of an evolutionary path for ponies, from unmarked to cutie-marked to awakened, and finally to Alicorn, is an intriguing one. It suggests a progressive understanding of magic and reality.”

“And your theory about Ancient Alicorns, beings who transcend even the typical Alicorn status by absorbing the magic of their world for millennia! The idea of Princess Celestia’s and Princess Luna’s potential is truly mind-blowing!

“However, your observation about my own ascension makes me pause. My transformation into an Alicorn wasn't through personal growth or absorbing magic over time. It was a sudden event triggered by the power of friendship harnessed from the Elements of Harmony.”

Ti stood over Twilight, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Co and I theorize this might apply to you too, Twilight. Think of magic and chaos as opposing forces, in constant flux, like a seesaw. When one grows too heavy, the other shifts to counterbalance it. It’s possible Co and I exist because the scale tipped too heavily towards chaos in our world. We aren't natural-born Alicorns.

His eyes held a curious glint. "Perhaps you are the same. Magic's answer to unrest in this world, destined to represent its order from birth. Could this be what the Princess saw, the reason she guided you toward ascension?"

"The revelation of being a balancing force in Equestria has deeply affected me. The realization that Princess Celestia recognized this potential and guided me based on it suggests a greater purpose beyond representing friendship. Perhaps my destiny lies not only in embodying friendship but also in serving as a guardian of the harmony it fosters."

Twilight trailed off, her eyes distant. Then, a flicker of realization crossed her face. "But this..." She looked up at Ti and Co, "It changes the meaning of your visit too, doesn't it? There's something else you sought here… "

Ti nodded, a gentle light in his eyes. "We did come for the knowledge in your libraries, the chance to converse with other Alicorns and make friends. But yes... there's more. We long to have children of our own. Yet, there are just the two of us, and we have almost no information on..." He paused, perhaps searching for the right words.

"It's not just about companionship," Co finished softly, "but bringing sound and joy to our world.”

Twilight blushed. "Children... Alicorn children. I never..." Understanding dawned, connecting their interest in natural-born Alicorns to this revelation.

A wave of empathy washed over her. Here were these powerful, ancient beings, possessing the secrets of creation itself, yet yearning for the simple joy of family. The loneliness they spoke of earlier took on a new dimension.

Taking a deep breath, Twilight forced herself to focus. "While I understand your desire," she began, "the concept of Alicorn reproduction is… a mystery, even here in Equestria. There are no documented cases of two natural-born or ascended Alicorns having offspring."

The weight of their hope settled heavily on her.

Ti asked, “Twilight, you seem knowledgeable and close to Princess Celestia and Luna. What would you think if we sent them a letter requesting an audience?”

“That's a very good point, Ti. While the subject of Alicorn reproduction is shrouded in mystery, Princess Celestia, with her deep well of knowledge and experience, might be the best pony to consult. Here in Equestria, she's considered the wisest and most powerful Alicorn, and her insights could be invaluable.” Twilight said.

“However, requesting an audience with a princess isn't something to be taken lightly. Princess Celestia is a very busy pony, and her time is precious.”

“Perhaps, before we approach her directly, we could try some other avenues. My vast library holds countless texts on advanced magic and the history of Alicorns. There's a chance, however slim, that there might be some hidden clue or forgotten lore that could shed light on this topic.”

“Celestia, is her time so precious she couldn't take some time for us? When was the last time she went on vacation?” Ti said

“There you go hitting a sore spot, Ti. Princess Celestia's dedication to Equestria is admirable, some might even say legendary. But yes, it can be a bit…much at times.”

“As for vacations? Well, that's a bit of a touchy subject. There are whispers and rumors, of course, but no pony can say for certain the last time Princess Celestia took a true break. Some say she hasn't in centuries, ever vigilant in her role as ruler.”

“We would be willing to negotiate our time to help your princess in exchange for any help and information she can offer, the decision would be up to her. Ti said

Twilight, contemplating the offer from Ti and Co. and its potential benefits in easing the burdens of the princesses, decides to help them out with a letter.

"Hmm, how to phrase this delicately…Princess Celestia needs to know about you and Co, but I don't want to sound like we're bringing chaos to Equestria! I will help you with a letter of introduction, I don't see why she wouldn't consider your offer. But while we wait for a response from her we can continue our research in the library"

Twilight quickly drafts a letter to send to the princess while Co and Ti watch over her shoulder

Dearest Princess Celestia,

I write to you today with news that is both quite unprecedented and unexpected. Two visitors have arrived in Ponyville, beings who introduce themselves as Ti Terra and Co Terra. They claim to be ancient Alicorns from another world, with a deep understanding of magic and the forces that shape reality."

Their knowledge and power are unlike anything I have ever encountered. They possess a unique perspective on the balance between magic and chaos, a theory that has sparked a fascinating discussion here in the library."

Their knowledge could be invaluable to Equestria, and I believe their intentions are pure. They have expressed a strong desire for an audience with you, Princess, particularly to discuss matters related to natural Alicorn reproduction.

Sincerely
Princess Twilight Sparkle

Twilight sets down the quill and rereads the letter with a satisfied smile. "There, how does that sound? It captures the essence of your situation without causing undue alarm. If we send it now it's possible we could hear back later today or early in the morning. There is a mail pony that makes runs to the castle regularly since a Princess and the Elements of Harmony live in Ponyville now.”

Ti, Excited at hearing back so soon looks over at Co before smiling and nuzzling her under the chin. “Twilight Thank you so much for your help, that letter sounds perfect, let's send it now.”

Twilight says ”It’s no problem, we are friends after all. I am excited to hear what the princess says. This is a fascinating topic after all and I would like to know more, maybe I could write the first book on Alicorn reproduction!”

Twilight nods “Ok i'll send it” and folds the letter and sealing it shut, then walking outside she places it in the outgoing mailbox, and returns back inside.

Author's Note:

Marty Friedman - Tokyo Jukebox 3 on repeat

Comments

[Mkchief34]

Get an editor.

[Aiwhisper]

Not a bad start.