Twilight Sparkle: Magic Doesn’t Solve Everything

It was no secret that reading was one of Twilight’s greatest passions. Fiction, non-fiction, scientific, philosophical, historical, you name it, she had read at least a few writings within the genre. She could spend all day poring over a particular tome without evening noticing the passing of the time, and only when her body began to ache from not moving for ten to twelve hours would she finally notice the first rays of light peeking over the horizon.

She wasn’t ashamed of this, but she knew that it could be a problem for her health if it became a regular habit for her. She tried to actively prevent herself from all-nighters, but it helped once in awhile when a particular baby dragon would interfere on her behalf.

“Twilight?”

Said alicorn was looking over a large roll of parchment, her eyes half-closed as her lips moved with the words she read.

“Uh oh, I didn’t think you were in this deep...Twilight...Twi-light Spark-le!” Spike clapped his hands a few times. He frowned as she remained oblivious to his presence. “Oh for pony’s sake...Twilight, did you hear that they’re cancelling Daring Do?”

Twilight’s head shot up, her eyes wide and her wings unfurled, a genuine look of surprise on her face.

“What? Not Daring-” She noticed the baby dragon standing with his arms folded, annoyed and shaking his head at her. “O-oh, Spike! Sorry, I was just reading over some documents sent to me from all of the cities and towns in Equestria. It’s about the damage caused by Discord when he created all that crazy weather.”

Spike rolled his eyes as he walked towards her. “I know, Twilight. You were looking over that one from Manehatten about eight hours ago...by the way, Twilight, your time to cover court starts in about an hour.”

“It does?” Twilight looked to the clock on the wall. It was just a few minutes after seven in the morning. “Oh ponyfeathers, how did I not notice?” She turned to him, frowning. “Spike, you shouldn’t be up yet. I tucked you in around ten o’clock last night. You still need a few more hours to rest. Baby dragons your age need to–”

“I’ll be fine,” Spike interrupted. “It’s you that’s going to have problems. You didn’t sleep at all last night, did you?”

“I just-”

“Twilight...” Spike began, his tone both knowing and disapproving.

“Okay, okay.. so I may have stayed up throughout the night, but I managed to get a decent amount of paperwork done, too!” She nodded to the small pile of official-looking scrolls with the Canterlot seal on them lying not too far from her. “I just approved a few financial aid forms for Manehatten, Las Pegasus, Appleloosa, and even Chicacolt. If I get another hour of work done then I should have Fillydelphia and Trottingham done, too, maybe even Ponyville and Dodge Junction!”

Spike shook his head. “Twi, look, that’s awesome and all, but...you know how this always goes. You’re all wired from your reading-high, but as soon you stop you’re going to crash.” Now by her side, Spike took the parchment from her and placed it beside the pile of unread documents. “You need to get some rest. Celestia figured you’d be up all night again, and said she’ll cover for you.”

“Celestia said she’d cover for me? Oh, nononono, I can’t burden her with my...” Twilight let out a deep yawn, and rubbed her eyes with a hoof. “Well...then again, I didn’t get any sleep.”

Spike walked over and began to pick up the loose documents scattered around her. “You want these stored somewhere?”

“Mmm, just put them in my ‘work’ basket. I’ll sort them out later when I’m awake.” She rose up to her hooves and stretched. “Nngh...wow, I’m going to have a sore back later...”

“Serves you right...” Spike chided.

Twilight smiled at the baby dragon and lifted him off the ground with her magic. He yelped in surprise and dropped the scrolls he had been holding, only to calm down as Twilight wrapped her forelegs around him in a loving hug.

“Have I told you how proud I am of you, Spike?”

“Y-yeah,” Spike answered, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Only all the time ever since we got rid of Discord.”

“Mm, well, I’m still proud of you. My number one assistant...” She gave him a small peck on the forehead, then set him down. “I’ll see you later, Spike. We still need to set up a time to take your dragon knowledge test, don’t we?”

“Oh yeah!” Spike perked up at the mention of his test. “I’ve been studying super hard for it, Twi. I mean, Sweetie Belle and Princess Luna have been helping...well, mostly Princess Luna. Sweetie Belle actually doesn’t know much about Wyrmahk, so she’s been learning along with me.”

“That’s wonderful,” Twilight beamed. “It’s always good to have a study buddy, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, it is. It makes it more fun, at least.”

“Well,” Twilight began as she ushered Spike towards the doors. “I’ll get to bed then. Did you eat anything for breakfast yet?”

Spike nodded. “Yeah, Applejack made some hashbrowns and fried eggs.”

“Applejack’s awake already?” Twilight looked to the slowly brightening sky outside her window. “I guess that makes sense. She always was an early riser.”

Shaking her head, she bid the young dragon a good morning and gave him another peck on the cheek. Once Spike had left, Twilight picked up her quills, ink wells, and all the documents she had been looking over and placed them in organized piles on her desk. With that complete, she took off her regalia and crawled into her bed.

With nothing to keep her mind occupied, her body quickly caught up with the rest of her and she was overcome by a wave of exhaustion. She closed her eyes and let out a deep yawn.

Sleep came to her before she even realized it.

“Twilight...”

Someone was calling to her. Well, too bad. Unless the sky was falling or Tartarus’ gates had been opened, they could wait a few more hours.

“Twilight...come on, wake up.”

“Nnn...” Twilight responded in as clipped of a tone as she could muster.

The voice laughed, amused with tormenting her. If she weren’t so tired, she’d really give them something to laugh about.

“Come on, Twiley, don’t you even want to say hi to your favorite brother?”

Brother? Twilight thought.

She cracked open her eyes, and let out a tired groan. Her wings stretched reflexively as she took in her surroundings while rubbing the sleep out of her eyes-

“I see you’re still a heavy sleeper, huh?”

“Bwah!”

Twilight fell out of her bed in a tangled mess of sheets. She bolted to her feet, only to be greeted by a familiar stallion with a white coat and blue mane. He was wearing Royal Guard armor, minus the helmet. Unlike most of the guards, however, his was colored a rich purple with golden trim.

“Haha, sorry, I couldn’t resist,” the stallion apologized, giving Twilight a smile that showed he clearly wasn’t sorry at all.

Twilight finally gained her bearings. “Shining Armor?”

“Hey, little sis.”

Twilight leaped over the bed and tackled the stallion in a hug. Shining Armor returned the embrace as best as he could, which was rather difficult at the moment, considering Twilight’s forelegs were able to wrap around his entire frame, let alone the fact she was nearly a foot or two taller than her now. “I missed you so much, Shining!”

“Same here, sis.” His smile fell a little. “I’ve been...rather busy. We got word about you and your friends becoming...well, princesses, and I wanted nothing more than to come back to Canterlot and see you. I...had other things to take care of, though. Discord’s attack didn’t help us get back here any sooner, what with the tomato soup monsoon...and, well, you know.”

Twilight nodded. “It’s okay, I kind of did a little digging on some recent missions for the Royal Guard. I was hoping I’d get to see you too when I found out I’d be living in Canterlot again, but...well, guarding a princess on a goodwill tour kind of prevents you from doing that, huh?”

“So you know about Cadance, huh?” Shining grinned. “Yeah, Princess Celestia asked me and about a dozen other veteran guards to personally escort her throughout the duration of her tour across the land. We just got back from the Griffon Kingdom when we heard about the attack on the castle...” He sighed deeply. “I’m...I’m just glad nothing too horrible happened.”

Twilight decided to avoid telling him just how much she and the others went through with their recent fight against Discord and instead just nodded. “It was a little scary, but...well, we had each other, and that was all we needed the whole time. Discord shouldn’t be bothering Equestria ever again.”

“That’s a relief.” He took in the room, and his eyes suddenly widened. “H-hey, wait a second...oh...oh geesh, I thought this room was familiar!”

“Huh?” Twilight cocked her head to the side, then noticed her brother’s gaze lying on the emblem of the sun over their head on the ceiling. “Oh, right! Yeah, Celestia and I...um...well, we share a room.”

Shining Armor blinked, then his eyebrows rose. “R-really? You mean...like...?”

“Yes...”

“Huh. I...well...huh...” He blinked a few times, then chuckled. “I...guess that makes my little secret all the more interesting then, doesn’t it?”

“Secret?”

Shining Armor gave Twilight a sheepish grin. “Yeah, um...well...you know Princess Cadance and I were pretty good friends back when she used to be your foalsitter, right?”

An ear twitch. “Uh huh...”

“Well...um...” he scratched the back of his neck as he looked to the side. “I...guess you could say that our friendship sort of...changed...and...well...we got to be pretty close over the years...”

Twilight gasped as a smile crossed her lips. “Ohmygosh, are you two dating?”

Shining’s smile faltered a bit. “Hahaha...dating...um...not...no. We were, though.”

Twilight slumped. “Oh...so things didn’t work out?”

“Um...no, they did.”

“They...wait...what?”

“I...guess what I’m trying to say is...” Shining cleared his throat. “Cadance and I are going to be getting married.”

“Oh, that’s wonder-bwah?” Twilight paused, and her eyes widened. “Married?!”

“Yep! This spring!”

Twilight’s mind began going a mile a minute. This spring? So soon? How come he never told her before now? Where would they be holding the wedding? Who would be going? Would she need to help? What kind of reception will they have? Should I offer to help?

“How long have you two been engaged? A month? Three?”

“One year, actually,” Shining answered. “Ever since we came back from Manehatten during the early part of her tour across Equestria.”

“You’ve been engaged for one year, and you never told me? My own brother, marrying my favorite foalsitter? How-?”

“We had reasons, Twiley, trust me!” Shining cut her off. “Look, you’ve got to understand, Cadance has been incredibly busy with her growing duties as a princess, and I’ve had to make sure she takes care of herself while also keeping her safe. It...it’s not easy, and if we had made it public knowledge that we were engaged...”

“Yet you couldn’t tell your own sister because you thought she couldn’t keep a secret?” Twilight asked. “I...I guess I’m happy, but...” She turned around, her back now facing Shining. “I still think you could have told me...what about Mom and Dad?”

“I told them earlier today, when Cadance and I arrived here. I figured, you know, with being my parents...”

Twilight sighed. “Well, at least you got something right. Honestly, Shining, you’re a great brother, but...you can be a real idiot sometimes.”

“I prefer ‘adorable knucklehead’ myself, but to each their own.”

Twilight giggled a little, unable to stay upset despite her best efforts. Right now her brother was with her; few things could truly upset her right now. “So, my BBBFF is getting married. I hope you two have started planning. This might be a short winter with how Discord affected the weather, and spring is right around the corner.”

“Heh, don’t worry, Cadance and I have been taking time to do the basics. We’ve already written up the invitation list and yes, before you ask, we have a checklist of all the things we’ll need for the wedding. Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive, Twiley,” Shining reassured her with a chuckle. “Enough about me, though.” His grin returned full force. “My sister is a princess of Equestria! How about that?”

Twilight blushed a bit. “It’s...not as glamorous as you’d think.”

Shining Armor smirked. “I know, I’ve seen how hectic it can get. Being the Head Captain of the Royal Guard gives you a bit of insight on that. Well...at least when you’re not away on duties regarding escorting princesses. Anyway, I imagine you’ve met Lily Wing, right?”

“Yes, she’s a wonderful pony...if not a little too serious sometimes.”

Shining rolled his eyes. “Preaching to the choir. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a great commander, but...yeah.” He chuckled. “I think that’s part of the reason why Celestia has us officially sharing the duty of Head Captain. I’m more laid back, or so I’ve heard. Lily Wing, on the other hoof, can make a full grown dragon cower in fear if she wanted.” He shrugged. “I think it’s an even balance. Let me tell you, though, getting to the title of Head Captain was not easy, especially with her in the force.”

Twilight listened as Shining began to ramble on about how he had gotten their positions in the Royal Guard; a story she had heard a dozen times over by now. Her mind began to drift, her thoughts turning to all that had happened to her within the last five minutes.

She was going to finally have a sister, if not in blood, then at least by relation and marriage. Possibly the best candidate for being a sister, too: Cadance.

She wondered how she was doing. She wouldn’t deny that she and Cadance had sort of unintentionally drifted apart as Twilight became more focused on her magic studies. She had grown up and was able to care for herself and Spike while Cadance began to focus more of her own time on learning the many duties of governance and what was expected of her as a princess of Equestria.

Wait... Twilight thought. Cadance...she’s an alicorn...isn’t she? Does that...?

Twilight found herself turning back to Shining Armor, who was still going on about his early days in the guard. She looked around the room, her eyes falling on an hourglass, which was slowly emptying its upper half into the lower half.

She has to...I mean, isn’t that a major part of what separates us from...the rest? We’re more or less-

“Twilight? Hey, Equestria to Twilight.”

Twilight snapped out of her daze, turning to Shining and giving him an embarrassed smile. “Sorry, heh. I guess I’m still a little tired.”

Shining frowned for a moment and looked like he wanted to question her further. Instead, he simply shook his head and smiled. “Spike said you were up all last night doing paperwork.”

“Well, I did volunteer to look over these financial aid forms.” Twilight nodded over to the stack on her desk. “Applejack’s been busy helping rebuild the broken sections of the castle with the crew while Rarity and the various artisans and architects go about planning the new layout of the areas that had been completely demolished. Pinkie has been working around the clock with baking food for the workers anypony whose homes were damaged, and Rainbow’s been doing her best to divert any snow or bad weather heading to the towns that were hit hardest by the storm. Fluttershy’s been helping at the hospital and just helping soothe the worried citizens with Celestia, who’s also taking on most of her old duties at the moment since she’s got the most experience ruling out of all of us. Luna’s been busy with training the guards in more advanced combat...just in case something like this happens in the near future...” Twilight slumped a bit. “It’s the least I can do, really. I mean...it’s just paperwork...”

“It’s very important paperwork, though. I don’t know many ponies who could brave the terror that is bureaucratic red tape and fine print without going insane, but you’re definitely one of them, Twiley. That’s a compliment, trust me.”

Twilight smiled. “I guess those years of studying Equestrian law for fun paid off, huh?”

“I’d say so.” Shining’s horn glowed as he picked up Twilight’s regalia and tiara, which she in turn grabbed with her own magic to put on. “Let’s go and say hi to Cadance. She’s been wanting to see you since we started heading back to Canterlot from her tour.”

Twilight’s spirits lifted a little more at the mention of her old foalsitter. “Yeah, I think we both have some catching up to do.”

“Did you really foalsit Twilight? I mean, she’s so smart, I can’t imagine she really needed to be watched when she was little.”

Twilight’s ears perked up at the sound of Sweetie Belle’s voice echoing in the throne room ahead.

“Yes, believe it or not, I did watch over Twilight when she was little. Trust me, she was a handful sometimes...” laughed a voice that struck a familiar chord with Twilight. “Oh, that reminds me of one time I made her some tomato and basil soup. She wasn’t a fan of it at the time, so-”

Oh no, the tomato basil soup story!

“Cadance!” Twilight shouted as she galloped into the room, her mouth breaking into a wide grin as she caught sight of her long-time friend.

A pink coated mare with a mane streaked in violet, gold, and rose hues looked to her. Her face lit up upon seeing the younger mare. “Twilight!”

The two met halfway and paused. They shared a brief smile, and then...

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake!” Twilight and Cadance hopped in place while facing each other, crouched low, then covered their eyes with their hooves before removing them while facing each other. “Clap your hooves and do a little shake!”

Having completed their old ‘secret hoofshake’, the two mares shared a heartfelt laugh, leaning against each other and smiling like there was no tomorrow.

Cadance spoke first after wiping away a few tears of laughter. “Twilight, it’s been years.” She quirked an eyebrow and grinned as she craned her head up a little. “Looks like you’ve grown up quite a bit since we last met, too.”

“Yeah...ancient magic and all-powerful jewels of friendship tend to have that effect, it seems...though don’t bring it up with Rainbow Dash, she’s still a little touchy about how little she grew.”

“So I saw. I got to meet Rarity and Fluttershy, too.” Cadance’s smile softened. “It’s wonderful to see that you’ve made such great friends, Twilight. You’ve...really grown up, haven’t you?”

The sound of hooves galloping down the hall reached Twilight’s ears. She turned towards the entrance to see Vice-Captain High Road coming to a sudden halt, taking in deep breaths as she sat on her haunches. She noticed Shining Armor, and quickly stood back up and at attention.

“H-Head Captain Armor! Forgive me, sir, I didn’t notice-”

“At ease, High Road,” Shining said with a nod. The mare relaxed, if only a little. “You look troubled; what’s wrong?”

“Forgive me, sir, but I was ordered to find Princess Twilight and speak to her. It’s...well, at the moment, I have classified information.”

That didn’t sound good. “Classified?” Twilight frowned. “What level of clearance?”

“Lunar Level, your Majesty. I...it’s not unusual for a Vice-Captain to know these things, but...” she sighed. “I think it would be best if you see for yourself. I was told by Princess Pinkie Pie to direct you to the Reception Chambers.”

“I see...” She looked to Shining Armor and Cadance. “I’m sorry, but we’ll have to catch up later...”

“Actually, if this is important enough to be declared a Lunar Level, perhaps I should go, too,” Cadance replied.

“Same,” Shining Armor added.

“I guess that makes sense,” Twilight agreed. She turned to High Road. “Vice-Captain, I hate to ask this of you, but would you be able to stay here and make sure anypony who wishes to speak to me set aside a date. I’m giving you freedom to set up any appointments on my behalf. My schedule should be on the calendar beside the throne if you need to look at it.”

High Road saluted, then looked to Sweetie Belle. “Do you want to help me, Lady Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie Belle’s troubled expression brightened up. “Yeah! Um...but I’m not a princess. I don’t think we can do Twilight’s job for her, can we?”

“Nah, that’s boring stuff anyway. Come on, I think we got some spare paper lying around here. You can help me make the new logo for my band,” High Road answered with a grin.

“Alright!” Sweetie Belle cheered.

Twilight, content with High Road looking after Sweetie Belle, made her way towards the reception hall with Cadance and Shining Armor close behind. Within a few minutes, she stood before the solid oak doors, decorated with carvings of griffons, dragons, buffalo, and even diamond dogs and donkeys. The two guards standing at the door gave her a salute before opening the doors to let her in.

No sooner had Twilight stepped foot into the ornate room did a pink blur appear before her. “Oh, Twilight, good, you’re here!” Pinkie’s usually cheerful smile was replaced with a worried expression. “The others aren’t here yet, so I should probably wait for them to-oh, hiya!” Pinkie’s smile had returned upon noticing Cadance and Shining Armor.

“Oh, right!” Twilight stepped aside, nodding to the two. “Pinkie, this is my brother, Head Captain Shining Armor, and my old foalsitter, Princess Cadance.”

Pinkie bounced over and pulled them in for a hug. “Great to meet you! Oh, oh! Do you know any good stories about Twilight when she was a filly? Huh, huh?”

Shining was the first to recover from the surprise embrace. “Actually...”

“Pinkie, what did you need to speak to me about? It sounded urgent.” Twilight interrupted.

“Oh, right!” Pinkie walked over to one of the lounge chairs within the large room, nuzzling a small lump of blankets. Twilight watched as the pile of cloth shifted, and two bright blue eyes poked out from them...followed by the face of a creature she had never seen before.

“Feeling alright?” Pinkie asked, her voice surprisingly soft and quiet.

“Oh...yes, your Highness,” answered the creature. The voice was decidedly feminine, and she could hear a faint, subtle buzz laced with every word it spoke. The creature’s skin...or shell...or...something...was a deep, jet black, and it had two small fangs poking out from its upper lips, a horn-like projection, two ears much like a pony’s, and a frill running down its head and neck.

“Good,” Pinkie gave the creature a gentle nuzzle. “Are you warm enough?”

“I am. Thank you for your hospitality. I think that nap was just what I needed.”

Twilight stepped forward, and the creature turned to gaze at her. She offered it a disarming smile, and the creature relaxed a bit. “Hello. I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“Ah, yes, you are the Bearer of the Element of Magic,” the creature said, eyes lighting up a bit. “Our Queen told us that you are, unsurprisingly, talented with magic.”

“Your Queen?” Twilight repeated.

The creature smiled. “Yes, but I am not from Equestria, your Highness. I am from the lands south of here.”

“South?” Twilight’s look became perplexed. “How far south? The Southern Equinic Mountains?”

The creature shook her head. “No, further south.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “But...that means...you’re from the Badlands, right?”

The creature nodded. “Yes.” It raised a limb from beneath its cover of blankets. Twilight noticed the limb had several small holes lining it, and it ended with a hoof. “I am Ambassador Pseudus, and I am here on the behalf of Queen Chrysalis and the Changeling Nation.”

Twilight was rubbing her temples as she sat on the throne, Cadance beside her and offering a comforting pat on the foreleg.

“You alright?”

Twilight groaned. “I’m not sure. First this whole problem with repairing the damage done by Discord, then the wedding...” She gave Cadance an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I’m not upset, it’s...”

“Just a lot to take in?” Cadance offered.

“Yes.” Twilight looked over a few papers floating before her, writing her signature on one of them and setting the others aside. “Honestly, I had no idea Discord did this much damage. Wherever this country is, it’s obviously further south than Dodge Junction or Appleloosa. Even so, they got hit by some wacky weather as well! It literally rained cats and dogs for a solid two hours over most of the region!”

“I have to admit, I haven’t heard of this Changeling Nation, either...”

“You don’t think that...this is some kind of ploy, do you?”

Cadance shook her head uncertainly. “I can’t say, but...if Pinkie Pie trusts Ambassador Pseudus, then I suppose we should give her the benefit of the doubt as well. Pinkie can feel the emotions of others, after all.”

Twilight sighed deeply. “You’re right. I mean...the fact that Pseudus revealed her ability to change is saying a lot.” She squirmed a bit, seeing an exact copy of herself looking back at her was unsettling for some reason. “I just...why would an ambassador fly all the way here without an escort of some sort? The Southerin Equinic mountains aren’t the safest of ranges, after all...what with the mountain hydra and quarray eels.”

“She did mention that her nation is in a desperate situation, though...” Cadance said. “I still find it hard to believe that a species can feed on love, but I won’t leave it outside the realm of possibility.”

Twilight squirmed a bit. “It sounds...weird.”

Cadance frowned. “Twilight, I hate to lecture you, but that’s not fair.”

“I know,” she mumbled as she picked up a glass of water and sipped. “It’s just...how come I’ve never heard of them?”

“It’s because Chrysalis and I agreed to keep their existence under wraps several hundred years ago.”

Cadance and Twilight looked up to see Celestia walking into the throne room. Twilight fought down the urge to gallop to the radiant mare and nuzzle her. Instead, she settled for a beaming smile. Celestia, ever the perceptive pony, returned the smile with one of her own before greeting Cadance. “Have you gotten settled in yet?”

“Hardly,” Cadance laughed. “It seems my chance to unwind will have to wait for a bit.”

The Princess of the Sun nodded. “Yes, I spoke to Ambassador Pseudus just a short while ago. She seems to be rather genuine. It’s...a relief to see a changeling being so forthright about things.”

Twilight and Cadance exchanged concerned looks, which Celestia immediately noticed. She raised a hoof calmingly. “It’s nothing serious, I assure you. I’ve met many changelings in my years, and most are exceptionally friendly and open-minded. Their culture thrives on creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere, after all. They don’t usually express emotions so openly like Pseudus has been, but they value honesty when speaking face to face...unless they’re disguised.” She frowned a bit. “It’s just...Queen Chrysalis and I have had disagreements in the past two or three millennia. Luna was one of the few things keeping the two of us from creating political turmoil between our two countries.”

“Really?” Twilight quirked an eyebrow.

“Yes, believe it or not, Twilight Sparkle, my dear sister was once a very stubborn and headstrong pony. I was, for the longest time, the voice of reason in the Equestrian government.”

Celestia’s ears flicked a bit as Luna walked in behind her. “I wasn’t that bad...”

“Tell that to High King Fredryk,” Luna replied. “I believe he had to threaten to lob off both Chrysalis and your heads in order to get you both to stop arguing during a peace summit almost two thousand years ago.”

“Fredryk was a griffon with a penchant for letting his axe do the talking for him, even during times of peace.” Celestia raised her nose up as Luna rolled her eyes. “Besides, you know that Chrysalis was in the wrong during that summit.”

Luna shook her head. “Equestria had no need for the Ancients’ Run mountains, and you know it.”

“She didn’t need to be so pushy about having them, though...”

“The Brood Mother’s Plateau is a sacred place to the changelings, just like the stampede grounds of the buffalo. You know offering the mountains to the changelings was the right thing to do.”

Celestia gave no indication of agreement or disagreement, instead focusing back to Twilight and Cadance. “Back to what I was saying before being so rudely interrupted...the changelings are, for the most part, an elusive, but peaceful, race. They do however, have an army. In fact, if my guess is correct, it’s the largest army in all of the known land.”

“Even larger than the Griffon Kingdoms’ Legion?”

“At least twice as large,” Celestia answered with a nod. “Though probably not as well-trained. Few can match the prowess of a Griffon Legionnaire.”

“So...how long has the Changeling Nation existed?”

Luna and Celestia glanced at each other for a brief moment. Celestia’s gaze drifted towards the ceiling as she mouthed words silently to herself, likely running through figures in her head. Luna’s head tilted to the side as she closed her eyes in thought.

“Approximately five to six thousand years, depending on who you ask. Some would consider the founding of Hive City as the establishment of the Changeling Nation. Others believe Chrysalis creating the Edicts of the Hive was the true founding moment for nation. Regardless, it has been around about as long as Equestria.”

Twilight perked up a bit. “They must have a really fascinating culture.”

“They do, yet they have also somehow managed to remain almost a century behind Equestria as far as industrial development,” Celestia answered. “Most changelings hold a strong belief of sustainability and avoiding heavy industry.”

“I find that hard to believe,” Cadance commented. “I mean...if the changeling lands are as populated as you make them sound, they almost have to have some means of technology, at least for farming and construction.”

Celestia smiled. “I don’t mean to say they’ve completely isolated themselves from technology, Cadance. Changelings have made many great contributions to the studies of chemistry and psychology, and changeling architecture is something that has been studied by artists and architects for ages.” She sighed deeply, her expression growing somber. “Chrysalis sent some of her best architects to help me with the basic layout of Canterlot about nine hundred years ago. I never gave her a proper thank you for the help...”

Luna quirked an eyebrow. “I thought there was something familiar about the city’s design.”

Twilight couldn’t help wanting to know more. “Do they have any similar holidays like we do?”

Luna laughed a little. “I imagine they celebrate a similar holiday to that of ‘Hearts and Hooves Day’.” She looked to Celestia for confirmation.

“Indeed, they do. It’s one of the best times to visit the country, too. We only celebrate it for one day...they celebrate it for two whole weeks.”

That got a smile out of Cadance. “Two whole weeks dedicated to love? I’m liking this Changeling Nation more and more.”

“Well, I suppose if you really wish to know more, you can ask Ambassador Pseudus yourself. She seemed more than eager to share information with us.” She turned to Twilight. “As to why she is here...Twilight, I think we’ll need to hold another meeting with the others sometime soon. Cadance, you’re more than welcome to attend as well, if you wish.”

“I’ll consider it,” Cadance answered. “Technically, I hold no governing, though.”

“The offer still stands, Cadance,” Celestia said with a smile.

“Um...Celestia?”

The Sun Princess turned to her former student. “Yes, Twilight?”

“I...thanks for covering for me earlier today. I didn’t even realize that it was morning when Spike finally pulled me away from all that paperwork.”

“Of course, Twilight. Believe me, Luna and I both have had our fair share of long nights and days without sleep. Though, there are eight of us now. I think we can all afford the luxury of getting a healthy amount of rest every day. Not all of us are capable of reading as much as you, after all.”

That brought a light blush to Twilight’s cheeks. “Right, heheh. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Luna and Celestia left the throne room shortly after, leaving the soon-to-be sister-in-laws alone once more.

“So...” Cadance spoke. “do you have any funny stories about Shining to share that I don’t know yet?”

Twilight giggled. “You have no idea.”

The days flew by for Twilight. Before she even realized it, two weeks had gone by since Cadance and Shining Armor had arrived to Canterlot. She had finished the last of the paperwork necessary to help the many towns throughout Equestria that were in need of relief and assistance with repairing the damage done by the draconequus. Now, she finally had some time to take care of other business, business that she had been looking forward to for a while now.

She glanced up from a document entailing the current taxation rates in Chicacolt, smiling as she watched a certain baby dragon and unicorn filly work on their respective tests on dragon culture.

Sweetie Belle had surprised her when she asked if she could take the test as well. Considering that Sweetie Belle had studied almost as much as Spike did on the subject, Twilight saw no harm in letting her. Besides, it’s not like the test score was going to count towards or against anything in particular for her. She was just happy to see that a filly her age was so eager to expand her knowledge.

Looking at the clock revealed that Spike and Sweetie Belle only had ten minutes left to finish their respective tests. “Alright, you two. Ten minutes left.”

Spike grunted, his quill moving like crazy as he continued to write. Sweetie Belle gripped the pencil with her teeth a little harder, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the last page of her own test paper.

Ten minutes passed, and Twilight informed the two to stop. She took their respective papers with a glow of her horn and gave them a cursory look, nodding to herself as she slipped them into a manila folder. She looked to the two, and smiled. “So...how was it?”

“Hard,” Sweetie groaned, though there was the faintest smile on her face. “I had a tough time trying to remember a lot of the vocabulary questions...”

Spike grinned. “I think I did alright. The history questions were pretty difficult, though.”

“Not too hard, I hope,” Twilight’s ears flattened a bit. “I wanted to challenge you two; not flunk you.”

Sweetie beamed. “It wasn’t all hard! The multiple choices were really easy.”

“Yeah,” Spike agreed. “I guess those flash cards were helpful after all, Sweetie Belle.”

“See? I told you I was right!”

The filly and dragon laughed while Twilight got up from behind the desk. “I’m sure you two both did just fine. I’ll come find you two after I find time to grade them.” She looked outside; the sun was shining, and Rainbow Dash had called for a rather clear, late winter day. “Well, since it’s the weekend and such a nice day why don’t you two run along and get some fresh air. A whole hour of test-taking is quite a bit for a dragon and filly your age.”

“Okay,” the two chimed before scampering off. She watched them as they left her office, sighing happily at the sight.

Initially, she had been worried that Spike wouldn’t have anyone his age to play with in the castle. While she still attended school in Ponyville, Sweetie Belle had been spending more and more of her free time when she was in Canterlot with Spike.

“I always enjoy watching younglings play. It reminds me of when I was just a hatchling.”

Twilight looked over her shoulder, her eyes falling on a sleek, jet-black figure.

“Oh, Ambassador, I didn’t hear you walk in.”

Pseudus nodded in greeting as she set down a saddlebag she had been carrying. “There’s no need for apologies, your Highness. I should have knocked. I...we changelings usually make our presence known through our empathic link. It can be hard to break out of old habits.”

Twilight smiled. “That’s right, I remember you telling me about that at the meeting.”

Pseudus shrunk back a bit. “I...yes. Um...Princess, may I ask you a question about Princess Celestia?”

A pause, followed by Twilight clearing her throat. “I...suppose. What do you want to know about her?”

Pseudus shuffled her hooves a bit. “I...I get the feeling that she does not hold Queen Chrysalis in high regard...and that she’s letting it affect her thoughts on the possibility of making a treaty.” She looked up. “I know that our race has had some not-so-glamourous chapters regarding our past involvements with Equestria, but please believe me when I say that we wish to strengthen our ties with ponykind.”

Twilight’s smiled sympathetically as she recalled the meeting between her and her co-rulers no more than a week ago regarding the topic...

“It should go without saying that it would go against all our country believes in to not offer the changelings assistance,” Luna said, her eyes remaining glued on Celestia, who refused to meet her gaze. “Old wounds are present, yes, but the majority of the Changeling Nation wants to be allies with us.”

“Well,” Rarity began, her eyes falling on the lone changeling in the meeting room, who sat beside Pinkie Pie. “I believe that you have been nothing but a wonderful guest since your arrival, Ambassador.”

“You honor us with your kind words, Princess.”

Rarity just smiled. “If I may drop formality for a moment, I also believe that opening up renewed trade with your country would bring about a new revolution in the art world.” Rarity sighed dreamily. “Can you imagine how many different styles of dress, painting, and playwriting would emerge?”

“There’s more than just dresses and artsy stuff to think ‘bout here, Rarity,” Applejack said, her tone neither reprimanding nor approving. “We have to consider things like traveling for immigrants, merchants, and other crowds between our lands. We don’t have any roads going south of Appleloosa, and we’d have to find ways to cut ‘em through the Southern Equinic Mountains, and that ain’t an easy task. Findin’ a labor force big enough to do it’s goin’ to be hard as well. Truthfully, we’re stretched rather thin with the mess Discord left for us to clean up.”

“Well, before we even go about making plans for roads between our countries, we should consider if we’re willing to write up a treaty with the changelings,” Twilight began. “Ambassador, you said you wished to speak about that, correct?”

Pseudus nodded. “Yes. Your Majesties, as I told you before, I am here to represent my people and our ruler, Queen Chrysalis. We have lived a rather isolated existence for the better part of one and a half millennia, making trade mostly with the Griffon Kingdoms and the few caravans that are brave enough to travel the Badlands.” Her eyes lowered to the table in front of her and a frown marred her features. “It’s not always easy, but we make do. We live with what we have...among those things being love.”

“Yeah, about that...so, you mean you guys actually like...eat love?” Rainbow asked. “How?”

“It’s a semi-voluntary action. Changelings have strong empathic abilities. We can sense positive and negative feelings and it....well...it’s very hard to explain to a non-changeling.”

“Chrysalis once explained it as a sixth sense, like earth ponies and their ability to identify fertile soil.” Luna spoke. “Each emotion leaves a feeling, like the echo of a taste or a smell, with the changeling. This empathic ‘taste’ is strongly tied to memory from what I understand.”

“Yes, that’s a great way of explaining it!” Pseudus beamed. “We can ‘lock in’ on the emotion being felt and absorb it, so to speak.”

“Just like that?” Applejack asked.

“Just like that,” Pseudus replied. “Like I said though, it’s a semi-voluntary action. It’s almost like breathing; we’ll feel the emotion to a certain extent, especially a strong one, like anger, sorrow, or, of course, love. Whether we wish to actively feed on it and fully gain what we can from it remains up to the individual.”

“Sounds a lot like what I can do!” Pinkie grinned. “I mean, I don’t feed on love, but I can still feel emotions.” She giggled. “Sounds like we already got a lot in common, Pseudus!”

“I guess so,” Pseudus smiled. “Now, changelings can feed each other love, but it’s like having an incomplete meal. Something is missing, and to this day we don’t know what. Any other species that gives us love though is adequate. It’s...common belief that ponies provide the strongest...nutritional value, for the lack of a better term.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “You’ve become particular to ponies’ love?”

“Y-yes...” Pseudus cleared her throat as she continued. “Many of us leave the homeland and emmigrate to other regions. Equestria is the largest country in the known world, so many of us end up here. It can be hard, since we have to maintain disguise in many cases...”

“That is one thing I believe Chrysalis and I discussed the last time we saw each other,” Celestia said. “I suggested that we initiate a law that requires all changelings to remain in their true forms unless there is a dire need for a disguise.”

“Yes, our queen mentioned that as well...” the changeling looked to her hooves. “It’s...it’s become a part of our culture, so to speak. Disguises are like artwork for us; a sign of our individual creativity.”

Celestia shook her head. “Wouldn’t it just be easier for a changeling to establish a relationship with someone without the need for hiding who they truly are?”

“Yes...and no. See, while ponies can be rather accepting of us, species such as dragons or minotaurs tend to view us with a certain degree of disdain. They see us as thieves and vagrants, moving from one town to another after we’ve gotten our fill.” Pseudus frowned deeply

“That sounds awful...” Fluttershy said. “It’s just a part of who you are. You can’t change that.”

“Well, in all due fairness, there are changeling who use their ability to disguise themselves for crime. We do our best to root them out, though.”

“How?” Twilight asked. “I mean, what if the criminal is living in a place like Zebrica, for example? How would you be able to locate and identify a disguised changeling?”

“We...have our methods...” Pseudus said quietly.

A silence hung in the air for several long moments. Pseudus shuffled nervously in her seat, clearing her throat several times as she stared at the surface of the table.

“Well, if we’re willing to make a treaty between our two countries, we’ll have to speak to Chrysalis herself,” Celestia said. “I know that the Supreme Council often holds authority in lawmaking, but she is your land’s voice and absolute ruler.”

“That is an understandable request,” Pseudus smiled. “She will be happy to hear that you are willing to listen to her at the very least.”

Celestia sighed. “Somehow I doubt that.”

“Sister,” Luna whispered harshly. “You’re letting personal opinions sway you.”

“Chrysalis knows full well that I have been more than lenient with some of the things she has done in the past.”

“What sorts of things...?” Fluttershy inquired.

“Spying and espionage, for starters. She knows the true power behind the Elements of Harmony, and she could very well have an entire map of Canterlot Castle in her possession.” Celestia shook her head in disdain. “There has been more than a three dozen reports in the past seven thousand years of her agents being caught in the restricted sections of the library, and the trouble we’ve had to go through to keep her and Hive City a secret is a headache enough.”

“Even so, he has never openly attacked us, Celestia,” Luna rebuked. “Chrysalis is our ally, even if it is not in writing. Or have you already forgotten all the help she gave us when we were preparing our confrontation against Discord?”

“A mutually beneficial alliance; get rid of Discord, get rid of a danger to her people.”

“Sister...” Luna shook her head. “Is this because of what happened between me and her all those ages ago?”

Celestia said nothing.

“I see...” Luna turned back to Pseudus. “I apologize, Ambassador. We will continue this meeting in the near future. For now, I think that if you truly wish to help your people, you should let us know more about the changelings.” She turned looked to the others surrounding the table and continued. “I suggest all of you do the same for our guest. The more we can share between each other, the more we can trust one another.” She looked to her sister as she spoke the last part. “Ambassador, if you wish, I can have a letter sent to your queen whenever you wish. Follow me and I’ll direct you to our mailing station.”

Twilight and Pseudus had decided to make themselves comfortable on a pair of cushions that had been placed in a corner of the office. The midday sun peeked through the windows, casting golden rays over the two as they talked.

“I’m not entirely sure how Celestia feels about Chrysalis. She...she didn’t seem to have any problems with your race in general. I...if anything, I think she has a problem with Queen Chrysalis.”

The changeling ambassador’s ears flattened. “But...but Queen Chrysalis is a loving ruler! Yes, sometimes she just gets overly emotional, but it’s a side-effect from ruling an empathic race. She embodies all that the changeling race is! If she...” Pseudus stopped herself, realizing that she was raising her voice. “I...forgive me, it’s hard for me to not to be defensive about Queen Chrysalis.”

“I have no doubt that she is a wonderful queen.” Twilight placed a hoof on Pseudus’ arm. “I haven’t met her myself, though. I’ll have to wait to pass judgement on her when I can speak to her face to face.”

Pseudus nodded, and lit her horn up. A green colored aura enveloped her saddlebag in the corner of the room, and she pulled out a scroll, levitating it towards them. “I actually received a reply from Queen Chrysalis today. She wishes to meet in a month’s time. That way she can prepare Hive City for her absence, and make sure the capital is well defended.”

“You make it sound like there’s a war going on.”

Pseudus shook her head. “There are plenty of things in the Badlands that could harm our citizens. Mountain lions, quarray eels, desert and mountain hydra, and rogue bands of dragons are among them.”

“Dragons attack your city?” Twilight wasn’t sure she could believe that. Such things like dragon raids were typically told from millennia old records, back when the dragons were still a tribal race.

“Rarely, but they do get bold once in awhile. We usually ward them off with our sheer numbers before anything serious happens, but if one were to actually try and attack...” Pseudus closed her eyes and shook her head. “It’s...just best to have the queen around. She is strong, and the dragons know enough to not fight her.”

“That...why do they attack you, though?”

“Our mines are full of diamonds and other minerals. That and some dragons think of us as nothing more than parasites or vermin.”

“How? I mean, you said it yourself that you can only feed on love when it’s felt by another individual, right?”

“That doesn’t stop us from disguising ourselves to look like a loved one, your Highness.”

Twilight blinked, and then flushed in the cheeks. “I hadn’t thought of that. Though that still doesn’t explain why dragons are attacking you. Wouldn’t it be better just to not bother you?”

“Dragons are very proud, Princess Sparkle. The bond between a male and female dragons is practically sacred to their culture. Imagine how a dragon might feel like to know that the dragon they love and care for is not a dragon at all, but a changeling trying to feed off of their love.”

“Does that happen often?”

“Not really, but dragons are long lived beings. It only takes one little incident to spike an attack sometimes. Many dragons aren’t quick to forgiving such a thing like imitating a loved one.”

That made sense. Twilight knew she would feel upset if she ever had something like that happen to her. She could only imagine how much worse it would be if she were a young dragoness.

“Not all the dragons are bad, are they?”

“Of course not. In fact...some even live among us. I believe we have at least two families that consist of a dragon.” She laughed. “In fact, my great grandfather was a dragon.”

Twilight laughed. When she saw that Pseudus wasn’t, she stopped. “W-wait, really?”

Pseudus smiled, her chest puffing out just a little. “Changelings are capable of having healthy children with several known species. Ponies, dragons, griffons, zebras, minotaurs, and even kirin, are among them.” She waved a hoof dismissively. “If the mother of the child is a changeling, then it too shall be a changeling. If the father is a changeling, then the youngling will be whatever species the mother is. Even so, the offspring tend to carry on certain traits from both species. It can be hormonal traits, physical appearances...” She shook her head and chuckled. “My grandmother always joked with me and said that she got her stubbornness from her father, and it passed on to me as well.”

“I wouldn’t call you stubborn,” Twilight laughed.

“I didn’t get into this position by asking nicely, your Highness,” Pseudus gave Twilight a wink before floating the letter towards her. “Anyway, here is the letter. This was addressed to all eight of you.”

Twilight took the letter with her magic and began to read the flowing writing of the changeling queen.

To the Esteemed Rulers of Equestria,

As I’m sure Ambassador Pseudus has told you, I wish to open up public relationships with our two lands. I realize that there may be some old issues that that may need to be tended to first, but I believe that it is in the best interests of our people to find a way to live side by side, not apart. Despite our physical and cultural differences, our lands still hold similar beliefs, and this would only strengthen our ties to one another.

Aside from peace, there is another major reason for my desire to forge this alliance. No doubt Pseudus has given you the basics of how we feed on love. While changelings are capable of giving and receiving love from each other, it is never as filling as the love gained from another race. The truth of the matter is that my people are starving. We don’t show it openly, but we are weakening. We need love, and other-species love is in short supply in the Badlands these days. Please understand that the Changeling Nation is willing to offer resources and services in exchange for your help. We are a modest country, but we also are capable of sharing our land’s wealth with you.

If possible, I wish to visit your capital and speak in greater detail about this subject. If all goes well, we may even be able to forge an alliance as well. Please give me your reply within two week’s time of receiving this letter, and Pseudus will have it sent to me.

Live and love always,

Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Nation

Twilight had to give Chrysalis credit for not trying to sugarcoat things. She had admitted openly that her people were in a bad place right now, and Eqeustria may be their key to solving their love shortage.

“Pseudus...?”

“Yes?”

“Refresh my memory. How did you get here?”

Pseudus’ wings buzzed. “I flew, your Highness.”

“Well, yes, but...” She frowned as she looked at the changeling. “You actually flew across the Southern Equinic Mountains...by yourself?”

“Correct.”

“No guards to escort you? Nothing?”

Pseudus shook her head. “Bringing guards along may have given a bad impression to other Equestrians. While my queen was hesitant to send me alone, she had faith in my abilities. I am honored to be the representative of my people and homeland. I will do what I must to help bring our lands together.”

Twilight’s admiration for the little changeling grew. Pseudus’ bravery was evident, and her loyalty to her people and country couldn’t have been clearer.

“Well, if you’re the representative of your people and country, then I have a good feeling about our nations’ respective futures together.”

Pseudus’ smile couldn’t have been any wider. “That’s great to hear, your Highness. My people have been needing something positive to look towards for some time now.”

“Just...how bad is this situation that the Changeling Nation is dealing with?”

“Well, we’re surviving. Some of the more distant branch hives are not doing that well, and a lot of our land’s citizens have moved back to Hive City. It...” She looked down, her smile vanishing as she did. “It could be better. Much better.”

Twilight’s gave Pseudus’ shoulder a gentle squeeze with her foreleg, attempting to comfort and reassure her. “I’ll do everything I can to help your people, Ambassador.”

Pseudus sniffled a bit, keeping her gaze to the ground. “You’re too kind.”

“Save that for after we help your people,” Twilight chuckled quietly. Pseudus nodded, wiping her eyes of a few unshed tears. “Now, I think I might be interested in sending Queen Chrysalis a letter of my own, if you don’t mind.”

Twilight had spent hours piecing together and editing a lengthy letter to Queen Chrysalis, asking her questions relating to what exactly she needed from Equestria. By the time she had finished, her letter had reached almost fifteen pages in length. She would have continued, but tried to consider how busy Chrysalis already was with her duties as the sole monarch of the changeling race. Instead, she sealed the letter in a thick envelope, placed her personal wax seal of authenticity on it, and gave it to Pseudus, who left to drop it off for delivery to the Appleloosa mail station. A Royal Courier stationed there would have to bring it the rest of the way, and there was no telling how long that would take.

Letting out a yawn, the Princess of Magic stared at the clock on the wall of her chambers.

“It can’t be that late...” she mumbled. It was already a quarter to midnight. She turned her gaze to the scattered documents on her desk, frowning at the stack of ingoing papers and its relatively larger size compared to the outgoing stack.“How do you do it, Celestia?”

“Eons of practice, learning to bend the rules, and a hidden bottle of blackberry brandy in my nightstand.”

Twilight snickered quietly. “That was rhetorical, but thanks for the advice.”

“Mm,” Celestia was lying on their bed, reading a novel from her personal collection. “I’m always glad to help. Just be sure not to indulge too heavily in the brandy. You don’t want to deal with politicians while nursing a hangover.” She looked up from her book, her gaze locking with Twilight’s. “Trust me.”

Twilight gave up on any further paperwork and crawled into bed. She smiled as a white wing wrapped around her while a blanket was placed over the two.

“What are you reading?”

“Hm? Oh, an old saga about a Minotaur hero and his voyages throughout the Minosia and Equinic seas.”

“Did you know the hero?” Twilight asked jokingly.

“Yes, as a matter of fact.” She smirked as Twilight gave her a surprised look. “Luna and I actually make an appearance in one of his tales when we were visiting the port city of Tidal’s End.”

“Wait...I...really?”

“Mm. Seems you’re forgetting just how old I really am,” Celestia winked playfully. “Having second thoughts, yet? You’re not too embarrassed with dating an old mare like me, are you?”

Twilight snickered. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.” She leaned in closer, resting her head in the crook of Celestia’s neck. “So you’re actually in this story?”

Celestia rolled her eyes, smiling. “Yes, and most versions make me and Luna out to be a classic damsels in distress.” She shook her head as Twilight gave her a curious look. “In truth, Luna and I were merely asking for help in dealing with a band of pirates that had been terrorizing colonists along the Serpent Isles. We planned on dealing with them ourselves, but Glad Heart the Minotaur ended up vowing to take on the pirates himself.”

“By himself?”

“Technically, he meant himself along with his crewmates. They ended up dealing with the pirates, but it cost Luna and I months of patching up relations with the Bovidian city-states as a result. Glad Heart supposedly claimed that he was on a mission that had been blessed by ‘the Heavenly Sisters of the Fairer Lands’. The pirates had given Bovidian politicians a share of their money every year to insure that they wouldn’t be given too much trouble by naval patrols.”

“Ah.”

Twilight grew quiet at that, and it didn’t go unnoticed by the older mare. “Something wrong?”

“I...” For what must have been the thousandth time today, Twilight sighed. “Sorry, I’ve had a lot of things on my mind.”

Celestia closed her book and set it on the nightstand. “Well, I’m all ears.”

Already Twilight felt a little better. The fact that she had someone like Celestia to call on when she needed some advice or just a means to vent was more than helpful for her. “I guess I’ll start with the one that’s been bothering me most recently,” she took in a breath and collected her thoughts. “What’s the history with you and Queen Chrysalis?”

“I suspected you’d be asking me about that,” the Sun Princess said with a frown. “It’s...a very complicated and, at the base of it all, stupid issue.”

“I didn’t know you did ‘stupid’.”

“More than you can imagine, Twilight. Living as long as I have comes with the potential for making more mistakes than the average pony.”

“Go on...”

“Well,” Celestia looked to the ceiling, her eyes growing distant. “Luna and I, as you know by now, didn’t originally rule over Equestria. First it was the Six Founders and their predecessors, then Discord, then us. For a time Luna and I were quite content with living a carefree life, just the two of us.” Her frown morphed into a soft smile. “Then we met Chrysalis.”

“I take it she’s a rather old being, then?”

“Very. Not as old as Luna or myself, but she’s old enough that few things really surprise her anymore. Her people live in a harsh environment, deal with nasty creatures on a day-to-day basis, and she used to be Luna’s lover. She’s seen enough to notice patterns.”

“W-wait, you mean she and Luna were lovers?”

“Yes, for almost fifty years if I’m correct. I won’t lie, Twilight, I was jealous. Chrysalis was, and still is, I imagine, a beautiful changeling. Most would see her and initially back away in alarm, but that’s only because they don’t know her like my sister and I did.”

“So...what happened?”

“She eventually set out to create her own society. One day she just felt a need to head towards the Badlands. She told Luna that she was ready to answer her calling, and Luna decided to follow her. I decided to stay behind, and I didn’t see either of them for almost ten years-”

“Ten years?”

“Barely the blink of an eye when you’ve lived as long as me, Twilight.”

“O-oh, right, heh.” Twilight noticed the teasing smirk on Celestia’s face, and found herself smiling as well. “How did you end up finding Luna?”

“Eventually I ran into her somewhere in what would later be known as Whitetail Wood. She was upset over something, and I found out that her and Chrysalis had ended their relationship.”

“Why?”

“It’s still a mystery to me. Luna never gave me details, and I never pried,” Celestia admitted. “Perhaps Chrysalis wanted to focus more on guiding her people? I’m not sure what happened exactly, but I do know that it broke my little sister’s heart.”

“I imagine things haven’t been that great between you two since then, have they?”

“Yes...well, no, Chrysalis and I have always maintained an air of formality and professionalism. We might have our personal opinions towards each other, but we know something personal like broken hearts and hurtful words shouldn’t put our subjects in danger.” She turned to Twilight. “Which, I will tell you right now, is something I want you and the girls to always remember. While we are still living, feeling creatures, we must do what we can to rule our country as peacefully as possible.”

“You...you didn’t go to war with Chrysalis, did you?”

Celestia’s eyes dimmed a bit. “I almost did.”

“W-what?”

“After I banished Luna, I was in a rather bad place. The next century to follow was probably the worst era Equestria ever went through. I...” Celestia’s voice faded, a look of shame crossing her features.

“Celestia...”

“Please understand, Twilight, I am not proud of what happened. I...I wasn’t in the right state of mind half the time...”

Twilight nuzzled her gently. “Talk to me. I’m here.”

When she faced Twilight, the young alicorn saw something that never seemed right in Celestia’s eyes. Fear. Not fear of danger, but fear of losing something. Losing Twilight, perhaps. She gave her a reassuring smile, hoping it would calm Celestia’s fears.

“I...I tried to forget the pain of losing my sister. I turned to drink, mostly. I rarely held court in those one hundred and some odd years. Poverty was rampant; that’s probably the major reason the castle ruins in the Everfree exist. I didn’t care about maintaining it, and I let go of most of the castle tenants. I just...didn’t care. I struggled to find a reason to raise the sun every morning, and controlling the moon felt just...wrong. I felt like I was insulting Luna every time I moved it with my magic.” Celestia expression soured. “That wasn’t the worst of it, though. I punished any who did so much as insulted Luna’s name in my presence...and...and when Chrysalis came around, asking for an alliance and to open the borders between our lands...”

Twilight waited patiently for Celestia to continue. She stroked the white mare’s face with a hoof, doing what she could to comfort her suddenly-distraught lover.

“You don’t have to tell me if you-”

“No, I think I should. Only Luna knows, and...and I need to get this off my chest...” She stared Twilight in the eyes, pinpricks of moisture forming in her eyes. “I told Chrysalis that her people could starve for all I care. I told her that emotion-driven parasites like her kind would do the world a favor if they perished. I...I even threatened to take over her country if she didn’t leave my sight!”

“Oh my...”

“Oh no, it gets better. Chrysalis, bless her soul, simply nodded and said she would wait until I was...in better spirits. I think that was the last time we ever communicated with each other...” She wiped a few tears that had run down her cheeks. “I shouldn’t be all that surprised, I guess. She’s empathic. She knew what losing my only sister was like...at least on some level she did.”

“So...what got you back on your hooves, then?”

“Well, eventually the land fell into a state of protest against the crown. It wasn’t violent in most areas, but it woke me up to what I had been doing to the country.” Celestia glanced at the crown resting on her dresser nearby. “I had my head officials run the castle for a month. In that time, I locked myself in my chambers, placed a suppressing band on my horn, and restrained myself to my chambers.”

“Why would you do that?”

“It was extreme, but I saw it as the only out to fighting my dependency on alcohol at the time. Within three weeks I had overcome it, and after a month passed, as instructed, my remaining tenants unlocked my chamber door and released me. I didn’t touch a drop of wine, ale, or anything of that nature for about six hundred years after that.”

“You seem to have a firm grip of yourself these days,” Twilight noted. “You were drinking at the concert not too long ago, and we’ve shared wine at meals.”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “Yes, I suppose I still enjoy drinks, but only among friends. I don’t drink for the sake of intoxication...though I find a degree of pleasure in the revelry of such things.”

“Among friends, though, right?”

“Precisely.”

Twilight gave Celestia a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for sharing that with me.”

“I should be thanking you. That’s been gnawing away at me for ages...and here I was trying to listen to you...”

“It’s alright,” Twilight waved a hoof.

“No, you seemed rather troubled.”

“I’ll be fine-”

“Twilight Sparkle, I know you. Something is bothering you, and unless you tell somepony, it’s going to continue bothering you until it becomes serious.”

“Heh, I suppose you’re right...you answered one question of mine, at least.”

“Yes, and I’m guessing you had at least one other thing that you wanted to talk about.”

“Yes...I...was wondering if you could tell me about...Cadance.”

“Ah,” Celestia replied. “I...well, that’s definitely a case for questions, isn’t it? You know her pretty well, though. She did foalsit you.”

“Sorry, I meant to ask...about Cadance and my brother. About...well, their marriage.”

“You don’t approve of it?” Celestia asked, confusion and worry laced in her words.

“No, no, I one hundred percent approve, it’s just...Cadance is an alicorn, and...Shining isn’t.”

Celestia was quiet for a long moment. After almost a minute had passed, Twilight worried that she had somehow offended her. She opened her mouth to explain herself, but Celestia beat her to it.

“Cadance and I spoke about that. She found a...a ‘solution’, supposedly, though I still have my doubts.”

“Solution?” Twilight echoed.

“Yes. I know it needs no repeating, but we alicorns are ageless, and not affected by the hand of mortality.” She gazed up at the ceiling, her expression now unreadable. “Cadance believes she found a way to give up that up so that she may live a mortal life with Shining Armor.”

“Is...is that possible?” Twilight couldn’t believe that. A way to revoke eternal life? How?

“Yes, and at the same time she believes it will grant her and Shining Armor a longer life. I’m not sure how, but considering the circumstance behind her ascension, I suppose she could do something like that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Cadance didn’t achieve her ‘alicorn status’, if you would, like Luna or I did, nor did she achieve it the way you and your friends did.”

“I think I remember Cadance explaining that to me once when I was a filly. She said something about discovering a spell and...reversing it or something using her special talent for love and compassion.” Twilight shook her head. “I don’t remember everything she told me, but I do know that she was once a pegasus.”

“Correct. In short, Cadance stopped a pony that was stealing the love of others through an enchanted necklace and using it to amplify her jealous and evil ways. At the same time, Cadance’s powers were strengthened by the spell of the necklace. She reformed the pony, and in essence, discovered the magic of love and tolerance as well. I sensed this new magic from Canterlot, and brought her to the Hall of Memories.”

“The Hall of Memories?”

“Well, that’s what I like to call it, anyway. I think of it as a realm overlapping Equestria and the rest of the world. Anyone who goes there is shown the many events that occurred in their life. When I met her, Cadance was an orphan, and was taken in by an earth pony village. She learned to love all without prejudice...and that was the base behind the magic she came to discover. It was a core part of who she was as a pony.”

“Wow...”

“Wow, indeed,” Celestia laughed. “I helped unlock that power that had taken root in her, and the next thing I knew, she had become an alicorn: a pony that represents all three aspects of ponykind.”

“Flight, magic, and a strong heart and body.”

“Yes, and ever since that day, Cadance has been something of a niece to me.”

“So...so she became an alicorn...even though she was just a normal pegasus at one point?”

“Normal is a relative term, Twilight. Cadance was an extraordinary pony. She could see into a pony’s heart as naturally as you lifted a book with your magic or as I controlled the heat of the sun. It’s just the way she was born, and I wouldn’t want her any other way.”

Twilight felt her own heart warm upon hearing that. “I guess I shouldn’t be worrying about such things, huh?”

“No, Twilight, you have every right to worry. When I found out about the wedding, one of the first thoughts to enter my mind was joy...followed by the thought of how Cadance would cope with eventually losing Shining Armor while she remained unaged.” Celestia’s voice was just above a whisper at that point. “It’s a burden that alicorns carry...a reason why no matter how hard we try, there’s always a feeling of isolation. A reason why we treasure every member of our kind so much.”

Twilight’s ears folded back. “I’m not sure I Iike the idea of Cadance living a mortal lifespan any more than her outliving my brother.”

“I agree. Though, Cadance hasn’t cast the spell yet, and from what I understand, Shining Armor’s still discussing it with her. It’s a big decision for both of them; giving up an eternal existence in exchange for a prolonged life with your loved one...or living the rest of time with the bittersweet memory of a loved one that you cannot be with for the remainder of your infinite existence.”

“I’m not sure I could make that decision if it were up to me,” Twilight sighed.

“I...well...Twilight, you may have to.”

“Huh?”

Celestia’s gaze once again fell on her. Twilight pushed away gently to better meet her gaze.

“When I spoke with Cadance, she mentioned that she wanted your thoughts on the matter, seeing as you’re an alicorn as well as Shining’s brother.”

“But...I’m not the one getting married!”

“No, but she wants you to be the one to read their vows at the wedding.”

“What?! I-I thought that you or Luna would be the one doing that!”

Celestia couldn’t hold back the smile that made its way onto her lips. “They both seemed quite intent on you having that honor.”

Twilight slumped further into her bed, groaning softly as she rolled over and buried her face into a pillow. Celestia gave her a gentle kiss on the ear and spoke softly. “I know it’s a lot to take in, Twilight, believe me, I know. Still...you need to be strong. Weigh the options in your heart and, when the time comes, tell Cadance and your brother what you feel is right.”

Twilight’s ears twitched a bit. When she looked up at the mare before her, her vision was blurred by tears. “What...what if I’m not strong enough to do that?”

“You are, though. I know you are.”

“You’re just saying that,” Twilight mumbled.

“Twilight Sparkle, you have accomplished so much for a unicorn your age. Starswirl the Bearded is small time compared to the list of accomplishments you’ve put on your list already. You’re a master of the arcane, you’re the Bearer of the Element of Magic, you’ve returned my sister to me, you had the foresight to give Luna the Element of Magic in order to stop Discord, and above all else, you remain true to your beliefs.” Celestia’s voice wavered a bit, thick with emotion while she smiled proudly. “Believe me when I say that I am humbled to be a part of your life. Even before you became an alicorn, when you were my student, I just knew that you were destined for greatness. It reminded me that it doesn’t take wings, great strength, or magic, to make a difference in this world. You have powerful magic, yes, but...there’s a spark within you that I know, when the time comes, will become a beacon to lead Equestria into a grand age. All six of you have that spark, but yours in particular burns with a fire I haven’t seen since as long as I can remember.”

Once more, Twilight found herself blushing in a mixture of embarrassment and pride from her one-time mentor’s praise. “You...thank you, Celestia. I just wish I was as good at giving you the compliments you deserve once in awhile.”

That got a chuckle out of Celestia. “Just tolerating my cheesy humor and being there for me is enough, Twilight. I get enough praise from half the poets and songwriters in the world as it is.” She gave Twilight a gentle nudge with her muzzle. “Do you feel better at all?”

“A little...I still have questions...but I think they can wait.”

“Are you sure?”

“Mm. I have enough to think about as it is. We can talk more some other time,” Twilight yawned. “For now, I’m ready to get some sleep.”

“I’m right behind you,” Celestia agreed. “I’ll try not to wake you when I get up at dawn.”

“Ugh, I don’t know how you do that.”

“Old habits die hard, Twilight. I’m just glad your magic can automatically bring forth the day for me. Sleeping in once in awhile is something I’ve missed dearly.”

“Mmph. Maybe I can tweak the axis of the planet and give us a few extra hours of dark-”

“Now, now, no using your great cosmic powers for trivial things like sleeping in,” Celestia chided playfully.

“Bah, like you’d try and stop me,” Twilight hummed softly as she closed her eyes. The comforting warmth of Celestia’s body beside her swiftly brought the bliss of sleep down upon her.

“Awww...that was rather touching, wasn’t it?”

Twilight slowly came to, eyes cracking open to a very familiar place. Stacks of books lining wooden walls, the smell of green leaves, wood, dirt, and dusty tomes all intermingling...

Golden Oaks Library was a place Twilight missed more than she had expected. Sure, she had access to any book in the entirety of the Canterlot Archives, but there was something special about that magically hollowed out tree that had grown on her and bored a hole into her heart.

“I have to admit, this is something I could enjoy. A tree with windows, a door, and a kitchen inside it. If it wasn’t for the neatly stacked books and system your libraries use, I’d almost consider this perfect.”
That voice. No...

“Oh yes, my little Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight spun around, coming face to face with someone she had never expected to see again.

“Discord?! H-how?”

The draconequus laughed raucously, tears forming in his eyes. “You know, despite how anal-retentive you are about order and understanding everything, the reactions I get out of you are something that none of the others can top. Well, Luna has her tantrums, but still...” He smirked. “You didn’t really think I’d leave that easily, did you?”

“Yes, I did, actually. We vaporized you.”

“Ha, yes, and in all due fairness, you did defeat me.”

“Then this must be a dream,” Twilight concluded. She closed her eyes, focusing on waking-

“Don’t bother, Twilight. This is a spell that was triggered right before you and the rest of you pesky pony princesses destroyed me.” He sighed. “Sadly, my magic only lasts for so long when I’m not around. But, I’ll make due.” He produced a steaming cup of bubbling green liquid and sipped it slowly. “So...I’m sure you’re just dying to know more about why I’m here.”

“Good guess,” Twilight replied. “Start talking.”

“Yeesh, you’re not even trying to humor me here.”

“Don’t think I won’t zap you! You’re in my home turf, and I have quite an imagination!”

Discord harrumphed and threw his teacup out the window, producing a loud explosion followed by the faint smell of coconut and kerosene. “I’m guessing Celestia still hasn’t touched upon the history we share.”

“No, she hasn’t,” Twilight answered, her tone not as intimidating all of the sudden.

“Oho, she hasn’t? Well...I suppose that I’ll be the one to break the ice, then.” He blipped out of existence for a moment, reappearing by her side. “You see, my dear equus eggheadicus, you are merely one of many who Celestia held a flame for. Probably one of the more interesting ones, but not the first by any means.”

“What’s your point?” Twilight asked, her anger fading rapidly and being replaced by trepidation.

“My point, Twilight, is that you’re looking at the first to claim her heart.”

It took a few seconds for his words to click. When they did, she took a step back. “Wait...you?”

“Oh, yes. Eventually she grew sick of my ‘childish’ chaos and told me to cease with the antics. As you can imagine, that didn’t end well for me.” He shrugged. “You win some, you get turned to stone by some. At least I struck a cool pose before I was imprisoned.” He assumed a pose, one hand on his stomach while another was stretched up above, as though singing a dramatic tune. “I like to think that irked her a bit.”

“So...you toyed with her and made her think you cared?”

The look Discord gave her was unsettling. His eyes narrowed, and she took a reflexive step back. “No. Believe it or not, I loved her. I would have given her the moon if Luna hadn’t been so intent on keeping it in the sky.” He frowned. “She was the first creature to actually accept me for who I was, and not for the way I looked.”

The guilty feeling creeping into Twilight’s heart was hard to fight off.

“She eventually gave me an ultimatum. Stop with the chaos, or she would do it for me.”

Twilight got a rare glimpse of Discord at that point. Gone was the smile on his face. Instead, his eyes held not laughter but weariness. Eons upon eons of experiences, aches and pains, joys and thrills. She saw a glimpse of the true draconequus, the one who had lived since the start of chaos itself.

“So...why didn’t you try to explain yourself to her?”

“Explain myself? Twilight, my dear, I am the very definition of unexplainable. I mean, yes, I can think, but I am still chaos, and chaos is not something that can be reasoned or understood.”

“She must have known that.”

“Oh, I’m sure she did, which is probably the reason why she eventually saw me as a threat rather than a living being.” He folded his arms together and floated across the room. His gaze fell upon the imaginary sun that Twilight’s mind had conjured. “I hate the system she and Luna developed. What’s so wrong with having day and night at the same time?” He looked over his shoulder, a smirk on his face. “You, on the other hand, surprised me. You took control of the planet, stopped moving the sun and moon, and instead made the planet revolve around the sun while the moon moves on its own. You alter the planet’s axis a bit, and that makes all sorts of things happen.”

It may have been her dream-like awareness, but she swore Discord was praising her. “Um...thanks?”

“Hmph. You’re not bad, Sparkle. Not great, but not bad.”

“Discord,” Twilight sighed. “What do you want?”

“To give you a warning, I guess.” The draconequus smirked. “You’ve got an entire nation to run, and that’s not even touching upon your individual duties relating to the planet and such. The six of you did something big the day you became alicorns. You set the world on a path that can’t be changed.” Discord held onto that smug expression. “You may be doing alright for now, but keep in mind that with time comes changing ideals, if you let them sit around long enough, they’ll build up into movements. One day, you’re on throne. The next, you’re kicked off the seat and everypony sees you as nothing more than a relic of a long dead time.”

“If our subjects see us unfit to serve the country-”

“You don’t get it, Sparkle; the world tends to follow patterns. Predictable, boring patterns, but patterns nonetheless. Celestia and Luna have managed to see many of those; that’s what has kept those two on the throne so long. They know what to do to remain a good leaders to her subjects.” He was suddenly in her face. “The six of you, however, don’t.”

“Are you lecturing me? Is that what this is all about?” Twilight gave him an annoyed glare. “Because if you are, then we’re through.”

“I suppose you can interpret this as you wish. Maybe this is just some really lucid dream made up by you, but maybe it isn’t.” Discord poked her in the chest with a talon. “Just keep in mind that Celestia’s not all rainbows and sunshine, nor is the rest of the world.”

“I’m not going to break things off with Celestia just because of some mistakes she made in the past, and certainly not because you’re saying I should. I’m not going to back down from my duty as a princess of Equestria just because it won’t be easy, either.”

“Fair enough, just don’t say I didn’t tell you so,” He reclined back and yawned. “I suppose I should be going, then. You know, what with me not existing in the real world and what have you. Oh, say ‘Hi’ to everyone for me. Be sure to have fun at the wedding. Enjoy it while they’re alive. I mean, what’s a few decades to an eternal being, am I right?”

She was certain she yelled a few choice words at him, but she couldn’t be sure, seeing as she could only hear his annoying, mocking laughter the whole time as the world around her began to blur.

Twilight jolted awake, taking in quick, deep gulps of air. Her eyes frantically scanned her surroundings. It was dark, the moon providing the only light for her at the moment, but she was able to confirm that she was in her own chambers once more. Channeling magic into her horn, an arcane glow provided her more ample lighting for her to see with. The clock on the wall read only a little after three in the morning.

“Mmmmn...Twilight?”

Freezing in place, Twilight felt Celestia’s gaze upon her. She slowly turned to face the alicorn beside her, noting the look of concern on her tired face.

“O-oh sorry, Celestia. I...just had a weird dream.”

“Nothing too dreadful, I hope.”

“No...no, I don’t think it was, at least.”

Celestia sighed deeply. “This is why you need to sleep more regularly, Twilight. You’ve been working yourself to the bone with paperwork and jumping through all those bureaucratic hoops to aid as many cities and towns as financially possible that were hit by the Chaos.”

“Y-yeah, you’re right,” Twilight slumped back into the bed, groaning. “It’s just stress I guess.”

Celestia wrapped a foreleg around Twilight. “What was the dream about?”

“The dream?” Twilight hesitated for a moment. “I’m not too sure...something about...Spike and...accidentally sneezing in the Canterlot Archives. I had to take care of the aftermath. Rainbow and Pinkie wanted to help.”

Celestia chuckled softly. “You poor thing, you must have been terrified.”

“Heh, yeah...I’m just glad it was a dream...”

Celestia’s foreleg squeezed around Twilight gently. “Twilight...you know you can tell me anything, right? I promise I won’t be upset or ridicule you.”

So she did see through her lie. Twilight should have guessed as much; several millennia of existence came with some degree of being able to gauge a pony and tell what was on their mind, she suspected.

No sense in hiding it, then. “I had a talk with Discord.”

“Discord?” Celestia sat upright in alarm. “How? Are you alright? Did he hurt you?” She began examining Twilight, but the younger mare waved a hoof gently, attempting to assuage her worries.

“I’m fine. It was just the aftermath of a spell he left, something that must have read my memories and then created an image of Discord to harass me in my sleep.”

Celestia scooted closer, giving her a gentle peck on the cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t think to check for something like that.”

“Nopony would have expected something like that. I think that’s the last I’ll ever see of him, thankfully.” Twilight’s gaze fell to her hooves, which were fidgeting with the sheets of their bed now. “It’s just...he brought up some things that have been bothering me for awhile, and some things that I didn’t know about...until now. Things...related to you.”

It became so silent that one could have heard a pin drop from outside their chamber door. Celestia licked her lips anxiously, her voice sounding like a whisper now. “Like...what kind of things?”

“Well, for starters? He mentioned that you two had been in a relationship.”

Twilight watched Celestia for a reaction. The Sun Princess’s ears slowly flattened, her eyes lowering in something akin to shame. “Yes, we were in a relationship. Almost thirty years together. Then he just...changed.”

“How?”

“Discord used to only want to have fun, make the world less dull and predictable. He would alter things a bit, but he never meant any harm by it. Normally he’d set things back to normal when he had his fill, too. One day he thought it would be fun to make the clouds rain pea soup over a small earth pony village that was struggling to survive. The water that pegasi had sent their way became, thick, green, soupy paste, and ruined most of their crops.” Celestia shook her head slowly. “He thought it was hilarious, but when I saw the starving foals, I...it just felt wrong.”

“What did you do?”

“I told Discord to stop, and fix the damage he caused. He thought I was being a stick in the mud, and didn’t stop. Eventually I confronted him, and demanded he end the Chaos, telling him that the ponies needed the food to survive.”

“And...?”

“Discord...I don’t know what happened to him, but he just laughed carelessly and said that was their own fault for not finding more creative methods to growing food,” Celestia whispered, her eyes remaining lowered. “We exchanged some harsh words. I do remember fixing the damage he created. I don’t remember how, but I did. That got his attention.” She shook her head slowly, her expression becoming painstricken. “He asked what my problem was, and I told him that abusing power like that wasn’t right, no matter who you are.” She let out a long breath as she slumped her head back onto her pillow. “He said that I changed, and that if I wanted to play the self-righteous card on him, he had better things to do. The last thing I said to him was something like ‘This isn’t like you’. He replied by saying that I was being the hypocrite.”

The room remained quiet for several long minutes. Twilight felt Celestia as she fidgeted under the covers of their bed, trying to get comfortable. Neither met each other’s gaze.

“I should have told you girls sooner about him.”

“Yes...you should have,” Twilight agreed, keeping her tone neither angry nor sympathetic.

“I’m sorry, Twilight. I was trying to protect you and the girls, and l thought that Luna and I could keep you all safe from Discord. I...just for once, I wanted to do the protecting instead of the other way around.” Celestia let out a shaky breath. “I...I was so terrified and angry when I found out Discord defeated you. I thought you were-”

Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Celestia, fighting back her own tears now. “It’s okay, Celestia. Live and learn, right?’

Celestia sniffled a bit before laughing. “Thank you, Twilight.” She nuzzled Twilight lovingly. “You’re too good for me sometimes.”

“I could say the same,” Twilight replied, pecking Celestia on the cheek. She returned her head to the crook between Celestia’s neck and shoulder and sighed contently. “So...do you mind if I ask how many relationships you’ve been in?”

Celestia chuckled weakly. “Jealous?”

“A little...”

“Well...let me think...” She closed her eyes, her mouth moving a bit as she whispered something unintelligible to herself, pausing every so often and cocking her head to the side. Her brow knitted a little as she continued this for what must have been at least two minutes. When she opened her eyes again, they had a far-off look to them. “I have been with twenty-three mares and stallions, two minotaur bulls, six griffons–one was a hen that later became the High Queen of the Griffon Kingdoms for forty-two years–ten donkey mares and stallions, a dragoness that is, as far as I know, living somewhere in the Capricorn Tropics, and one draconequus...” Her cheeks had become flushed as she turned to Twilight. “...and a beautiful alicorn that continues to amaze me every day...”

Twilight, while flattered by the complement, felt her heart sink a bit. “That’s...forty-three all together...”

“Yes, mind you that wasn’t in any chronological order. Discord was my first love, but...that’s several thousands of years worth of time I just covered.”

“You remember every one of them?”

“Absolutely. Some better than others, but a part of me will forever care for them, even...even him, despite how much he hurt me.”

“I’m not like all of them, though. I mean...I’ll be around for all time. What if thing don’t work out between-?”

Celestia placed a gentle hoof on Twilight’s lips. “I realize there’s a chance that this might not work out between us. Even so, I’m willing to take that risk. All clichés aside, you make me feel young again, Twilight.”

“But...you’re ageless. All eight of us are.”

“Yes, but I still have the mentality of an eons-old pony.” Celestia just smiled warmly as Twilight gave her an inquisitive look. “Twilight, you are special to me. You always have been. I was so scared to be anything more to you than a mentor and teacher because I was afraid it would destroy what you and I already had to start with.”

“I...I felt the same...” Twilight’s voice whispered.

“Still, I feel that it was worth it. You are a wonderful marefriend, and an enthusiastic lover.” Twilight’s cheeks reddened considerably. “Twilight, don’t think for a second that my past relations cheapen what we have right now.” She placed a hoof gently beneath the younger mare’s chin and tilted it towards her. “I love you.”

By the stars did Twilight feel foolish. This was Celestia. The mare saw things differently than other ponies; she had to. Living long enough to watch societies rise up and fall, watch great figures be born and die, and see the land itself change with the flow of time had that kind of effect on a pony.

“What...what if that changes, though?”

“Then it will change. Hearts change over time, but for the time we do share, I want to make it count.”

Twilight gave no verbal reply. Instead, she simply leaned in, meeting Celestia in a loving kiss. It was short, sweet, and conveyed more meaning than words could hope to achieve. Twilight felt her heart thumping in her chest, the same way it always did whenever she and Celestia shared moments like these.

“Although...” Celestia added slowly. “I wouldn’t mind spending the rest of my days with you.” She winked. “Just for the record.”

Twilight giggled. “Lucky me, then.”

The two lay there for a long time after that, the only sounds heard being their breathing and the soft ticking of the clock.

“Tomorrow, I’m going to make a big breakfast to celebrate Shining Armor and Cadance’s news.” Twilight murmured softly. “Then I’m going to tell Shining how proud I am of him, then tell Cadance how happy I am that she’s going to be my sister.”

“I’m sure that will mean a lot to them,” Celestia said softly, trying to mask a tired yawn.

“Then I’m going to exploit any loopholes I can so we can continue sending aid to the other towns and cities in Equestria without the bureaucrats being able to call foul on me.”

“Careful now, I don’t want to go too overboard.”

“Mm, maybe you’re just intimidated by my skills as a princess with the ability to multitask,” Twilight hummed softly as she snuggled up to Celestia.

“Oh? Do I sense a hint of arrogance in that tone of yours, Ms. Sparkle?” Celestia chuckled.

“Nope, it’s confidence. Before you know it, I’ll be doing your work better than you did,,” Twilight countered playfully as she closed her eyes.

“Fair enough. More free time for me to work on my oil paintings.”

“Twiley, thanks again for that breakfast. It’s been ages since I’ve eaten buckwheat pancakes.”

Twilight was putting a stack of cleaned silverware and dishes into the cabinets of the castle kitchen. Cadance and Shining had insisted on helping her as payment for the wonderful home-cooked meal. Well, as home-cooked as one could get living in a castle, anyway.

“It’s no problem, Shining. Pancakes are about the only thing I can make on a frying pan for breakfast,”

“You can say that again,” rang the voice of Spike, who walked in with his own dirty plate. “The last time I let you make scrambled eggs, they turned to ashes.”

“Oh come on, Spike. They couldn’t have been that bad,” laughed Shining Armor.

Spike gave the stallion a deadpan look. “I have pictures.”

“Ahem, anyway, now that breakfast is done...I was hoping I could talk you two about something Celestia informed me. Something relating to you two...and a certain spell.”

Cadance and Shining flinched at the word spell, but gave nods.

“I suppose we owe you that much...” Cadance said sheepishly. “We were going to tell you.”

“We just didn’t want to create a ruckus. Not even Mom or Dad know about it, Twilight,” Shining added. “I’m sure you can imagine how they’d react.”

“About the same way I would if I didn’t find out beforehand,” Twilight sighed. “I just...I just want you to know that whatever the choice you make, I support it. Fully.”

For a moment Cadance and Shining said nothing, expressions a mixture of surprise and confusion crossing their faces.

“Y-you do?”

Twilight nodded.

Cadance couldn’t help but sniffle as her eyes began to tear up. A soft smile crossed her lips. “Oh, Twilight...that...that means more than you can imagine.” The mare soon had her forelegs wrapped around Twilight in an earnest hug. “We were worried you’d be upset.”

“That’s not a bad guess,” Twilight admitted. “When Celestia told me, I was...well, I was shocked, and then I started worrying...but I also realized that it’s your choice. Not mine, or anyone else’s.”

Spike looked between the three and frowned. “Am I missing something?”

“Don’t worry about it, Spike. Just a bunch of grown-ups worrying about silly things,” Twilight replied, giving Cadance and Shining a smile.

“Oh. Nevermind then,” Spike said, clearly uninterested in further discussion. He placed his plate on the counter and headed out of the kitchen.

“Spike?”

The dragon paused at Twilight’s voice. “Yeah?”

“I haven’t gotten to grading Sweetie’s and your tests yet, but I was wondering if you wanted to keep doing those lessons with me.”

The dragon eyes lit up with excitement as a grin crossed his lips. “Yeah, I’d love that! It’s so cool, all those stories about the dragons in the old days! Oh, I should tell Sweetie Belle and ask her if she wants to keep studying. I mean...she can still study with me, right?”

“Of course she can, Spike.”

“Awesome! Thanks for the breakfast, Twilight!” He made his way towards the exit. “Bye, Cadance, bye Shining!”

Cadance giggled as Spike left the kitchen. “He’s still as adorable as I remember him.”

“Better not say that too loudly. He’ll use that to his advantage if you let him,” Twilight chuckled.

“Twilight,” Shining began, his gaze falling to the floor. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about our idea from the start. I...I shouldn’t have doubted you so easily. You’re my little sister, after all.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Twilight walked up to the stallion and gave him a nuzzle. “Just promise to let me spoil any foals you two have.”

The blushes that crossed engaged couple’s faces were snapshot-worthy. Cadance’s face scrunched up as she looked away, and Shining’s eyes became distant and blank.

Twilight grinned innocently as she walked by. “Be sure to give me your wedding vows when you’re done writing them, otherwise I’ll just go with the traditional ones. I’ll be in my study if you need me.”

There expressions remained unchanged.

As she left the kitchen, she chuckled to herself. “Nicely done, Twilight.”

“Trixie, you said you had some papers from the University of Manehatten for me to look over?”

“Ah, yes!” Trixie’s head popped up from a pile of books, a cloud of dust lifting into the air as she did so. “Here are the papers, and a list of dates when you’re available to visit Manehatten.”

“Wow, you’re on top of things,” Twilight laughed.

“Well, Trixie is just doing her part as your advisor, that’s all,” the unicorn mare replied with a proud smile. “Spike mentioned that you get addle-brained if you don’t have things organized.”

“Ah,” Twilight replied flatly. “Well, he is a great assistant. You can’t go wrong learning from him, I suppose.”

“Yes, he is an admirable little dragon, even if he can be snarky at times.” Trixie lifted up a stack of books, coughing as breathed in a the fine clouds of dust. “May I-ack, ask wh-hack-why you wanted so many outdated books? Most of these probably haven’t been touched since before the foundation of Fillydelphia, if not before that time.”

“I’m looking for information on the changelings. Pseudus has been more than open to me about her people, but I want to learn more from other accounts. I want to see if there’s anything I should know culturally about them.”

“Why not just ask Pseudus?” Trixie asked as she brought a few more books before Twilight. “You just said she’s open to discussion on the subject.”

“I don’t want to grate on her nerves with a hundred questions,” Twilight answered as she studied one of the books Trixie set before her. “She’s patient, but I know she wants to do more than just play twenty questions with me all day. Besides, I’ve always enjoyed doing my own research.”

“Mm, either way, Trixie hasn’t found much on the changelings herself. They can perform basic magic spells like levitation and such, but nothing too advanced like unicorn magic.”

“That’s what Pseudus told me as well. Judging from my notes and what I’ve read so far, I’m starting to think there was a case of convergent evolution in regards to their wings and horns.”

“Hm, you could be onto something.” The unicorn produced a stack of papers littered with her own notes and studied them. “They’re not really mammals, but they’re not like reptiles or amphibians, either. Aside from looks, they share no real connection with insects.” She sighed. “They’re a very interesting race.”

“I agree. If anything, they could just be the sole species of a given lineage.” Twilight’s eyes widened, and she began to write on a paper. “Oh, that’d be a good question for Chrysalis...”

“You’re certain this Queen Chrysalis can answer all your questions?”

“I don’t expect her to, but I’m sure if she’s as old as Celestia says, then she’s bound to have learned more than most about her race’s origin.”

“Who’s to say she didn’t start the changeling race? Didn’t Pseudus mention she has children of her own every so often?”

“Yes, and if that’s the case, fine.” Twilight looked over a book, frowned, and closed it. “Is this really all we have for research material on changelings?”

“Sadly, yes. I had some of the archives’ interns help, but we could only find so much related writings on changelings.”

The alicorn slumped a bit. “Well, I’m not seeing anything new here. They can change form, feed on love, and live in branching communities that are, from what Pseudus told us, tied to a single city.” She shook her head. “Celestia really did a good job of keeping their existence a secret.”

Trixie frowned. “Hopefully we won’t have to repeat that.”

“I sure hope not. Chrysalis was rather polite about it, but she clearly was asking for our help. I think she’s running low on options for her subjects.”

“How can you run out of love?” Trixie pondered. “It makes no sense; it’s not like a resource that can be burned up or shred apart. It’s...it’s an emotion, for pony’s sake. It makes no sense.”

“You have to remember that love from changeling to changeling isn’t as supplemental as love from a creature like a pony or a griffon,” Twilight explained. “It’d be like living off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for months; you’d become malnourished.” Twilight tapped her chin. “I wonder how love tastes...”

“Probably like something sweet.”

“It varies,” came a new voice. “Lust, for instance, which is a sort of emotion often tied to love, can be intoxicatingly sweet, like a wine or a fine ale. Admiration, on the other hoof, is said to taste from anything ranging to salty-sweet, sweet and sour, or spicy. A lot of it has to do with the recipient of the emotion.”

The two mares looked towards the doorway of Twilight’s study. “Oh, Ambassador! I’m sorry, we didn’t...oh...right. Heh, you forgot we can’t sense you...changeling empathy...”

Pseudus gave an apologetic smile. “I’ll try and improve on making myself known, Princess Twilight.” She frowned. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“No, not at all,” Twilight ushered for her to enter. “Trixie and I were just doing some extracurricular research about your race...and finding that Equestria knows little aside from the basic stuff.”

“As to be expected,” the changeling nodded. “You’ll have to forgive me, but I come bearing important news from Princess Pinkie Pie.”

“Pinkie Pie?” Trixie echoed. “Oh no, is she throwing me that ‘You Became Twilight’s First Royal Advisor’ Party? She promised she wouldn’t...”

“Um...” Pseudus fidgeted a bit. “No.”

“Then what does she need?”

“She needs your help.”

“With what?” Twilight inquired with trepidation.

“I can’t say. I Pinkie Promised not to. Just...come with me. She said this favor was, and I quote, ‘Super-Duper Secretly Secret’.” Pseudus cleared her throat. “I...she believes that you, Trixie, and I can help her, though.”

“Ugh, fine. I swear, though, if this is another one of her silly little pranks...” Twilight set down the book before her and looked to Trixie. “Alright, let’s go see what’s so darn important. I’m sure it’s nothing, though.”

With that, the three left Twilight’s study, intent on finding out exactly what the peculiar pink pony princess wanted.

It wouldn’t be until later that Twilight Sparkle would realize how wrong she was...

End of Chapter Twelve

Next Up: She’s always been something of an enigma, even to her friends. This is not to say she can’t be understood; she loves making others happy and celebrating anything and everything worth celebrating. Even so, there is a deeper part to the Princess of Hope, Emotions, and Laughter. A part that is the very reason she was chosen to bear the Element of Laughter, and to help lead Equestria. Pinkie Pie is more than just a party pony, and while her friends may not always understand her, they realize this.

Author's Notes:

A/N:I. Am. So. Sorry.

Seriously, I knew I’d be a while on this chapter, but...I didn’t anticipate this much time between updates with Duties. Either way, here it is. I suppose my other stories are partially to blame (not that I regret writing them). When I want to write something, I tend to focus on it. Still, no, this isn’t abandoned, it just got stuck in a rut on a gravel road and I had to wait for my muse to come by with an ATV and chain to pull me out. I hope you enjoyed this. There’s still more to come, of course. Keep those eyes peeled!