It was a place that, until recently, nopony had laid eyes on for many years. The basement of the Golden Oak Library. In years gone by, this place would have been filled to the brim with all sorts of literature, ready to give out to the public as needed. Sadly, as time goes on, such places become neglected, and like the library itself, the basement of the place had fallen into emptiness and disrepair. However, that all changed when Twilight entered the picture. The library's new carer had seen fit to turn the basement into her own personal workshop, and now it stood as a testament to her goal of continued magical improvement. There were shelves upon shelves of magical tomes, both from her own collection and what she could find in the castle of the two sisters. Many strange and mysterious artefacts from that place had also been put here, contained in specially-made glass containers, lest anypony get too curious about them. There were desks, laden with many notes that had been scrawled on hastily, the clear sign of many late-night study sessions. And lastly, there were wider spaces, cleared away to give the new tenant the area she need to try out her latest spells.

Indeed, this was the kind of personal chamber that any devout pursuer of magical knowledge would have foamed at the mouth to see. But Twilight, at this very moment, was focused on other things. For, in the furthest corner of the basement, she stood there, motionless, looking into a particularly special glass case. There, lying in an open chest within the glass, were the fabled Elements of Harmony, the very tools she and her friends had used to thwart Nightmare Moon and save Equestria. Twilight stared at them with intent, narrowing her eyes as she gazed upon the crown, her own Element. Hmmm...still darker than I remember. I wonder why? Was it because of what I did, changing history? The power felt different that time too. Stronger, more focused. It was strange. I wasn't in the happiest of moods when I used them. Maybe that has something to do with it? Regardless, their power is still great. Trying to mimic their power has benefited me greatly so far. My magical reserves have been growing with every passing day. My friends would probably be worried to learn that I've been using the crown in secret like this. Still...it's for the best.

Turning, she looked upon a nearby open book, which was currently resting upon a desk. Moving to it, Twilight began to use her magic to flip through the pages. A record of known magical artefacts. Gathered from the old castle. And yet...nothing. No record of the Elements or what they could do. Twilight frowned at this. Did Celestia never ask questions about them? Did she never try and understand them beyond their power to seal Discord away? They were the most powerful objects known to ponykind, and she just locked them up, never once wondering about them. How...short-sighted. However, that train of thought was interrupted by a sudden and loud crashing sound from upstairs. Turning, Twilight closed the book before running up the stairs. Bursting through the door, she looked around, trying to see what had caused the noise. When she finally found it, she raised an eyebrow. For there, having tripped over her own luggage, was Trixie.

"Ugh! It'd be so much easier if Trixie could fit her whole caravan in here!"

Twilight rolled her eyes at that.

"Need some help, Trixie?"

The blue unicorn, upon seeing her new teacher, immediately righted herself, brushing off some dust before clearing her throat.

"Um...no. Trixie is fine. But...erm...where will she be sleeping?"

Twilight chuckled at that before turning around, pointing to the staircase beside her.

"There's a spare room upstairs. First door on your right."

Trixie nodded at that before using her magic to levitate her belongings, though with such a heavy bag it was no easy task. Twilight stood aside, letting her student walk by as she made her way up the stairs. However, as she watched her go, she was then distracted by a poking sensation to her right. Looking down, Twilight saw that it was Spike, looking up at her with some concern.

"Twilight? Are you sure it's gonna be okay having her live here? She's not exactly the easiest mare to get along with."

Twilight chuckled at that, patting her assistant on the head.

"Don't worry Spike. She may appear overly self-assured, and a bit of a braggart sometimes, but I guarantee that, with time, she’ll come to be a friend to all of us."

Spike seemed to ease off at that, though he still seemed to have some concerns, which he was not hesitant to voice.

"But...how are you going to be a teacher to her? I mean, no offense, but aren't you a student yourself right now?"

Upon hearing that, Twilight frowned, looking away from her young friend.

"I assure you, Spike, I'm perfectly capable of teaching magic and friendship to somepony else. Besides, I think I've learned enough from her royal highness to perform such a duty without help."

Spike looked at her, clearly taken aback by her words, though Twilight had little difficulty in figuring out why.

"Twilight? Are...are you angry at the Princess? It's just...every time we talk about her, you seem so upset. And back when Luna got free, you seemed like you didn't like Celestia at all."

Twilight let out a sigh as she took in his words. For as long as he's known me, I've done nothing but praise Celestia and talk about how great she is. Nowadays though...things are different. He wouldn't understand if I tried to explain it. Besides...he probably still thinks the world of Celestia. She did raise him for a time after all. Hearing me talk about her like this might be pretty hard for him. Think, Twilight...how to make a child understand. Mulling the matter over, Twilight's expression began to soften, and she looked down at her assistant, gently placing a hoof upon his shoulder.

"Spike...you know how Rarity is always going on about how great Canterlot is?"

As expected when the subject of Rarity came up, Spike smiled and nodded enthusiastically. Smiling, Twilight continued.

"She thinks it's the most wonderful place in all of Equestria. And yet...she's never been there. She's grown up hearing stories of it's beauty, it's prestige, and has built up this image of it as a perfect place. But you and I grew up there. We know it's not perfect."

Her expression became somewhat harsher as she continued to speak.

"Celestia is the same. Ponies from all over Equestria think of her as this perfect, benevolent mare who can do no wrong. But, like Canterlot, if you get close enough...you can start to see the cracks. I used to be like so many others. But now...I guess being away from her after so long has finally given me a new perspective of things."

Spike looked down at the ground, visibly shaken by the way his friend was talking about her once-beloved mentor. Seeing this reaction, Twilight softened again, putting a hoof to the side of his face. Looking up, Spike watched her as she spoke up again.

"Don't misunderstand me, Spike. Celestia has done wonderful things. For one thing, she let me raise you after you were old enough."

Spike smiled and chuckled at that, as did Twilight, before the latter continued.

"And if it wasn't for her teachings, I would be where I am today. I owe her a lot, and for that I will always respect her."

Spike nodded at that, seemingly satisfied at what he'd heard. Smiling, Twilight watched as he began to make his way upstairs, perhaps to help Trixie with her luggage. However, once he was out of sight, her smile faded. Respect her? Yes...I do respect her. But...I don't think I can ever love her. Not after...what happened. Letting out a sigh, Twilight turned, ready to head back into the basement again. However, through the corner of her eye, she noticed something. Turning her head around, she gazed out of the window to get a proper look. With her eyes widening, she bolted for the door, opening it and taking a step outside. She looked upwards, far beyond the borders of Ponyville, to the great mountain that stood beside the town. At it's peak, Twilight saw, even from this distance, that a small wisp of smoke had emerged. Narrowing her eyes, Twilight knew immediately what this meant. So...that overgrown lizard has arrived at last. Celestia will be sending her message soon enough. Thinking on this, a smirk appeared on the young unicorn's face. But this time...it'll go differently. Returning into her home, Twilight ran up the stairs, eventually finding Spike again. As predicted, he was helping Trixie, but turned to his carer when she entered. Although confused at her arrival, he took on a look of understanding as she began to speak.

"Spike...I need you to send a letter."

Dutifully, Spike produced a quill and parchment from a nearby table, and began writing, speaking aloud as he did so.

"Dear Princess..."

"No!"

Spike looked up, surprised at Twilight's interruption. But Twilight cleared her throat a little before carrying on.

"I'm sorry, Spike. But, this letter isn't for the Princess. I need you to send it to the barracks of the royal guard."

Both Spike and Trixie looked at her with shock on their faces, though Twilight merely smiled as she took on a determined expression.

"I think it's time to take on some...family help."