THE TEACHER, THE SORCERESS, AND THE WONDERBOLT

Chapter 8: A Royal Visit

As she made her way back to Ponyville, Spitfire was beginning to have doubts about reading Twilight's diary. Granted, it had renewed her hope for a chance at the fey mare, but the enormity of her invasion of privacy left her feeling guilty. At heart, she was an honest pony, and under normal circumstances, would never have dreamed about doing something so presumptuous. Have I let my desires get the better of me?

She bit her lip as she considered the matter. She had been flying now for almost a half hour, and finally had Ponyville in sight. Thanks to the special saddlebags, the load of books felt light as a feather to her, making the journey that much easier. She was so absorbed in her own thoughts, that it took several tries for the pegasus flying next to her to get her attention.

“MISS SPITFIRE!”

The Wonderbolt tumbled end over end several times before she was able to catch herself. She shook her head to clear it of the dizziness, and looked for the pony that had interrupted her thoughts. She wasn't hard to spot.

“Um, sorry about shouting at you, but I ah, had been calling your name for um, a while now,” Fluttershy trailed off. She was breathing hard, and her knees looked very wobbly as she settled onto a cloud.

“Fluttershy?” She looked around, noting that they were still miles from Ponyville. “What are you doing all the way out here, hon?”

The pegasus in question didn't answer right away, instead dug at the cloud with a forehoof nervously. “I-” she timorously began, “um, I was kinda hoping that you and mumble mumble mumble.”

Spitfire settled onto the cloud next to her and tilted her head towards her. “I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that. What did you say?”

The timid mare felt like just getting her attention had used up all her courage, so when she answered, her volume went even lower. “I was hoping mumble mumble mumble mumble mumble.”

The Wonderbolt pulled her head back and arched an eyebrow. “What? Sweetie, you're gonna have to speak up if you expect me to hear you.”

This seemed to have the opposite of the intended effect, causing her to duck down and squeak out an entirely unintelligible response.

“Look sweetie, I really don't have time to waste. I need to get back to Twilight before the Princesses do. They're coming for a visit, and I need to be there if they're going to take me seriously.” She took to her wings, but was stopped from leaving by a very surprising shout from the yellow mare.

“Wait!” Fluttershy looked like she was about to cry, but soldiered on. “Would you and Twilight like to come help me relocate a sphinx cub in the Everfree forest tomorrow?” she practically shouted.

Spitfire was so taken by surprise that she almost forgot to keep flapping to stay aloft. “S- sphinx cub? Where in Equestria did you get a hold of a sphinx cub?” She felt like she was back with the Princesses with the way her mouth was left hanging open again.

The pink-maned pegasus looked awkward and shuffled her hoof again. “Um, she sort of got separated from her mother when she was relocating her lair. I would really like it if Twilight was there to keep her occupied. She's constantly asking me questions that I don't know the answers to, which makes her the teeniest bit upset. Plus, the Everfree forest isn't the sort of place a pony should wander around alone.”

Settling back down on the cloud, Spitfire considered for a moment. Well if we could somehow ditch those other two pests, it would make for a possibly enjoyable day. However... “Uh, Fluttershy? Does it have to be tomorrow?”

Taken aback, Fluttershy asked, “Why is that? That is, if you don't mind my asking.”

“Well, it's just that Twilight has a class tomorrow afternoon, and we may not be able to finish that before she needs to be there,” she answered. “How long do you think it would take to deliver this cub?”

Fluttershy looked dejected for a moment. “Well, I suppose with Twilight's help, we could have it done before lunch, but we'd have to start extra, extra early.”

Spitfire considered this for a moment. “Well, if Twilight says yes, then I don't see why not. You'd have to ask her for her help though. I can't speak for her.”

Elated, Fluttershy looked her in the eyes for the first time. “Let's go ask her now!” Then without waiting for a reply, she flew down to Ponyville with surprising speed, leaving the other mare to catch up.

As they came in for a landing in front of the library, they noticed a pair of white unicorns guarding the front door, and Spitfire mentally berated herself for forgetting that the Princesses can teleport. The mares landed in the street and walked up to them, a worried Spitfire leading the suddenly reluctant Fluttershy. As they approached, the guards saluted them. “Good afternoon, Captain Spitfire. You're expected inside.” He nodded again to the yellow mare behind her. “Miss Fluttershy.”

Spitfire nodded in return. “Sergeant.” The guard's horn glowed, opening the door for them. The Wonderbolt walked in without breaking stride, a very nervous Fluttershy in tow. The first thing they noticed was the exceptionally large, white alicorn standing in the middle of the room, talking to Twilight and Trixie.

Celestia turned towards the newcomers with a mischievous smile. “Ah, Captain Spitfire! So glad you could make it. Trixie was just regaling us with her exploits after she left Ponyville.” Trixie for her part, looked extremely nervous, even trembling in the monarch's presence. “Perhaps you'd like to entertain Twilight with tales of your own derring-do? While I myself may have heard them, I do believe that she would be a fresh audience.”

Before anything further could be said, the door opened again and Luna walked in, leading a bewildered Cheerilee. “Sister! Behold whom we found on our way back from a fruitless trip to friend Fluttershy's home. Yon young mare is claiming temporary residence with thine favored pupil.” She finally spotted the aforementioned pegasus, and a broad smile appeared on her face. “Fluttershy, my dear, dear friend!” She galloped up and gathered her up in a crushing hug.

Fluttershy lost herself in the embrace, returning it with equal emotion if not vigor. A forgotten Cheerilee walked over to Celestia and bowed. “Your Royal Highness. It's a pleasure to see you again.”

“So you're Cheerilee. Twilight's told us so much about you as well.” Celestia tilted her head as if struck by a sudden thought. “I thought you lived here in Ponyville. May I ask why you are staying with Twilight?”

Cheerilee had the grace to look chagrined. “I presume that Twilight had informed you of the working sleepover she had hosted the other day, Ma'am?” A nod from the alicorn confirmed her suspicions. “Well we had such a delightful time, and after that, rattling around alone in my home seemed like such a bleak prospect, that I asked her if we could extend the sleepover a bit longer.”

Celestia nodded in sympathy. “I can certainly understand how large a home can be after spending so much time with good and lively company.” She arched an eyebrow at her as she asked, “I presume that Twilight has the same offer once she no longer has guests to look after?”

The mulberry mare nodded vigorously. “Oh, yes! Twilight has a standing offer to stay over whenever she likes!”

“I do?” the mare in question asked.

Cheerilee looked hurt. “Don't you remember? A few months ago, you helped me grade all those end of the year tests? We got to drinking a bit too much, and you were too wobbly to make it back home, so I let you stay, and I told you that you're always welcome at my home?”

Twilight blushed and shook her head. “To be perfectly honest, Cheerilee, I had so much wine that night, I've forgotten much of it after the third glass. But now that I know that, I'd be happy to stay over at your place once things here calm down,” she said happily.

Trixie looked upset at this news and was about to say something, but Celestia beat her to it. “Getting my student drunk on wine? I hope you're not looking to take advantage of her?” she said with a gentle smile.

Twilight looked confused, but Cheerilee was aghast. “I-I-I-I'd never! I respect Twilight far too much for that, Your Highness!” Inwardly, she was panicking. Does the Princess know what had happened that night? True, I got her drunk on purpose, but I really didn't do anything! She thought back to that night again as she had so many times before.

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Cheerilee brought in the mare on her back, bumping the unicorn's poor head on the door frame because of her own wobble. With a minimum of back-steps, she came up even with the bed. “Gud th'ng I turned down th' covers a'ready. Nut shure I cud do it like this.” She giggled at what she said. “Do it. Hee hee hee. I wish!”

The teacher heaved her back, tilting it towards the bed, dumping her precious cargo mostly onto it. She then took a moment to steady herself and wait for the world to stop spinning quite so much. That accomplished, she rolled her friend onto her back, leaving one foreleg crossed over her chest.

Cheerilee looked down onto the lightly snoring mare, a line of drool already forming at the corner of her mouth. She took in her subtle, yet feminine curves. Twilight would never be runway material, but there was no denying that there was a certain kind of attractiveness about her. An artless innocent air she exuded that the teacher just found adorable.

Unknown to the mulberry mare, tears came unbidden to her eyes. “Dammit, Twi. Why d'you have to be so unb'liev'bly bootiful?” Sitting down beside the bed, she put her forelegs up on the edge and rested her head on her hooves. Her green eyes drank in the sight before her. Sighing, she brushed an errant hair from Twilight's mane out of her face. “Yur just so 'mazin'. I knew y'were somethin' speshal when I firs' saw you, but when you saved us from the Ursa single-hoofedly, I... I guess thas when I knew that yur the one fur me.”

Cheerilee took Twilight's hoof in her own, caressing it. “I nevah tol' you this, but when it attacked, the Ursa that is, anyways, when it attacked, I thought fur shur we'd be kilt. Nuhpony in town cud stand up t'it. An' then here you come, wavin' yur magic aroun' an' sent it 'way, just as easy-peasy as you please-y. Th' other things with Nigh'mare Moon n' Discord, n' that thing at yur brother's weddin' were scary an' all, bu' the Ursa was jus' more... I dunno. Pers'nal? Nevah thanked you fur any a'tha', either.” She stood up again on unsteady hooves, looking down at the sleeping mare.

The drunk teacher bent over her, lips zeroing in to steal a kiss. The closer she got, the faster her heart beat. Perspiration beaded on her face, and the blush on her face was less the result of alcohol, than it was the thought of all the things she wanted to do with the object of her affections. Their lips were less than an inch apart, Cheerilee's trembling with anticipation. “Cheer'lee mumble muh gud fren'...”

Cheerilee froze as the words suddenly assailed her with guilt. Tears renewed their flow, but this time not just from frustration, but also shame. Swallowing her pain, she kissed the lavender mare's hoof. “G'night my love,” she said and turned around, heading for the couch which would serve as her bed tonight.

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A clap of hooves in front of her face, brought Cheerilee out of her reverie. She gave her head a shake, and focused on the Princess in front of her. “I'm sorry, what was that, Ma'am?”

“Are you alright? You kind of blanked out on us for a moment there.” The genuine concern for the mare was evident in Celestia's voice.

Cheerilee blushed at her solicitude. “Oh! My sincerest apologies, Ma'am. I tend to zone out now and again when I have something on my mind. I have ever since I was a filly. It's nothing to worry about,” she reassured Celestia.

Twilight walked up and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Are you certain, Cheerilee? I'm not as good as the Princess here, but I could cast a diagnostic spell on you, just to make sure.”

The teacher smiled at her. “I'm sure, Twilight. I've been checked out before. It's just a personality quirk, that's all.”

The librarian looked a little disappointed at this. “Oh. Okay, if you're sure.”

With an amused sigh, she said, “Alright, if it means that much to you, you can cast it on me later.”

A twinkle returned to Twilight's eyes and she nodded. Celestia and Cheerilee laughed while Trixie looked like she was ready to explode.

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Spitfire stood next to a beaming Fluttershy, looking a little shell-shocked. “So... you two are... friends as well?” she asked in bewilderment.

“Verily, we hath called dear Fluttershy friend e'er since last Nightmare Night,” Luna replied. “She helped us to see that our Royal Canterlot Voice was conducive to naught, save frightening ponies.”

“So we have you to thank for saving everypony's ears in court?” Spitfire grinned at the timid pegasus.

Luna draped a hoof over Fluttershy's withers. “Sooth! Were it not for Twilight's introduction, and our dear Fluttershy's advice, methinks that all of Canterlot wouldst be deaf erelong.” Fluttershy just blushed and hid herself behind a curtain of mane.

Looking over at Twilight, Spitfire pointedly asked, “Speaking of Twilight, didn't you have a question for her, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy perked up. “Oh! I almost forgot.” She looked up at Luna beseechingly. “Please excuse me, Luna. This won't take a moment. That is, if it's alright with you?”

“In thine own time, Fluttershy,” Luna replied, and watched her trot off to her friend. She then turned to the Wonderbolt standing next to her. “So, didst thou find any good reading in the Royal Library?”

Spitfire's smile was replaced by a look of guilty confusion. “I did, but I'm having second thoughts on whether or not I should have read it. The things written within it were... extremely personal.” She looked up at the Moon Princess in askance. “May I ask why you gave me this along with the idea to read it?”

Luna sighed, looking downcast. “Alack, it bore the countenance of a goodly prank, whilst simultaneously aiding Twilight's romantic prospects. 'Twas never our intention to cause anypony strife.” She closed her eyes in remorse and looked away. “Soothly, we are a most ruthful creature, and beg thine forgiveness. We wouldst even tell Twilight that we are solely at fault and none of the blame should land on thy shoulders.”

A hoof on hers brought Luna's attention to Spitfire's face. “Thank you, Your Highness, but that won't be necessary. I'll tell Twilight about it myself. There's no need to ruin two friendships out of this.” She heaved a deep sigh. “Besides, I was the one who willingly read it. It's not like you twisted my hoof to do it.”

“Thou art a goodly friend of the first order, Captain. Thou hast our thanks.” She smiled tremulously at the smaller pegasus. “Mayhap Twilight wouldst be so generous with her largess as to forgive twain foals?”

“We can hope, Ma'am.”

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“So what are your plans for tonight, Princess?” Twilight looked up at the white alicorn. Excitement danced in her eyes as she thought of the pre-school errand she would be discharging with Fluttershy tomorrow.

Celestia smiled down at her faithful student. “We had hoped to stay here tonight and leave tomorrow afternoon, but it appears as if your home is already packed to the rafters.”

Twilight's smile turned into a grin. “Nonsense, Princess! Spike has already moved into his new room, and my room has a nice spread on the lower level. Plenty of room for everypony there. Especially since we're all mares.”

The Princess was taken aback at the news. “I would be delighted to stay here tonight, but what's this about Spike having his own room?”

“He just finished moving into it this morning!” she beamed. “I was using that storage room for books I took out of rotation and to store the parts for Trixie's wagon, but with all that moved out, he finally has the personal space he's been bugging me about for years now.”

“That's quite a big step for him. Is that where he is now?” Celestia asked.

Twilight shook her head with a wry grin. “Actually, he's out picking up some bedding that Rarity put together for him. He should be back soon.”

As if on cue, a mound of blankets, sheets, pillows, and a pegasus down duvet waddled in, presumably with a dragon somewhere underneath. “Hey, Twilight! What's going on? Why are there guards on the front door?” Spike's head popped out of the side of the pile. “Oh! Hello Princess.” He spotted the other alicorn, and added, “Princesses.”

“Congratulations, Spike. We just heard the good news.” Celestia came up and levitated the bedding out of his claws. “Let me give you a hoof with that. I'm also curious to see your new room myself.”

Predictably excited to show off his newest possession, Spike quickly led her upstairs. “Right this way, Princess! Wait'll you see it! Twilight's the best ever. Even gave me a new bed and everything!”

As the two of them went upstairs, Luna came over to her hostess. “If it is agreeable with you Twilight, we wouldst like to spend the night at dear Fluttershy's home. As cozy as t'would be to sleep here with everypony else, we fear it wouldst certs be too crowded with two alicorns.”

Twilight nuzzled up to the dusky alicorn. “No worries, Luna. Besides, I'll see you tomorrow, right?”

Luna smiled at her friend. “Verily.”

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Celestia smiled down at the lavender mare who snuggled up under her wing as if she were a filly once again. It's been far too long since the last time we enjoyed this much closeness. Memories of past nights, not too long ago by her reckoning, played through her mind as the unicorn relaxing next to her let out a contented sigh.

So happy were they, that they weren't even disturbed by the entrance of the other ponies. Cheerilee quick-stepped over and took the spot on the pallet next to Twilight, much to the annoyance of a certain unicorn and pegasus. With a flap of her wings, Spitfire landed behind Twilight and Celestia, and settled her head onto the purple mare's plush rump, surprised at how comfy the position was. Trixie, clearly stymied, settled for laying her head on Twilight's forelegs and bringing her body around so that the rest of it reclined against Celestia.

The Princess herself couldn't hold back an amused grin at the antics of the three mares vying for her student's attention, who seemed to be incognizant of the competition entirely. Softly, she began humming the simple little song that was so special to her and Twilight. She wrapped her tail around the pegasus behind her as well as the mulberry mare across from her, then brought her head down, resting it on the floor, wrapping Trixie up in her neck and mane. To complete the warm cover against the unseasonable chill in the air, Celestia unfolded her wing, ensconcing all four of them in a rose-scented, downy blanket of warmth. Her humming created a reciprocating rumbling purr from all four, lulling them all to sleep, while she dreamed of nights long past where she did the same for another pony or two.

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Twilight awakened to movement next to her. She opened her eyes and raised her head from the pillow that Trixie had made of herself, bumping into Celestia's great wing overhead. The librarian blearily looked around, noticing Celestia's own raised head, her horn aglow with a golden aura. “Momma?”

A pink hue stained Celestia's cheeks as she looked down at her confused student. “It's okay, Twilight,” she whispered. “I'm just raising the sun for the morning.”

Proper identities seemed to register to the purple mare at last, and she realized the faux pas she had just uttered. “Princess! I'm so sorry. I didn't- I mean I couldn't...”

Celestia nuzzled the panicky unicorn, calming her immediately. “Shhh... It's alright Twilight. It was just a mistake. A very sweet one, but just a mistake. We all make them.”

Cheerilee raised her head from where it rested on Twilight's withers, leaving a small puddle of drool that stained her coat. “Huh? Wha? Time to eat the doughnuts?”

The white alicorn gave a soft chuckle, joined by Twilight. “May as well get up, Miss Cheerilee. Your students await,” Celestia said.

As if in a dream, the teacher stumbled off to get ready for the day. Just inches from hitting the wall for the third day straight, she blindly veered off towards the door. Twilight looked out the window at the lightening sky and sighed. “I suppose the rest of us should get up as well. Fluttershy will be expecting us.”

Celestia chewed on this thought for a moment as Twilight looked up at her in confusion. “Twilight, would you mind if Trixie and I stayed behind? There's something I'd like to discuss with her, alone.”

Twilight nodded. “Alright, Princess. I'll see you at the school then?” At the alicorn's nod, she turned to the sleeping pegasus and wriggled her rump. “Spitfire,” she hissed. “Wake up. Time to get to Fluttershy's place.”

Spitfire, still deep asleep, snuggled into the unicorn rear end, and began licking it against the lay of the fur. Twilight tried to hold in her giggles, but was having a poor time of it. “Hee hee, Spitfire! Stop that! That- hee hee that tickles!” The yellow pegasus did indeed stop licking, but only so she could nibble on the round flanks. “Spitfire!” Twilight hissed loudly and flicked her tail at the mare's face, waking her instantly.

“What? Where's the fire?” Spitfire startled awake, looking around for her assailant. She looked over at a slightly annoyed and thoroughly embarrassed Twilight, the fur on her flank sticking up in all directions. Then she noticed Celestia hiding her mouth behind her wingtip, her chest heaving with stifled laughter.

Twilight sighed as she magically lifted Trixie's head and with practiced ease, wriggled out from under her. “Come on, Licky McNibblelot,” she whispered. “I think you've embarrassed me in front of the Princess enough for one morning.” The unicorn stood and stretched her cramped legs. “We'll leave you some breakfast on the stove, Princess.”

Celestia just nodded and made shooing motions with her wing, ushering them out. As she laid her head down over the unicorn below her again, she distinctly heard a gravelly voice say, “What happened to your flank, Twilight?”

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Fluttershy perked her ears as she stood on the frost covered grass. Yes, she definitely heard a pair of voices approaching her house and felt her heart skip a beat. At last, she would see her plan put into action!

Two ponies crested the hill, instantly recognizable to her. Twilight and Spitfire were trotting down the road amiably, both wearing scarves to ward off the chilly morning fall air. “I swear to you Twilight, I was dreaming about eating a hot cross bun! I had no idea I was doing... that!”

“Well, this is one bun you can cross off your hot list,” Twilight replied with mock gravity.

“Um, what's this about buns? Did you want something for breakfast before we start? Fluttershy asked timidly as they approached.

“It's alright Fluttershy. We ate before coming here,” Twilight answered. She began to look around curiously. “So where is the little tyke? I've never seen a sphinx before, cub or adult.”

Fluttershy looked back towards her house. “Oh, um, she's inside with Luna where it's warm. Don't want her catching a cold, do we?”

Twilight nodded sagely. “I suppose not. What's her name, anyway?”

The shy pegasus led them to her home. “She goes by the name Nyx. You'll see why in a moment.” She looked back at Twilight. “I hope you're ready for lots of questions. I think 'why' must be her favorite word.”

Twilight laughed lightly. “Well, I guess we're about to find out if I have what it takes to teach a student like me. The Princess used to say I was just like that when I was a filly.”

Spitfire smiled broadly, imagining a tiny version of the erudite mare, annoying the Princess with a stream of questions. The trio reached the front door, and Fluttershy let them in. Sitting on Fluttershy's couch, was Luna, looking rather tired.

On the floor in front of her, was Nyx, the ashen-coated cub batting around a ball of pink yarn. The cub was a little larger than Rarity's cat, Opal, but there was no mistaking the human head, nor the jet black falcon-like wings, which sparkled in the sun as if one were looking at the night sky. Both looked up at the ponies' entrance, and Nyx came running up to them. She put her forepaws up on Fluttershy's leg and rubbed her cheek against her. The two newcomers noticed that she was wearing a sort of loose fitting button up shirt that left her wings free to move.

Fluttershy nuzzled the cub back, and introduced her to her friends. “Nyx, this is Spitfire and-”

“Magic!” The sphinx ran over to the unicorn and walked around in circles as if inspecting her. She stopped when she came in front of Twilight again and sat down. “You're the Element of Magic!” she beamed.

Twilight looked to Fluttershy who looked confused, and then to Luna who looked amused. “Well, I bear the Element of Magic, but-”

Nyx shook her head sadly. “No, no, no. You're the Element of Magic! I read all about you in my mommy's library, and mommy's library is always right.” She looked over at Fluttershy. “I thought you said she was smart?”

Luna's laughter cut through the stunned silence. “Verily, there is a vast difference between unintelligent and uninformed, Nyx.”

Nyx's eyes went wide and she clapped a paw over her mouth like she had just said something incredibly rude. She looked up at Twilight again. “I'm sorry! I didn't mean to tell you something you're supposed to find out on your own! Mommy says that it's very rude to do that. Please don't tell her! I'll be good, promise!”

Confused, Twilight smiled and patted her on the shoulder. “I promise. She doesn't have to know you gave me a hint or anything.”

The little cub breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Magic.” She brightened at a sudden thought. “I know! How about I tell you a riddle in return?”

Twilight grinned at her. “I have to warn you, I'm pretty good at riddles.”

Nyx grinned back, then suddenly all indications of mirth disappeared, her eyes glowed purple, her black hair moved about in an unseen breeze, and her tiny voice took on an eerie reverberated quality. “You awake in a room. There are no doors or windows and magic is not functioning. The walls, floor, and ceiling cannot be broken through force. The only objects in the room with you are a table and a mirror. How do you escape?” Nyx returned to normal and grinned up at her again.

Twilight furrowed her brow in thought. “Oooo... a toughie, huh? This is going to require some thought, isn't it?”

Luna smiled and rose from the couch. “Mayhap thou shouldst ruminate as thou walk. As for us, we're passing exhausted from last night, so we'll bid you good day.” She walked upstairs, leaving the three ponies and sphinx to their game.

Author's Notes:

Another chapter, in the can. I hope this “evens out” the competition for some of you claiming that one or another has “gotten too far ahead to be beatable”, or that one has a greater claim to Twilight than another. Again, I just love writing for Luna. It requires more effort to make her speech archaic, it it just so much fun! ^_^ Oh, and for those of you wondering, Nyx is not the character from Past Sins. She's actually a D'n'D character I've played in the past and plan to do so again soon. Sorry this one took so long to get out, my muse was trying to tempt me into writing another story. As for the riddle, I will neither confirm nor deny any answers in the comments. You'll just have to wait until the next chapter comes out. I'm ebil that way. X3