THE TEACHER, THE SORCERESS, AND THE WONDERBOLT

Chapter 7: Dear Diary

With a groan, Spitfire leaned back in her chair and rubbed her eyes with her hooves. She let them fall to the foreleg rests and checked the clock. 1:47. Twelve minutes since the last time she checked. She picked up the cup on her desk where she was sitting in her office and took a long draw from it. The coffee was already cold, and her rump was sore from trying to get her chair back into shape after Soarin' had been sitting in it for the past two days. I swear, I'm going to make him buy me a new chair if I can't get my own groove back in it. I just hope that he gets the message about how tough this job really is. It's not all glory and fillies, after all.

She looked down at the pile of just completed paperwork in amazement. Never before had she gone through so much, so fast. I guess good motivation goes a long way to inducing speed. Don't want those two getting ahead of me any further than they already are. Panic suddenly gripped her heart as she checked the time again. Roadapples! I'm going to be late for my meeting with the Princess!

Spitfire threw the papers into the out basket and dashed out of the office, knocking down two new recruits on her way out. She didn't even bother going to the edge of the clouds, opting instead, to drop right through and catch the nearest updraft after pointing herself southeast towards Canterlot. She poured on the speed, heedless of other pegasi sharing the skies with her.

Today seemed to be a day for record breaking, as she made it to the palace with minutes to spare for her 2:20 appointment. The Wonderbolt took a moment to compose herself, running a hoof through her fiery mane before walking through the doors. The guards saluted her as she passed, recognizing her on sight alone. She made her way through the corridors, until she came to the door leading to the Princess's private gardens, where the monarch awaited.

Spitfire lamented the cold weather moving in, since these monthly meetings would soon be moving indoors for everypony's convenience. The warm sun and the fragrant flora accentuated the tea served, making for a more relaxing environment than the usual spot in the Princess's office. As she rounded the corner, she heard the sound of laughter like the tinkling of silver bells. She stopped when she noticed that the Princess wasn't alone.

Bowing low, the Wonderbolt greeted both of her diarchs, “Good afternoon, Your Royal Highnesses.”

“Ah, Captain Spitfire. Punctual as always. Won't you please join us? We were just discussing an old letter we had received from Twilight a few years back.” Celestia noted the sudden flush that came to the pegasus's face at the mention of her favorite student.

Luna wasn't oblivious to this either. “Aye. Prithee, sit with us. It is a most amusing anecdote.”

She rose from her obeisance and trotted up to the table to the free chair. A stallion rushed up to hold it out for her, and pushed her in once she was properly seated. “Thank you Ma'am. Ma'am,” she said to each in turn.

By this time, the flush had receded a bit to less noticeable levels, but with millennia of experience on their side, it was foal's play to read her. “So, as I was saying,” Celestia began, “poor Twilight sent me a second letter apologizing for, as she put it: 'Giving the impression that our trips to the book fairs meant nothing to her'.” She chuckled again as she continued, “I could just imagine the poor dear, mane in disarray, frantically trying to find the words to reassure me that she cared about the time we spent together. I don't think she has ever sent a more prosaic letter to me.” She put a hoof lightly onto Spitfire's, looking her in the eye. “She has the most adorable facial expressions when she's flustered.”

The blush was back with a vengeance as Spitfire imagined Twilight running around like a miniature tornado, looking up words in a thesaurus because her brain had slipped a gear in a panic. Both alicorns tittered their silver bell laughs, but whether it was at the memory or the pegasus, she couldn't tell.

“We can well imagine, dear sister. Twilight hath such a huge heart, that even a perceived slight on her part to somepony she cares about would be reason enough to 'go to pieces', as t'were,” Luna agreed.

Spitfire looked at the Moon Princess in surprise. “So you've met with her, Ma'am? I wasn't aware that she was still such a fixture around the palace.”

“Oh my, yes. We dare say that Twilight counts us as one among her growing list of friends.” Luna took a sip of tea and continued, “Why, between her freeing us from the Nightmare's clutches, the many times she hath helped us in person for various reasons, and her letters helping us acclimate to modern society, we shan't hesitate to call her, we believe the term is 'best friend'? Yes, that's the one. Twilight Sparkle is quite the remarkable pony. Most extraordinary.” She hid her grin behind another sip of tea.

Celestia took the hoof-off like an expert. “It's always amazed and saddened me that she hasn't found somepony special yet.” Feigning to look downcast was no difficult task for her. She had often worried and despaired Twilight ever beginning this stage of life. “A pony as special as her deserves the happiness that a mate can bring.” She looked into her tea as if contemplating the universe. “Of course, such a mate would have to be exceptional as well.”

“Most assuredly.” Luna picked up on the signal her sister sent her. “Why a pony would have to be not only intelligent, but educated enough to hold up their end of decent conversations with her.”

“And kind. Such a tender heart needs delicate care,” Celestia responded.

“Not to mention a brave soul to stand up to her when she's pointed down the wrong path.”

“Generous with their affection towards her.”

“Faithful to her heart.”

“Patient with her eccentricities.”

“Know their way around a mare's body.”

“But most of all...”

“Love her body, mind, and soul,” They finished in unison. They took a sip of their tea together, as if they were reflections of one another.

Spitfire was reeling from this one-two combination the Princesses had been throwing at her. With a trembling hoof, she lifted her own teacup to her mouth for the first time. The warm peppermint tea soothed her nerves a bit, putting her in a calmer state.

Luna waited until the pegasus was deeply drinking her tea when she said, “Speaking of Twilight sister, we heard the most curious rumor this morning. Is it true that she hath several ponies living with her now?” Of course, she had heard the tale, but not from the staff as she claimed, but in a letter from Fluttershy, with whom she had kept in correspondence ever since that first Nightmare night. Spitfire's snort sent peppermint tea up her nose, causing her to choke until Luna patted her on the back . “Art thou well, Captain?” she asked with hidden glee.

The Wonderbolt waved her off gently. “I- I'm fine, Ma'am,” she said, her voice even more raspy that usual. “Some tea just went down the wrong pipe.”

“Where did you hear that, Luna? You know that one must consider the source of any rumor before believing it,” Celestia remarked.

Luna put a hoof to her chin in mock thoughtfulness. “Why, we do believe it was the buyer for our kitchens. He said that he hath learned of it from that apple trader friend of Twilight's. What was her name again? Apple Pie? Crab Apple? Some such like.” She shrugged as if it was of no consequence. “In any case, this apple pony said that she hath taken in several mares who were now courting her. That certainly does not sound like the Twilight Sparkle that we know.”

Celestia's eyes widened. “Courting, you say? That does sound odd for Twilight to let ponies who are courting her to stay in her own home. She is far too shy for so bold an action.” She set down her cup with an abruptness that bespoke of a decision suddenly made on the spot. “I do believe it is time to visit my Faithful Student. While I trust her to act in everypony's best interest, I must see for myself that these mares do not intend to lead her astray.”

She rose to her hooves and dabbed at her lips with a napkin daintily. “Besides, I must congratulate her on her new temporary position as magic teacher in Ponyville.” Celestia turned and nodded to Spitfire. “Captain, I regret that we must cut our meeting short. Twilight is... she is a pony very dear to my heart, and I worry for her so. Please excuse me.” Without further word, she trotted off.

Luna stood as well, and came up to the still seated pegasus. She bent down and whispered in her ear, “Perhaps now wouldst be a good time to hie thee back to Twilight afore we arrive. But afore thou dost that, could thou stop by the Royal Library? We hear that they hath some books she ordered, but hath yet to deliver.” Spitfire looked up at her in alarm, but only got a wink in return. As the Moon Princess walked away, she threw back, “Who knows? Thou mayst find something of interest to read as well.”

The pegasus sat there dumbly for a moment, stunned. In a sudden, wild burst of energy, she tried to get up, but became entangled between the table and chair. The lace tablecloth somehow caught on her hoof, wrapping itself around her foreleg, dragging half the china onto her lap. The hot tea caused her to leap up, but still being seated at the table, she bumped her knee and fell out of the chair sideways. Finally free of the furniture, she ran off, still trailing the tablecloth and dripping tea as she went.

The unicorn stallion who had seated her calmly walked out of the shadows and began using his magic to repair the broken cups and clean up the spilled tea. He shook his head in amusement at the antics of the Princesses. While it was never dull with Celestia, ever since Luna had returned, the fun had been more than doubled.

(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")

Spitfire finally arrived at the great, brass doors leading to the library. The twenty-foot tall doors were inset with smaller, pony-sized doors which were open. For what seemed like the eighth time, she tripped over the tablecloth still hung up on her hoof, smacking her chin on the floor. She finally became fed up with the delays and rolled onto her back struggling to get free. She clutched the cloth with her hind legs and pulled. With a loud RIP, the cloth came free, leaving her to tumble towards the door, but she rolled with it, and came up in a running stumble into the library.

The pegasus immediately came under the glare of the librarian at the desk, a matronly pegasus, who glowered at her over her half-moon glasses. “Can I help you?” Even though her voice was barely above a whisper, the venom and disdain in it was made plain.

“Yes!” Another, darker glare caused her to drop her voice from her normally commanding quality to something more suited to the environment. “Yes. Princess Luna sent me here to pick up the books for Twilight Sparkle. Are they ready to go?”

She stared at the yellow pegasus incredulously for a moment, then ducked under the counter and brought up a stack of books that made her stare in shock. The stack would nearly reach her shoulders if it were on the floor, and made a loud WHOOM when placed on the desk. “I suppose,” the elder mare asked, “that you don't have the saddlebags necessary to carry these, do you?” Spitfire facehoofed, astounded at her lack of foresight.

Apparently, the librarian was less than impressed as well, but wanted the books delivered to her favorite patron, so with a dramatic sigh, produced a set for her. While she was looking for the required equipment, Spitfire noticed a blue mist crawl up the desk and up the pile of books. She was about to say something when she saw the mist move on, leaving a small, thin, red book on top of the pile.

The librarian separated the stack in half, and packed away the books in the bags. Spitfire's jaw was getting tired of dropping so often in one day, but nevertheless did so again. Those bags look only half full! She picked them up and was amazed again. So light! These can't weigh more than a few pounds! It took her only a few minutes to put on the bags and settle her wings over them. “I better get going. She's going to want these right away.”

The elder mare arched an eyebrow but said nothing as she watched the younger pegasus back out of the library. As soon as she was out the door, Spitfire took wing and zoomed out of the palace like her tail was on fire and only going faster would put it out. She didn't stop moving until she was nearly halfway back to Ponyville. Between her anxiety and the mad sprint back there, she was totally knackered.

Spitfire sat in the shade of a tree, gulping down huge breaths, trying to get rid of a stitch in her side. She thought of that small, red book again and decided to see what that was all about. Going into the bag, she saw that this was indeed, a special royal courier's bag, larger inside than out. The book she was looking for almost seemed to float to the top of the pile and leap into her teeth. Examining the book, she saw that it appeared to be one of those diaries you buy in a bookstore. The kind with empty, lined pages and an imitation leather cover. She opened it to the front page and read the nameplate.

This book belongs to
Twilight Sparkle

The name was written in a fancy, flowing script, and the I's were dotted with tiny, six-pointed stars. Inside the tiny stars, almost too small to make out, were miniscule hearts. Spitfire slammed the book closed and rested both forehooves on it. Her heart was suddenly racing so fast, it made her dash from the palace feel like a leisurely walk.

Not daring to believe her eyes, she opened the book again just enough to read the nameplate again. Confirming her first impression, she slammed the book closed again. Okay, let's suss this out before I do something I may regret. One: what we have here is most definitely Twilight's book, and quite possibly her diary. Two: if it is her diary, she would most likely be upset at somepony reading it's contents. Three: a mysterious mist “left” it in the pile that Princess Luna had sent me to... Luna.

Her ears turned down at the thought. Luna was renowned to have a dry, yet acerbic sense of humor. It's also been rumored that a blue mist has been seen at the sight of several pranks prior to their execution. However, none of those pranks could be called malicious. Nopony was hurt, nay, not even feelings. Oh sure, some embarrassment was to be had, but it was all good, clean fun.

Spitfire's ears went back up halfway and her eyes darted down to the book again. Well, she'd never do anything to hurt somepony, especially one she claims as a friend. Against her better judgment, she opened it again to the front page, that damning nameplate haunting her. One little peek couldn't hurt, could it? It's not like anyone would know, right? She looked around her as if expecting somepony to jump out and yell “Aha!” When she saw that she remained decidedly alone, she looked down again. Twilight Sparkle. Such a lovely name. And so fitting for her.

She licked her suddenly dry lips and started breathing heavy. Her chest expanded more noticeably than usual and she could hear an odd thudding in her ears. Swallowing hard, she turned the page and looked down at the first entry.

08/07/995

I saw her again, that sleek little Wonderbolt.

Gasping, she closed the cover over her hoof and averted her eyes as if she had seen something too holy for her. It took several moments before the pegasus could finally stop hyperventilating and catch her breath. Still, her heart felt like it was trying to come out of her chest through her ribcage. Like a moth drawn to a flame, she opened the book and read the entry again. No, she wasn't imagining it, the O's in Wonderbolt were replaced with little hearts.

08/07/995

I saw her again, that sleek little Wonderbolt. As usual, I was in the throne room, next to the Princess, when in she walked. Or would it be more proper to say strut? Walking doesn't usually involve that much hip wiggle. Why do I get these feelings whenever I see her? Maybe if I catalogued them, then cross-referenced them with a medical journal? Or would a psychological guide be more appropriate? Better do both just to be sure. Let's see. First of all, it feels like the bottom of my stomach drops out. Then my heart starts racing. I'm not sure, but I think my pupils dilate and my left rear hoof starts tapping the ground nervously. I'll look these symptoms up when Spike isn't around, but for now, let me finish writing this down.

Anyway, she came in to discuss requisitioning some uniforms using a new material. She said it would decrease their drag coefficient, and increase performance. I had heard of this new material called “Teflon”, and through some independent research have found it would be far superior to anything short of the most expensive silks, and far easier to clean. I quietly got the Princess's attention, and whispered this into her ear, and to my delight, she took my advice!

Seeing the elated look on my Wonderbolt's face (I think I shall call her that in my head since I never learned her name, and am far too scared to ask anypony) was worth all the feelings she elicits in me whenever I see her. I believe I'll be having sweet dreams tonight. Oops! Got to go! Spike just walked in.

Spitfire remembered the day this happened. It was the fourth or fifth time she had volunteered to make this royal request, ostensibly for the good of the team, but in reality just to see Twilight. She couldn't honestly say if she did strut or not, but upon sighting her, there was definitely a spring in her step. Reading about Twilight's reaction and the fact that she referred to her as “her Wonderbolt” made the pegasus dizzy with excitement. Here she was writing down that she felt attracted to her and didn't even know it! She had even put flowers and little curlicues around “my Wonderbolt”! Spitfire had to know more.

08/29/995

Finally got a hold of all the medical and psychological books in the Royal Library, but not a single one was of help to me! I can't believe it! The trusty library has let me down! I fear my situation may be getting worse. I got those same feelings again, but this time with that new hire at my parent's store. Binder I think his name was. I have to admit, when he smiles at me, I get a melty feeling. It starts in my chest but quickly moves to my... ahem, nether region. He's about as old as my Wonderbolt and the same color coat, but is an earth pony.

Maybe I'm not attracted to unicorns? Nah, Maybe I'm just more open than some. In any case, my parents saw us talking (nothing special, just what sort of books he was stocking and what he likes to read) and Daddy came over, giving him a look. Not sure what was meant by that, but he led me away and I never saw the earth pony again. I hope he'll be okay.

Oh! I saw my Wonderbolt again on my way back to my apartment in the palace! She was flying overhead in formation, and I raced along the streets with her for a while barely looking at where I was going. I must have looked a foal when I ran into that melon cart and spilled that poor pony's produce everywhere. I felt bad, so he didn't have to yell like that. Made me pay for all the smashed fruit, too. Sigh. Looks like I'll have to wait another couple of months before I can afford that new telescope.

Spitfire smiled at younger Twilight's naivete. She was so adorable! However, learning that stallions were still competition was as distressing as learning that she found mares attractive exhilarating. The pegasus looked up at the sky as if noticing it for the first time and noted the position of the sun. Better get going. No telling what kind of lead I have on the Princesses. She stood up and leaned over to pick up the book with her teeth and noticed that it had opened itself to what looked like the final entry. Unable to stop herself any longer, she read it.

07/17/1000

Well, it's a done deal now. In exchange for being able to stay with my friends in Ponyville, I'll be too far away from my Wonderbolt to do anything more than dream about her. I suppose it's for the best. I doubt it would have worked out anyway. She's an athlete and a soldier, I'm a nerdy bookworm who only recently started to really get into any sort of “social interaction”. I can't think of any two worlds more different than that. Well, perhaps royalty and rock farmer, but that hardly applies in this case.

As hard as it will be to give up on my Wonderbolt, the sooner I leave this schoolfilly crush behind, the less heartbreaking it will be. Maybe a life of enforced celibacy won't be so bad. Clergy do it, right? Oh, how I will miss you, pegasus of my dreams. Maybe someday in the far future, we'll meet again, and maybe then we can be friends. I'm sure that by then you'll be married to the pony of your dreams and have a dozen foals flying around. I just hope you'll let me be your friend.

Sorry about the splotches, diary, but parting with this dream is much harder than I had thought. This will be the last entry for a while. I need to finish packing, but only after putting you back in your hiding place. I just hope I don't forget you in the move. Spike is driving me crazy trying to say that I won't need my entire collection since we'll be living in a library. Silly dragon. As if there's such a thing as too many books.

Indeed, the final entry was laced with inky splotches where tears had clearly fallen. At first, she was elated to have an “inside track” on Twilight, but then came the question of just how to use this information without hurting or breaking Twilight's trust. Spitfire didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Author's Notes:

Chapter seven has arrived, and boy did I have fun writing this one! I actually looked up how one addresses royalty, and found some interesting details. For instance, did you know that after your initial greeting, a Princess is addressed as Ma'am? Neat stuff. Luna was a hoot to write. The usual disclaimers here. I don't own any of the characters, places, or things in this story, only the arrangement of the words. All the rest belongs to Hasbro and Lauren Faust.