"Miss Sparkle!" greeted Aquarius, bowing as Twilight walked closer to him.

Aquarius was one of the older guards, his coat a tad gray instead of the generic white colours. He had the regular guard uniform, however, due to his rank in the royal guard, his mohawk and tail were dyed red instead of blue.

"Rise, it's quite fine my friend." she said, smiling down at him.

"Oh of course, miss." he said nervously, jerking back to his original position.

Spike looked at both of them with a quirked brow. Why does he treat Twilight like one of the princess'? Maybe her apprenticeship to Celestia is a lot more than I thought. He brushed it off though and sat quietly on Twilight's back as he had been doing the entire trip.

"And hello to you too, Spike! My, you've grown since the hatch ling I last saw you as!" complimented Aquarius, averting his gaze from Twilight and smiling at Spike.

"Oh, well, I've been workin' out you know.." replied Spike.

Twilight giggled and looked back at her dragon friend. "Yeah, really scary now Spike."

"Hey! I'll get there! Just you wait, these wings are growing in soon, I can feel'em!" he said.

Twilight smiled and returned her attention to Aquarius. "Now that we have exchanged our pleasantries, I have come here on important business. Might you escort me to the library?"

"What?" asked Aquarius, a confused smirk upon his face, he chuckled a bit. "Miss Sparkle, you own every library in Equestria, why did you come all the way to the palace for an escort?"

"Because, the books I'm looking for are in Celestia's library, and I don't have the keys." she replied.

"Oh, of course miss! Please forgive me for asking, I did not wish to upset you!" pleaded Aquarius, as he bowed again.

"Don't worry about it. Let's go, then?" replied Twilight.

"Yes ma'am. Follow me." said Aquarius.

----------

They arrived momentarily at a dark section of the palace, only lit by a few spaced torches. The door to the library had some ancient hieroglyphs, a lock with a key hole, and six open molds which looked to fit gemstones. The pictures inscribed on the left side of the door told the story of a draconnequus in a throne, who had worshiping ponies at his feet. The right side of the door was of princess' Luna and Celestia, the familiar story of Nightmare Moon which mimicked that of the history books, save being drawn in solid gold.

"I don't know if we can get in. I only have the one key." said Aquarius in a worried tone.

"Place the key in the lock." replied Twilight.

"As you desire, miss." agreed Aquarius, doing exactly as he was told then once again bowing before Twilight.

Twilight closed her eyes and levitated five gemstones from her saddlebag. Aquarius was shocked upon seeing them, he rose to his feet, backed up nervously, and fell once again.

He trembled as he spoke. "Are.. Are those the.."

"Yes." said Twilight.

Aquarius would have fainted if a fly landed on his back. "How did you get..."

Twilight laughed. "An old friend of mine was happy to hand them over."

"Ah. It makes sense now." said Aquarius, now standing upright and pulling himself together. "I'll let you focus."

"Thank you my friend." said Twilight, a small grin appearing.

The five gems began to glow, as one of them moved away from the straight line Twilight had been holding them in. As the gem touched its magic mold and locked into place, Twilight spoke in a calm, but powerful voice.

"Envy."

She began repeating the process with the remaining four gems.

"Depression."

"Innovation."

"Hatred."

"Discord."

Each of the five gems locked in place. They intensely glowed bright then dim, as if the gems themselves had a heartbeat. Twilight walked closer to the door, and Spike instinctively got off her back and walked a few steps away. What the hay is she doing? This isn't like the Twilight I know?

Twilight place one hoof on the center mold which was larger, and lacked its respective gem. Power surged throughout the room, pulsing. It forced Spike and Aquarius to hold their heads in pain, however, Twilight seemed unaffected whatsoever. She opened her eyes, which were now burning white with no pupils. Her hoof had a few lone sparks discharging from it. In an incredibly loud voice, she spoke the last word.

"Magic."

At that point, the clay and stone around the door shook and pieces crumbles. Electric flares of magic as pure energy erupted from the center of the door where the gems had been placed. Twilight removed her paw as the door slowly roared and opened itself, to reveal a massive, ancient corridor filled with books as far as the eye could see. Twilight's eyes returned to normal as she fell to the ground, stripped of energy.

"Miss Sparkle!" shouted a very concerned Aquarius.

"Twilight!" followed Spike, almost in unison with the elderly guard.

"I'm fine, really. It just took a lot out of me, that's all." reassured Twilight, breathing heavily. She rose to her feet as her knees slightly shook, then gained their usual control. The three gazed upon the gigantic library, speechless for quite some time.

"It's... Beautiful..." gasped Aquarius.

"Yeah, this makes our tree look like nothing!" said Spike, happily.

A huge smile ear to ear appeared on Twilight's face as sudden realization of what she was looking at kicked in. This was her dream - to finally see the most amazing book collection in all of Equestria.

"It would be disrespectful to attempt to put this library into words, as anything we say could never define a fraction of how amazing this library is." she finally said, not turning to look at either of the two behind her as she trotted into the main section of the building. "Well? What are you waiting for, come on everypony!" she shouted.

"Yes ma'am!" agreed Aquarius, lowering his head as he returned to the side of Twilight.

"I'm... Not quite a pony..." argued Spike.

Twilight giggled. "Oh come on you, you know you're as much family to me as anypony, as if more."

Spike's heart skipped a beat. He jumped onto Twilight's back as she looked behind her and smiled back at him.

"Aquarius, I need you to gather me some books. I'll wait here." ordered Twilight.

"Of course, Miss Sparkle. What would you be looking for?" asked Aquarius, eager to complete his task and please his superior.

"The following titles please." Twilight levitated out a list and began speaking. "The Art of Magical Defense; The History of The Elements; Alicorns - All you need to know; and The Study of Life and Energy, all of which by Dr. William Penwell."

Aquarius raised a brow and looked at Twilight. "William Penwell? I've actually heard of him."

"You should have," began Twilight. "He was adviser to Queen Aumean in the ages before Celestia and Luna ruled Equestria."

"What! That means these books must be three thousand years old at least!" exclaimed Aquarius.

"Don't drop them." teased Twilight. She winked and smiled at Aquarius.

Aquarius bowed at Twilight and then galloped off into the distant corridors of the library. She sat down, breaking her poise that she was attempting to keep when Aquarius was around. Spike got off her back and sat down next to the panting unicorn.

"Are you okay Twilight? What was that all about?" he said.

"I'm fine Spike. What was what about?"

"The whole.. Gemstone magic thingy.." he said, notable concern in his voice.

"Don't worry about it Spike, I just needed to open the door." She smiled and nuzzled the baby dragon. I trust Twilight more than anyone, I'm sure it's just some old thingy I haven't learned about. Spike lied down with Twilight for a few minutes, until Aquarius returned with the books Twilight had asked for.

"They were not all that hard to find actually, Queen Aumean must have been obsessive compulsive when it came to organizing a library." said Aquarius, proud that he had completed his task so easily.

"A mare of my own standards, I see." replied Twilight, giggling at the old stallions enthusiasm. "Thanks for all your assistance, Aquarius. You may return to your post when ready." Twilight levitated the four books from the guard's back into her saddle bag and rose to her feet. Spike climbed on her back and the three exchanged their goodbyes.

"Have a safe trip home, Miss Sparkle. And you as well, Spike." said Aquarius as he smiled and winked and Spike.

"Thanks! Have fun... Guarding." replied Spike.

Twilight giggled. "Have a good day my friend." She trotted out of the library at that, not waiting for a response. She knew how Aquarius could talk for ages on something as simple as saying goodbye, and she had to get back to Ponyville before nightfall. She had a long walk, but it didn't bother her. It was a beautiful day out, and she had Spike to spend it with given that he didn't sleep the entire time.

----------

After about an hour of walking, Twilight and Spike passed through Fillydelphia. It was busy as usual, merchants on the side of the road, business ponies discussing things, the occasional street performer made walking through the city quite enjoyable. Spike yawned and woke up after noticing all the noise.

"Morning, sleepy head." said Twilight.

"Uhhh... Morning." replied Spike, rubbing his eyes as he became more self aware.

"Getting hungry?" she asked.

"You bet! Are there any doughnut places around here?"

Twilight thought for a moment. "Hmm. I'm sure we could find something, or if not, we could wait until we get to sugarcube corner."

Spike considered his options. "Nah I'm kind of hung-"

"HELLO TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND SPIKE THE DRAGON! IT IS I, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE! WHAT BRINGS YOU TO FILLYDELPHIA, HOME OF THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE?" asked Trixie.

Twilight was shaken by the sudden interruption. "Oh, hello Trixie. We're on royal duty returning from Canterlot. It's nice seeing you, but I didn't know you were so happy with us? I mean, the last time we had spoken.."

"DO NOT FRET TWILIGHT SPARKLE, FOR THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE HAS COME TO APPRECIATE THE AID YOU HAD GIVEN THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE IN THE TIME OF THE COMING OF THE URSA MINOR. WHAT ROYAL DUTY WOULD YOU BE RETURNING FROM, TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND SPIKE THE DRAGON?" asked Trixie, beaming a smile.

"The duty of getting some lunch..." said Spike.

Twilight turned and snarled at him. "Spike." she said sternly. She looked back at Trixie, who was eagerly awaiting an answer. "Well I had to go pick up a few books from the library. What have you been up to?"

Trixie ignored the question and continued interrogating the purple mare. "THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE WISHES TO KNOW WHY YOU NEED TO CLAIM MORE TOMES. DO YOU NOT OWN A LIBRARY, TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND SPIKE THE DRAGON?"

Twilight tried to think of how to respond without getting anymore attention then she already was getting from confused on lookers. "These are some books I didn't have, and I wanted to add them to my Ponyville library collection."

"THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE DEEMS THAT QUITE A REASONABLE ANSWER. MAY THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE GAZE UPON THE TOMES THAT THOU HAST RECOVERED FROM THE LIBRARY OF THE ROYAL CANTERLOT CITY?" asked Trixie.

"No! I mean, these books are very old and delicate. I'd rather not remove them from my bags." said Twilight, growing annoyed by Trixie's constant questioning.

"VERY WELL THEN, TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND SPIKE THE DRAGON. SPIKE THE DRAGON, THOU SAID HE IS HUNGRY, WOULD YOU LIKE TO DINE WITH THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE? THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE HAD ALREADY GONE ABOUT PREPARING AN APPLE PIE FOR HERSELF, HOWEVER, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE HAS ENOUGH PIE TO SHARE WITH SPIKE THE DRAGON AND TWILIGHT SPARKLE." she said, now staring directly at Spike.

"Oh yes, please! I can smell the pie from here!" exclaimed an eager Spike.

"Thank you for your generosity Trixie. We would be happy to have lunch with you." agreed Twilight.

Trixie lit up with joy. "IT IS SETTLED THEN. COME TO THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIES HUMBLE ABODE, TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND SPIKE THE DRAGON, TO ENJOY SOME DELICIOUS PIE OF APPLES! HUZZAH!"

Spike jumped off Twilight's back and walked to the head of the group, excited. I bet Trixie makes an amazing pie..

----------

"That was truly pleasant, Trixie. Thank you for everything." said Twilight.

"Yeah! That pie was great!" agreed Spike.

"NOT A PROBLEM AT ALL, TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND SPIKE THE DRAGON. HAVE YOUR TRAVELS EVER LAND YOU IN THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE'S HOME OF FILLYDELPHIA AGAIN, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ENTER THE HUMBLE ABODE OF THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE." said Trixie, her original smile yet to fade.

"We better get going, it's getting late out and we need to get back to Ponyville as soon as possible. See you around, Trixie." said Twilight, leaving as she did to Aquarius. Come to think of it - Trixie and Aquarius would have one hell of an endless conversation.

"Let's see if we can get home without anymore random ponies popping up to stop us, ey Twilight?" joked Spike.

"I hope so!" said Twilight, laughing as she walked through the vibrant city.

----------

Yup. I jinxed it.

Twilight and Spike approached Ponyville, tired and achy due to the hours and hours of walking. It was almost time that Spike could go to sleep, and Twilight could begin reading her books. But no. That is never an option, is it?

Twilight saw an odd shady figure rustling through some plants on the outside of Ponyville. "Spike, do you see that?" she asked.

Spike began. "Yeah, it almost looks like.."

Startled by the talking, Zecora turned and saw Twilight and Spike staring at her. All three ponies laughed at the recent misunderstanding and Zecora greeted the duo ridden with fatigue.

"I was looking for ingredients to a medicinal brew. I had not expected to see both of you." she said.

"We apologize for interrupting, you can get back to what you were doing Zecora." reassured Twilight.

"You're sorry? Don't be. Maybe you two can be of assistance to me." replied Zecora.

Perfect.

"Uhm.. What did you have in mind?" asked Spike.

"Spike the dragon, breather of fire. A white lily is what I desire." said Zecora.

A switch flipped in Spike's brain. He kept white lilies in a vase on the coffee table in the library.  "Actually, we do have some of those. Can you follow us back to our house?" asked Spike.

Zecora smiled gratefully. "Oh thank you Spike for helping me tonight, a white lily flower will make my potion just right."

----------

After she took a flower from the vase, Twilight gave a perplexed look to the zebra. "So, Zecora, mind if I ask what exactly you're doing with the lily?"

"This potion is a very special brew. Anything you've forgotten, it will remind it to you." answered Zecora.

Twilight's eyes widened. "Wow! Would you mind giving me the recipe for that? It could prove very useful in my studies so I don't have to go through book after book when I already know things."

"Of course I can my pony friend. Would you mind giving me a scroll and a pen?"

Zecora wrote down the ingredients and exchanged goodbyes with Twilight and Spike. Very tired from the traveling, both of them went to sleep instantly after the zebra had left. They were finally home, after a long, confusing day for Spike. Twilight had her new books now, she could focus on her studies the moment she woke up the next morning.

----------

She did just that the next day. And the next day. And the next day.

Weeks passed. Twilight did not spend time with friends, nor did she leave the library. She was always tired, and easily annoyed by the slightest amount of noise while she was reading Penwell's books. It became obvious to Spike that this was very important to Twilight. But why?

What could she possibly be reading about?