Day two.

   Pinkie bounced right next to me, then leaned up closer. "Sooooo, how much did ya learn? You must be like a full mage now with how long it's been!"

   Twilight walked inside with the gang behind her and laughed. "Pinkie, Argyle has only been here for a day and a half."

   Spike hopped off of her back. "Yeah, really."

   "I know! Imagine how powerful he'd be tomorrow, or the next day or the one after that?!" Pinkie gasped, "At this rate, Sparky would be a Super Spark!"

   Twilight cracked up.

   Spike laughed.

   Applejack rolled her eyes.

   Fluttershy giggled.

   Rarity was too busy with a mirror to notice.

   Luna leaned closer to me. "Is the pink one always this way?"

   I chuckled. "Honestly, this is normal."

   She just blinked, then slowly leaned back. "I see."

   Applejack looked at Pinkie and shook her head. "Uh, right, anyways, howdy Argyle!"

   Spike said, "Yeah, what's up?"  

   I smiled nervously and waved to them. "Hey, guys. You're...early."

   "Well of course we are, Darling."

   Rarity put the mirror back into the saddle-bag she wore and waved her hoof. "Fashionable, or otherwise, we simply could not be late."

   Fluttershy looked very worried. "Oh, I hope Angel's alright...."

   I barely heard that. "What happened to Angel?"

   "He caught a cold. I was going to stay home, but Twilight insisted I come."

   Twilight nodded her head. "Yes, everypony needs to be present and on time for this."

   I felt that was a bit pretentious of Twilight. "Who's watching him at least?"

   "Nopony." Fluttershy pouted.

   Spike patted Fluttershy on the back. "Well, I did offer to stay and watch him, but Twilight forced me to come too."

   "I know. Thank you, Spike."

   Twilight insisted, "He's going to be fine. This should not take us long."

    I did not see Rainbow Dash. "Where's Rainbow?"

   The others looked around confused.

   "Oh, now where's that silly filly?"

   Applejack walked up to my window, gazing out of the open glass doors. "Lazin' about on a cloud somewhere ah reckon."

   Twilight sighed. "Alright, where did anypony see her last?"

  "Oooh, oooh! I know, I know!" Pinkie bounced and waved her hoof.

   Spike chuckled. "Uh, oh, you know what that means."

   Twilight asked, "You know what happened, Pinkie?"

   "Yeah, maybe a big hydra snatched her away?!"

   Spike nodded his head. "Yep, that."

   Twilight face-hooved. "Ugh, Pink-"

   "Or she fell victim to spontaneous cloud combustion!"

   "I hardly think that is even-"

   "Or she flew so close to the sun she incinerated, like what happened to Rarity that one time!"

   Twilight was agape. "Pinkie, how could you even suggest-"

   "Or she could've just gone on a trip."

   Everyone in the room gaped at Pinkie.

   Rarity wearily smiled. "Um, pardon me, a trip?"

   "Well, yeah, here." Pinkie pulled a letter from her mane and had it in her mouth. "Miff shiff fiff ferff."

   "A letter?" Twilight snatched the letter and read it.

Hey guys. I know we're supposed to visit Argyle Thursday morning, but something really important came up and I have to go. Sorry, but I can't be there. Like I said, it's really important.

         Rainbow Dash.

   Twilight huffed and put the letter down. "Oh, she could have just told us! I mean, she had enough time to write this."

   Rarity asked, "Well, did she at least tell you where she was going, Pinkie Pie?"

   Applejack jumped in. "Or why she went?"

   Fluttershy added, "Or how long she would be?"

   "Nope, nope and nope!"

   Pinkie waved her hoof. "You guys know how she is, always in the fast lane."

   "Typical!"

   Twilight was red faced. "The fate of Equestria could hang in the balance and she just goes off into the sunset!"

   Pinkie Pie glared at Twilight, like she had insulted her.

   Fluttershy pointed her hoof at Twilight, "Now, you wait a minute. Did you even consider that she had a family emergency? She said really important."

   Twilight's ears bent down. "Well, no, but she has some explaining to do when she gets back."

   Applejack caught Pinkie glaring at Twilight. "Uh, ya feeling alright, Sugarcube?"

    "Well, of course I am silly." Pinkie giggled, "It's Rainbow you should be worried about." She smiled.

   I caught something in that smile, something wrong, but could not quite place why.

   Luna shook her head. "Verily, the Elements are a most peculiar group."

   I agreed. "You don't know the half of it."

   "Well, Rainbow Dash or not, we must drag on."

   Twilight gestured to the door. "Come on guys, this just got desperate."

   She trotted towards the door.

    A feeling I shared. "No kidding."

   Rarity looked concerned. "Um, I'd hate to break this up, but maybe we should check on Rainbow Dash? If she needed to just leave like that, then maybe we should take a rain check and help her?"

   Twilight turned around. "I know, but we can't stop now. Who knows if we'll get another chance like this? Besides, Rainbow is the best flyer in all of Equestria. I'm sure she's fine."

   Fluttershy stood by Twilight. "Well, Rainbow Dash or not, I would like some answers."

   "Well, things have been rather dismal lately and more ponies have disappeared." Rarity shrugged.

   Spike nodded. "Besides, we can fill her in later."

   Pinkie shifted uneasily where she stood. "Sooo, what now guys?"

   "Where did ya reckon we'd start, Twilight?" Applejack walked up to Twilight.

   "Yes, Darling. Do tell." Rarity walked to the others as well.

   Spike asked, "The Canterlot library?"

   "Where else?"

   Twilight gestured for us to follow her. "Come on."

   "Stay, Elements."

   Luna held her hoof up.

   "Allow me to lead." She walked up to Twilight.

   Twilight smiled nervously at Luna. "Uh, I would not want to impose on your royal duties, Princess."

   "Tis morning, Twilight Sparkle."

   Luna raised her eye brow. "The night hast passed."

   "Um, yes, but it's just a simple trip to the library. You know me."

   Twilight weakly giggled with her hoof rubbing the back of her head.

   "Always reading, my friends are too!" She grinned at her friends, lightly clearing her throat.

   It was so painfully obvious she was hiding something, it hurt to watch. Luna and I just looked at each other, shaking our heads.

   The others stared at her with confusion for a heartbeat. Once catching on, they smiled anxiously and all agreed they loved books and could not wait to read some.

   Luna sighed in contempt, the coyness wearing her patience. She took a breath in to center herself. "Twilight, what dost thou think of me? Truly, thou wouldst do admirably to admit when thine scheme is obvious. I am offering to help, not snitch."

   Twilight looked at me, still bothered about Luna knowing what she was up to. I smiled and nodded reassuringly to her, while showing her the letter she wrote in my left hand and pointing at Luna.

    She nodded and sighed in defeat. "I'm sorry, Princess. I didn't mean to imply that you would tell anypony, but Celestia would likely have you watched and we can't be too careful."

   Luna scrunched her nose. "Of what is Tia guilty?"

   "Like I said, I think something's wrong."

   Twilight shrugged. "I just don't know exactly what."

   The others gathered to Twilight's side.

   "That's why we're here." Applejack agreed.

   "Yeah! This should be fun!" Pinkie laughed while bouncing up and down.

   Luna lightly laughed to herself, then walked to the door. "Very well. Follow."

   I knew she found the idea of Celestia being pretentious or malicious of any intent unbelievable and I somewhat agreed with her. Celestia seemed very nice and no one is perfect, but even if by a one percent chance Celestia was tied to the little girl, I had to investigate.

   I went to follow Luna, but Rarity stopped me.

   "Um, Argyle, darling, perhaps you should put something more...presentable on?" She waved a hoof at what I was wearing.

   "Yeah, you don't want Celestia to see you in your boxers."

   Spike joked. "Remember when you were half asleep that one day?"

   I looked down at myself, still wearing lounging clothing on, then laughed remembering that day. Three days after my first night at Twilights, it was after twelve hours of studying and I had just gotten out of bed. I went to the kitchen for a glass of milk. I almost forgot for a few moments that I was not Home back on Earth, half asleep minds tend to see what they want.

  I ran into Fluttershy sitting at the dining table, having toast and tea, with only my boxers on. Normally it would not be a big deal, if it were not for one detail, morning wood. One fainted Fluttershy later, I made sure to never leave my room without pants again.

   I was thankful it was not one of those days. "Yeah, good idea."

   Fluttershy blushed, remembering that day. "I said he was a male."

   Luna actually went red faced a little and blinked at me.

   I just shrugged at her.

   Twilight laughed. "Well, we'll meet you at the library, Argyle."

   Luna corrected, "Nay, the Starswirl Wing."

   "Why there, Princess?" Twilight tilted her head.

   "Thou shalt see." Luna finished opening the door. "I have in mind something thou shouldst appreciate." The others followed her.

   "Oh, oooh! I love love love surprises!"

   Pinkie bounced out with the others. "See you there, Sparky!"

   Yeah, yeah.

   I waved to her, half smiling, then got my clothes on. I thought about how fortunate it was to have my favorite clothes from home at hand, something that reminded me of my previous life.

   My dark green cargo pants, my favorite white long sleeve shirt with a crimson coloured fold-sleeve-button-up-shirt over it, that's what I called it anyway, and my white Skechers, I could wear that attire anywhere.

   I walked outside after a few minutes passed. The others had a big start on me, so I got a move on. After walking I ran into Fernsworth.

   Fernsworth bowed with one leg over his chest. "A most pleasant of mornings to you, Sir."

   I waved. "Hello, Fernsworth."

   Fernsworth returned to his poised stance and smiled. "I am ever so grateful that you remain in good health."

   "Uh, thanks?"

   I shrugged. "Glad you are too?"

   "Of course, Sir." He slightly bowed his head.

   I scratched my head. "Well, I was on my way to the-"

   "Starswirl Wing, Sir?"

   Fernsworth finished for me, smiling.

   "Her majesty Luna accompanied madam Twilight, with visitors, just a while ago down this hall."

   He pointed behind him to his left. "If Sir hurries, Sir may catch them before any discoveries are made without Sir's presence."

   "Thanks. Well, it was nice seeing you again."

   I waved him goodbye. "See you later."

   "That is most assured, Sir." Fernsworth said in a very chipper tone. He then trotted off down the hall behind me.

   I watched him walk off for a moment. I had a weird feeling in my gut when he passed. I wondered why.

   Strange, what am I missing here?

   Shrugging, I continued on and was just a right turn away from walking up to the Iron gate. I saw the gate guard patrolling the Starswirl hallway as always. Thanking whatever force blessed me with a new spine, I took in a breath and walked onward. I was going to fix a mistake that had been eating me up.

   A few steps in, he noticed me. His head turned and his eyes went wide. He looked forward heartbeats after he saw me.

   I chuckled then walked up to him, then Stood a few feet in front of him.

   He looked up from the floor hesitantly at me. "Good morning."

   No fear, no anxiety, no shyness, I almost jumped with excitement. I could finally be myself around others.

  "Hi." I waved, then presented my hand. "Name's Argyle. I think you know that, but I have yet to tell you."

  The guard looked at my hand quizzically and pointed at it. "Um, what do I do with it?"

   "You shake it. Where I come from, it's a greeting."

   He put his hoof up and I held it, then he shook it like it was a maraca.

   I could not help but laugh.

   "Very strange tradition."

   The gray Unicorn cringed then face hooved. "Doh, I did it again. I apologize."

   "For what?" I tilted my head.

   "I insulted your culture again."

   He rubbed the back of his head with a hoof. "I have been thinking about what I said before and well, I feel awful about it. I now understand why you were giving me that look."

   "Insulted?"

   I shook my head. "No, I've been meaning to apologize myself. I was...having a really bad day. You just caught me at a bad time."

   He shrugged. "So, you are not upset?"

   "Not in the least."

   I smiled. "And why would I be? You're a cool guy...or colt."

   He looked shocked. "Well, um, thank you!"

   "Certainly."

   He pointed at the gate. "The Princess told me you would be joining her. Let me get this open for you."

   "Hey, thanks!"

   "Anytime."

   His horn glowed. The gate unlocked and opened with a squeal of metal. "I am Zaner Lipizzan the third by the way."

   "Now that's a name!"

   I thought to myself and shrugged thinking why not.

   "Since you gave me your full name, the rest of mine is, Argyle Locke Alphonse Orion."

   I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, my parents couldn't make up their minds."

   Zaner smiled. "I think it's great."

   And just like that, we were fast friends.

   I walked through the gate waving bye. "See you later, Zaner."

   "Until then." With the gate closed behind me, I walked on to the hour glass.

   The sand was flowing up, so I think it was 12:40 PM.

   I was about to turn, but my eyes were caught inside the glass.

   The blue glow was soothing. I watched the sand grains fold and trickle inside the perfect glass structure. For a second, I felt like the room was melting, like I was the sand. It's hard to describe, but when I stared into the sand, I felt something click. There was something about the sand that felt warm and strangely familiar.

   For one second, everything was possible. All doors opened. All windows unlatched. I saw all seasons wax. I was being drawn in by something...extravagant. Pulling my every sense into overdrive, time flowed at a snails pace. Even the dust flowing in the air looked like snowflakes falling in a timeless abyss void of motion, limitless freedom. I realized it was not the room or the hour glass I was staring into. It was myself.

   "Argyle, you there?"

   Suddenly pulled back into reality, I shook my head clear. "Coming!"  

   I walked down the bookshelf hall to the right of the hour glass, towards Luna's nook.

   What the hell was that back there?

   I had never felt anything like that before. It was very exhilarating and frightening. I felt different, more open, like any fog of mind was completely cleared away.

   I walked into the nook and was ambushed by pink.

   Pinkie bounced close to my right. "Alright! Sparky's here! Now we can get this party started!"

   An explosion of confetti clouded my view.

   I looked onwards bleakly. "Yay...."

   "Pinkie Pie!"

   Twilight said, "Now is hardly the time. We have a serious problem on our hooves."

   "Aw, come on, Twilight."

   Pinkie poofed, then stood next to her. "Anytime's a great time for an egg head party!"

   Applejack laughed and knocked Pinkie on the shoulder. "Good one, Pinkie Pie."

   Twilight just huffed frustrated.

   "There will be plenty of time for that, Pinkie."

   Rarity said, "Just be patient."

   Fluttershy nodded silently in agreement.

   "Elements, pay sharp attention. Argyle, thou may takest the stool yonder." Luna pointed at the stool next to the desk.

   "Fair enough." I took the stool and sat near the desk.

   All the others paid close attention.

   Luna's horn glowed, then I heard stone grinding on stone.

   A single cobblestone the size of a watermelon floated up from the floor. A very old looking book, with a familiar marking on its weather worn leather cover, floated up after the stone. The marking was a line swirling and four stars dotting the front cover, two small, two large. It was bounded with bronze coloured metal bindings. The metal bands bound each thick leather cover, like latches.

   Pinkie looked at the tome, nearly drooling. "Ooooh, pretty leather."

   The others admired the tome as it floated.

   Except Applejack, she just shrugged. "It's a musty old book, nothin' fancy."

   "What is that, Princess?" Twilight looked on wide eyed.

   "Its must be ages old." Spike looked impressed.

   The book hovered and gently landed on the desk near me.

   "Tis the personal journal of Starswirl the Bearded."

   Luna told everyone, "Only I know of it and its location."

   Twilight giggled in delight. "Really?!" She fidgeted like a kid in a candy store.

   Applejack asked, "Starswirl the who now?"

   "Ugh, are you kidding?"

   Twilight rolled her eyes.

   "He just happens to be one of the greatest mages of the pre-classical era!"

   She trotted up to the book on the desk, then looked at Applejack defensively. "And this is his personal journal!"

   Applejack nodded. "Okay, so it's a very important musty ol' book then, but what's it got to do with any of this?"

   "More than all here understand."

   Luna looked at us all very seriously. "Elements, thine answers may very well be found. However, dost all here possess the strength for such answers?"

   Twilight nodded. "If it involves Equestria's safety, then it's our mission to find a solution. We can handle the truth."

   The others gathered near to her, while I just sat on the stool with them close behind me.

   "That's right."

   Applejack looked determined. "There's nothing we can't do together."  

   Fluttershy added, "Friendship solves all problems."

   "Yeah!"

   Pinkie bounced and laughed. "This is just getting fun too!"

   "Yes, this is rather exciting."

   Rarity pointed at the tome. "If this helps us in our endeavor, then I say bring it on!"

   Spike agreed. "What Rarity said."

   The others all cheered together...right in my ears.

   Luna smiled humorously at me grimacing from ear pains. "Verily, the Elements never cease to impress, even when a group member down."

   Twilight assured Luna, "Don't worry, we'll fill in Rainbow Dash later."

   I looked to my left and saw Pinkie smiling nervously over something.

   Luna took a breath in. "Very well. Open the tome, Twilight Sparkle."

   "Got it." Her horn glowed and the book opened. She clapped her two front hooves together excited.

   Everyone else and myself moved in to get a closer look at the tome. Luna was to my right still on the couch.

   "Ooh, look at that Twilight."

   Spike pointed at the way the journal was written. "And look as the date. It's three thousand years old."

   "I know! It's awesome, plus, this style of writing is so pre-classical."

   Twilight looked at it confused. "But two things seem off, the formatting and the starting paragraph word choice."

   After clearing her throat, she read the very articulately written words on the first page.

5th of January, year 980.

               A  t last, my heart bounds with joy! My submission must have

                     impressed, as an invitation to the Cornelius University just

                     arrived via the Kingdom express for myself including my

                     fellow classmate, Clover.

                 Our Flashport spell has gotten us enough notice that my invitation came from Cornelius the Wise himself! I am to pack up and head to the University as soon as reasonable. Just think, I get to meet Cornelius the Wise, the greatest mage in all the Unicorn Kingdom! Giddy hardly does my feelings true justice.

   6th of January, year 980.

                  V    erily, I fail to see what about the Flashport spell could bring

                         Cornelius to have General Skycutter himself escort us to the

                         University.

                   I would have guessed it Commander Hurricane, or somepony with less responsibility on his or her table, but not the Grand General of the Sky King. Clearly, something shadowy waxes under sight. I will think more on this.

                  Clover will be hard-pressed to believe this. I will record more after the successful voyage we start at dawn tomorrow.

   11th of January, year 980.

                  R   ealistically, I possess little words to describe what I am seeing.

                        The most curious of wonderments has befallen me. First, on our

                        second day down the trail, I ran into a most peculiarly attired

                        white mare named Gala.

                  Her destination was the University as well, to demonstrate new methods she invented that turn normal cloth resistant to tearing, overall damage and even magic, a truly great achievement if any. But on my fifth day of walking, I ran into the most otherworldly of creatures I have ever seen.

                  One was unconscious and looked in a bad way, but the other was quite lively. He goes by the name Alastar. He told us a few stories of his home called Earth. He is bipedal. It reminds me of Dragon features, yet without scales.

                  In fact, I remember Clover had a theory once about what Dragons would look like without scales. Perhaps this is why Cornelius sent Skycutter to escort us? A grand scale has tilted in the cosmos indeed. Tomorrow we will arrive at the University. Hopefully all will be made evident there.

   "Wait, hold on."

   Twilight put a hoof to her mouth.

   "I read about Humans in Melvin the Inquisitive's volume of Creeps and Oddities and this proves the legends are true!"

   Twilight frowned. "But, how did we lose the knowledge of Humans? Why was this not recorded into the Equestrian Bestiary and allowed to fade into mere legend?"

   Luna frowned, also distraught. "Much was lost of Starswirl's time, for reasons also vaguely known."

   "Gala?"

   Rarity put a hoof to her mouth in thought. "I remember that name from somewhere before...."

   Luna took a breath in. "I forewarned ye, Elements. This truth twill be a trial unlike anything ye hadst experienced prior this day."

   "You keep saying that. Just what do you mean?" Twilight tilted her head.

   "You shall see. Words would fail to justify it."

   "Oh, don't stop now!"

   Pinkie was sitting on a beach chair with a bag of popcorn. "It's just getting good!"

    Applejack agreed. "We all knew this could get hairy, but we need to find what we came for."

   "Who said we were stopping?"

   Twilight looked back to the book. "We'll read this until we get what we came for."

13th of January, year 980.

             A   las, I did not see him tonight. Sadly, I must spend the night,

                    tomorrow, definitely. I stood before Cornelius himself today,

                    with Clover and my new unlikely friends. Everything I heard

                    about Cornelius in my classes were true, his coat a pure blue

                    roan, yet his mane streaks of azure and ice blue. It fell straight

                    as if ironed. He also donned his signature reddish purple tented

                    spectacles. I had a view at his eyes, they are a hue of magenta.

                    The magic waxing around him was intense. Never have I felt

                    such gentle yet bold contrast in power before meeting Cornelius.

              He seemed little surprised by Alastar. If anything, he looked saddened for him. He heard Clover and myself present the Flashport spell and Gala present her achievement. Alastar however, asked only how he and his brother could return home. I came to better know this Human in such a small timeframe, and I have grown to appreciate his company. The look on his face pained me when Cornelius told him there was no known way for him to return.

              Cornelius told us on all our projects we were to work together. That Alastar is trapped here upsets me. I cannot imagine being trapped in his world alone, neither can I know what pain he must feel towards his fate. His brother is still very sickly. It is unlike any affliction Apothecary Herschel has seen, that is no small thing, for he is the best practitioner of medicine in the Unicorn Kingdom. I remain optimistic that a cure will be found. If one exists, Herschel shall avail it.

   14th of January, year 980.

              C   an this human ever cease to amaze? Not only is he very

                     knowledgeable, but by Solstice he has magic! Everypony was

                     predisposed to our projects. I hardly noticed the jar of fabric

                     dye I knocked into while testing the Flashport across a twenty

                     five hoof distance. It would have ruined Gala's ability to present

                     to the judges, were it not for Alastar. He saw it fall and held a

                     hand out. He expected it to spill everywhere. Bewildered, we

                     observed it stop in mid fall just inches away from spilling.

              Normally it would not be a surprise, were it not for him openly conveying how his world is without magic. Nevermind what a world without magic is like, a being from such a plane developing magical affinity is groundbreaking! This changes what has been accepted as stone solid law. Better still, he can now help diversely in our projects! I am sure such will gain the attention of Cornelius, since he wrote said laws.

              He is also very kind as well. He accidently ran into a fellow student and knocked her papers to the ground. We were on a deadline, so he told us to continue without him. All the other students were either too busy or had not the sense to help. He was five minutes late to the presentation and got quite the scolding from the Judges. They proceeded to explain that even though he was a guest, he must respect this world's customs and show responsibility.

              Clover was not happy with the Judges, but Alastar retorted for himself. He asked if the Judges valued helping others in need. Of course, they answered yes. He proceeded to tell them about his accident, then how he would rather be five minutes late and help somepony than be on time. This caught the Judges off guard. I withheld a chuckle towards their expressions. I believe it was the Judges that learned something that day.

              We followed our presentation with great success! The Judges loved the Flashport and Gala's stellar mastery of fabrics. Clover found Alastar's defense against the Judges most humorous. Gala was also very amused by our success. I do believe the time I shall spend here will be unparalleled .

   15th of January, year 980.  

              A   broad sorrow plagues the University. Alastar's brother, Liam,

                     I believe his name was, passed into eternity sometime last night.

                     I am shocked that Herschel, nor even Cornelius the Wise, could

                     only ease his pain. Alastar had a few days time to speak with him

                     at least, although neither party truly knew how little time he had.

                     I do believe this the very first time I have ever seen Clover cry.

              Classes were canceled in the University. Appropriate measures Cornelius called it. Nothing about this day was appropriate. After finding Alastar sitting on a stone balcony railing, I sat next to him. I admit being slightly worried he would jump. I know very well the pain of losing a loved one, especially one so close.

              If a balcony was present when I lost my Father, I might have jumped myself. We sat, watching the stars flicker and burn. Such pain can only scar, not heal.

              He was first to speak after minutes passed. We talked all night about his world and life, then myself to him about mine. Our worlds are similar in many ways. I have a few theories to that. I know the theory of Dimensions by Sirius the Strange like the back of my hoof. It seems he, as always, was correct. I feel myself beginning to see Alastar not merely as a marvel, but a friend.

   Spike rubbed the back of his head. "How are we going to find what we're looking for? It could take all day at this rate."

   Twilight shrugged. "We don't have much choice, Spike. We can't skip a paragraph or we might miss what we're trying to find."

   Luna walked over to Twilight.

   "Twilight Sparkle, I may be of assistance in that."

   Her horn glowed and a single page turned. She pointed at the book. "Look upon this page."

   Twilight's eyes widened when she saw the date on it and so did mine. "It jumped over three hundred years!"

   "Tis an age old enchantment."

   Luna smiled. "It can make the simplest of tomes as endless as the Night's sky."

   "I read about that once."

   Twilight giggled. "Oh, this is so cool!"

   "Cherish that feeling, Twilight."

   Luna grew glim. "The following pages contains the truth I spoke of."

   Everyone in the nook looked at Luna and looked at each other apprehensively.

   Fluttershy bent down. "Oh, um, m-maybe we should c-come back tomorrow, or w-when we're ready."

   Applejack put her hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. "We're as ready as we're gonna get, Sugarcube. Go on Twilight, let's see what all this fuss'n is for."

   Twilight gulped down the knot in her throat. "Alright, here we go."

   She looked to the book and read that paged solemn.

17th of May, 1299.

              D   awn, normally it brings joy and light to my day, but not

                     this one. We received word that the Crystal Empire was

                     attacked over one month ago. We do not know what is

                     attacking the Empire, but we have been summoned by

                     the King and Queen. Clover, Alastar, Gala and myself

                     are to journey to the Alicorn Kingdom as soon as we

                     are able. I find it hard to believe we just arrived from

                     the Crystal Empire but a month ago when all was perfect.

              Now, rumors of giant dark clouds swallowing Palaces and mountains whole are spreading throughout the entire Four Kingdoms. I have never seen, nor experienced such a horrible phenomenon in my three hundred and thirty seven years of life as a mage. No such record exists even in Alastar's library back in the Crystal Empire of such a thing.

              Emperor Sombra did give some incentive about the origin of dark magic and how the Empire was attempting to find its source. Perhaps they found what they were looking for? Never the less, we must answer this call and return to the Empire posthaste!

   20th of May, year 1299.

              A   ll my heart, may Erebus night shield us and Solstice light preserve us.

                    Never have I seen so much death, bodies, millions blanketing the

                    landscape for miles. Even now as I write this, the canvas of this

                    tent bears no barrier to the smell. The once beautiful towers of

                    crystal are now gone, as if they were torn from their foundations

                    and smashed upon the mountains. Fires are still tearing at the

                    rubble. I have never smelled burning flesh before. It sickens me.

                    No tower stands, no city bustles. All is ruin.

              Even worse still, some were changed. The ones that could not retreat north yet still lived, turned into monsters. They ranted madness about starving with hunger, they were deathly cold to the touch and were very violent. Something robbed them of sanity. There was no reasoning with them, no helping them. I had not a choice...did I? I could only react. Never have I taken a life before. Alastar said I was without fault, was self defense. Then why do I feel like a murderer? Solstice preserve me.

              There exists a gray kind as well. I never have seen such a thing before either. It bares the likeness of an Insect, but with an Equine form. If Insect and Equinity became one, that would bear likeness to what I encountered. Like the mad crystal ponies, they are very aggressive. We fought a horde of them earlier this evening. I am thankful for the battalion Skycutter sent to escort us. Thankfully, nopony was lost to the attack.

   21st May, year 1299.

              V   erily, I cannot sleep. I cannot stop thinking about it, the one that

                     attacked me. She still charges me in my dreams. My mind runs it

                     repeatedly, the same outcome every time. I read about affects of

                     lightening on bare flesh upon contact. I never imagined myself

                     ever witnessing it first hoof. Whatever force brought Alastar to us,

                     I am thankful. He stayed up with me. Like when I helped him with

                     Liam's passing three hundred and nineteen years ago. Time truly

                     fleets. What a true friend he is. I think I may even sleep tonight.

              Upon further venturing into the Empire, our entire party were continually awestruck and saddened. Alastar was angry must of the time. I still hear his words when first he saw the ruins, "Not here too. Please God, not here too." I believe he was thinking about the Great War back on Earth he left behind. If this bears Earth's likeness, then I never want him to return. This is not a place for life. Whatever is responsible for this, it will be brought to justice. With Erebus as my harbinger it shall be so!

   22nd of May, year 1299.

              R   unning, I encountered a seemingly dead elder Dragon, however,

                   a spark of life yet still burned within. Alastar somehow resuscitated

                   him with an electrical burst by his palm flat on the elder's chest.

                   Sadly, when his great heart began pumping again his grievous

                   wounds were all to apparent. Gala attempted to use her scarf

                   to dress some of his dire wounds. The Dragon stopped her,

                   saying it would help little.

              Equinox was his name, the the last of his breed, a Crystal Dragon. He told us about this catastrophe. The dark cloud, the countless hordes of monsters and the Empire being attacked on all sides simultaneously. They hardly last a month. Alastar asked him about the Emperor. The Dragon said the Emperor was not saved from the cloud. He did not know what had truly befallen Sombra.

              Before the dragon passed, he reached inside his chest and gave Alastar his crystal heart. Informing him to present it to his brothers far south of the heartland. They had knowledge of what it symbolized. I have read tales about the import of a Dragon bestowing any part of his heart, yet the elder called Alastar Tearfire. I have little familiarity with that title, nor such dragon lore. No book exists written on such a thing. Perhaps, I might change that one day?

              We leave tomorrow for the Four Kingdoms to deliver our report. Yet, I bear a great feeling of dread. I feel strange, like something dark has moved into my mind, clouding my better judgment. I watched the proudly disciplined solders Skycutter sent with us fight and brawl like drunken scoundrels over the silliest of things, even holding grudges over them. I even caught myself thinking horrible things about my dear friends. Solstice, I hope this can be turned around before long.

   "Hold."

   Luna turned the next page. It jumped in years again. "Read this. Tis the last entry."

28th of July, year 2970.

                A   ll consuming fires upon the planes, smoke choking at life, death

                    smites any attempt at survival from it. The light waxes to dark, as

                    only blackness shall forever rule this world, until the brightest of

                    lights burns the black away. Once more I dream of when you left

                    us my old friend. I have seen much in my old age. My bones creak

                    with experience I can attest every early morning, yet my heart still

                    pains the same.

               I am left alone in my age, yet I still have a promise to keep, one I will never mind to break, even with bucking death at my hooves. Clover would have appreciated that, while Gala would have considered it indecent.

               They passed sometime ago. The land wept for Equinity's loss that day, upon that gray hilltop near the old walnut tree we always hung around. I miss them dearly. Despite my actions against it, even I am dwindling away. While I await the cold hoof, I throw my sheets to the wind.

   Twilight noticed a stain on the paper. It smelled like old berries and spices. She had never smelled anything like that before.

   Fluttershy whimpered, hiding behind my stool with her hooves covering her face.

   I frowned. "You alright, Fluttershy?"

   Fluttershy was shaking. "Oh, Y-yes. I-I will be f-fine. Are you f-fine?"

   "I am now that you're with me." I smiled.

   That seemed to do the trick, as she loosened up a bit. "Oh, alright."

    "Come on! What happens next?" Pinkie pointed her hoof at the book.

    Twilight nodded, reading again.

               Sombra was right, a full year and the taste is at its best. My fifth glass, only a slight buzz, after I devoted years I finally built a tolerance, but no friends remain to share it with. Irony never cut so deep.

               I still have yet this spell of unlocking Equinity's lineage to finish. So much work yet concluded, the true power of friendship and my spells that involve it, I still have so much to do. I need more time. Mortality is such a pesky nuisance.

               After the war ended, Clover, Gala and myself, returned to the Unicorn Kingdom. The corruption, the bitterness left behind from the war, the loss, all left the Four Kingdoms strained and hostile even to one another. Many Alicorns fell in the war leaving a large untenable gap. Even more detrimental to our case, the war had weakened the King and Queen, leaving them unable to lower the Moon or raise the Sun.

               After a meeting was called, compromises were issued. The Earth Kingdom would focus with agriculture, while the Sky Kingdom provided the weather, with their price being a share of the food. The Unicorn Kingdom by being forced to raise and lower the Moon, demanded payments for the service, despite much debating and arguing. We did our best, but it seemed bitterness hardened even the Unicorn King.

               Bitterness turned sour as that fragile system strained. Soon, the Four Kingdoms split into separate Kingdoms. I pleaded it reconsidered, reasoning it as the same mistake our ancestors made before the Coalition war of 98. I was not heard. I was not one for ranting, but I was removed from court that day.

               As the hearts of Equinity chilled, the skies fell cold. Blizzards and ice storms beyond our control ravaged the land, pushing us into a famine.

               The Kingdoms called upon an emergency meeting. The Unicorn King had to remain, so his daughter, Princess Platinum, journeyed there as his representative. Clover chose to accompany her as an adviser, to keep an eye on her. While Gala and I went to find the blizzard's source.

                Gala and I found no source, to our detriment. It was as if the storms happened out of thin air. More bad news came, the meeting went badly. With food nearly barren, the Kingdoms chose to migrate south to colonize the ruined Crystal Empire. After my outburst of frustration and a few knocked out politicians, I ventured to the Alicorn Kingdom to plead aid. Clover stayed with the Princess, while Gala would accompany me.

               Two days down the frigid roads, a horde of windigos burst down from the clouds, Southbound. Horrified after realizing they were the source, we made haste to the Alicorn Kingdom. Gala and I warned the sickly King and Queen, then rallied the Alicorn remnant and went South after the beasts.

               The Four Kingdoms, once the jewel of all Equinity, had frozen to a wasteland. Three days and we arrived at the Crystal Empire's last bastion. The windigos circled around the city's magical shielding. Weapons and magic had little affect typically. Within the shield, the crystal ponies stood encircled around the city, holding hooves. The windigos weakened. The blizzard uplifted and dissipated with them. I thanked whatever in Solstice was responsible.

               I found Clover after venturing further South. She discovered the windigo's weakness, the fires of friendship. Love sparked once again in Equinity, the Colony continued in the South as the Four Kingdoms thawed. The world could finally rebuild anew. The land was renamed Equestria, the first true home for all of Equinity, like you would have wanted.

               Everything was changed, forgotten. To protect the future from past bitterness, our past will remain buried. History of the War was cast to the sand and the events of the Colony was named Hearths Warming Eve, so it had to be, so it shall remain. Clover is known no longer as my collogue to history, but my Student. While Gala? I am not certain why her name is never mentioned, perhaps she was simply caught in the Grand Edit?

               After Equestria was founded, there was a long-winded incident with the last of the Draconequus, coupled with an old friend's return. It pained me to see him that way. Sombra deserved far better, so did his Empire. The daughters of the King and Queen took care of both incidents. Now all pony races live in peace, into well over a millennium.

               Ah, yes, the King and Queen had children. Their two daughters care for things here as Princesses. One I know well, Princess Luna, what a sweetheart she is. So young and bright as rays, she reminds me of you, Alastar. One day the King and Queen slept and never woke up. I am not sure if the War was responsible, or something deeper. Luna lost some light that day. That was thirty years ago.

               I found a true wonder of magic while trying to stop the Draconequus. After the defeat of chaos, they were rightly named the Elements of Harmony. Consequently, I never could find their origin. I have found there is more to them than just power. If needed, they may find other masters to protect the land. I still find it strange they bear likeness to the Aegis.

    30th of July, year 2970.

               Something scratches at the edge of hearing. A faint whisper hisses in the deep. All Hopes, dreams, aspirations, are like arc lights brilliant and bright, until they are no more and undone. Somewhere it comes again, to take us away. Where are you? We need you, Alastar.

               I know what I must do. No other choice remains. I must leave my mortality in order to stay. My only hope is in the final incantation to guide you back. Until again my old friend.

   Twilight finished reading the final verse. She wondered what the dark reddish stains on the paper were. They smelled like how bits tasted, metallic. The room was dead quite.

   Rarity grimaced and broke the silence. "Well, that was certainly dark for a book."

   "Y-yeah."

   Applejack shook her head. "That certainly was worth the fuss."

   "I will study this journal more later."

   Twilight put Starswirl's journal in one of Rarity's saddlebags. "We have all we need. Let's go guys."

   Applejack asked Twilight, "What'cha think'n, Twi?"

   "If this is all true, then I'm thinking we need to take the train this time." Twilight trotted towards the exit.

   "If ya say so."

   Applejack huffed, "Everypony's act'n so peculiar, all this sneak'n around...."

   Fluttershy got up, but shifted uneasily.

   "Well, this is not the first time strange things have happened."

   She put a hoof to her mouth. "Remember when we first met Zecora? Everypony acted strange, hiding and so on."

   "Oh, please, don't remind me of that dreadful day."

   Rarity dramatically pouted while puffing her hair with her hoof. "I am still finding split ends in my hair."

   "Yeah, but this is different...."

   Applejack looked in my direction. "What do you think, Argyle?"

   I raised my head. "I think we should follow Twilight. We need more time with that book."

   Fluttershy smiled. "I agree. You guys have fun with that book, while I tend to Angel."

   Applejack caught what Fluttershy meant. "Now hold on, Fluttershy-"  

   I heard foot steps down the hall. Spike ran up to everyone and cut off Applejack. "Hey, have you guys seen Pinkie anywhere?"

   "No, can't say we have."

   Applejack pointed her hoof at Spike. "Ah thought ya went with her to get some more popcorn or somethin'?"

   "Well, yeah, until she up and vanished!"

   Spike threw his hand up in the air. "You know how she is!"

   "I am sure she is fine, Darling."

   Rarity reassured Spike. "Knowing Pinkie Pie, she must have misplaced herself in one of her...erm...moments. I'm certain she'll turn up."

   Fluttershy shrugged. "Besides, she could not have gone far."

   Spike huffed. "Right. Remember the last time she miss-placed-herself? There was like a thousand of her!"

   "Don't worry, Sugarcube. We'll help ya track down that silly filly."

   Applejack gestured to the others.

   "This way y'all. Ah think Ah know where to look."

   She looked at me. "You come'n, Argyle?"

   I something heavy weigh on my mind. "In a minute."

   Applejack acknowledged, telling me to meet them later and where, as I heard hooves patter away.

   Thoughts raced across my mind's eye. I sat on that stool, with my chin resting on the backs of my clasped hands, as my elbows rested on my knees. I stared into open space. I was the only one in that room for seconds, but it felt like hours. I saw every detail metaphorically speak to me in all directions, like if my mind was a court of scholars debating facts within the fiction.

   "What befuddleth thee, Student?" Luna had been listening to my left, near the desk.

   With no choice left, I turned on the stool, facing Luna. "Is it possible for me to return home, or is it true, what the journal said?"

   She closed her eyes and thought to herself. Luna shook her head, and told me, "Thou wert brought here by dark forces." Luna sighed. "I am unable to personally attest to any possibility, however, my sister remains optimistic. Other than that, I am sorry."

   It was hard deciding what was worse, Celestia one day telling me I was trapped with no way home, or how numb it felt knowing it. I wondered if that was why I felt the need to stay. My gut knew there was no where else I could go all along. But, that also bred its own problems, like what Starswirl said in his journal and how I was going to stop it.

   I must break my promise then. I'm sorry little sis. Please don't hate me.

   "Then we have work to do."

   I got up. "We have to find out what's really happening."

   "We know not what it truly is that we fight."

   Luna shrugged with frustration. "Such knowledge remains lost to the pre classical era."

   "There's a saying on Earth. When life gives you lemons, find a new life."

   She scrunched her nose in humor. "Curious, where doth lemons play into this?"

   "It means we persevere."

   I turned to walk to the hour glass. "We're magic. It can't be more than just a cast and a flashport. Find the evil, then blast it. Simple."

   Luna followed me closely. "Simple? What was described in Starswirl's journal sounded anything but."

   I put my hand to my chin in thought. "All we need are some clues, something tangible."

   She tilted her head. "An investigation?"

   "Yes. I'll start with whoever cursed me."

   We reached the hour glass. I think it was around 3:46 PM, if I remember correctly.

   Luna stood near my left with a dubious look. "Thou art skilled in the inquisitive arts?"

   I had read Sherlock Holmes many times before. I was comfortable with the challenge.

   "Let's just say this should be...elementary." I smiled.

    Luna gave me an odd look. "Um, very well. Then I shall see to these disturbances happening in Ponyville of late."

   "Good idea. Zecora should be your first stop, by the way."

   I walked to the Iron gate with Luna following at my side. "She'll point you in the right direction."

   "I shall assuredly visit her then. I thank thee." Luna smiled.

   I laughed. "Hey, what else are prized Students for? Chopped liver?"

   Luna cringed. "Verily, what sick being would chop liver?"

   I lightly face-palmed, not at Luna, but at myself for making a human joke and thinking a pony would understand. It was not a matter of intelligence, just a simple difference in culture.

   "Um, it was just some Earth humor. Never mind." I lightly waved my hand, trying to dismiss it.

   She shrugged, still revolted and confused. "Surely in thy world chopped meat is not truly humorous?"

   "Heh, there's a little more to it than that." I smirked.

   What a little debacle I put myself in.

   We reached the iron gate.

   The guard was peering in through the bars. "Good evening. Let me open this for you both."

   I smiled as we left the Wing. "Thanks, see you later, Zaner." I waved.

   "Come by anytime." He waved back.

   Luna just looked at both Zaner and me, confused.

   We walked on down the hallway.

   I turned towards my room. "There's something I need to get first."

   "Very well, I shall accompany thee."

   An awkward silence settled for a few minutes.

   Luna giggled. "So, I see thou hast made a new friend."

   "Who?"

   I thought for a moment. "Oh, Zaner?"

   "Yes, every time I previously met and informed him of thou joining me, he would look like I ordered him to fight a frontline. Now, twould seem he hast chummed up to thee."

   I laughed and joked, "What can I say? I'm just a likeable guy."

   She scrunched her nose and bumped into me on purpose.

   That surprised me a little. I blurted out humorously, "Hey!"

   We both shot funny bug eyed faces at each other, then burst out laughing.

   "Alright, I stared at him without mercy."

   I showed her my death stare face. She laughed. "But, we're good now."

   Luna asked, "Why didst thou stare at him in the first place?"

   "Oh, he complemented that potato sack robe you made me wear, Luna was right, Humans do dress strange, he said. Plus, I was having a less than stellar day, so I was in a bad way."

   "Ah, indeed. Apologies." Luna sheepishly smiled. "I too was having a dismal day. I am happy it happened though."

   "Oh?" I raised my eye brow.

   Luna smiled. "If it did not happen, thou wouldst not be my friend."

   I grinned, thinking that perhaps the sweetest thing anyone, or anypony, had ever said to me. "I'm happy too."

   I wondered if I should have told her about my cold episodes and what happens when I go through one. Deciding not to ruin the moment, we continued to my room. I opened the door and went inside. Luna followed shortly after and inspected my room.

   "Argyle?"

   Luna tapped my shoulder. "Didst thou close thy glass balcony doors?"

   I glared at the doors, which should have been open. "Maybe the wind did it?"

   "Curious."

   She inspected the door closely. "Wind doth not turn locks."

   Luna tugged on the doors, they were locked as well.

   I had a look around. My clothes were in the order I left them and my desk was intact. It all looked untouched, until I saw a lone piece of paper behind the trash can near my desk.

   "But wind does do that." I pointed at the marooned parchment.

   Luna walked over while I grabbed the piece of paper. It was blank.

   Luna surmised, "Must have blown off thy desk."

   "Apparently, however, someone was here to see it."

   I pointed at the door. "They closed then locked the door afterwards."

   Luna thought out loud, "Why would somepony intrude in thy chambers?"

   Servant maybe? Fernsworth....

   I sigh in relief. "Oh, it was probably Fernsworth."

   "Who?" Luna looked at me confused.

   Her reaction unsettled me. "You know, Celestia's personal Butler?"

   Luna looked at me seriously. "Tia, has not employed a personal Butler, at no point in time."

   "Well, that's not good."

   I shook my head. "I hate to inform you to the contrary, but I have been told otherwise."

   "By whom?" Luna narrowed her eyes at me.

   "By her personal Butler, repeatedly." I crossed my arms. I did not like where that was going.

   Luna huffed, then walked towards the door. "Follow, Argyle."

   I quickly moved to pick up what I came for, my IPod.

   "Wait up!"

   I ran up to her. "What's the rush, where're we going?"

   "To my sister. She canst explain this."

   "Luna-"

   "She is not a liar."

   Luna held her head up with a hubris attitude. "Once she dismisses this, we may return to the real mystery at hoof."

   I frowned.

   Her dismissal is what I'm afraid of.

   I had to walk briskly to keep up with her. She was practically trotting.

   Don't upset the Princess, that was what Twilight urged. I had no intention to make any waves. Luna, however, was intent on testing Twilight's warnings. I sighed and followed Luna to her sister's chambers.

   Sun Tzu, would not approve.

   "Stay there, I shall return." Luna told one of the two guards to let her through.

   The guard looked at her apologetically. "I am sorry, your Majesty, but Princess Celestia is not to be disturbed for any reason."

   Luna looked like someone had just slapped her. She glared at the guard, who in turn gulped.

   I stood there equally surprised.

   The vexed Princess retorted with a very stern tone, "Assuredly, the Princess of the Night is the exception?"

   He looked at the other guard, who nodded to him. He saluted her then unlocked the door.

   "Truly harder than it should hath been." Luna held her chin up with a huff.

   One guard rolled his eyes behind her back. The other just shook his head.

   How rude!

   I glared at the guard. He met my gaze once. I could tell he had ill thoughts towards me, like, Yeah, what are you going to do about it? It was a look I was used to back on Earth. I was very disheartened to see it in Equestria as well.

   Their lack of proper behavior irked me.

   I cleared my head and imagined lightening flaring in my eyes. My eyes flared a little with electricity. I had no idea it would actually work. I saw the sudden burst of light flare up the wall behind the guard. The guard jumped a little and stiffened.

   Pissant.

   I snickered at him. He picked one hell of a time to irk me. I loved my new spine.

   The doors opened and Luna gestured for me to enter. I walked in after her.

   "Ah, Argyle Orion."

   Celestia was laying on a nice looking large pillow. She did not have her tiara on, but she had a thick royal blue blanket covering her back.

   "I am very glad to see you again, even at such short notice."

   She quickly cast a look at Luna. "Now, what can I do for you two?"

   "Well, your Majesty-"

   I was trying to politely say, until Luna did it for me.

   "Elder sister, explain why I hearest rumors of thee possessing a personal servant."

   "Oh, my, all this fuss over that?"

   Celestia laughed. "Of course I have a personal servant."

   Luna looked at me like she had proven her point.

   "Yes, thank thee-"

   Her eyes widened when Celestia's words sunk in.

   "What?!"

   Luna looked at her sister bewildered. "For when did this take place?!"

   Well that's even worse. Not only does she keep things from others, but she has no fear in being open about it.

   Celestia obviously found that amusing. She smiled and told Luna sarcastically, "Oh, my brash little sister, twas just last season. Remember?"

   "Nay, we do not!"

   Luna stomped her hoof down. "We wouldst if thou haddest actually informed us!"

   "Temper, Luna."

   Celestia shook her hoof side to side. "Remember, inside voice."

   Luna's nostrils flared, but tried to calm. "Why am I hearing of this just now?"

   The Princess sighed at her sister.

   "I do not intrigue you with every little happening for me that takes place, nor would I have you annoy me with every little thing you come across."

   She got up and walked to Luna. "Is your loving sister so wrong to respect your privacy?"

   Luna's features softened. "Well, I-'

   "Am I not loving enough?"

   Celestia struck a dramatic pose. "Need I pry and be more assertive towards your day from now on? What you have done, where you have gone, who you have talked to? Oh, what a horrible sister I have been to not give my baby sister her time of day!"

   She's good.

   I just shook my head.

   "Nay! Tis alright."

   Luna waved her hooves and sighed. "I suppose a personal servant is not something of import."

   Celestia dropped into a more relieved pose. "Are you sure? I could be more assertive if you need it."

   Luna waved her hoof side to side, "Nay, nay. Tis fine."

   "Oh, perfect."

   Celestia hugged Luna, then she walked back to her pillow. "When you need something else, let me know."

   I was about to say something, but Luna in all her boldness, stepped on my foot, lightly but firm. I crossed my arms and gave her a look.

   All right. You have a better plan?

   Luna shook her head lightly at me. I waved my arm forward for her to go ahead in turn.

   Well, then by all means your malevolence.

   "Um, there is one other topic, Sister."

   Watching the Princess sit down on her lovely and oh so comfy pillow, I remember snickering for a second, as I thought about how she probably fluffed that pillow with the souls of her enemies.

   She smiled. "Oh? And what is that?"

   "The disturbances in Ponyville."

   Celestia thought to herself for a second. "Ah yes, the disturbances. What of them? I already sent my two best on the case."

   "I have reasons to think the happenings of late fouler of nature than previously thought."

   Luna cleared her throat. "So, I am including myself and my student apart of the investigation."

   It hit me then, Luna was playing a hand. She was just trying to get out of her sisters hair. She was also putting a few older hands out for her sister to see. To hide in plain sight. I would have applauded if the situation was different.

  Tia giggled. "Very well, I shall await my two investigator's synopsis with anticipation."

   "Yes, well, that is all."

   Luna turned then nudged me to move. "We will be going."

   The Princess said in a sarcastic tone, "Good day, my little detectives!"

   Luna kept nudging me out the door while I waved to Celestia with a smile. I was beginning to see that Celestia was not the angel she was made out to be and even Luna was seeing it as well.

   We went out of the doors into the hallway.

   "Come, Student. We hath work to do." Luna took to the left hallway.

   I was right on her tail, but not before having a final word with my new friends, the Pissant and his boyfriend.

   Hatching a sinister plan, I walked to them both and congratulated them on doing a wonderful job, while patting them on the back. I asked them if they liked dancing. They said they never had the time for it. I nodded and walked away.

   You will now fuckers.

   I smiled devilishly.

   "Whoa, hey! What's Going on?!"

   The two Guards lost control of their armour, thanks to a little spell I made up just for them.

   "Hey! Keep your hooves to yourself!"

   Clanking of metal and grinding on stone echoed down the hall, as the two guard's armoured suits started waltzing together with them still inside, in front of Celestia's chambers.

   "What in Harmony is going on out here?"

   "P-Princess! It's not what it looks like!"

   Celestia huffed loudly. "Surely, you two love birds could have waited for your shifts to be over?"

   My smile went into a full grin.

   Justice is best served garnished in embarrassment.

   I caught up to Luna. Seeing my grin, she looked at me like I had lost my mind.

   "I'll tell you later."

   I waved my hand. "So, what's the plan?"

   "Seekest thou the identity of whom cursed thee."

   Her horn glowed. "Whilest I shall make way to the Everfree and investigate."

   "Right, when do we meet back up?"

   "When the hour glass fills 8:00 PM. I Shall meetest thou at the wing."

   "Until then, good hunting."

   Luna flashed and was gone.

   My stomach growled. I laughed. "Alright, food first, then life and death situation."