"Are you sure it'll be ok, Princess?"
>"Of course, Anonymous. Remember that no matter which form of Equestria you find, you will always have me. If I don't remember you... tell me the name of my pet."
"Philomena."
>"Exactly."
"Alright... I will find you."
>That was then
>But now?
>"Go away!"
"Princess, come on!"
>"No!"
"Your little ponies need you!"
>"I don't care! They're dumb anyway!"
"I already said Philomena a dozen times, that has to show you that I'm being honest!!"
>"That doesn't mean anything!"
>You found a way back into Canterlot
>You talked your way through the palace rather... easily, now that you think about it
>The guards weren't carrying their usual equipment
>Princess Celestia's quarters were just where you remembered
>But the chamber doors are locked
>They have never once, to your knowledge, been locked
"Come on... you trusted me with this."
>You put your back to the pillar opposite of her doors and slide down
>How could this happen?
>You have never known the Princess to be so... stubborn
>In this way, particularly
>If you can't convince her, Equestria is doomed
>You sit there, defeated and holding your head
>You can't give up
>You just can't
>Just when you feel like you should leave, you hear the door click
>...You had no clue that the palace chamber doors had locks that clicked like that
>Rather than a flowing mane full of mystic wonder that comes out to greet you, it's flat and drooped over a white mare's face
>The meticulous uniformity of the mane tells you that it had to somehow be deliberate
"...Princess Celestia?"
>"It's Celeste."
>The irritation in her tone is apparent
>"So... are you... going to come in or what? You won't go away until we talk anyway, right?"
>She doesn't have anything resembling the tone you've always found comfort in
>The voice of a Princess, leading the land into a bright tomorrow
>You want to speak but you just can't make any words come out
>She steps out, revealing that she is
>Wait
>She's hardly any larger than a normal mare
>"...if you're going to just stare, forget it."
"W-wait!"
>Your hand shoots out in desperation
>It was enough to make her jump
"No. I mean, yes. We need to talk. It's as urgent as can be."
>"Whatever."
>With a heavy scoff, she shakes her head and goes back into her room
>An open invitation into her own quarters
>This is as weird as anything else, but you won't throw away your chance
>You pick yourself up and enter the
>Regal
>Respected...
>...
>Why are there dresses and towels just laying all over the floor?
>At least a dozen glasses are stacked into a pyramid shape on a desk
>Above it is a tapestry of a sun cracked in half?
"What in the world...?"
>Princess Celestia doesn't turn to face you until she dead drops onto the massive bed, befitting that of an alicorn
>With the finesse and grace of a freshly caught fish, she flops around until she's finally eye-to-mane-covered-eye with you
>"So. What do you want? Is this about the cake ban?"
>Cake ban?
"I... why would you ban cakes? Don't you love them?"
>"Last pony that gave a cake to me, it was thrown. I sent her to the moon."
>Your blood goes ice cold
>She couldn't have
"You didn't."
>Celestia grins under her mop of a mane
>"That's riiiight... I did it. And I'll do it to you, too."
>The playful tone in her voice tells you that she might actually be serious
"You can't! Listen, Equestria is in peril. Princess Celestia-you-sent me to another version of there-here, because of an imminent meteor strike! Starswirl's tomes, the entire Canterlot library, nothing is big enough to protect everyone! The only answer are the Elements of Harmony. When we searched, we couldn't find all of them in time. Worse, we couldn't find any creature-pony or otherwise-to even use them!"
>The memories are all too fresh in your mind
>The losses still great a burden to bare
>"Boooooooooriiiiiiiiing."
"...come again?"
>"I said that sounds BORING. Meteors are just dumb rocks. So kick them away."
>Her attitude is, among other things, astonishing
"How in the world could we kick away something hurdling toward us hard enough to turn the planet into one massive crater?!"
>The bed-bound Princess smirks
>"Just kick it with magic."
"I..."
>What do you even say to this?
>"Oh, and I had the Elements of Harmony. They looked pretty dumb so I gave them to, like, some filly I tutored. She passed them out to her friends and stuff."
>This revelation is enough to turn your hair white, as if the stress of countless adventures hasn't already done so
"That... that's brilliant! Are they able to use the Elements?"
>Celestia lets out a farting noise through her lips
>"They let Luna free. So I guess."
>Princess Luna!
>Though you were not sworn to her, the two of you shared a strong bond indeed
"Excellent! Where is Princess Luna?"
>"Don't know, don't care."
>You still aren't sure if you should be infuriated or in despair from her repeated dull snipes
"Princess Celestia, I'm begging you!"
>Your panicked shriek is enough to make her flinch again
>After a few moments, she parts her mane
>The look in her eyes
>If her body wasn't proof enough, she still has the eyes of an innocent mare
>Wings and horn she may have, she lacks the commanding and confident aura of a leader sharpened by centuries of trials and turmoil
>"...you're serious, aren't you."
"Yes! Yes, I am!"
>You never were one for controlling emotions adequately
"Please, my Princess. I failed to save you before but... I... can't fail you now."
>Mutual eye contact is shared before she sniffles
>...Sniffles?
>Two hics later and she starts to silently weep before you
>You
>Have never once seen Princess Celestia cry
"A... are you alright, Princess?"
>Your voice makes her bawl harder
>"I sent my boyfriend to save the world! That's so romantic!"
"W-WHAT?!"
>"I can't believe it, I didn't die kissless-ess-essss!"
>There are no words for your reaction
>Of course, you had...
>Maybe feelings for Celestia?
>But you never let those confuse you from your duties and loyalties
>...
>Do you tell her that you never actually kissed her?
"I... uh..."
>Her increasingly loud, almost dramatic sobbing drains the energy out of the room
>It continues to the point that you genuinely feel awkward to just stand there
>Do you go... comfort her?
>Are you allowed to do that to a Princess?
"I... P-Princess, I... the Elements..."
>You jump at how your words cause an explosion in the form of a new wave of ugly crying
>You've been nearly torn in half by Discord but that wasn't as existentially painful as listening to this, and for various reasons
>Resigning yourself to be there for her as you always have, you stand at attention
>But not so... much at attention
>Only when she finishes, entire minutes later, does she seem to calm down enough to speak
>"...Anonymous, right?"
"Y-yes, that's right. An odd name but I am also the only one of my kind, as far as I'm aware of."
>"The Elements... I gave them as a gift. They should be safe and those that were handed out resonated with their owners."
>With a heavy sigh, she speaks with a hoarse, yet calm voice
>You can almost hear some of her age-old authority
>Almost
>"If... if you're being honest. And... I think you are. Then you must go to Ponyville. Look for a pony named Twilight Sparkle. She will help me. You."
>She reaches up with a hoof to displace her hair again
>Despite how red her visible eye is, she locks it onto you
>"Us."
>Sweet heavens above what is this tension you're feeling
"I... I see. I will go to her now then, we don't have time to lo-"
>"Wait!"
>Celestia cuts you off
>At least she isn't giving you the cold shoulder
>"...before you go?"
"Yes?"
>"I need to ask you some things."
"Of course. I was not told to keep anything a secret."
>"Was I any good at it?"
>Perplexed, your eyebrows scrunch
"It?"
>Her own face scrunches up
>One of her dozens of pillows floats up and flies at you
>"IT!"
>Though it was launched at you with the intent to hit, you swooce out of the way with practiced reflex
"I don't know what "it" is, Princess! You did so many things, it is impossible to keep track!"
>That answer seems to be the best, or worst, answer possible
>The entire mountain of pillows behind the Princess float up before firing at you
>You can dodge the first one
>Two, maybe
>But the other ninety six?
>They aim for your face and don't stop until you're buried underneath the pile of fabrics
>"You can't just say THAT instead!"
>You can still hear her despite her voice coming through to you muffled
>She sounds more embarrassed than mad now
>Something tells you that this is not going to be an easy journey...

>Fading sunlight
>A freshly made fire
>Bark, twigs and leaves from esoteric sources to give an aromatic sense of serenity
>You're applying your oils to your trident and axe
>You may lack the magic of the Princesses, but your physique and long-honed skills make you far from the least useful of the trio
>"Princess Luna will be leading us once the sun sets. Are you sure you're able to travel?"
>You've been up for 37 hours now
>Though fatigue is chewing at your body, you remain focused
"Of course, Princess."
>You give Princess Celestia a quick smile before you go back to your tending
>"Anonymous."
>The Princess rests her hoof on your forearm, stopping your polishing
>You can tell that there is concern on her face but your eyes stay glued to your axe
>The edge has been chipped
>The finish is starting to wear down
>Most disgusting of all, you found a small amount of pitting near where the steel meets the shaft
>"You must remember to rest. We travel at your pace."
"My pace is Equestria's pace, Princess. If I go any slower, we will lose everything."
>Were this conversation had sooner in your life, you might have trembled
>You fully believe your words
>"If I lose you, I lose everything."
>You fully believe her words as well
"...Eleven more hours. Then we can set up camp."
>A compromise
>She smiles at that
>"We will do in five what will take eleven. Then you will rest until you are fully revitalized."
>Double time
>You could do that
"Of course, Princess."
>You finally look up to her
>She's tired as well
>Far too tired
>But she has said before that she can replace her energy with magic, to an extent
>With you, and her, and Princess Luna, you will succeed
>You will...
>...
>"Sir?"
>...?
>"Sir?"
>Who is that?
>"Sir?"
>You can't sleep with this noise
>"Sir?"
"What... is it?"
>You are agitated at how you were torn from your dream
>You're
>Oh
>You're in a carriage
>A carriage?
>You sit up properly, inhaling
>"We're here, sir!"
>It only takes a second for you to remember
>Ponyville
>Princess Celestia and her... moods
>You must have fallen asleep after leaving Canterlot
"Excellent. I'm up. I'm just..."
>Tired
>You haven't truly slept by yourself in you don't even know how long
>You exit the vehicle, which is thankfully large enough to house even you comfortably
>You look down at the armored guardsmare
>...You would not be so rude as to say it to her face, but she is a little on the runty side
"When did we get here?"
>"About six hours ago. I tried to call to you but you wouldn't wake up."
>Six hours?
"I... how long was the trip?"
>"Only six hours, sir. It took only part of the night, then I remained here and tried to wake you up."
>If you were out for twelve hours and it only took six to travel...
"Are... you telling me that you sat out here for a quarter of a day to try to wake me up?"
>"Yes, sir."
"Did."
>You look down at her
>She beams, even if she looks a little tired
"Did you spend six hours just trying to rouse me with your voice?"
>"Yes, sir. It kinda got boring after the first hour but then I started trying it in different voices. I'm glad I packed extra water because it was very thirsty work!"
>She sounds too proud of herself
>You furrow your brow in...
>Is it astonishment?
>It has to be
"Right... well. Good work, soldier. You've made the Princess proud."
>The guardsmare giggles and rears up
>"Yaaaay! Did I make you proud too, sir?"
>What
>Why would it matter what you think?
>You've never truly held any office or title beyond your mere, meager duties
"I..."
>She looks like she's expecting only the best
>So it is the best, she will get
"I am very proud of you. I don't know many who have such dedication."
>And you say this, from the bottom of your heart
>"YAAAAAAY!"
>The guardsmare bolts off, galloping around the carriage to the point she almost becomes a blur of shining metal and grey coat
>You have no clue how to adequately communicate your confusion and mystified impression to this ball of duty and cheer
"I am... alright. Ok. Can you tell me about where we are?"
>Now that you're outside, you see that you are on the far outskirts of what appears to be a rather sizable town
>You can't see too much from where you are, but there are countless simple buildings with appears to be a town civic center in the center
>The guardsmare comes to a complete and sudden stop in front of you
>Like a rubber toy, she vibrates
>"We'Re RiGhT oUtSiDe My HoMeToWn, SiR! PrInCeSs CeLeStIa SaId AfTeR I tOoK yOu HeRe, I cOuLd HaVe A vAcAtIoN!"
>The way her voice vibrates makes you think she's more toy than pony
>You kneel down and put your hands on her shoulders
>With a firm grasp, you help her come to a complete stop
"You grew up here?"
>Smiling as wide as she can, she nods
>"Yes, sir! I come from a long line of Pens!"
"Pens? Like the writing utensils?"
>The soldier of questionable decorum giggles
>"No, like the pony! I'll show you my entire family, Big Pen, Felt Pen, Empty Pen, and there's even more!"
>She breaks free of your grasp and gallops
>Hops?
>It's a mix between the two actions
"...huh. Very well."
>You're close to your target, that is all that matters
>You march at a brisk pace to keep up with the soldier
"So tell me, if you're a Pen as well, what is your name?"
>"Sharp Pen! But my mom calls me her Lil Sharpie!"
>That's
>Something
>You really aren't one to speak on pony naming conventions
>It's a breath of fresh air to see someone that is so carefree
>"...and then there's Sugarcube Corner, the schoolhouse, I was taken to the hospital once when I fell into a muddle and got a bruise, the bookstore, Sugarcube Corner has a ton of muffins and cupcakes and then there's the train station and the theater and library and also, did you know there's a place called-"
"Sugarcube Corner?"
>Sharpie comes to a sudden stop and gasps
>At least by now, you're in the town proper
>Most of the ponies give you passing glances but none of them really seem to be paying attention
>Which technically is a benefit
>"How did you know?! Have you been there before too?!"
"No, but I've heard from a certain pony that it's quite the place."
>"Who was that?"
>The genuine surprise on her face and in her voice
>You
>...
>You couldn't dare tell her
"...it's a secret. Either way, do you know a pony named Twilight Sparkle? The Princess told me that I would find someone here who would help me."
>While the guardsmare pouts at the inability to pry your secret from your steel trap of a will, she points down a road
>"It's the big tree with windows and flowers and there's a picture of a book on a sign. I haven't gone there much because a bee bit me once before."
"Don't bees sting?"
>Sharpie shakes her head with strong defiance
>"No, sir. It bit me."
"...oh. Ok then."
>You nod at her legitimate recollection
"Well, thank you Sharpie. I suppose... have a good vacation? If I need your help, I will do my best to only seek your help when I'm at a complete loss."
>"You too, sir! Please do your best for the Princess!"
>You are given a salute
>You return one in kind
>The stand off remains
>...
>And remains
>...
>And
>...
>Remains...?
>The serious expression on her face is quite something
>It doesn't fit quite right
>You glance around
>Random ponies are starting to salute too
>Some don't even look like they know how to salute
>One pegasus is saluting with both of her front hooves
>How are her eyes so... derpy?
"I... are we done here?"
>Sharpie finally lowers her hoof, causing you to relieve yourself
>Only some of the ponies drop their stances and go back to whatever they were doing
>"Yes, sir! I gotta go to the bathroom, I drank a ton of water trying to wake you up so bye!"
>She practically phases through her armor and gallops off at high speed
>The helmet hangs in the air for a second before falling
"...well ok then."
>You start for the library
>"Hey!"
>You pivot on your heel as soon as you hear the voice
>"I wanna be saluted too!"
>The pegasus scrunches her face and salutes twice as hard
>Which is to say that even her wings fold to go above her hooves
"I..."
>The bubbles on her flank don't really tell you much about her
"A... at ease, good mare."
>She remains at attention
>She can at least balance herself well, even if she's starting to wobble
"...that means you can stop now."
>She lets out a heavy breath and finally settles down
>"At ease to you too!"
"I... I appreciate that."
>Why is every pony here so...
>Odd?
"...take care."
>With no other way to end the conversation, you break contact
>Behind you, you can hear multiple ponies telling each other to be at ease
>They can't possibly be mocking you
>At least this Twilight should able to help
>If she were a pupil to the Princess herself, she must be quite powerful indeed

>The tree is quite a sight
>It stands out like a sore thumb, sure, but it looks undeniably cozy
>You aren't rightly sure where the plant ends and the "building" begins
>The only downside is that the front door is a little small for you
>You knock on the candle carving directly
>It is part of the door but it does actually seem to glow
>...
>Nothing
>You knock a few more times
"Is there a Twilight Sparkle here?"
>You speak with your more deep, official tone
>...
>Still nothing
>Well this is going nowhere fast
>If she's out for the day, you'll just have to let yourself in
>The half-door opens fine enough, though it could use a bit of oil on the hinges
>Hunching over, you enter to see a purple pony laying on a purple and pink rug
>A book is held up with purple magic
"Excuse me, have you seen a pony na-"
>"Shh. Book."
"Ah-"
>Did she just shush you?
>Maybe it is indeed bad etiquette to interrupt reading but you can't bring yourself to just wind down
>You look over the piles of books lined up in front of the pony
>Most of them aren't the most entertaining reads
>One book is even titled "Books: Why Read Them?"
>You comb through the entire first floor at least three times before your patience runs thin
>As much as you don't want to be a bother, you can't just sit and do nothing
>You sit beside the pony and clear your throat
"Please, Princess Celestia has sent m-"
>The pony whips her head at you
>She has the most neutral face but her eyes dilate to the size of the moon itself
>"You know the Princess?"
"I-I do."
>The smile on the pony's face goes from small and demure to moderate to ecstatic and beyond, to the point you aren't sure if she's mocking you or just so excited she can't help it
"I'm here to speak with Twilight Sparkle. Do you know her?"
>The book calmly closes and sets itself down
>Like a cat that discovered a pickle laying behind it, she leaps onto you
>It isn't enough to knock you over but you're sure if she had a helmet she would have caved your chest in
>For being a unicorn, her horn is a little bit stubby... so that helps
"I LOVE THE PRINCESS! SHE GAVE ME BOOKS AND TAUGHT ME SPELLS AND READ ME STORIES AND EVEN FED ME BOOKS!"
>The speed of her nuzzling against your chest is almost enough to cause a fire
>Though it takes some struggling, you pry her off of you and hold her up
"...She fed you books?"
>"She fed me with food you make in books."
"...Like a cook book?"
>Is this really a pupil of the Princess?
>She squirms and fidgets until you let go of her
>She splats on her rug and bounces up to stand on her hooves
>"I'm Twilight! The Princess sent me here to read stuff and make friends with stuff and to get them to read too!"
>You can't help but notice that the library is completely empty, aside from the two of you
"I... I see. How's that been going for you?"
>"Better than I ever could have imagined! My best friend wanted to read a book on weather, my BEST friend wanted me to read a dress book with her so she can make stuff, my BESTEST friend made me a book made out of apples that she called a "pie" and my SUPER BESTEREST friend borrowed a joke book yesterday!"
>You're not too keen on the hierarchy of that but at least she's having a good time
"Well, I'm glad for you."
>"Are you sent here to read with me too?"
"No, I-"
>Hold on a bit, Anon
>You don't really know if you're here to read or not
>You've never been here, the Princess must have her pupil guarding severe secrets in plain sight
"I mean... I might be? I'm here to talk to you about-"
>"Book!"
>A wooden book flies at your face and stops only inches away
>The front cover reads "101 Literary uses of Would"
>"Get it?"
"I would. But is it better if I should?"
>Twilight giggles and replaces the book with another
>Wrapped in corn husks and smelling of syrup, it reads "Never Say Never: Unorthodox Applications And You"
>Well at least someone was bold enough to make that
>"Oh, oh! And don't forget this!"
>It's just a binder with a picture of a book on the front
>With ink and surprisingly good penmanship it reads "This Is A Book, By Twilight Sparkle"
>At the bottom it also has a smaller "By: Twilight Sparkle"
>You decide to pluck that out of the air before something else nearly smashes your nose in
"I see, you're an author as well... what were you under tutelage for?"
>Twilight twirls in place a few times before sitting on her rug
>So far the first few pages are just loose thoughts and open questions about what lunches are easiest to eat and require the least amount of preparation
>What in the world is a "Sinner's Sandwich"?
>"Everything! She says that the world is going to end and that she's never had a kiss and some other stuff that I kinda didn't get because that's when she just starts to say that she could get a coltfriend if she tried but doesn't want to."
>Those words in that specific order require a double take
"...I'm sorry, what?"
>"Yeah! She said all of that and more."
>You can't help but feel a cold shiver go down your spine
>Almost like you can hear the Princess wailing at your revelation
"...Oh."
>You have no other answer to that
>"Yup! She says I'm gonna be awesome at stuff and take over because she saw the future and in it I was married and had a ton of foals and then she started saying stuff that I really shouldn't say because only Princesses can say those sorts of things."
>The pride in her voice and the mumbling at the last part tells you that this doesn't bother her in the least
"Well. That's. That's, uh. Good for you, Twilight."
>Twilight doesn't say this sort of thing to everyone
>Does she?
>"Anyway, read with me! I wanna finish up these books before dinner and then we can put them up and-"
"I would love to but-"
>"But nothing, books are everything important and even more important than those things!"
>Is that how that works?
"Elements of Harmony."
>You decide to blurt that out since she seems capable of out speaking you miles to inches
>She freezes
"That's why I'm here, Twilight."
>Her horn sputters out some purple magic
"...Are you al-"
>In a moment, the entire first floor shifts
>In a whirlwind of purple magic, everything rearranges until you're surrounded with stacks of books
>These weren't here the first time you examined the shelves
>"Now you HAVE to read with me! The Elements of Harmony are so cool, they look nice, they act as night lights and they're super duper powerful did you know that friendship is actually magic I mean really! And not just friends but having the best of friends did you know that I'm Princess Celestia's friend, that's why she taught me so much and I can't even remember everything half the time so I write things down and she tells me to not do those because a lot of what she says is secret but I tell her that I'm completely trustworthy because I'd never tell someone that she used to wear frilly dresses because she wanted to be a fairy pony princess instead of Princess Celestia and I told her that I'll take her dress instead but then she said "no, you can't because I thought of it first" and then I said "ok" but then she got really sad and then we had cake and it was all ok because, um, I'm her favorite."
>Anonymous
>What in the world is this pony
>What has caused you to enter a form of Equestria that is so...
>Unusual?
>Although you do recall the Princess mentioning at least once that fairy wings looked cute...
>That...
>No
>No way could there be any possible connection
"...Ok. Where... uh. Where do we begin?"
>"With this!"
>She leaps onto your lap and wraps the rug around your shoulders
>She nuzzles against you and pops her head out from right over where the corners of the rug cross
>One of the books float down
>It looks old and well-traveled
>"The Elements of Harmony: These Things Really Do Work!" is what it reads
>Well it has to be true, otherwise it wouldn't say it
>"Read it with me!"
>You furrow your brow and look down to her
"Read it with you."
>She looks up with a wide smile
>"Read it with me!"
"How? We probably read at different speeds."
>"Then read it TO me!"
"I..."
>You are so uncomfortably out of your element you haven't the faintest clue of what to do
>This is the Princess's pupil
>Of course, you must treat her with only respect
>But this is a bit...
>Juvenile, isn't it?
>Even the Princess seems so drastically different
>Unsharpened, even
>"Come on, pleaaaaaase? The last time anyone read to me, it was the Princess. Every night she would read an entire tome from front to back until I went to sleep."
>The pleading in her voice and the trembling of her lip
>You just can't say "no" to that
>Even if it brings up base logistical questions like if they were actually read to coax her into sleep if there were no breaks
"...well alright. But just one."
>"Pile!"
"Come again?"
>"One pile!"
>...
"...Ok."

>Reading to Twilight wasn't as taxing as you thought it might be
>Not only was this new information to you, it gave you greater context behind their origin
>Mysteriously, you had only ever heard of them at the first signs of the starfall
>If they were so important, why weren't the entire resources of Equestria spent to find them?
>You realize how impractical it is to ask that of everything and everyone
>But you still do believe that any sacrifice would surely have been worth it
>The idea that they only resonate with their wielder is an astonishing feat
>Could it be that they weren't found because they did not have any users?
>It makes as much sense as Twilight giving the Elements to her friends, and them being the users
>But...
>Have they even used the Elements?
>Your mind clouds with doubt while you read in a calm, slow voice
>Astonishingly you only give yourself time to pause after you finish your fourth book
>They are large
>But so is the text
>All of the books have pictures as well
>Impeccable drawings show the Elements as gemstones of various colors
>You were never one for pageantry but the power of gems in Equestria is undeniable
>You wonder if...
"Twilight? I have to ask you something."
>No reply
>She has been quiet since you started, hasn't she?
"Twi-"
>You look down to see that the purple pony has curled up into a tight ball, where not even her head is visible
>The rug she draped over your shoulder has formed a warm tent for her to hide in
>Is this truly the best time for an idle nap?
>You sneak your hand down to stroke her mane
"Twilight, there are more books in the pile to read."
>Her first response is a grumble and a nod
>"I'm listenin'."
>You chuckle at the way her word slurs
"Is that true? You sure sound sleepy to me."
>"Nu-uh."
"Are you sure about that? If you're sleeping, we'll have to read another time."
>She couldn't possibly be bored
>"Nu-uh. I'm listenin'."
"You said that already. Is that all you'd like to say?"
>"Nu-uh".
>You're starting to figure her out a bit more
"So you're listenin'?"
>"I'm listenin'."
"Nu-uh?"
>"Nu-uh."
>You can't stop yourself from laughing
"Alright... have it your way. I will keep reading, so you will keep listening. Ok?"
>"I'm listenin'."
>You can't stop yourself from smiling
>You pluck another book from the to-read
"So, book five... The Elements of Kindness: More Than Holding The Door Open. These are quite descriptive titles, aren't they..."
>No answer
>Maybe she's still just awake enough to pay attention
>Quite a skill, if true
>"I love you."
>Twilight nuzzles your stomach and re-adjusts herself
"I..."
>She lets out a squeak of a yawn and buries her head against you
>For everything you've experienced in your life, you have no answer to this
>How could you?
"L... let's get started then. The first chapter: "What does it mean to be kind?"."
>Maybe you shouldn't be so quick to be done
>You have a lot to learn, apparently
>...
>And maybe you want Twilight to nap just a little longer

>"Anonymous? We are surprised you are not sleeping yet. What troubles you?"
>You didn't expect anyone to find you here
>You found a comfortable corner in Palace, overlooking Canterlot below
"Ah... you found me."
>Your unimpressed tone isn't what she was hoping for
>It's Princess Luna
>You have only the utmost respect for her realm
>Not just of the night, but of dreams and even more forms of magic that you are sure only she knows of
>You have always known her to be more reserved
>Strategic
>...
>Not quite how Princess Celestia can be
>Not that you would ever dare say that
>Princess Luna sits beside you, her regal wings shifting to the point they look more like a cloak
>"Is all well?"
>You do not answer
>It is in poor form to not answer your Princess
>But you can't help it
>You will be escorting the Princesses personally on this journey
>You have argued against it but Princess Celestia assured you that a small party would be best
>To help keep your movements hushed, no one else in Equestria is to know
>Princess Celestia even proposed that she and her sister equip magic suppressors
>To help stay under any proverbial radar
"I understand the importance of this. But I am still not comfortable with you or the Princess putting yourselves in danger. With those suppressors, it will be genuine danger. Only I will be there to protect you. If something happens to me, or I fail..."
>You have been selfless in your service
>Wounds have healed
>Flaws have been ironed out
>"You will not fail, Anonymous."
>Princess Luna's voice cuts through the ball of doubt stirring in your head
>"Your martial abilities are truly one of a kind. Your size and the tools our finest craftsmares have made in a millennia make for a fearsome combination."
>She smiles
>It's a serene, comfortable smile
>Not at all like her sister's
>"...and do not count us out, either. Should something happen, we believe our sister values your life more than her own. It is..."
>You feel your face turn warm despite the cool night air
>"...cute to see."
>You clear your throat
>Of course, it isn't like that
"I-I only seek to serve."
>"Nay, of course. And we will forever be in your debt for such service. But even then, Celestia is ever more grateful than we could hope to be. Do remember that, Anonymous. It is no temper your prowess... with love."
>Love...
>...
>Love...?
>With a snort, your head snaps up
>What in the
>Where are you?
>Why are you so warm?
>Why are there two stacks of books in front of-
>Oh
>Of course
>You must have fallen asleep while reading
>Twilight is still in your lap
>The book you were reading must had fallen from your hands, as it sits before you
>Perhaps there-
>Wait
>You were reading to one pony
>Where are there two more
>A white unicorn with a rich purple mane is sleeping on her back, neck extended
>An orange pony on her belly, legs kicked out
>With one on either side of you, and Twilight in the middle, you're trapped
"...Twilight? Wake up, I think you have some visitors."
>You rest a hand on Twilight and gently rub her shoulder
>She yawns after a moment of rousing and sticks her tongue out
>She doesn't stop the yawn until she is completely out of breath
>...Quite the set of lungs on her
>"Huh? Visitors?"
>She pokes her head out and sees the orange pony first
>"Applejack, you're here!"
>In an excited shout, she bounces off of your lap like a goat and lands on her...
>What must be friend?
>The shock wakes the runty-sized pony immediately
>"C-consarn it, heck?!"
>She scampers to her hooves and lurches to the side, launching Twilight off of her as if she were an unwanted rider
>"You're here! Oh, and Rarity too!"
>Twilight does not seem to actually mind being hucked into the air
>With some form of grace, she lands on the sleeping so-called Rarity
>Purple belly meets white face
>...
>You aren't sure of what to do
>"Twilight, must you wake a sleeping beauty so?"
>Her voice is muffled but the fatigue in her words tell you that this is not the first time she has been woken up in such a way
"...Should I go?"
>She said nothing about having friends over
>You have your quest but...
>It would be rude to insist on it at this moment, wouldn't it?
>"Heccin' no, ya big ol' mountain! Who you might be?"
>The twang in the orange pony is almost too strong to understand
>Her loose yellow mane is surprisingly clean despite the traces of crushed leaves and soil on her hooves
"I... huh? My name is Anonymous."
>"Anony-who?"
>She gives you a sideways smirk
>The queer look in her eye doesn't help
>"I ain't gonna say that every time so I'mma call you Anony. I'm Applejack, putter there!"
>She sticks out her hoof with a proud smile
>"I'm only Twilight's most best friend'in all'a Ponyville! And I'm also the key proprie... prorep..."
>Her tongue-tied attempts to speak last for a few more rounds before she shakes her head
>"And my family owns Sweet Apple Acres! Best apples'n all Equestria!"
>Impressed, you shake her hoof
"Well, it's nice to meet you Applejack. I'll have you know, I've eaten a good few apples in my time... I might have to see if you really mean it. I'm a very particular man."
>"Ain't nothin' parti-cew-leer 'bout my apples, I'll tell you what! Five bits say you eat one and ain't never gonna wanna'nother!"
>You have no clue what the little bumpkin just said but you think she set up a bet
"...ok, deal."
>"Heh heh heh... an' Granny Smith say'd bets don't work..."
>As well animated as Applejack is, you can't help but wonder how the other two are doing
>Twilight is just laying there, pleased as can be
>"Wow, you read a lot of books! But you didn't finish this one up. Can we get back to it?"
>"Twilight, please get up. Or at least get off of me."
>At least the white pony is controlling herself well
>"Oh! Heh, sorry. I was wondering why I was feeling something warm against my belly."
>Twilight unceremoniously rolls off of Rarity and stops three rolls later, on her belly once more
>Rarity rolls onto her side and assumes a more presentable posture
>"I've already heard you introduce yourself. Nice to meet you, Anonymous."
>Rarity holds up her own hoof
>A bit more dainty and well-groomed
>The way she holds it out, it's like she expects you to kiss it
>...
>Yeah, you aren't going to do that
>You give her a hand-hoof shake just as you did with Applejack
>Satisfied with that, she throws her head back to show how bouncy her mane is, even after having slept on it
>"I am Rarity, only the most beautiful and-might I add-fashionable pony in all of Ponyville!"
>"Pfft."
>The small chortle from Applejack makes Rarity's face contort into something of sheer hellfire
>But for only a moment
>For a moment you felt like she might become a monster
>"..anyway, and I am Twilight Sparkle's BESTEST best friend. Because I am ALWAYS happy to help. Unlike some who would rather toil in dirt and touch plants all day. But enough about me, tell me about you!"
>The way Rarity leans against your knee and bats her eyelashes
>You think she's trying to appeal to you
>Before you can answer, Applejack snickers
>"Don't you mind her none, Anony. Rarity ain't no good at work but she sure does make pretty stuff. That blanket is proof!"
>"UuuuuuuuUUUUGH, Applejack. Please, it isn't a "blanket". It's a shawl."
>Rarity nods with complete authority over the topic
>You just thought it was a rug
"Oh. Well... cool."
>This little social circle is already more than what you can handle
"Twilight, now that we've read, can we talk about the Elements?"
>"Of Harmony? Why Anonymous, that's exactly why we're here!"
>Rarity squees with glee and bounces in place
>"...I thought we were here because you got inspired by all of them ponies outside salutin' each other and that made you want to do some sort of guardsmare get-up so you dragged me here 'cuz you said I looked best just standin' there and bein' silent and you wanted Twilight to give us some stories about Canterlot."
>Applejack's dubious look leads to a bitter expression from her far more... feminine friend
>"Applejack, this is why Big Mac is the brains."
>Before Applejack can retort, Rarity winds up again for another spiel
>"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANYWAY, Twilight! The Element of Generosity, of which I polish and admire every day-UNLIKE SOME PONIES-has been particularly shiny! Why, yesterday it was practically so bright it made a poor mare show up in the middle of the night because she thought I was still open!"
>Twilight and Rarity are ignoring Applejack's grumblings and half-cocked warnings so you may as well too
>"Bright shining? My Element of Magic has also been glowing an inordinate amount! None of my books explain why that could happen but I just thought that was me..."
>With reading all forgotten about, Twilight scans over the closest books
>"...None of these have anything about synchronous glowing."
>The group ignoring is leading to even more colorful words from Applejack
>"Wait, that's it! Anonymous!"
"Yes?"
>"The Elements! They must be reacting to you being here!"
"...so we're done reading books then?"
>"Anonymous, this is no time for books. If the Elements are reacting, then Equestria must be in trouble and if that's true then we need to go see Fluttershy! Come on girls, let's save the day!"
>Completely broken away from her love of reading, she rushes out of the library with the more...
>Dire...
>Of skipping?
>You've seen emergencies before but no one ever has ever reacted to them with such gleeful steps
>This leaves you sitting there with the two other ponies
"...is it just me or was that weird?"
>"No, she's a weirdo alright. Makes me glad I'm the normal one."
>Applejack gives you a smile
>It's the sort of smile that says "you can't always pick your friends"
>"I'm afraid so, darling... Twilight Sparkle really does get a rush out of helping other ponies. Let's help her at least with this and then we can go back to you."
>Rarity rolls her head to the side at the mention of you
"...I'm gonna get up now."
>"Come on, we gotta catch up! Don't you worry Anony, Fluttershy's sweet as pie."
>This isn't what you expected, but these two must have been given some of the Elements of Harmony
>What could be the reason that they started reacting?
>This Fluttershy may know something these three don't