The train ride home from the Crystal Empire had been pleasant.
Spike was pretty tuckered out from the event, so he had found a seat to curl up on and take a cat (dragon) nap. Rarity and Applejack were still talking, the purple maned Unicorn spewing something about how radiant she had looked sporting Crystal. A few seats down, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash laughed loudly about something, while Fluttershy just smiled. It wasn’t any different than how their past rides had been, and compared to looking into doors that show your worst fear and rushing about to save a kingdom, it was rather refreshing.
Twilight sat at the end of the train booth. Her chin was placed on the windowsill, eyes watching as the mountains went by outside. She estimated they’d be home in the next half an hour, and when they got there she had a lot to do. Mainly involving books, considering re shelving day had been postponed for this. And after that, she wanted to write a report to the Princess about what had happened, despite seeing her previously. She also made a mental note to inform Spike of his stained glass window in the castle. He’d like that.
As the ride came to a close and the train to a stop, the group of friends gave their farewells to one another before splitting apart. There was no doubt in each of their minds that they would see eachother soon again anyways. Pinkie Pie liked to host parties regularly, and after defeating Sombra it was practically guaranteed she would decorate Sugarcube Corner up with streamers and brightly colored cake.
“Heya, sugar! Hold on ah’ second!” Applejack called out.
With the sleeping dragon on her back, Twilight had almost missed her friend’s call. She glanced over her shoulder, blinking before turning her whole body around to greet her. “Applejack?”
The earth pony came to a stop in front of her. “I couldn’t ah’ helped but notice ya starin’ out that window tha’ entire time. Is everything alright?”
“Everything’s fine, Apple—”
“You know you can tell me anythin’, Twilight.”
She gave a comforting smile. “As I was saying, everything’s fine, Applejack.” She replied, tilting her head to the side slightly. “And I know I can tell you anything. I would never keep anything from you, or any of the girls.”
This seemed to appease her friend, because her once stern expression relaxed a little and she nodded. With a final goodbye, the two went their separate ways. Twilight trot back to the library, her first stop being Spike’s little bed. Placing him down warmly, leaning down to take the blanket between her teeth and pull it over him, her eyes softened a bit at the sight of her slumbering assistant. She vaguely remembered his last birthday, and how he had gotten in touch with his inner dragon and nearly destroyed all of Ponyville.
It was hard to imagine such a sweet, small dragon could cause such havoc. Looking at him like this now, she hoped he never grew up. He was perfect the way he was.
And then came re shelving. As much as such a task would seem boring to most ponies, for her it was actually a good time. Not to mention, it would take a while. She’d see books she hadn’t read in a while, and of course, stop to read them. This happened quite a bit, and other times everything just had to be perfect. The books were alphabetized, by series, and by genre. Her biggest collection contained mostly science books, and they were the most untouched set of literature. If you looked at the comic books she had on the other side of the library, there would be no dust on them. The fillies liked those.
The library had quickly become something from a fantasy film. Aura around her horn, Twilight levitated books of all kinds around her. Reading them off as they went by her, then using her magic to put them in the correct spot. “The magical theory goes over thereee..” She muttered, sticking her tongue out in the process. “Books on Starswirl the Bearded over there!”
As she cocked her head to the right to make sure a book had gone in the right place, a different one came into view. She turned her head back, and upon seeing the black and velvet bind book she paused. Her eyes stared, a small gasp leaving her lips before suddenly a loud thud filled the room. The aura around her horn lightened a bit, and the only remaining book in the air was the one in question. It was as if she had seen a ghost, just silently looking at it.
She knew this book. It had been almost a year ago when she found it. At the time, the magic in it was foreign to her. She had attempted a spell or two, but in the end they fizzled out. It was then placed on the shelf, and hadn’t been touched since then. But now, here it was. Right in front of her, taunting her, daring her to open it. On the cover were various dark colored swirls, a few unknown letters dead center in the middle.
Normally, she wouldn’t have pay mind to it. But today... something in the back of her mind rang. The ringing started back in Canterlot, when she had spoken to Celestia and she showed her what would happen if fear were to take hold of the kingdom. It got louder when they traveled to the Crystal Empire, seeing the black fog that threatened to swallow them whole. And by the time Sombra showed himself and they almost lost the crystal heart, it had become so distinct she could barely hear anything else.
It was curiosity. Curiosity for the magic that had started all of this, and it was none other than black magic.
It was as old as Celestia and Luna, perhaps older. Around since the days of old, it was a dangerous type of magic that only the most powerful Unicorns used. It was forbidden in this land, and the only ponies who knew that were the ones who knew it existed. Not many did, and even Twilight had only heard of it a couple times before Celestia’s little display of it. She knew the dangers, and was sensible enough to ignore it.. wasn’t she? Sure, now she was looking at the book with interest. But it was only natural to be curious...
Maybe one look couldn’t hurt.
Picking a spot on the floor, Twilight laid down and floated the book down in front of her eyes, comfortably. Her magic caressed the pages, flipping a few in before she scanned the inked writing. A lot of the words were olden, and if you said any of them in current day you’d probably get odd looks. “Thank the Princesses I studied that era.” She whispered to herself, giving a goofy, but proud, grin. And then, she got to reading.
There was quite a handful of facts and spells. A lot of them were complex, pertaining to things such as manipulation and fear. How to shade a pony’s thoughts, and put them at your every beck and call. One teaching you how to blend in with the shadows. It reminded her of how Sombra had created that giant, black mist and chased after them. And the more she thought about, he was more so the mist himself than it was a thing of it’s own. Creepy.
For the most part, all of this was dark. Things she would never consider using on anypony. Never in a million years. It was downright nasty, and magic was to never be used in such a way. It was a gift, not a open invitation to tyranny. Although.. nopony ever said anything about it being experimental. You know, for science. How much damage could casting one spell cause? She’d do one that didn’t require another pony, something simple. She was able to make that stairway appear back in the castle, and that had required some effort.. But, she had done it.
Picking a simple transformation spell, Twilight read it over a couple times in her head. Learning the procedure and what it would take. It took her about a half an hour to build up the confidence she needed before she stood up, glancing around the room. Now it was only a matter of finding what she would use for practice.. another book? No, that wouldn’t show results. Perhaps one of the doors, like in the castle? Mmh.. not quite.
Purple eyes soon fell upon the plant she had on the side table.
“Perfect!” She called out, voice beaming with excitement. Trotting over until she stood a little ways from it, she spread her legs out a bit and made sure her hooves were steady on the wooden panels under her. Her expression relaxed a bit, allowing herself a moment to soothe before they narrowed in concentration.
Her aura surrounded her horn. Focusing all of her energy on the one spell, magic slowly started to work it’s way up her horn. It fizzed and crackled, the once raspberry colored mist gradually turning darker and darker, until it became black. She did everything in her power to keep her eyes on the plant, squinting them as the feeling of the magic started to pour into her. She naturally rejected it, everything she knew and stood for being happiness, friendship, love. It was as if the magical talent in her very body was at war with itself, and it quickly became clear which side had won when her violet eyes suddenly became green, the pupils red. A light flare of purple suddenly reached the sides, flowing freely in waves. It was a sight to behold, the prized student of Princess Celestia looking like this.
And just as she was about to cast it, a yell reached her ears.
“Twilight? Are ya down there?”
Drat.
Startled, Twilight’s eyes suddenly returned to their previous state. The black aura around her horn disappeared, and as Spike came downstairs he was greeted with the sight of his best friend awkwardly staring at a plant.
“Uh.. Twilight?” He asked, lifting a claw to scratch his head.
Twilight shook her head. Her hoof moved to kick the book out of the way, sending it sliding under one of the shelves. “Hey, sleepyhead.” Joking to hopefully put herself in the clear, she turned to give the younger dragon a smile.
“Hey, guess who’s in one of the stained glass windows at the castle?”
---
She couldn't sleep.
She couldn't think.
Oh, but she could dream.
Back in the Crystal Empire. Back in that dark room, just under the stairs. Nothing but darkness save the light that emanated from her horn. The door that tormented her very patience, dwindled it down to but a mere pinch as it slid around the rocky wall, avoiding her magic. And it was then that she finally had her first, real rush of dark magic.
Back upstairs it had been nothing, really. She was too focused on casting it to really let it sink in, and Spike had watching, weary eyes locked on her. But here.. she was all alone. The aura bubbled up her horn, and the feeling etched it's way through her very coat as she cast the spell upon the door. She felt.. different. Powerful, heat surging through her as it finally opened and light poured into the room.
"Spike, I think it's here!"
Twilight woke up with a start. A yelp, purple eyes wide as sweat beaded down the side of her face. Upon a few moments of investigation, she realized she was still in the library. Across the room her assistant was still sound asleep in his bed, snoring away. The stars twinkled in the sky, and as she looked out the window towards the moon she could have sworn she could feel Princess Luna's gentle caress and whispers, telling her to go back to sleep.
She did, and she didn't dream again.
---
Breakfast made? Check. Spike woken up and assigned a few things to do during her absence? Check. A good excuse to drag Rarity to Canterlot? Did she really even need one? Eh, check.
Rarity loved Canterlot. The sophistication, the various different corner stores and fashions that were practically catwalked down the sidewalks. It was all very fancy, and she enjoyed going there. It was also a good chance to show off her new designs, and possibly scan the shops for new fabrics and such. But for Twilight, she wasn't really interested in any of that stuff. She found herself more pulled towards the giant library in the palace.
The amount of books here, in her library, was decent enough. Usually it had what she needed, but for what she wanted to research now she was going to have to dig deep. So deep that the chances of her finding the information was rather rare, but she was putting her faith in the Canterlot Archives. Twilight Sparkle loved books. She didn't love them so much that she'd go all the way back to Canterlot for one, though. It was the part where Rarity played in. Besides, it had been a while since she spent time with the white mare. They could go out for lunch together at one of the cafes; a well deserved break.
"Rarity?" She knocked on the door, "are you home?"
"Just a moment, darling!" From inside the boutique there were sounds of crashing, and a few meows from what she assumed was Opal before the door opened. Rarity's mane was frizzed, red glasses turned to the side a bit. It made the smile she wore seem very out of place. "Oh, Twilight! I wasn't expecting anypony to visit today, but do come in!"
"Are you busy? Because if you are I can come back another time." Twilight spoke, frowning.
"No no, don't be silly!" Her friend replied. Before anymore could be said, the purple one found herself being led inside to the kitchen, then served a cup of tea. As she sipped it, she couldn't help but practically feel memories come flying back to her mind. It had been so long since she last tasted this tea; it was a special kind Rarity made herself, and the last time she recalled drinking it was when they had their last slumber party here with the girls. That had been some time ago, hadn't it?
"So, what brings you here, Twilight?" Rarity must have noticed her look somehow, because with a rejected sigh she used her magic to float the glasses over to the counter, neatly folded.
"Well you see," She began, "there's this study on friendship I've been meaning to do. It's a certain subject, and I need to do some research before writing the full paper and sending it to the Princess. However, what I need is in Canterlot."
She could see the Unicorn's expression beam suddenly.
"And, I was wondering if you'd like to come with me."
"Canterlot? Oh, is that even a question? I'd love to go!"
Hook, line, sinker.
"However," oh no, "I do have a large order to fill for next week so I'm afraid I can't, darling." Rarity sighed, lifting her cup and putting it to her lips for a sip. "Opal and I are going to be very busy, and it's a very important order! For one of the fashion designers in Canterlot, actually! She liked my flare, my sense of style so much that she wanted to possibly host my designs there in her shop!"
Twilight put on a smile. "Oh, that's great, Rarity!" She was happy for her friend, really. That was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and she wanted her to go for it. However, that only meant that getting to that library had become one step harder. "I'm happy for you."
Her friend smiled genuinely, but then it sunk into a frown. "I'm sorry I can't go, though. Are you sure you couldn't bring one of the others? I heard the Wonderbolts are preforming there soon," She said before another sip of her tea. "I bet Rainbow would love to go."
At the idea, Twilight took on an expression of thought. That was actually a good idea.. no, a great idea! Rainbow Dash certainly couldn't be one to turn down the Wonderbolts. "Hmm.. I think I'll ask her, then." Smiling, she stood up and offered the white Unicorn a quick hug. "I think I'll go talk to her then and leave you to your work. Thanks for the tea, Rarity."
"Of course! Any time, dear."
Later on, she'd have to thank Rarity for her wit. Waving one hoof goodbye, she then started on her trot to the center of Ponyville. It was early morning, which meant that the pegasus she was looking for was probably high in the sky starting to clear the clouds away. She usually did it in the morning and late afternoon; she only hoped she hadn't missed her, because finding Rainbow Dash could prove to be quite the pain. The flyer was always somewhere new, whether it be during her practice or just napping.
And to her luck, a streak of rainbow passed by above her head as she walked into the town center. "Rainbow Dash!" She called out, lifting her head to the skies. The dot of blue paused in it's race, and with a turn of her head the pegasus came down to the ground to greet her friend, kicking up some dirt on the way. "Oh! Hey, Twilight." She said, blinking a few times. "What's up?"
"Did you know the Wonderbolts are preforming in Canterlot tomorrow, and I have tickets?" Okay, the latter was a lie, but she'd figure that out later.
"The Wonderbolts?!" Rainbow shouted, her eyes lighting up. "No. Way."
"Yes way! You were the first pony I came to when I got them." Twilight was sure there was no bigger fan of the team than the one before her. She had sat through countless conversations on the subject of their wing power, their velocity and their all over 'coolness'. The brash mare would make a great edition to their team one day, and there was no doubt in her mind about it.
"Awesome!" Grinning ear to ear, Rainbow looked like she was about to explode from excitement. "That's totally wicked! Oh man, I can't wait to go! When are we leaving, huh? Do you know what they're doing? Oh, oh! What if they do that special show I've heard about!"
"I was thinking we could leave tomorrow morning, take the early train to Canterlot. We could get a room in the palace; I don't think Princess Celestia would mind." She'd have to send her a note.
"Great!" Stepping forward, Rainbow Dash gave a hug with a big squeeze to her friend. "Thanks sooo much, Twilight!" The Unicorn practically made a sound like a squeaky toy as she was taken into the tight embrace, but she wore a smile none the less.
"Ooooh, Canterlot? Mr and Ms.Cake are there this week on a business trip!"
Both Rainbow and Twilight yelped.
"Pinkie!" The rainbow one narrowed her eyes, glaring at the pink pony who seemingly appeared out of thin air.
"Hiya, Dashie!" Pinkie Pie managed to steal a hug from the startled pony before putting her hooves back on the ground, looking over to Twilight. "Can I go too? Can I, can I?"
Twilight blinked. "I thought you were watching Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake."
"I am, silly! I just thought of how super duper fun it would be if I brought them to see their parents in Canterlot! We could even host them a see-your-kids-in-Canterlot party!" She gasped, putting two hoofs up to her face. "I'd have to bring my party cannon, and make a banner! I bet they'll be so excited!"
The idea didn't seem so bad, actually. Having two of her friends with her would make it all the more fun, and less suspicious while she was at it. She questioned whether or not the Cakes would like the young ones being brought all the way to Canterlot, but they had grown fond of Pinkie, and the idea of her watching over the little siblings. She was foalsitting for them often now, and she assumed they trusted her well enough. It would be a pleasant surprise, too.
"Well.. if you want to." Twilight said, shooting her friend a smile.
"Yes!" Jumping up in the air, Pinkie Pie suddenly took off in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. It was like she had guzzled down a gallon of sugar before hand, but then again that was just Pinkie Pie being.. well, Pinkie Pie. It was nice to see her so excited about it.
"Um.." Rainbow had lifted one hoof to rub the side of her head, frowning. "Okay...."
"She's Pinkie Pie." Twilight responded, rolling her eyes softly before looking back at her. "So, I'll see you both tomorrow at the train station?"
"You betcha!" She gave her friend a hoofbump before flying back off into the skies, continuing her cloud clearing work.
Well, that had gone better than she expected. Now all that was left to do was go back to the library, tell Spike and pack her things for the trip. Oh.. and write the letter to Celestia. That was important, wasn't it? On the way home she stopped by Unique Hats and Gems to pick up a snack for the baby dragon, also exchanging a little conversation between herself and the cashier. It was one of the ponies she had met a while ago, back when Trixie was in town. It was nice to know the citizens around Ponyville. Granted, she didn't know everypony like Pinkie did.
---
"Spiiiiike!" Twilight called out, closing the library door behind her as she trotted in. Her horn was lit up with aura, the bag she had gotten floating by her side.
"Gee, Twilight." The voice sounded strangled, and down the stairs came her assistant. He had a pile of books above his head, carrying them carefully so none of them dropped. "How many copies of this book do you own?" He groaned, finally placing them down on the floor before looking at her.
"Actually Spike, they aren't the same volume."
"Whatever." He waved a claw dismissively.
Smiling, she went over and levitated the bag in front of her, opening it to then reveal the gem she had gotten. Spike's eyes widened a bit, and she could have sworn he almost drooled at the sight of it. "Here, I picked this up for you on my way back here." She said, floating it down to his level so he could grab it.
"Wow, Twilight.." He beamed, looking at the sapphire colored ruby in his possession. "What'd ya do that for?"
"No reason."
"T.. Thanks!" He stammered, looking up with a grin as she smiled back. She then left his company to go to her desk, getting out a piece of paper and a quill to write to the Princess. She took a few moments to think over how she would word it, although it wasn't all that hard to simply ask for a room because her and a few friends were going to be visiting. She only hoped it wouldn't be weird, considering they just left only a few days ago.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and I are coming to Canterlot tomorrow for a visit. The Wonderbolts are preforming, and Rainbow really wanted to see the show. Pinkie thought it would be nice to bring the Cake's foals along for the ride, so I'm writing to you to ask if it would be alright to prepare a room for us in the palace.
Your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle
Perfect.
Rolling it up, she made her way back to Spike and asked him to send it. The reply from the Princess might as well have been instant, and she promised she'd have a room ready by their arrival. Everything was falling into place, and Twilight couldn't have been happier about it. She'd get to see the Wonderbolts preform with her friends. There would be a Pinkie Pie party with the Cakes and their foals. And best of all?
She got to explore the Archives for the information she wanted the most.
She wanted to know more about Black Magic.
