"Ughhh.....I feel awful.." A very exhausted Twilight lazily uttered as she, at this point, was crawling to her bed.
It had been a full day's worth of reading on royal etiquette and duties, not to mention her research along with multiple confirmation papers on her new title and status which left her confined to her home since the morning began with no time that she allowed herself to rest. Being a princess required much more reading than even she could handle apparently.
"Who knew that being that being a princess was so demanding--no wait, article 2-365 sub-page 4 explains the weight very clearly." Twilight sarcastically whispered to herself.
Princess Twi--Oh wait, it seems you're about ready for bed, " Said a familiar mare as she walked inside. "Well if you're tired, you can have a bottle of my fresh batch of apple cider for a comfortable night's sleep. Of course this one's free to celebrate considerin' you becomin' a princess n' all."
Twilight looked at her with a slight glare. "You know you don't have to do that, Applejack."
Applejack simply grinned at her words and lowered her hat as to shroud her eyes from view. "Well, I suppose you're right. I wanted to make sure you're sleeping well with all that work Celestia's having you do. Anywho, good night, sugar cube." Applejack said as she made her way to the door.
Twilight groaned strongly. It had only been a short while after her coronation, but every pony was treating her as if it were already well known for moons. They threw her title around casually as if they never knew her as a normal unicorn who was simply intrigued with studies and magic. The feeling wasn't exactly horrid or anything, but it was unsettling.
She didn't mean to sound hostile towards AJ, but it's really uncomfortable how she's treating her of all ponies. Other than Rarity, Applejack was totally into the new royalty thing. The thoughts ran a muck through her mind as the minutes went by, but eventually they came to pass and she left them to drift into a peaceful slumber. She knew she'd have even more work to finish the following day.
The following morning, Twilight is hard at work again with her nose literally in the books with all the intense reading she is performing. Her lovable baby dragon assistant is hard at work putting all the arranged papers in the proper chutes and using his magical fire to send letter after letter to her mentor-now-peer, Celestia, as she completes them.
"Spike, you're really putting in allot of work! I don't know if I could've gotten a quarter of what I've managed to without your help." Twilight complimented.
Spike, slightly flushed quickly replaced such with a boastful pose. "Big props for your 'number one assistant'?"
Twilight let out a small giggle at his teasing behavior. "Let's just try to get this work done for now, 'number one assistant'."
Spike began working again, but suddenly stopped. "You know, I don't get why Celestia's trying so hard to get this work done." He commented as he continued his work waiting for Twilight's response.
Twilight looked at him with an agreeing expression. "I'm not sure, but whatever it is, it must be important." She began writing again as she continued, "She usually doesn't rush work, but this is first time she's made it imperative I get this done as soon as possible."
An excited brash cyan & rainbow colored pony entered without so much as a knock geared with a baseball cap and whistle.
"Hey, Twilight you ready to get those beauties in shape?!" She exclaimed with much enthusiasm.
Twilight only lifted her head up for a second to see her friend before nose diving back into the text whilst responding. "Sorry, Rainbow Dash. As much as I'd love to finally get the hang of these things, I must finish this work that the princess has sent me to finish. Besides, this will leave my research completely untouched for a couple days at the least. I'll probably not be able to leave for a week or so at this rate.."
Twilight let out a large sigh. The one thing Twilight truly worries about is how long the work will keep her from her personal life. Many of her friends have come in the past three days offering her some time away from the tree house, but to no avail. Twilight couldn't see herself leaving work unfinished, even if for a little while. She promised herself plenty of time with her companions AFTER all the documents were finished.
Rainbow Dash uttered blank words as if she wanted to retort to her decline, but simply left it at that and began walking towards the door.
"Hey, Twilight, that research thingy, what exactly is it about again that's so important you can't hang out for two minutes??"
Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash's expression. It was obvious she wasn't happy having to wait so long to teach her, but she simply looked back at her paper, for both their sakes and began explaining,
"I'm researching the origins of Alicorn magic. Don't you find it weird that I was able to just..become one? I mean, it was a transformation of my entire form..my being. I wonder if Pegasi could gain unicorn magic..? It's so much to know about Alicorns that have never been known other than royalty. I want to know the origins, and I think I'm very close." Twilight described with slight vex in her voice.
Rainbow dash pouted for a few moments before responding. "Well, alright. But you better be in top form when I'm whipping those wings into shape!" Rainbow Dash assertively responded as she quickly darted out of the tree house, the wind of her flying speed closing the door for her.
Twilight couldn't help but feel guilty. She really did want to go, but whether it was today like Rainbow Dash's training, or yesterday like Pinkie's Alicorn Welcoming Party, the work she was sent left her immediately too busy to do anything at the most important of times. She knew what she needed at this time more than anything: Another assistant.
"WHY DO YOU NEED ANOTHER ASSISTANT?! AREN'T I ENOUGH?!!" Spike cried indignantly.
Having to explain the situation to Spike was what she probably dreaded more than anything about this situation. Not only was Twilight paying quite the hefty amount of bits out of her own pocket to get a personal assistant, but she was a prideful pony. She was well versed on doing large amounts of work single-handed.
Spike's only duty as an assistant is handing her things and organizing--A secretarial job if you will, but for all the work she had in front of her, it'd have to be someone knowledgeable and familiar with more complex tasks that require a steady and focused hand. Try as he might, but spike is just a baby dragon in the end, and this job was a little too much for just the two of them this time.
"Please, Spike, understand that I wouldn't be asking just any pony, and we need the extra help if we are to finish this without taking weeks on end." Twilight attempted to clarify.
Spike turned away, arms folded before exasperating a defeated sigh, simply turning back to her with pleading eyes.
"Are you sure we really need another assistant? Am I really not helping you enough??"
Twilight's expression changed into one of a mindful parent. "Spike, you're a great amount of help, and your assistance has gotten much more than I could've gotten done on my own, but it's still not enough. I'll need someone else doing half of my paperwork, too. Don't worry, it'll be someone trustworthy and friendly. It'll be like nothing's really changed, and it's definitely not permanent."
Spike's worries seemed to have disappeared and he stretched, feigning zest. Twilight slightly chuckled at this gesture,and both she and Spike exchanged smiles before continuing their work. In between the work, she had some time to send Celestia a note requesting an assistant capable of help Twilight do her work and research.
As the night approached, she had made herself a quick hay sandwich to prevent her from starving and prepared for bed. She didn't feel as tired as usual; She saw it as a good sign. Almost on cue, a knock came upon the window. She opened it, and it was Princess Luna who had greeted her with her usually calm but impressing demeanor.
"Princess Luna! This is a surprise, you've never visited before." Twilight said with genuine confusion.
Luna smiled slightly as she made her way in, assuming her welcome.
"Well, I did want to visit you for once," Princess Luna said as she looked aimlessly at her home. She caught herself from taking too long, "Nevertheless, the real reason I came myself is to inform you that we have a couple candidates for the assistance you've requested."
Upon hearing the news, Twilight's face showed such calmness that Luna it found a little weird, but she was happy for her realizing how hard she was working to finish all the work Celestia sent her.
"So when will I see them?" Twilight asked.
Luna motioned as if she was thinking seriously about the question before answering. "Oh, well, you may see them tomorrow morning. I'll give you these," No sooner than she spoke a small pile of papers wrapped in a folder levitated and landed on Twilight's desk.
"These files have information on all the assistants we could find that match your request. It's probably best you have an answer ready as soon as possible." She advised.
Twilight nodded and bid farewell as Luna waved goodbye, leaving the same way she came, eventually fading into the dark of the night. Twilight glanced over at the papers, with a looks of nervousness and delight. Looks like there were a couple of capable looking ponies on the files, a silver stallion in particular.
As excited as she was, and despite her best intentions suggesting she read them before the night ended, she allowed her bodily functions take the wheel and guide her quickly to bed.
The moon set brilliantly over the Canterlot castle as the familiar azure pony gracefully descended to the main living quarters of the most powerful of princess's with news to bare to her directly.
"I've done as you requested, sister." Luna said nonchalantly.
"Thank you, Luna. I know this is sudden but we need Twilight's influence as soon as possible." Said the luminescent pony as she peered over at the Everfree Forest with concern and fear written all over her face.
In the distance, a looming red glow burned faintly far beyond either of the princesses sights, but the presence was all too real.
"Princess Celestia, It is very late
Have your nerves left you awake?" Came rhythmically from a very concerned zebra.
"Yes, this danger is new to even me and my sister. I'm afraid we'll be dealing with an enemy even I have not known." Celestia replied with honesty.
Although she was very concerned, she dared not to let it get the better of her. As a princess, she couldn't allow herself to lose too much face.
"At any rate, aren't you tired, miss Zecora? Surely your journey here must've left you exhausted." Celestia asked amiably.
Zecora shook her head with a pleasantly flattered smile upon her face.
"I am well as you can see
Much less I would've been in the forest of the Everfree
Many thanks I have, so I must assist
I'll do whatever is needed from you princesses."
Celestia and Luna both looked at each other with faint glimmers of optimism, and looked back over to Zecora. Their conversation would be muffled under the sound of the night as their calm dispositions would be shared in the silhouettes of the dark.
The morning following, and Twilight awoke to the sound of a knock on the door.
Of course! Today, I'll be able to choose a capable secondary assistant! She thought to herself excitedly.
She hurried over to the door. without so much as brushing her mane eager to see her wonderful, helpful--Pinkie Pie?
"Hey Twilight!" Pinkie Pie yelled exuberantly upon the opening to the door, "I heard you weren't eating right, so I brought you an apple pie!"
Twilight had a puzzled look on her face before comically shaking her head as if she was trying to shake something off her face. "Pinkie, that's not exactly--"
Pinkie quickly interrupted, "It has frostingggggg~"
Twilight simply sighed after understanding what she really wanted.
"Care to join me inside Pinkie? Although I have to tell you, I'm extremely busy." Said Twilight with comfort in seeing even her crazy, off-the-wall friend.
Pinkie's face lit as if she were going to explode from happiness, but reverted to a stern face.
"I'd love to, but these guys have been knocking for hours trying to get in touch with you." Pinkie pie said with a casual tone.
Twilight responded with a puzzled look. "Who?"
Pinkie Pie moved over almost as if she was introducing her to show six ponies she's never seen before, but she recognized one of them from.....the files!
"The assistants!" Twilight exclaimed.
Twilight moved Pinkie over using her magic and rushed over to the ponies, all of them with a very impatient look on their face.
"I'm terribly sorry about the delay, I'm--" Twilight was interrupted by a very rude sigh,
"We know who you are, foal 'princess'! Tell me, how it is you're so rude as to leave people awaiting her so long?!"
She looked over at the stallion. He has a silver coat that, complimented his light blue mane. It was the one she was seriously considering to hire, too..He looked very irritable, and.....intimidating. She looked over the other ponies, they all seemed very irritated. Twilight had really messed up, she must've been a lot more tired than she thought, and overslept.
I'm such an idiot! Twilight thought to herself. I'll never get the work done with the bad chemistry just oozing from all of these guys!
Spike was awoken by the outburst, he looked over to see a very angry Pinkie, and assessing the situation began to shout, but stopped himself upon hearing another outburst.
"Hey, that's a little rude of you to talk to a princess like that, don't you think?!" Twilight felt as if she was saved for a second, and looked behind the other six. Looks like some pony DID stay other than these guys. The silver stallion simply glanced back over Twilight with a glare before looking in the direction of the mare in the back.
"Hmph, she may have been accepted by you, but I still haven't accepted her as such." He said with a scowl.
"Well, it's only natural that a princess should be graceful and prompt--She clearly is not anyone of those things!" A refined bronze mare exclaimed. "It's simply unforgivable!"
The other ponies simply muttered in agreement to her words taking turns in sharing disappointed glares at her. Twilight could only hold her head down as they bombarded her with ridicule. She felt as though she could cry. The people haven't accepted her yet, and she couldn't blame them. She's barely acquainted to the title herself. Anyone can be dubbed a princess, but was she really ready for all the responsibility it now held for her? She could only find these thoughts in her head followed by their constant criticisms.
"You guys are out of control to think you can just talk to her like that! So she made a mistake; Everyone makes them!" The mare shouted above the sound of their mutters.
"Not when you're a princess you don't," a rather uppity looking unicorn said with disdain in her voice, "It's clear to me that this girl has much to learn before she'll be a full fledged princess."
The pony from the back walked in front of the crowded ponies and stood in front of Twilight in a protective stance looking dead on at all of the glaring potential assistants. Twilight took another look at her, and she seemed to be one of the most peculiar a mares she's ever seen. Her mane was green and black, and very short. Her coat was a blue-gray, and she worse allot of clothing, something most ponies don't do. It was a black dyed white coat and she wore foot guards. The most interesting thing about her was that she was a Pegasus.
The other potential assistants were unicorns, and well versed in magic. To help with her task, Twilight needed someone who could perform multiple tasks at a quick pace, and be able to assist her with her research as well. She thought that only unicorns would be capable of such a task, but Celestia probably knew something about her she didn't that was on par with the others.
"Will you move?! I have quite a few words to say to our 'princess'!" Yelled the silver stallion with an overbearing tone that made twilight's wings retract.
"Not until you can speak to her in a quiet and respectful manner that everyone one, especially a princess, deserves." Replied the mare.
This was so pathetic! Here she is being battered by horrible words, and she couldn't find the means to stand up for herself. She felt so insecure about her ability to be a capable princess already, it didn't help that these guys are repeatedly shouting it in her ear. She looked at the mare, she could tell she was trying her best, but their constant yelling could break any pony's will to protect her. Especially when she won't even stick up for herself. She looked over to Pinkie and Spike who were both fuming, looking as if one wrong step could make them rush in to go tooth and nail; Twilight knew this couldn't go on any longer. She gathered up all the mental strength she had and began to shout.
"QUIET!" Twilight ordered.
All of the potential assistants tensed up and immediately stopped talking waiting for her words.
"I am truly sorry for my rudeness as a princess, and as your potential employer. Under normal circumstances, there is no excuse for my lateness--but as you can see," She pointed to the piles upon piles of paper clearly visible in the library even from outside, "I have much work I've been assigned and have been doing all of this work day in and out for half a week. I wouldn't have asked any pony to help me if I didn't need it."
The silver coated stallion tried to speak, but upon reflecting his actions, he simply stood there quietly along with the other six who were so hasty to join in on the glares they were so quick to give Twilight. Although she felt very bad about the bad start they had, it was important that they at least respected her enough to not insult her.
"Today, I needed figure out which of you ponies could not only could perform my tasks, but also fit into the flow of my work, which means understanding, kindness and loyalty. Only one of you have shown that in this situation so, while I thank you for the patience you have shown up to this point, the rest of you may go."
As she motioned the others to leave, she looked over at the blue-gray pony.
"Thank you, for standing up for me." Twilight said with pure sincerity.
"No problem, my name is Scrutiny Spectacle." She boldly expressed holding a hoof out. Twilight nodded appreciatively and responded appropriately. "Twilight Sparkle."
Meanwhile, the faint glow exploded in an abrupt red glow that scared the nearby animals. It was not larger a flash than one that could be seen from the trees, but one thing was for sure: It was.....growing. A faint laughter can be heard throughout the forest..
Author's Note
I actually came up with this idea when I made my first two OCs. Scrutiny Spectacle is my very first creation and I wanted to give her some real background. this is my first time making MLP related fan fiction, so please bare with me. If there's any tips or tricks you'd like to share, or if anything bothered you, please inform me and I'll consider the criticism for my next chapter. This story should have maybe up to 3 or 4 chapters.
Hours after some rudimentary processes to get Scrutiny prepared for work, it was well into sunset when they were finally ready to go inside the tree house. Twilight leaped about the place as if she received a wonderful gift. To her, she did: She finally has an assistant that will help her get all the unfinished work under control.
"Alright, so what I need you to help me with is--" started Twilight before being interrupted by Scrutiny.
"Oh, I know, Princess Twilight. I'm supposed to assist you with your research, paperwork, research, lunchbreak, research, cleaning, research, research, RESEARCH!!" Cried Scrutiny Spectacle with a pleasurable smile as if the word itself gave her indescribable happiness as she fell to the floor sprawled like a elated child.
Twilight gave a nervous smile.
"It seems like you're really into research." Twilight said with a tinge of sarcasm.
Scrutiny leaped up and readjusted her glasses. She looked over at the book and over again at the many tubes and flasks neatly placed in what could be considered a small lab. She looked back over to her with a huge smile on her face.
"Of course! Experiments, research, I love all of it!" She said proudly, "You know back where I come from, people always come to me when they need information on something, anything really. I'm a well known magic engineer." Scrutiny said boastfully.
"I've never heard of a..'magic engineer'''. Twilight said suspiciously.
Scrutiny winced slightly. "Okay, well that's because I made that title up, haha. But when It comes to magic, I've learned everything there is to know about it. I may not have magical powers, but if I did, I'd be awesomeee~"
Twilight gave a sigh of relief, "I'm glad I chose you to help me."
Scrutiny blushed slightly before responding. "So where'd you want me to start?"
Twilight motioned as if she was thinking heavily about the question before pointing at the paperwork in piles. "The research will have to wait for now, unfortunately. I have so many papers to fill in that I cannot read through the books on my responsibilities and authority as a princess. I'll need you to finish those first."
Scrutiny humorously gestured a salute before trotting over to read over the papers Twilight assigned her. Twilight looked over at the books and motioned over towards them. She looked over and saw Spike napping.
Well, it is his nap time, after all.. Twilight thought to herself
Twilight's horn glowed and levitated one of the books in the miss-mash and opened it in mid-air. She began reading, and momentarily stopped to look over at Scrutiny. She moved through the papers as if they were water, finishing what took Twilight forever in well over half the time. Twilight couldn't help but be impressed. she knew that with Scrutiny's assistance, they'll easily finish the work before long. She smiled tranquilly as the day passed.
"YOUR HIGHNESS, YOUR HIGHNESS!!" Cried the royal guard as he slowed is pace before entering the room, trying to be mindful of his presence before the princess. Celestia only had to look at the fear so deeply etched within his eyes to know that he saw what she also feared.
"It's here.." Celestia said with fear in her voice slightly breaking it.
Celestia rushed to the palace entrance and saw...that it was....another Alicorn? It had a sinister aura surrounding it.
It was very eerie, very powerful.
Celestia backed slowly with every second it stood motionless. The only thing moving was it's burgundy mane, moving elegantly but baseless and see-through as it flowed in the wind like a lifeless cloth. As she peered into it's eyes trying to find this pitch black pony's purpose, it started moving. Celestia, reacting, jumped back, trying her best to keep her stance. Celestia's horn began to shine a brilliant gold as she began flapping her wings, ascending to get leverage over her. She gathered up a small portion of her energy and released a shot of magic with the velocity of a bullet.
Almost as if within a second, the soot pony flared her wings. Before she could hear the sound of her attack connect with anything, she was face to face with her, her crimson eyes burning in her own. Celestia reared back violently, but regained her senses and used the momentum to turn it into a feint tackle. As she attempted to do so, she passed right through her body.
"What..?!" Celestia yelled dumbfounded.
Celestia quickly turned around, glided back to the entrance, and lowered herself to the ground, standing brave before the mysterious Alicorn, as to not allow her permission to enter. The pitch-black mare lowered her eyes to see Celestia standing defiantly before the castle doors. She, without a budge of movement, quickly descended to the ground as if she instantly did so.
So.......this is really the ability of Equestria's strongest pony...my how times have changed in deed.. Said the mysterious black pony as she spoke without actually moving her mouth.
Celestia's fear of it finally got her to stand motionless. Celestia could feel tears welling up in her eyes as she tried desperately to move, but all she can see was red. Red as red and crimson as this nefarious mare's eyes. It was clouding her vision, confusing her greatly.
"W-what d-do you want of my p-people..? Why are you here, and who are you?!" Celestia said trying her best to not stutter her words from the sheer fear she felt of it.
What I want now doesn't matter to you, because I know I'm strong enough to take it. Said the soot mare with a cynical chuckle.
Celestia continued fighting her fear in an attempt to charge her. She was bucking violently trying to go against her senses that inhibited her from moving.
Oh, no need to try that anymore, Celestia, She said mockingly, What I'm using now is merely a projection of my true form. Whatever you do will not hurt me.
Celestia fought for seconds more before giving up her will to fight it. She began receding like a frightened child. "I could feel your animosity from here, and now that you're in front of me...." Celestia tried her best to raise head to look eye to eye with the intimidating mare, "My sister will surely be here to stop you. Together, we'll go find where you are...AND STOP YOU!" She yelled with all her strength.
The soot mare reared back her head in laughter, and Celestia's face flushed uncontrollably with rage.
Oh, my poor little Alicorn~, where is your sister? Do you know how long you and me have had this little meeting? She patronized.
Her eyes became a light crimson and an image of a sun dial replaced her pupils. Celestia's expression changed into one of helplessness as she realized:
We've been fighting for three hours?! Celestia thought to herself
The soot mare's eyes returned to their usual appearance and she smiled in a condescending manner as Celestia couldn't feign bravery any longer upon the realization.
"What have you done to her.." Celestia tried to fight back uncontrollable tears as she couldn't help but feel completely outclassed, and feared the worst for her sister, "What did you do to my sister..!!" She whimpered.
The mare laughed maniacally at her sadness. "No!" Celestia screamed. "NO!"
"Celestia!!" A familiar voice could be heard through all the confusion, but Celestia was too distraught to listen.
"NOO!" Celestia felt like she was losing her mind , she couldn't bare anymore of this torture.
"CELESTIAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!" Screamed the voice. Celestia's vision burned white and she could see nothing..there was nothing here anymore....no one...and then...
Twilight yawned loudly as she finally finished her last assigned book as the day was breaking from their night of work.
"Finally finished!" she exclaimed with much enthusiasm. Scrutiny peered over the piles, that were significantly smaller than earlier in the day.
"WOOHOO! I'm almost done over here myself!" Scrutiny shouted following Twilight's energy.
Twilight looked over at the piles and chuckled slightly. "Well, you may have gotten allot done, but almost is definitely an overstatement."
"Haha, well yeah, But you sounded so happy, I wanted to join in on that enthusiasm a little, haha." Scrutiny said as a pile fell over her head as she finished speaking.
Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath to revitalize herself. Scrutiny made her way out of the mess and walked over to Twilight with an accomplished smile on her face.
"Well you have to admit 67 percent of the paperwork is quite an accomplishment." Scrutiny said boastfully.
Twilight was taken aback. "S-sixty seven percent?!" Exclaimed Twilight, shocked.
Scrutiny simply nodded her head pridefully. Twilight looked at each other like comrades as they 'hoofed' for a job well done.
"Twilight, are you tired?" Scrutiny asked.
Twilight shook her head. "Actually, I'm feeling like I had more energy than when we started."
Scrutiny smiled brightly. "That's how I'm feel, too!" Scrutiny looked as if a dirty idea came in her head, "Then do you want to...?" She asked invitingly.
Twilight shared the expression. "Oh, I think I know what you mean..."
They both closed in on each other face to face, and yelled:
"RESEARCH!!" They both yelled simultaneously.
It didn't take long before they ran over to the lab and began reading over Twilight's opening question.
Twilight Sparkle Pony-ville
About three days ago, I became an Alicorn once I achieved the right to be one of Equestria's princesses. Although this is a great honor, I find it very hard to understand why I was able to gain fully functional wings. No magic should be this strong, and even if it were, there's no way it could be permanent. What magic is used in this ceremonial right that changed me? Celestia, and I'm assuming Luna knows of this method, however, upon asking them, they weren't exactly sure why they could do it. It's a very strange type of magic that can probably only be achieved being an Alicorn. Since I am now one, I will make it my duty to find this method, as it may be something more complex and available.
So without too much needless dabber, I want to know this: How are Unicorns able to become Alicorns, and is it possible with Pegasi as well?
Scrutiny looked up at Twilight who was beginning to work.
"Princess Twilight, wow.." Scrutiny said admirably.
Twilight blushed slightly. "Well, it's nothing really. I just really want to know." She said, being modest.
Scrutiny shook her head. "No, no, this is a really ambitious project you have on," Scrutiny began walking over to the window with the morning sun shining brightly, "This could change how ponies live their lives!" Scrutiny proposed.
Twilgiht smiled, "Well, we should get started then."
Scrutiny nodded and rushed back to the small lab and began assessing the right tools.
Twilight prepared a saddle for holding books while Scrutiny was looking over the check list.
Spike awoke to all the rustle in the house and got up. "Oh, morning--What are you doing?" Spiked asked lazily.
"We're going to find some documents for research on Alicorns." Twilight said as she was grabbing up different thing she felt like she'll find necessary.
Spike rushed to Twilight's side. Scrutiny handed Spike Twilight's checklist to use once they left.
Twilight, Spike and Scrutiny all gave each other supporting gestures as they made their way out the door.
"What's wrong with Celestia?!" Luna exclaimed as she rushed into the room where Celestia was unconscious.
Luna rushed over to Zecora, standing over Celestia carefully as she writhe in her sleep.
"Zecora, what happened?" Luna asked with an even amount of concern and anger.
Zecora slightly teared before speaking:
"I was not aware you see
She says the mare she feared came recently
But the royal guards were there the whole time
They said she suddenly lost her mind." Zecora rhymed melancholy.
"What do you mean by, 'lost her mind'? " Luna asked, slightly offended at her words.
Zecora sighed slightly,
"No one saw the mare she fought
Long and hard form what they saw
They heard a voice, but no one there
Gave the guards quite a scare
I just just came as you can see
10 minutes ago promptly
I tried to call her form her sleep
But all she did was yell and weep."
Luna began to cry for her sister. "This must be the work of the danger she's been sensing since last week," Luna said talking normally through her tears, "It is getting stronger at a faster rate an than Tia must've imagined."
Celestia started shaking violently in her bed, and Luna and Zecora quickly surrounded her hoping she'd speak.
"Give them back! Give me back my sister, and my zebra friend, you vile mare!" Celestia angrily yelled.
"But I am here, sister! No one has harmed me!" Luna desperately yelled trying to awaken her.
"Luna, it is of no use." Zecora said solemnly.
Luna now knew how serious it was. She began crying in Zecora's hooves.
"No one's hurt me....but they've hurt Celestia, and she can't help us this time.." Luna said with helplessness obviously audible in her voice.
"Luna, I know how you feel is strong
But you must not give in
If we stop fighting and let our feelings take over
Then this monster surely wins."
Zecora said reassuringly as she continued,
"The danger's power has grown
Even stronger than scaring me from my home
If it can come to Canterlot and reduce Celestia to this
It is far stronger than we can simply dismiss."
Twilight and Scrutiny fell exhausted from the hours of working.
"Ughhhh...I think it was a little too ambitious to do as soon as we finished the rest of that work.." Twilight said with the last of her strength.
"Here here to that.." Scrutiny replied jokingly.
"Better luck after we wake up later?" Twilight suggested.
Scrutiny lazily nodded as both of them instantly passed out.
"Girls, I prepared that lunch you guys wanted." Spike announced, completely unaware that they fell asleep. "Hmph, well I guess I'll eat this...even though I'm not a vegetarian.." Muttered Spike annoyed as he chomped down their sandwiches.
Hours after, they were hard at work. Twilight and Scrutiny had checked every book closest to the subject of Alicorns, but they didn't find anything. Twilight collapsed and let out a deep sigh.
"This is getting hopeless, it's like we'll never find anything on Alicorns." Twilight shut her eyes for a few moments before looking back at Scrutiny. She was looking at her with a determined face, and it gave Twilight hope to keep going, "But we can't give up yet, right?!"
Scrutiny nodded. Twilight picked up a couple of books and was about to begin reading them once more. Scrutiny pretended to do that same, but she instead began writing in one of the empty pages of a book. After she finished writing, she called out to Twilight.
"Twilight, I found something!" Scrutiny shouted.
Twilight immediately dropped her book and trotted over to see what she found.
"Ohhh, what a find, Scrutiny! And it look really recent...hmm...that's strange." Twilight looked at it suspiciously for a second. Scrutiny began getting nervous, but Twilight didn't notice and just dropped it.
"It seems like out next goal lies in a deep part of the Everfree Forest." Twilight looked over to Scrutiny, "It seems like your always helping me just when I need it. Thank you, Scrutiny for all you've been helping me with." Twilight expressed.
"Well, that's me. Always helping out whenever I can, haha."
Spike walked in between the two.
"I hope I'm not ruining another special moment between you two, but if there's somewhere else we need to go, we should do that post haste so we can get back to work." Spike said with an annoyed tone.
"You're right spike. It's time we got on to our next destination. Central Mareston."
