Facets of the Equestrian Sky

Chapters

Chapter One: Time Spent Reading
Chapter Two: Warm Blankets, Warm Thoughts
Chapter Three: Valuable Studies
Chapter Five: Deep Feelings
Chapter Six: A New Day
Chapter Seven: Full Stomachs, Fluttering Hearts
Chapter Eight: Orienteering, Overdrive
Chapter Nine: Awake, Arrivals
Chapter 10: Endings & Beginnings
Chapter Four: Split in the Spectrum

Chapter One: Time Spent Reading

Chapter One: Time Spent Reading.
~
Pink Pages ~ Simple Type ~ A Day Passes By

A peace had descended on Ponyville Public Library. The resident dragon had left for his morning chores and a sand bath at the spa (“I do like normal baths but sand really does buff up the scales…”) which was nothing to do with the fact that a certain white unicorn liked to have her facial today. The morning ‘rush’ of sorts had ended and the forecasted rain promised to keep the residents inside for the rest of the day.

Inside the library sat a violet unicorn, a to-do list, a quill and a large book in her magical grasp. “…Re-organise the foal books, Check! Make sure all windows well sealed against rain, check! That’s my list done, now for some study.” She settled down for a good session when there was a crash at the front door. “Come in Rainbow, its open” she called to her pegasus friend.

“Thanks Twi’! I nearly have my landing down!” The energetic cyan pony shouted. “Finished moving my clouds so I thought I would come here to wait out the rain, the cloud house doesn’t like getting wet.” Rainbow Dash bounded in and loop-de-looped onto her favourite floor cushion. “Got the new Daring Do?” She started to browse the shelves eagerly seeking out her favourite book series.

Twilight looked over and suppressed a giggle; the sight of that rainbow mane sweeping along bookshelves was still a little bit of a novelty, one she still enjoyed. “No, the library doesn’t have it; you’ve read all of them bar the newest. That one isn’t even published yet.” Twilight said, Rainbow pouted and began muttering about which book to re-read. Facing into her book Twilight grinned, the surprise she had for Rainbow Dash could only be improved if the Wonderbolts themselves presented it. “However, I happen to know a pony at the publisher’s office and he very kindly sent me something…” She trailed off and took a peek at Rainbow, she was hanging off Twilight’s every word her poise and expression nearly a duplicate of her take-off stance. With a beaming smile Twilight teleported the manuscript from her bedside table. The bound sheets had a little note tacked to the front. ‘To Twilight Sparkle, let me know what you think. Cheers, Proof Reader’. The frontispiece was a sheet as pink as Pinky Pie’s mane, large Confidential stamps across the page and the title in neat basic type, “Daring Do: The Hyperion Connection” Rainbow breathed, her eyes glowing at the sight.

“Now, I haven’t had a chance to read it yet so no spoilers!” Twilight warned, a teasing note in her voice as she magically levitated the book just out of Rainbow’s reach.

“Ok Twi’ Ok! Lemme read it!!” Rainbow begged and pounced at the book… where the book had been. It was enjoyable seeing her athletic friend so eager to read a book, Twilight mused but not nearly as attractive as the look she had when engrossed in a tome…

“Alright then. Here.” The manuscript flashed out of existence and re-appeared next to Rainbow’s favourite reading spot. Of course the varicoloured mane Pegasus never noticed how that spot was just perfect for a certain lavender unicorn to have long stints gazing at her while pretending to read. Twilight could hear her friend whispering the first few lines to herself before falling silent, the only sound to be heard was the soft breathing of two bookworms.

Luna’s moon was high in the sky when Rainbow Dash turned the last page over. Images of dangerous chases and life threatening traps dancing before her eyes as she looked towards the window. “Huh, I read a long time today.” She muttered, considering the passage of time she had surely been aware of. At some point a daisy on rye sandwich had appeared at her side, a glass of cool lemonade and a cupcake. A mixed root mash and sweet tea at dinnertime and at some point a weary young dragon, sparkling in the receding light had bid her and Twilight goodnight before heading upstairs. The movement of Celestia’s sun had also infiltrated her little world of literature too, she recalled moving around to catch the changing light as the day wore on, finally settling into her original position when the artificial lights switched on.

“Hmm, guess it was a really good book.” She grinned. While it was obvious that it was a very advanced copy, still lacking the polish of a good editor and in need of a few nips and tucks here and there, the story had been incredible. Feeling very Twilighty, Rainbow filched a few sheets of paper and a pencil from the desk to write a few notes for Proof but stopped in surprise to see her friend fast asleep behind her giant book. ‘Trottingham Tax Returns: The First Thirty Years’ the title read, goodness knows why the Ponyville Library had a copy but it certainly proved that her egghead friend would read anything. She left the sleeping Twilight and true to her name, dashed off her notes while they were fresh in her mind.

Satisfied that all had been noted, Rainbow returned to the desk in search of a tack or clip, while no professional she was Equestria’s biggest Daring Do fan and surely Proof would value her input? Not finding anything in the nearest drawer she turned her attention to the desk, smiling at the cute sight of Twilight dozing on a stack of notes, her nose firmly planted in the book in front of her. In the mare’s hoof was a note with her name on, written in the elegant cursive of the sleeping figure. ‘Rainbow, it’s getting late and I’m getting tired. If I am asleep when you finally resurface it is bound to be super late. Feel free to use the guest room and I’ll make sure you get some breakfast. Goodnight, Twilight’.

Rainbow popped up to the guest room and smiling with satisfaction took the spare blanket to wrap around her friend. Smling affectionately she wrapped the edges around Twilight’s neck and made sure that she was well covered. Giving her one last quick nuzzle Rainbow trotted up to bed.

It was a good job that the cyan pegasus had not taken a closer look at Twlight’s notes or reading material. Even the thought of someone seeing it would have sent the unicorn into a spin. Tucked inside the dreary tome was a slim book, its title read Love/Lust? Deciphering your Desires by Hearts Compass…

Chapter Two: Warm Blankets, Warm Thoughts

Warm Blankets, Warm Thoughts
~
Sunlight ~ Cereal ~ Spike

The warmth of a blanket and the rising sun woke Twilight, “Huh, wussat? Millennium hoof and shrimp…” she muttered turning slightly. “Gah! My neck!” she groaned and sat up, rubbing the aching muscles. “I fell asleep at my desk again!” she said, giving the offending furniture a thump. The thump dislodged her large camouflage book sending it crashing to the table top. The expulsion of air scattered her notes and her slimline volume fell from its larger host. “Eeep!” she squeaked like Fluttershy, gathering up the papers and oh so scandalous book from their landing sites. With a burst of magic she teleported the ‘sensitive’ documents into her locked bedroom cupboard.

A blush took her as she caught sight of her little note from last night. ‘What if Rainbow saw? What would she think? How will she react?! Oh Celestia! She probably hates me and will never speak to me again! Maybe she’s run away to Cloudsdale and I’ll never see her again!!!!’ Twilight began to pace anxiously back and forth, hooves making hollow clumping sounds on the wooden floor.

“What’s the panic Twi’?” a sleepy voice asked from the stairs. Relief flooded the unicorn as Rainbow Dash slowly fluttered to the ground floor, a sheepish smile on her face.

‘Thank you Celestia! Luna!’ Twilight mentally squeed, whatever had occurred Rainbow was still her friend.

“Hope you didn’t mind the blanket, I thought you’d need one last night.” She sauntered past towards the kitchen, “Breakfast?” Twilight facehoofed, she had mentioned breakfast in her note, but Spike was still asleep.

“Uh, I have some cereal? Bottom left cupboard,” she direct Rainbow to the cupboard in question and soon the pegasus was routing through for some food. She grabbed a box triumphantly and dumped it on the table.

“WonderOs? Really Twi?” she laughed.

“What? They have all the energy and nutrients a healthy pony needs!” she pulled an offended face but her magical aura surrounded the box and poured it into a pair bowls she took from the sideboard. “Got any plans for today?” she asked as they started breakfast.

"Yeah, I got some weather duty and a whole lot of practice to get in!” Rainbow said between munches, “You should totally read that book Twi’ it’s awesome!” finishing off her cereal she glanced at the time. “Gotta go, see yah later!” and she was gone.

“Yes, Rainbow really does dash everywhere doesn’t she?” Twilight smiled. Levitating the dirty dishes to the sink and sending her cereal box back to the pantry, Twilight began her mental checklist for the day. “Breakfast, check. Find schedule for today…” She looked around and stuck to the refrigerator was a note with today’s date. “Check!” Twilight smiled and brought it over. There were two simple tasks ‘Study on you know what, read The Hyperion Connection’. “Well, that is a good list for today! I’ll get right on it.” She trotted up to her room, mindful not to wake Spike and sat on her bed. Teleporting her notes from their hiding place she began her re-cap.

“Love/Lust? Deciphering your Desires by Hearts Compass”. Twilight took out her own notes but was ashamed to find most of them were doodles of a certain cutie mark combined with her own. Blushing lightly she decided to start from the beginning once more. This time with no distractions.

The heart is a mysterious and often fickle thing. Often times disagreeing with the head and otherwise steering it down thorny and confusing thoughts. Two of the main directions of the heart are Love and Lust. Sometimes the two are combined, love leading onwards to lust towards the object of one’s affections or lust developing over time to love for the pony of its desires. Sometimes the two can be separate, pulling in different and damaging directions. This guide aims to be a map towards a positive conclusion for ponies making their first steps into deeper interpersonal connections. Our first step, dear troubled reader, is defining these emotions you feel.

Twilight paused in her reading, “Book, I trust you. I turn to your kind when I need to learn and research experiences and knowledge that I do not yet have. Please, I hope to trust you with this most delicate task, do not guide me wrong.” She whispered a silent request. This was something, like friendship before it, that she had never really thought about until it happened. Taking a deep breath she read on.

First of all we shall define Lust.
Many a growing filly or colt has grappled with these feelings as they have matured. Dreams and thoughts that can embarrass, upset and confuse flood their hearts and minds. Fellow ponies who had been friends before set off strange desires that may shame the more sensitive. As a pony grows older these feeling still surface from time to time. While fillies and colts may be too shy or confused to act on these feelings a grown mare or stallion sometimes does not have these inhibitions and can damage relationships, self-esteem and reputation irreparably.

Twilight jotted down some notes. As a filly she had been too busy studying and practising to even notice other ponies. Oh, during the holidays spent with her parents a few colts had shyly offered her some candy or ice-cream or wanted to know if she’d like to go for a walk in the park. ‘Poor Proof’ Twilight thought a little sadly. ‘He really did try. I’m glad it all worked out for him.’ His recent parcel of manuscripts had contained a photograph of the grey unicorn stallion with a gorgeous pale pink mare and a letter gushing about how happy he was. They had restarted contact when Twilight had sent some of her own works to the publishers and the editing pony had recognised her name. Finishing her musing she returned to the present task at hand.

While Love, to be defined further in out next section, is a Need. Lust is very often a Want. A want which demands quick fulfilment and disregards any other considerations. Lust is often more physical, desiring the appearance and form of a pony and giving them greater importance over feelings of friendship and respect, the personality of the target pony and their own feelings on the matter. To act on it objectifies the pony which leads to hurt and pain. It is important to check that this attraction is not merely a wanting lust if you do not wish to hurt anypony, including yourself.

As Lust fixates on the physical aspects of a pony, such as build, colouring, bearing and perceived skill in the bedroom, I highly recommend that you list these aspects you yourself admire about your intended.

Twilight took her paper and quill with her magic and began to think about the physical aspects of her desired. “Oh… she’s so athletic, lithe even. Not slimline, you can see the defined muscle but she never carries any extra weight around. Her wings are gorgeous and her coat reminds me of the sky she so loves. She is always so confident in her actions. Hmm…” Slightly more lewd thoughts began to break through into the rational unicorns mind. “She so energetic and deft, precise even… Oh just think what it would be like…” Twilight trailed off, lost in a sea of slightly unexpectedly heated desire. This wasn’t the first time she had thought it over, but she was going so much deeper… A happy sigh escaped her mouth and was nearly joined by another until, “What are you doing Twilight?” Spike said, her number one assistant had woken up!

Chapter Three: Valuable Studies

Valuable Studies
~
Pink Ponies ~ Purple Dragons ~ Studying Alone

“Twilight, what are you doing up so early?” a confused Spike asked. The baby dragon was trailing his blankie and rubbing sleep from his eyes. “I usually get you up.” He yawned and looked at the clock. “Did you sleep at the desk again? That always gives you neck ache!”

Twilight chuckled at the cross dragon. “Yes, again and yes I have a stiff neck now.” She gave him a gentle tap on the nose. “I was studying and keeping Rainbow company but I fell asleep. The sun on my back woke me up.” She sheepishly rubbed her still irritating neck. “I let you sleep in and we had breakfast together. Come on, I think somedragon deserves a little treat for breakfast.”

Spike sat at the table in the kitchen as Twilight magiced and moved around preparing his special surprise. “Here you are Spike.” Twilight smiled fondly and placed a loaded bowl in front of her excited number one assistant. “The Spikey Special. Green Malachite and purple Amethyst with a light sprinkling of diamond dust. Bon appetite!” Spike beamed happily before grabbing his spoon and savouring his first bite.

“Oh wow Twilight! Thanks, this is great! Sweet diamond dust goes with the coppery tang and all this filling silicate. This is the best breakfast ever!” his tongue snaked out to grab up a bubbly chunk of malachite and gather the crumbs from around his cheeks. Twilight gave him an affectionate nuzzle before preparing her next surprise.

“So...*crunch munch* What are we doing today Twilight? *munch munch crunch*” Spike was eating his breakfast merrily.

“Well Spike, I have a lot of reading and studying to do today and you already ran the most important errands yesterday so I thought, maybe you’d like the whole day off?” she smiled at his reaction of wide eyed joy.

“Really Twilight? Really! I can get the whole day off?”

“Yep. Feel free to do what you want, just let me know where you’ll be.” She left him to finish off his meal and chuckled at the muttering coming from the kitchen.

“Hiiiiiii Twilight!” a pink blur greeted her as it rushed by.

“Waugh! Pinkie?” the shock had caused her to teleport to the top floor over the library. She looked down to find her pink friend hopping around “How did you get here?!”

“Weeelll, my mother and father loved each other very much…” Twilight teleported down and put her hoof over the pony’s mouth

“No! I mean just now!” she gave the party pony a warning look and removed her hoof.

“I came from Sugarcube Corner silly!” Twilight facehooved again, she had walked into that one.

“Well, why are you here then?” she said through gritted teeth.

“Well, the plot can only get to the nitty gritty if Spike is out of the way so somepony has to come and take him off your hands!” Twilight’s chin hit the floor, the oblivious pony carried on, “So as it happens I am taking the Cutie Mark Crusaders swimming in the lake and we would just looooove for Spike to come along.” She paused for a breath and Twilight started to speak only to be bulldozed over. “So you can read your book and I won’t bring him back until suppertime!” She merrily danced from the room and soon reappeared with a bemused Spike on her back, somehow he had acquired a towel, shades and a large rubber ring shaped like a ducky.

“Uh, see you Twilight, I guess I’m going to the lake?” and with that the peculiar pony and the press ganged dragon left. Twilight sat on the floor. Many visits from Pinkie left her like this.

Sometime later, after recovering with a nice cup of tea, Twilight had opened the Library and settled behind her desk. The slim book nesting once more inside the dusty tax volume and her notes hidden in its lee. “Let’s see, I got to making a list of lusts…” She blushed at that and felt the briefest resurgence of her earlier thoughts. “No! Naughty Twilight! Studying! I. Am. Studying!” she stamped a hoof to punctuate the herding of emotions back to their places. Finally settled she re-opened her book and turned to the page bookmarked.

Love, a many Splendored thing
While Lust is simply the desire to commit the most intimate act with a fellow pony, Love has many facets and many layers. This is the more complex of the heart’s directions. Lust is red hot and wide with a straight path from desire to execution. Love is a labyrinth with many twists and turns and different routes to take. While your Lust list was simple to create the complexities of Love demand stricter definitions.

Twilight dipped the quill in a fresh ink pot and gathered some papers. If this required deeper study she’d be ready!

We will be beginning with the ancient Equestrian definitions of Love. These wise ponies split the concept of Love into four. Agápe, Éros, Philia and Storge. We shall now explore these four in detail.

Agápe unconditional love it often refers to a general affection or deeper sense of "true love" rather than the attraction suggested by "eros".
Éros is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing.
Philia means friendship or affectionate love. It is a dispassionate virtuous love. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and community. It requires virtue, equality and familiarity.
Storge is natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring.

Many relationships are founded on one or more of these concepts of Love. While some are uncomplicated, like that between parent and foal others are a heady mix of all four. At this stage you are not expected to extract from your own feelings which types of love apply to your situation but listing your relationships and the types you believe apply to them may be a helpful exercise.

Twilight began making her notes, ever efficient she graphed the four types and began writing the names of those she was closest too.

“Well, for I feel both Philia and Storge for Spike and Princess Celestia, my mother and father too of course. Mom and Dad are a given and the Princess, well she is very important to me. Spike is like my little brother I count all of them as family and dearest friends. Agápe and Philia for my friends, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. They are dear to my heart and I would stick with them no matter what and love them always…” She misted up at those warm thoughts, so much calmer than the roiling ones that rose when she thought of her other pegasus friend… Her introspection was cut short by a knock on the door.

“Mail Call!” came a voice followed by a leafy crash. “I’m ok! Bye!” and the mail mare flew off. Twilight smiled to herself and continued studying, it seemed some more books were in order...

Chapter Five: Deep Feelings

Deep Feelings, Perfect Planning
~
A Pair of Epiphanies ~ Return of the Dragon ~ Eager Replies

Rainbow woke up to the sweet smell of apples, this was the secret reason she liked to sleep above the Apple family’s farm. Her mind was still swimming with confusing feelings and visions of a lavender unicorn. “Sleep didn’t help then.” She grumbled, rolling over on her cloud. Rainbow still had those purple eyes and that egg headed way she spoke, the briefest flashed of almost foal-like excitement and the feeling she had as she sat in that library, sneaking peeks at the mare across the room. “Why am I so hung up on her? I woulda asked her out by now if she was any other mare! Even when I wasn’t sure they swung that way!” poking a fluffed cloud that wandered past her Rainbow groaned again. “What is that feeling I get when I’m with her? This is so bucking confusing!!” She shouted the last part, forgetting where she was. A shout in reply came from below.

“What might that be featherbrain?” an orange earth pony shouted “Yah want t’ talk about it?” Rainbow looked down to see her be-hatted friend wandering out from under the trees. “Ah saw your lazy self napping earlier, thought Ah’d wait around to find out why. You always sleep here when you get stressed.” Applejack was looking Rainbow straight in the eye, ‘Can’t lie to the element of honesty can you?’ Rainbow thought, dropping off the cloud and landing smartly beside her friend.

“So, Rainbow, what’s the matter?” Applejack started walking, leading her friend to the farmhouse.

“Nothing I can’t handle!” Rainbow smirked with false bravado, “Just, err, worried about my latest trick not being awesome enough!” The earth pony deadpanned at that, lifting her hoof and giving a mock punch to the pegasus.

“You’re lyin’. If you don’t want t’ talk about it, fine. Jus’ remember Ah’m here if you do need t’ talk.” They reached the porch and Applejack covered the last few steps and sat down, facing Rainbow Dash.

“Thanks Applejack,” Rainbow scuffed the dirt with her hoof. “It’s, uh, a little complicated and I’m doing my best to be careful with it.” The farm pony cocked her head at the ‘careful’.

“Ah respect that.” She nodded to the door. “Ah was going to get some lunch, care t’ join me?” Rainbow decided that would be a great idea and followed into the house.

One daffodil and leek salad later, Twilight was ready for a little more study, unlocking her safeguards she removed her notes and book, a quick (albeit rather emotionally charged) review of the notes and she was ready to move on to the next section.

Now that you have established some basic examples of the ancient Equestrian loves it is time to move on to the relationship you are consulting this reference book for.

As mentioned in the passage on Lust, Love is a need. An emptiness one feels that needs to be filled. Many ponies feel this space quite keenly, searching out for that special somepony. Other ponies are unaware of this empty space in their heart until they catch sight of their special somepony. Some ponies however, most likely one like you, (as I am aware of the kind of pony who turns to my books dear reader) find a growing feeling in their hearts towards somepony close to them. Maybe somepony who is a friend or colleague. These types of building emotion can confuse those who never expected to have such feelings.

As you have now established the physical aspect you lust form, it is time to list the personality and non-physical traits of your intended. Facets of this pony that fill a need in your heart.

Twilight stopped there. This book had her down to a T, the feelings she had now had grown from a seedling of friendship to a gap in her heart that could only be filled by the rainbow mane pegasus. Sure, she was close to her friends, but spending time with Rainbow Dash had uncovered feelings of home, the safety of a protector. Like how she felt when with Princess Celestia but with added facets of complex desire.

Taking a piece of paper Twilight nibbled her quill, and began to think. As often happens in such situations, a pink ground pony with poofy hair burst through the door to interrupt her reverie. “Hi Twilight, Spike fell asleep when we were taking Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom to the farm for their sleepover.” Sure enough lying on her back was the little dragon. He had obtained a huge pink and yellow afro wig on his head and a party blower in his mouth. Every time that Spike exhaled a light buzz could be heard. “So I thought I’d bring him home to you so he can sleep in his basket.”

Twilight had caught most of this but was still trying to surreptitiously pack away notes and the book. “Pinkie, I really wish you would knock once in a while.” She sighed. The party pony gave her an odd look, shrugged and trotted off to deposit the sleeping dragon in his bed. Twilight sighed again and placed her chin down on the desk. Her exhalation disrupted the pile of letters and once more she looked at the blue and silver missive.

“I’ll write that reply now!” She smiled and began drafting her reply. Pinkie left with a goodnight and a complimentary muffin. “Night Pinkie” Twilight shouted after her energetic friend. Crossing the last t and dotting the last i she held her letter up to the light and gave it a read through.

“Dear Andromeda Star, it is lovely to hear from you again. Of course I remember the schoolmate who introduced me to astronomy as a science over my amateur stargazing! Ponyville does indeed have a splendid view of the night sky and I already have some possible sites for us to check. Your patron is very knowledgeable if they were aware of this small town. Maybe we can discuss our findings? I will gladly receive you as a guest and give you the guided tour of town. Perhaps we can fit in some stargazing too? I have an opening in my research and commitments two weeks from now so you are welcome to come to stay then.

Regards and fond memories Twilight Sparkle (D.Thau, EH, EM, M1, PhD)”

Twilight smiled the smile of those able to pronounce and inflect brackets and sealed the letter in an envelope, addressed it and applied a stamp. Tomorrow morning she would send it out and hopefully she would get a reply soon. She was eager to start a real professional advance in astronomy.

Chapter Six: A New Day

A New Day
~
Post ~ Planning ~ Popcorn

The next morning Twilight slept in, her alarm clock and Spike’s calls went unheeded until mid-morning. In the meantime Spike tidied up some of yesterday’s mess and checked what chores needed doing. He had been a little puzzled at the wig and party blower but following standard procedure he took it down to the basement and tapped in a code on a box. When it opened he kept his sights on the contents while loading the new things in. Taking a book he made a note. “Added wig and blower to Pinkie Box, origin uncertain. Contents previous still intact…” he checked the calendar and dated the entry. “Now, groceries, take letters to the post office and check for parcels…” The number one assistant carried on with the rest of his chores.

“Hmmm…. Rainbow, are you really sure… Oh alright then, if you insist….” Twilight rolled over in bed smiling from ear to ear. A sudden inrush of air woke her up with a shock and she jumped in surprise. “Aaah! What?” she landed with a crash and a tangle of blankets.

“Oh dude, that was awesome! You were all like ‘Aaahh!’ and Crash!” Rainbow hovered in the air laughing, her head back and her wings lazily maintaining her loft. “Good job you left the window open else that would have been a bit louder!!” Twilight grumbled and sat up, pulling the blanket from her head. “Why in Equestria did you do that?” she fumed. Rainbow just laughed even more. “Aww, your angry face is sooo cute! Noogie!” The flying pony ruffled the unicorn’s bedhead, smiling with amusement. “Rainbow…” Twilights voice had a warning tone and her magic grasped the cyan coated mare, teleporting her into the main library.

A few minutes later she joined her. “Now, after being so rudely awakened I would appreciate it if you could explain why?” Rainbow sat in her favourite spot and looked at Twilight, trying not to get drawn too far into her eyes… “I uh, um… The front door was locked?” Twilight gave her a look. ‘Oh man, she doesn’t buy it…’ Rainbow quashed any outward signs of nervousness, ‘You can’t say you were watching her sleeping, you can’t say you woke her up because you couldn’t bear to watch her any longer without doing something…’ She gave her best smile. Twilight stopped her look, it wasn’t quite a Fluttershy stare but it was a relief for it to be over.

“Alright, I wasn’t aware you were that eager to come in and read. Now, if you don’t mind, I have some plans to make.” A loud grumble came from her stomach, “and some food to eat.” Rainbow nodded and flopped down on her favourite cushion, re-reading a Daring Do might take her mind of that stupidly attractive egghead!

Shutting the kitchen door and leaning against it Twilight started hyperventilating. She had been so close to just grabbing Rainbow Dash with her magic and flinging her down onto the bed… “Lust, that was definitely lust and not for the first time…” She started making a nice strong sweet tea, “I need to work it out first, I can’t destroy our friendship over this.” Magically boiling the water and steeping the leaves she relaxed a little and started nibbling on some mixed nut haybar. The tea was ready to drink and soon enough Twilight felt she had calmed down.

Back in the library she levitated her cup to the desk and brought some plans and maps down to join it. Sharpening her pencil she pulled out some journals and local records with her magic and began planning what locations and sites to take Andromeda too. There were plenty of places she liked to stargaze but one pony with a hobby was quite a ways off professionals with a lab. She was engrossed with her work and completely unaware of the rose coloured eyes regarding her from over a book.

‘I have to think of a way to let her know.’ Rainbow gnawed her bottom lip. ‘I can’t keep on like this. It’s killing me.’ She glanced Twilights way again, ‘I really need to talk to her… Or at least somepony!’ shuffling her hooves she looked back down to her book. “Uh, Twi’?” she barely spoke. Knowing full well that Twilight wouldn’t hear. However, she had. “Yes Rainbow?” that purple regard knocked her out of the park. “Uhhh…” Dry throat, total mental shutdown, no words forthcoming…. “I… uh, wondered if you want to come over to see Applejack? I have a hankering for some fine apple based products and thought you might too?” Rainbow managed to spit out, cursing herself for not being able to say three simple little words. Two of which she used quite regularly. It was really just the one that was causing a problem. ‘Egghead!’ she added, Twilight was really having an effect on her.

“Sorry Rainbow,” Twilight really looked sincere, “I am a little busy for now. Maybe I’ll meet you at Sugarcube corner for a snack later?” Rainbow nodded and hurried out, taking to the sky and heading for Applejack’s farm, her goodbye trying to catch up.

“Well, that was odd.” Twilight mused, getting back to her increasingly detailed site information.

Later that day Twilight had finished up, she had a few sites to check that had looked good from the map and some old papers from a long gone Ponyville resident had suggested a handful of other locations. She’d wait for a reply to her letter and get right on to inspecting them. Now, though, it was time for something sweet to eat. As she walked to the best bakery in town she was sure she spotted a cloud propelled by blue wings… Smiling to herself she entered the shop.

“Twilight, Hi!” Spike said from the counter, he was chowing down on what looked like a bowl of popcorn. “You’re just in time for a taste testing session.” He grinned, crumbs of corn kernel and what looked like gemstone. At that point Rainbow sauntered through the door in an all too casual way. “Hey guys, didn’t expect to see you here now, I thought you’d be a bit later Twi’” Twilight was about to reply when a fully loaded Pinkie came out of the kitchen.

“Hello everypony! You came just in time! I have been experimenting with popcorn flavours!” In one movement all surfaces in the room were covered in bowls of popcorn. Some smelt strange, others were unusual colours and Twilight could swear one was glowing and a stone bowl at the far end had heat waves coming from it.

“Popcorn? I thought it was all cupcakes with you Pinkie?” Rainbow said, sniffing the contents of a bowl that seemed to be floating. “I decided to try out all my new flavours on something faster to make silly! Popcorn is all pop-pop-pop-pop! Cupcakes are a little slow for all these new tastes!” As she spoke more bowls appeared. “So, what flavours did you make?” Twilight found herself saying.

She instantly regretted it, Pinkie was taking a very deep breath...

“We have: Sweet, Cupcake, Raspberry, Chocolate, Banana, Toffee, Coffee, Tea, Red Cherry, Black Cherry, Blueberry, Cheeky Chimmy Cherry Chonga, Guava, Jalapeño, Lychee, Violet, Super Green, Dragonfruit, Ruby, Toothpaste, Salted, Sweet Pea, Cheese, Apple Cider, Buffalo Ale, Citrus, Pine Tree, Citrine, Pear, Each Peach, Pear, Plum, Mica, Buttered and Macaroon.” Pinkie bounced up and took a mouthful from one of the bowls.
Twilight and Rainbow simply stared in surprise, trying their best to process the information...

Chapter Seven: Full Stomachs, Fluttering Hearts

Full Stomachs, Fluttering Hearts
~
Fitful Sleep ~ Letters ~ Schedules

Celestia’s sun was just peeking over the horizon as two stuffed ponies and one exhausted dragon left Sugarcube Corner. Spike slept on Twilights back, muttering about mica flakes and jalapeños, Rainbow flapped weakly alongside her, groaning and clutching her stomach. “You ate too much?” Twilight asked her friend, mentally collating an indigestion cure. “Nah, I just should have eaten less of the spicy popcorn, it was so good. The cheese, I never thought…” She gave a small burp and grinned sheepishly.

“It was surprisingly tasty wasn’t it? Guava was pretty good too.” They smiled at the remembered tastes “Citrine popcorn, awesome…” Spike mumbled shifting position on Twilight’s back, the two friends chuckled at that and noticed their proximity to the library. Twilight turned to Rainbow, or at least that was her intention. The pegasus pony had lowered even closer to her unicorn friend and the simple act of turning had led to her lips brushing against a cyan cheek. Rainbow coloured hair filled her vision and soft fur caressed her lips…

Twilight squeaked and teleported, complete with Spike, the last few yards into her Library. Rainbow on the other hand had frozen. Wings no longer supporting her she landed with a thump to the ground. The impact on her rump breaking the trance she had entered. She gingerly raised a hoof to her cheek to check that it wasn’t in fact on fire, (a mirror would have begged to differ). Her brain caught up then, though it still replayed the indescribable softness of Twilight’s lips across her cheek, a tingling line like an electric shock. Parts of her consciousness tapped her reeling brain on the proverbial shoulder to deliver the message that, sadly, the purple mare had left in quite a hurry. “Twi’…”

On the other side of the library door sat a hyperventilating unicorn. “Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear oh by Celestia, Luna and all of Equestria what did I just do!!!!!” She nearly screamed, only a deep concern that somepony might hear her and demand an explanation kept her volume down. Trying to return her breathing to normal after that kiss, well almost kiss, a smidgen sort of like a kiss maybe…

‘Stop that!’ she shook her head. ‘Now, where did I put Spike?’ Calming down a little, her mind still grasping to the recollections of the dazzling rainbow she saw and the softness she felt, Twilight sought out her draconic ward. She was relieved to see that even in her excited state she had ‘ported Spike to his basket. Strangely a tiny teddy that looked a little like an Ursa Minor was clutched in his arm, not something she had seen before. “That warrants further study,” she mused to herself while a decidedly more heated part of her mind demanded more kissing to collect a full set of data. Clambering into bed, too distracted to truly study anything Twilight levitated her blanket over herself “Goodnight Spike” she whispered.
“Night mhmny.” He mumbled sleepily, cuddling the teddy closer and rolling over.

In the sky above Ponyville floated a cloud house. Its resident was also in bed, she too was thinking of recent events. Rainbow had barely moved her hoof since placing it there. It was as if taking it away would release all the feelings of the touch. “It was an accident,” she said to Tank, “I mean she never meant to do that, I just got too close to her so when she turned she brushed me… With her lips…” She smacked her forehead with her free hoof. “It’s going to be a long night.”

Neither pony had a very good night’s sleep. Both of them kept coming back to their earlier ‘situation’. “I’ll just put it behind me, she won’t mind will she?” both mares thought in the early hours of the morning. “Twilight did it by accident right? No way would she do it on purpose. Or even want to do it.” Rainbow thought. “She’d never like somepony like me that way.”

“It was an accident, Rainbow won’t care anyway, she’d never want a boring egghead like me.” Twilight concluded. Both ponies, unaware of each other’s feelings turned over in their beds, feeling a little bit miserable and a touch alone. They both snuggled some blanket over themselves and fell into the welcome comfort of sleep.

The next morning Spike was once again up and bustling around. “Must be all the minerals in his diet,” Twilight thought, pulling her pillow over her ears. His humming was cute, probably one of the songs Pinkie or Sweetie Belle had come up with, a small price to pay for letting him have a day off with his friends. A familiar burping and flare sound came from downstairs. “Twilight! You’ve got a letter!” Spike called, she heard his feet on the stairs and the bedroom door opening. “This one has Luna’s seal on it. Isn’t that cool!” at the mention of the nocturnal princess Twilight paid attention.

“Can you read it Spike?” she asked, sitting up and gesturing for him to sit next to her. The little dragon jumped up and with a flourish unsealed the letter. “Dear Twilight Sparkle” He read, “It has come to our attention that the profession of Astronomer has gained status since our return. Certain dedicated ponies have worked tirelessly for many years making fascinating discoveries and beautiful photographs of the sky beyond our fair home. One such pony, Andromeda Star has advanced far into her chosen career.” Twilight cut Spike off then.

“That is nice to hear, I can’t wait to catch up with her now! She always did love to record the sky.” Twilight gushed a little, it was strange, her reconnection with all these ponies from her childhood. “Can I continue?” sniffed Spike as he ruffled the letter. Twilight nodded and with a little cough Spike began again. “One has seen to it that she received promotions she quite richly deserved and in turn persuaded the esteemed ponies of the Royal Observatory to allow her charge of a facility. It is for this reason I write to you. One has highly recommended the town of Ponyville for its impressive vantage point and friendly inhabitants. One looks forward to thy reply and that thou has sent to Dr. Star. Many regards, Luna.”

“Wow, she sure writes fancy doesn’t she Twilight?” Spike looked to his pony friend, “Uh Twilight?” he waved a hand in front of her face “Guess that froze her up good!” He snickered, dropping the scroll beside the unicorn and hurrying back down to his breakfast.

A few minutes later a still dazed Twilight wandered past Spike, mumbling about princesses, moons and getting the guest room ready. She plonked herself down on the chair by her desk and a flurry of magic assisted activity occurred. “Twilight, are you ok?” Spike looked over at her, at least five sheets of paper floated ahead of her, six quills rushing across the pages. “What are you doing Twilight?” Spike was more concerned now. She turned to face him, a manic look and a twitch in her eye. “Schedules!” was her eerie reply.

Chapter Eight: Orienteering, Overdrive

Orienteering, Overdrive
~
A Quiet Chat ~ Snakes! ~ Panicked Search

“Uh, hey Applejack.” Rainbow called to her farming friend. “Is that offer for a chat still good?” She was walking into Sweet Apple Acres. That alone was enough to give Applejack pause for thought. “It sure is Ah was due a break anyhow. Come on over t’ the porch, we’ll sit an’ jaw awhile.” She led her friend to the porch; it was unusual to see her so subdued. “So what’s been eatin’ you Rainbow, Ah never seen you so glum in a long time.” She sat down and dipped her head to look the doleful pegasus in the eye. “Uh, you know that, ah, awkwardness a few months after I moved to Ponyville.” Rainbow said slowly. Applejack’s ears shot up. “Yeah sugarcube, Ah do recall that.”

“Well, two days ago I kinda sort of got a little bit kissed by Twi’...” Rainbow mumbled. Applejack’s jaw hit the floor. “Well, that’s new. How d’you feel about that?”

“Kinda good.” She blushed just a touch. “Thanks for hearing this Applejack. I think I better go. I hear a nap calling!” Rainbow was never very good at emotional stuff and her honest friend would want straight answers. Besides, it felt better just telling her.

Sat on her porch watching her rainbow haired friend fly off Applejack managed to shut her mouth. “Well I never, those two?”

A week passed, Twilight dug deeper into the land records, geological surveys and archaeological information on her favoured sites. She spoke to ponies like Granny Smith to find out the local history and she sought out all the amateur astronomers in town. Sure, other stuff happened in the week but Twilight was far too busy to really notice. Though Rainbow was around underhoof more often than not, Twilight was throwing herself into study, trying to forget her faux pas and confusing feelings. Rainbow hadn’t brought up their almost not exactly a kiss so she wouldn’t either.

Today, having left Spike in charge of the library, Twilight gathered up her saddle bags and set off. Floating ahead of her was a map, little silver circles marking out good potential sites for an astronomy lab and telescope. Some were quite close to town while others were high up in the mountains skirting the Everfree Forest. Deciding her itinerary Twilight began her day’s inspections.

It was getting to be late afternoon and Twilight was still checking sites. The first few had all been simply too low down. Great for her own hobby stargazing but not good enough for professionals. One or two sites close to Ponyville were very good, almost perfect but she still wanted to check on spot in the mountains. As she trotted up the narrow path, map to her nose, she didn’t spot the crumbling edge until she was thrown down the unforgiving cliff.

“AAAaaaAAAAaaaaAAAAA!!!” Twilight screamed maps and saddlebags forgotten as she scrabbled for grip to stop herself. She was moving too fast across a surface so teleporting was out of the question. The speed she was falling and tumbling prevented her from sighting any useful assistance from ledges, branches or helpful vines. After what seemed like way too long she hit the floor and it all went black.

Sleeping on a cloud high above Ponyville, Rainbow was certain she could hear someone scream. Her ear twitched to try and source the sound. It was over quickly so the pegasus went back to sleep.

The darkness was everywhere but soon a dim and swimming light made its way to the unicorn. “What... Happened?” She exhaled, feeling quite sick. A concussion then, leg or two felt really bad, the blossoms of pain were large and widespread so it was difficult to figure out specifics. Her hearing returned then and it was not welcome. All she could hear was a hissing sound... As she cracked open her eyes she saw dancing coloured shapes, long and thin. Beneath her she could feel writhing scales. A brief moment of clear sight was worse. She was in a snake pit. The entire area she was in was wall to wall snakes. A disturbing shadow moved belying a much larger snake. Twilight screamed and the world went white.

She felt the magic first, a pulse and wave flowing through the sky faster than a sonic rainboom. Then she saw the light even through closed eyes. What happened next would haunt her until the end of days. A scream. A scream full of fear and propelled by magic. Mortal fear. It entered through her ears, pierced her heart and hurried down to freeze her guts. It was Twilight. She was in danger. Rainbow Dash moved at a speed just below rainboom. No one was at the library, so it wasn’t an accident there, there was nothing obvious in Ponyville at all, but she had heard that scream. Her heart knew it was vital to find the purple unicorn as fast as possible. An idea came to her and she shot off in another direction.

Not bothering with the door Rainbow sped through the open window and right into the Boutique. “Rarity!” she shouted, looking around in a hurry, her guts unfrozen but now twisted by fear for her friend. “In... here... Rainbow...” A weak call came. Rarity was lying on the floor, hooves clutched to her horn. “Something is wrong with Twilight!” Rainbow shouted, to a wince from the prone dressmaker. “I know...” She gasped. “The magic pulse was strong, our link as friends...and elements...amplified it...” She turned around to face Rainbow. “She’s in the Everfree! Please Rainbow Dash, Save Her!” the plea was heartfelt and pained. Dash nodded and shot off, the forest was dangerous and whatever had scared Twilight must have been big.

It was taking too long to locate Twilight. The forest was so big, too big for one pony to look through at speed. Working herself up in fear for her friend, no, in fear for the pony she loved, Rainbow stopped stock still in the air. She closed her eyes and tried to feel the wind, not just the simple summer zephyrs or the turbulence above the magical forest but the deep throb made by powerful magic. A twitch of a wing and eyes still closed she flew against the current she had detected. It got stronger the closer she got to the source. Soon all around her she could feel the strong magic driven wind. Opening her eyes Rainbow looked around. There was a clearing with a familiar glow emanating from it.

“I’m coming Twilight! I’M COMING!” She shouted at the top of her voice and flew towards the source to find a scene of chaos. Hundreds of snakes, looking very puzzled were floating in a massive purple aura. The largest was coiled right against the edges of the rough sphere, magic crackled along the sides. At the centre, her eyes tight shut and curled in a ball was Twilight.

“Snakes, snakes, snakes...” she sobbed quietly, iridescent tears escaping down her face. Shafts of light, the same kind that came from her eyes when they used the elements, shone from under her eyelids. The shield was tough, it felt like flying against a hurricane, closer and closer the pegasus inched; her eyes watering, her hooves outstretched. “Come on Twilight, snap out of it, I’ll get you away from the snakes. The confused reptiles did their best to nod eagerly at the prospect of being freed but could barely budge. Finally making contact with the mare, she grasped her around the middle, feeling the spell trying to force her away. It didn’t work; the egghead had probably cast a scales specific spell. Rainbow the pony could grab her and fly out of the pit. Out in the clear sky the spell subsided and the glow left Twilight’s eyes. “Rainbow?” she whispered before fainting.

Chapter Nine: Awake, Arrivals

Awake, Arrivals
~
Pleasant Scents~ Homecoming ~ Eggheads

Twilight awoke to a not unpleasant smell and a reassuring absence of hissing. Something was blowing her mane and in a maybe related instance, something held her blanket down. She started a mental checklist, factoring in her earlier condition. ‘So, no hissing, no slithering and above all no snakes. Check. Legs feel ok, head feels a bit sleep thick but mostly fine. Horn fine. Physically ok? Check.’ She opened her eyes and recognised the room Rainbow had spent some time in with an injured wing. “So I’m in hospital?” she muttered to herself. She turned to investigate the pressure on the blanket.

At the foot of the bed lay Spike, curled up and fast asleep, ‘Poor little guy must have been worried.’ She turned to find the source of the breeze and brushed her muzzle against a familiar cyan one. ‘Squee!’ She thought, inwardly performing the Yes! Dance. Careful not to wake the sleeping Rainbow Dash, she moved over, Rainbow was sat on a chair by the bed, her face on the pillow next to Twilight’s head. Careful investigation revealed that she was the source of the nice scent.

Unable to contain herself Twilight gave the slightest twitch. This disturbed the pegasus, fuzzy eyed and obviously exhausted looked up.

“Hey, Twi’ you awake?” came a mumble from the pegasus. She sat up and gave her bed-mane a pat with her hoof. “Rainbow, what happened?” Twilight asked, a little confused.

“You are in the hospital,” Rainbow lifted her head off the bed.

“I gathered that Rainbow, but I feel fine and my assessment spells report no ills.”

“You used a whole lot of magic and needed loads of sleep!” She grinned as Twilight pulled a face at her. “I mean, you slept a week! I’m awesome at sleeping and even I can’t sleep that long!” Twilight groaned and sat up. As she did so the door was opened.

“Ah, Ms Sparkle, good to see you up.” The unicorn doctor who entered was a neutral tan colour, his grey and brown mane contrasted into an altogether reassuring appearance. “I am Dr Foster Wellbeing, I have treated many cases of mage-exhaustion but never on your scale!” He levitated a chart from the end of her bed and gave it a flip through. “I estimated this to be your approximate wakening time. I have had plenty of experience.” He smiled at his ability.

Twilight groaned. “That spell! It was an overload for sure! The other times I used magic like that I had the elements to back me up.” She shook her head at that reflex action. “Indeed” Dr. Wellbeing replied. “You simultaneously healed your wounds, a spell that takes a lot out of most and created a barrier to hold your, er, ‘unwanted company’ away from yourself.” He grinned, “Altogether quite impressive! Well done Ms Sparkle.”

“So, now what Doctor?” Twilight was a little apprehensive, even though the smiling ponies reassured her.

“You can leave today! All you needed was rest and once a unicorn wakes up after an exhaustive act, they’re fit as a fiddle.” He signed the chart. “Now, don’t overexert yourself, your assistant told me you were taking a break to receive a guest anyway, so I trust you won’t be performing any epic feats of magic for a few days at least,” He gave Rainbow a stern look. “As for you young filly, get some sleep! We tolerated your disregard for your own wellbeing when Ms Sparkle was still in a state of delirium but now you need some rest yourself!” He replaced the chart and with one last stern look, turned to leave. “A nurse will be by to run some quick tests and then you’ll be discharged Ms Sparkle. I will arrange a check-up a fortnight from now.” With that he left.

Twilight was nonplussed she looked at Rainbow for an explanation, Rainbow on her part was masterfully quashing a blush and averting her gaze from the purple pools she so often drowned in...

“Rainbow, what did he mean?” Twilight asked with a little urgency. The blasé manner in which the doctor conducted his business obviously meant she was fine but the last bit and the telling bags under Rainbow’s eyes spoke of something deeper. “Uh, well when you first got in, you were kinda confused...” Rainbow’s tone was a mixture of embarrassment and pride. “You got all panicked whenever I left, you’d start shouting about snakes and how I was the only one who could protect you.” She smiled at her friend and then snickered at a memory. “Even the Princesses weren’t enough!” Twilight went bright red and buried her head in the pillow. “Don’t worry Twi’, you used up so much magic and energy you didn’t know up from down!” She ruffled the unicorn’s emerging mane. Twilight gave her a weak smile and a quick hug. “Thanks for being here Rainbow, it means a lot to me.” The two mares parted and sat beside each other, discussing what the unicorn had missed while she slept.

The nurse had given her a clean bill of health and Rainbow a stern talking to. “Thanks Rainbow.” Daringly Twilight gave her the briefest peck on the cheek known to history and entered the library. The pegasus had immediately flow off, clearly exhausted. “Spike? Spiike?” she had sent the dragon ahead, it seemed his being in charge had grown messy until his rush to the hospital had forestalled cleaning attempts. He hadn’t left her at all and upon discovering her imminent return, had fled to clear up. “Up here Twilight.” A tired voice called.

Up in the bedroom lay a very tired baby dragon and an owl flapping about. “So, you must have left a big mess to be this tired.” Twilight smiled at her small friend and pulled his blanket over him. “You have a good sleep and I’ll sort out my tea, I feel quite energised after all that sleep! No wonder Rainbow takes so many naps!” At the thought of the cyan mare, Twilight blushed and recalled her words in the hospital. ‘I hope she gets some rest now.’

In her cloudhouse, Rainbow Dash slept soundly, dreams of her daring rescue and selfless watch surrounding her in a happy fog. “No worries Twi’, I’ll protect you always…” she whispered in her sleep.

A light nap had overcome Twilight in the early hours of the morning though it was a good job, she didn’t wish to spoil her sleeping pattern. Waking up to gentle morning sunlight and the chirping of birds was always welcome. A delicious smell from the kitchen promised a tasty breakfast to celebrate her return. Her checklist on the wall still read for the day of her ‘incident’ however. Frowning she flipped through.

A warm glow spread in her heart, all the tasks were checked off in familiar hoof and magic writing, from her regular observations on experiments to simple tasks like book deliveries and returns. She flushed a little to see her astronomical tasks signed in the elegant lettering of Princess Luna, it would be a rare treat to read the notes for those nights! Skipping like a filly to breakfast she smiled to see today’s checklist affixed to the fridge. “Good morning Spike!” she smiled to her faithful assistant, sat on his chair munching on some mix of mica flakes and bran. “Hi Twilight, hope you like pancakes” He smiled through a mouthful of food and slid a plate in front of her.

After breakfast it was time for business, she hadn’t missed any important mail and the records her friends had kept (with helpful advice from Spike, he hastened to add) were perfect and within the expected parameters. A weeks sleep seemed to have been a real boon and she found herself finishing off the remaining tasks with ease. “That’s all the experiments completed in time for Andromeda’s visit,” She looked to the clock on the wall, “and still three hours until she arrives! Wonderful!” Noticing the manuscript from Proof and her own bookmark a grin stole across her face, time to catch up with Daring while she waited for her guest.

As the last page turned the clock marked the half hour, Twilight was invigorated, not only was it an excellent book, Rainbow’s careful notes were spot on. They revealed her enthusiasm for the written word and a rudimentary understanding of its construction! Her favourite character had accomplished yet another exciting quest but her crush, no the mare she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, really did understand books!

After a brief Yes! Dance (Twilight had held far too many back recently) she noticed the time and made her way to Ponyville Station.

Sat on a cloud above Twilight was Rainbow Dash, totally not spying at all, nope. She’d smiled at the yes dance, Twilight was the definition of Adorkable. Now she seemed to be in a little bit of a hurry. ‘That guest...’ She recalled and followed along, a nice fluffy cumulus acting as cover.

As Twilight entered the station the recent train was just leaving. The milling crowd wasn’t very thick but there were a number of ponies on a number of routes. Soon enough, after a little anxious looking Twilight spotted her guest. The unicorn stood on the platform, a pair of bags in the grasp of her sky blue magic. Her dusky blue coat complimented her silver mane and tail and a pair of azure eyes were intelligent and curious. “’Rommy!” Twilight called happily, cantering over.

“Why! Twilight Sparkle! You are a far cry from the awkward first year filly I recall!” They met each other with a brief hug, “I can’t believe you remember that old nickname. I can honestly say only four ponies, yourself included, know of it.” She smiled, it was a familiar beam that Twilight could remember from her earliest and most awkward years at school, she was reassured that this old schoolmate could soon be a firm friend. “It’s wonderful to see you again.” Twilight returned the smile, “I’ll get you into the guest room and we can begin my tour of Ponyville.” She took a bag in her magic and the two unicorns left the station.

Up in the sky a certain pegasus was agog. “Look at her! She’s gorgeous!” The mare below her was poised and graceful, trotting along with perfect form. Her perfect silver mane falling perfectly down her perfectly curved shoulder. Her perfect cutie mark, a swirl of stars that perfectly complemented Twilight’s headed a perfect silver tail that moved perfectly in time with her perfect pace that matched Twilight. Envy and sadness grew in Rainbow’s heart. Here was an older mare who had a history with Twilight, that yes dance must have been for her, another egghead unicorn with all the same interests and a wonderful appearance. She sadly flew away from the scene, it looked like another prospective partner was out of the question, what hurt the most was that the pony in question was her soulmate.

Chapter 10: Endings & Beginnings

Endings & Beginnings
~
Stars ~ Surprises ~ Sweets

“…and this is where I live.” Twilight opened the door to the library and disappeared from view, her guest following behind. “Great, now how am I supposed to track them!” Rainbow grumbled. Her mind running away with possibilities that could occur. Deciding to keep watch on the tree, she stayed on her cloud above the library.

“I’m sure living in a library suits you well.” Andromeda smiled at the younger pony. She’d had the full tour and been quite impressed with the basement lab and the selection of books. “Oh, it’s perfect for my research and as it is a public library, my friends can come in and drag me out if I’m getting too isolated.” As she spoke Twilight was preparing tea, the blue unicorn sat back and enjoyed the difference. From introverted and studious filly to friendly and clever mare. With her nose out of a book, or notes or simply her own little world, she wasn’t unattractive. ‘I’ll have to compliment the change.’ Andromeda promised herself, taking a sip of the newly proffered tea. “Now, I’ll let you get settled in and I can show you the sites I found.”

“What about that site?” Andromeda pointed to a spot on the map struck through quite violently.

“Ah heh, ‘Rommy, that one is shall we say too unstable for any structure and leave it at that yes?” Twilight shuddered and muttered something about snakes. “Alright, well, from your detailed notes I can see that I don’t even need to look at them. My patron and the board can have this and decide where to go from there.” She smiled, all the work had already been done so more time to spend getting to know this changed young mare. “So, I hear the filly who was ‘Here to study, not to make friends’ has some now?” She smiled to take any barb from the question.

“Yes, you know, I should introduce you. An old friend meeting my new ones!” She realised her words and blushed. “I mean, if it’s ok to be your friend?” Andromeda smiled and gave Twilight a hug.

“Of course it is! It is wonderful to see such a change. Princess Celestia wasn’t the only pony concerned that you were isolating yourself!” The pair of them left the library to meet the residents of Ponyville.
From her aerial vantage point Rainbow Dash saw Andromeda and Twilight hug as they left the library. “Too late!” she said, deciding to follow.

The day was turning to night as the two unicorns left Sweet Apple Acres, “So, those are all my friends and their families.” Twilight said, “And yes, Apple Bloom got me with the ‘look’ when I first met her.” Andromeda groaned.

“That apple pie was so good, but I really shouldn’t have finished it after all those other apple foods.” She patted her full stomach. “So we’ve met Pinkie Pie the party pony, it seems like I will be having a welcoming party… Rarity the very talented designer, Fluttershy and all her lovely animals.” ‘Except one’ Andormeda thought remembering a certain rabbit and a powerful kick… “Plus Applejack, her family and their many apple products.” She smiled to Twilight, “It seems that you really landed on your hooves here. I know I’ll certainly enjoy living in Ponyville.” She paused for a moment and looked up at the sky, a thought striking her. “I thought you said you had another pegasus friend?”

“Yes, Rainbow Dash, I haven’t seen her in a while. She might still be sleeping…” Twilight trailed off, a warm feeling was interrupting her thoughts. “Oh like that is it?” Andromeda giggled and tapped the now blushing Twilight. “Not quite that far ‘Rommy” she blushed deeper.

“Aww come on now! It’s not as if I didn’t notice the looks certain colts gave you at school!” Andromeda gave her a teasing look. “Aheh, um, I’mnotreallyintocolts.” Twilight sputtered, it had seemed like the best way to end the uncomfortable conversation topic but as her mouth shod the words she realized it probably wasn’t. “Well, it looks like one filly has been studying her mind as much as her books.” Andromeda smiled understandingly. “So, your other friends know? After all, I’m a nice safe bet, soon I will be back in Canterlot and far enough away that you can carry on pretending…”

“No ‘Rommy, I told Rarity and Fluttershy, Pinkie figured it out and Applejack ‘Has tha way o’knowin’’ She looked down and scuffed the ground with a hoof. “In fact, Rainbow is the only one I didn’t tell.”

Andromeda gave her a hug. “Well, now I can see that you are most grown up and well-rounded and sensible, I look forward to calling you colleague when we build our facility!” Twilight beamed at the prospect. “However, I want to meet this pegasus and you have to tell her at some point!” The lavender mare pouted. “She will be asleep by now, come on, I’ll show you my favourite stargazing spot.”

“Stargazing Twilight Sparkle? I have you know I am a professional now!” Andromeda huffed in and overdramatic manner.
Twilight led the way to a hill just beyond Sweet Apple Acres and settled down in the grass. “I love to come out here and just admire the sky. Sometimes I take notes but mostly I just watch, from dusk until late in the night.” Andromeda joined her on the grass and looked up. “Yes, I think Ponyville really is the perfect place…”

Neither unicorn noticed the single grey cloud floating above, it had lost them as they entered the farm. The pilot knew the farm ponies would have noticed so it had skirted around from dinnertime until now. “I knew she’d go up here.” The cloudstuff muttered, a loud growl followed it. “Quiet belly! We had to miss dinner! Now don’t give the game away!” she circled the star watchers. Soon it got too much to bear and the cyan pegasus swooped.

“Twilight Sparkle!” She nearly screamed. “I spend all this time with you, I save you from snakes in the Everfree, you KISSED me TWICE and you still won’t be my marefriend and now here you are with a stupid sexy unicorn and I can’t STAND it ANYMORE!” Enraged Rainbow took a deep breath, ignoring the shock on Twilight’s face and the look of amusement on the devastatingly attractive (in her opinion, so she digs unicorns? Who knew?) mare beside her. Preparing to start again an unfamiliar icy blue magic held her in place.

“As flattered as I am,” the other unicorn was saying, “I am afraid I just don’t have such feelings for other mares.” She smiled, “though it does seem I can attract pegasus ponies effortlessly, better warn Lat about that.” Twilight, mouth agape just stared between the two blue ponies. “You see, my young flying friend, my full name is Andromeda Ascendant, but marrying after I had published a number of papers meant that professionally I am Doctor Star.” She smirked at that. “Latitude is a real sweetie about that, but boy does he butt heads with anyone who chats me up.” Rainbow pulled a face, “Oh, he’ll be fine with a filly, it’s only stallions he scares off! Now Twilight, while I hold this rambunctious Rainbow, why don’t you tell her what you have been telling me?”

Twilight gulped and turned to face Rainbow, ‘Funny, she looks even better with that blue glow around her’. Looking her right in those rose eyes Twilight cleared her throat. “Rainbow Dash, I don’t know when it truly occurred, my research has been inconclusive. However I have come upon the irrefutable conclusion that I love you. You are loyal and warm, you have depths as mysterious as the sky you adore. I find your company fills a gap in my life and heart I never knew was there. I feel safe and protected when I am with you, content like never before. In short, I love you, would you be my marefriend?” The words tumbled and there were tremors at times, rising and falling but nevertheless strong in their intent.

Andromeda dropped her magic and Rainbow landed on the ground with a slight thump. Her jaw dropped after being released from confinement. “A buh?” was all the mare could muster. “Uh muh? Y-you love me? Like for real?” Her mouth was slow to say the words but they came eventually. “You mean all this time? I, you we?!” she sat down. “I mean, really?” Twilight nodded and tentatively stepped forward. “Really.” With that she closed the gap and did something she had longed to do for quite a while. She gave Rainbow a proper kiss.

They kissed for quite a while, relishing the chance to be intimate after so long skirting warily around each other. A slightly uncomfortable cough pulled them from their reverie and a grinning Andromeda gave them a look. “Well, as much as I agree you two have a lot of relationship to catch up on, I am not one for fillies gone wild, nightscape edition. So, if someone could lead me back to the Library I can leave you two in peace.” Both mares blushed a little.

“We’ll take you back now. Then I think me and Rainbow need a long chat.” Twilight was smiling ear to ear.

Sunlight streamed through the window, waking up the purple occupant of the bed. Twilight smiled and stretched. Last night had come and gone and her research demands had been fulfilled. She could say for a fact that kissing certainly did make you tingle from hoof to tail tip.

Rolling out of bed and checking the days schedule she thought back to the night before.

“So you really thought that Twi’? I mean I spent so long thinking you wouldn’t be interested.” Rainbow hadn’t taken her eyes off her new marefriend since they had left the library. “Rainbow, everything I said I meant, I was just unsure of how you felt.” A mutual embrace later and they continued their walk.

“We do need to tell our friends though.” Twilight said, Rainbow came to a halt.

“Ah, ok. It won’t be as awkward as asking one of them out…” she trailed off and Twilight gave her, ‘the look’. “So who did you ask out before me Rainbow Dash?” Her eyebrow arched to a near impossible point. “ahmphnnack” Rainbow muttered.
“Didn’t catch that then Dashie.”
“Aphmnnuck”
“Speak up?”
“Applejack…”
Twilight nearly fell over, “So I guess that didn’t work out?”
“No, she said she was flattered but just didn’t feel that way about me. Besides we would have competed each other into early graves.” Rainbow chuckled at that. Laying a kiss on Twilight’s cheek she smiled. “It was a long time ago. Before you came to Ponyville “

“Well, we still have to tell our friends. We have a lunch planned for tomorrow, we can tell them then.”

Now the time was looming. Rainbow would meet her at the library and they would go to lunch and make their announcement. Twilight gulped at the thought and decided to busy herself with the morning chores. Spike was cleaning in the basement and Andromeda had gone to meet the Mayor to discuss the observatory plans so she didn’t have anyone to distract her.
Around about midmorning a familiar thump against the Library heralded Rainbow’s arrival. A practiced draconic hand caught the displaced books and some carefully placed magic bracing prevented any shelves from falling. “Come on in Rainbow!” Twilight called. Spike re-shelved the books and went back to checking Library business.

“Hi Twi’,” Rainbow said with a quick hug, “ready for today’s plans?” She gestured to Spike, the little dragon had his back to the two ponies but something about his bearing suggested he was listening in. “Ready as I’ll ever be I suppose.” With a little brush against Rainbow for confidence Twilight looked over at Spike. “Um, Spike? Can you come here a minute?”
“Sure Twilight, what’s the matter?” He walked over to the two ponies.

“Well uh, I, we, have some news for you.” Twilight drew closer to Rainbow. “You see I’ve been doing some research lately and me and Rainbow had a little chat.” She took a breath. “Weareanitemnow!” she nearly yelled, quite gleeful. Spike looked confused for a moment as he translated her rushed words. A smile slowly filled his face, “Way to go Twilight! Dating the coolest pony in Ponyville!” He high hoofed Rainbow and gave Twilight a hug. “Uh Yah. Don’t forget radicalest Spike.” Rainbow smirked. “ThatwaseasierthanIthoughtitwouldbe…” Twilight gushed as she fainted.

“Twilight?” a worried pony and dragon said… The cyan pony gently prodded her marefriend. The unicorn simply giggled and rolled over, muttering about something.

“I guess we wait for her to calm down then.” Rainbow said, looking at Spike.

“Yeah probably.” He gave Twilight a once over, “She was like this for an hour after graduation. She’s pretty highly strung.” He grinned. “Me and the Princess played chess while we waited. You want to play a board game?”

“B7”
“Aww man! That was the flagship! You win Rainbow!” Spike glumly folded up the partition to see his few meagre hits. “When did you get to be such a good strategist?”
“Well, when you plan out awesome stunts you gotta know how to scheme!” She chuckled and ruffled Spikes spines. Spike grinned and batted away the hoof. He playfully butted the pony but turned serious after sighting his guardian. “You look after her ok?” His face was sombre, “I don’t want her to get hurt.”

“I wouldn’t dare Spike. She means a whole lot to me, and I am the element of loyalty!” Spike hugged her. “Aww, you two are getting along.” A sleepy Twilight said from the spot she had been sleeping on. “Ah, you’re up!” Spike glanced at the clock. “New record. One hour and thirty minutes!” he cheered as Twilight blushed. “I’ve only done it twice before Spike.” The clock rang the hour.

“Lunch Time!!!!” Pinkie shouted from the front door.
“Waugh! How long have you been there?!” Twilight landed on her rump again.
“Just now sillies. I came to collect you for lunch and shocking announcements! Toooo the café!!!”

The others were already at the café when Twilight and Rainbow, led by the exuberant Pinkie arrived. “Darlings! I ordered the usual, after all we always have the same thing!” Rarity called to them as they approached. “Thanks Rare,” Rainbow said, shuffling into place, beckoning Twilight beside her. Pinkie appeared in her usual seat and the six friends commenced to chatting.

After a while Twilight looked at Rainbow. The look in her eyes was urgent and wary. Rainbow nodded and cleared her throat. “Girls, I… We have something to say.”
“We are, um… howshouldIputhis? Ah, Together now.” Twilight finished.
“Called it.” A faint and shy voice said. Fluttershy was smiling from ear to ear.
“Well about time too Darlings.”
“Ah already knew from Rainbow.”
“Well duh!”

The two ponies looked at their friends in shock. “You all figured it out! How!” Twilight sputtered. Rainbow’s sheepishly looking at the ground. “Well, Rainbow asked me for advice sugarcube, was only t’other day though. Ah’m guessin’ the others knew a mite longer.”

“Well, I uh, I’ve known Rainbow a very long time and although she always went for more… athletic types I knew what she really would work with was her opposite.” Fluttershy’s wings flittered a little. “When you came to Ponyville and I heard how she ‘met’ you I just knew it would only be a matter of time.” By this point Fluttershy had withdrawn behind her mane.

“Well, that explains you two. Now Rarity?” Twilight narrowed her eyes at her fellow unicorn.

“Oh you know, I know these things dear!” she wittered breezily avoiding the piercing glare. Risking a peek at Twilight she gave up “Oh alright! I read your diary ok! You shouldn’t have filed it in the trashy romance section!”
Twilight blushed deeply. “I didn’t mean to, I just sort of teleported all the books back to their shelves when somepony came in when I was…researching. I did wonder what happened to that diary.”

All eyes focused on Pinkie, who had once again acquired a box of popcorn (The glowing kind. No pony dared ask what flavour that was.) she grabbed another hoofful into her mouth. “Pinkie Shenshe!” she said through the puffy kernels. The friends shrugged and returned to their gentle teasing of the new couple.

The lunch went off without a hitch, Rainbow and Twilight were free from worry as to their friends reactions and attitudes. Although Rarity now wanted to make them matching outfits and Pinkie had been told that a wedding was a little far off to plan just yet.

The next few days were full of fun for the friends and their guest. A group of six saw off the astronomer with promises to help on her return. Celestia was informed of the relationship between Loyalty and Magic and two congratulatory letters had come from the sisters. Now only parents remained. That could wait a few days. For now there was a lot of more personal research to get to.

That evening, as Ponyville slowly crept to bed and Luna’s night began its wondrous display a pair of ponies lay on a cloud floating above a certain special spot. Warm in each other’s embrace they silently watched the night sky. “You’re right Rainbow, watching the stars from a cloud is really nice.”
“Of course I’m right, everything is better on a cloud!” Rainbow replied, planting a kiss on her marefriend. “Is it really?” Twilight asked shyly, initiating a deeper kiss.

The Facets of the Equestrian sky had brought them together, made them closer and now watched over the athletic pegasus and the bookish unicorn as they slept in the embrace of a cloud under the stars.
.

~~~~

Hope you enjoyed the story. I will write some other stories around this and as a direct sequel, so watch this space!
Rate, comment. Critics welcome. :)

So I fixed the ending. I hope it is a better fit. Thanks for reading!

Chapter Four: Split in the Spectrum

Split in the Spectrum
~
Time in the Sky ~ Letters ~ Further Study

Earlier that day…

Somepony was pacing on a wooden floor. “Wait, don’t you live in a cloud house?” Daring asked before disappearing.

“Darn it.” Rainbow moaned, rubbing sleep from her eyes. The wooden surrounding reminded her she was in Twilight’s Library. “I guess Twi’ is up then.” She jumped out of bed and made her way to the main room.

“What’s the panic Twi’?” Rainbow said with a lazy smile, flying to the ground floor. It was quite clear that something was wrong with her lavender friend. The look Twilight gave her then spoke volumes. In turn they wrote volumes in her own heart. ‘She looks really cute like that, especially with the morning sunlight on her…’ “Hope you didn’t mind the blanket, I thought you’d need one last night.” Rainbow said to break the tension in her head and the all too comfortable silence that had surrounded the pair of them. Figuring Twilight must have been up for a while to work herself into such a tizzy Rainbow trotted towards the kitchen. “Breakfast?” She asked her friend.

Breakfast had passed quickly, Rainbow was feeling on edge about her feelings. She was never one for emotions and last time she had blurted out some to a friend, well, they were still great friends but it had been weird for a while. She didn’t want to scare Twilight off, the bookish unicorn would probably be shocked.

But it had carried on affecting her. Sure, she’d cleared the clouds in no time flat and even managed a quick power nap before practice. Practice was where the problem was. The session had gone great, a few Filly Flips, a Fastball Special and a Cumulus Cartwheel all performed to perfection. All felt like something was missing though. Sure, what she needed was the cheers and calls of adoring fans but usually in her practice sessions her imagination took care of that. No, this time only one pony was missing, only one pony she wanted, no needed to be there. Twilight Sparkle. To hear her cheer and clap from the hillside, to land ready for a rundown on anything technical missed in the execution. Just to see Twilight’s eyes follow her through the sky, even when Rainbow herself could by no means see them herself, just to know, with the heart’s vision that somepony she cared deeply for was there admiring her.

Flying high above the library the pegasus decided to head for a nap above Sweet Apple Acres, maybe a bit of sleep would clear her head.

Presently...

Back in the library Twilight had decided to put away her study for now. Determining her types of love had gone so much deeper than before; several other tomes were spread about the desk, Equestotle’s Corpus, Precise Definition’s Deeper Equestrian Dictionary and even Hearts Compass companion book Lists of Love: Words D’amour Defined. They had both helped and hindered. Maybe she should have stuck to Love/Lust until she had completed it and then made her deeper research into the subject later? Twilight had never been one to learn the basics first, well, not since she was a filly anyway. Gathering her notes, not letting one scrap stray, she locked them in a drawer of the desk with the slim book. The great reference works were returned to their shelves. Stopping to think, she placed Lists of Love with its sister volume and sealed the drawer once more.

No sooner had her magical lock fallen into place than the library door flew open. Parading in were the Cutie Mark Crusaders singing their song led by Pinkie Pie who was slightly muffled in her enthusiastic caterwauling by a mouthful of letters. Spike trailed behind, a big floppy sunhat on his head, sheepishly shutting the door behind him. “Hiiiiiii Twilight! We finished at the lake and thought it would be awesome to go and do something else but Spike started tummy rumbling and we thought it would be a great time for lunch but he remembered he left his lunch here at the library so we came to fetch it!” She managed this all in one breath. As soon as she had finished her teeth clamped down on the letter again. “Sorry Twilight, we did leave unexpectedly” Spike muttered from behind the giggling crusaders.

“It’s alright Spike, there’s a lunchbox in the kitchen.” The little dragon rushed away to fetch it, the rumbling of his stomach certainly audible. “So Pinkie? Those letters, are they my mail?” The pink earth pony nodded and surrendered them to Twilight’s magic.

“I saw you had mail and I knew you’d be all caught up studying and one of these might be an important plot point so I had to make sure you read them before the chapter ends!!” Free from a mouthful of letters Pinkie went on one of her random tangents. Twilight let it run its course, flicking through the letters and flyers.

“Thank you Pinkie, I’ll read these when I have some peace and quiet.” She said through gritted teeth. On cue, Spike ran out of the kitchen, sans hat and lunchbox in hand.

“Come on guys! We still have loads of my day off left. Let’s get goin’!” He ran through with a “Bye mo… Twilight.” And the CMC followed him. Pinkie sharpened her look at whatever Spike had said but was soon bouncing off after them.

“Well, that was odd.” Twilight said to the now empty tree, taking her letters and sitting once more at the desk. Alongside her regular subscriptions and the odd letter from her alma mater and her parent’s regular communiqué was a unfamiliar handwriting on an unusual envelope. The dark blue paper was dappled with silver stars and a stamp at the bottom proclaimed it was sent from The Canterlot Royal Observatory. The silver ink of the address was in an elegant form proclaiming the writer to also be an alumni of her old school. Setting it aside for further consideration Twilight’s eye caught sight of the manuscript from Proof. “I think I shall ‘study’ this book for a while.”

Later in the afternoon Twilight turned the page that marked the middle of the book. It was a restive moment in the plot and as good a place as any to stop. ‘Besides,’ Twilight thought to herself, ‘I have started to really study the book and not purely enjoy it’. Straying to the letters Twilight remembered the unusual envelope and marking her page, slit the flap and removed her letter.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle” the letter began. “While unsure if you recall me from our school days my Patron assures me you will not be displeased by this correspondence. I have been informed that your current residence of Ponyville has an unrivalled view of the night sky, undisrupted by the many artificial lights of more populated centres. As it is the intention of the fine institution I belong to build a satellite facility in an area of clearer skies it was suggested we construct an observatory and research facility within the area of your fair town. Having been informed of your still held passion for astronomy I respectfully request a brief meeting and visit to establish suitable potential sites for this project.” Twilights eyes shone, and actual proper astronomy facility here in Ponyville! Stamping down on her urge to do her Yes Dance she carried on reading. “Regards and fond memories, Doctor Andromeda Star, PhD. Canterlot Royal Observatory. P.S. I do hope you don’t mind if I may stay a few days with yourself, it would be enjoyable to catch up!”

Twilight smiled at the name, it conjured up a unicorn filly a little older than herself. Her deep blue coat mussing, her stark silver mane strayed here and there as she eagerly explained some facet of astronomy. Her life’s purpose as displayed by the swirl of tiny white stars on her flank. It would be nice to see someone from school. To prove to herself that she had changed for the better in the eyes of her peers and to maybe make up for all those disregarded offers of friendship.