Twilight had been pacing around her library so long that she had hardly noticed the knocking on her castle door. She snapped up to hearing Spike opening the door for whoever was outside. She quickly composed herself and began towards the front to greet her guest. As she approached, she could hear spike speaking with the visitor. “Yea, she was with the other princesses yesterday reading that book, but she hasn’t left the library since. I think she’s in one of her ‘brainstorming sessions.’”

Have I really been in there an entire day? Twilight thought as she sped up. She knew she tended to zone out and think often, but usually someone snapped her out of it earlier. She turned the final corner and saw that Spike was talking with Starswirl the bearded. “Starswirl! Hello and welcome in! I would have opened the door myself, but I was just a little preoccupied haha…” She trailed off as she extended her hoof for the pony. Starswirl returned her hoof and walked through the threshold.

“No worries, Twilight my dear. I was actually hoping you had been called up for the task the princesses were going after!” He strode into the communal area up the stairs to sit at a table with Twilight.

“Wait, what do you mean the task?” She said with anxiety tipping her words. She hadn’t even told Spike what was going on, how did the secret already get out? Was Starswirl a mind-reader??

“The journal I gave them! My old master’s. He had so many unfinished spells in there that I was hoping you would be on the case with them to try and finish it!” Twilight felt relieved. He still was unaware to the plans Celestia and Luna had. “And of course, I was hoping you would help them bring him back!” Twilight’s eyes shot wide open as she started sweating.

“What do you mean? Haha I don’t even know how to do that even if they requested which they definitely didn’t because who would ever try to reincarnate a powerful pony or two or six other than just the one time bec—”

“Twilight,” Starswirl held up a hoof, “You mustn’t lie to your friends. Also, I knew what they were up to about when they left my cottage the other day. A teacher always knows when their student is hiding something.” Twilight’s cheeks were red with embarrassment as she let out a small chuckle.

“True, I am all too familiar with some of my students fibbing.” Starswirl held himself up a bit as he sat.

“Truth be told, bringing my master back would be difficult. But if anyone could do it, it would be you three.” He paused and looked up at the ceiling. “Twilight, what do you know of Star Strider?”

Twilight looked up at the old pony, the redness faded from her face entirely. “Not a whole lot. There is almost no written documentation about him other than scarce mentioning’s in ancient sorcery texts. I know he was a powerful wizard, and I know he taught you, and I know he disappeared very similarly to how you did.” Starswirl nodded to her.

“Indeed. I based my spell with the pillars from his containment notes. But you are right about all those other things. He was my teacher, and he was amazing. Something you may be interested in knowing is that he was the only earth pony to wield magic for his whole life.” Twilight was taken aback at this. Magic was only ever used by unicorns, at least explicitly. The pegasi were tuned to weather magics and the earth ponies were tuned with the natural magic of the earth’s growing, but unicorns could actually wield it because of their horns. She leaned forward, intent on what he was about to say next. “He worked extremely hard to master himself and magic. I only wish he was able to teach the next generation how to do it as well. Imagine an Equestria where earth ponies and pegasi could cast spells and protect themselves with the same magic we do! It would be another industrial revolution of sorts.

“I came to you to ask if you would do everything you can to bring him back, but more importantly to protect Celestia and Luna. If they hurt themselves for me, I could never forgive myself.”
Twilight was shocked at this request. “Me? Protect the two most powerful ponies in the world? Uh, no offense to you of course.” He chuckled, but quickly resumed his serious demeanor.

“Yes Twilight, they could get blindsided if they have tunnel vision on this goal. I never tried bringing him back because every time I did, I neglected important ponies or goals of my own that caused suffering. I can’t see that happen to them too.” Twilight nodded and raised her hoof in the air.

“I promise Starswirl. I will do whatever it takes to bring your friend back, but I will also do whatever it takes to protect the princesses.” Starswirl sighed and closed his eyes. He rocked back in his chair and looked back at Twilight. So young and full of life, ready to take whatever the world threw at her.

“Thank you, I cannot tell you what it means to me for all of this to even be considered. For now, I will return to my home and await any updates while I study. Let me know if you need anything or if I can help in any way and I will be there.” He gathered himself and returned to the front. Opening the door, he turned back to Twilight. “Thank you again, I just hope this all plays out favorably.” With his final remark he closed the door. Twilight heard the teleportation sound go off as she turned back to Spike. She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until she let it go.

“Holy cow Spike, the most powerful wizard is asking me to protect the most powerful ponies to resummon the former most powerful wizard all while hoping the most powerful creature of destruction doesn’t also ruin our day? I need a break.” She sighed and flopped down on the ground. Spike loomed over her with a goofy smirk.

“Well, they did say being a princess wouldn’t be easy, but it does have some perks! Free massages! Let’s go right now!” He grabbed Twilight’s forelegs and dragged her towards the door.

Author's Note

Double upload today as these chapters are rather short and filler. Once I finish writing the whole story, releases will be coming more frequently than a week!