Moon Circle

by ABSOL_ute

Rating: everyone
Tags: Random, Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Twilight Sparkle, Nightmare Moon, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Shining Armor
Length: 5653

A very young Twilight accidentally teleports herself to the moon were the legend herself resides. Years later, she returns.

A very young Twilight accidentally teleports herself to the moon were the legend herself resides. Years later, she returns.

She returns changed. Vanished as a Unicorn, she returns as an Alicorn. Princess Celestia has all her attention on the Moon Walker, now.

Published 2024-09-21 07:50:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-09-21 07:50:00 UTC

Moon Circle

Author's Note

Listen. This One Shot may be only 5K words, but judging my outline, this stinker would overstep the 10K line. If a writing piece is longer than 10K words, I treat it as a Multi chapter fic. So I will cut this short and make a multi chapter fic based on this. Estimated length being 20K.

This One Shot doesn't have an ending, yes,l but that is because this idea will be reworked into a long fic. This idea will be rewritten and extended on based on an actual outline. The dimensional character writing and pacing should be solved in the actual fic, not the teaser/prototype.

We’ll see in a few years.

Ciao for now,
ABSOL_ute

Moon Circle

There she was, taking the exam that will change her life. Twilight was using as much magic as her tiny body could muster. Then there was a light. Then a crack. Then darkness.

Not darkness. It wasn’t pitch black darkness. But she wasn’t surrounded by bright day light either. Twilight could smell rocks. The air was dry. It was silent, she only heard nothing. Opening her eyes, she saw gray nothing. Everything was rocks. Her six year old mind knew she was on the moon. Turning around she was proven right.

Stars everywhere in the vastness of space, and afar, there was Equis, her home planet. It was blue with green spots and white swirls around it. As she realized how far from home she is, Twilight started to cry.

“What is this noise?” asked a voice, jumping Twilight. She need not think she had company on this rock. Twilight saw a tall mare – maybe as tall as the Princess – with a black coat and a starry mane. She was as pretty as she was scary to Twilight. The mare then saw Twilight. “A filly…”

Twilight dashed off seeing her, the mare just followed her leisurely to a stone Twilight choose to cower behind, only to be caught in the mare’s magic and being floated away from her hiding spot.

“Tell me, who are you and how-why are you on the moon?” asked the tall mare.

“Twilight Sparkle, Miss. I don’t know why I am here.” answered Twilight. “What is your name?”

“Nightmare Moon. But I suppose you haven’t heard of me.” she answered.

“Actually I did. Nightmare Moon, the Mare on the moon, the legend behind the Nightmare Night.” said Twilight. “And I read your legend to prepare for my entrance exam.”

Nightmare Moon wanted to ask about this Nightmare Night, but instead she asked, “Why would a filly your age worry about exams?”

“It is an entrance exam to join the Princess’ school for gifted Unicorns!”

“Sounds like a big deal for you. I am surprised my sister started a school. Does she teach herself?”

“From what I’ve heard, only sometimes.” answered Twilight. “Erm… could you please let me down?”

“Of course.” She let her down carefully. “Twilight, what is the last thing you remember before coming here?”

“My exam! I was supposed to hatch a dragon egg. I was trying to focus my magic when a light appeared, a rainbow. “I then lost control and landed here.”

“This sounds like you had a magical flare and accidentally teleported yourself to my domain. This is impressive, but also worrisome.” stated Nightmare Moon. She sighed, she knows the kid can’t go back, Nightmare Moon herself can’t return for another few years. The filly will die on the moon. “While I am cursed to stay here, you can’t teleport back. Your magic…”

Hearing that, Twilight returned to the rock and cowered again. “So I will never see my family again?”

“Apparently…” She then had an idea. “Well, the curse that holds me is supposed to end in around fourteen years. I think I can return you, then.”

Twilight perked up. “You would do that?”

“In exchange for your loyalty. I would make you my apprentice. We have all the time on here for me to teach you.” answered Nightmare Moon, “Now, for you to become my apprentice has a requirement. Come here, Twilight.”

Twilight got up and walked to her. If this means she returns home at some point, this is enough for her. Nightmare Moon then tapped Twilight’s horn with her own. They found themselves in some white limbo. Nightmare Moon said, “I am sure this will make surviving on the moon easier for you.” The Limbo burst, they were back on the moon.

Twilight was confused at what this was, but then she noted Pegasus wings on her back. “Wings?”

“I ascended you to the rank of an Alicorn. Magic itself had no issues with that.” explained Nightmare Moon. “Which is surprising, immortality is a big deal. Now let’s get started with your training.”

In her long life, Celestia saw a lot. However it was still surprising when she was told a filly who was trying out for her school just vanished while working her magic. She promised the parents they would find her, but the more Celestia looked, the more she doubted that. There was no trace of the filly. Her magic signature abruptly ended on Equis. She doubts it was accidental time travel, she would have felt a rippling in the time stream.

As she thought about the possibilities, she was pacing around the hall of Alicorns. The hall was a secret chamber, containing nothing but tapestries of the Alicorns that exist. There was Celestia’s tapestry, depicting her raising the sun. Not the moon, as this wasn’t her duty.

Her sister’s tapestry had been corrupted years ago. Instead of Luna who raised the moon, it showed Nightmare Moon.

There was also the tapestry of Mi Amore Cadenza. And a new, empty one. “A new alicorn?” muttered Celestia. “There is a new alicorn!” She has to find them.

Three years had passed and Twilight adapted. So did Nightmare Moon, who felt odd to have company after so long. Even if the company is a filly that adapts to being an Alicorn and adores her sister. Despite the later, Nightmare Moon was pleased to learn the girl likes astronomy and astrology to some extend. Apparently her parents worked in those fields respectively.

Said filly was trying to get a hang on flying as her teacher watched her from a tower of the Moon Palace. Twilight was surprised when Nightmare showed it to her. The Moon Palace was very plain compared to the one on the moon, as well as smaller. It was made from the rocks of the moon, blue gems illuminating the place if the palace didn’t face the sun.

Twilight warmed up to Nightmare Moon, all things considered. Even now that she heard the story of the banishing from Nightmare herself.

“Is eternal night really the solution?” she asked her teacher one day. “This would destroy Equis, nothing could survive. I doubt you could ascend everyone.”

“Why would I want anyone to survive?”

“You’re lonely. You became you because you felt underappreciated.” said her Twilight. “You would just justify the ponies of the past. Not to mention, then there would be nothing for you to rule over. Wasn’t that what you wanted?”

“Well, yes… but…”

“The ponies that disregarded you are long dead.” pointed Twilight out. “Isn’t that why you ascended me? Death?”

“Yes. But my sister is still alive.” stated Nightmare Moon.

“From what you told me, she tried to talk things out with you.” said Twilight. “But you choose to fight.”

“That’s because she won’t listen to me!”

“How do you know that? You didn’t even try to talk in out.” pointed Twilight out.

“What do you even know? You are just nine.”

“I know the things you taught me. And how I resolved arguments with my brother.”

“Don’t compare me to your child issues. Do I need to remind you who I am?”

“No.”

Another five years passed. Twilight from time to time brought up the issues with Nightmare’s plan. Something that still bothered the ancient.”

“What do you even know?” asked Nightmare Moon once again.

“I know everything you taught me.” said Twilight while looking to Equis. Her back was turned to her teacher. “You said you don’t really have anything to teach me.”

“This is only partly false. My powers are restricted on the moon.” said Nightmare. “When we return, I can teach you so much more.”

“I doubt that. There will be nothing when Equis is destroyed, regardless of Alicorn immortality.” She heard her teacher sign. “If you excuse me, I want to fly for a bit. Alone.” She spread her wings and jumped into the air, flying into the weak atmosphere of the moon.

Her teacher did not follow her – normally Nightmare ignores her requests to be alone – so she was alone with her thoughts. Eight years and she still misses her family like the first night she spend on the moon. But by now she had gotten her Cutie Mark. It was a silver crescent moon. In it was a pink star. Both were surrounded by a few tiny white stars. The mark itself was on a dark blue spot. She was not sure how she felt about her whole flank being blue, it looked weird.

Nightmare was very excited when the mark came. With it, she became more friendly with Twilight. She said her mark means she has a very high affinity for magic. Twilight had to wonder if her mark would have been something else if she wasn’t stuck on the moon. After all, part of the mark is a moon.

She wished she could show her mark to her family. To show it to her brother and hear his Cutie Mark Story again. (Even though he does not like talking about it because he says it is an embarrassing story.) ‘I wish I could see my family again.’ she thought. Twilight then was blinded by the light coming from her horn.

Nightmare Moon did not miss the wave of magic nor the light accompanying it. When she realized Twilight was gone, she hoped this won’t ruin her plans.

Twilight found herself in a dark room. Lighting the surrounding with her magic, she saw she was in a house. A living room. The furniture was bathed in the pink light of her magic aura. Even with the pink tint, she saw how familiar the living room was. Walking around only confirmed this.

She was home.

Twilight was in her family’s house. The living room looked the same, only a few pictures added. Of course, most of them were from her brother. She found a picture of Shining Armour in the uniform of the royal guard. She felt oddly relieved that Shining reached his goal, even though there was never a doubt her BBFF would fail. Then she found a picture of him with a mare. ‘Oh my, he has a girlfriend! And she is pretty!’ Taking a closer look, she saw the mare had horns and wings. ‘And an alicorn. Wow. Wait, alicorn?’

She put the picture back onto the fire place. Twilight had to wonder how her mentor would react to a new Alicorn. Then the light in the room got turned on.

“Where is there?” asked a masculine voice strictly. It sounded somewhat familiar, but she knew it was not her father. Turning around, she saw an older version of her brother in the door that lead to the corridor of the house. When he saw her, he dropped his stance. “Twilight? Is that you?”

“Yes! Shiny!” She walked to him and they nuzzled.

“Y-You’re back! And you have grown! And-and, suddenly…” He struggled to speak, still processing what is going on. “Where have you been? Wait, don’t answer, we need to tell mom and dad! They will be so happy!”

“Yes.” she agreed. “I missed you so much.”

“We missed you, too. Mom and dad were so distressed when you vanished.” said her brother. “Especially when even Princess Celestia was unable to find you or figure out what had happened. You wait here.”

Twilight watched him walk upstairs. Mere minutes he came down with their parents. Her mother nearly ran down stairs. “My daughter is back?” she said.

As she came into the living room, Twilight said, “Hello, mom.”

“Twilight!” Her mother instantly hugged her. Her father joined it. “Where have you been? What happened?”

“I don’t know why or how, but I got teleported to the moon.” answered Twilight. She was considering if she should keep Nightmare Moon a secret, at least at the beginning.

“The moon? But how did you survive?” asked her father. “The moon has no air, it must be cold…”

“Well…” She slowly rose her wings. Twilight saw her family’s eyes got wide like plates. “Alicorns are immortal, so…”

“You’re an alicorn…” muttered Shining. “I am sure we need to inform the princess of this.”

“Tomorrow.” said his mother. “Twilight, when was the last time you ate something?”

“Eight years ago, when I became an alicorn.” she answered.

“In that case, I will make you something to eat.” decided her mother. “Follow me to the kitchen.”

The males of the family also followed them into the kitchen. Night Light then saw her Cutie Mark. “Twilight, your Cutie Mark!”

She lifted her wings, allowing them to see it properly. “Did you think I won’t earn it in eight years?”

“Well, there is nothing on the moon, so I won’t have been surprised if you got the place holder sand clock.” answered her brother truthfully. “It seems to be related to astronomy or magic. Checks out with being on the moon and an alicorn.”

“Fancy mark, it even has a background. Those are rare.” said Night Light. “But so is being an alicorn, I suppose.” He then helped his wife with cooking. “Shining Armor, could you please inform the Princess of Twilight’s return? And that she is an alicorn?”

“Sure!”

As her brother rushed upstairs, Twilight felt unsure. Due to her connection with Nightmare, she feels dreadful to meet Princess Celestia. But considering how unhinged Nightmare is – Twilight realized that now – who knows how Celestia truly is. She can’t take Nightmare’s words at face value.

Princess Celestia,
My name is Shining Armor, the guard whose sister vanished eight years ago. I am sorry to write you around this hour, but something happened regarding Twilight.

My sister returned. She claims to have spend the last eight years on the moon. As for how she survived that, Twilight is an alicorn now, somehow. She had been one for the last eight years. We figured you may want to know about a new alicorn.

May I ask you for advice, Princess Celestia? What happens now? What should we do to reintroduce her into society?

Greetings,

Guard Shining Armor.

PS: Please don’t tell Cadence about this. I want to surprise her. And I understand if you don’t believe me. I know this sounds crazy.

Celestia rolled the letter together. It was too early for such news. She hadn’t even risen the sun, yet. She stood up from her breakfast. Then she sighed. Celestia was happy she ate her breakfast in isolation. Twilight Sparkle returned. She was on the moon. She hoped her twisted sister didn’t ruin the girl.

“I never thought Luna could could ascend someone…” she muttered. That at least explains the tapestry. She levitated some of the cake and teleported to her study. She had to write back.

Shining Armor,

Do not worry. I believe you. On that note, I will not tell Cadence. In fact, I want that you keep Twilight a secret. On nine in the morning, a carriage will pick you and your family up. We need to discuss this in person. You need to hide your sister’s wings while you get here.

You will be excused from your duties for today and the following week. We need to sort this out and I am sure you want to catch up with your sister. Cadence is in Maredrid, so do not worry about her.

We talk later,

Princess Celestia

She then called for her phoenix Philomena. “I know you are not a carrier pigeon, but this letter is of utmost importance. Bring this to Cadenza’s friend.” Her phoenix screeched. “I give you your body weight in cake, Philomena.” The bird accepted and took the letter, then she was set ablaze and vanished with the letter.

Philomena reappeared in the yard of Shining’s family. She flew to his window and pecked the glass until Shining opened it. Philomena swooped in and dropped the letter onto his desk, then left.

“Was that the Princess’ phoenix?” He only saw the bird trice. They didn’t look too hot the last two times. “Weird birds.” He then read the letter. He was relieved what he read. “Mom!”

Hours later, Night Light helped his daughter hide her wings under a dark blue cloak. The cloak itself was from his LARP days. Not that he stopped, he just switched to Sci-Fi LARPs. Fantasy got bland after a while. “Done!”

“Good, the carriage is here.” said his wife. With that, they got in.

One of the Pegasi pulling the carriage knew Shining. He looked to him, silently asking what is going on. Shining just returned the standard glance for ‘sorry, classified’. The Pegasus accepted the answer.

In preparation for this, she canceled her court for today and relegated as many of her duties to her staff. None of them questioned the princess. Albeit there was rumor of a morning letter with important news. If they were good or bad news, no one knew.

Celestia awaited the family at the entrance of the palace. As they approached, she saw her guard’s fourteen year old sister. She looked around, as if everything was new. To be fair, she spend most of her life on the vacant moon. When the filly – no, not a filly anymore, but no adult either – she could sense fear radiating from her. Celestia had to wonder what her sister told Twilight about her. Nothing good it seems.

“House Stars, please follow me.” she told them. They complied. Celestia lead them deep into the palace, to the room with the tapestries. “This room, the hall of alicorns, contains enchanted tapestries, each depicting one alicorn. I knew about Twilight’s status, in a way. There was a tapestry that suddenly appeared. Twilight, please touch the empty one with your magic.”

Twilight nod and approached the tapestry. She charged her magic and touched the tapestry. It started to weave, the white fabric became colorful. When it was done, it depicted her working her magic, stars and a small moon in the background. But the pink star was bigger than the crescent moon.

Celestia analyzed the tapestry. “I see. Your time on the moon heavily influenced your tapestry.”

Twilight Velvet looked around the room. She saw, of course, the tapestry depicting her princess, Twilight and Cadence, but a fourth one. “Princess, who is this?”

Celestia turned to her. “Oh, this. This is… I assume you all are familiar with the legend of the Mare in the Moon?”

“She is real?” answered Night Light.

“Yes. And I am sure Twilight met her.” said Celestia. “Twilight, did you meet my sister?”

“Yes. She ascended me and… she taught me magic.” answered Twilight.

"Did she hurt you?”

“No.”

“I see…” answered Celestia. “Stars, would you mind moving into the palace?”

“Uh…” Night Light did not expect that question. “Of course not… but why?”

“As your daughter is an alicorn, I would like her as my apprentice. Which means she will stay here. As well as I would like to keep her status a secret.” answered Celestia. “But I do not want to separate your family. On that note, I think it would be better to establish a new identity than to legally revive Twilight Sparkle. For now.”

“So, a new name…” realized Twilight. “Considering I am named after mom, maybe Velvet?”

“Oh, I like that idea!” agreed her mom.

“Of course.” muttered her husband. He then added, “Just Velvet?”

“I thought about Velvet Dawn, but that doesn’t mix with my mark.” answered Twilight.

“What about adding Aurora? Or Borealis?” offered Shining. “Or we add something from dad’s name.”

“Velvet Night.” decided Night Light.

His daughter rejected the idea. “I prefer Velvet Aurora.”

“Then this will be your legal name.” stated Celestia.

Over the next week, the family moved into the palace. Twilight felt conflicted about having a new name, but Shining reasoned a new identity may save some trouble regarding her alicorn status. Her parents were worried about the revelations about her time on the moon.

Some time of the week was used to test Twilight’s knowledge. It was left unsaid that Twilight would need to catch up her schooling, but it became clear this won’t be a problem for her. Not only did she know a lot of magic, but also old history, old languages and the sciences before the last millennia. It also became clear that she had some mannerisms from Nightmare Moon. However some reminded Celestia of Luna.

When that busy week ended, Cadence returned. She announced herself by bursting into the tower provided to the Stars. “Shiny! Why are you all living in the palace? Not that I complain, but...”

Shining approached her. “Welcome back, Cadence. Listen, something did happen. Remember what I told you about my sister?”

“Yes?” she answered. “Mm, I feel so much love and happiness radiating from you.”

“Well, Twilight returned!” he announced.

Cadence dropped her wings. “She returned? After so long? How? Where is she now? Can I meet her?”

“Twily! Here is someone you should meet!”

“Your alicorn friend?” returned a voice.

“Yes!” he confirmed. Then they heard hooves running before Twilight came though a door. She stopped besides Shining.

“Twilight, meet Mi Amore Cadenza!” he introduced. “Or Cadence for short.”

Cadence instantly spotted the wings. And the mark. “She is an alicorn.”

“Yes… she… Your aunt should explain that one.”

“You are Princess Celestia’s niece?” asked Twilight surprised.

“Well, adopted, but yes.” answered Cadence. “Hm, your wings don’t have a gradient like mine. I thought only ascending pegasi have those.”

“Well, it is only a theory, Cadence.” answered her aunt as she walked into the living room. “I see, you met Twilight.”

“How is she an alicorn?”

“My sister ascended her. Twilight spend eight years on the moon.”

“Wait, you knew about Nightmare Moon?” realized Shining.

“The perk of being a princess.” she answered her colt friend. “Luna didn’t hurt her?”

“Nope!” confirmed Twilight. “However she was rather cold to me at first. At least until I got my mark.”

“Moon influence.” realized Cadence, seeing said mark.

“Which is why I am here. Twilight, there is something I want to test regarding your magic. Please follow me. Cadence, you too.” said Celestia.

The two alicorns followed her.

Cadence realized where they are going. “Isn’t this the tower from which you rise the sun and moon?”

“It is. And were right in time for lowering the sun and rising the moon.” answered Celestia. “Twilight, I want that you try to rise the moon. As you studied under my sister for the last eight years, I won’t be surprised if you can do this now. Especially since your mark and tapestry…”

Cadence looked between Twilight and Celestia. A new alicorn to control a celestial body is a big deal. She could see how nervous Twilight was at that. “Try it, Twilight.”

Twilight nod and stepped to the rim of the balcony they were on. She didn’t instantly attempt it, instead she was thinking what to do. When she arrived on the moon and returned, she felt both Equis and the moon have differing magical auras. She needs to grasp the aura of the moon.

She charged her horn and grasped for the moon’s magic while Celestia and Cadence eyed the sky, looking for the moon. Then it slowly moved up. As the moon peeked into the sky, Celestia lowered the sun. Soon, the moon was in the sky, it became night.

Celestia sighed relieved. “This feels more natural.”

“Natural?”

“Cadence, the moon is not my purpose, it was Luna’s. Now that Twilight can move it…”

“Does that mean Twilight will be a princess and replace Luna?” asked Cadence. “Do you think this will be a good idea?”

“She won’t be a princess, for now, and I won’t say she replaces Luna. She will return in a few years, depending how this goes… However, Twilight will be my apprentice. And I suppose assistant when it comes to the moon.” explained Celestia. “On that note, Cadence, Twilight will go under the name Velvet Aurora. A new identity will be better for now.”

“But we can call her Twilight in private, right?”

“Of course.” answered Celestia. “Unless she prefers Velvet Aurora.”

Nightmare Moon felt that the moon’s movement felt differently. This was not Celestia’s magic.

As astronomers, Night Light and Velvet Twilight felt extremely proud that their daughter moved the moon. And mighty miffed that they cannot brag about it.

Twilight’s schooling then began. Celestia slowly added some tutors for the different subjects to the people who knew. All tutors were impressed with her knowledge. The history tutor on the other hand was too busy talking with Twilight about the history past a millennia, so Celestia had to hire an assistant who would make sure Past Voice didn’t switch roles with Twilight.

Apropos assistant. She wanted to assign a lady-in-waiting to Twilight. Who to hire was a difficult choice. She wanted to assign Silent Wingbeat, a pale pegasus who used to be a guard, but Twilight instantly clicked with one of the Bat Ponies of the Night Guard. In the end, she hired both.

Twilight’s daily schedule wasn’t just studying, however. With Silent Wingbeat, Nyx – the Bat Pony – Shining and sometimes Cadence, she re-explored Canterlot. Well, it is rare that Nyx accompanies her, as most of her trips are at day time. Her parents say she is too young to explore the capital at light. Or late evening.

One day with Silent and Cadence, she explored Canterlot. Specifically, all the book stores, especially the new big one that had just opened, according to Cadence. As they left the grounds of the palace, Silent stopped her with her white wing. “Not so fast, Aurora.” Nyx and Silent do not know her birth name. “If you go so fast, your cape will reveal your wings.”

“Silent is right.” agreed Cadence. “Go slower.”

“Okay…” They then trotted slowly though Canterlot. To be fair, the streets and pathways are full. Cadence lead the way, while Silent walked behind the two alicorns. As Cadence is known, she doesn’t bother to hide her wings. Silent considers this stupid as her sole presence could pull attention by proxy to Aurora, but she does not voice that.

As they made their way though the overflowing streets of Canterlot, Silent did her best to stay close to her charge. Unlike Cadence, she can’t just teleport if there is a gap between them. Silent and Aurora soon found the book store, Cadence waited there. Again, Silent didn’t voice what she was thinking.

Walking in, they knew they won’t leave for a while. Twilight may not have had access to books in eight years, but when she rediscovered them, they became her obsession. Silent didn’t help carrying the dozen books Twilight was choosing, that one was on Cadence, but she tried to keep Twilight away from the books she’s too young for. Luckily Twilight was more interested in history books and magic manuals, so that wasn’t much work.

Twilight herself didn’t notice Silent’s doing much, she only noted a massive blue magic manual for sale. Apparently a collection of spells invented in the last hundred years and there was only one copy. She grasped for it, but the magic sparked on the book. The snapping sound made her jump back, as well as a different unicorn.

“Ha, we both tried to take it.” said the other. “I constantly forget what happens when unicorn aura’s try to grasp the same object.”

“Yeah.” agreed Twilight. The other mare had a pale purple coat, a purple mane with a blue stripe and purple eyes. “Well… there is only one book… what now?”

The other unicorn, maybe a year younger, walked to her and whispered, “We make a copy. Be it a copy spell or one of us writes down the spells.”

Twilight chuckled at this. “Or we ask the cashier if they have another copy in stock. You take this one, I’ll ask.”

“Sure, I suppose we can do that, too.” she answered, then she levitated the book. “My name’s Starlight Glimmer. You?”

“Velvet Aurora.” answered Twilight, just so slightly frustrated she had to say a different name.

Starlight gave an acknowledging nod and both walked to the cashier. Twilight asked the unicorn working there, “Excuse me, miss, do you have another copy of this book in stock?”

The cashier took a look at the book, “No, dearie, but new copies should come in next week. I can reserve one for you, though.”

“That would be nice, thanks.” she answered while Starlight paid for the last copy.

While Twilight continued to look around, Cadence said to Silent, “Ah, looks like she found a friend.”

“I doubt this interaction makes a friend, princess.” said Silent in a rare case of voicing herself. “But it is good she talks to someone outside the palace for once.”

“Oh, Silent. Don’t be so negative.” told her Cadence.

Ten minutes later, they exited the shop. Twilight was levitating quite the amount of books, a worrying amount for Silent who dreaded if the books fell down, while they made their way to the palace.

“Velvet! Wait!” they heard a voice yell. Looking around, they saw Starlight. She had two copies with her. “There was a copy spell in there!” She levitated one book to Twilight. But then the book turned to dust. “Oh…”

“Could I see the spell?” asked Cadence.

“Yes…” answered Starlight. “Wait, you are Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!”

“Yes.” confirmed Cadence while reading the spell. “Oh, the spell is one of the temporary ones.”

“Temporary? Oh no…” muttered Starlight.

Twilight told her, “Calm down. I’ll get a copy next week, but thanks that you wanted to copy it for me. But why did you?”

“As a thanks. It was nice that you let me buy the book. Other than that, my stay here in Canterlot was not good.” explained Starlight.

“Oh, why that?” asked Twilight. “I know Canterlot is full.”

“It isn’t the city itself, it is just… an old friend of mine moved here, I wanted to meet him again, but his parent’s don’t allow it, because he has to focus on his schooling.” explained Starlight further, “They were very rude about it at that. Quite a gamble moving here for nothing.”

“That sounds terrible.” said Twilight. “Maybe we can be friends?”

That had Starlight piqued. “Really? That would be nice.”

While the girls talked, Cadence nudged Silent, “What did you say?” Silent rolled her eyes.

“Well, they have a shared interest in magic…” said Silent. “Makes sense they bound. Like us Pegasi over flight.”

“Mm. I better tell Celestia about this development. You keep an eye on them, Silent.”

“Of course, Princess.” agreed Silent with a bow.

When Celestia was walking into her study, she expected chaos, not Cadence teleporting in. “I regret teaching you this spell.”

“Auntie! Twilight has a friend! Well, she found one.” told her Cadence, ignoring the jab at her abuse of the teleportation spell.

That surprised Celestia, but it was good to hear, considering Twilight’s mark. “Really? What can you tell be about her friend?”

“Well, it is a unicorn called Starlight Glimmer. She seems to be a year younger than Twilight.” Cadence told her about their first meeting. “So Twilight offered her friendship.”

“Mm, I am surprised how social she is, after eight years on the moon.” admitted Celestia, “But this is good to hear.”

“Maybe she is so eager because of the moon time. If I were stuck there with just one person, I would be starved for social interactions as well.” said Cadence. “Especially if it is someone who was rather cold, like Twilight said about her.”

“Cadence, I would like to meet Twilight’s friend.” said Celestia. “Could you fetch them?”

“Sure.” With that, Cadence teleported away.

Silent and the two girls were at a cafe. Silent made sure Twilight’s cloak wasn’t showing her wings. So far Starlight had not been bothered by the cloak. Then again here in Canterlot – or any big city with a big fashion scene – there are weirder looking ponies trotting around.

“Hey, Aurora.” Twilight told Starlight she preferred being called Aurora. “How comes that you’re in contact with Princess Mi Amore Cadenza?”

“I’m dating her brother.” chimed said princess in, descending from the sky. “She is essentially my little sister. Oh, and she is Princess Celestia’s personal student.”

“Cadence…”

“Calm down, Aurora. Celestia wants to meet your new friend.” told them Cadence, surprising both. “Now come.”

Starlight looked to Twilight, who just shrugged. Twilight said, “Well, we shouldn’t let her wait.” Starlight could agree with that sentiment.

Starlight was terrified standing in front of the princess. Princess Cadenza is one thing, but Princess Celestia actively rules Equestria. They may be both princesses, but the later is higher in rank.

Celestia on the other hoof was pleased to see Twilight found a friend. Considering that star in her Cutie Mark, this means she’s on the right track. Now she only needs to know if Starlight is a carrier of an element.