The Pursuit of Knowledge

The whistle of the morning train rang throughout the station as its doors slid open. Dozens of ponies began to move into the cars as they began to find their seats.

Standing amongst the moving crowd, two ponies were hugging. Well, one of them was doing the hugging as the other simply endured the embrace as the mare's wings engulfed half of his body.

"I can't believe that you're leaving." Cream Cloud said as she squeezed Midnight tightly. "I don't think you've ever left Vanhoover since I've known you."

"Well it's not something I do often, but I must admit that I am intrigued by the strange invitation." The stallion answered, trying not to be rude. "Are you going to let go? The train will be leaving soon."

"Fine." The Pegasus released him as Midnight blew his large bang from his eyes. "But the Castle of the Two Sisters is deep in the Everfree Forest. It's dangerous to go." Her voice filled with concern.

"Are you that worried about me? I didn't know you cared so much." He stated with a smirk, which was answered as the mare flicked his horn in playful annoyance.

"Magic doesn't solve every problem, you know. So be careful and don't overwork yourself, ok." She insisted.

"Believe me. I know all too well." Midnight replied as anger and pain briefly flashed across his face that went unnoticed. "I'll make sure to be careful."

"You'd better be." She warned.

"ALL ABOARD!" The train conductor bellowed.

"Well, that's my ride." Midnight said, making his way into the car as its doors shut behind him.

"And be sure to check out the town! I hear it's got the best Apple Pies!" She shouted as she waved.

"Sure, why not?" He shouted as he waved back as he found a seat and pulled out a book from his saddlebag. "Now for some reading to pass the time."

XXXXX

"Entering Ponyville! Be sure to take all of your belongings before you leave!"

Midnight exited the train car and observed the new environment. It was a far cry from being a metropolis, but considering how significant events tend to center around this small town and its inhabitants. It would make one think that there is more to this place than at first glance.

That being said, the town was quite busy as was expected this time of year. Being as he was a day early, it wouldn't hurt to get a lay of the land. Besides, he might be able to get some information about the neighboring forest. And he knew just where to look.

XXXXX

Midnight stood before the large crystalline structure that was the castle to Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. It was indeed an incredible feat of construction as only magic would allow crystals and gems to support its sheer weight. Its combination of blues, pinks, and purples definitely made it stand out, not to mention that is must be more than 100 ft tall from its base. Such a building was fitting for a princess.

As impressive as it was, Midnight was more interested in the contents inside. As far-fetched as it was, he could at least ask. Taking a breath, he stepped up and knocked on the large double doors. The loud bangs echoing from within.

After a brief moment, the door opened to reveal a pony, but not the Princess. This unicorn was a shade of heliotrope with purple hair and aquamarine highlights that ended in soft curls. "Hello, I'm Starlight Glimmer. How may I help you?" She asked politely, although with a trace of fatigue that she was trying to hide.

Midnight nodded in greeting. "Hello, Miss Glimmer. I'm Midnight Sun, the lead curator from the Vanhoover Museum. Pardon the intrusion, but I was in town and… Well I couldn't help but to see if there was any chance that I could view the Great Library of Princess Twilight." Midnight Sun was hamming up the formalities a bit. Even though it took some effort, he could pull off a level of charm should the need call for it. "Being a fellow book-reader, it would make this trip worthwhile."

Starlight appeared to consider the matter. "Under normal circumstances, I would. However, the Princess has been quite busy organizing the 'Iron Pony' competition today and the 'Running of the Leaves' tomorrow. Maybe you could come back after? How about the day after tomorrow?" She suggested.

Midnight couldn't wait that long as it would be too late, but he was prepared for this as he reached into his saddlebags. "Unfortunately my stay here would not allow me to remain in town until then. Of course, I wouldn't be so presumptuous to think that you would allow me to enter for free. So I'm willing to contribute towards her collection with some of my own." From within his satchels came dozens of books that floated before her.

Starlight, a little surprised by the offer, retrieved a book and skimmed its contents. "Interesting…" She said a she eyed the numerous tomes. "I can't say that she doesn't have these as her library is quite large but…" She mulled it over a bit. "But I can already imagine what she would say if I were to tell her that she possibly lost the opportunity to read some rare books." She opened the door wider to allow him through.

"You're too kind." Midnight said as he entered.

As the two walked down the corridor, Midnight took in its vastness. "This place looks much bigger on the inside." He thought out loud.

"I know, right? It took me weeks to not get lost here since all of the doors aren't labeled. One time I walked in on Spike in the bathroom. Trust me; it was awkward for both of us." She chuckled at the memory.

Midnight nodded in acknowledgement. "So what is it that you do? How did you come into being Princess Twilight's employ?" He inquired.

"Oh, I'm not her employee. I'm her student. But the answer to your question is a long story. I'm sure you don't want to know about me if you're here to see Twilight." She said.

"Well I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't interested." He assured her.

"Well if you insist." So Starlight gave a summarized version of how she was a misguided leader who wanted to spread her views of equality as well as her multiple attempts at manipulating space and time that very nearly destroyed Equestria.

"I guess I just couldn't see how bad things were until Twilight showed me how miserable I was making others… and how miserable I was." Starlight's voice becoming a bit somber at this.

"That's quite a tale of redemption." Midnight said in a somewhat consoling manner. "Don't forget that everypony has a past. Some regretfully more difficult than others that are hard to work through. You should be proud that you were strong enough to overcome such obstacles."

"Thanks, but I know I still have a long way to go with this whole friendship thing. Being the Princess' student has been quite er…challenging." She laughed with exasperation.

"Then I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. I can't believe I didn't know about her? Goes to show how intelligent she is to have planned such a way to convert and control a large population as well as almost destroying all of Equestria single-hoofly. I'll have to take this into consideration." Midnight thought as Starlight opened the large door to reveal a large round table surrounded by 7 chairs, each with cutie marks upon their back with a smaller one sitting next to one which was occupied by a purple alicorn.

This wouldn't be so strange were it not for the piles of paper surrounding her as she frantically scanned each page. "No, no, no… where is it?" She cried out in a panic. "Spike! Where are the forms to register our route through the White Tail Woods?" She shouted as a tiny purple dragon came running with a pile of papers.

"Here they are Twilight wooaaaahh!" He barely made it halfway through the room before losing his footing and crashing to the ground, sending papers everywhere as the reptile groaned under the mess.

"It looks like it got worse since I left." Starlight said to herself as she cleared her throat. "Ahem, Twilight…" No response. "Twilight?..." The pony was still too engrossed in her activity. "TWILIGHT!" The scream finally loud enough to shock the mare from her moment of chaos to look up.

"Starlight! Where have you been? There is so much to do before tomorrow!" The princess cried before returning to the papers. "The permits, the scheduling, the contestants, the prizes, THE PERMITS!" She started to hyperventilate before Spike held a paper bag to her mouth to blow into to help calm her down.

"Is she always like this?" Midnight whispered.

"She's gotten better, but the Mayor took a sabbatical so the responsibility fell on her to cover the paperwork. It's been like this all day." Starlight came up to her friend, who was calmer, albeit less motivated. "It looks like you could use a break. You haven't even eaten since this morning. How are you supposed to get any work done this way?"

The alicorn moaned. "I know, but I can see why Mayor Mare wanted time off. She sure does a lot behind the scenes." Her head slammed into the table as more papers scattered about.

"I really think a break is in order. Besides, we have a guest." Starlight gestured towards the lone stallion.

"Oh, sorry about the mess. I wasn't expecting visitors today." The mare said embarrassingly as she recovered her composure with a wide smile. "So what brings you here… uh?" Her voice trailing off.

"Midnight Sun, Your Majesty." The stallion took a quick bow. "I was in the neighborhood and thought if there might be a chance to peruse your library, which is well known throughout the book community. And hopefully, I could contribute with some of my own collection."

The mention of this gave the princess a spark of excitement as she launched over the table to land before him. "Books, did you say books? I love books!" Her eyes wide with anticipation.

"I wouldn't have guessed." Midnight obliged as he brought out his books to show her.

The alicorn's excitement was mixed with laser focus as she inspected each one. "Wow, you have some good taste. Some 1st editions, "Magical Attributes and Attunements" very nice choice, "Spell-ing from A-Z", and…" Her eyes lit with stars at what she was seeing. "Is this Star Swirl's memoirs?" She asked, as if hoping for his answer.

"Well it's one of them. This depicts his time with the Six Pillars before they disappeared. Of course, it's not the original as that is on display in Vanhoover but… I figured that this would be my best chance to gain your favor." He stated. "Is it to your liking?"

"Oh, of course. Please, enjoy your stay." Twilight's attention now completely channeled on the book before her.

"Uh… Twilight? What about your work?" Spike's voice brought her out of her enjoyment.

"Oh, right." Her mood turning sour as reality came crashing back.

"Well I don't want to interrupt your duties any further, but maybe this can help." He pulled out a small batch of brown powder. "I don't know how common coffee is here, but it's a useful way for cityponies to push through tough moments such as this." He offered. "Just place the bag in a boiling water for a few minutes, let it steep a few more, and drink it. If you're not used to it, I'd suggest only a single cup."

"Thanks, I'll give it a try." Twilight said as she went back to her chair as Starlight took the bag.

"I'll show you to the library. Follow me." The light pink pony said as she guided him out of the room as the library which was right next store.

XXXXX

The two entered the castle's library, which appeared more like a miniature coliseum with books surrounding them like spectators high up the walls, reaching as high as the ceiling.

"Wow, so many books. I'd dare say that it rivals even the Royal Library in Canterlot." Midnight's voice full of astonishment at the display.

"Tell me about it. More than 30,000 books and counting. Where does she find the time?" Starlight commented. "Well I'm going to make this coffee. Take your time."

"Yes and thank you." Midnight said as Starlight left him alone.

Midnight was equally impressed with the Princess' organization of her library, which allowed him to narrow down what he was looking for. That being anything related to the Castle of the Two Sisters. Fortunately and unfortunately, there were only a few books that were written on the subject. Most of the information was more on its history and myths than what he could discern would be of any significant use, but he would be thorough nonetheless. Sometimes myths and legends can hold a kernel of truth.

"Based on the publishing dates being far too recent, the only ones who still know of its secrets would be the sisters themselves. Of course I doubt I would get very far in that venture." He mused as he returned the books to their proper place.

"30,000 books, huh? Never thought there was a pony as dedicated as me when it came to learning." Pushing the thought aside as this wasn't an opportunity to lose. He got back to work.

Not long after, a series of loud noises got his attention as he looked towards the throne room. Then he realized what was happening. "Uh oh."

The stallion burst through the door to see more papers flying in the air. Yep… he was correct in his assumption as he saw Twilight zipping around like a bee as Spike was trying desperately to catch the stray pages.

"Twilight, slow down! I can't keep up!" The tiny dragon cried out before he was suddenly scooped up as Twilight flew circles while looking him in the eyes.

"Wow, Spike! I feel like I can do anything! Like reciting Pi to a 1000 points. 3.1415926535…" She rattled on without so much as taking a breath.

The spectacle only caught Midnight's attention for a moment before Starlight ran up to him in a panic. "What did you give us!" She demanded as she couldn't stop moving her feet despite standing before the pony.

"Just coffee. Although admittedly it's Arabian so it's some of the strongest you can find." He explained. "So what happened?" He asked as he went to inspect the two cups on the table.

"Well I made it like you said and gave some to Twilight. Out of curiosity, I tried some myself. Twilight said it was too bitter and added sugar. Then she liked it so much that she had another cup. And well…" They ducked just in time from a divebombing alicorn.

"Look at me, I'm a dragon!" Twilight squeezed Spike as his pudgy face swelled before spouting a stream of fire. "Oh yeah!"

Now the two unicorns were forced to play defense to protect the piles of paper.

"Two cups! I said only one if you've never had it before!"

"Well there's nothing we can do about that now!"

Midnight raised a shield to protect the stray flames. "We can't let her destroy the papers. She hasn't even finished them!"

"She's been done for the last 10 minutes since the coffee kicked in! She even triple-checked them!"

"Wow, that's insane!" Midnight proclaimed as he maintained his shield from a gout of fire.

"Maybe I could use some magic to hold her still!" Starlight's horn glowed as she prepared a spell.

"I would advise against that. We're lucky she hasn't tried magic this long. If she does, she's liable to lose control and wreck the entire castle."

"Then what do we do then?" Starlight asked, clearly not sure of what her options were.

"It has to run its course. There is no counteragent other than it getting out of her system. And based on the time I assume she drank it will happen right about…now." Midnight predicted.

Suddenly, Twilight's flight ground to a halt, dropping Spike in the process as she clutched her stomach. "Bathroom! Bathroombathroombathroom!" She repeated as she dashed out of the throne room in a cloud of smoke.

The two let out a sigh of relief. "Well that's better. How did you know that would happen?" The mare asked.

"I'm an avid coffee drinker so I know how it works. But given my tolerance at this point, I just drink it because I like the taste. Of course to answer your question, coffee is a strong diuretic. And considering that she drank two cups, it hits a little faster and harder." He explained.

Starlight's eyes flashed with this information as she grinned nervously as she backed away as her cheeks became flush. "I diuretic you say? That's uh…good to know. Will you excuse me?" She said before bolting out the opposite door.

Midnight now stood alone is slight amazement. "Well that was interesting." He said before looking down as a very annoyed Spike. "What?" he asked innocently.

Spike simply answered with the "I'm watching you." gesture.

"I don't suppose an 'I'm sorry' would cover it?" He asked, which was answered with Spike just shaking his head.

XXXXX

Midnight had returned to the library as there wasn't much else he could do at this point… and they hadn't asked him to leave yet. Sometime later, the door finally opened with Twilight and Starlight entering.

"Well THAT was an experience I don't want to repeat." Twilight stated, her body occasionally doing random twitches.

"I'll say. Remind me not to do that again." Her student added.

"Hey uh, Midnight. Have you seen Spike anywhere?" The purple mare asked.

"Well it's good that you're both feeling better." The stallion put away the books he was reading as he pointed to the dragon, who was reclining in a chair. "He's over there. I guess he's suspicious of me after what happened."

"Hey buddy. I'm sorry about what happened earlier." Twilight apologized.

"It wasn't your fault. Just don't do that again." He replied, taking frequent glances at Midnight as he spoke to her.

"THAT we can agree on." Twilight laughed. "But on the bright side. I did take care of all of the paperwork. So that's a win in my book. So could you please take care of sending them out for me?"

"I'm on it Twilight, but if you ask me. He's a bit shady." He whispered as he ran to the next room, leaving the three ponies within the library.

"So, did you find any books of interests?" The princess asked.

"Indeed Your Majesty. Your collection is quite impressive. I can also see you have a great love for the sciences."

This comment brought a smile to her face. "Really? Honestly I thought I might be the only one besides Dr. Hooves."

"Power is power whether it comes from Science or Sorcery." Midnight stated. "Although, it's not my forte, I believe that Science holds great promise should it be used for the betterment of ponykind."

"So do I, but once I became a princess. New responsibilities demanded my time." The alicorn sighed. "And unfortunately, choices had to be made, some of which included sacrificing some things I loved.

Midnight nodded sympathetically. "I understand your plight. Maybe reading Star Swirl's writing can be some consolation."

"Thank you, but it's getting late and we have to get a good night's sleep before tomorrow. Considering how I'm feeling, it's not very likely." The Princess randomly twitched again.

"Yes, the 'jitters'. Usually a withdrawal symptom, but it'll wear off soon enough. Although, I understand and don't want to overstay my welcome. Thank you for your generosity." Midnight replied, giving another bow.

XXXXX

The three were now at the entrance as they said their last goodbyes.

"Again, thank you Princess. Visiting your library was worth the visit."

"You're welcome, Midnight. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Ponyville. Maybe we'll see you at the 'Running of the Leaves' tomorrow."

"Maybe. Til then, I bid you a good night." Midnight walked away as the door closed and a heavy sigh left his chest. "I don't think I ever had to put on an act that long before. Being formal is exhausting." He critiqued himself as he could see the sun setting.

After walking for a short while as the moon rose into the sky. Midnight finally found a nice tall hill that overlooked the town as well as the Everfree Forest. Pulling out a series of camping gear, he quickly built a small tent and fire.

He took a swig of some freshly brewed coffee as he gaze focused on the darkened woods as the howls of Timber Wolves could be heard. "Well, I guess I will have answers soon enough."

XXXXX

A/N

Arabian is a popular coffee bean as well as a breed of horse.

Midnight's quote of Science and Sorcery is an homage to Owen Bennet, a character from one of my favorite shows as a kid, "Gargoyles".