They arrived in Canterlot. Trixie didn't wear her show cloak and promised Twilight to ditch her third person speaking while here. As they walked to the castle, they walked into her brother.

"Ah, Twily! If you're here for the Princess's, Luna is not here and Celestia is in a meeting. She tasked me to tell you that you need to wait.", explained Shining Armor. He then saw Trixie. "Oh, who is that? A new friend of yours?"

"Yes. That's Trixie Lulamoon, a show mare. I want her to help with something, but that requires a discussion with the princess... and she knows about my Alicorn status." Shining looked shocked. "There was an Ursa attack, so... maybe I should train some battle magic. Not just your shield spell."

"Did he create the shield spell you used?", asked Trixie.

"Yes! Heck, Shiny's Cutie Mark is literally a shield.", answered Twilight, proud about her brother's achievements.

"You had to use one of my spells?", asked her brother worried.

"Yes, but! It held up very well against the Ursa Major-" "Major?!" "-and didn't even break!"

"You know what, when I see Luna, I ask her to teach you.", said Shining Armour. "You really need it. Well then, come back in two hours, I for my part go to the old house."

"Oh, are they visiting?", asked Twilight. They, referring her mother's family and the old house being their old town house. They sold it to her paternal aunt who doesn't have a use for it besides renting it to tourists for income. Or borrowing it back to them to host visits with ponies that are not allowed in the castle, like Velvet's family. It is neutral ground.

"More like, someone died, they discuss the inheritance. The same thing when great aunt Radiant Twilight died.", clarified Shining Armour, remembering that can of wyrms.

"Yeah... don't bother.", said Twilight.

"I know, but mom... you know how stubborn she can be.", said Shining. "I better get going."

As Shining Armour left, Trixie looked at her. "You don't look sad that your relative died."

"Long story. One I prefer to tell you while eating.", said Twilight. "I know a spot not far from here."

"Must be expensive so close to the castle."

"As expensive as fast food can be.", said Twilight and lead her to an alley, "They advertise themselves as fancy fast food. They just use high quality products and even then are quite cheap compared to other places close to the castle."

"Mm, I never thought a princess would like fast food."

"I... personally don't consider myself one, so..." As they neared the place, Twilight spotted Crowley there. Besides her was a dark blue Unicorn with a dark blue coat and a pale blue, short cut mane. Twilight and Trixie approached them. "Hey Crowley!"

"Twilight! What are you doing here? And who is that?", replied Crowley.

"I wanted to ask you the same. The Princess called me here, but when I arrived she was busy with a few nobles, so I just wait for them to leave.", explained Twilight. "And this is Trixie Lulamoon. She is a long story I tell you after I got food."

"Fair."

Five minutes she and Trixie joined Crowley and the mystery mare. "Now, who is your friend, Crowley?"

The blue Unicorn laughed. "It is me, Luna, albeit undercover."

"Wow. Let me guess, annoyed by the attention?", guessed Twilight. "And what am I supposed to call you while you're undercover?"

"You can say so. And call me Midna.", said Luna.

Crowley asked, "I am surprised you don't spend time with your family."

"They are at the old house, someone from mom's family died.", explained Twilight nonchalantly.

"You don't seem bothered...", said Luna slightly disturbed by her lack of sympathy or sadness.

"Exactly. Didn't you want to tell me about that?", chimed Trixie in.

"Trixie, while my adoptive parents love me as their own, mom's extended family does not. Which means that I am never included in their wills when one died. Mom tries to get me included – despite them rejecting me for twenty years at this point – but mom won't give up. I personally stopped caring about them.", explained Twilight. "And mom should, too. Shiny, too. He once got kicked off of an uncle's will because he said he would split his part with me. Albeit by now he stopped to claim that."

"Not like you need the inheritance.", chimed Luna in.

"Exactly Midna."

"Now, you said Trixie here would be a long story?", asked Crowley.

With that prompt, she explained what had happened. Not mentioning her Alicorn status as Luna was there – that, and they were in public – albeit she did tap her necklace once, giving Crowley the hint that she revealed herself to Trixie. Then Trixie chimed in and explained her motivation – namely that she never really learned magic while in Roam – promising she won't do it again. Then Luna asked, "Wow. But why did you bring her to Canterlot?"

"You remember how Princess Celestia said she ran out of stuff to teach me? I want to ask if that means I won't be her student any longer.", explained Twilight. "Because I want to teach Trixie, to help her with her magic."

"That is what you planned? I... thank you, I'm speechless.", said Trixie.

"Mm, even if she would keep you as her student longer than necessarily, I see no reason why you couldn't train Trixie, especially with her background.", stated Luna. "Either way, that is very nice for you. Mm, I never realized the Unicorns in Roam had it so bad."

"Well, it isn't the case for all Unicorns.", said Trixie. "Just the poor ones or the ones stuck with bad legal guardians, but the average Unicorn is doing well, all things considered." While Trixie defended her home land – she dislikes her 'family', not the nation – Luna eyed Twilight's necklace.

"Twilight, I've noted you always wear that necklace.", she stated, "Doesn't get the same necklace boring at some point?"

"Mm, sometimes, but that necklace has a big sentimental value to me, so I don't like to put it off.", replied Twilight. "Let alone wear something else. And it fits my eyes."

"Mm, okay." answered Luna, accepting the story.


After two hours, Twilight and Trixie returned to the castle now that Celestia was free. Before they walked into the throne room, Twilight asked her to wait here. She'll call for her when she finished the matters Celestia called her for. Twilight walked into the throne room and greeted the princess. "Hello Princess Celestia, what did you call me for?"

"Twilight, my student. You know what holiday is soon upon us?", replied the princess with a question.

"Of course! Nightmare Night! The holiday revolving around the Legend of Nightmare Moon!", explained Twilight. "Oh. The first Nightmare Night now that Princess Luna is back." The realization settled in.

"Exactly.", said Celestia frustrated. "The ponies aren't really used to her yet... that holiday won't help, albeit so does her cold demeanor. That's why I called you, Twilight. Help the ponies to warm up to Luna. She wants to visit Ponyville for Nightmare Night."

"Really?"

"Yes, I believe you walked into her while disguised while you waited for me? Luna doesn't exactly like the negative attention she receives here-I try to fix the issues with the nobles – but it takes time.", explained Celestia. "You know how intensely and traditional Canterlot celebrates the Nightmare Night."

"Mm." Of course she knows. Her parents always took her and Shining to the surrounding towns for trick and treating as that just isn't done in Canterlot. Canterlot doesn't do the childish games, they focus on the horror, the stiff traditions, anything the old nobles like. Stuff that would be insulting to Luna. Leaving Canterlot for that holiday is quite normal, actually. "So, host her in Ponyville, tone down the fear of Nightmare Moon..."

"I try to replace these aspects from it, but, ah, that takes time.", said Celestia. "Mm, the Winter Moon Celebration will be a total tonal shift as well."

"The longest night of the year! I am actually excited for that one!", said Twilight. "Mm, I have an idea for the Nightmare Night already. Albeit could it be possible for her to come a few days earlier?"

"Yes. You see, she and your brother really want to teach you some battle magic, maybe take her up on that offer? Either way, I knew I could rely on you, Twilight, my faithful student.", said Celestia. "Now is there something bothering you? I can sense you have a question for me."

"You said, after redeeming Princess Luna, that you have nothing to teach me.", stated Twilight. "Does that mean I am no longer your student?"

"Why do you ask?"

Twilight took a deep breath. "Trixie, come in!" Said mare came into the throne room and bowed to Celestia. "This is Trixie Lulamoon, a new friend. She... is aware that I am an Alicorn... and I want to teach her some magic. Not in the scale of your teachings, but..."

"Oh? May I ask why she knows?", asked the princess, "And why you want to teach her?"

Twilight repeated the Ursa story to her teacher. "... I had to end the glamour to save her properly. The Ursa would have out-speed me otherwise and never lost interest if I stayed in reach.", explained Twilight, while Trixie was nervous as all hay. "Please don't be angry at her, she saw the errors in her ways and promised betterment. Which is why I want to teach her more proper magic."

"I see... but one thing I don't get, Trixie, why are you unable to do stronger magic?", asked the princess.

"I am from Roam, a state were Pegasi are the majority. Magic classes are rarely part of public schools, part the basics, even more so in the lower funded schools like the one I attended. I simply had no teacher, I couldn't afford one.", explained Trixie. "When I came to Equestria, I tried to look for one, but free schools don't take older students, as your nation seems to be unable to comprehend a Unicorn having my lack of skill. So I tried to earn money with my bit of magic as a show pony, but a traveling one pony show doesn't earn much."

"Mm, I never realized the magic schooling in Roam is so bad.", said Celestia. "I need to talk with Cadenza and her family about this."

"Well, it isn't bad bad, unless one is poor and an orphan like me.", clarified Trixie. "I mean, I got adopted but my guardians never really bothered be nice. Or family."

"So that's why Twilight offered to teach you. That is a great idea. Twilight, teach her. Now about your own status, I would prefer if we pretend that you still are until your debut, but you are no longer my student. My sister would like to train you in her expertise's though.", decided the princess. "Now, Trixie. I would ask you to return tomorrow to the castle. I would like to discuss the situation Unicorns like you live through in Roam with Princess Mi Amore Cadenza."

"Mi Amore Cadenza?! She hadn't been seen in Roam for years!", said Trixie surprised and exited. "Oh my, I'm meeting Princess Cadenza!"

"Oh, I never realized she is such a big deal? Isn't she the tenth for the throne of Roam?", inquired Celestia.

"Yes, but her right to the throne doesn't mirror how popular she is!", explained Trixie. "She is the most loved Princess of Roam. I will come tomorrow, when should I come?"

"Same time tomorrow.", said Celestia. "Now, anything else you want to discuss?"

"Celestia, can I please tell Luna and my friends in Ponyville about my Alicorn status? It hurts to lie to my friends! I am the princess of friendship, I am the last person who should lie to their friends! And Luna! Isn't it weird that she doesn't know?", asked Twilight her mentor. Trixie had to agree with her on this.

"Not yet, Twilight, not yet.", answered Celestia. "Anything else? I won't discuss this any further."

"No, Princess.", said Twilight frustrated. "Come, Trixie, we go now." The two mares left their ruler and then the castle. On the way out they walked into Twilight's family. "Shiny! Mom, Dad! How was it?"

"Obligatory fight between mom and aunt Twilight Amethyst. Lilac Twilight looked so embarrassed by her mother.", replied her brother. "We did manage to get you a part of the inheritance, but..."

Her father showed her a necklace cast in his golden magic. "They full well know you don't wear necklaces other than this one, but the lawyer considered this enough a token."

"Stupid Amethyst, she and Veil did that intentionally.", said her mother all grumpy.

"Calm down, Twilight.", said her husband. "Better than nothing."

"That necklace shouldn't count! Aunt Radiant gave it to Twily in living times.", she replied. "Is Amethyst's house considered early inheritance? No! So why should that necklace be?"

"Is Twilight a family name of yours?", asked Trixie.

"Yeah, each mare has one daughter called Twilight, be it first or middle name.", explained Velvet, "And yes, it can be confusing."

"Mom, you know I don't care about them or the inheritance. Please stop bothering!", said Twilight. "Don't ruin your relationship to them over me."

"But I don't want that they think they can stomp on you.", countered Velvet. "Now how was the meeting with the princess?"

"Mm, she asked me to introduce Princess Luna to the Nightmare Night."

"Ow, that sounds... do you need help?", asked her father.

"No, but thanks. I think I will manage. Honestly, I am excited to spend some time with Princess Luna. And it means I see Crowley again!", said Twilight, she then took the necklace still floating around. "Now, I asked Princess Celestia again. She said not yet, which isn't an outright no... so maybe the necklace comes to use some day. Not to represent them, but your efforts, mom."

"Aw! That would be nice.", said Velvet hugging her daughter.

"Anyway... I need to discuss something with the princesses!", said Shining Armor before dashing way.

"When are you two leaving?", asked Night Light.

"Not yet actually. The princess said she needs to talk with Trixie and Cadence about something.", explained Twilight.

"Yes, apparently, she has issues with the situation of Unicorns in Roam.", said Trixie.

"Oh, international politics? Come with us, I want to hear.", said Velvet.

"Is it that bad in Roam?", chimed her father in. "I never thought Roam would have faults like that from what Cadence told us."

"I think I'll sound like a repeating vinyl today...", muttered Trixie. She and Twilight walked into their living area. Then Trixie told them about her life and schooling – well, the lack of it – in Roam. An hour ended and Velvet mothered her, Twilight laughing at her student's embarrassment. Night Light was surprised his wife didn't mutter something like, "Sounds like something Amethyst and Veil would do."


The next day, Twilight and Trixie walked into the main meeting room of the castle. There they saw Princes Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence – albeit she hid her horn – and a representative of Roam, a pale blue, nearly white Pegasus stallion with an ink blue mane and blue eyes. His cutie mark was a communication bubble.

"Thank you for coming on so short notice, Soaring Thought.", said Celestia to the representative as Trixie and Twilight sat down between her and Cadence.

"No. I thank you for giving me the chance to see Princess Mi Amore Cadenza again! Now, what is the issue I've been called for?", replied Soaring Thought of Roam.

"Trixie, would you tell Soaring Thought what you did tell me and Cadenza? But please focus on your educational issues.", said Celestia.

Trixie did as she was told, ditching her show mare talk for this. She introduced herself, then proceeded. Soaring Thoughts listened to her, before Cadence said, "The issue at hoof is that Unicorns – especially one in poverty or sub-optimal familial conditions like Trixie – are too disadvantaged for anyone's good. While most of our people are Pegasi, we can't essentially disable Unicorns to a degree that they can barely do magic."

"I see, I see...", he said as he noted down what he had heard. "Mrs. Lulamoon, I have two questions, what is your born surname and how did you manage to pass the exams of your school? I am sure you must have at least have had one magical exam. Or was the examination standard so low that everyone passed no matter what?"

"Lulamoon is my born name, my adoptive parents never gave me theirs.", admitted Trixie. "The exams, I don't know. I only have a lowest tier certificate, I left year nine. But when my magic was tested, I, uh, created light illusions to trick my teachers."

"Trixie?"

She turned to Twilight. "Roam's education system is tiered, a student can finish after nine, ten or twelve years. The magical exam is only done in year ten and twelve, so I never sat though one.", she explained, "Each tier allows more opportunities... and in the eastern province, you have to pay for these optional years..."

"Right... your adoptive parents are cheapskates.", she replied.

Soaring Thoughts noted that down. "I see, I see. Mm, I think I need to interview a view Unicorns who did go though exams to get my answers. Do you have contact to some that did?"

"Yes, actually. There is my adoptive sibling, but they attended a better school. And my old friends from my old class. One of them should be in Trottingham, here in Equestria."

He noted down the name and address of his next interviewee. "Mm, looks like I need to ask the queen to overwork Unicorn education as well as the adoption system.", said Soaring Thought. "I am sorry that our systems failed you so much, Mrs. Lulamoon."

"You don't have to apologize, Soaring Thought, my guardians were the ones failing me."

"But our systems allowed them to do so.", added Princess Cadence. With that, Cadence and Soaring Thought left to Trottingham, then Roam.