Starswirl stuck his nose further into his book, taking in the small text. This particular chapter was quite interesting. It covered the properties of dark magic and its complex origins. He knew that the original Starswirl the Bearded had researched magic in depth. However, the extent of the old stallion’s writing always surprised him. It’s what Starswirl loved best about the legendary sorcerer.
 
“Star? Honey, why don’t you come downstairs?” A voice interrupted the yellow unicorn’s thoughts. He looked up from his book and met his mother’s big purple eyes with a scowl on his face.
 
“I’m busy,” Starswirl stated shortly, returning his gaze to the text. Twilight Sparkle’s face fell, and she took a small step further into her son’s room. She glanced at the book he was reading and gave a faint smile.
 
“Starswirl’s Theory on the Principles of Magic,” Twilight observed. “It’s a fantastic read. You know, I’ve gone through it–”
 
“Fifteen times, I know,” Starswirl interrupted, his voice hard. He didn’t even look up at his mother.
 
Twilight’s shoulders slouched. “Your father just came home. Come downstairs, and we can play a board game or something!” A wide smile grew on the purple alicorn’s face. “Remember how much you loved Dragon Pit as a little colt? You used to get so excited whenever I brought it out. Your dad loves it too! I’m sure he’d enjoy playing a few rounds!”
 
“I’m sure that he’d prefer to be out training Misty or drinking with his fellow soldiers,” Starswirl snorted.
 
“Star, that’s not true!” Twilight protested. “Flash Sentry loves you, as do I. He’s just been busy lately–”
 
Starswirl slammed his book down and yelled, “He’s been busy my entire life! He never has enough time for me or you! I am so tired of you defending him! Just stop!”
 
Twilight Sparkle shut her mouth and stared at her son with wide eyes. “Starswirl…” she murmured.
 
Starswirl shut his book and shoved it in a nearby saddlebag. He slung the bag over his shoulder and made for the door. As he passed by his mother, he grumbled, “I’ll be at Crosswind’s place. Don’t wait up for me.”
 
Twilight watched as her son left the castle. His angry steps dully echoed throughout the home. She sighed deeply and drooped her ears. Starswirl’s words rang through her head. He never has enough time for me or you,. How Twilight Sparkle had wished that those words weren’t true.
 

 
There are quite a few unresolved issues in the Sparkle Family. Flash kind of neglected his role as a father since he became the captain of the guard. He never really meant to hurt Starswirl’s or Twilight’s feelings but it happened regardless.
 
Starswirl has a lot of pent up anger over everything. When he and Crosswind were dating, he would always go over to her house to rant about his parents and life.