//------------------------------// // The Coming Storm - Part 2 // Story: MLP: The Fight for Friendship // by sapiking //------------------------------// “Gah!” Twilight woke up gasping for breath, her lavender coat was wet with her own sweat. Her horn was glowing in the dark and it took Twilight a few seconds before she realized it and reduced the glow before turning it off completely. “Spike... did you feel that? Spike...” She looked over to where Spike was sleeping, he was still snoring away oblivious that Twilight had suddenly awoke in the middle of the night. She sighed and laid back on her bed not quite sure what caused her to awake so abruptly. Funny thing was she couldn't remember any dream or nightmare that could have cause it, yet the feeling was very real, it felt like something sharp had just stabbed her in her soul. The tingling sensation registered in her mind made her theorize that the cause could be magical, perhaps something in the physical and astral realm had occurred to cause this sudden influx of energy. It had felt similar to the time when she lost control of her own powers during her entry exam for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. But while back then she had Princess Celestia to calm her down and take Twilight under her wing, now she felt drained and uneasy, as if some intruding force had violated her privacy. She shivered at the thought and contemplated on telling the guards about what had happened. She wasn't sure what to make of her situation but as she laid there under her sheets she noticed how no one else in the castle seemed affected, or at least bothered enough to create a panic. There were no sounds of guards galloping through the corridors coming to the aid of scared unicorns, nor alarms ringing in the night's air warning the occupants of any threat. It seemed that whatever had happened, Twilight was the only pony who reacted to it. She buried her face in her pillow in frustration, perhaps she was going crazy she thought to herself. For all she knew she could have involuntarily cast some sort of spell in her sleep . Well it was not worth worrying over now. She was too exhausted after the night's Canterlot Garden Celebration, not to mention the whole of last week preparing for it, mostly mentally on her part. Twilight forced herself to sleep by thinking of the various constellation of stars she had memorized through the years, she comforted herself with the promise that morning will bring. 'Tomorrow I'll be returning to Ponyville with all my friends, everything will be fine then, everything will be just fine...' -------------------------- Next Morning “Yeeeee-Haw! Ah can't wait ta get back home on da farm, and back ta buckin' apples again.” The little group of ponies had all assembled in the royal courtyard ready to head back to Ponyville after their lengthy stay at the royal palace, and despite having such a good time together in Canterlot it was time for them to return to their respective homes and responsibilities. The night had felt especially long, almost as if Celestia had forgotten to raise the sun in time. But such thoughts were preposterous, not once in a thousand years had Princess Celestia forgotten to raise the sun, even during when Luna was banished from Equestria for transforming into Nightmare Moon she still managed to run both night and day for all her subjects. To think that the princess had lax in her duties was almost laughable. Than why wasn't Twilight laughing? She had woken up to complete darkness when it should have been time for dawn. It wasn't until quite a while later that the first rays of sunlight stretched from the horizon to greet the new day, but Twilight knew they were already way past their schedule. Twilight can't help but feel that the magical surge she experienced last night had something to do with Celestia raising the sun late. As the other ponies chattered excitedly about their time in Canterlot, Twilight pulled Rarity aside to share what was troubling her mind. “What seems to be the matter darling?” “Rarity, I have something to ask you, and it's important. Did you feel anything last night, any... magical disturbances?” “Well, no dear nothing of a sorts. Why, did something happened?” “Um...” Twilight nervously pawed the ground with one fore-hoof. As she explained her suddenly awaking in the middle of the night and how she felt that the prolonged hours were somehow connected to princess Celestia and that something terribly wrong might have transpired while they were asleep. Rarity merely observed Twilight as she talked and much to the lavender mare's annoyance, Rarity gave one of her classic chuckles that she did when she found what somepony said to be amusing but trying to sound polite at the same time. “Oooh-ha-ha... Twilight dear you are simply overreacting. This isn't the first time you have worried over something trivial and blown it out of proportions.” “B-b-b... but...” Twilight's protest was cut short by Rarity's left hoof to her muzzle. “Hush darling, before you continue I want you to think, is this the first time you have ever experienced a magical anomaly? All unicorns and, I can safely assume, Alicorns are bound to have occasional outbursts of magic every now and then, its not uncommon to have these horns of ours to do things out of our control. You of all ponies should know this.” Twilight looked as if she was about to say something but Rarity continued. “Even if the sun was raised later than it should have it's not like nothing like it has never occurred, why during the winter seasons the sun always has less day-time than normal. Besides if anything, Anything at all had happened to the Princess wouldn't we know by now? Why, the whole castle would be in an uproar! You'd think they would inform us if there was something serious. Not trying to brag here darling but we ARE the bearers of the Elements of Harmony after all.” Twilight wanted to say something in her defense but she had nothing, there was no proof on her part, no concussive evidence to justify her worry over the matter. Was Rarity right, was Twilight the only pony in all of Equestria to be aware of some dark secret that underwent during the night, or was she just being paranoid? She didn't know what to think of anymore. Rarity must have sensed the gloominess in Twilight because the posh mare softened her tone for what she had to say next. “Look dear, I know all this...” she waved her hoof in a circular manner encompassing Twilight's form that included her recently acquired wings. “Can be really stressful for somepony to handle, but that doesn't mean you have to bear all that weight alone, you have us! We are your... now how did Appejack put it, PBFF's! Pony best friends forever remember? Tell you what, once we reach Ponyville I'll schedule a day at the spa for us tomorrow to get all that tension out... how does that sound? Oh and after that we can have a Maaaake-over!” Twilight smiled at Rarity's excitement, it has been a while since her last spa trip with her friends, Celestia knows she could use the opportunity to relax before her majesty returned with a new assignment for Twilight. “Very well Rarity, you win, I'd love to hang out with my, 'chuckles' PBFF's!” “YES! So it tis' settled than, hmm... I must make sure we get hooficures, and massages, bubble bath... but not too long or we'll get wrinkly...” “Look everypony, our ride is here!” Pinkie points up to the sky where a carriage was heading towards them. “Woo-hoo...” even Fluttershy's cheer was quiet and restrained. “Alright! I can finally head back to Cloudsdale! All this fancy-pantsy-stuff in Canterlot is starting to bore me.” “Beg yer pardon' Rainbow, but couldn't yer just, Ah dunno'... fly there by yourself if yoo wanted to?” “Are you kidding me? And miss out a chance to ride with style to Ponyville? It's not everyday somepony gets a chance to fly around like royalty, right egghead?” Rainbow Dash had trotted up to Twilight and rubbed her own mane against hers winking at Twilight as she did so. Twilight just blushed embarrassingly at the not so subtle hint that Rainbow had displayed. She pushed the cyan mare away playfully with her head. “That's 'princess' egghead to you Dash. Besides I don't always travel in a carriage all the time, only when its on official business for Princess Celestia.” “Yeah, yeah... I get it, just messin' with ya Twi'. I mean, it's not like you have your own personal chariot to secretly chauffeur you to the Crystal Empire to meet up with somepony behind our backs...” Rainbow Dash could hardly control her urge to burst out in laughter as she said those words to bait Twilight. Even the other ponies were giggling at Twilight's expense which made her blushed even harder. “I... I have no idea what you mean.” “Don't you remember? You totally bumped into this guard at the Crystal Palace that reminded you of this other guy whom you met in the other dimension who asked you to dance at this big dance and you totally danced at that big dance with him because you had a crush on him and he had a crush on you and even though you only knew him for a few days you totally dig him and whatever little time you spent together was totally worth it...” Pinkie gasps fro breath. “...but now that you're back here... Uumphh!” Pinkie's prattle was cut short by Applejack's hoof stuffed up her mouth, mercifully sparing the rest of the group from her continuing on for Celestia knows how long. “What Pinkie ere' is tryin' ta say is... yer a lousy liar Twilight.” “Darling, you really must stop with the pretense. Why if I recall you were practically falling head over hoof for the colt. And I don't blame you either, he is one handsome stallion...” Rarity drew close to Twilight as she mentioned the colt in question and battered her eyelashes suggestively at her, making the lavender mare back away and bumping into Fluttershy who was nodding her head in approval. “I really think you two would make an adorable couple. Ooh... won't you give him a chance Twilight? You haven't seen him since our last visit to the Crystal Palace, don't tell me you don't even want to get to know him a bit more?” “Fluttershy not you too? I told you girls there is nothing between us.” The carriage landed near them and Twilight flipped her saddle over her body and started trotting towards it complaining with an air of contempt as she went. “I seriously do not get why all of you are so obsessed about this... can't somepony meet a guy without all her friends making a big deal about it? Since the lot of you seem to be hard of hearing, let me repeat myself one more time... I do not have a crush on...” “Good day your highness, I hope you are ready for your journey back to Ponyville.” “F, f, f... Flash Sentry?” Twilight stared flabbergasted at the orange colt with a frizzy blue mane, her jaws wide open in shock. He had his guard armor on and was one of the two pegasi who pulled the carriage meant for the princess and her friends. It might just be Twilight's imagination but Flash Sentry's eyes seemed to gleam with joy at the chance of meeting with her again. Rainbow couldn't hold her amusement in any longer. “Bwahahahahahahaha!!! Gee Twilight, it looks like your secret is now... all Flashed out! Ahahahahahaha!!!” Rainbow Dash was rolling on the grass laughing uncontrollably, tears falling from her eyes as she kicked the air with her hooves. It was obvious she was very tickled by Twilight's awkward situation. It didn't help the fact that the others sided with the laughing mare by expressing their enjoyment with 'oohs' and 'aahs' while giggling at the same time. “Ehehe... get it? Flashed out... 'snort'!” she was gasping for breath from all the laughter, wiping the tears from her face with a hoof as she did so. “B, b, b... why, how, who... huh?” Twilight gulped before struggling to form something coherent to say. Not very easy considering the other guard pony was looking at her peculiarly at this point, and her friends chuckling behind her back was not helping in the slightest. “I mean, what are you doing here? Aren't you assigned to the Crystal Palace?” “I am. There was some rescheduling done last night at the castle. They were assigning job rotations with some guards from Canterlot with those of the Crystal Empire. And well, my name was on the list to be chauffeuring the new princess around for the day! Lucky me I guess?” “Heheh...” Twilight nervously laughed. “Lucky you indeed...” she clopped both her front hooves together anxiously, trying her best to ignore the continued muffled guffaws coming from her friends. “Are your friends alright?” Flash Sentry asked concernedly as he noticed the other mares staring and giggling at him and Twilight. “Oh don't mind them, they're just being... well, friends that’s all. I guess you'll be my sentry now right? Hehe... er, I mean, because you're called Flash Sentry and that’s what you've been assigned to do... eh, heh...” Twilight trailed off trying badly to conceal her attempt at a failed joke. By now her cheeks were so red they looked like tomato cherries glinting in the sun. Flash Sentry merely smiled at Twilight's adorkableness, not minding her blundering ways at all. 'By Celestia, she is beautiful...' Flash thought to himself as he tried not to stare too hard at Twilight. But he need not worry as the princess was too busy trying not to do the same at him. “Ahem... Ah hate ta break up such a touchin' moment between ya'll but someponies would like ta get outta ere' before ta next moonrise.” Applejack teased them as she trotted pass twilight and tossed her bag onto the carriage before leaping on it. Rainbow took to the air in a multi-colored streak and dashed towards the front of the carriage and landed with a thump. “I got top spot!” “Excuse me miss, but that seat is reserved for the princess.” the other guard sternly told Rainbow Dash. “It's okay good sir, she can have it,” Twilight reassured him and he just dropped the matter. The rest climbed aboard the carriage until it was the princess's turn. She turned her head to look if Flash was still looking at her, he was... “Move it Twi'!” Spike pushed a surprised Twilight from the rear into the carriage. “We can save the lovey-dovey stuff for later!” “You're one to talk...” Twilight mumbled under her breath as Flash Sentry gave one last call of caution before lifting off into the air with his co-flier, towing the carriage along as they ascended into the clouds towards Ponyville. -------------------------- Twilight sat in the middle of her friends as they traveled across Equestria, leaving the city of Canterlot behind them. The ponies found ways to occupy themselves during the journey. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were having a friendly hoof wrestling match, Rarity groomed Fluttershy's voluminous pink mane while discussing the art of preening pegasi wings. Pinkie Pie had awaken Spike from his nap and the both of them started giggling, no doubt sharing an inside joke or hatching up some prank for later. Though glad that she was on her way back to Ponyville with her closest friends, Twilight still could not shake off the feelings of the previous night even after her talk with Rarity. But there was nothing she could do now except to try to enjoy the ride. She looked up to the two ponies flying with grace and precision in front of the carriage. Her eyes settled on Flash Sentry, the pegasus that reminded her so much of his otherworldly counterpart she had met in the other dimension. It brought back memories of her time in Canterlot High, and despite the short but crazy adventure she had, Twilight will always remember the friendships she made there... *flashback* “Would... now, be a completely awkward time to ask you for that dance?” Twilight giggled as she blushingly offered her hand to Flash Sentry... The princess shook her head, getting rid of the image in her mind. That was a different world, a world she had left behind to return to her responsibilities as a princess of Equestria. She had felt so confident after her victory at retrieving her Element of Harmony and saving the alternate realm, it seemed that she could take on anything the world threw at her. And while she wasn't sure anymore if that is how she felt now, the following days had kept Twilight distracted from many things, and one of them was thinking about Flash Sentry. Twilight sighed. How can she think of him right now, she knew her friends wanted what was best for her and that they all would like the idea of her getting to know a special-some-pony but Twilight simply had not considered anything of a sort simply because her mind was wrapped up over a matter that had constantly haunted her thoughts and dreams for a long time. As she sat there thinking, Rainbow Dash suddenly stood up on all fours flexing her wings and loosening her neck muscles. Her rainbow mane and tail blowing in the wind as she turn to address her friends. “Alright girls, I'm gonna ditch the ride. Gonna go clear some clouds over Ponyville in about... ten seconds flat! See you slowpokes on the ground!” With that she gave a salute and fell from the carriage back first, leaving a shocked Fluttershy who squeaked in horror as she saw her fillyhood-friend disappear from view. The rest of the ponies knew what was going to happen next and deep down, Fluttershy knew too. She was a timid and easily frightened pony after-all, and sometimes instinct tend to get the best of her. As the carriage continued on without even slowing down at Rainbow's dramatic departure, a deafening boom ringed through the ears of the ponies in the carriage and a sudden streak of rainbow colors shot upwards and forwards to the collection of clouds in front of them. The clouds disappeared with a poof as Rainbow continued her clearing of the skies in a circular motion, kicking and charging through clouds as she flew. By Rainbow's effort, a clear view of the town hall was visible to the passengers on the carriage. Twilight was so engrossed in her thoughts she hadn't realized that they had arrive at Ponyville. The carriage touched the ground in front of Golden Oak Library where Twilight had lived and studied during her time here in Ponyville. The library was carved into a giant tree with windows and balconies visible on it's woody exterior. The brown bark accompanied by an abundant amount of green leaves blanketing it's top gave the library a very homely feel. It was good to be back. Just as the ponies were about to disembark their royal transport Rainbow Dash descended from the skies leaving a blazing trail in her wake, she pulled the brakes just in time to avoid crashing into the carriage but she still landed rather violently causing the whole thing to rock dangerously much to the annoyance of Flash and his co-flier. “Ta-da! What did I tell you? Still the best cloud clearer in all of Equestria!” “An' da least modest Ah reckon'. Wat was da point in landin' back on da carriage? Ya nearly knocked us all off like leaves on a Fall's day!” “The point Applejack, is that!” Rainbow Dash raised her right hoof and directed her friend's gaze towards the crowding denizens of Ponyville. Most of the ponies here knew about Twilight and her friends as their many wacky adventures in the town have made them quite famous. And now that Twilight was a princess? Every colt and mare wanted to have a glimpse of the Alicorn who was once but a normal unicorn pony under the tutelage of Princess Celestia. And to be graced by her presence was indeed quite the honor. “I told ya riding in style was sooooooo worth it.” Rainbow boasted to Applejack. Twilight stepped down from the carriage with Flash coming to her aid. She didn't know how many times she had blushed that day but now was another one of those moments as she placed a hoof on Sentry's extended one. He lowered her down just as a group of ponies gathered around closer to the little group. “Presenting her royal highness, Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Spike announced before the crowd in his loudest voice and the assembled ponies gladly bowed before Equestria's newest princess. Twilight hastily gestured for them to rise and thanked them for honoring her arrival. She waited for them to depart out of earshot before shooting a glance at the little purple dragon. “Spike! You didn't have to do that, by Celestia that was embarrasing...” “Sorry, I've always wanted to do that.” He leaped off the carriage trying to catch up with Twilight, barely missing Fluttershy on his way down. “Whats the matter Twilight? You didn't seem to have a problem at the castle when the guards did it.” “It's not the same Spike, this is Ponyville. I've known most of those ponies for quite a while and frankly, it was kind of awkward having them bowing down before me ever since I was crowned a princess.” “Twilight darling, your modesty is admirable. But you are a princess now, and a princess must learn to accept the adulation of her fellow ponies, while doing so graciously of course.” Rarity tipped her head backwards and stretched out a hoof in mock acceptance towards a non-existing crowd. She blew hoof kisses to the air while mouthing silent 'thank you's' to the admirers of her imagination. “Why, if I were a princess I would be attending to every gala from Vanhoover to Manehattan! And you should be doing the same dear. After all, you are the type of pony that every pony should know.” Rarity smiled sincerely at Twilight assuring her she meant every word. Pinkie Pie suddenly hopped right next to the lavender princess and whispered loudly into her ear. “Psssst... Twilight! I think somepony is waiting for you to say good byeeeeeeee...” She used both front hooves to hold Twilight's head and turn it in the direction of the carriage where Flash Sentry was contemplating to leave, but the agitated tapping of his hooves gave away his heart's desire to speak with Twilight one last time before taking to the skies. Twilight was not sure if she should go over, but while she was busy making up her mind Pinkie hop to her rear and pushed her from behind. Her hooves making a trail in the dirt as she tried resisting Pinkie's propelling her forward, but Pinkie kept at it until finally stopping Twilight right in front of Flash Sentry. “Just pretend we're not here...” Pinkie whispered again to Twilight though she was sure Flash had heard her too. Than the pink mare bounced off to join the rest who were doing their very best pretending not to eavesdrop on Twilight and Flash. Twilight just glared at them while trying to smile at Flash Sentry at the same time. The orange colt spoke first to break the silence between them. “We should be returning to Canterlot, if you ever need us just let send us the word and we'll be here.” As he and the other pegasus spread their wings readying themselves for the flight back, he paused and looked at Twilight. “So I guess I'll be seeing you around? I mean... your highness.” “Erm... of course we will be seeing each other... I mean, you'll be seeing me! No, that's not what I meant, not that seeing you is a bad thing... I mean... what I'm trying to say is, I... yes.” As Twilight fumbled with her words she twirled her own mane awkwardly with her magic, her horn sparkling with a glow that brought out the color of her eyes. Flash Sentry smiled and said nothing, content with the princess's answer. Just as he turned away she continued on. “Oh and Flash... please call me... Twilight.” “Twilight it is, princess.” With that the royal pegasus guards lifted off into the air pulling the carriage along. As they head for the clouds leaving Ponyville shrinking as the distance grew, Flash Sentry's co-flier made his thoughts known to his blue mane partner. “Does Shining Armor knows you're hitting on his sister?” “Hey! What's that suppose to mean? I'm not a feather brain you know, the captain will have my flank if he so much as suspected me of putting the moves on his sister. Besides I was just being nice to her, she is a princess after all. And a bearer of the Elements of Harmony... and Princess Celestia's prized student...” Flash's eyes widened in realization that he might have bitten off more than he could chew. “This isn't exactly going to be easy is it...” “Understatement of the bucking century bro.” Twilight stood staring at the fading speck in the sky, not realizing her lips were upturn in a picture of blissfulness. She snapped out of it as Applejack brushed past her with an equally happy but somewhat mischievous smile on her muzzle. “Well, Ah best be getting' back ta Sweet Apple Acres. Dem apples ain't gonna buck themselves ya know? See ya'll around!” “Hey AJ wait up! Mind if I follow ya? I won't have to go back to the Wonderbolts Academy till tomorrow and my visit to Cloudsdale can hold.” “Sure thing sugarcube, Ah could use some company on mah way home.” Applejack trotted off in the direction of her farm on the outskirts of Ponyville with Rainbow Dash hovering above her leaving behind a tongue tied Twilight Sparkle. The sound of all too familiar giggling made Twilight turn towards her remaining friends, narrowing her eyes at them. “I bet you all find this whole crush thing very amusing.” “Tee-hee! Oh silly Twilly, we're so glad to see you smile again that’s all! You've been down in the dumps for quite a while now its kinda depressing!” “Pinkie.. you... you knew?” Twilight gasped. “Of course, like duh... this is the one and only Pinkie Pie you are talking to remember? I figured out that with all the princessy stuff you have to do and all those books you have to study and all of those parties you have to attend you must be really, really, really busy. Too busy to even make time for your Flash Sentry! But don't worry, you know your friends have your back and we'll do our best to make sure you two get together!” Pinkie Pie made a little squee sound as she ended with a big grin, looking at Twilight with big hopeful eyes. Twilight sighed with relief at Pinkie's naivety and opted to humor her good friend. “Uh, yeah that's exactly it Pinkie. Heheh... I guess I can never hide anything from you and your erm... detective skills!” “Thaaaaaaat's right! You should know by now not to keep things from your bestest friends ever in the whole wide world! Hmm.. now that you and Flash are officially together, we have to celebrate it somehow. What should we do...” “We're not tog...” “Oh I know! I'll throw a PARTIEEE!!!” Pinkie flung her front hooves into the air and confetti mysteriously appeared from them and flew in every direction much to Twilight's shock. “I'll bake a cake! No, two cakes! One for each of you, and, and candy canes! We'll invite everyone in Ponyville! Oh wait, Flash doesn't stay in Ponyville, well I'll have to invite him over as well right? Won't it be silly if he didn't turn up for his own welcome-to-the-herd-now-you-are-one-of-us party? How funny is that? Now I'll have to thi...” Pinkie's exuberance was cut short as Rarity used her magic to tug at her puffy pink mane and pulled her away from Twilight. “Why would look at the time, it has passed mid-day and if I remember correctly, I have a certain reservation to make at my favorite spa. We'll see you tomorrow Twilight dear, do try and consider what we've mentioned today! Come Pinkie Pie let's leave Twilight to rest after all that excitement she had.” “Bye Twilight! I'll send you your party invitation!” Pinkie waved goodbye at Twilight furiously as Rarity continued with pulling her along. Twilight was unsure on how to feel about the past few seconds that had just happened so randomly. Now the only mare left other than Twilight herself was Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus seemed to be waiting for something as she looked at Twilight shyly. “So... Fluttershy, er... Spike and I are going to retire to the library now, would you like to come inside for a drink? It'll be a good time to catch up, we haven't really been able to spend much time together over the last week and I'd like to make up for it.” “Oh no, I wouldn't want to impose. Besides, I need to get back home, Angel bunny must be missing me. I was just wondering when would be a good time for me to drop by and give Owlowiscious back to you.” “Ah yes! Owlowiscious... you can bring him whenever you are ready Fluttershy, I know how much he enjoys staying at your cottage with all your animal friends. You sure you don't want to come inside? My offer still stands.” “Um... I'm sorry Twilight, but I simply must get back to my animal friends. Minuette and Lemon Hearts have already been kind enough to helped me take care of them while I was gone. It's best I get back as soon as I can. Bu... but if you want, I can come by tonight for a short visit, if it's okay with you...” “That's alright Fluttershy.” Twilight shook her head lightly. “We can meet up tomorrow at Rarity's favorite spa. Than we'll have plenty of time to chat, just like we used to.” “yay...” Fluttershy cheered softly, looking forward to spending a day with her best friends. She was about to trot off when she stopped in her tracks remembering something she needed to do. She lifted a wing and poked about her bag with her muzzle before bringing out a neatly wrapped package. Fluttershy held the package in her mouth and offered it to a surprised but delighted Twilight. “I nearly forgot, I wanted to give this to you Twilight.” “Thanks Fluttershy, what is it?” “It's... it's nothing really. Just some pictures from last night's party, Photo Finish was very generous for helping me take them. I told her I wanted our pictures taken while we were having fun together, and she agreed! She even offered to get them developed right after the celebrations. I guess she wanted to return the favor for the time when I posed for her photo-shoots. Anyway, I hope you like them, see you tomorrow Twilight.” The princess gazed after the yellow pegasus before regarding the package in her hoof. “Hey Twilight! Are you coming in already?” Spike was at the door of the library, he had gone in ahead of Twilight and placed both their bags inside. He stood at the doorway impatiently waiting for Twilight to enter, he wasn't pleased at the wind blowing fallen leaves through the library doors. “Thanks Spike but I think I'm going to stretch my wings a bit, haven't been really using them lately.” Spike acknowledged her request and shut the door behind him, aiming for the closet to get a broom to sweep the library floor. Twilight spread her wings and stretched them a bit, remembering the theory lessons she learned from books on pegasi aviation. Though in all honesty, tips and practice lessons from Rainbow Dash did help her a lot, even if she was a bit impatient with Twilight. She crouched low and with her hind legs propelling her, leaped into the air and started to flap her wings. Twilight soared around her library for a few minutes, enjoying the breeze against her face before settling on the highest balcony. Energy glowed around her horn and the door opened by Twilight's magic and she entered her study room, placing the parcel on her desk with her mouth. She used her magic to untie the strings and unfold the wrappings. Underneath it all was a box. As Twilight removed the lid and levitated the contents out from the box, a smile slowly formed itself on her quivering lips. The pictures that Fluttershy told her about were perfect in their capture of the memories she and her friends shared just the night before. There she was in the gorgeous dress Rarity had made for her, the moon casting a light that caused it to sparkle just like namesake. The next picture was a photo of Aplejack bouncing an adorable filly on her head with what Twilight assumed were the parents by her side looking on with happy expressions on their faces. Another picture had Twilight confused as it was nothing but a flash of blinding light with bolts of lightning streaks, than it hit her. It was Rainbow performing her Buccaneer Blaze, and Photo Finish had caught it at the precise moment the pegasus pulled it off. The next photo made Twilight chuckle, it was a picture perfect shot of Pinkie Pie attempting to gobble down an entire five tier cake. She wasn't sure which was funnier, the poor audience who were staring in disbelief or the fact that Pinkie looked absolutely sure she could do it with her jaws gaping wide open. Come to think of it, she probably did. It wouldn't be the first time that Pinkie went on a sugar-rush craze. As Twilight sorted through the photos enjoying the memories captured in picture form, she came across one that caught her attention more than the rest. Twilight manipulated the other pictures to move behind it so she could get a better look at the photo. Her eyes widened when she recognized the scene and let out a small gasp, her hoof involuntarily covering her mouth. It was a picture taken of Twilight and all her friends together in the garden, after the party had ended and most of the guests had left. Things had gotten a little out of hoof during the night, and everypony was either drenched in punch, stained with dirt, had decorations in their mane or covered in confetti. Even Rarity wasn't spared from the chaos with her dress torn in several places. But it wasn't the condition of the ponies that mattered, it was the fact they were in one big group hug together despite what they may have been through. Applejack and Fluttershy were on the right next to each other, their muzzles frozen in continual laughter. Rarity had her eyes closed as she snuggled up to the group with a smile, not caring about her frizzy mane. Above her was Rainbow Dash smiling gleefully and with her wings spread vainly trying to cover the small group. At the bottom was Pinkie Pie as cheerful as ever, her blue eyes glittered with joy under light of the moon. Spike was between her and Rarity with his claws clenched and pumped into the air shouting with enthusiasm. And in the middle of it all, was Twilight Sparkle. Her face wore an expression of happiness she had not felt in a long time. Indeed, last night had made Twilight remember what it meant to have great friends to be with you through thick and thin, friends like those around her in the photo. Her eyes drifted to the words that were near the lower left of the photo, it was in Fluttershy's hoof-writing. 'Always remember Twilight, our Friendship... is Magic...' Twilight closed her eyes as tears rolled down her lavender cheeks. The glow of her horn disappeared, the photos fell to the floor as the magic holding them up vanished. She did not hold back her emotions any longer and began to cry... “Hey Twilight, what are you doing up there? I thought I heard something.” Spike walked up the flight of stairs to the room where Twilight was. “Twilight...?” Spike got a shock as she saw Twilight sitting on her haunches sobbing, her face buried between her front hooves. He quickly ran to her side concerned for his friend. “What's wrong Twilight? Why are you crying?” Twilight couldn't respond to him as she was gasping between her sniffles and tears. Spike suddenly realized the fallen photos on the floor around Twilight and picked them up. After looking at them, he turned to Twilight with a baffled look on his face. “Twilight, are you crying because of last night? “Oh no Spike... 'sniff' I...” Twilight got up, wiping the tears from her eyes as she walked slowly towards one of her many shelves of books. She stopped in front of a shelf with her head hung low. “I... I've been keeping it inside of me for so long Spike, it hurts... so much. I thought they would go away, I thought I could make them disappear by going about everyday life and pretending everything's okay. But it's not Spike... 'sniff'” “What... WHAT?” Spike was getting frantic at seeing his friend in such despair. Twilight turned to him with fresh tears forming in her eyes. “Dreams Spike... the dreams that have been haunting my nights for weeks now. It's always the same thing... I see them Spike... all of us being together, Applejack... Pinkie Pie... Rarity... Rainbow Dash... Fluttershy, dear Fluttershy... and you too... enjoying the good times, going on adventures, we were so happy it felt like we would be friends forever just like that photo...” 'sniff...' “Then nothing... nothing but endless night. I'm left all alone in the darkness... I can still see them, I can still see their names clearly. My friends still surround me except... except all that's left of them, are crudely carved stones...” Twilight's voice cracked with sorrow as she described her pain to Spike. “And I couldn't save them... all that I've learned, all the magic I had, and I still couldn't stop it...” She looked down at her own open hooves and stared accusingly at them with swollen eyes, as if they were responsible... as if SHE was responsible for the death of her friends. Twilight felt a light tap on her shoulder and looked up to see Spike's concerned face looking back. “What caused this Twilight? What made you dream of such things? Your friends are still here, you can talk to them anytime about your problem.” Twilight didn't answer him, instead she activated her magic. A book from the shelves glowed and moved through the air guided by Twilight into Spike's claws. The book wasn't particularly big nor was it heavy . Spike could gather from the pictures and some of the description in the book as he flipped through the pages that it was about Alicorns and their remarkably long lifespan. He took a look at the title displayed on the front. 'Eternity's End' “Where did you get this book Twilight? There's no mention of an author in here.” “It was among Princess Celestia's private collection Spike, I stumbled across it while looking for books on dimension crossing. I think it might have been written by her...” “You believe that Princess Celestia wrote this? But, why?” “I don't know Spike! I don't know anymore, who else could it be? The book talks about the possibility of Alicorns living for eternity, and the heavy price that comes with it... no normal earth, unicorn or pegasus pony would have been able to describe the things in that book unless they know what it's like to be an Alicorn...” “I remember Spike, it was long ago when I was still a filly when Celestia took me under her wings to be her student... sometimes during late hours of studying I would end up falling asleep by her side, and she would stay with me during the night. What she didn't know was that sometimes I would wake up while she wasn't noticing me, and I would catch her staring out into the night's sky with tears in her eyes. Those regal eyes filled with such wisdom and knowledge... and so much pain... I can't imagine the loss of love ones she had to endure throughout her thousand year reign.” “But I think I'm beginning to understand, why Celestia chose me, why she said she had never seen a pony with such raw magical powers like mine, why she made me a princess and... and I'm scared Spike... I'm so scared.” Twilight was now leaning on her bed with her hooves grasping at the covers and clutching them to herself, soaking them with her tears. “Is this my destiny? All I ever wanted was to study magic and make my parents proud, make Shining Armor proud, make Her proud...” 'sniff' “I never wanted to be a princess, I never asked for this!” Twilight choked a bit on her tears as she felt the rage of frustration build up inside of her. “I never wanted... to be all alone...” Her voice trailed off as her sorrow and fears overpowered her anger. She felt something holding her sides and as she looked down, she saw Spike was hugging her tightly with his own eyes filled with tears. “You are not alone Twilight! I'll always be here for you, no matter what I'll always be your loyal assistant!” “Aww... Spike...” Twilight wrapped her front legs around her little dragon. The both of them sharing the tender moment together in tearful silence. And even though her mind was still tortured by the images of her friends passing on... leaving her behind to face eternity by herself, she did not regret the day she met them when she was sent here to Ponyville to learn about the meaning of friendship. 'I used to wonder what friendship could be...' 'Now I know...' -------------------------- Applejack cantered along the path towards Sweet Apple Acres, her hooves making a clopping sound with each step she took on the well worn dirt road she so frequently traveled over the years. Her mind was so deep in thought that she didn't even hear Rainbow Dash overhead telling her about a joke she heard from somepony else. “...and then I said, you really need to be twenty percent cooler to pull that off! Heheh... am I right? Applejack... Applejack? Yo AJ!” “Huh wha'? Oh Rainbow, sorry bout' that, Ah was just thinkin bout' sumthin. Yoo were sayin'?” Rainbow swooped down and landed in front of Applejack. A questioning look on her face. “Forget that, it's not important. What I'd like to know is what has gotten you daydreaming in the middle of the, well... day!” Applejack prodded the ground with her hooves contemplating whether to share her thoughts with Rainbow Dash. “Ah dunno' Rainbow, Ah'm not sure if it's any of our business...” “Aw, spill it out already AJ! I can tell it's really important if it has gotten even you thinking like an egghead!” “Fer da record Ah take offense ta dat. Just because we're such good frens Ah ma let yoo slide just this once. 'sigh' Alright, Ah be honest... It's about Twilight.” “Twilight? What about her?” “Well, fer starters she's been actin' all quiet like these past few weeks. It ain't like er' ta go n' keep things to er'self without tellin' er' friends. Ah can't put mah hoof on it but sumthin's botherin' that filly. Ah tried talkin' to er but she won't tell me nuthin'. Ah'm worried fer er' Dash, ya'll may not see it but Ah sometimes catch er' lookin' at us with such a sad look on er' face it'll make a Timberwolf cry! And she'd always pretend ta look the other way if she caught me eyein' er' at all.” Rainbow Dash listened to her words and seem to be considering something in her head before coming closer to Applejack, until she was looking at the workhorse in the eyes. “Look Applejack, what I'm about to tell you is something real personal. And you can't go telling anypony else, alright? I don't really know what she's going through or why she decided not to talk to us about her problems but I do know, that mare is afraid... Something's got to her and it's scaring her pretty badly.” “And how'd ya'll know this exactly?” “I know because that’s exactly how I feel when I'm in a high pressure situation. When I have to prove to the world I'm the best and everypony is watching, just waiting for me to fall and fail. It makes me push harder, drives me to do better than everypony else, that’s why I hate losing...” “And when I see my friends in danger, I'm afraid I won't be able to save them... like that time at the Wonderbolts Academy when you guys were falling from that hot air balloon... I was afraid, I'm still afraid, I would never see my best friends ever again...” Rainbow turned away from the astonished Applejack, fighting back her urge to cry. “But Twilight? That’s a whole new ball-game. She's a princess now, can you imagine what it would be like in her horseshoes? All those ponies looking up to her, all that responsibility... what if Princess Celestia wanted her to help rule a kingdom like she did with Princess Cadence? Then she'd be away from all her friends... from us. That sounds plenty scary to me...” “...and I'm afraid I'll miss that egghead...” Rainbow hung her head as she remembered all the times they had together, and despite their personalities being polar opposites, she loved the lavender mare just as much as the rest of her friends. She suddenly felt Applejack nuzzling her mane, she hadn't notice the workhorse had come closer and pressed her body close to her own. “Ah always knew there was a softie under all that rough n' tumble exterior. It wouldn't hurt for ya ta show it more often.” Applejack smiled warmly at the cyan pegasus causing Rainbow Dash to blush. She pushed herself away from Applejack's side and shook away the tears from her eyes, sniffing loudly as she did so. “Darn it Applejack, see what you've done? You've gotten me feeling all sappy.” “Well, I'd reckon' it was for a good cause.” Applejack replied cheerfully while Rainbow continued sprucing up her mane. “I hope you're happy, its not like we can do anything about...” She suddenly stopped mid sentence in a moment of epiphany and leaped into the air with her wings beating joyously while exclaiming loudly at the top of her lungs. “YES! That's it! I'll get the Wonderbolts together and perform a grand show in honor of Twilight! We'll perform a play that will tell the journey of Twilight's life with her best friends, us!” “Ya'll really think it could work?” Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin in ponder. “Of course it will! The Wonderbolts would love to perform for the new princess! We can hold the performance in Cloudsdale and invite all the princesses and all of our friends, and guess who will be leading the play herself?” Rainbow placed a hoof on her chest in a show of pride as she hovered right above Applejack. But the orange mare was too busy coming up with an idea of her own to notice her. “Well, Ah could do up a batch of home made apple cider for such an occasion, but I'm a gonna need some help with all dat cider makin'...” “Did you say apple cider?” Rainbow Dash landed in excitement at hearing the words. “Applejack, even if it takes me day and night I'll help you get that apple cider ready if its the last thing I do!” “That's alright Rainbow, Ah can rope in some help from ma Apple family. And if dat ain't enough, Ah can always ask my extended family!” Applejack reached over with her right hoof, placed it around Rainbow's neck and pulled her closer till both mares were nuzzling cheek to cheek. After the short embrace the two ponies broke their hug and Rainbow raised an eyebrow in expectation at Applejack. “So does this mean... you're game?” “Ar ya'll kiddin'? Ah'm game as Ah'll ever be, put it there partner!” She spat on her right hoof and offered it out to Rainbow Dash, the pegasus copied her gesture and they both knocked hoofs in a hoof-bump chuckling in merriment as they did so. “Race you to your farm AJ! Tag, you're it!” Rainbow tapped Applejack on the snout catching the workhorse by surprise before galloping off in a rainbow colored blur. “Last one there is a rotten Timberwolf!” Applejack recovered from her initial shock and stared after the rainbow maned mare who had covered quite some ground ahead. 'Oh no you don't Rainbow Dash...' Applejack merely grinned at the promise of challenge and reared up on her hind legs and kicked the air wildly with her front ones. “Yeeeeeeee-haw!!!” And with that, she galloped off after her best friend... -------------------------- Late afternoon at Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Bloom was tidying up her room when she passed by the window and gazed out into the farmlands of her family. Big Mac was still out in the orchard bucking apples, he was handling the farm chores well on his own in Applejack's absence. Apple Bloom did her fair share by helping out with the house chores as well, but she was starting to miss her big sister. Just yesterday Granny Smith had gone off to visit Uncle Strudel and won't be back for a few days. But Applejack was coming back today and that cheered Apple Bloom up. Her big sister and her were like peas in a pod, they did everything together ever since they were little fillies. Apple Bloom was really proud of her big sister and looked up to her a lot. One day, she hoped to be just as popular and loved by all ponies as she was. She turned around and looked at her blank flank and sighed. 'Ah ain't even got mah cutie-mark yet...' She went back to to dusting off the sides of her bed. 'At least Ah got Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, they aint got their cutie marks neither.' She recalled the fun times she had with her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders group and all their antics at trying to get their cutie marks. 'BLAM!' Apple Bloom nearly jumped out of her coat from the loud bang caused by the door slamming shut. She faced the intruder who had entered her room and standing at the door was an orange mare with a blonde ponytail for her mane. Her cowgirl hat casting a shadow on her features making it hard to see her face, but Apple Bloom already knew who it was. “Big sister'! I'm so glad yer back!” Apple Bloom pranced forward to meet her big sister, but Applejack didn't say a word. Instead Applebloom heard a distinct clicking sound, she stopped a few hooves away from her sister as she realized Applejack had locked the door behind her. Now that she was closer she could see the mare in front of her was holding a piece of wood in her mouth that was the length of a baseball bat. The end of the bat were cruel looking nails jutting out from all sides. Slowly, the mare that Apple Bloom thought was Applejack took a slow but menacing step forward with one hoof. The bat swaying dangerously as she did so. Apple Bloom backed away confused and suddenly very, very frightened. “Ap... Applejack... what are ya'll tryin' ta do?” The little filly's voice was quaking with fear. As the orange mare walked pass the window, the light revealed her face to Apple Bloom. She definitely looked exactly like Applejack, the same muzzle features, the same freckles. But there was something about her eyes, instead of the cheery bright green eyes Apple Bloom was used to looking into, the eyes of this mare were a bright fiery orange. The light from the sun made them glow with an unnatural light, almost as if they were... evil. Her lips twisted into a smile that was as cruel as the bat in her mouth. And she spoke through gritted teeth with a voice that sent chills crawling down poor Applebloom's back. “Wat's da matter Apple Bloom... don'cha wanna play with yer big sister?” Applejack closed in on her and raised the weapon high above the young filly. Apple Bloom let out an ear-piercing scream...