//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: Turmoil and Truth // Story: There's Something About Twilight Sparkle // by Forum Explorer //------------------------------// Twilight walked into her kitchen and sat at her table. Her head sank into her hooves with a sigh. Now what do I do? I was kinda hoping that the date would just go horribly and I would have a clear reason to reject Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. But...well that was actually quite a nice date. That view, and how nice Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were, but it felt completely different then my dates with Trixie. But then again, shouldn't it feel differently? Trixie used to be, well, hostile and pretty much a stranger. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, I've known for a long time and they're already my friends as well. So perhaps it's only logical that I feel different about them. The dating books I've read didn't mention anything about this, books why have you failed me? Twilight thought, glaring at her copy of Midnight's Guide to Dating. “What ails you, Twilight Sparkle?” Luna said, entering the kitchen. “I have no idea what love is,” Twilight mumbled. “Ah, problems of the heart,” Luna said, coming over to Twilight and laying a hoof gently on her shoulder. “I may not have my niece's affinity with all things romantic but I have known the turmoils and tribulations that come with loving another pony.” “I-I'm not sure if I want to talk about it,” Twilight hesitantly said. “That's fine Twilight, I understand that not all problems are meant to be shared,” Luna said, softly stroking Twilight's mane. “Thank you. Perhaps we can talk about it later after I've had some time to think about it,” Twilight said, smiling up at Luna. “That would be nice. Now do you have any plans for this evening? There is something I wish to show you,” Luna said, lowering her hoof to the ground. “Not really, Princess. I was just going to have some tea and read,” Twilight said. “In that case, I would like you to accompany me on my journeys tonight,” Luna said. “Where will we be going?” Twilight asked. “That will be a surprise. Now rest Twilight, it's going to be a busy night,” Luna said, grabbing a quick snack and leaving. Deciding to follow her advice, Twilight headed upstairs to take a nap. She fell asleep almost the instant her head hit the pillow. Instead of her usual dreams however she fell into a void of pure white. Luna quickly appeared beside her. “What's going on? Where are we?” Twilight asked, looking calmly over to the Princess. “Welcome, Twilight to the land of dreams,” Luna said. “It's...honestly a lot more bland then I imagined,” Twilight said, looking around. “Yes it is, I have changed it thus to make it easier to detect dreams. Ah, look there goes one now,” Luna said, pointing to a glowing marble rolling across the white expanse. “Look closely now, you can determine what sort of dream it is by the colour you see.” “It's a nice green colour. Like the green of spring leaves,” Twilight said, peering down at the dream. “Then it is a peaceful dream about what happened today. Leave it be and we shall continue to look for other dreams,” Luna said, walking away. “What would happen if I touched it?” Twilight asked, as she chased after Luna. “Most of the time nothing, but occasionally you'd 'pop' the dream and wake the occupant,” Luna explain, scanning the empty white void for colour. As they walked Twilight kept asking various questions about dreamwalking and the dreamscape they were surrounded in. Several more times they spotted differently coloured dreams but each time Luna told Twilight to leave them alone. “So what are we doing here exactly?” Twilight asked. “We are shepherding the dreams of all ponykind, Twilight,” Luna explained. “However only a rare few actually need our guidance. Most are dreaming peacefully, and will wake well rested. We do not enter dreams out of curiosity or boredom for doing so would be a grave breach of trust between us and our subjects. What we are looking for right now are those who are suffering from nightmares.” “So looking for ponies who are having nightmares. What would a nightmare look like?” Twilight asked. “They are black, jagged objects,” Luna replied. “There's one now.” She added, pointing to black orb that was slowly expanding. “Twilight the first thing I want you to do when we enter that dream is to remain calm. Dreams can be perfectly normal, or horrifically strange. However since we will be entering a nightmare, you'd best be prepared for a disturbing sight.” “I understand,” Twilight said gravely. “Good. Now brace yourself,” Luna said, lowering her horn to the nightmare. Immediately the landscape swirled forming into a cloudy sky above, and apple trees all around. “This is Sweet Apple Acres,” Twilight said, softly. “But where is everypony?” “Be careful Twilight. It seems likely that we are in the dream of one of your friends, or somepony you know. In fact, I think it would be best if you were to remain here and allow me to handle this nightmare on my own,” Luna said. “No. If one of my friends is having a nightmare then I want to help,” Twilight said, running past Luna. Luna quickly grabbed Twilight with her magic and brought her back. “If you insist on helping, then I shall not deny you. However I must insist that follow my instructions,” Luna said sternly. Luna held Twilight still, until she nodded assent. “Good. Now I want you to stay by my side for the time being.” Luna and Twilight headed off, wandering throughout the dream. As they walked Luna explained that since they were intruders into the dream they would placed away from the dreamer's conscious mind instead of right in the middle of things. Otherwise the dreamer likely wake up at the sudden arrival of the Princess. “Wait, why don't we want to wake up a pony having a nightmare?” Twilight asked. “Sometimes we do. However sometimes a nightmare is a reflection of a fear the dreamer has in their day to day life. We can help them come to terms with that fear while they sleep, hopefully preventing other nightmares from occurring,” Luna said. “We might even get them to resolve whatever issue they have in their waking life.” “I see. It's like having a psychiatrist in your dreams,” Twilight said. “Don't worry, Applejack, you can still write me letters. I mean I might not have time to read them myself, but you can still write them,” Twilight's voice said from a distance away. Twilight and Luna glanced at each other and dashed towards the voice. In front of them stood Twilight and Luna facing an Applejack, sitting on the ground with tears running down her face. “YES, APPLEJACK, TWILIGHT WILL BE COMING HOME WITH ME AND SHE WILL BE MUCH TOO BUSY AS MY CONSORT TO BE INTERACTING WITH LOWLY APPLE FARMERS FROM PONYVILLE,” the dream Luna said, using the Royal Canterlot Voice. “N-no Twilight, please don't leave. Ah'll miss you, we'll all miss you so much,” Applejack sobbed. “I'm sorry Applejack, but I've got to go someplace where I'm loved,” the dream Twilight said. “But Ah-” “I have seen enough and I shall end this farce now,” Luna said, blasting the dream copies away with a beam of magic. “Wha? Princess...Luna? And Twilight? But you were just talkin to me over there. Why'd you move over here?” Applejack asked, looking between where the dream ponies were and Twilight and Luna. “Applejack you are dreaming,” Princess Luna said bluntly. “And a very odd dream at that. Why do you think that Twilight would be accompanying me back to Canterlot at all, let alone permanently?” “Cause you and she are courtin,” Applejack said, sniffing. “That's why you came to Ponyville.” “We aren't dating,” Twilight said. “Indeed. I came to Ponyville in order to repay the injury that my carelessness caused Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said. “Liar, it's obvious that you love Twilight. And how can she resist the attentions of a Princess?” Applejack said, suddenly glaring at Luna. “Of course I love Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said. Twilight blushed, staring wide-eyed at the Princess. “How could I not after she rescued me, not once but twice? Do you not love her as well?” Luna asked, her attention focused onto Applejack. “Ah do not love Twilight,” Applejack protested. “If that is true, then why are you so upset over the possibility of losing her?” Luna asked. “S-she's mah best friend who has stuck by me through good times and bad. How could I not miss her if she were to leave?” Applejack asked. “So you do love her then,” Luna said. “Ah-” “She doesn't mean romantic love Applejack,” Twilight interrupted, “she means love in the platonic sense between friends or family members,” she said. “Oh,” Applejack said, rubbing the back of her head and blushing as Luna stared expectantly at her. “I suppose Ah do love Twilight then. As a friend,” she said. Luna nodded in satisfaction. “Applejack, you should know that I would never abandon you all. Even if I did end up leaving Ponyville, I'd write often and I'd visit whenever I could. Our friendship is something that can never be broken, not by time, distance, or new relationships,” Twilight said, giving Applejack a hug. “Thanks Twilight, Ah needed that,” Applejack said, smiling. “Anytime you silly pony,” Twilight said. “Sweet dreams dear Applejack,” Luna said. “Thank you Princess,” Applejack said, bowing. Luna's horn glowed and Applejack's dream melted away as they returned to the land of dreams. Before them Applejack's dream had transformed from black crystal to a ball of brilliant orange light. Once again they walked, searching for other nightmares and through the night they found a few more, ending their dreamer's torment and returning them to peaceful slumber. “It's been nice having your assistance Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said as they stood in the white space between dreams. “Thank you Princess,” Twilight said. “We have covered the dreams of tonight. So awaken and we shall interact some more in the real world,” Luna said, her horn glowing. Twilight immediately woke up, feeling tired. Rolling over to check her clock, she noticed that only four hours had passed. “Huh, that's weird. It felt like so much longer,” Twilight said, getting out of bed and giving her hair a quick brush. She trotted downstairs to find Luna wrapping up some paperwork. Smiling, Twilight grabbed a book and read as she waited. “Finished,” Luna said, standing up. “Now is there anything that you wish to do this evening, Twilight Sparkle?” “Not really. Actually I did want to talk about something,” Twilight said. “Speak your mind then,” Luna said. “Well...recently I've been dating some ponies. And well, things have gotten complicated,” Twilight said. “Ponies? As in multiple paramours at one time? Oh, Twilight romance is a complicated thing when there is only one pony involved, let alone when you are trying to form a herd of your own,” Luna said, giving Twilight a pat on the head. “That's not what I meant! I mean several ponies expressed interest in me around the same time and I've been dating them to see who I'm compatible with,” Twilight said, blushing furiously. “I see. I imagine that you are conflicted in how to tell the other ponies that you are dating another?” Luna asked. “Not really. My problem is that I feel differently for the different couples and I'm not sure which feeling is actually love,” Twilight said. “I'm afraid that is a difficult question to answer Twilight, and the answer may be that you love all of your suitors. In the past I have loved many ponies, and I have felt differently for each of my mates. Love is not so easily quantifiable to stick a label on it so that any pony could point to it and say for certain that it is love,” Luna said. “Oh,” Twilight said, frowning and looking down. “Is there any advice you can give me then?” “If you are in love with all of your suitors, then why not start a herd? They were quite common back in the day,” Luna said. “I don't think the ponies I'm dating would like that idea,” Twilight said. “If that is the case then I would recommend analyzing your feelings. Meditate upon them and come to the conclusion of who you should be with. If you are having difficulty with that mediating then I suggest simply writing your thoughts down. Sometimes what you write may surprise you,” Luna said. “Thanks Princess,” Twilight said, smiling. “You're welcome, Twilight, and please call me Luna,” Luna said, smiling back. Trixie smiled as she walked through the market, picking up ingredients for a delicious dinner. I can't wait to surprise Twilight with dinner tonight at my home. I've got to make sure this is absolutely perfect and then tonight, oh tonight I'll finally feel her sweet lips on mine. Trixie thought, her smile turning to a wicked grin at the thought. “Wow, I can't believe that Twilight is dating a princess,” Lyra said to Bonbon, as they walked down the street. Trixie stopped, missing Bonbon's reply as her head reeled. “Wait! What did you just say?” Trixie shouted, running after the pony pair. “Haven't you heard? Princess Luna is in town and is dating Twilight Sparkle,” Bonbon said, eagerly. “What? No, no, no, that can't be,” Trixie said, tears springing to her eyes. “What's the matter?” Lyra asked, moving closer to Trixie only to be shoved away. “Nothing. I've got to go,” Trixie said, running away as fast as she could. There must be some sort of misunderstanding. Twilight wouldn't just ditch me, would she? No, of course not! No pony would be mad enough to give up on a pony of my calibre! But maybe the Princess seduced her, perhaps even against Twilight's will. Well, not if I have anything to say about it, Trixie thought, tears drying up as her gaze became a glare. She quickly made it to the library and burst in the front door. “Trixie, thank goodness you're here. Spike gave me this huge list of chores and items to buy, but I can't leave Princess Luna or Twilight alone. Just make sure a white unicorn with a purple mane doesn't get in, thanks bye,” Starshine said quickly, brandishing a large list before running out the door. Trixie ignored her and proceeded to track down Twilight, who was currently asleep, cuddled up to a book the size of Spike. “That's pretty adorable,” Trixie said, calming down as she watched Twilight speak. Unfortunately her voice was enough to get stir Twilight from her dreams and she began to wake up. “Mmmm, Trixe? Our date isn't until this evening. What are you doing here?” Twilight asked, rubbing her eyes. “Trixie has something she needs to discuss with you,” Trixie said, her gut churning. “Alright, just give me a moment to come downstairs,” Twilight said, yawning and stretching. Trixie went downstairs and paced. Trixie's emotions fluxed, going from worried to outraged, to sad, to betrayed, and back again. Finally after what felt like an hour of waiting to Trixie, Twilight came downstairs, mane neatly brushed and teeth shining. “What took you so long?” Trixie snapped. “It's only been twenty minutes Trixie, and I was sleeping twenty minutes ago. Why are you here?” Twilight said, as she started to make some tea. “Trixie has heard rumours that you are dating the Princess behind Trixie's back,” Trixie accused, tears springing to her eyes. “How could you?” “I'm not dating Princess Luna. Those rumours are just silly ponies jumping on every little thing the Princess does,” Twilight said. “That's such a relief. Trixie was worried you were going to get stolen away,” Trixie said, relaxing. “Trixie should have known better then to think that you'd be dating multiple ponies at once.” “Well actually...I kinda am,” Twilight said, squirming in her chair when Trixie glared at her. “What?” “You see, after we arranged our first date my friend Rainbow Dash confessed her feelings for me as well. So I've been dating her and her marefriend Fluttershy at the same time I've been dating you,” Twilight said. “That's outrageous! Why would you do that to me?” Trixie demanded, tears falling from her eyes. “It seemed like the only fair thing to me,” Twilight protested. “Besides my books said that when you start dating it's advised to date one to three ponies casually before you started looking for a serious partner.” “Casually? So this has just been a practise run to you!” Trixie shrieked. “That's not what I meant! Trixie, our dates have been fantastic and you are a beautiful and fascinating mare. You very well could be the pony I'd want as my special somepony. But according to my books a lack of experience in dating can cause long term problems in a relationship. Plus my friends pointed out that they deserved a chance if I was giving you one,” Twilight said. “So you do love Trixie?” Trixie said, sniffing. “I think so,” Twilight said. “You think so. Trixie hopes that's enough,” Trixie said. “For what?” Twilight asked. Trixie took a deep breath and stared directly into Twilight's eyes. “I'm not happy with you dating other ponies Twilight and I'm simply not willing to share you. So,” Trixie cleared her throat as tears began to spill out of her eyes. “So if you want to keep dating me you need to promise me that you'll break up with those other ponies and only date me,” Trixie said, sobbing a little bit. “Trixie...,” Twilight said, crying her own self. “I understand why you were dating them, but I'm still not happy about it. So you have to make a choice,” Trixie said. “I'll be waiting in my trailer for your answer.” She added before leaving. Twilight just sat there, crying. Rarity watched with satisfaction as Starshine rushed out of Twilight's library. Part A of the plan is complete. Now for part B. she thought as she headed to the preplanned location. The various errands Spike had made up were keeping Starshine distracted, but it wasn't enough. They needed to make sure she wouldn't be interfering with their plans for the rest of the day if not longer. Thus part B, a bucket of sticky tree sap, paint, and feathers. Rarity got on top of the building and waited, looking over the alley. As predicted Starshine started heading down the ally on the way to her next errand. Rarity tipped the bucket over, and watched as it fell directly on top of Starshine's head. She screamed, and futility tried to pull the sticky bucket off her head before running frantically out of the ally. “Alright, that should buy me enough time to get Twilight on a date,” Rarity said, heading to the library. As she approached she noticed Trixie leaving the building with her head bowed. I wonder what happened? Rarity thought as she entered Twilight's home. “Twilight darling, are you around?” Rarity called. “R-rarity?” Twilight's sobbing voice replied. “Twilight, what's wrong?” Rarity said, as she rushed over to Twilight who was crying at the kitchen table as she stared down at her books. “Trixie and I got in a fight,” Twilight cried. “About what?” Rarity asked, stroking Twilight's mane. “She heard about me dating Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, and she was upset with me. She's said that either I have to break up with them or she'll break up with me,” Twilight said. Rarity gasped, and gave Twilight a hug. Rarity you lucky mare, this is a perfect opportunity to break up Trixie and Twilight. All you have to do is say how unreasonable, selfish, and mean Trixie is being so Twilight thinks it's a good idea to choose Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy instead, Rarity shook her head slightly. No Rarity, you're a better pony then to take advantage of Twilight's emotions like that. She needs your help right now, so stop being so selfish and help her. “Twilight it'll be alright. Come on, let's go down to Sugarcube Corner and get some ice cream,” Rarity said. “O-okay,” Twilight said, sniffing. The pair of ponies made their way to Sugarcube Corner where Rarity got Twilight the biggest dish of chocolate ice cream they offered. “Nothing like comfort food for a broken heart,” Rarity said, as Twilight ate her treat. “Thanks Rarity, I do feel better,” Twilight said, trying to smile. “But what am I going to do about Trixie? I'd hate to end our relationship so soon, particularly when it's been so great so far.” “Well dear, I think you have a couple of options. First off you can stick with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Secondly you can choose Trixie. However there is a third option. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are already okay with you dating other ponies right? So you could start dating a new pony, while still dating Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Just this time make sure that you tell them you are dating other ponies beforehand,” Rarity said. “But then I'd still have to lose my relationship with Trixie,” Twilight said. “True, but perhaps not forever. There is nothing saying that you couldn't one day reunite with her, and if she's your true love then I'm sure destiny would arrange for you to meet once again,” Rarity said. “I don't know. I don't like the idea that I might never see her again, or that we'd never go on another date, or she'd never tell me another story,” Twilight said, sighing. “Well then just choose Trixie. If you find you aren't happy then you can just break up with her later,” Rarity suggested. “But then I'd have to break up with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. They've were so sweet on our date, and I'd hate to break their hearts,” Twilight said, shaking her head in frustration. “I just can't decide between them!” “You have to find some way to decide my dear. I know it's hard, but you can't just ignore this problem and hope it'll go away. Remember, even if Trixie had never found out about Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, you would have had to make this decision eventually anyways,” Rarity said. “I know, but that's not making it any easier to choose now,” Twilight whined. “What do you usually do when you have to make a difficult choice?” Rarity asked, hiding a sigh of her own. “I usually make a list of the pros and cons of each choice,” Twilight said, finishing up the last of her ice cream. Mrs. Cake walked over, and took the empty dish. “Excuse me Twilight, may I have a moment?” Mrs. Cake asked. “What is it?” Twilight replied. “I wanted to talk to you about Pinkie Pie,” Mrs. Cake said. “What about Pinkie?” Twilight asked, puzzled. “Is it true that she kissed you?” Mrs. Cake asked, leaning in and whispering. “Yeah, but I figured it was simply Pinkie being Pinkie,” Twilight replied, leaning her head away from Mrs. Cake. “I don't think it was. I think Pinkie has a crush on you, and just doesn't know how to express it,” Mrs. Cake said. Twilight just stared blankly at her for a minute, an awkward silence falling between them. Mrs. Cake grinned nervously, as Twilight's eye began to twitch. “No, no no no no no. Pinkie is not in love with me, and I'm even going to consider the idea. Do you know why Mrs. Cake? Because I don't love her. Romantically I mean. She's one of by best friends and I love her as a friend, but I don't love her. And I'm already faced with having to break either my marefriend's heart, or my best friends' heart and that's hard enough! I don't want to have to explain to Pinkie Pie that while she'll always be close to me as a friend, that I'm not interested in exploring a romantic relationship with her,” Twilight ranted. “I know Twilight. And it's okay, I'm perfectly fine,” Pinkie said, appearing beside Twilight and giving her a hug. “Pinkie!” Twilight and Rarity yelled. Pinkie merely smiled at Twilight, then frowned when she noticed how upset Twilight was. “Please smile Twilight, I'm here to help you with whatever is bothering you so much,” Pinkie said, giving Twilight another hug. “But what about you Pinkie? Aren't you upset that I've rejected you?” Twilight asked, starting to cry again. “No. I'm upset because you're crying. As long as you're happy Twilight, I'll be happy. So don't worry and be happy,” Pinkie Pie said. “Thanks Pinkie,” Twilight said, giving her a smile. “But what do I do about Trixie?” “Well, why don't sit down and make a list about the pros and cons about being in a relationship with her, versus Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, and if you wanted to entertain the possibility of dating a new mare,” Rarity said. “Great idea Rarity, in fact, Luna told me to do something similar. I'll get right on it. Pinkie, thanks for being so understanding, and Rarity thanks for the advice.” Twilight said, heading home. Rarity watched her go thinking. Pinkie had a crush on Twilight and just gave it up the instant she felt it was hurting Twilight's feelings. How romantic of her, Rarity thought with a smile. Still Twilight didn't react well to learning about Pinkie's crush. I doubt she'd react any better if I tried to ask her out on a date. Rarity sighed. I'll stay silent about it for now. But I'll keep my eyes open in case she does decide she'd like to date other mares.