//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: First Clues // Story: Marked // by Eisen //------------------------------// Spike sighed as he placed the last of the books on Twilight's desk, earning him a "Thanks Spike" from behind an open hardcover. He would say that her behavior was odd; that is if he hadn't known Twilight. The fact of the matter is, when she got interested in a topic, she usually went all in, absorbing as much information as possible within a scheduled time frame. Spike did have to admit though, she was behaving a little differently this time around. The first thing she had done the moment she got home from Canterlot was run right in and close the doors and windows. In fact, Spike had barely said hello before she had rushed over to him and told him to get every book and journal that even mentioned a cutie mark. While it wasn't abnormal for Twilight to binge-read and lock herself inside, the fact that she didn't schedule this beforehand was quite atypical. However, being the greatest number one assistant in the world that he was, he got right on it, not risking his title. When she had begun reading, she calmed down a great deal, and by the time he brought in the last book, she was in her usual study mood. Spike went to leave the room and go make himself a congratulatory snack, when she did something else a little unusual. "Spike? Before you go, I have a favor to ask," she said breaking the silence and stopping Spike in his tracks. "Yes?" he replied, his normal curious expression shifting slightly as he noticed an unusual concern on Twilight's face. "Please don't tell anypony that I'm researching Cutie Marks," she asked him very simply. "Of course, but... Can I ask why?" he questioned, curious as to why she would request that of all things. She knew he usually didn't mention what she was up to to anyone, so why make such a request now? "I got the feeling that the princess didn't really want me looking into it, but I'd like to know more before just giving up." Twilight responded with determination in her voice. "Good enough for me. My lips are sealed," he said, making a corresponding mouth-zipping motion before walking off to the kitchen. Twilight sighed as she went back to her research. It wasn't that she didn't trust Spike, it was just, if he had said something off hoof near a royal guard, or around someone living in Canterlot, or something like that, Celestia might have caught wind of it, and Twilight got the impression that it wouldn't turn out well. All that in mind, she went back to her research. Hours passed (or at least it felt like hours), she was getting tired, and the pile of unhelpful books continued to grow. The more and more she read, the less and less helpful everything became. All she had learned so far were that Equestrians were the only known species to have Cutie marks to date (the only potential exception being Zebras, who for all intents and purposes are still similar enough to the three primary tribes to be classified as Equestrians), that Cutie Marks manifest when talents show themselves, and that the only known Cutie Mark-related ailment, Cutie Pox, has multiple unknown factors, not the least of which is what exactly causes the manifestation of multiple marks. Nothing came up that either she didn't already know, or wasn't common knowledge. Then it occurred to her that she had personally witnessed odd happenings with Cutie marks herself. After all, the incomplete Starswirl inscription switched my friend's marks! and what about the recent discovery of the town with only equal sign Marks? Yes! I can write a report about all I've seen! She grabbed fresh parchment and levitated a new quill to begin writing. Firstly, her notes on the Starswirl incident might uncover some useful information. She wrote about how her friend's marks had been swapped around, and how they instantly began doing each others jobs, or at least attempting to. They each had been unable to successfully perform the duties of their new mark, yet seemed to continue trying despite realizing it was fruitless. They appeared determined to try, driven to perform the task specified by their mark. After their marks had been restored, they each easily went back to normal with no difficulty. What of the initial contact with Starlight Glimmer? That proved that Marks could in fact be removed and contained, yet the moment their containment was broken, so long as they were unimpeded by something like a unicorn holding them back, they instantly returned to their owners, as if drawn directly there. She also wrote down that, once their marks were removed, their natural abilities were impeded. Rainbow had less speed, Twilight's own powers were severely suppressed, and everyone seemed to have a general dullness about them not usually present, as if a significant part of their being were removed. She had also witnessed and heard accounts from Applejack, Zecora, and many other ponies, from the Cutie Pox incident with Apple Bloom. With the appearance of each new mark, Apple Bloom uncontrollably and masterfully executed the tasks depicted in each mark, to the point of losing control. The more Marks were present, the less control over herself she had. With these notes put to paper, she began to notice important trends. She wrote down each: #1: Cutie Marks act as a driving force upon the subject. Regardless of if the person is capable of the talent, they will be driven to attempt whatever it depicts. #2: Cutie Marks are separable from their subject, but will return as long as unimpeded. #3: Losing a Cutie Mark significantly weakens the subject, thus resulting in both suppressed abilities and a much duller personality. It was a good start, and Twilight happily looked over her work, but as she did so, she couldn't help but notice some other clutter around her desk. "When did all that get there?" She asked herself aloud. Glancing about for some indication of time, she wondered how long she had been reading, writing and pondering. Twilight got up, stretched a bit, and trotted out into the hallway, intending to head to the throne room, but freezing in place as she heard a knock at the main castle entrance. She cautiously made her way to the front door, opening it slowly to be greeted by a cannon barrel. Pinkie Pie fired off the party cannon with a resounding noise. "GHA!" Was all Twilight could manage as she backed away from the door. "Pinkie, what was that for?" she asked rubbing her eyes as the daylight flooded in, and rubbing her ears after the loud cannon noise she had just heard left a dull ringing in them. Pinkie sharply inhaled. "WELL, see, we hadn't heard from you for the past three days, so we were starting to get worried. Then Applejack thought you must be off somewhere because she saw you getting on a train two days ago, but Rainbow Dash said she saw you come back home later that evening and run in here. So I got to thinking, maybe you went off to take some kind of class and you have a reeeeeeeeeeeeally big test coming up soon, and so you've been studying for it or something, so I came here to throw you a studying party! Or a Cooped-up-inside-for-almost-two-days-and-really-need-a-break Party!" Pinkie said in her fast 'Exposition voice' (that's what she called it anyway, and it was generally accepted that nobody question Pinkie Pie). Twilight chuckled lightly and smiled at her friend. 'Well, I haven't quite been studying for a test, but I have been looking into something really interesting!" Twilight responded, a little surprised at Pinkie's appearance, but also a bit relieved that she hadn't been studying for any ridiculous amount of time, like a week. "In fact, I'll show you if you promise not to tell anypony," Twilight stated. She knew she could trust her closest friends. Pinkie gave her 'Pinkie Promise' oath, using a real cupcake (produced from seemingly nowhere), and followed Twilight into the library. Twilight herself felt this was good. She just needed to tell someone she trusted about all this, and her friends had always helped her before, so maybe they could help her unravel this mystery together. That is, Twilight thought this until Pinkie spoke again. "You know, I was almost worried when the princess wrote us and asked us if you had been acting differently, and that we should tell her if you were..." Pinkie stated nonchalantly, scratching her chin. Twilight locked up. "She said what?" the princess asked, a chill setting in. Pinkie blushed. "Oops, I think that was supposed to be a secret," Pinkie noted with an embarrassed smile. She leaned in close and playfully whispered "Don't tell anypony!" "When did Celestia write that?" Twilight questioned, shaking at having broken out into a cold sweat. "Just yesterday actually! But I'm sure she's just worried about you silly!" Pinkie said with a dismissive hoof wave. "Anyway, what did you wanna show me?" the pink pony asked happily. Twilight had to think of something, she couldn't tell Pinkie now! "Uhh... I found a... Super secret zap apple jam recipe!" Twilight said, running and grabbing a book on rare delicacies. Pinkie gasped. "But I thought Granny Smith was the only one who figured out how to make zap apple jam!" the pink pony said, looking over the book. "Well, that's why it's a secret, heh heh!" Twilight explained with nervous laughter. "Anyway, how about you take that book to Sugarcube corner?" Pinkie ecstatically nodded, threw the book into her hair and hopped to the exit. Twilight sighed. It was a good thing Pinkie hadn't noticed her notes, carelessly left on a desk. I should really get to organizing-- "Waaaaaait a minute!" came Pinkie's voice. Twilight turned around just in time for the pink p ony to be nose-to-nose with her, a very serious expression on her face. "Y-yes?" Twilight gulped nervously. There was a tense moment for a few seconds as Pinkie seemed to stare into her very soul... "This IS Granny Smith's recipe!" the pink pony exclaimed backing up and flipping the book out of her hair and into her hoof, using the other to point to the page. Twilight nearly collapsed right there, but composed herself with the breathing technique Cadence taught her. It really did work. "Yep, nothing escapes you Pinkie Pie." Pinkie Smiled. "I'll be sure to keep this a secret!" she said with a wink, hopping out the door with a few stray "la la la"'s here and there. After she had left, Twilight locked the door and ran to the library, packaging up all her notes and throwing it in a saddlebag, fastening it to herself, tightening it and locking it with her horn so that only she could open it. She frantically began re-shelving all of the books to dispose of any indication of her research, but as she did, the cold realization cut into her like a knife. Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship, could no longer trust her own friends.