Twilight took a deep breath, shaken to her core. She stood at the door of her office, her surgical mask draped over her neck.
Keep your cool, Twi'. You just need to get to the infirmary and back. Act like they would and nopony'll notice. A cloud of her magic pulled the mask back over her snout and mouth. She brought her hoof up to the doorknob, twisting and pushing it open. Twilight stepped out, taking a step towards-
"Oh, hello ma'am."
Her head shot to her left, seeing Dr. Lost Legacy standing to the side of her open door. He had a few yellow file folders tucked in the pocket of his lab coat.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He quickly apologized. "I have this week's experiment reports. There's also a copy of the introductory booklet inside. I-I made a few revisions, I just wanted to make sure you approved of everything." his voice quivered slightly as he spoke.
I am twice his size... no wonder he's so intimidated. Not to mention what she could've done to him while I was under her control.
"Put them on our desk."
"Yes, ma'am." He hastily hurried inside her office, a moment or two of rushed rustling before he returned. "Okay, they're at the center of your desk. But... I have a question, if that's okay, ma'am."
"Of course."
"Why is your office so wrecked?"
"One of the subjects were a bit rougher than expected." Twilight blurted out quickly, saying the first thing that came to her.
"Er... okay, ma'am. I'll make sure our engineers repair the vent." Legacy took a step back, beginning to slowly walk towards the hall to the left. "My office is down the hall if you need me." he turned, trotting away from her.
Stupid! I should've expected that! She scolded herself as she rushed down the hall to the right, following the green line painted on the concrete floor. He's out of my mane now, I just need to get to Rarity. Twilight kept herself at a brisk pace as she went down the hall. It seemed like this hall was empty(thankfully), only holding a few doors to the side and one at the end. The fluorescent light fixtures overhead buzzed quietly, only adding to the growing list of things for her to worry about.
How long has she let the Nightmares regain their authority over her? When would they try and persuade her to return? Would she return to them? If she did, would they try and finish Rarity off?
Horseapples, Rarity! Her heart skipped a beat when the image of her friend being bashed head-first into the vent made Twilight move faster. That won't happen again! She turned to the left, reaching the end of the green line.
At the end of the hall stood a single door. The frame had been painted a dark green, and a small sign above it had a green cross in the middle of the frame. Twilight hurried to the door, stopping suddenly before she reached it. Use plural pronouns, Twi. Act like they usually would. she straightening her mask before her magic twisted the doorknob and pushed it open.
"AJ, I-I really can't treat another patient at the moment-"
Twilight's eye widened as Fluttershy turned back to her. She almost blended in with the bright yellow walls of the infirmary, and her white uniform matched the tiled floor. She had a single red cross on her shoulder. Her mane was tied in a ponytail behind her head, keeping the majority of it in the front, at her left cheek. "Oh, I'm s-sorry Administrator. I didn't mean think you'd come to the infirmary this time."
Did I really get them all? She hoped she hadn't. If what she could remember doing to Rarity is what she did to all of them, she didn't know if she could handle those repercussions.
Twilight nodded. "What is Subject #003's condition?" she asked, just barely keeping herself from saying Rarity's name. She glanced back to the curtain behind Flutters', seeing Rarity's hind hooves sticking out from behind them.
"Her head's swollen on the top, she has cuts on the back of her neck, her hooves, her sides, and severe lacerations on her chest and the tip of her right forehoof ma'am. To my knowledge, the patient more likely than not has a concussion, maybe more. I'll run more tests to see if we need to do anything else."
"That's... impressive." Twilight was surprised that Fluttershy could deduce all that information from a simple physical.
Fluttershy smiled, blushing deeply. "I-I mean, you helped learn all this medical stuff." her right-wing brushed her already straight mane down.
"Um, ma'am, is there anything else you wanted? I-I don't mean to rush you, but Subject #003 could use my attention."
"Ah, right-" Twilight straightened herself. "Let us know if her condition changes. We'll notify AJ to bring you anything you need if it arises."
"Thank you, ma'am." Fluttershy turned back to the curtain and stepped behind it. "Don't worry, you're gonna feel a lot better in a few moments." Twilight heard her whisper as she closed the door behind her. I hope she's being sincere.
"As do we. It would be a shame to lose control over all of the Elements of Harmony."
Twilight continued walking, though she slowed slightly. She tried her best to ignore the dark figure looming to her left side.
"A shame, but not a tragedy, of course. It'd mean that Celestia could never fight our subjugation."
She turned to her right, only to meet with the Nightmares. They had manifested into a copy of their previous host. It was as if Twilight was staring into a mirror.
"It'd be useful to us regardless. Just one less piece we have to worry about in the puzzle."
"She's not just another puzzle piece." Twilight hissed lowly through her teeth. She turned her attention towards the end of the hall.
"Right, we're sorry. We shouldn't be so cold towards your supposed 'friends.' For as much good as they ever did you..."
"I never wanted them dead, even if what they did to me was heinous." Twilight slowed down as she turned the corner.
"You're too soft-hearted, dear Twilight. They left us to die up there, don't you think they deserve some sort of punishment?"
"..." Twilight pursed her lips. "It-It doesn't mean that I don't want to forgive them... or for them to forgive me."
"Forgive you?! The justice we dealt them was just a fraction of what you went through, what we went through!"
"I-I guess so..." She entered her office, shutting the door behind her. "But I don't think I can do this anymore."
Midnight Sparkle materialized in front of her, a dark form around her. "Why not? We're so close to finally having the tools to end those tyrant's rule." she took a step closer. "You're going to throw away seven years of our hard work for some worthless friendships with ponies who only used you?"
Twilight remained silent, only taking a breath as she passed her. "You're actually considering it?!" she stepped behind her desk. Twilight grunted as she sat down in her chair, a cloud of magic going down to her right hind hoof and massaging the sore muscle. "I need to think."
"This is ridiculous Twilight." Midnight Sparkle appeared at the opposite end of the table. "We have worked too hard for this!"
"Don't yell at me." Twilight stared down at the desk, seeing the folder Dr. Legacy had left her earlier. "Haven't I earned the right to not be yelled at?"
"Not when you're considering throwing away everything we've worked for- everything you've worked to achieve for ponies who would abandon you again if they were given the opportunity." Midnight Sparkle sighed, her rage dulling for the moment. "We're only trying to protect you Twilight, but we cannot if you're not willing to protect yourself." she breathed. "We'll give you some time to think. Do as you wish, but don't make the same mistake twice, friend." in a few seconds, she had sunk back into the shadows, her form disappearing.
A bit of uncertainty and regret had grown in Twilight's stomach. Had she been too stubborn? They were the only true friends she had known. If she were to lose them...
I need to clear my head. I can't think about this logically if I'm busy worrying. Her magic surrounded the folder, flipping it open.
Crash Landing Project
Experimentation Cycle #9. Experimentation Week: #3
Experiments & Details on pages 2 and 5 respectively. For further history of experiments, contact Dr. Lost Legacy, Nurse Cura, and/or the Administrator.
Twilight turned the page.
Subjects
Current Cycle
Subject name: Alto Volare
Subject number: #001
Coat color: Grey
Mane color: Silver
Cutie-mark: A spear resting on a shield
Occupation: Junior Officer in the Royal Guard. Division: Nightguard
Residence: Canterlot(city)
Subject note(s): Rather stubborn and hot-headed, though he organizes himself fairly quickly. Humor his good side if you want to gain his trust. Caution is advised when interacting with him.
I think I remember him... he was the one Dr. Legacy was complaining about having so much trouble with.
Subject name: Eclipse
Subject number: #002
Coat color: White
Mane color: Mousy blonde
Cutie-mark: A small, circular shield with a red heart in the center
Occupation: None
Residence: Ponyville(formerly Manehattan)
Subject note(s): She seems to hold a strong sense of guilt about the death of her parents(see details for more information). Try to comfort her to gain her trust, or perhaps give her an update on her younger sibling.
I remember her... poor mare.
Subject name: Rarity
Twilight's face contorted into a small frown, glancing away from the page. I can still make this right. Just- focus on this for now. She reluctantly turned back to the folder, continuing to read.
Subject number: #003
Coat color: Light gray
Mane color: Indigo
Cutie-mark: Three blue diamonds
Occupation(s): Seamstress, H.O.O.F member, Singer for the Pony Tones(currently defunct)
Residence: Ponyville
Subject note(s): Lovely mare. Seems to give her trust easily enough if you're kind to her. Perhaps even offering her a few incents and an update on her younger sibling.
Twilight quickly went down to the next entry, ready to push the thought of her out of her mind.
Subject name: Nova
Subject number: #004
Coat color: Dark blue
Mane color: Black
Cutie-mark: A circle of five small stars, with a large, imploding star in the center.
Occupation: Scholar/Student
Residence: Canterlot
Subject note(s): Shows deep sympathy and care for his fellow subjects(Subject #001 excluded), perhaps to our advantage. Offer an update on his elder sister or simply get to know him to gain his trust(poor stallion's a bit naive). Caution is advised, though if he isn't afraid, you do not have anything to fear from him.
That's the one they're so interested in. She noted. I guess someone like him would be useful here, perhaps in assisting the doctor... but it's not important right now. Twilight turned to the next page.
Previous Cycles
Note: These are test subjects who are currently staff. Because of this, details about their appearances have been moved to the staff files. Please go to the next two pages if you'd like full experiment reports on the other subjects who did not join, or contact Dr. Lost Legacy for the subjects' staff files.
Twilight glanced down to the first test subject, a prompt wave of guilt washing over her.
Subject name: Fluttershy
Subject number: #214
Last updated: Year 2 of the project
Year 2? Twilight's memory had become fuzzy ever since she had returned to Equestria. She couldn't really explain why. It's year 10 now... she's been here almost as long as we have.
"They're all here, just generosity is missing."
"I know." Twilight acknowledged.
"You might not like what you see."
"I know." She repeated, her voice taking a saddened tone.
The Nightmares remained quiet for a moment. "Very well, you may read."
They didn't need to tell Twilight twice.
Occupation: Animal caretaker, Singer for the Pony Tones(currently defunct)
Residence: Ponyville, the edge of the Everfree Forest
Subject note(s): Poor mare was terrified half to death. She fainted when I told her where she was and what was going to happen, had to send in Nurse Cura to assure she was still breathing. I may have to update the policy on being completely transparent about the subjects' situation for their own safety. Regardless, she seems like a nice mare, though she is a devil if you threaten her friends or animals. No complaints or questions during the first and second experiments, and she's been mostly cooperative. Just bringing her pet bunny to the test site gained her trust, though the little creature put up quite a struggle with the agent.
Current role: On-site medical staff.
Hm. Suits her. Wonder if she has Angel Bunny hiding in there somewhere. Twilight noted. Surely Rarity's in good hooves.
Subject name: Applejack
Subject number: #024
Last updated: Year 3 of the project
Occupation: Farmer
Residence: Sweet Apple Acres
Subject note(s): Such a resilient mare! I don't think I've ever seen anypony take that many lashes before giving in! Her pain tolerance is unusually high, even if she's got calluses about every place I could imagine. Regardless, she's a very resilient, strong mare, along with the mental fortitude to resist almost any test or trick to bend her morals. Caution is advised when dealing with her.
Current role: Subject questioner.
"I... I remember." Twilight barely managed not to visibly shiver. She could see her dear friend being hurt and injured in various ways. Some were gruesome, others were simple, yet most were psychological. It played out in her head in near-perfect detail. Her friend being harmed- no, tortured into submission. From a defiant, unruly mare to a tamed servant. "Why do I remember?"
"Why shouldn't you? We spent over a year getting her to join us."
"Then why can't I remember Fluttershy?"
"Simple; she broke once she saw it was us. She couldn't bear the thought of you returning to finally claim our toll."
"I don't understand..." Twilight was so confused. I-I- I can't believe that we would do this.
"You will, in due time." Midnight Sparkle's words helped soothed Twilight's mind. I can trust them. I have to.
Subject name: Pinkie Pie
Subject number: #340
Last updated: Year 4 of the project
Occupation: Baker
Residence: Sugarcube Corner
Subject note(s): Very odd mare... Treated her first experiment as a joke. At least, up until she ended up getting shocked for an extended period of time. After that, she seemed to just sulk around, not eating and barely speaking. Seems to be brought on by stress or sadness. Just play one of her silly games or offer her sweets to gain her trust.
Current role: Subject interrogation specialist.
Twilight squeezed her eye shut. The thought and image of the Pinkie being shocked into submission too much for her to bear. "Why..."
"Why what?"
"Why do we have to hurt them?" She glanced up, though Midnight Sparkle was nowhere to be seen. "Why- Why can't we just use a mind-control spell?"
"The amount of concentration and magic it would take would be impossible to maintain. Even we have limits, dear friend."
Twilight turned back down. "A hypnosis spell?"
"Hm... perhaps, but it can be broken more easily. The enchantment- our way is the only way. Silent, easy to use, and efficient."
Twilight remained silent. "I guess so..." She muttered quietly. It did make sense, in whatever twisted logic they used.
It's the only way.
"We're glad you agreed. Continue."
Subject name: Rainbow Dash
Subject number: #100
Last updated: Year 6 of the project
Occupation: Wonderbolts member, Ponyville Weather Patrol(former)
Residence(s): Cloudsdale, Ponyville
Subject note(s): Interesting subject. Yields more than her fellow subjects. She lets her pride get the best of her most of the time, mostly to a fault by refusing to be the first to give in. Though, she seemed to be humbled when P. showed up during an experiment to restrain her. Her encounters with fellow Elements of Harmony produce the most results. For some(AJ and P), she spews swears and insults at them, describing them as 'traitorous' and 'treacherous', yet she tears would be running down her face while speaking. My guess? She feels betrayed by her friends. Being the Element of Loyalty, she must expect at least some of that loyalty in return. For others(Subject #214, for example), however, she would simply weep. Regardless, it does give me some food for thought, not to mention results!
Current role: Subject reconnaissance/recruitment
Twilight turned away, flashes of blood and the sounds of screams running through her head. "I-I dunno if I can handle anymore..."
"You may stop if you wish, but there's only one more entry left. We promise you'll remember nothing bad about the last entry." Midnight Sparkle said with a small tinge of anger in her voice.
Twilight nodded reluctantly. I need to see who all she's taken. One more won't kill me.
Subject name: Starlight Glimmer
Twilight's eye widened. She turned up to the form. "Starlight too?! I told you I didn't want you to-" "We didn't. Finish reading it."
Subject number: #400
Last updated: Year 7 of the project
Residence(s): Our Town(former), Ponyville(former)see bottom of the page
Occupation: Major of Our Town(former), Leader of the Elements of Harmony, Princess Celestia's pupil
Subject note(s): N/ACurrent role: N/ANote: Subject is currently missing. Current residence, occupation, and status are unknown.
"Missing?" She questioned. Midnight Sparkle appeared in front of the desk, her eyebrow furled and a heated frown on her face. "Legacy made a mistake when they were about to bring her to us. They didn't put the magic nullifier on her horn." She pointed to the small object she was talking about, sitting in the corner of their desk. "As soon as she saw us she used a teleportation spell and we haven't seen her since."
"So you didn't hurt her?"
"We never even spoke to her." She relaxed her face, turning glancing back down to Twi. "You should be caught up with everything we've done by now. What do you think?"
"I... you did everything." Twilight was astonished. "Yes, everything you've requested. A new home, someplace to study, and your 'friends' are even here." A small grin spread across her face. "The only pony we'll need to worry about is Starlight."
"Y-Yeah. I-I just... never actually expected this."
"You're not upset, are you?"
Twilight didn't know how to respond. She had spent years on the moons, her heartbroken and her mind slowly degrading. Her hope had died up there, along with the love and warmth she had once felt for them. She had thought she had become a fallen princess, forgotten and just waiting for her legacy to be swept away by the sands of time.
Yet, at the same time, what she had seen and heard earlier that day... everything Rarity and Applejack had said... it made her think that maybe her friendships could be salvaged. Their words had given her something she had long since forgotten: hope. Hope that she could feel the warmth of a loving hug, hope that she could see a smile on a friend's face, hope that she could spend a Hearths Warming with someone she loved.
I can't just turn back now. She told herself. I'm too deep into this project- I can't just pull out now. It'd be a decade of hard work wasted...
But I could get plenty more back if I just stop now.
"Twilight,"
Twilight looked back up at Midnight Sparkle. "We asked you a question, friend. Are you upset about the progress we've made?"
"Honestly..." She looked upwards. "I-I think we should stop."
"Stop?" She questioned, slightly frustrated. "We cannot stop, not this far into it."
"I know, but I don't think I can handle this anymore."
"Why?"
"The things they said to us... I want to see if they're real," Twilight said, standing up to meet with her eyes, a fire filling her stomach. "I- I want to see my family and friends again."
"Your friends are already here, and your family-" "My real friends, my real family. They aren't the ponies I knew at all."
"They were lying, Twilight. Once again, you've fallen for their lies."
"Why would they lie? We could've killed them if we wanted."
"To save their skin, dear friend. They would've said anything to save themselves, even if it was at your expense."
"I don't believe you," Twilight said calmly. "I can't. Not until I see it for myself."
Midnight Sparkle pursed her lips with a sigh. "We really wish we didn't have to do this, Twilight." She stepped to the side of the table, putting a gentle hoof on her right shoulder. "Come, let's go. We shall have to prove their deceptions to you, once again." The pair's horns both brightened, one's magic darker than the other.
A flash of light blinded Twilight. She opened her eyes a few seconds later, only to realize that the pair had appeared right outside of Ponyville. She could see that Ponyville towards the left, only having changed a bit, a few new buildings on the outskirts, but otherwise, it was the same. To the right was the Castle of Friendship, still, the same as the day she left it. A smile stretched across her face. "We're-"
"Right where the statue should be."
Her smile disappeared almost immediately, turning around to look for it. There was a foundation laid for it, but it had obviously been some time, the stone cracked and caked in dirt.
"Now, if ponies really remembered you, don't you think they'd have done it by now?" Midnight Sparkle circled around her slowly. "I mean, come on, friend. Who'd remember you after your little incident on the moon? Aside from us, I doubt anypony would that wasn't looking to deceive."
She felt her eyes stinging, shaking her head. "N-No- why should I b-believe you?! I don't need some stupid statue f-for people to remember me!"
"But you do." Midnight stopped in front of Twilight. "We've known you long enough. We see how selfish you are. How much you love the attention of others, and giving others attention. We've seen what wonders you've done without it, that's quite evident, isn't it?" She stepped closer to her. Tears flowed freely from Twilight's eye, each word feeling like a punch to her heart. "The whole facility, staff, equipment, and soon, leadership. What compels you to give that up so easily? A few meager moments with those so-called friends?"
"I-I..." Her hooves shook for a moment, almost losing her balance. "And what kind of pony would you be to turn your back on the one thing that has always treated you fairly? That's kept your self-destructive behaviors in check, that kept you alive while you were knocking on death's door, that nursed you back to health and brought you back home? You aren't that selfish to do that your truest friend, the only one who would ever actually care for you, would you?"
"No! Never!" Twilight shot her head back up.
"You were just about to." Midnight Sparkle pointed out with a sigh. "Perhaps it's time we finally gave up... there's no fixing something already so broken." She turned around, beginning to walk away.
"N-No!"
Twilight fell to her knees, hugging her hind hooves in desperation. "P-Please don't leave me alone again!"
"Why shouldn't we?" She looked back down to the alicorn. "Perhaps you aren't worth our time."
"I-I will be, I-I promise! I'll b-be better, I'll n-never doubt your word, I'll l-let you do whatever you want to the Elements, b-but please, don't leave me alone!" She begged and pled with the figure, her body trembling and shaking. "I-I can't be alone... n-not again..."
A moment of silence passed between the two. "... Fine. We won't accept any disobedience from now on, is this clear?"
"Y-Yes..." Twilight nodded, standing up with shaking hooves. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou..."
The space around the pair seemed to drain towards Midnight, the magic of her spell fading away. She took a step towards Twilight.
"Don't worry. We won't ever abandon you again." Midnight Sparkle's physical appearance disappeared. A moment of silence passed before they took a shaken breath.
"T... Thank you."