Twilight woke up in a dungeon cell. She was a little groggy but tried to put together what had happened.After Chrysalis betrayed them, they were attacked from all sides. She had been holding her own until she was blasted with a stream of magical energy. Given the power of the blast, it had to have been Chrysalis or the Master who had hit her.
She began trying to formulate a plan. No doubt the others would be trying to find her but she had no idea how long that would take or what they’d be able to do. She could get herself out of the cell but had to be ready for whatever was out there.
She tried to teleport out but her magic didn’t seem to be working. It was then that she noticed the suppression ring around her horn. She’d read about them in her books but they’d been made illegal. She could see that wasn’t the case everywhere.
As she tried to think of an alternate strategy, Applejack entered, much to Twilight’s shock. She had a plate of food balanced on her hoof as she walked in.She noticed Twilight’s expression and smiled slightly.
“I ain’t the Applejack you think I am.” She said. “Sorry you gotta stay down here. Master says it’s safer for all of us.”
Twilight was still somewhat shocked, though not because of the multiple Applejacks.“You’re working with her?” She asked in disbelief.
Applejack turned away. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“I could try.” Twilight replied, genuinely.
The once farm pony sighed before turning back.“I was one of the elements of harmony in my world, specifically the element of generosity. We’d save the world together and help bring the magic of friendship to ponies who didn’t have it. And when we were done, I’d go back home to my family.
“After one mission, though, we came back to find out my farm had been attacked by Timberwolves. By the time we got there, it was too late. My parents, Big Mac, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith were gone.”
“I’m so sorry.” Twilight said.
Applejack nodded, accepting the sentiment. “It’s not your fault. I don’t even blame my Twilight. We were doing what we were meant to do. It’s just something that happened.”
She took a moment to wipe a tear from her eye before continuing. “A while later the Master came to me. I wasn’t particularly interested in helping her till she told me she could bring my family back. She even proved it by using her magic to create a bird from nothing. But it would take more power to create five true ponies.
“I know it won’t be the same cause it won’t be the originals but...at least I’ll have my family back.”
“But, Applejack,” Twilight said, hesitantly. “Are the lives of countless ponies a price they would want you to pay?”
Applejack was about to answer when another voice broke through the silence.
“Always ready with a heartfelt speech, aren’t you?”
They both turned to see the Master standing before them. AJ quickly left while Twilight stood defiantly, ready to fight even without her magic.
“I would figure if anyone could understand what I’m trying to do, it’d be you.We’re so much alike.”
“I’m nothing like you.”Twilight sneered.
The Master simply chuckled. “Come now. Can you really say it didn’t bother you?All those worlds with so many differences. A pony with such a desire for organization and control like you must have felt at least a little uncomfortable.”
“I like things organized but I would never put it above other ponies’ lives.”
“I don’t think that’s true. I think I would know better than anyone.”
Twilight looked at her in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
The Master smiled before removing the cloak covering her body.Twilight’s eyes went wide in shock and horror. The face she was seeing was the same face she saw in the mirror everyday. The Master was Twilight Sparkle.
She had a few scars, no doubt from her fights stealing magic, and she had no wings. Unicorn Twilight noticed the look she was getting.
“That’s right. All the power I have didn’t require wings. I gained power through hard work and study.”
Alicorn Twilight scoffed. “Hard work and study?You stole magic from other ponies and worlds, destroying them.”
“Acceptable sacrifices.” Her unicorn counterpart responded without any hesitation. “Unlike you, I have not allowed myself to be hindered by relationships with other ponies. Your desire for friendship keeps you from doing what needs to be done.But that’s ok. It’s ok because I know you. And I know that when the time is right, you’ll do what needs to be done to make a perfect world. That’s why you’re here. Together, we will create the ultimate Equestria.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Alicorn Twilight responded.“I’ll never help you.”
Unicorn Twilight’s expression didn’t waver. “We’ll see.”
With that, she walked away, living the princess of friendship alone.