//------------------------------// // Chapter 18: Visitation // Story: Proxy // by Thithle Candytufth //------------------------------// The cacophony of pans clanging awoke Twilight Sparkle. She lifted her head from the tear-soaked pillow and rolled over onto her side. She stared at the door. Why even bother getting up? If I stay in here all day, I can’t screw myself up even more than I already have. No, no, I have to get up. Twilight’s eyes clenched closed at the sound of metal striking the ground. I would only arouse more suspicion if I seclude myself in Lavender’s home. I suppose I will have to get up at some point. Might as well just be now. She lowered one hoof onto the floor and shifted her body over. She stepped off of the bed and walked towards the door. She walked out, down the hallway and turned around the corner to see Lavender working in the kitchen. Lavender’s attention was on the cookware before her. Twilight attempted to sneak past her unnoticed, but Lavender turned from the stove and glanced over to her. Twilight stopped mid-stride. “Good morning!” Lavender grinned, giving a pan a shake with her magic. “Did you sleep well?” Twilight stared down at her hooves. She murmured to herself briefly, then managed to squeeze out a “yes.” At the sound of her weak voice, the pans ceased their shaking. Lavender faced Twilight, cocking her head slightly. “Is something wrong?” “What?” Twilight stepped back. “No, nothing’s wrong.” “Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you,” Lavender said, her gaze fixated on the shrinking unicorn. Twilight nodded slowly. “Alright, but it’s really not necessary…” Her voice trailed off. “Any designs on today?” Lavender changed the subject, turning back to her pots and pans. “Not really,” Twilight shrugged and looked down at her hooves. “It’s all up to you. I don’t know what you do for fun around here.” “Oh, I see how it is. Ponyville’s too much of a hick town for this Canterlot native, huh?” Lavender grinned. “No, it’s not that. It’s just—” “I know, I know, Twilight. I was just teasing.” Twilight heaved an inaudible sigh of relief. She looked over to the pots. “So, what are you making?” “Hm?” Lavender raised her head. “I’m not even sure. Just sort of throwing things together, I suppose.” Twilight forced a smile. “Sounds… good?” I'm in for it, I suppose. A light tapping sound broke the welling awkward silence between them. “Someone’s at the door?” Lavender turned. “But it’s my off day…” She whined. “I’ll get it,” Twilight mumbled, walking over to the front door. It’s probably Bay Breeze and Solar Flare anyway. She twisted the doorknob with a twitch of her horn. The door pulled open. Twilight caught glimpse of a sliver of the ponies’ visages. She gasped and stepped back. Tears welled in her eyes. They got the letter. “Twily!” Shining Armor exclaimed, lunging forward and embracing his sister. “I’m so glad you’re alright!” Cadance stepped over to face Twilight. Twilight nuzzled against the side of her brother’s neck, then looked at the ground. Her eyes opened wide and grew even cloudier. Oh no. I didn’t think this through at all. “It’s so nice to see you, Twilight,” Cadance said, lightly stroking Twilight’s hair with her hoof. I shouldn’t have done this. I’m dead. How can I possibly explain this to any of them? “It’s so nice to see you two,” she said, coughing slightly. “I’m so sorry for running off like I did. I don’t know what came over—” “Don’t worry about it, Twily,” Shining Armor said, finally releasing his sister. “What matters is that you’re safe. We couldn’t be happier that you are finally alright.” Tears welled in his eyes. Cadance rested her head on his shoulder. Twilight’s eyes darted about the room, as if trying to find an escape hatch in the walls of Star Swirl Academy. Beads of sweat formed on her brow. Her breathing became rapid and heavy. Shining Armor and Cadance spoke to her but the words were absorbed by the panicked noise in her mind. I’m so dead. Lavender will be here in seconds. How can I get out of this? But look! They’re your family! They came all this way to see you. I have to get them out. Now. Own up to your mistake. They won’t understand— Cadance gave Twilight a faint smile. “It’s been so long, Twilight." "You could say that again," Twilight smiled, "what happened between you two while I was... gone? I mean, besides the obvious?" "Yeah, I caught that little shot at me in your letter, Twily," Shining grinned, "at least somepony got a chuckle out of it." He turned to Cadance, who was repressing a giggle. "So, Twilight," Cadance said, "I doubt you remember this, but there was this little thing that we used to do..." Of course I do. Twilight shook her head. She wiped away the sweat from her brow and sighed deeply. I still love these two. They’re my family. They care so much about me. They don’t deserve to get wrapped up in this. She spoke faintly and began to trot in place. Cadance joined in instantaneously, beaming. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake." As the two shook their rumps in the air, Lavender’s voice came from the kitchen. “Twilight, who is it?” She appeared from around the corner, two plates levitating in front of her face. “Breakfast is ready, by the wa—” The plates dropped and shattered on the ground. “Y-your Highness…es…” Lavender knelt down. Twilight’s face reddened. She tried to sound out words, but her jaw fell leaden. No… I screwed this all up. How can I explain withholding this? She’s my friend, right? Didn’t she deserve to know this? “No need for that,” Cadance said, approaching Lavender. Lavender raised her head and tilted it slightly. “This must be the friend you mentioned in the letter,” Shining Armor said. “I don’t think we got your name, Miss…” “Lavender,” she said with a smile. “So, pardon me for asking, but what brings you two here?” “Just visiting,” Cadance said, “I’m sure Twilight has told you all about us.” Lavender looked at Twilight, perplexed. Twilight averted her gaze. Twilight could feel the air around her grow thin. She pressed a hoof against her face. You know I have done no such thing, Lavender. Here’s your chance to say so. Because I can’t tell the truth around anyone. Because I screwed up royally and need to face the consequences. Because I deserve to be left by the wayside. Go ahead. Say it. Say you never want to see me again. Say that friends don’t lie to each other. Say that you thought better of me. But you were wrong. “Of course,” Lavender said, turning back to the royal couple.