//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: A Completely Normal Event // Story: There's Something About Twilight Sparkle // by Forum Explorer //------------------------------// Twilight winced as the bright light of a new day hit her eyes as she stared out at the sunrise. Luna sat beside her and yawned. “It's a beautiful sunrise,” Twilight said softly, as she shielded her eyes. “Indeed. My sister has truly outdone herself this morning,” Luna said. “I imagine she is glad to see that I have left the palace,” she added. “Why would Princess Celestia be happy that you weren't home?” Twilight asked. “Don't misunderstand, Celestia is thrilled to have me around,” Luna quickly reassured Twilight. “However she's also been encouraging me to go out and meet new ponies, rather then staying cooped up in the palace all of the time. In particular she likes to encourage me to come visit you, Twilight Sparkle.” “Well feel welcome to drop by anytime. It's always a pleasure to have you around Luna,” Twilight said politely, giving Luna a smile. Luna nodded her thanks and turned her attention back to the sunrise. They sat in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying the quiet beauty. “She misses you,” Luna suddenly said. “Who? Princess Celestia?” Twilight said in surprise. “Yes,” Luna said simply. “Why? I mean, I know I miss her horribly at times, but she's the Princess of all of Equestria. She's far too important to be worried about a boring old unicorn like myself,” Twilight said. “A plain old unicorn? I assure you Twilight that you are nothing of the sort,” Luna laughed, giving Twilight a hug with one of her wings. “I'm nothing special. Sure I've got a lot of magic and I'm smart but that doesn't make me more important than any other pony,” Twilight protested. “Twilight do you know how many other ponies Celestia has personally taken as her student besides yourself?” Luna asked. Twilight shook her head in response. “One, and from what my sister has said she regrets taking that other student on. Besides that you are one of the few ponies that she truly acts like herself around,” Luna's face fell for a second before fading into a blank mask. “What do you mean? Why would she act differently around me?” Twilight asked. “Never mind. That's a conversation for another night. In the meantime I believe I shall be taking my leave. Good morning Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said, before walking in from the balcony. Twilight sighed but didn't protest, curbing her curiosity for now. “Pleasant dreams Luna,” Twilight said instead, heading downstairs and getting herself another cup of coffee. She shook off her drowsiness as she looked over her schedule. No point in falling behind. I'll be a little sleepy but I should actually save time if I skip sleeping today, Twilight thought happily as she checked her first checklist of the day. In fact I think I'll surprise Spike with a nice pancake breakfast this morning. She quickly got started on two batches of pancake mix, her magic making it easy to multitask as she carefully added crushed gems to one batch and blueberries to the other. A short time later and she was munching on her well made breakfast. “Mmm, that smells nice,” Spike yawned as he entered the kitchen. “Morning Twilight.” “Good Morning,” Twilight said. “Your pancakes are on the stove.” “Thanks,” Spike grabbed his own plate and joined Twilight. “So why are you up so early today anyways?” “Luna and I stayed up all night, and I have a meeting with Mayor Mare and Cheerilee this morning about the book fair I'm hoping to have. There's no point in me trying to get to sleep now,” Twilight said. “Another all-nighter? I'll go make you a cup of coffee to go,” Spike said, swallowing the last of the pancakes before pulling out a coffee mug. “So what jobs do I have to do during your meeting?” “None!” Twilight said, enjoying the surprise on Spike's face. “Luna's servant Starshine will be taking care of all of your chores while Luna is here, so you can have the week off.” Twilight smiled giving him an affectionate rub on the head. “Besides I know I work you too hard sometimes, so enjoy the opportunity to relax while you can,” Twilight finished. Spike agreed and after a short discussion about what his plans were for his time off would be the two went their separate ways. Twilight walked through the market on her way to the town hall, noting with some small disappointment that Big Mac was running the apple stall instead of Applejack. Twilight gave him a friendly nod as she went, her thoughts occupied by the upcoming meeting. Twilight trotted into the town hall and went to the mayor's office. Cheerilee hadn't shown up yet so the two ponies just made small talk while they waited. However when Twilight mentioned that Princess Luna was visiting Mayor Mare started to panic. “Hello everypony,” Cheerilee said, as she entered the room with perfect timing to catch Mayor Mare waving her hooves around frantically. “Cheerilee, thank goodness you're here,” Twilight said happily. “I was just explaining to Mayor Mare that Princess Luna's visit is nothing to be worried about.” “Princess Luna is in town? Oh dear, that's not good at all. We need to have a celebration for her, but that means giving the foals a day off, and oh, this is just going to throw off my entire teaching plan,” Cheerliee said quickly, joining Mayor Mare in her panic. “We need a full festival and on such short notice. Oooh, what to do? I mean it has to be at night of course, nothing else would be appropriate for Princess Luna, but that means it'll be a holiday the next morning since everypony will be too tired,” Mayor Mare groaned. “Ponies! Calm down!” Twilight ordered, “Princess Luna heard about my accident and is only checking up on me. She'll be leaving soon enough.” “That means we only have a small amount of time to get the festival done!” Mayor Mare wailed. “Wait, Twilight what happened? What accident?” Cheerilee said. “But what about the book fair?” Twilight asked, her face falling as she ignored Cheerilee. “I'm afraid that will have to be cancelled for now,” Mayor Mare said, as she frantically began going through her calender. “What about Twilight's accident? What's wrong?” Cheerilee asked, trying to get Twilight's attention. “But we've been planning it for months now,” Twilight said, beginning to pout. “I'm sorry Twilight, I really am. It's just that Princess Luna's visit takes priority. You understand that, don't you?” Mayor Mare said, taking a moment to look apologetically over to Twilight. “In the mean time could you please help me organize an event suitable for Princess Luna's visit?” “I-” Twilight was interrupted by Cheerilee grabbing her and shaking her roughly. “Answer the question! What happened? What sort of accident?” Cheerilee shouted. “I sprained my horn,” Twilight quickly replied. “Nothing serious, I just need to avoid using any advanced spells for the next week.” “Still you should rest,” Cheerilee said, blushing at her outburst and releasing Twilight. “Indeed. Under the circumstances it's hardly appropriate for me to be making demands upon your time,” Mayor Mare added. “Don't worry, I'm sure we'll be able to handle things on our own. Go home and rest.” Cheerilee quickly agreed and despite Twilight's protests they quickly escorted her out of the building, making it clear that she wasn't to return until she was fully healed. “Well I suppose I might as well get some sleep,” Twilight muttered as she walked through the market. Distracted by her disappointment at the book fair's cancellation she didn't notice Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy until the pair of pegasi were right beside her. “Hey Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said, stretching a wing across Twilight as she pressed her body up against her's. “We saw you walking by and just thought we'd say...hello,” Fluttershy said, mimicking Rainbow Dash from Twilight's other side. Twilight immediately blushed and froze, her tired mind overloading at the sensation of being in a pegasi sandwich. “By the way Twilight, I talked to Fluttershy about kissing you yesterday and she convinced me that I should apologize to you,” Rainbow Dash said, her grin invisible to the blushing unicorn. “So, I'm sorry Twilight. It must have freaked you out to think you were coming between two of your best friends.” “But don't worry Twilight,” Fluttershy continued, winking at Ranbow Dash as she moved her head closer to Twilight's ear. “We talked it over and we've decided we'd love to share you,” Fluttershy practically purred, her breath causing Twilight's ear to twitch. “So what do you say Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked, moving her head to Twilight's other ear. “Care to-” “Pony pile on Twilight!” Pinkie shrieked, landing on all three of her friends and knocking them over. The four ponies tried to scramble to their hooves but found themselves tangled in a mess of twenty limbs and one pointy object. With repeated jabs Twilight got Pinkie to get off of her, while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash pulled themselves free, massaging their bruised wings. “What's the big deal Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash demanded. “Couldn't you see we were talking to Twilight?” “Nopey Dopey! I saw a big group hug going on and I wanted in on it,” Pinkie replied, bouncing in place. Rainbow Dash sighed, while Fluttershy looked vaguely apologetic behind her massive blush. “Pinkie,” Twilight said flatly. “Yes, Twilight?” Pinkie said. Twilight just stared into Pinkie's innocent eyes and sighed. “Never mind,” she said, “wait, actually there is just one thing. Mayor Mare and Cheerilee learned that Luna is in town and are planning on having some sort of festival for her. Could you please assist them? I'm sure both they and Luna will appreciate your skills in party planning,” Twilight added. Pinkie gasped and zoomed off. She quickly reappeared, gave Twilight a hug, before dashing off again. “Why is Princess Luna in town?” Rainbow Dash asked. “She feels guilty for my injury and wants to make it up to me. But never mind that, we need to talk.” Twilight said sternly. “O-oh? What about?” Fluttershy said, playing innocent. “This whole thing with the two of you. I mean, where did this come from anyways? When did you two start feeling this way?” Twilight asked. “Um, can we talk about this somewhere else? Everypony is staring at us.” Fluttershy said, hiding behind her mane the best she could. Twilight looked around and blushed. “Alright, lets go to Toadstool Cafe. We'll talk over some coffee.” Twilight said, leading the way to the restaurant. They got their table, ordered their drinks, and didn't start talking until their drinks were well in hoof. “So back to the question at hoof, when did you two, well, fall in love with me?” Twilight asked as she sipped her coffee. “For me, it had to be when I heard you were dating Trixie. It made me so angry and jealous that I couldn't help but act. Okay, kissing you right off the bat may have been out of line. But I didn't want to just lose you to Trixie,” Rainbow Dash said. “Honestly, I'm not sure exactly. I remember having a dream about the three of us being together, and after hearing that Rainbow Dash kissed you it felt like the dream was coming true,” Fluttershy said. “Okay, so pretty recently then,” Twilight said, nodding. “You said the two of you were fine with being in a polygamous relationship?” “Yes, we are,” Fluttershy said. Rainbow Dash looked confused so Fluttershy turned to her and explained. “She means a relationship with more then two ponies.” “Oh right, yeah we're cool with sharing you. Between us I mean. If you wanted to add Trixie or even somepony like Applejack or Pinkie Pie we'd have a problem with it,” Rainbow Dash said, Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “Alright, but if you two are serious about a having a relationship with me then should we go on dates first?” Twilight asked. “I don't know, I mean me and Fluttershy didn't need to really go on any dates or anything,” Rainbow Dash said. “Fluttershy and I,” Fluttershy and Twilight said simultaneously. The two ponies smiled at each other quickly before Twilight resumed speaking. “You and Fluttershy have known each other since you were fillies. We only met a couple of years ago, and while those years have been amazing it's still a very short time.” “Ponies have gotten married and lived happily after a shorter period of time,” Rainbow Dash pointed out. “Yes, but they still dated first,” Twilight countered. Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to speak but Fluttershy shushed her. “If you're more comfortable dating first, then we'll gladly go on dates first,” Fluttershy said, giving Rainbow Dash a look. “How about we have a picnic tomorrow afternoon?” “Thank you Fluttershy, and yes that sounds lovely. But what if I don't end up returning your feelings? Will we still be friends? Will you hate me?” Twilight asked. “Don't be foolish, Twilight, nothing could break apart our friendship!” Rainbow Dash said instantly. “If you don't return our feelings, well that will suck for sure. But me and Fluttershy are both grown mares and we can handle a little rejection.” “Thanks,” Twilight said with a smile. “Now just one last thing; Rainbow Dash, I want you to promise me that you won't sabotage any of my dates with Trixie or with anypony else for that matter.” “What?! I'm shocked that you would think I would do something like that,” Rainbow Dash protested. Twilight simply stared at her and Rainbow Dash relented. “Okay, fine. You don't need to worry about that, since Fluttershy wouldn't let me sabotage your dates. But if it makes you feel better then I promise I won't interfere with your dates with Trixie, or anypony else you might date, in any way. Satisfied?” “Yes, thank you. That's all I wanted to say, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then?” Twilight asked. The pair of pegasi agreed, but stayed to finish their drinks. The three ponies chatted for a bit more, but Rainbow Dash quickly finished her drink and at her urging Fluttershy gulped the rest of hers down. After promising to pick Twilight up just after noon, they flew off towards Fluttershy's cottage. Twilight meanwhile slowly sipped her drink, thinking about the two departed pegasi, and what the future could bring. Applejack hummed to herself as she closely inspected every tree for any sort of parasite or infestation. It was mind numbing work, but Applejack enjoyed it, taking her time and enjoying the sunshine. Moving onto the next tree she saw Spike walking and waved him over. “Howdy Spike, what brings you over? Twilight let you off early?” Applejack said before facehoofing as her mind instantly filled with the thoughts of the purple unicorn she had managed to avoid all morning. “Uh, Applejack? Why'd you do that?” Spike asked. “Never you mind Spike. So what's goin on?” Applejack asked. “Well, Princess Luna and her hoofmaiden came into town and are living at the Library,” Spike said. “So as a favour, Princess Luna made her hoofmaiden do my chores for the week.” “That's nice of her, but why is Princess Luna here anyways?” Applejack asked. “Something about feeling guilty for Twilight's injury, I didn't really understand what she was talking about,” Spike said. “Hmm, well Ah take it your lookin for Applebloom?” Applejack asked. Spike nodded in response. “Well, Ah'm afraid she's still got to finish her chores before she can play. You can keep her company if you want.” “Might as well,” Spike said with a shrug. “Perhaps she has some ideas on how to spend my free time.” Spike walked off towards the Apple house, waving goodbye to Applejack. She watched him go and sighed, Ah was doin so well too! Can't really blame Spike for makin me think of Twilight though. Aw well, guess Ah'll just start over. Applejack thought as she got back to work. For a while everything was calm and Applejack had just heading in for a quick lunch when she spotted her brother talking to Cheerilee, they kissed and then Cheerilee galloped off. “Hey Big Mac, got another date planned?” Applejack called as she trotted up. “Nope,” Big Mac replied, watching his marefriend as she sped away. “So, just stopping by and sayin hi?” Applejack guessed. “Nope,” Big Mac replied. “Well, you goin to tell me? Or do Ah have to guess?” Applejack said, exasperated. “She was just tellin me about how Princess Luna is stayin with Twilight,” Big Mac replied. Applejack groaned, darn it, now Ah got to start over again, she thought to herself. “So Ah heard. Spike came over this mornin and told me himself,” Applejack said. “Have you heard the rumours though?” Big Mac asked, Applejack quickly shook her head as they started heading back inside. “Cheerilee told me that Princess Luna was here to court Twilight. Looks like you've got some competition Sis,” Big Mac said, giving Applejack a nudge. “Big Mac, Ah told you that Ah'm not in love with Twilight, and Princess Luna isn't either!” Applejack shouted. “If she was then Ah'd say Princess Luna got hit by the same love spell Ah did.” “So you're sayin that Princess Luna, the immortal alicorn princess of the night, powerful enough to defeat Princess Celestia and bring about ever lasting darkness, is under a spell from our Twilight?” Big Mac said. “Considerin all that Twilight has done for the Princess, Ah'm not surprised Princess Luna developed feelins for Twilight.” “That's horseapples and Ah'll prove it! Ah'm goin to go take a trip to see Princess Cadence and she'll remove this spell on me. If anypony can remove a love spell, it'd be her. Then you'll see that Ah'm right and these feelins are nothing but hogwash,” Applejack yelled. “Nope. With Princess Luna in town, the Mayor has decided to throw a festival and wants the Apple family to cater. We're going to need your help to get all of the food ready in time,” Big Mac said. Applejack sighed and nodded. Ah'll just have to put up with these feelins for a little while longer. Besides a festival will be fun and keep us comfortably afloat money wise for the rest of the season. Applejack thought. Rarity smiled, resplendent in her new dress, she drew the eyes of nearly every stallion and quite a few mares too. A box of the finest chocolates floated gently beside her head, as she approached Twilight's library. She knocked politely on the door which opened to reveal an unpleasant surprise. “What do you want?” Starshine asked, in an unpleasant tone of voice. “Is Twilight home? I have something for her,” Rarity said calmly, refusing to let herself be baited. “Lady Twilight is currently taking a nap, or is reading a book. Either way she left clear instructions on what my jobs were for the day,” Starshine said, levitating a list over and pretending to read it. “It seems that 'let annoying white unicorn disturb Princess Luna and Lady Twilight' isn't on the list. What a shame.” Starshine went to close the door, but Rarity shoved a hoof in to keep it open. “You know full well that I'm Twilight's friend and that she have no problems seeing me,” Rarity said, glaring at Starshine. “What I know is that there is no torture devised in Tartarus will get me to let you in. I don't know what you're trying to do, but I can assure you that you will not interfere with Princess Luna's plans while I'm around,” Starshine said, glaring right back at her. “Plans? What plans?” Rarity asked. “Wouldn't you like to know, now go away,” Starshine said, before shoving Rarity out of the doorway and shutting the door. Rarity glared at the door, but a quick look around revealed far too many ponies interested in what was happening already. “Don't think this is over,” Rarity threatened, before heading back to her Boutique. Princess Luna has some sort of plan for Twilight. A plan that she thinks I'll ruin, now what could that be? Rarity thought to herself as she paced around her home. I know, I bet Princess Luna is after Twilight's heart as well and is using that beastly Starshine to prevent me from stopping her. If I don't do something quick, Twilight will fall for Princess Luna's charms and be taken away to Canterlot, and we'll never see her again! “No! I refuse to let that happen! Mark my words, Princess Luna, for I, Rarity Unicorn, will preserve and win Twilight's heart!” Rarity declared, striking a dramatic pose. “But first I shall need a plan.” Rarity sat down and started to think of her next step. Trixie's day was peaceful, she trotted around Ponyville and made preparations for her date with Twilight that evening. She did attract a few odd looks and even a glare or two, but Trixie just ignored them and continued to gather what she needed. Finally, as the moon started to rise, did Trixie get changed for her date. Instead of her usual cape and hat, she wore a black top hat, with a red velvet ribbon, and a stylish tuxedo. She walked up to Twilight's door and knocked sharply on the door. “Back already?” an unfamiliar voice snarled, as it's owner pulled the door open. “Oh! I'm sorry, I thought you were somepony else.” Starshine apologized, “my name is Starshine and I'm Princess Luna's personal hoofmaiden. What is your business here?” “Trixie is the Great and Powerful Trixie, and Trixie is here to show Twilight the night of her life!” Trixie declared, rearing up on her back hoofs. “What?” Starshine stared at Trixie in disbelief. “I'm not sure if I should let you in, I wouldn't want you to bother either Lady Twilight or Princess Luna.” “Trust Trixie when she says that she is fully expected, and if you don't believe her just ask Twilight herself,” Trixie said. Starshine thought for a bit as she looked Trixie over. “Fancy costume, well kept mane and coat, ah, a cutie mark of a wand and a moon. You must be an entertainer in my Princess's service,” Starshine muttered, loud enough for Trixie to hear. “I see! Well if Princess Luna brought you hear to impress the Lady Twilight, then it must be part of her plan. Come right in,” Starshine said, in a much happier and louder tone. “Yes, yes, Trixie has certainly been summoned by Princess Luna. So Trixie shall entertain Twilight, as Princess Luna demands,” Trixie said, thinking fast. Starshine smiled some more and quickly guided Trixie to where Twilight was reading a book. “Good evening Twilight, Trixie is here for our date.” Trixie said quietly, after Starshine had left. “Oh, Trixie,” Twilight said, startled. “Is it time for our date already? Just give me one second and I'll be ready.” Twilight quickly ran upstairs. The sound of banging, slammed doors, and Luna's startled voice all came from above, but in a surprisingly short time Twilight was trotting downstairs in a dark blue dress and amethyst earrings. Trixie had been waiting impatiently and had felt a little hurt that Twilight had forgotten their date, but that all disappeared at the sight of Twilight as she walked down the stairs. Twilight's dress was a beautiful navy blue and accented all of her best features. “Wow,” Trixie gasped, as she ogled at Twilight. “Like it?” Twilight said, with a giggle. She did a quick twirl, and Trixie's brain melted a little more. “Y-yes, I do,” Trixie stammered, blushing. “Shall we go?” Trixie asked, collecting herself and tearing her gaze away from Twilight. “Sure, where to?” Twilight said, cheerfully. “To the fanciest restaurant in all of Ponyville!” Trixie said, dramatically gesturing. The pair set off, easily evading Starshine, and quickly reached the restaurant. Trixie had ensured beforehand that their tables would be prepared for them, so they were seated immediately. As they waited to order, Trixie told Twilight about another one of her adventures. After she had finished, she sipped on her wine, the finest available naturally, and admired Twilight's happy face and pretty eyes. “Trixie? Why did you stop talking?” Twilight asked, blushing at Trixie's gaze. “Trixie is tired of talking about herself, she'd much rather hear about you, Twilight Sparkle,” Trixie said. “Me? Well what do you want to know?” Twilight asked. “How about you tell Trixie how you, the most talented and powerful unicorn in Equestria, sprained your horn?” Trixie asked. “I'm not that great,” Twilight protested. “But alright. Do you know what the Want It Need It spell is?” Twilight waited for Trixie to nod before continuing on. “Well, I messed up the spell once before, and I accidentally brainwashed the entire town.” “You did what?” Trixie asked, mouth falling open in surprise. “Um, well I was in a panic because I had nothing to report to Princess Celestia, and well, I figured if I created a problem, and then solved it, I'd have something to report. But I messed up the spell and supercharged it, causing it to continually enchant everypony who saw my doll. In the end the Princess had to dispel my magic herself,” Twilight said, squirming and blushing from embarrassment. “Wow,” Trixie said, gazing at Twilight. “That's...troubling actually. Trixie means it's troubling that you are so powerful that a simple mistake could have such dramatic results.” Seeing Twilight's face fall, Trixie quickly corrected herself, hoping to ease Twilight's discomfort. “So what did that have to do with your current sprained horn?” “After that incident, I wanted to find out what I did wrong. So I did some more research into the spell, and after I found out that I had put too much power into it, I decided to test the spell again. This time I headed to an isolated spot but right when I was casting the spell, Princess Luna appeared, startling me. I'm not entirely sure what happened, but I suspect the spell simply wasn't cast at all, causing the magical energy to backfire and strain my horn,” Twilight explained. “So now you can't cast any major spells while you recover?” Trixie asked, looking sympathetic. Twilight nodded, and Trixie sighed. “Trixie admits she was hoping you'd show her how to teleport or perhaps some other interesting and useful spells. Why do you want to cast the Want It Need It spell anyways? It's not exactly a respectable spell and you don't seem to be the type to seduce somepony through magic.” Trixie asked. “Admittedly pride is a big reason why. I don't like it when I mess up and spell, so whenever I do I practice the spell until I've perfected it, or at least I make sure I cast it correctly once. The second reason is due to my foalsitter,” Twilight said. “Your foalsitter? Why is she a reason?” Trixie asked. “My foalsitter was Princess Cadenza, though I just knew her as Cadence. She's the one who taught me the Want It Need It spell in the first place. Back when I was a filly, I saw her using a variant of the Want It Need It spell to bring ponies together and to solve problems. I wanted to be able to do the same and to make her proud of me,” Twilight said, looking down at her drink and taking a gulp. “Trixie is sure that whoever this Princess Cadence pony is that she is very proud you.” Trixie said. “But-” “No buts! Twilight, you've accomplished so much, including saving the world several times over. Just because you can't cast a single lousy spell, which Trixie might remind you is a sketchy spell in the first place, doesn't mean you haven't made her proud,” Trixie interrupted, silencing Twilight with a hoof. Twilight tried to say something else but was interrupted by the waiter arriving with their meals. As they ate Trixie told another amusing story about a past adventure of hers, and the mood quickly brightened once more. After dinner they slowly walked back to Twilight's library, chatting about various spells they knew. “Well, I guess this is good night Trixie,” Twilight said, as they reached the library. “I had a great time.” “Trixie had a wonderful time as well,” Trixie said. “When can Trixie see you again?” “I've got plans for tomorrow, but how about the day after?” Twilight replied. “That would be great,” Trixie said. The two ponies hugged and said goodnight. Trixie returned to her carriage to sleep while Twilight talked about the date with Luna, who had just finished up her paperwork for the night.