//------------------------------//
// Pills are not Magic 
// Story: Pills 
// by CoastBrumby 
//------------------------------//

Princess Twilight Sparkle woke up in her new Palace of Friendship. The palace became her new home after her old home was destroyed in her battle with the wicked centaur Lord Tirek. Princess Twilight was the magical kingdom of Equestria’s newest princess. Twilight had only recently come to terms to her new role. She was still adjusting to her new home. It was a process that would take some time. Many important things in Twilight’s life were lost along with her old home.

Twilight Sparkle eyed her alarmclock on her nightstand. The alarmclock was a simple mechanical on built into a wooden resonance chamber. The alarm bells sounded less piercing and more pleasant this way. The alarmclock was a gift from her friend Rarity. Rarity had excellent taste.

The alarmclock’s hands pointed to 7:29. The alarm would sound in less than a minute. Twilight closed her eyes. The alarm sounded. Twilight opened her eyes and enjoyed the tones for exactly twenty seconds. She turned the alarm off. She got out of bed making sure to put both of her right hooves on the floor at exactly the same time. 

She trotted to the bathroom after making her bed. She came out of the bathroom to wake up her friend and assistant, the baby dragon, Spike. Spike slept in a basket near the foot of her bed. Twilight made a face. She measured the distance between the foot of her bed and Spike’s basket using her hoof as a unit. Spike’s basket was over ten hooves away. She pushed his basket closer to the bed, and measured again. She smiled. The basket and her dragon were precisely where they should be.

Spike woke up. “Good morning Twilight, what are you doing?” He said.

“Good morning, Spike. I am putting your basket where it should be. You need to be far enough away to exert your independence, but not too far because you love me. Unless, you want to be farther away because you love me less.” Twilight said.

“I still love you a lot, Twilight.” Spike said.

“Good. I love you too. Now, it is my turn to make breakfast, and we will be having precise pancakes with peaches in approximately twenty five minutes. I am sure you want to straighten up your basket and do your dragon calisthenics. I am going now. See you at breakfast. Don’t be late.” Twilight said. She left the bedroom and trotted down the stairs to the kitchen. 

Spike sighed. He closed his eyes and slept for another ten minutes. He did some stretching and scratching upon awakening. He exercised a little, and straightened his basket. Spike made it to the dining room with two minutes to spare.

The table was immaculately set. There were pitchers of juice and milk, plates, silverware, and glasses. There three pancakes on each plate. Each stake of pancakes had five peach slices on it. 

Spike took a seat. He inhaled deeply and savoured the smell.  “This looks great Twilight. Let’s dig in.” Spike said.

“Wait a moment, Spike. Breakfast isn’t scheduled to begin for another minute.” Twilight said.

“What do we do in the meantime?” Spike asked.

“Let us pray. We give thanks for what we are about to receive.” Twilight said.

“We give thanks.” Spike intoned. “Can we eat now?” 

“Yes, we can eat.” Twilight said.

Spike ate freely, but he kept an eye on Twilight as he did. She was taking great care with every morsel of food she stuck in her mouth. Ever piece was the same size. Every piece was chewed ten times.

“Twilight, I went through the rubble of the library. I found some of your vials. They were intact. You can have them if you want them. I put them in a safe place.” Spike said.

“I don’t need them anymore. Throw them away.” Twilight said.

“But Twilight...” Spike replied.

“No buts, Spike. I am a princess. Princesses do not need things like that.” Twilight said.

“I got the ones that go in the other end if you are sick of the taste.” Spike said.

“Talking time is finished now.” Twilight said.

Spike finished his meal. He took his plate to the sink. “I am going for a walk. I will return at five minutes to nine.” He said.

“Very well.” Twilight replied.

Spike stopped by the cupboard where he kept his things and picked up a vile. “I’m off!” Spike called out as he walked out the front door of the palace. Spike walked directly to the home and workplace of Rarity the Unicorn, The Carousel Boutique. He knocked on the door. 
Rarity opened the door. She was levitating a steaming mug of coffee beside her. “Good Morning, Spike. How may I help you? Keep in mind the boutique does not open until nine and I am still drinking my morning coffee, and eating my breakfast.” Rarity said.

“I wouldn’t bother you so early unless it was important. This is not dress related. It is private business. May I come in?” Spike said.

“Please, do. Would you like some milk or juice” Rarity said.

“No, thank you.” Spike said. He took the seat offered by Rarity.

The purple dragon and the white Unicorn sat together in the dining room. Rarity ate her breakfast. Spike looked at the vile in his claws.

“You came to ask me for help. Speak freely. You do not need to wait until I have finished eating, Sweetheart.” Rarity said.

“Twilight has no secrets from me. Did you know that?” Spike said.

“Yes, she has told me of her absolute trust in you.” Rarity said.

“I know things about her nopony else knows.” Spike said.

“Do you have a secret you feel the need to share with me?” Rarity asked.

“Yes, I do, Rarity. I wouldn’t do it, but Twilight will get hurt if I don’t. She’s already getting worse. If I don’t act now, well, it won’t end well, but maybe it is better that way. Maybe she should be allowed to make her own choices and deal with the consequences. I really do not want to betray her trust. I know once I lose it, I may never get it back, but I hate to see her suffer.” Spike said.

“Spike, is Twilight Sparkle ill? I ask because you said she was getting worse, and you are carrying pills.” Rarity said.

“Yes, she is ill. It isn’t her body. It is her mind. She was diagnosed years ago. She even spent some time in hospital, but she takes pills. The pills work, but she stopped taking them after the library was destroyed. She is getting worse. I came to you because you are a Unicorn. You can use your magic to shove one of these pills up her rump. They are suppositories.” Spike said.

“I am a lady. I am not using magic to shove something up the rump of a princess. That is far too undignified to even contemplate.” Rarity said. 

“But it is for her own good.” Spike said.

“These medications work best when taken willingly. I have experience in these matters. Let me wash up these dishes, and I will accompany you back to the palace.” Rarity said.

“But you won’t tell Twilight I revealed her secret.” Spike said.

“No Spike, I will reveal one of my own.” Rarity said. She finished her dishwashing quickly. She put on a small satchel and placed something inside it. She opened her door and let Spike out. She followed him.

Spike and Rarity walked into the palace. Rarity looked around with pleasure. “I do love Twilight’s new home. It’s so romantic.” Rarity said.

“Maybe you can move in. Twilight is thinking of moving out and having a house built around the principle of phi or golden ratio rectangles or something. She’s been talking a bit of nonsense lately.” Spike said.

“Who would want to abandon something granted to you by the very magic of the land for something as dull as architectural minimalism?” Rarity said.

“Twilight, I think. Twilight! I’m back! I’ve brought Rarity!” Spike said. 

“You don’t need to yell. The palace alerts me when visitors arrive.” Twilight said as she walked into the palace lobby.

“Then why didn’t you come right away?” Spike said.

“You were early. I have a schedule. Good Morning, Rarity. How may I help you?” Twilight said.

“Good Morning, Twilight Sparkle. I am here to tell you a story.” Rarity said.

“I like stories. You can tell it in the living room. Spike will show you the way. I’ll make tea.” Twilight said.

“No, I will make the tea. You take Rarity to the living room.” Spike said.

“You will make it properly?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, I will use the exact number of leaves and brew them for the correct amount of time.” Spike said. 

“You will remember to use the precise volume of water.” Twilight said.

“Of course, I am your number one assistant.” Spike said. He went on in a muttering voice. “And I will eat that owl and use his feathers as quilt stuffer if he tries to take my position again.”

“What was that last bit?” Twilight asked.

“Nothing important. Just muttering about tea.” Spike said. He quickly walked to the kitchen. 

Twilight and Rarity trotted to the living room where they made themselves comfortable. 

“What type of story have you come to tell me, Rarity?” Twilight asked.

“I have come to tell you a story about me when I was younger. May I begin my tale of personal growth and discovery?” Rarity said.

“Yes, you may.” Twilight said.

“Years ago, before you moved to Ponyville, I opened my boutique. I was so happy. I was sewing and designing like a mad mare. I barely slept, and didn’t eat properly. My business prospered. My designs were fresh, new, and bold. In no time at all ponies were coming in from out of town just to visit my boutique. Then the fine folk of Canterlot began to copy my style. They even improved on it. I was accused of copying them. I was so distraught. I couldn’t get out of bed for days. I was down in the dumps for ages, but eventually I perked up and I was designing and sewing in a frenzy once more. Then I put on a fashion show that went rather poorly. I was experimenting with a concept involving sequins that was too advanced for my skills back then. I shut myself away again. This time it was worse. I was contemplating ending my life. I was even writing a note. Fluttershy and Applejack forced their way into the boutique. Fluttershy spotted the note. They took me to hospital. I stayed there for a little while, but it felt like years. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have manic highs and depressing lows if I don’t take the medication they prescribed me. I stopped once. I became depressed again, so I was convinced to start again.” Rarity said. She opened her satchel and used her magic to take her vial of pills out. She put them on the coffee table. “I need to take one of these every day, Twilight Sparkle. I could very well die if I don’t.” Rarity said.

“You have so much to live for. Why would you even think about that?” Twilight said.

“I might ask you the same question.” Rarity said.

“Spike has betrayed me.” Twilight said.

“No, he only told me you were ill, but I can see the strain on your face. I saw your reaction to my own story.” Rarity said.

“It’s only a thought. I have never even done anything. It’s just things get so overwhelming. Everything has to be perfect, or it will all go wrong. Did you know what I did to my parents as a child? I turned one into a cactus and the other into something I can’t even remember, but it wasn’t a pony. I almost destroyed Spike’s life by making him full grown right away. I risked all of Equestria on a hunch. I’m a monster Rarity, and I need to be kept under control. That’s why I need to follow all these rules. The pills will slow my brain, and make me weak willed.” Twilight said.

“Unless you take your pills, you will snap under your self-imposed strain and you will need to be hospitalized.” Rarity said.

“I am a princess now. I have the strength to endure.” Twilight said.

“That may be true, Darling. Tell me one thing. Are you happy in your current state?” Rarity said.

“Who needs happiness?” Twilight said.

“Everypony needs happiness. You need it most of all. How are you supposed to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria without joy in your heart? Is this the princess you choose to be? Do you want to be afraid all the time?” Rarity said.

“Things may get better.” Twilight said weakly. “Where is Spike with our tea?”

“I am sure he is just brewing it properly. It is time for me to take my pill. How about we take ours together. It will make things more errr symmetrical.” Rarity said.

“Yes, there must be balance.” Twilight said.

Spike entered the room he was pushing a tea cart laden with tea and biscuits. Twilight’s oral pill vial was on the cart as well. “Here’s your tea ladies.” Spike said.

“You were waiting until I agreed to take my pills until you brought this in here. Were you not?” Twilight said.

“The tea is getting cold.” Spike said as he poured the tea.

Rarity and Twilight both opened their vials using magic. They levitated a pill into their mouths and then swallowed it with the aide of tea. They both sipped from their teacups silently for almost a minute.

“Lovely cup of tea, Spike.” Rarity said.

“You have achieved perfection in your duties yet again, Spike. Commendable.” Twilight said. 

Spike sat next to Twilight. “Are you feeling any better?” He asked. He began eating a biscuit. 

“I feel nervous. Soon I will be sloppy again, and who knows what might happen. I also feel relieved. Soon I will be free of the fear that torments me. The pill will begin to affect me soon.” Twilight said.

“I need to open my boutique. Would you care to walk me home, Twilight Sparkle? A little fresh air is good medicine in anyone’s book.” Rarity said.

“Sounds like a pleasure. We will leave in fifteen seconds.” Twilight said.

“As you wish.” Rarity said. She finished the last of her tea.

The two ponies trotted casually along Ponyville’s dirt roads. 

“This is yet another gorgeous day. Princess Celestia and Rainbow Dash have outdone themselves.” Rarity said.

“Yes, they both have great talent. Princess Luna and I have been talking about me using some magic to give Equestrian twilight a little sparkle. She wants things to be more romantic. Luna thinks the birthrate of Equestria is too low.” Twilight said.

“Do you agree with her?” Rarity asked.

“Cadence is the one to talk to about that sort of thing. There are a great many mysteries surrounding pony breeding habits.” Twilight said.

“Yes, why is a pony like me still single? That’s a mystery I would like solved.” Rarity said.

Twilight laughed. 

“Here’s another mystery. Why did you tell none of us about your pills? Why did you keep your condition a secret from your friends?” Rarity asked.

“I was ashamed.” Twilight said.

“Are you ashamed still? You shouldn’t be. These things are more common than you know. I have an idea. Let’s gather our friends together and share our secrets. Fluttershy and Applejack already know about me, but I am not sure about Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.” Rarity said.

Twilight Sparkle stood still and contemplated Rarity's words for a few seconds.  “Yes, we should organize that soon. Are you free tonight?” Twilight said. She began trotting again.  

“Yes, shall we all have dinner together?” Rarity asked.

“Good idea. Six o’clock then.” Twilight said.

“I’ll make sure Fluttershy and Applejack come.” Rarity said.

“I’ll invite Rainbow Dash. I’ll leave Pinkie Pie to Spike. He likes having a reason to visit Sugar Cube Corner. He’d live of their rock candy if given the chance.” Twilight said.

“You seem to be feeling better already.” Rarity said.

“Yes, you are good friend, Rarity. We’re at your boutique already. I’ll leave you here.” Twilight said.

Rarity nuzzled Twilight Sparkle. “Be well, darling. I will see you at six at the palace.” Rarity said.

“Good Day, Rarity.” Twilight said. She flew off to find Rainbow Dash. 


That night Twilight Sparkle and all her close friends sat in the living room of the palace. They ate desserts and drank wine or tea. 

“That was a mind blowing dinner. This was a great idea. Thanks for the invite, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Thank you, Rainbow. I have gathered you all here today for a specific purpose. There’s a secret I have kept from all of you for some time. The secret is I have OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have been hospitalized in the past. If I don’t take pills, I cannot function. Sorry to have kept this from you.” Twilight said. 

“No worries.” Pinkie Pie said.

Rarity spoke next. “As some of you know, I have to take pills to control my bipolar disorder. I too have been hospitalized.” She said.

“Been in the hospital for injuries a lot, but I don’t think that’s the fault of my ADHD. I wouldn’t be able to my job without my Ritalin, nor would I have been able to finish school without it. I barely graduated as it was.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Umm,” Said Fluttershy. “I take pills to ease my social anxiety disorder. It was actually Rainbow Dash who referred me the psychiatrist who prescribed them.”

“Ah think I know who y’all are talking about. That’s Doctor Feather. He’s originally from Cloudsdale, but he’s been her for an age. He’s the one who helped me with my insomnia when I was just a filly. The talk therapy helped, but the tranquilizer really took the edge off.” Applejack said.

“What was the problem?” Pinkie Pie asked. 

“My parents died, and I was left to care for a baby sister, a slow witted brother who didn’t know his own strength and a half senile old mare. That was the problem, Cousin. It’s your turn now.” Applejack said.

“I don’t take pills, but I do have a court ordered therapist. She is this close to referring me to Doctor Feather to have antipsychotics prescribed. She’s always saying, ‘Self regulate, or be socially regulated. Society has rules and there are consequences when you break them.’ She also says. ‘Any prank involving fire is a bad idea, and is undoubtedly a crime.’” Pinkie Pie said.
“
Celestia bless her.” Rarity said. 
Tears were streaming from Twilight’s eyes. “Who would have thought the six mares responsible for saving Equestria would be just a bunch of messed up mares?” She said.

“No Darling, we are not messed up. Our problems aren’t something that taint us. Rather they make us more complex and beautiful ponies. They add to our uniqueness.” Rarity said.

“That is some beautiful thoughts, Rares, but I gotta get up early tomorrow. There’s this storm coming that needs to be dealt with. Can we just group hug, already?” Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie Pie hugged Rainbow Dash. Then the rest joined in. Everybody said their goodnights and went home. Everyone slept well that night knowing they had grown ever closer to their true friends. 

The end.