//------------------------------//
// Chapter 8: It's a Madhouse In Here... 
// Story: My Little Pony Equestria Girls 3: Twilight's Shadow 
// by Revan 
//------------------------------//

The shadows were closing in.

"Um, Rarity?"

Human and Pony turned their heads towards the two Fluttershys and simultaneously said, "We're trying, but this evil thing is blocking our efforts to discern a path."

"Well, PLEASE hurry. I can't keep them all back with the stare forever", Pony Fluttershy said as she continued to sweep her gaze back and forth across the line of shadowy, indistinct figures.

"I wish I knew how to do that", Human Fluttershy said wistfully.

"She'll teach you how after we get out of here", a voice drawled in an unmistakable Southern accent.

"Applejack??"

Indeed, both Applejacks were there, one riding on the other's back.

Pony Rarity frowned at the sight. "Darling, why are you-"

At the same exact moment, Human Rarity began, "Applejack, why-"

"No time to explain", Human Applejack interrupted. "Mount up and follow us!" Pony Applejack turned around and ran into the shadows, her human counterpart letting out a long whoop.

With little choice, the human Rarity and Fluttershy got onto their pony counterparts. Then pony Rarity and Fluttershy galloped into the darkness, following the two Applejacks. The shadows roared in anger, giving chase to them.

"Darling, could you please not muss up the mane??" Pony Rarity asked her human self. Human Rarity complied, letting go of her mane.

Human Fluttershy leaned over and whispered, "I see that Pony Rarity is just as fashion-conscious as her human self.

"Indeed", Pony Fluttershy replied in an equally quiet whisper, as they hurtled through the neural connections that were Twilight Sparkle's brain, heading towards a (hopefully) brighter future.





The fate of two worlds hung in the balance. And Twilight replied:

"No."

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, NO!!!!

"I meant what I said. You heard me the first time", Twilight said. "Or whatever the mental equivalent of hearing is", she added.

Sunset Shimmer yelled, "Who the hay are you talking to???!!!"

The voice chuckled. Why me of course.

Sunset let go of Twilight and staggered backwards. "No...."

Spike looked around. "I don't see anypony else in here, so can somepony tell me WHAT IS GOING ON!!!???"

The voice sneered. Ah, Spike. You still don't get it, do you? A dark form coalesced, walking forward. "I am Dark Twilight, and this is what occurs to those who defy me."

Dark Twilight lowered her horn, and a blast of pure, glowing darkness shot towards Human Twilight. It spiraled into her, and she collapsed.

"NO!!!!!" Spike and Sunset yelled. Sunset jumped towards Twilight's collapsed body, but Dark Twilight made a barrier of red light, and Sunset bounced off of it. She landed on her rear, and pushed herself to her feet.

"What have you done????" Sunset asked in a menacing tone.

Dark Twilight smirked. "I've simply broken down the barriers that hold Human Twilight's alter ego in check. As soon as it defeats her willpower, it will join me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a different Twilight to deal with." She dissipated, and a distraught Spike banged against the red shield that surrounded Human Twilight.

"NO!!! I CAN'T LOSE BOTH OF THEM!!!" He turned to Sunset. "Is there a way to break through to her?"

Sunset frowned in concentration. "I think there might be a way." She closed her eyes, and her body flickered. When she opened her eyes again, she was a unicorn once more. "Hang on. I might not be able to save her."

"At least try!" Spike begged.

Sunset lowered her horn, closed her eyes, and began to channel magical energy. As she did so, she thought, I hope this works...