//------------------------------// // What In Tarnations? // Story: You Hold The Only Key To My Heart // by ~Desire~ //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle seemed to blush in embarrassment as I frowned, "Please, do not call me Princess. As flattered as any pony would be, I prefer to be treated like any other regular pony. I am not used to being treated like a princess." I explained to her, rushing into my next sentence in order to prevent her from apologizing as I saw her begin to form the words, "I heard that Pony Ville is quite the place to visit? I would love to know all about it, and to meet your friends." I politely regarded, watching her eyes light up as she heard my comment. "Really? That's great, I can show you the library; where Spike and I live - we have so many books full of information it's amazing. Then we have the Sugar cube corner; you can buy all sorts of treats there-" I watched Twilight chatter excitedly about her home, keen to tell me more. However, her friend shoved a hoof in her mouth and smiled awkwardly. "Um, sorry to interrupt, Twi', but I'm sure she can hear all about Pony Ville later," her soft southern accent drew my attention away from Twilight's rather strange expression, and I sighed with relief as Twilight calmed down. "I'm Applejack, a friend of Twilight's. I live and work in Apple Acres, it's mighty fine to meet ya." She gave me her hoof to shake, smiling in a friendly manner as I took it and shook firmly. "I heard that one of the Princesses was coming down, but I was expecting some pony like Celestia, or Luna." Applejack truthfully told me. I nodded understandingly, I would have thought of the two Princesses too if I heard a royal was visiting. "It was nice to meet ya, princess, but I must be leavin'. Apple trees to buck, I haven't got another minute to spare. Bye Twilight." With that, Applejack was gone, the sound of her hooves fading as she pulled her apple cart away. I stared at the spot where she stood, feeling very strange. "Wow, you won't have a problem with my other friends if you got along well with Applejack." Twilight piped in, having been silent for a while with a very thoughtful face. "I'd love to show you my other friends, but I do believe that we'd be very late for our lunch at the cafe." Twilight continued, turning to walk further into town and towards a small cafe on the corner. Startled, I trotted after her, having forgotten we had even arranged the booking at all. "Oh yes, thank you for reminding me. Afterwards, I think I would quite like to see your library, books always fascinated me when I was a young filly." I softly spoke, my thoughts drifting back to that feeling I'd felt. Oblivious to my distraction, Twilight spoke animatedly about a new spell she'd been learning, whilst I sipped at my Chamomile tea and nodded along to the conversation. "This spell is perfect when...." Twilight launched into more detailed explanations of some other spell that apparently increased the amount of time a pony could go without sleep. To make Twilight Sparkle know that I was paying some attention, I decided to state my opinion, "That would be very useful, almost like having some coffee in the mornings." I joked, cracking a smile from both myself and Twilight as she agreed. "I used to use the spell often when I was in the Magic Academy, I've got a terrible habit of staying up late reading." Twilight confessed, and part of me tingled in happiness that she was possibly warming up to me. If it felt that nice meeting a new pony, I wonder what it would feel like to make a true friend? What about a lover? Would it feel different? I couldn't stop thinking about it, this whole 'social' experience was new and strange, and felt foreign. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't realize Twilight was calling my name until she was right in my face. "Soul Symphony? Princess? Soul? Symphony?!" She had a worried expression, and I wasn't surprised. Who wouldn't be worried if you had a Princess staring blankly at you as though she was a living statue. Shaking my head to dispel my previous thoughts, my cheeks were stained red with my guilty blush. "I'm sorry for not paying attention - as interesting as your ideas and thoughts are on spell making, I have been distracted all lunch with this feeling I have been getting recently. It's really bothering me, but I have never been able to rid myself of it..." I trailed off, the royal side of me yelling at me for telling a pony that I have troubles, and that I should keep them to myself. However, I was persuaded by the gentle, filly in me that reminded me that there are ponies you can trust. "Princess, if there is anything bothering you, that Celestia or Luna cannot understand, I'd be happy to try help you?" Twilight Sparkle softly urged, amethyst eyes full of overwhelming concern. "Oh Twilight, I do not wish to burden you with my problem," I broke off, looking away uncomfortably as I fought to regain control over my emotions. Desperation, curiosity, and hope filled me. "I..I..." I stuttered, watching Twilight lean forward to catch my words. "I...I'm sorry Twilight." I panicked and backed out last minute, putting a few gold coins on the table and rushing my goodbyes before galloping back to my home. The cold air stung my lungs with each breath, my heart thumping wildly in my chest as I galloped through the thick snow and along the road back to my house. Fluttering nervously, my wings shifted uncomfortably beneath my cloak, yearning to spread through the air and fly me away somewhere else. However, I kept at it, relentless pushing my legs to go faster until my house came into view. I opened the door with my magic and stumbled in, tripping on the doorstep and tumbling until I hit the wall. A snowstorm was growing outside, the wind blowing a torrent of snow in through my door. With a buck, I had slammed the door shut, leaning against it as I breathed heavily. That was close...too close...