Arc 2: Chapter 6
It hadn't taken the group long to make it to the other side of the castle, beside the throne room and down a few flights of stairs then out into the gardens. As was expected, the sun was inching its way across the sky, nearing its way towards its destination of Luna's bosom. For this time of year the gardens were in full bloom; lilies, roses, and various varieties of exotic plants brought over from the tropics and even down from Cervidas as tribute from the current Queen.
After a bit of a green touch from Luna as well as the castle's finest gardeners, the flowers had taken and blossomed greatly, showering the garden with a myriad of colors and scents. Unfortunately for the many ponies who enjoyed wandering around the gardens, the area had been closed off by order of the guards to allow the new 'additions' to the crown enter freely.
And for the pair of out-of-time ponies, it was the first chance that it actually hit them that they had jumped thousands of years into their future.
"This is..." Celestia whispered under her breath while inching forwards and pressing her worn-down hoof onto the plush grass, her fur tingling from just how lovingly taken care of this garden was.
"Wow," Luna added, looking around at the flowers, her eyes widening at the sheer diversity. "I had no idea there were this many flowers in the world!"
The pair of grown-up Princesses stood in the doorway and grinned while they watched themselves. They let the younger versions of themselves move away before following them over then gently using their magic to guide them towards a polka-dot blanket which had been set up for them by the maids.
Upon the blanket sat a small basket filled with all sorts of foods which ranged from pastries to sandwiches and plenty of sweets, as well as a large pitcher of lemonade.
Princess Celestia gestured to the blanket while passing them. "Please, sit. We can't tell you about everything that happens during our lives," she said, glancing to her sister then back to the younger mares who had laid down against each other, "but I'm sure we can find something exciting. Maybe it could even help."
"Sister," Luna warned as she stared at her with a knowing look.
Celestia's eyes showed conflict but she ultimately relented, however much it hurt to do. "I know, Luna," she replied, causing the young mares to look worried.
Sunset sat down next to Luna before snuggling into her side, to which the mare accepted wholeheartedly.
"So. Where to start..." Celestia wondered, tapping her chin. "Ah yes. The temple of Shakolua. Remember that one, Lu?"
"How could I forget," Luna replied with more of a monotone groan as her gaze shifted over to her sister from the others. Her wings ruffled in slight irritation at the mere name.
"Aw, sis," Celestia giggled then turned to the mares. "Shakolua's temple was in the middle of Heliopolis. The natives called it the lightning temple and let's just say it was rather shocking for all involved!"
The rest of the group groaned at the terrible pun, while Luna simply rolled her eyes and wrapped a wing around Sunset to hug her tight.
Young Celestia blinked and asked, "Wait, if it's in Heliopolis, that means that we visit it. You're telling us what happens?"
"Well, I did say it could help you," Celestia replied, nodding. "Plus, maybe this time Luna wouldn't get so annoyed at us," she added, looking over to the mare who was now glaring at her.
"You didn't warn me about half of the traps!"
"I'm sorry that I didn't know about them when you walked by."
"I watched you inspect them," Luna huffed and shook her head. After a sigh, she looked over to herself. "You'll find that our sister has an ironic ability to overlook even the most obvious things."
Sunset chuckled and smirked over to Celestia. "Sorry, 'Tia but she's right."
Celestia's eyes widened at the 'insults' and let out her own huff before pouting. "It's not like you did much better when we met Queen Ylyndar, Luna."
The younger sisters glanced at each other with a worried expression until younger Luna leaned over and whispered to her sister, "Do we bicker like that?"
"I don't think so... I don't think I'd be able to stay annoyed at you," past Celestia stated with a hum to finish it off. "Kinda strange to see... But also romantic."
"Romantic?"
"Well, yeah. After thousands of years we're still together even if we bicker some."
"I- yeah, it kinda is," past Luna mumbled, her lips curling into a smile as she scooted closer and nuzzled into her sister's neck, her cheeks warming up.
"I couldn't imagine a world without you, Lulu," young Celestia whispered, causing the Princesses to look over, both of their faces showing regret.
"Well, this turned awkward..." Sunset muttered after a good few seconds, then levitated the basket over. "I'm hungry. It has been a long day after all."
Celestia nodded. "Indeed. Pass around a few sandwiches. We could all do with some." After some were passed, she continued with her story. "So, there we were, inside the temple. Dark, and damp. We had just finished hiking several miles and were taking a little rest by the entrance.
Now, you have to realise that just because the followers of a god were gone, doesn't mean the god is."
The younger sisters did a double-take.
"Wait, an actual god is in there?!" Past Celestia gasped.
"Indeed. There's plenty of gods and spirits which are real," Luna answered as she reached over and pulled a donut out of the basket. She sat back and found her cheeks darken horribly when the sound of her farting filled the gardens.
Everypony stared at her, then towards the levitating whoopee-cushion in her aura.
"Looks like here's the most annoying one now," Luna groaned, throwing the cushion over her shoulder and causing the object to spontaneously combust; a low whine of a squeak leaving it over the course of a few, long seconds.
"Aw, you wound me so, moonbutt!" Discord whimpered as space itself bent around him and he appeared off to the side. Exaggerated tears of chocolate milk sprayed from his eyes while he settled down on his rear, his expression changing to one of glee. "How're my two- no three... Wait, are you mares multiplying?" he asked, pulling off an arm and letting another of him grow from it next to him.
"Discord, behave," Celestia asked, causing him to chuckle. "We have guests."
"Oh Celly, remember that it doesn't count if it's with yourself."
"What? What does that even mean?"
"Sister, I believe he's talking about mas-"
"Yes, thank you, Luna," Celestia huffed, closing her eyes in irritation. "Discord, not now. This isn't the best time."
"Oh? Would you like me to return after Twilight's inevitable meltdown and release of her world-ending alter-ego?"
"Twilight doesn't have..."
"Oh Celestia Everyone has an alter-ego," Discord teased before turning to the two younger sisters who looked ready to run. "Oh, I don't believe we've met yet, this time," he said as he and his clone took the two sister's hooves and shook them. "We're going to have such a fun time together."
"Discord," Celestia growled, her mane flicking around harder.
"What do you mean?" Past Luna asked. She was still weary, but such a being piqued her curiosity. "What are you? What spirit, I mean?"
"Wait, I've read about you!" Sunset spoke up, her eyes widening. "I had some books moved to my room earlier. You're the Spirit of Chaos," she stated while taking a step back.
"Well, I would prefer God, but spirit works fine I suppose." Quickly, he grabbed his clone and pulled it into himself, reabsorbing it with a wet 'schlick', causing everyone to shudder.
"What do you mean about Twilight?" Younger Celestia asked, looking up at him with a little determination at finding out what was wrong with her mare friend. "What alter-ego?"
Discord turned and grinned down at the mare. "Well, you see. I had a run-in with Twilight down the hall. She seemed awfully jumpy; probably on account of the horribly trauma that happened with the king that has gone untreated."
He pulled away and knelt down, only looking tense once the topic turned to Twilight. "Believe it or not, I think of her as a friend. She is a good pony; better than you two by a long shot," he muttered, making eye-contact with the Princesses who averted their own. "I look out for mine and she's been through too much to be messed around before... nevermind that."
"What? Before what?" Sunset asked, confused, while the Princesses shared a worried look between themselves.
"Spoilers, darling."
"I don't understand," young Luna exclaimed, looking around at the others. "What is happening to my Moon! Tell me!"
Discord blinked and leaned back. "I- That didn't happen..." he muttered, genuinely surprised. Quickly enough, a smile appeared on his face. "So be it. If you wish to know, let me show you."
With a flash and a click of his claws a flat-screen TV appeared on the other side of the blanket where everyone could see it. With a burst of static it showed Twilight laying in Note Pad's office on top of his chaise.
"You know, Twilight. It seems that, to an observer looking in, you're enjoying this a little," Note said, tilting his head. "I don't mean to be rude, of course. Going through that would be traumatic for anyone but the way that you went into detail with the bunker tells me that you remember that more vividly than the other parts."
Twilight blinked and quickly shook her head with a look of worry on her face. "No! Of course not," she replied, her worry morphing into confusion as she tore her gaze downward to the carpet. "I... no. I didn't want this; any of it! I just wanted to know more about the pair that I- I love them."
A warm smile appeared on the doctor's face. "I don't doubt that, not for a single second. You're showing me the lengths which you'd go to keep them safe, however much it puts you in danger. But, Twilight," he said, stopping. "From the way you've explained it, you let the mares you love get captured, even when you're hurt, only to go rescue them."
"That's- what? No," she shook her head once again. "I don't enjoy this," she continued, now frowning at him. By now, Twilight had started to get a little agitated by his questioning and pulled herself off the chaise, only to glare down at him. "Look. I'm the one risking my life. I just want this all over so things can go back to normal! Why does this always happen to me?!"
Note Pad's eyes widened as he watched the mare stand up. Quickly, he pushed himself against the back of the couch while hiding his panic. "Twilight, please, calm yourself," he asked, eyes flicking from her eyes up to her glowing, crackling horn from which he could feel the heat on his own face.
Twilight huffed, before following his gaze and seeing her horn. "I..." she squeaked, stuffing her magic deep down. "I'm sorry," she whispered, lighting her horn up and with a crack-pop, she was gone- leaving only a slightly charred carpet, the smell of ozone and a worried doctor behind.
The next thing Twilight felt was the white-hot stab of pain as it tore up from her stump to her neck and then an almighty thump as she impacted the dirt beside her Ponyville Castle, throwing up a cascade of debris and flowers.
In her haste, she had teleported herself several hundred feet off the ground and at a speed which Dash would be envious of.
Dazed and confused, the mare let out a groan while rolling onto her knees then whimpered as shooting pains raced up her side accompanied by the acrid smell of burnt flesh. Turning her head, she saw her stump sizzling, the raw flesh smouldering as if someone had hollowed it out and stuffed coal embers inside.
"Fuck," she whimpered, weakly pulling herself to her hooves. Looking down the small crater she had left in the flowerbed. She couldn't help but close her eyes and let out a long sigh.
"Twilight?" a soft feminine voice asked behind her.
Surprised, Twilight spun around and saw Fluttershy standing there with a basket of flowers scattered around her hooves. "Fluttershy!"
Fluttershy's eyes had instantly snapped to her friend's lack of wing and she rushed over. "What happened?!" she asked, barely even able to bring herself to examine it due to the smell. Even pulling back, she was having a hard time keeping her eyes on one specific spot on the mare.
Her eyes kept flicking from the rough, un-kept hooves to the patch of blood along her side to the missing wing and finally to her matted and dirty mane.
"Twilight..." Fluttershy whimpered, causing the mare to avert her gaze away. She knew from experience with her animals that trying to force it would just make her clam up so she tried a different tactic. "Come with me," she said, reaching out a hoof.
Twilight was hesitant. She hadn't planned for any of the others to see her like this but she knew that fate had to deal her another bad draw. Yet... this was Fluttershy and Twilight doubted she would tell anyone else if she asked so she reached out and took her hoof.
"I don't want anyone else to know," Twilight asked, now finding the dirt extremely enticing. "It's too... please," she pleaded, her eyes flicking up to meet Fluttershy's own.
Fluttershy nodded. "Of course, Twilight. I know a few back streets that lead back to the other edge of town. No one will see us," she explained, picking up her basket in her mouth until Twilight levitated it for her. "Oh, thank you."
Twilight really didn't know what she should say and it was getting harder by the second but she knew what she felt. "I've missed you, 'Shy," she spoke up as the pair passed into a darkened alleyway.
To Fluttershy, Twilight's voice held less of its usual enthusiasm and she looked over only to see Twilight's tired expression on her face. It was as if the weight of the world was on her back and threatened to crush her.
"I missed you too, Twilight. We all wish we could see more of you," she replied, smiling over and taking a chance to brush her wing against Twilight's. There was a moment when Fluttershy thought that the mare wouldn't reciprocate but, soon enough, Twilight gently brushed back, their feathers fluttering together.
"So do I. I'm not sure what I'll do once this is all over," Twilight said, moving around a dumpster and looking over to her friend. "I just-" she paused, quickly looking away.
She was starting to think that Note Pad wasn't so wrong after all. She honestly didn't know what scared her more; the fact that she enjoyed the danger or that the fact that she wasn't fazed by the sheer possibility she could die.
"Twilight?" Fluttershy asked, placing a tender hoof on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Looking over, Twilight saw a worried Fluttershy and she nodded her head. "Uh, yeah. Sorry. Got lost in my thoughts."
"We should get going. We wouldn't want to get caught in the market rush."
It didn't take the pair long to make it through the various alleyways that spanned Ponyville to reach the edge of town and Fluttershy's home.
As usual, the mare had plenty of different animals lounging around, along with a plethora of plants that only an earth pony could have coerced into taking the soil; namely Applejack.
"I see AJ has been helping spruce up the place," Twilight said, looking around at a few saplings poking out the ground. "Apple trees, I assume?"
"Oh, yes!" Fluttershy replied, nodding. "She's been here quite a bit lately... I think she misses me when she's at work."
With a giggle, Fluttershy sprung up to her door and entered. She then gestured for Twilight, who had slowed down to take in the scene around her. Her hardened, almost defensive posture seemed weakened slightly as if the simple act of being home softened her.
She padded along, slowly making her way down the path while her wing twitched as her eyes flicked to and fro. It was almost second nature to look out for enemies now and she couldn't help but let out a deep sigh when she reached the door.
"Thank you, Fluttershy," Twilight said then pulled the surprised mare into a hug.
She has so many conflicting emotions churning inside of herself but she wasn't sure if she was ready to let them out, least of all to one of her best friends. Yet, she needed to relieve some of the pressure and spending some time with Fluttershy could do just that.
"Oh... No problem," Fluttershy replied, having tensed up due to the unexpected hug, but quickly wrapped a leg around the Alicorn and hugged her back with a surprisingly strong grip.
Pulling away, Twilight entered and let Fluttershy close the door before placing the basket down. She wasn't surprised to see that the mare's home had not changed much despite Discord having lived there and wandered over to the couch which sat in the center of the room.
In front of that stood her coffee table with several fashion magazines scattered over it and a few mugs.
Fluttershy squeaked and rushed over. "Let me clear up a little," she mumbled, moving the magazines and placing them on top of a bookcase that she had stuffed under the stairs. She then quickly took the mugs out to the kitchen which was just behind the couch and left them in the sink.
"There we go," Fluttershy remarked, seemingly a little bashful.
"Yup," Twilight said, standing next to the couch as a layer of awkwardness fell over them.
She was beginning to hate that she was feeling so out of touch with her friends that even small things were getting awkward.
"So, uh, what did you want to do?" she asked while Fluttershy moved around.
"Oh, well... We can't really do anything with you looking like that, can we?"
"What- what do you mean?" Twilight asked, looking over herself then back at her friend. She didn't know what was wrong with her look but Fluttershy's expression caused her to take a second look.
It was at this point that her body actually settled in. Not only were her legs covered in dirt and grime but she had blood over her hooves and down her side. Her hair was knotted, tangled and had flakes of blood and glass still trapped. Neither of them knew how any pony could have let her go anywhere like that.
"I... I'm a mess..." Twilight whispered, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I should go- this was a mista-"
"Don't you dare!" Fluttershy commanded, stepping in front of her with a frown. "Twilight, I don't know what happened when you went back but I won't let you go around looking like that! What sort of a friend would I be!"
"But-"
"No buts! I don't care if you're a Princess- you're my friend first and that means I will take care of you," Fluttershy said, giving a huff and taking a step forward to gently brush her own hoof across Twilight's cheek. "Even when you don't take care of yourself."
Twilight closed her eyes and leaned into the affection when she felt her eyes watering up. Everything still felt so raw, as if it happened mere seconds ago, and she was beginning to choke up.
"What friend would I be if I let you go when you needed someone the most."
That was the stone that burst Twilight's dam and she suddenly let out a choked whimper. She quickly pressed forward and let herself melt against Fluttershy who simply wrapped her legs around the larger mare.
"Hey, shh..." Fluttershy whispered, brushing her mane and holding her tight for a few minutes to let her get it all out of her system. "It's okay."
Twilight couldn't help but feel like she had several tonnes lifted off her back and slumped down, her wing laying lumpy by her side. "Flutter..." she sniffled, her tears dripping down her cheeks.
Fluttershy only tightened her hooves at her name and gently leaned down to nuzzle her friend. "Don't worry, Twi. I won't tell anyone..."
After a few minutes, Twilight softly pulled herself away and kept her eyes on the floor. "Thank you," she whispered. The fur around her eyes were horribly matted and moist, and she wiped it with her leg, sniffling.
Fluttershy reached forward and pulled Twilight's leg away from her face. "Come with me. I'll get you cleaned up," she ordered, that smile never leaving her face.
Twilight quickly shook her head. "N-No... I need to get back to the cast-"
"Not like that you're not! The Princesses should be ashamed for letting you out like this!" Fluttershy huffed, rushing around Twilight and pushing her towards the stairs.
Twilight winced at the treatment but quickly groaned and began walking towards the stairs of her own free will. "Fine... If it'll make you happy."
Fluttershy grinned and nodded. "Yup! I just want you to... you know, look nice, Twilight. You're back and, well," she said, brushing her hoof across her wooden floor, "you have to look nice for your mares!"
The alicorn was rather taken aback by the sudden change as well as the sentiment behind those words. "I haven't felt like I've wanted to be like that, for anyone, in a long while" Twilight revealed, now feeling guilty.
It only took a second, but she brought her eyes over to meet Fluttershy's own. She knew what she should do. Not only for herself, but for the sisters who were waiting for her back at the castle.
"Can you, uh... help me look nice? I don't know how."
Fluttershy's smile widened and she rapidly nodded. "Of course!" she giggled, rushing over and pushing the Princess up the stairs. "Go gogogogo!"
Twilight was ushered into Fluttershy's bathroom where a large tub was waiting. She trotted around and quickly turned the faucets on to let it slowly fill up while pouring indifferent coloured liquids.
Twilight looked a little concerned at the amount of chemicals but kept quiet for Fluttershy knew best in these matters.
"Okay, so while the bath is filling up," Fluttershy said, looking over to Twilight. "We can clip and buffer your hooves and fetlocks!"
Twilight blinked and looked down at her hooves confused. "Clip?" she asked, worried.
"Uh-huh! I've heard from Rarity that it's what all the fancy ponies are doing now... You know, all short. Haven't you seen anyone do it?"
"Oh, uh... I don't think so. I never paid attention to other pony's hooves."
Fluttershy let out a hum as she stared down at Twilight's hooves. "I guess we can leave that," she muttered, tapping her chin. "Your hooves need a good buffering... I mean, if you want?"
Twilight was surprised it took her friend this long to add that to the end of a sentence, though she didn't mention it and simply nodded. "Of course. I've only had it done a few times, mostly when we came back from outside Ponyville from a friendship mission"
"Oh, if I'd have known that I could have joined you..."
"Sorry," Twilight said, giving a sigh. "I could bring you up to the spa in Canterlot sometime? I think I'd need it after everything..."
Fluttershy's ears perked up while she wandered over to a cabinet and pulled out a hoof-held buffer. "Oh, that would be lovely! I've never been but I've heard it's to die for," she replied, doing her best Rarity impression. "Hold out your hoof?"
Twilight did as she was told and felt the rough buffer scrape along the cracked and chipped surface of her hoof to smooth it out. She turned to the bath and smiled as the pleasant scent of Strawberries wafted up.
"So, you and Applejack," Twilight said, closing her eyes. She felt her friend freeze for a second, then continue.
"Yeah?" Fluttershy asked, glancing up.
"I didn't expect it. It's cute."
"She's... warm and makes me feel good when I look at her."
Twilight couldn't help but smile at those words. The fact that her friends had their own special some-ponies made her almost giddy. "I know the feeling. There was that rumour about you and Dash?"
"Dash is nice and makes me feel good as well but she's too rough and fast. I wanted someone more-"
"Stable?"
Fluttershy blinked then smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Applejack is stable and knows when to slow down," she said, pulling away as she finished Twilight's hooves. "What about you and the Princesses?"
Twilight looked slightly surprised at the question then asked, "What do you mean?"
"It must be lovely being with the two ponies you've loved for so long."
"I..."
Twilight's thoughts, despite their best efforts, were pulled back to the Princesses- all four of them. She felt that weight in her stomach and knew what it was but she honestly, truly, didn't want to face it... but she had to. I'm a horrible marefriend and I don't deserve any of them, she thought. I've been enjoying all of this. All the death and pain.
Her eyes shifted off Fluttershy as that realization settled in and she had to use all her willpower to hold back a sigh.
Twilight's pause caused Fluttershy to tilt her head, then shake it. "Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be prying!"
"No, it's okay. I was just thinking," Twilight replied. "I've been thinking a lot today," she said as her magic turned off the faucet. "and honestly, I don't think I'm a good pony anymore."
Fluttershy frowned and shook her head. "What? Of course you are!" she said, moving forwards and placing her hoof on Twilight's breast. "Why would you say that?"
"Fluttershy, I've k-" Twilight began but cut herself off. "I've done some horrible things."
With that, she used her magic to pull Fluttershy's hoof off of her and turn away.
The pegasus stared at her friend, chest thumping quicker as each second passed by, then rubbed her own leg, unsure what to say. "I can't understand if you don't tell me. I want to help," she said, seeing Twilight's conflicted expression. "Okay... How about we just get you clean?"
Twilight's eyes flicked back to her friend then the water and she nodded.
"Great. I can't wait to see the mare under that dirt!"
Twilight haphazardly climbed into the regular-sized-pony bath and did her best to lower herself down while Fluttershy moved around and pulled a sponge off a hook beside her.
"I can do it," Twilight stated, beginning to pull the sponge over with her magic, but finding resistance from the mare.
"Twilight, please. It's not like I haven't done this before," Fluttershy retorted, giving a tiny huff. "Besides, you're hurt."
Twilight pouted ever so but relented and let the mare begin to scrub at her matted and dirty fur. It didn't take long for her to feel a difference as Fluttershy slowly worked her way around her body- the water darkening as dirt and blood was scrubbed from her.
Yet as Fluttershy neared Twilight's missing wing she paused, not knowing what to do with the smouldering appendage.
Twilight glanced back, her cheeks slightly rosier than normal. "Everything okay?" she asked, before seeing Fluttershy looking unnerved.
"Does it hurt?"
Twilight wasn't expecting a question like that and glanced away.
"Twilight. Does it hurt?" Fluttershy asked, her expression shifting to one of pain.
"All the time," the Alicorn croaked, closing her eyes.
Flashes of pain rippled through her and she could feel that dark magic hitting her wing, corrupting then sloughing her flesh off into the water below. She could feel the cold marble and the steel blade tear through her muscle and shatter her bone.
Her body shivered, the warmth freezing her veins and she forced open her bloodshot eyes. Her body felt as if it went twelve rounds with Tirek and she could feel her cheeks were damp and matted. Her muscles ached and she could feel a headache forming, but the gently rubbing of Fluttershy kept her grounded.
"It... It looks like embers," Fluttershy remarked, slowing her cleaning to gaze into it. She shivered and tore her eyes away after a few seconds, her wings visibly tightening against her side. "I can't imagine... how?'
Twilight winced and in that second, all of the horror and confusion within those first few seconds of finding her wing rotting flooded back.
Her heart felt heavy in her chest and ever so slowly climbed out of the bath without a word. Her horn flared and with a soft purple evaporated the water from her coat, leaving her fluffy.
The mare let out a groan as she wandered over to Fluttershy's bedroom, which the bathroom was attached to and smiled as the familiar scent of sunflower and daffodil hit her.
The room was light and airy, the sunlight filtering through the trees at just the right angle to sparkle through the glass and scatter across the peach bed sheets.
Twilight enjoyed the stillness that seemed to impose itself at that moment and remembered the various sleepovers that she and her friends had over the years; Rarity and Applejack fussing over each other, Rainbow pouting as Fluttershy styled her mane and herself play-fighting with Pinkie over some silly game they wanted to play next.
She doubted that would ever happen again now.
Fluttershy slowly inched her way around and climbed up into the bed. "Oh, uh, you can lay on my bed if you want?"
"Thanks."
Twilight did so and laid down. She let her one wing stretch across the covers and soak up the warmth of the sunlight while she tried to figure out how to word what she needed to say.
It was a solid minute before she inched her eyes up to meet with Fluttershy, who by now was feeling increasingly awkward.
"When I went back," she began, feeling her words slowly start to form. "we had to collect three items; artifacts really. They would cancel out a spell which was stealing the Princess' power."
Twilight slowly recounted the story to Fluttershy and averting her gaze when she finally reached the section which explained her wing. She felt plenty of emotions flare up inside of her, but the strongest was shame.
"I... thought I could be the hero; I wanted to be, so I sent them off. Then they were captured. I could have kept them close, but I chose... "
Twilight closed her eyes and felt her lip quiver. She could feel herself break down and didn't want to burden her friend any more.
"Twilight, it's okay," Fluttershy said, placing her hoof on top of Twilight's own. "You don't have to go through this alone."
Twilight's tearful eyes slid up to meet Fluttershy's once more and she scooted over beside the mare to cuddle into her.
She nuzzled the mare's neck with a deep breath, enjoying her calming scent. With a sigh, she continued.
"The worst part is that I'm enjoying it. I did the same thing again. They told me it was a bad idea to split up but I had to know better."
Fluttershy wrapped a wing around Twilight and held her as tight as she could while returning her affections. She didn't know what to say and felt it would probably make things worse if she even tried.
The pair of them jumped at the sound of a knock at the door!
Fluttershy gasped and pulled away to jump off the bed. "Oh horse-apples!" she muttered, giving Twilight a worried look. "I was going to the castle to drop off some rare flowers for Starlight. That's probably her!"
"Fluttershy? You home?"
The voice confirmed her suspicion and she winced. "I'm so sorry! I didn't realise she'd want them that badly."
Twilight sighed and simply smiled over to the pegasus. "It's okay. It would only be a matter of time until she found out I was back anyway. I'll need to talk to her," she replied, climbing off the bed and passing by the fretting mare.
She slowly wandered down the stairs, her muscles aching even after her rest and trotted over to the door. She wasn't sure if this was the best idea, considering the last time she came back from the past and how Starlight chewed her out but she knew that keeping it a secret would only make things worse.
Twilight's aura wrapped itself around the door's handle and she turned while taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. She could see Fluttershy standing off to the side from the corner of her vision, so she's have at least another of her friends for reassurance.
"Here goes nothing..." she muttered, swinging the door open.
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What the fuck kind of therapist is Note Pad? Telling Twilight she enjoyed it? That sounds like the last thing you would tell someone in a fragile emotional state...
Thanks for the chapter!
10523277
Well, that's because Note Pad is still a second rate one. The first rate one would be Note Pad PlusPlus.
10523643
i see what you did there.
Good chapter though have to agree about note pad, not the best therapist.
I only just now realized the story's picture is Luna sitting on Twilight to be eye level with Celestia
(How have i not realized that before now)
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10523277
Every therapist works differently
Yup. Note Pad sucks at his job.
A lot of grammar mistakes all through this chapter, significantly moreso than previous ones. But, I still very much enjoyed it... okay, not the... not the mental breakdown parts. But, like... it's good. Yeah. Good story so far. Really enjoying it!
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Oh? Damn. I'll have to go back and try and find them. I went through it a few times and I'm not sure where they are...
I went through and did my best again to get any errors. I hope it's better now.
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He sounded like that doctor from the Slab in 6th season of Arrow
Hold on a moment...
I was rereading the story and I noticed something.
In Act 1; Chapter 12, you wrote Twilight saying this.
Twi' has now lost her wing... Is this a foreshadowing?
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Who knows ;3
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So it is...
Your smile betrays you. I'm on the other side of the internet yet I can see it clearly.
Pray tell, will it be "Time for a M rating" level or will you go lighter in Twilight :)
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I'm unsure if I really want to go to an 'm' rating, tbh.
You good? Haven't seen ya since nov
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I've been dealing with a lot of stuff. The next chapter will come sometime, when it's all sorted.
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Best of luck I hope things get better shits been rough for everyone myself included these stories help with that and hopefully you have things that help you too!
So when will Twilight get her wing back? Being the princess of Magic she should be able to eventually overload her own healing, that or Discord could absolutely fix it, even if it's in a chaotic way such as making it a bat pony wing rather than feathered.
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Because Luna was royalty, and that's how the royal court spoke.
Looks like Twi's finally feeling it... This was good for her. A bit of recovery is sorely needed.
And, ahh... On my second day of reading this fanfic, I sadly reach the end of what has been written (so far). One 1000 word chapter remaining at time of writing. It really was an amazing read, Valtyra - and has been the thing I have looked forward to seeing throughout the day. We're grateful for what you have given us, don't forget that :)