> A Wonderful Mind
>  by SuperGrassBros
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: The Beginning 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rarity and Applejack were in Rarity's study in Canterlot. There was a warm fire aglow in the room and the air smelled of perfume. Books were lain on some of the tables in the room and some parchment was scattered around the main desk in the room. A record player was playing a light melody, and the two girls sat across from each other in lush chairs made of high quality fabric. Rarity had become successful in her fashion business after the many years of practice in Ponyville; And Applejack had been heading her farm since Granny Smith had died of old age. Rarity and Applejack were somber in their chairs as they were discussing the situation with Twilight. Rarity had on a nice purple and white nightgown and was sipping tea; Applejack sat there with her hat in her hoof, hardly saying a word.

"So what has become of our dear Twilight, Applejack?" Rarity asked curtly as she took another sip from her tea cup.

"If you must know, Rarity, they won't let her out. They say she thinks she's involved in some war or something. Heaven knows what's really going on in that pony's head." Applejack was a bit nervous about talking about Twilight for some reason and was shifting around in her seat.

"Come now, Applejack, there are no secrets between friends. Tell me what's on your mind." Rarity said curtly, nudging her toward discussion about her friend.

"Well, alright, I'll tell you. I went to Canterlot Mental Institute about two weeks ago," Applejack began. She seemed to finally stop shifting in her seat, "It was half past noon. I asked the receptionist about Twilight and she pointed me in the right direction. When I got to her cell, she was in the corner mumbling about that war and how she was some secret agent for Princess Celestia."

"Go on," said Rarity, "What did she tell you that's making you so nervous?"

"Well when I told her my name was Applejack, she jumped on me. Told me I had to deliver the package to the capitol and that it was utter importance or somethin'. I don't remember her exact words. She was creepin' me out, Rarity." Applejack was shaking now.

"Sweetie, you're going to have to tell me everything if you want my help." Rarity said, reaching over to her friend and patting her friend on the shoulder.

"Al-alright, she wrote some numbers on a paper that the orderly had on him and told me to deliver it. Then she just went back into her corner and continued mumbling. I was escorted out of after that. I'm sorry, that's everything I know." 
Applejack said sighing. 

She was obviously still very scared of what had transpired there, but Rarity was unsure this was the complete story. So she tried to push a little harder. She asked Applejack about the numbers, and Applejack just gave her a slip with a few numbers on it. The numbers didn't seem to make any sense of any sort, but Rarity thought they might be decipherable. She gave Applejack a hug for being so brave and coming to term. Rarity escorted Applejack out, but just before she opened the front door for her friend, she had one last question for her.

"Applejack, I know that wasn't the whole story. I hope we can meet in a week and we can talk about this more," said Rarity with a smile on her face.

"I'm sorry Rarity, maybe next week I'll be mare enough to talk about it." Applejack said sheepishly.

After Applejack had left, Rarity took the slip of papers upstairs and started working on the numbers. 

*			*			*

A week later, Applejack was back at Rarity's to discuss matters about Twilight. Applejack seemed a bit more calm this time and the two were happily chatting about other things like how Fluttershy ended up opening a zoo and how Rainbow Dash finally made it into the Wonderbolts. They got a chance to catch up with each other on the goings-on around town as well but Applejack and Rarity knew why they were there. They were worried about Twilight, and they had to figure out how to bring her back. Rarity, at first suggested they used the elements, hoping the magic of the crown would bring her back to her senses. They had attempted this the first time they heard about this matter, but it was to no avail as the crown did not shine nor do anything when placed on her head. The doctors were just as puzzled and couldn't figure out what caused this nor how to cure her. So Rarity and Applejack did not speak to each other about this for some time. It wasn't until Applejack went to Canterlot Mental Institute recently did they start talking about this again.

"Rarity, I appreciate your support in all this as I can't count on Rainbow or Fluttershy's help." Applejack said.

"Oh pish-posh, it's nothing. I know those other 2 have their own plates full what with the zoo and Rainbows Wonderbolt training. It's a shame we can't tell them about this. However, I'm sure we'll be able to resolve this and Twilight will be able to see the others in due time." Rarity said with a smile.

"Why can't we tell them about this again, Rarity?" Applejack asked, somewhat perplexed.

"Well you know how Rainbow would go about doing this. She'd go after whoever did this to Twilight and since we don't know the source of this problem, she'd only exacerbate the issue. And Fluttershy is busy enough with a zoo, she won't have time to help Twilight; And even if she did, there's very little she could do about this."

"I suppose you're right, Rarity. So, did you ever figure out those numbers I gave you?"

"Hmm, I did go over them, and they may very well be coordinates, but we really shouldn't look at them till I see Twilight again. I feel bad for abandoning her and not talking to you for months on end. We need to go see her together. What do you say?"

"All right, Rarity. Let's go."
> Chapter 2: Mental Aggression
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As Applejack and Rarity walked back towards the institution in Canterlot, a lot of tension and resentment started surfacing between the two. They started talking about how this whole mess started and how they broke apart from each other. It seemed like eons ago that they fought Nightmare Moon and Discord, and the fun time times they had with Cadence and Shining Armor…all seemed lost to the winds. Cadence had not yet heard the news involving Twilight and her brother had completely turned his back on the situation; Scared at how their relationship might affect his relationship with his wife. It was odd to say the least, considering her brother should be worried for her sake.

“Shining Armor turned his back on Twilight? That’s not how family is supposed to act.” Applejack interrupted.

“You forget, my dear Applejack, Shining Armor was under a lot of stress the day I told him the news. I figured some part of him just couldn’t handle the stress of what he was dealing with that day and news about his sister’s breakdown. He’ll be fine, I’m sure; He’ll come to terms sooner or later.”

“I suppose you’re right, Rarity.”

Rarity went on to talk about how Rainbow and Fluttershy had started growing apart from each other due to the time spent around their dream lives. Rarity gave a little nod in Applejack’s direction hinting it it might just be from being too used to your current surroundings and not being near your friends. Applejack reluctantly agreed and nodded as she continued to listen to Rarity’s account of the days that seemed long forgotten.

“I’m sure deep down, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy haven’t forgotten us. Though I do worry for them both as much as I worry for your sake, my dear.” Rarity said thoughtfully.

“That means a lot to me, Rarity.”


A while later they finally arrived in the institution at the heart of Canterlot. The building was a huge white structure, with many floors and windows everywhere. With a deep breath and hope in their hearts, they were ready to confront Twilight after many months. They walked up to the receptionist’s desk and asked to see Twilight Sparkle.

“Ah, you mean that pony who was moved to iso a while back? Right this way please.” The receptionist said as she started leading the two down the left hallway. The receptionist was a white mare with a checklist for a cutie mark and small glasses on her face. She seemed a little old but not old enough to be a grandmother or anything.

“Isolation? I don’t remember Twilight ever being in isolation in this institute, are you sure we’re talking about the same Twilight Sparkle?” Applejack asked cautiously.

“Yes, well you see, she was moved to isolation the day after you came here about a month ago.”


“Was there a reason you moved our friend there?” Rarity asked, now somewhat concerned.

“She was disrupting other patients and ranting hysterically about some spy mission or something. Celestia knows what goes on in half the patients’ mind these days.” The receptionist said.

The walked for what seemed like half an hour to the deepest part of the institution where ponies were talking as if they had completely snapped. The two were scared as they walked deeper and deeper into the institution with nothing but the receptionist walking in front of them. When they finally reached Twilight’s chamber, they noticed something different about her and her cushioned room. She was now in a straight jacket and sitting there in the back of the room mumbling on and on about a war that didn’t exist. Her friends seemed worried, but ready to face whatever fears they may have about her.

“Umm, Twilight, it’s me Applejack and this is Rarity,  you remember us right?” Applejack said nervously.

“Don’t open the gate, Applejack, don’t open the gate, they’ll come after us. They already have unicorns positioned ready to strike at Canterlot University. We need to get the children out.” Twilight started saying.

Much of what she said was semi-incoherent. The receptionist asked if they wanted to talk to her face to face and asked if they wanted the cell door opened. The two mares shook their heads violently, too scared to imagine what would become of them if they decided to open the gate. Suddenly, Twilight teleported to the cell door and grabbed Rarity by the dress collar and whispered something into her ear.

“Get me out of this jail Rarity, I must complete the mission, they know too much. Heaven forbid Celestia knows what I know and we’ll all be doomed. The Pegasi already have our positioning and if they don’t let me out, the whole of Equestria will perish by their rule. Please, help me, Rarity. Please…”

And just as quickly, Twilight teleported back to the back of the cell mumbling about numbers and coordinates to help her fellow unicorn. Rarity just stood there, unnerved, scared and very worried about her friend in the cell. What was going on in that head of hers and why were Pegasi attacking Canterlot in her mind? Nothing seemed to make sense to her. Has she seen something in the future or was she just crazy? Neither Rarity or Applejack knew what exactly had transpired in her head. However, Rarity was determined to help Twilight and asked the receptionist for a meeting with Twilight and a few psychologists.

“Sure, I’ll set it up, when do you want to hold this meeting, ma’am?” The receptionist said when they had made it back to her desk at the front of the institution.

“How about next Wednesday?” Rarity said.

“Next Wednesday is fine. Have a nice day, you two.” The receptionist said before bidding the two mares goodbye.


“What exactly did she whisper in your ear, Rarity?” Applejack asked as they started down the steps of the facility.

“Do you really want to know? She asked me to let her out so she can complete some mission while some pegasus had her surrounded. Celestia knows what’s going on in that mind of hers. If you ask me, we can’t do anything for her, at least not till I get some more information out of that crazy mind of hers. I’m sorry, Applejack, I know how much you want to bring her back.” Rarity said with a small stream of tears coming from her eyes as she leaned in to hug Applejack.


“I trust you, Rarity, we’ll get to the bottom of this.”

“Thank you, Applejack, it pains me to see our dear Twilight in shambles, but we need to stay strong for her sake. Now, I have a meeting today with Fancy Pants around noon, so if you’re not busy tonight, why not spend it over at my place, I’ll brew some tea for us and we’ll try to figure this out together; Like old times.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be over as soon as I’m done with the stuff on the farm.”


The two headed off in opposite directions toward their respective destinations. Meanwhile, Twilight was still mumbling in her cell about plans to escape and meet up with the Princess.

“Of course, Princess, I’ll meet up with you as soon as I get out of this plastic prison. Oh, don’t worry, I won’t be here long; As soon as they open the cell door, I’ll pounce on them and make my escape, I will get the news to you, my dear Princess…this I promise….” Twilight mumbled with great excitement.

Hours passed, and soon it was time for the orderlies to feed the patients. Two orderlies started trotting toward Twilight’s cell. They were both earth ponies with white uniforms. She was still mumbling about how it won’t be long, but she knew she’d be free soon. At least, that’s what she thought. The two stallions came over and brought a tray. One of the stallions had an electric rod and the other one began unlocking the cell door.

“Here’s your dinner, Twilight. Don’t try to run now or we’ll have to stun you,” said the stallion with the rod.

He clicked a button on the rod and the tip became live with electricity. As his partner finished with the locks, he picked up the tray and put it into Twilight’s cell.

“Easy does it, Joe, the last thing we need is another accident with this one,” said the one with the rod.

“They don’t pay me enough to deal with this one.” The one called Joe said shakily.

Just as Joe started locking the cell door, Twilight stunned them both with a stun spell and left them both paralyzed and used her magic to rip off her straightjacket.

“I will not be stopped by a couple of stallions in a plastic prison, I am outta here.” Twilight took off down the hall toward the entrance to the cell. As she ran, her eyes started glowing in shades of red and orange, as if she was possessed. She was still shaky from the drugs the institution gave her earlier and couldn’t see clear enough. However, she let her senses guide her through the block of steel bars and cushions.

“I’m almost there,” she thought, “Just a little more and I’ll be free, I can get back to Princess Celestia and tell her the news. Then we’ll see who’s the crazy one.” She said with a smirk.

The institution had apparently god word of Twilight’s escape and had now sent out orderlies to find her and bring her back to her cell. She felt like an escaped convict, and with a body full of adrenaline and an excited mind she pushed forward toward the exit. The orderlies had finally spotted her down a hallway and were ready to subdue her. However she was too quick and managed to dodge or evade the orderlies. She weaved between the orderlies as they tried to grab her. Her magic didn’t seem to have stabilized enough for her to teleport and her vision was kinda fuzzy from the drugs, so she had to rely on her feet. She had almost made it to the exit when one of the bigger orderlies stood in the door way, blocking her path.

“Well, well, well, Twilight, I see that you’re trying to escape again. What is this, the three hundredth time? You’re not leaving this institution and that’s final. You wanna get out of that door? You’ll have to go through me, and I won’t let you leave here. Just like every other time, that teleport spell of yours won’t work on me and I know where you end up every time. So why not just make it easy on yourself and go back to  your cell.


“Not today.” Twilight said confidently.

“What makes you think you will get past me after having done this 300 times?” The orderly said with a chuckle.

“I’ve learned. You can’t catch what you can’t see.” Twilight said confidently as she tried for an invisibility spell.


She started charging magic and instead of turning invisible she turned a furniture in the lobby green. She tried again, no luck.

“How can this be? Magic has never failed me before…” She shook her head to try and clear her mind, but had no luck. She tried again and again until the orderly simply injected her with a sleeping agent and brought her back to her cell.

“Magic has failed me…what will I do now?” She said with tears in her eyes before falling asleep.

> Chapter 3: The Mind of a Genius 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	That night, inside her cushioned cell while slumped over in a corner. She began dreaming the same cycle of dreams she had from the first day of the war. It was as though some entity wanted this “memory” to replay over and over again in her head so she could find a way to fix the situation. started dreaming. It was night, Twilight and Celestia were meeting in a room in the royal palace. They room was small but elaborate and had file cabinets and a sleek looking table in the center of the room. Celestia was standing near the back of the room listening to Twilight who looked like she was in her late 30s; Much older than her current physical age. She looked wiser and wore a pair of half moon spectacles, a military female uniform, decorated with emblems and medals from previous war efforts.

“So as I was saying, Princess, if we move our troops here and here we’ll be able to achieve a rather swift victory over the Earth ponies. The Pegasi on the other hand, we’ll have to move our magical artilleries here, here, and here. What do you think, Princess?”

“I suppose we could use this strategy Twilight, but can I ask you something?” Celestia said with a smile on her face.

“Of course, Princess, anything.”

“Do you remember why this war came about?”

“I’m sorry, Princess, my mind has been on the battlefield since this whole mess started. I don’t quite remember; Please, refresh my memory again?”

“You have forgotten why you started this war, my dear?” Celestia said with peaking curiosity, “I thought you were the one who wanted to bring peace to this land by uniting all the ponies. And when they wouldn’t listen, you would use force.”

“But, I didn’t want to use force…they, they made me…”

“Did they, Twilight? Have you forgotten what friendship is about, is that why you started this? Or have you simply lost sight of what it means to rule a nation. I’m disappointed in you Twilight. I will continue to support you, but I hope you can find a way to keep your head above the waters. Good night, may your battles be good ones.”

She turned off the lights in the room and left, closing the door behind her. Twilight’s head was fuzzy and couldn’t remember all the details of what had transpired up to this point. All she remembered was a revolution of ideals that clashed with what she and Celestia had in mind. Had she really caused all this out of selfishness and lost sight of everything? She was so confused about everything since they started rolling out their troops against the earth ponies. She started walking out of the room and started mumbling to herself.

“I don’t know what really happened, but I will win this war. I only hope that I’m right about all this. But if the Princess is right and I have truly lost sight of everything. No, it can’t be…it just can’t be. I will continue war plannings tomorrow and meet up with Celestia and the rest of the troops. We’ll take Ponyville and bring it under our control.”

She trotted to her room in the castle and went to sleep without a second though. While she was dreaming, she kept hearing voices shouting her name.

“Twilight, please reconsider. You know what you’re doing is out of your mind.” Said Rarity’s voice.

“This isn’t the Twilight Sparkle I know.” Said an upset Rainbow Dash.

“I’m sorry, Twilight, I just can’t go along with this plan.” Came Fluttershy’s voice.

“Are you crazy, Twilight? Nopony would have any fun that way.” Said Pinkie’s voice.

“Twilight, I’ve known you for so long, and I know you’re a good friend, but the path you’re going down isn’t going to be good. And if you oppose me, I will not hesitate to take you down. Do I make myself clear?” Applejack said with fierce determination.

Sweat poured over Twilight’s face and she woke up in a jolt. Panting and sweating she went to the bathroom to look at herself. She saw her face but something about the face didn’t seem right. The face in the mirror was smiling back but it was a shadowy form of her self.

“Everything is going as planned, Twilight?” Said a shadowy face.

“Everything is going as planned, your highness. Equestria will be under your control and you can arrive on schedule to greet them.”

“Excellent, we’ll meet again in a week.”

A hand was held up and Twilight’s eyes glowed red and she passed out in the bathroom till morning.


			*                            *                                 *


Back at Rarity’s that night, the two ponies continued talking about their dilemma with Twilight. Rarity had found and located the coordinates on a map of Equestria, and they 2 of them piqued their interest.

“Cloudsdale? But the only way we can reach there is if we use Twilight’s balloon, and even then, we can’t walk on clouds; Neither of us are Pegasi,” said Applejack with a worried expression.

“Indeed, however, we will need to get ahold of Rainbow Dash for this. But dear Applejack, are you sure you want to hunt down these coordinates? Shouldn’t we be focusing our efforts on handling Twilight’s situation?” Rarity said with a matching worried expression on her face as well.

“Why don’t you work on plans to fix Twilight, then and I’ll hunt down Rainbow for these coordinates?” Applejack said, hoping this compromise would fit into Rarity’s schedule.

“I suppose, Applejack, but you have to realize, with my own line of clothing, I don’t exactly have the time to put forth for this. I will try to keep Twilight’s best interests in mind. Don’t you worry about that.” Rarity said, escorting her friend toward the door.

“Thanks again, Rarity,” said Applejack with a smile.

“Don’t mention it.”

And with that Applejack took her leave. As Rarity turned to go back to her room to organize her set for Hoity Toity’s fashion show tomorrow. As she was going through her set. She saw Twilight’s purple dress she wore to the Gala when they were younger. She was reminded of her days when they were younger and things like the Gala seemed liked the biggest and most important things of their lives and now all that mattered was bringing her friend back safely and healthily.

“Get a grip, Rarity. Those days are long over.” She said to herself.

She tossed the dress into a box full of old memories and continued sorting through her things. She kept thinking how to bring Twilight back and started thinking about how this whole mess began. She gathered everyone one day to show them a new spell that would hopefully increase their longevity but the spell seemed to have backfired and hit her instead. She seemed fine for a long time; Weeks even. But then one day, she just broke down and the five of them rushed her to Canterlot’s mental institution. Weeks passed and the 5 friends eventually fell apart; They were never the same after Twilight’s breakdown. Rarity thought it might’ve been the spell she was trying to cast.

“Maybe, that’s it. But I’m no magic doctor and I don’t know the real reason. The doctors did say she suffered some sort of trauma but they can’t find the exact reason for this malady. Hmm, I think a visit to Twilight’s library tomorrow might solve this mystery. That’s that, after the fashion show, I will go to her library and solve this mystery.”

And with that, she quickly finished sorting her line-up and went to bed.
> Chapter 4: Twilight's Apprentice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The following day, Rarity had come back from the fashion show. She threw her purse and handbag onto the couch and collapsed into a chair in the kitchen. She was exhausted from dealing with all the questions she was being asked. She got up to get a glass of water when a knock came from her front door. She walked toward the entrance and told whoever it was to come in and that the door was open. It was Applejack and she was smiling for the first time in months. She seemed like a completely different pony compared to the last few days she spent with Rarity. She was wearing a small green handkerchief around her neck which she took off after stepping inside.

"Come in, Applejack. Come in, dear. It's always a pleasure to have you over. You seem happy, what's the occasion?" Rarity asked, happy to see her friend smiling for a change.

"Rainbow didn't find anything at those locations, but I did get closer to finding ways to help Twilight." Applejack said with a smile.

"Oh, do tell. What did you uncover with Rainbow Dash?" Rarity said with excitement in her voice.

"Well, you're not going to believe this, but the answer may be inside Twilight's library. Though we may not have found anything useful at those locations, we definitely found something relating to magic in those spots. I went with Rainbow to a few spots and dug around and I found a few relics relating to something Rainbow called "old world magic"."

"You don't mean magic before Equestria's time do you?" Rarity said, slightly confused, "And how would Rainbow Dash know anything about magic items?"

"Well she recognized the inscriptions on one of the relics and thought it might've been old world unicorn writing. She doesn't know anything about magic or how it came to be." Applejack explained.

"Well, Twilight is the magic expert, but we can't ask her. I guess the library is our best bet at this point. Still, even if we find the right spell to undo this, would I even be able to cast it? Only a Unicorn would be able to cast a spell to undo this unless...Maybe we should ask Zecora." Rarity said, looking at her options.

"Why don't we try the library first, Rarity? You'll get to see your boyfriend." Applejack said laughing.

Rarity let out a sheepish laugh and blushed.

"A.J. stop, we were kids back then. After all, a lady like me should be looking for stallions of the highest caliber. But all joking aside, it would be nice to see Spike again. I'll grab some gems for him before we go. Anyway, is there anything else I should know before I prepare to go?"

"Well, there is one thing. Rainbow said she would meet us at the library."

"Why? I mean, this is Rainbow we're talking about and we're dealing with a magical malady, at least I think we are. What business should have with us?" Rarity asked half confused.

"She said she wants to see Twilight again; She's worried just like you and I, Rarity. But she only has time for one afternoon as she has to get back to training later."

"Well, these days any time I get to see Rainbow or Fluttershy is always a treat and I can't wait to do some catch up with Rainbow. Well, I better go get some stuff ready for Spike then we'll head off."

Rarity started toward the back of her home in order to prepare some things for Spike and her work tomorrow. She smiled while going through her clothes. Seeing Spike will be a great refreshing moment from all this craziness and being able to catch up with Rainbow will mean time spent with her friends. Rarity remembered all the times they had as kids and all the time they spent together, it seemed like an eon ago. Though she missed it, she didn't complain about not seeing much of her friends as she realized they had all grown up not apart. The event with Twilight may have separated them, but hopefully helping Twilight now will bring the five of them together in some sense.


                        *                           *                             *


By the time they arrived at Twilight's Library, Rainbow Dash was already there. She was wearing an adult sized uniform for the Wonderbolts and she had on a pair of flight goggles. Her blue coat shined in the afternoon sun as she lifted her goggles.

"Hey guys," she said to Rarity and Applejack, "Sorry, I kinda just hopped over after practice."

"Hey Rainbow Dash," they said in unison.

"I heard you guys were looking for a cure for Twilight's problem. I thought I might be able to help." Rainbow Dash said with a smile.

"No offense, Rainbow, but I'm fairly sure this is a magical issue. I know you want to help, but I don't know if there's much you can do." Rarity said.

"Magic schmagic, we know our friend's in trouble, we should be doing everything we can to help her." Rainbow Dash said defensively.

"Rainbow if you're not going to take this seriously--"

"Whoa there, you two, we should stay focused here, and look around the library not stand out here bickerin' like a couple of old ponies." Applejack said, stepping between the two.

"Yes, well I'm not sure if Rainbow's brash attitude is the best way to deal with this matter." Rarity said, still upset.

"Rarity, c'mon we don't have time for this, settle your differences and let's go." Applejack said with a stern face.

"Very well, Applejack, let's go." Rarity said, going up to the door to knock.

"Come in," said a voice inside.

Rarity opened the door with her magic and the three ponies walked in. Spike waved to them and told them to come in.

"I didn't expect you guys to be here," said Spike.

"I brought you some gems, dear," said Rarity going through her bag. She reached inside and took out a glass jar full of blue gems.

"Thanks, Rarity." Spike said excitedly grabbing the jar.

"Anything for my Spikey-Wikey," she said nuzzling Spike's face, "Do you mind if we poke around here for a bit? We're looking for a book to help Twilight."

"Help, yourselves to anything in the library, I'll just be cleaning Twilight's room upstairs," he said with a sigh.

"What's wrong, Spike?" Rarity asked.

"The place just hasn't been the same without Twilight around. It's nice that I get to sleep where ever I want now, but having Twilight around always kept me busy organizing things and keeping us stocked on parchment and quills. Since she's gone, all I've been doing is dusting the place every few days. I took Owlowiscious to Fluttershy's Cottage the day the thing happened. I didn't know what else to do."

"We've all kinda drifted apart since that day, Spike, I'm sorry." Said Applejack with a hoof over the dragon's shoulder.

"Anyway, let's get to work. Hopefully there's something in here about those relics Rainbow found with Applejack on their outing." Rarity said as she started picking books out of the shelves and flipping through them.

"Don't worry, Spike, I'll do everything we can to get back Twilight. I promise." Applejack said, still worried about Spike.

"I sure hope you're right, Applejack."

Spike looked really depressed, but he went back to organizing things in the library and dusting the shelves. Rarity turned to look at him just as he was walking away. She felt bad for him, losing someone so close to him. She thought about walking over and talking to him and maybe comforting him, but decided against it as the solution to all this would solve more than just Spike's sadness.

Hours pass and still not a thing was found on the relics. They came upon a few books that mention lunacy but nothing like the case with Twilight. Rainbow bid them goodbye after a few hours and the two continued to search for a cure. They had almost given up when Applejack stumbled onto something.

"Well, I don't think this is what we're lookin' for, Rarity, but this is as close as it'll get," said Applejack as she started reading the text. "Legend has it that whoever possesses knowledge of these relics and brings even one of them to use as a spell catalyst will cause unknown problems for the user. Use with caution."

"Do you remember her using one of those relics you saw during the spell she cast when we were there?" Rarity asked.

"Not exactly, she had us blindfolded that day claiming it was a surprise, remember?" Applejack said, reminding her friend.

"Ah, yes, I do remember being blindfolded before we went into the library. But if that's the case, you don't think she used it do you?"

"Well, I certainly hope not, for both our sakes," Applejack said, with a worried face.

The two ponies walked out of the library feeling uneasy. What if Twilight had done something to her friends that her friends couldn't see? Had the spell broken the 5 friends apart? Rarity had questions upon questions in her head. She parted ways with Applejack along the way to to her home. By the time she got back, Rarity was completely exhausted. She grabbed a drink from the fridge, trotted to the couch and fell asleep. She dreamed her friend Twilight was calling to her from the end of a dark hallway. As she ran toward the voice, the voice faded and shrank away from her, spell blasts had suddenly surrounded her and she felt like she was in a war zone. The dream shifted again, this time Applejack was talking to Rainbow Dash. The two were talking quietly about how Twilight had finally lost it and then they started bickering and arguing about pointless things and finally the two went their separate ways. The dream shifted again and she was watching herself and Pinkie yelling at each other about Twilight's condition and again two ponies walked away from each other.

Fluttershy was the only one to hear the news from Rarity and although she saw this too, it was more of a somber sadness than anything else. All Fluttershy said was "Oh..." and she went back to her animals. She didn't say a word since that day about the incident. Rarity woke up with a jolt. Realizing she still had a drink in her hoof and it was still only early evening. She checked the time, it was still still early so she started work on some of the orders she had put aside earlier that week for a few customers. She worked with a melancholy mood as she sewed and cut the fabric for the dresses. She remembered all too well, why she and Pinkie were arguing. Pinkie wasn't taking the situation seriously enough and Rarity had slapped her in the face with tears in her eyes. Pinkie knew what was happening; With Twilight gone, their friendship had broken apart and she couldn't handle it. She and Rarity haven't spoken in several months; Far more time than she had spent with Applejack in silence.

Rarity had just about given up on the idea until she went to see Twilight herself and realized she had to gather the other five. She started with Applejack, then Rainbow Dash, and finally Fluttershy. While Applejack has talked to Pinkie on a few occasions, she didn't really want to see anyone until this mess was resolved. Applejack surmised that she simply couldn't handle the truth of Twilight's condition and left her be. Applejack had asked Rainbow to talk to her, but Rainbow couldn't get a response out of her either which was odd because those two were inseparable friends when they were younger.

'Times must've changed too much for Pinkie,' thought Rarity, still somber, 'but we need her back, she may be the only pony to give us the morale we need to fight this. I'll ask Applejack to come with me and we'll get Pinkie back...No matter what.'

Rarity finished her orders, turned off her lights and went to bed. She was ready to face her fears from that day and bring the group back together again, no matter the cost.
> Chapter 5: Gathering the Five Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rarity awoke the next day wondering if she should get out of bed. She remembered the look on Spike's face yesterday and was disheartened throughout the day, but she had to tell herself today was a new day and she had her friends with her. She got up and looked at herself in the mirror; A depressed looking pony looked back at her.

'What had happened that day?' Rarity asked herself, 'And what did Twilight do to herself?'

Questions riddled her mind like bullet holes. She went to the bathroom and closed her eyes, she looked at herself and with grim determination, she knew what she had to do, she had to get the girls back. She was planning to go to Pinkie Pie's later today with Applejack anyway, she might as well make the most of it and face her fears of the events of that day. About an hour later, she was on her way to work at the new and improved Carousel Boutique. The place had expanded into a large scale fashion and design studio in Canterlot. She still remembered the day when she moved from Ponyville to Canterlot to show off her designs to some of the top designers in Canterlot. She met with Ponio Armoni to discuss fashions for both mares and colts and even some designs for stallions. Ponio loved her line ups and designs so much he asked her to move to Canterlot and appear at fashion shows there. Rarity was speechless as she said yes almost immediately.

'You won't regret this Ponio, I'll make you proud.' She had said before running out of the office, giddy with excitement.

But that seemed like a century ago back when she could still see Twilight and her friends. When she got to the studio, her assistant told her about a few meetings that were scheduled for her.

"Cancel my meetings, Lily, I've got enough on my mind as it is without needing to be distracted by other ponies today. I just want to work in peace today."

"Very well, Miss Rarity, would you like to reschedule them for a later date?" Lily asked.

"Fine, whatever, just not now. Tell them to talk to me in a month or so." Rarity said, walking into her office.

Lily Waters was an assistant Rarity had received when she first moved into the new Carousel Boutique. She was, at first, a shy pony, with little experience in concierge. However, Rarity gave her the opportunity to prove herself and she wasn't disappointed.

Rarity started work on a few designs on a sketchbook in her office. She was just doodling, but in her mind thoughts were racing. How would she approach Pinkie, how can she convince her to come out of hiding, and can she and Applejack convince their fun-loving friend to help them? They really needed a morale boost and this was the only way. Rarity was ready to steel herself for the harsh comments from Pinkie, expected her to get angry at her for her words and actions. It would be the only way to unite the five ponies again. By the time she came out of her trance-like thought process and looked at her doodle, she realized, she couldn't do any work today. Scribbled lines and semi-complete outfits littered the sheet. Her mind just couldn't focus on work today. She had to go see Applejack and set things right again. Rarity started out of her office just as Ponio passed by.

"Rarity, just the mare, I need to see. I have a few guests on their way to see what you have for the Fall fashion line-up. Be a dear and lead them to the show room, please?" He said with a smile and trotted away.

"O-of course, Ponio," said Rarity, stuttering a bit.

She went to the lobby and waited for the guests to arrive. She took out an old fashion magazine from her hoofbag and began reading. The words on the pages seemed to mean nothing to her as her thoughts went back to Pinkie and how they would greet each other again after nearly half a year. She got so lost in her thoughts she didn't hear the person calling to her.

"Excuse me, miss, we were told we'd get a look at the latest Fall season line-up. Do you work here?" Said a gray stallion with a black suit. He was accompanied by two mares in gray business suits and glasses.

"Yes, of course," said Rarity, flustered and embarrassed, "I apologize, there's just been a lot on my mind."

"Ah, the prodigious fashionista, of course. Always contemplating new designs in that head of yours. That's what I like to see, hard workers and new innovating ideas." Said the stallion.

"Y-yes, of course," said Rarity sheepishly as she lead them toward the showroom on the 5th floor, "I apologize for my rude behavior earlier, my mind's just been so wrapped up in things lately, eheheh, our showroom is just around the corner from here. I'm sure you will like what you see."

They turned another corner and arrived at a black door with three diamonds emblazoned on them like Rarity's cutie mark. She opened the door and lead them inside. She turned on the lights and the darkened room lit up brightly with racks and racks of clothing from the back to the middle of the room.

"The ones you want are in the back," she said, leading them to the back of the room where the darker colors for fall were placed, "Well, what do you think?"

Rarity was nervous, hoping the stallion would accept the fall line-up. She waited for him to go over the line-up and give his opinion.

"I like the idea of Autumn leaves on this one. It reminds me of all the festivals in the season, like the Running of the Leaves. I'm intrigued but this line-up, my dear, can I ask you something?"

"Yes, of course, sir, I'll accept the blame for anything here and redo anything you don't see fit."

"No, no, these are fine, they'll sell. My question was for you, you seem troubled is everything alright?"

"Oh, no, sir, it's a long story, don't worry about it," said Rarity as she laughed sheepishly, "I'm sure I can handle it."

"Very well, I will let you continue your work. I'll see myself out, thank you, Miss uh..."

"Rarity, and thank you again. I must go now." She said shaking his hoof as she went back to her office.

She went back to her office in a hurry to grab a few things before leaving. She told her assistant she'd be gone for the rest of the day and bid her goodbye.


                                    *               *               *




By the time she had arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, it was late in the afternoon and Applejack had just finished the day's chores. A knock came from the door and Applejack went over to open it.

"Hey, Rarity, aren't you a long way from Canterlot?" She said laughing.

"Very funny, Applejack. I came here cause I need your help to get Pinkie back. We've been so out of touch with our friends that, I think we could use a little laughter."

"Well, that's all fine and dandy, Rarity. But she doesn't live with the Cakes anymore. She went back to her rock farm."

"I see," said Rarity, a little disheartened.

"I'll take you there tomorrow. I think they're closed up already."

"Thank you, Applejack."

"Of course, Rarity."

That night, while Rarity was sleeping in the guest room, she dreamed about Twilight again, but this time, she was talking to the Twilight she knew. They were talking about that fateful day.

"Twi, just what happened?" Rarity was asking.

"I'm not sure I know Rarity, one minute I was casting a spell, the next I blanked."

"What about your mind? How can we fix it?"

"I don't know."

"I pray Celestia saves you."

"Me too..."

The dream shifted and they were at Canterlot Castle. Luna was talking with her sister.

"Sister, should we not help Twilight Sparkle? Is it not thy duty as princess?"

"Luna, there is much we don't know about her condition, and acting before we know what we're dealing with could make things worse."

The rest of her dreams faded to inky blackness and she awoke the next morning unsure of herself and what she had seen. Was this truly a magical malady and why didn't Celestia know anything about this?

"Mornin', sugar cube," came Applejack's voice as she peaked inside as Rarity awoke, "I'll take you over to see Pinkie as soon as we're done with breakfast. We're havin' oatmeal and pancakes."

"Ah, I'll be done soon then."

As Rarity changed into her clothes, one thing was certain today, she had to make Pinkie see the light of their friendship again. She trotted down the steps and made her way to the kitchen.

"Rarity, your breakfast is on the kitchen table," said Applejack turning back to her dishes.

Rarity pulled up a chair and began to eat.

"So, you wanna get Pinkie back to her old self today, huh? I'm in. I'll do everything I can to help you, Rarity."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Applejack."

Hours later, the two arrived at Pinkie's rock farm. Knocks came from the door and an old Stallion greeted them.

"Who are you two?" said the stallion.

"We're friends of Pinkamena. Can we see her, please?" Said Rarity.

"She's upstairs, come on in."

The two made their way upstairs into Pinkie's room. They saw her lying on her bed, mane straight as ever, and all they heard was her breathing. She was awake, but she didn't acknowledge the two if she saw them. Her room was simple, just a bed, and a small desk with a lamp on it with a few sheets of paper and a quill and inkwell.

"Pinkie?" Rarity started, "...I'm sorry."

"You come to slap me again," she said, turning her body toward the wall and hugging her pillow.

"We, fell into disarray after you left, Pinkie, I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. What can I do to gain your trust again?"

"Leave me alone. Leave this place, go back to your cushy Canterlot life."

"...I, well...I came to apologize to you for what I did and said that day, PInkie."

"I don't want your apologies, Rarity. For someone so generous, how could you be so selfish."

"Now, see here, Pinkie. Rarity is genuinely sorry for what she did that day. We need you again...please, Pinkie." Applejack said putting her hoof down.

"Are you two deaf? I said the answer's no. I don't want to be lied to anymore." She said with tears in her eyes.

"We're not lying to you, Pinkie. Dash says she missed you. I see her once a day and we talk about how we all used to be friends who could rely on each other." Applejack tried to counter.

"Who cares about Rainbow Dash, why do you two want me back anyway? To laugh at me? Am I just a joke to you two?!" Pinkie yelled at them. She faced them and sat up on her bed. "What do you two want from me? I already said leave me alone, I don't want to be part of your silly little group anymore."

Resentment filled the air. Rarity knew she was at fault here. Rarity started crying and Applejack put her hooves around her friend.

"Pinkie, there's still time to make amends." Applejack said.

"I have no friends, Applejack. Now, get out of here before I get my dad to escort you out forcefully."

"Alrighty. C'mon Rarity, let's go. There's no talking with this one."

Applejack escorted a crying Rarity off the farm and took her home to Canterlot. Rarity steeled her heart that day, but her friend was no longer her friend. She went to bed that night crying, thinking about the words Pinkie had said. She was right, but she wasn't crying because of Pinkie's words. Rather, she was crying because her actions that day had hurt herself and her friend on a much deeper level than she realized. It would take more than old ties to bring back Pinkie, that much was certain.
> Chapter 6: The Mind of a Genius
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight was in the bathroom again. A shadowy figure appeared in the mirror and Twilght went into a trance again with her horn aglow, and her eyes went white.

As a face arose in the mirror, it began to speak. "How fairs the war, Twilight?"

"It's going well," said Twilight, "How far would you like me to push our forces, Mistress?"

"As far as you want to push, my dear Twilight," said the figure.

"But, I thought you wanted this? Isn't this why you asked for Celestia and myself to help you?"

"Is it? Do you remember who I am? You have completely forgotten haven't you," said the figure.

"I...I'm not sure. It's all fuzzy."

"What do you remember, Twilight?"

"Nothing, just that I've been here, for days, in Castle Canterlot negotiating war terms and strategy. Meeting with Pegasi and Unicorns to try to resolve this war."

"Well, when you wake up, tell me, we'll talk then," said the figure.

She came back out of her trance and stared at her hooves; Wondering what was going on and if what that figure said had any merit. She took off her uniform and went to bed. She could hear the voices of her friends in her head. 

"..she's worried about her, Rarity...How can Rainbow help...."

Where were these voices coming from and why were they calling to her? Too many questions were in her head. She lied down and pulled the covers over her. Before long, she was awake again in the real world and a few days had passed. The sun streamed bright into her cell through a small window in the back. For the first time in months, she was able to see a part of the world she lived in. But her thoughts quickly went back to the war and she was engulfed in that mad desire to win it again. An hour later, an orderly told Twilight she had a visitor and he opened the cell door and Celestia walked over to Twilight.

"Ah, my dear, Twilight. It pains me to see you this way," she began, "I'm hoping I can take you to the castle to get treated so we can bring you back to the way you were."

"Ce-Celestia, th-the war. We need to mov-- no, the war room, have I dis-disappointed you, my princess?" Twilight started.

"No, my dear, Twilight. But we'd like to take you to Canterlot Castle for treatment, if that's alright with you," Celestia said sweetly to her student.

"O-of course, my princess. Any-anything you a-ask of me. But the war, my princess, I m-must move our p-pegasi toward C-Cloudsdale."

Celestia was perplexed but went along with what Twilight was talking about.

"Twilight, I'm sure, we can wait a day. Cloudsdale won't be going away anytime soon."

"Very well, m-my princess. Let us g-go to Canterlot."

She passed out almost immediately.

"Did you sedate her," Celestia asked the orderly.

"N-no, she gets a sedative usually around noon. She just passed out on her own," the orderly said, a little confused.

"Very well, I'll take her to Canterlot on my own," said Celestia, levitating Twilight onto her back.

Celestia talked with the receptionist about paper work and that the castle will cover whatever expenses Twilight might've had.

"Oh, it's on the house. Anything for our benevolent princess," said the receptionist as she blushed and let out an awkward laugh, "I'll waive all the charges. Had I known she was your student, we wouldn't have charged her at all. I'm terribly sorry, princess."

"It's no big deal," said Celestia as she walked out of the facility.

Hours later, they had arrived in the hospitol wing of Canterlot Castle. Twilight was asleep on the bed and Celestia had retired to her room. She though about what her plan was now. She had rescued Twilight, but she didn't have a plan for her student. She thought Luna might have some ideas. Twilight was twisting and turning on the medical table she was brought on mumbling about a war, her friends were in Ponyville wondering how to help her, and the wise ruler of this fair land was trying to find a cure with her sister. Why would all these ponies be helping one pony?

She woke up after tossing and turning for what seemed like hours. She steadied herself and she started seeing...ponies...walking around the ward. But they didn't look like they worked there. It was daylight in the castle when Twilight looked around and she stared around at her surroundings. But these ponies seemed to fade in and out, however, a few solid ponies seemed to exist. Was she...crazy? She couldn't be, but rubbing her eyes didn't seem to erase these images from her head. She got out of the bed and started to walk around for a bit. A yawn creeped up and her eyes were still fuzzy with these images. She knew she had to find Celestia and tell her about "the plans". Luckily for her, Celestia had just returned from Luna's room and found Twilight walking around in the main hall.

"Oh, Twilight, you need rest. Here, let me get you back into bed," she said with a gentle smile.

"Mom? I-is that you?"

"No, it's your teacher, Celestia."

"I'm s-sorry, Mom. I shoul've came home the moment I knew something was w-wrong with the s-spell."

"Let's get you back to the infirmary. I'll call a nurse," Celestia said.

"Alright, M-mom, if you want me to rest, I'll rest."

Celestia got Twilight back into the bed in the infirmary and tucked her back in.

"Well," Celestia thought, "It can't get any worse than this. I better get the girls."

Just before she left for Ponyville, she went to get a nurse to watch over Twilight. She gallopped toward the castle's entrance and flew off into the afternoon daylight.


*                       *                           *


Back Rarity's place, Rarity was sobbing in her room over the loss of Pinkie. Maybe the friends she had were gone forever. Six ponies who were once friends can't even greet each other like they normally did. It seemed like this would be the end of the beautiful friendship that these ponies had. Rarity got up from her bed and walked toward the livinging room couch. Just then, a knock came at the door. Rarity looked through the peep hole of her Canterlot home and saw Princess Celestia along with Applejack. She opened the door almost immediately.

"Oh, my dear princess, had I known you were coming, I'd've prepared a much grander welcome," Rarity said with a sheepish laugh.

"It's alright, Rarity, we just need to have a little talk," the princess said with a smile.

"This isn't about my job is it?" Rarity asked nervously, "I really do enjoy working with Ponio. Even if it doesn't always seem that way."

"Relax, Rarity, I'm here about Twilight. I'm concerned about her well-being as well as you."

"I see...Very well, Applejack, why are you here? We already know Pinkie won't help us."

Applejack started to talk but couldn't get the words out right. "Well, you see...The thing is..."

"Applejack said she couldn't convince Pinkie either, so how about I take you two to see Pinkie? But first, I'd like you two to come to Canterlot Castle with me. Twilight Sparkle would like to see you two."

The two mares looked at each other and readily agreed to go with Celestia to canterlot. The royal guards took the two mares to Canterlot Castle swiftly and the 3 ponies rushed inside to the medical wing. Twilight was awake but lying in her bed, she saw a white mare and an orange-ish mare. She didn't recognize either of them, but she stayed in her bed and didn't try to fight it.

Applejack walked up to her friend and asked, "Twilight? Is that you?"

"Who..who are you? I don't recognize you."

"I'm your friend, Applejack," she started.

"Apple..jack?"

Applejack walked closer to her friend.

"Do you remember me now?"

Applejack was now face to face with her friend now. She could see the deep violet eyes of her friend. She could see her friend looking back trying to grasp some fragment of her old memories back. Twilight had this sad look on her face that told Applejack that she just wanted to come back to how she used to be.

"I...kind of...remember...who's the other pony you came in with?"

Rarity was hesitant, but proceeded toward her friend cautiously.

"Twilight, I'm so sorry about what happened that day," Rarity began.

"It's alright Rarity."

Rarity stared at her in shock, "You...you remember me?"

"I can't forget my first lieutenant. Come here, please."

Rarity went close to Twilight and stared into those deep violet eyes. How does she remember her while not remembering Applejack. Just what happened in her head that made her remember her friend Rarity.

"Rarity, you need to deliv-" Twilight shook her head, "I'm sorry, I can't see straight. I'm going back to sleep."

And with that last statement she closed her eyes and dozed off.

"I see she's recovered somewhat," said Rarity to Celestia.

"I'm not entirely sure how. It might be my presence, or it might be simply that she's struggling to regain control of her own surroundings. Either way, there's nothing we can do for her until she comes around again."

"I'd like to stay here in the castle, i-if that's alright with you, princess," Rarity said.

"Of course, you're both welcome to stay until this is over."

"Well, I have to go, Rarity. Ponyville still has need of our farm and our services, so I'll see ya around I guess."

"Alright, Applejack, I'll see you around."

And with that they bid their farewells for the day.
> Chapter 7: Gathering the Six Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia approached Rarity about a week later about Pinkie Pie.

"Oh, that's right, you said you wanted to go with us to see Pinkie," said Rarity.

"Do you still want me to go with you?"

"Yes, please. Applejack and I couldn't convince Pinkie. I guess she took it kinda hard when the five of us broke apart."

"I see. Very well, I think I may be able to convince Pinkamena for you. But before I do that, I'd like you to do something for me, please."

"Oh, anything my princess."

"Very well, come with me. We're going to see my sister."

As the two walked around Canterlot Castle, they talked about what it was like when the 5 of them broke up after Twilight. Her condition was far worse back then; ravings and ramblings everyday. They couldn't even get a conversation with her, let alone understand what she meant. When they arrived at Luna's room, she was already waiting for them outside.

"Dear Sister, it is ready when you are."

"Alright, Luna, you can go attend to Twilight."

"As you wish, my dear sister."

The two entered the room. Luna's room was dark but in her room was an artificially lit moon. The very symbol of her power was shown gloriously in her room in the form of a central moon lamp near the ceiling. Dark blue curtains were draped around the windows and while it was still dark outside, her room seemed to light up in a white glow. Her bed was neatly folded and quite large. It was a queen size bed for Luna's large body. Rarity went toward the bed, the sheets were super soft and she put her head on the pillow.

"Wow, your sister has such a nice bed," said Rarity.

"Well, yes both our beds are very nice, but we're not here to sleep. I'd like you to go look at the telescope on the balcony."

On the balcony was a large telescope set up to look toward the moon and the stars above. It was a nice night, but Rarity didn't understand what was so important about the telescope.

"Is this what you wanted to show me? A telescope?"

"Why don't you look into the lens and tell me what you see?"

Rarity looked through the viewing glass and stared out at the stars.

"Beautiful isn't it? But this isn't where we're needed. Luna should have a chest somewhere in her room, I think she left it on the desk."

The two ponies went toward a small desk near the back of the large room. An ornate chest of ancient origins seemed to lay on the desk.

"This chest can only be unlocked by unicorn magic. It should have what we're looking for inside. Why don't you try and open it, Rarity?"

"Very well."

Rarity's horn glowed a milky white and she lifted the box close to her and tried to open it. She heard a click, but when she tried to open it, it wouldn't open.

"That's odd. There's a strange lock here and what appears to be a puzzle. Hmm."

"This chest is of unicorn origin, maybe you can solve it. I'll take you back to the infirmary while you try to figure this out. Luna and I need to have another talk. I hope you won't mind."

"O-of course, my princess. I'll gladly go back to the infirmary if you no longer have need of me."

Rarity trotted toward the infirmary with the chest. Along the way, she kept playing with the puzzle lock that seemed to be a combination of switches and tumbler locks. By the time she got back to the infirmary bed, Twilight was nowhere to be seen.

"Well she couldn't have gotten too far," thought Rarity as she quickly went to the bedside table and put the chest down.

She looked around the infirmary first but didn't see her. So she decided to walk around the castle in search of her friend. She checked every room from the kitchen to the throne room. She was just about to give up when she saw Twilight in a strange room with a desk lamp and a bunch of old records.

"This must be the record room containing all the documents of Equestria," thought Rarity, "Who is Twilight talking to?"

On closer inspection, Twilight wasn't talking to anyone. In fact she was alone in the room looking at thin air and apparently addressing some pony who apparently didn't exist.

"..that's the original plan, my princess. We'll move our forces here and here and take Cloudsdale in two days time...No...that isn't possible. I am the ruler of Canterlot and the unicorns are at my command..."

Rarity didn't want to disturb Twilight, but she ran to get Celestia almost immediately. It seems Celestia was just as perplexed by this scene as Rarity was.

Celestia turned to Rarity and asked, "How long has she been here talking to herself?"

"I-I don't know, I just happened to pass by here and she was talking to herself like this. Apparently she was talking to you...I'm sorry, my princess, I got scared so the first thing I did was come to you. I apologize for interrupting your meeting with your sister."

"It's alright, we were just about done anyway. Should we get her attention and bring her back to the infirmary?"

"Yes, I think that's the best course of action until we figure out what's going on in her head."

The two nodded and Rarity was the first to speak up.

"Twilight? What are you doing in this dusty room?"

"Rarity? Where am I," asked Twilight, a little confused.

She rubbed her eyes.

"How did I get in here?"

She could still see phantom ponies but she could see Celestia and Rarity standing in the doorway.

"You were talking to yourself, Twilight," said Rarity, a little scared, "You were talking about conquering Cloudsdale."

"Conquering? Cloudsdale? I...have no idea what's going. I think I need more sleep. Can you carry me, Rarity?"

"Of course."

Rarity walked toward Twilight and let her slump on her back as she fell back to sleep.

"Princess Celestia, what should we do? It sounds like she's involved in some war or whatever with an alternate universe version of you."

"I think it's time you get your friends and we delve into Twilight's mind."

"Are you sure this is a good idea, princess? Who knows what's going on in there. If anything goes wrong--"

"I'll have Luna take you and your friends. She will protect you in there."

"V-very well, my princess. If that is what you wish, we will do it."

"Find your friends first, you will need their help to solve this mystery. If you need my assistance, just have Spike send word."

"Thank you, princess," said Rarity as she took off in a gallop toward the castle entrance.



*            *            *


Rarity high-tailed it to Applejack's place. She took the first train she could get to Ponyville and ran right through Ponyville w/o a second glance to anyone. Applebloom and her friends saw Rarity running through ponyville and wondered what was going on, so they tailed her. Onward she ran toward Sweet Apple Acres, the trees that held shade along the borders of the farm flashed streaks of light in her face. She ran through the fields of the farmland and straight to the farmhouse and quickly knocked on the door. Applejack came and opened it to find an out of breath Rarity and three fillies close behind. She gave the three of them a stern look and then ran away.

"Come inside Rarity," said Applejack.

"Thank you, Applejack. We need to get Spike and go to Pinkie's," said Rarity, a little out of breath, "Can get a glass of water?"

"Sure thing," said Applejack getting a glass from the kitchen and filling it up with water, "I hope you don't mind tap, the water filter's broken."

"Water is water, Applejack. Thanks," she said taking the glass and taking a few gulps.

"So what's the rush? Celestia has told me to get the five."

"You mean you me and the other 3?"

"Who else? Anyway, we need to go see Pinkie first. Celestia has agreed to help us get Pinkie back. I need to get Spike and have him send word to Celestia to meet us there," she said taking another few gulps.

"Alright, will we need the Elements?"

"I don't think so. I think it's time we broke the ice with the girls and brought us all back together," said Rarity, full of confidence.

The two made their way to Twilight's library to get Spike.

Rarity came in first and asked, "Spike, you around?"

"Ya, I'll be with you a minute. He came out of the kitchen. Welcome to the Ponyville Libra-" Spike stopped short when he saw Applejack and Rarity come in, "Oh it's your girls. You need something?"

"Ya, I need you send a letter to Celestia to meet us at Pinkie Pie's rock farm." Rarity said hurriedly.

Spike grabbed quill and a parchment and started on the letter.

"Do you want me to come with you, Rarity?" Spike asked, hoping to join them, " This is Twilight we're talking about.

"I think it's best we handle this ourselves Spike. Sorry about that," piped up Applejack.

The two mares bid him farewell and left. They went toward the rock farm on the very edge of Ponyville just before the mountains and gullies of the forsaken lands. By the time they arrived at the door of the farmhouse, Celestia was already waiting for them.

"Oh, Princess, you got here first. I was worried we might have to wait for you." Rarity said.

"I wouldn't keep my subjects waiting." Celestia smiled.

Rarity knocked on the door again and Pinkie's father opened the door.

"I thought she told you two to--" he was so stunned as he saw Celestia with the two, he got down on his hindlegs, "My dear princess, I am so sorry, if you wish to come in with these two, you are more than welcome. We don't usually see you around these parts."

"Well, all my subjects are important to me, so I'd like to check up on them from time to time. Why don't you two head up to her room? I'll be up shortly. I'd like to have a talk with this stallion for a while."

"Of course, my princess."

The two went back to Pinkie's room. She was still huddled with her pillows and blankets on her bed.

"Uh, Pinkie? Princess Celestia is here. Don't you wanna say hi?" Applejack asked nervously.

"..I guess..." Pinkie said getting up out of bed and sulking down the stairs toward the living room as the other two followed.

Celestia noticed Pinkie wasn't her usual self.

"Pinkie, I heard you've been upset. Can you tell me about it?" Celestia said in a kind and soothing voice.

"Rarity slapped me and we argued...the rest is a blurr, but we broke up after that..."

"Don't you think you're overreacting to a slap?"

"She kept screaming with tears in her eyes about how nothing's right anymore and that Twilight was our beacon and how we'd lost it. Once that happened the 5 of us didn't speak to each other again."

"Rarity, would you like to say something to Pinkie Pie?"

"I'm sorry, Pinkie. I overreacted as well. Please forgive me."

"...Fine." Pinkie said giving Rarity a hug, "You owe me, though."

"Anything to have you back Pinkie," said Rarity hugging her back.

Pinkie's mane didn't go back to the poofy, cotton candy and bright pink right away. Instead, it stayed a straight dull pink. But for the first time in almost eight months, she smiled at Rarity. She went back to her room and the three of them left the farmhouse pleased that they accomplished the mission. Fluttershy was next, but the three would have to meet her tomorrow morning as it was already late and she'd be in her cottage by then and it had be a rather stressful day. Rarity went to bed that night with a smile on her face realizing she'd finally broken through one of her friends. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash would not be so easy. For starters, Fluttershy didn't want anything more to do with the incident good or bad and Rainbow Dash was still mad at Rarity for what she said and did to her, though Rainbow wasn't as mad as Pinkie.

The following day, Applejack and Rarity asked Spike to write a letter to meet them at the Ponyville Zoo to talk with Fluttershy. They found her with some elephants and feed buckets.

"Oh hey, you guys. What's up?" Fluttershy said softly, just then she noticed Princess Celestia with them, "Oh my, I'm sorry princess. If I knew you were coming, I would've tidied up a bit more and made myself more presentable."

"It's alright Fluttershy. I heard from your friends that you stopped talking about the incident completely. Is that true?" Celestia said soothingly.

"Oh my, I've been so out of touch with Twilight for so long that I've completely forgotten about it. Is she alright? She's not hurt is she?" Fluttershy said with a soft but concerned voice.

"Relax, Fluttershy, your friend is unharmed. Just a little hazy." Celestia said.

"Well, that's good to hear. Would it be possible to see her?"

"In due time, we still need to talk to Rainbow Dash," said Rarity.

"I'll talk with her, if it'll let me talk to Twilight sooner," said Fluttershy with determination in her soft voice.

"I'll go with you, Fluttershy," Applejack said, "I need to have a word with Rainbow too. She's been a little edgy around me and Rarity lately."

"Thank you both," said Rarity.

Applejack spoke up, "We're all friends, Rarity, we should help each other."

"You're right, Applejack," she said whiping a tear from her eyes, "Thanks, I can't believe it's taken me this long to realize this. Thank you both."

And with a fond farewell, they left the zoo to go home. Rarity went home again, feeling much better than she had in months. Things were finally starting to turn around for the group of friends who had broken up for such a long time. The next morning, Rarity opened her door to see her 4 friends show up. Rainbow Dash gave her a hug and whispered into her ear 'I forgive you'. The five were reunited at last. With the five friends reunited, Twilight's recovery seemed just within reach.
> Chapter 8:  The Road to Recovery
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	With the five friends reunited again and Twilight fighting her problem on her own, it seemed near an end, but things would only get worse before getting better. It was very early in the morning and Twilight was asleep in the medical wing dreaming about events in the castle. She was murming in her sleep about a shadow in the mirror. In her dream, she was standing in the bathroom looking into the mirror, the same black shadow had clouded the mirror and she was in her trance-like state.

"Do you know who I am? This is your last chance to answer this question, Twilight Sparkle. Do you know who I am?"
The shadow asked firmly. This seemed like a barrier to Twilight, she couldn't respond nor answer for she didn't know who the shadow was. At least, she thought she didn't know.
"I...don't...know...But you seem familiar. Who are you? Discord?"
"Hahaha, that's rich. Discord. A flunky like him? His magic is far inferior to mine. Do you remember anything, dear Twilight? Do you know who gave you that spell to experiment with? Think back, and think hard, my dear Twilight Sparkle."
"It was Princess Celestia."
"You'd think that, but she wasn't the first to see the book. You really don't remember do you? You don't know why I asked you to take Cloudsdale for almost two weeks now do you?"
"They were your orders to conquer Equestria were they not?"
"Were they, Twilight? I will ask you one last time to remember who you are, and I better hear an answer or I will take your life."
"But I've never seen you before. How could I possibly know who you are?"
A face appeared in the shadows and a dim red light appeared to show the silhouette of a pony.
"You're me..but that's impossible. I never heard of the spell before I got the book from Celestia."
"That's right, Twilight, I am you. But you don't remember what really happened do you? Do you remember where you got the spell? Was it even in Equestria? Or did you find this in the archives?"
"I got this in the mail.."
"Hahaha, your memory must be so warped by the spell you don't even remember what happened. You stole three scrolls from the Canterlot Castle Archives two weeks before showing it to Celestia. You even mailed the scrolls to yourself."
"No, that's not possible."
"You can deny it all you want, but you know the truth. The real question is, why did you steal the scrolls in the first place. I wonder if you know that answer. Why don't you search your mind for that answer?"
The shadow dissolved the bathroom surrounding her and put her into a maze of thoughts.
"This is your mind Twilight. This is the hallway of thoughts, you know this place very well. But there's a hidden memory in here, see if you can find it, maybe you will solve this puzzle and understand why I asked you to conquer the lands of Equestria in your mind."
"But those were your orders. I don't understand."
"If I'm you and I asked you to do something, why would you do it unquestioningly. Think about it Twilight. Think hard."
And with that the shadow of her vanished and she was left to wander in the maze of her mind. The maze shifted into the Everfree Forest, but Twilight swallowed her fear and ventured forth. She could see herself with Rainbow Dash and her friends, the time Pinkie helped her solve the Parasprite problem in Ponyville, classes she took with Celestia. Her life flashed before her like a video based memory rewinding and replaying these scenes and times in her life. But she could not answer why she listened to the shadow. She felt alone, scared and for once in her life helpless. She had no recollection of the past events leading up to her memory loss. How could her memory have been altered? If what the shadow said was true, there must be a reason she stole the scrolls. She felt like she had been wandering in the maze of her mind for hours before the shadow appeared in a tree branch just ahead.
"Twilight, how do you not know your way around your own mind?" The shadow said, "I thought you wanted to come back to the real world or was that a lie too? How much have you lied, do you even remember?"
"Stop with the riddles. I want answers now. What really happened?"
"But you already know the answer to all the questions you're asking. I don't need to tell you, in fact I'm not even here to guide you. I'm here to open your mind. It's up to you to figure out the solution."
"How did you get inside my head?"
"Let's just say the spell was part of it. I should thank you for releasing me actually. But I'm offering you a choice right now, you can go back to the real world or try to conquer a fictitious world in your mind. Being my puppet was quite fun for me. You were always the obedient one, always the goody-two shoes of Celestia's. But why? I can be anything."
The Shadow shifted into Pinkie Pie, then Rarity, then Rainbow Dash.
"I wonder how well you know your friends, Twilight Sparkle. You weren't the first student of Celestia's and you certainly won't be her last. So why are you trying to so hard to go back to a non-existant life? You can have anything you want in your mind. Your mind can be an entire magical experimentation lab. You can have anything your heart desires here. In the real world, you need bits and you must be productive."
"You want me to die in a bed?"
"Oh, dying is such a harsh way to put it. Let's just say you can sleep forever. Fiction is a great thing, Twilight. When you realize that, it may be too late to come back."
"What good am lying in a death bed to those who need me?"
"Because your friends are already in your mind."
The shadow summoned Twilight's five friends.
"You know these ponies don't you Twilight."
"But they're not real."
"What is reality, Twilight? Is it what you use to describe the life you choose to lead in the real world? How can you tell reality from fiction? I can make these ponies solid and I can even make them talk just like you remember."
"I...don't know. But I want to see my real friends with real emotion and real laughter. My mind is only as good as my knowledge, and I haven't learned enough."
"But you're already an alicorn. Has your knowledge not proven it's worth? Using magic to create wings. Magic, reality, fiction, non-fiction. What is all this amount to you? What is worth and why burden yourself with life. Think about it, Twilight."
The ponies that the shadow summoned vanished and she was left alone in the maze once again.

*            *             *

Hours later, the five friends got together to go to the castle. They knew that all they could do was support her from one end and she'd have to fight this fight herself. 
"So what are we supposed to do? We can't exactly help her on this end and I don't like sitting around waiting while our friend fights some mental illness," said Rainbow Dash as they got off the train and started walking toward the castle.
"We can always talk to the princess. I'm sure she'll know what we can do," said Rarity.
"We'll be by her to support her no matter what. Even if it means we can't do anything for her till she resolves this," said Applejack.
The five of them walked up to Canterlot castle as the princess awaited them and brought them into the castle. As they approached the medical wing, the small chest Rarity was working on was still next to Twilight. And as the five approached Twilight, they noticed she was still sleeping. Rarity grabbed the chest and started fiddling with it again on a nearby bed. The rest of them gathered around Twilight and just waited. Celestia suggested they see Luna and that Rarity should try to figure out that box soon as it might just help them.
"Of course princess, I just have to...ugh, and then...*click* and finally...*snap*...There, it's unlocked."
"How did you figure that out, Rarity?" Asked a curious Applejack.
"Oh, I realized it was like a puzzle, a children's puzzle actually. Back in magic kindergarten, we used to play with these things, but this one's really old, like it was made by beings without magic. How odd..." Rarity said trailing off.
"I'm glad you were able to solve it, now open it up and take a look inside," said Celestia.
"What is this? I don't recognize this at all," Rarity said with a curious look on her face.
"That's a vision orb," said Luna coming into the room, "I was under the impression that all the vision orbs were lost a long time ago, possibly during the time I was on the moon."
"Why were you in possession of this, dear sister?"
"I didn't even realize I had it. The thing I left in my room for you was left untouched so I got curious as what you were up to, Celestia."
"The box wasn't for Rarity?"
"No, I left a note on the desk, didn't you two see it? I had a magical device two stories down in a place that could only be accessed through my room. You remember the secret passage right, Celestia."
Luna gave Celestia a peeved look.
"I...I haven't been down there in eons, dear sister. Of course, I don't remember that chamber being there."
Celestia gave a sheepish laugh.
"I figured...I suppose after 1000 years, one tends to lose knowledge of their surroundings when they stop using them."
"Now's not the time Luna. We have, in our possession, a vision orb, this may give us a look into Twilight's mind."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, sister. Wandering into the mind is usually my forte and even then, I'm cautious."
"Why don't you take them into her mind then?"
"Are you mad? We can't just wander into a psychiatric patient's mind. Who knows what horrors await us."
"Then what do you suggest the girls do then?"
"Wait, it's the only thing we can do until she comes to. It's safer dearest sister, unless you're brave enough to face other people's fears."
Luna walked out of the room and the 6 of them were left standing in her leave.
"I agree with Celestia, we should go in," said Rainbow Dash.
Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder and said, "Let it go, Rainbow. You heard what Luna said, I don't think we're ready for what awaits us inside her mind."
"We have to do something," said Rainbow Dash.
"Well, we can see what's in her mind with the vision orb at least," said Celestia.
Celestia put the orb on the table beside Twilight and used magic to activate it. The vision orb light up and glowed bright, then it dimmed and it showed a hologram of Twilight talking to a shadowy figure in what looked like the Everfree Forest. They couldn't hear what they were saying as the vision orb only showed what looked like a silent movie.
"What is that figure saying to Twilight? Why can't we hear anything?" Asked Pinkie Pie, "Is it because the orb is broken?"
"No, Pinkie, this is a very old magical artifact, it doesn't have the properties of magic that we know today," said Celestia.
Twilight looked downtroddened after they talked but she just sat there. The orb shut off signaling the end of the vision.
"I wanna go in, I wanna fight that figure, or whatever it is. I wanna make it pay for messing with my friend, Twilight." Rainbow started, "I wanna know who that is and make it pay."
Applejack tried to calm her down by saying, "Hold your horses, Rainbow, we don't even know what we're up against."
"Guys, I think I have an idea," said Rarity.

*            *             *

Twilight was sitting there, alone in her mind for what seemed like hours. She finally got up and continued moving. She was thinking to herself of the things that the shadow said. A life in her mind wasn't so bad, being able to do anything inside her head like create an unreal war where she could be the commanding officer, seemed like nothing more than a chess game to her at the time. She was a puppet once, but this figure is offering her a choice. A choice to stay or a choice to go home to ponyville and her friends. She thought about what knowledge and her education in magic meant to her, and how any of that meant anything. She was smarter than most of the ponies around her, but did that make her feel better or worse or nothing at all? What was the purpose of knowing so much about magic? She already had the wings of an Alicorn and enough magic knowledge that would make Star Swirl jealous. But for what and what cost? These were questions she couldn't answer. So she walked and walked and walked. And walked until she reached what appeared to be a dead end. She poked a hoof at the wall. It looked and felt solid, but was it real. She took two hooves and banged on the wall, it collapsed into a pile.
"So these must be the barriers, the figure was talking about. I didn't even know I had barriers in my mind."
She continued on, but as she continued, she got this weird feeling about where she was. This wasn't the Everfree anymore, instead it was a narrow hallway with a steel door at the end. The door was nothing more than another barrier. She didn't know how to overcome this one. So she sat there in thought. Along floated the figure to see what Twilight was up to.
"Having trouble with this barrier, Twilight?" Said the figure.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing, I just want to see if you can break your own barriers. I already have control of your mind, so I can unlock or lock anything I want. But I unlocked everything for you. If you can't figure out how to open the door, that's not my fault."
"Do you remember who helped you learn about fun?"
"It was Pinkie...P-pie?"
The steel door opened into a bright sunlit area. A desert lay before her as the door opened.
"This was locked by a password? How do you know my mind so well?"
"You let me in, remember? I didn't even have to knock on the door. Your mind was already open. I'll check back on you in a while."
"Why are you helping me? What do you gain?"
"I gain a lot if you go back to the real world. I won't leave your mind that easily. Only you can get me out, no one else can. Not even your friends."
"So the only way to beat you is to die in bed?"
"Correct. You screwed up the spell and now this is your undoing. And I thought you were the smart one, Twilight Sparkle."
And with that, the figure left. Twilight ventured into the desert. There was no heat, but the sun beat down on the ground as if the desert were real. She felt like she was in a wasteland, but the memories of her past continued to flash around her. She walked and walked until she became tired and just collapsed. She had no idea where she was going, no sense of direction, and after hours of walking she was just too tired to go on.
"I guess I win then, Miss Sparkle. You can die here if you want, I won't blame you. After all, it was fated that you'd meet your demise sooner or later in an accident relating to magic."
"What? This was all fated to happen?"
She got up in suddenly on her hooves.
"You didn't know? Among the scrolls you stole had a list of deaths related to magic. Your name was on there somewhere."
"How do you know this? Even I didn't know this."
"I took snippets of your memory and pieced them together to make a movie of sorts. Then I watched the movie and I saw your name in corner of your eye. You'd be surprised how much you miss. Haha."
"What else do you know that I don't?"
"Many things, Miss Sparkle, many things...Let's see what happens to you now. Will you continue into the heart of the desert or just lay here?"
She walked on, despite what the figure told her. The figure morphed into a pegasus and floated by her, watching her.
"Oh, don't mind me, I know how close you are to what you're looking for."
"You mean the real reason I stole the scrolls?"
"Yes, precisely. You may not remember what you did, but that memory is what will fill in the blanks, at least for you."
"And what happens after I get the memory back?"
"Then, you can choose to go back to the real world or die in the medical wing bed. If you go back to the real world, I'll go with you. I'll always be there in your mind reminding you of what you did that day. Of course, I'm not real, so ponies might still think you're crazy."
The figure laughed at Twilight.
"Laugh all you want, you're getting out of my head when this is over."
"Sure I am, just like you're so sure you didn't steal those scrolls."
Twilight walked onward till she started to see an oasis with trees and water. She walked up to the pool of water and looked at it. The figure floated by her and she saw a shadow of a pegasus and her own face. Except half of her face was herself and the other half was the figure, like she was split between good and bad.
"What did you do to me?" Twilight asked.
"Nothing, I did absolutely nothing. What you see in that pool is you and you alone. We all have a dark side, but you let yours loose."
Twilight jumped into the water and she started to sink, the water became air and she started falling so she spread her wings and glided to the bottom. Back on the ground it seemed like another narrow hallway with another metal door.
"This is getting nowhere. Where are you leading me?"
"This place is different, why can't you sense it? You are so close and yet you can't even see it."
"I...don't know. This looks like the place before. Why not try using your senses Twilight? Look around you. Is this really the same hallway?"
Twilight shook her head and the place that looked like a long hallway became a room. A very large room filled with gold and books. It looked like a very large library.
"Your memory is somewhere in here. See if you can find it."
The shadowy figure floated away and Twilight began her search with the nearest book.
> Chapter 9: Memories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As Twilight dug through book after book, her memories slowly came back to her. But the key piece was still missing. She went through about half the books on only one shelf before becoming fatigued at the effort.

Twilight was rather peeved at this and asked, “How am I supposed to go through all these books page by page till I find it? Isn’t there an easier way?”

"Twilight," started the shadow, "This is your mind, if you can’t figure out how to move from place to place or do things you can’t normally do in the real world, you can’t possibly survive in this place. But hey, if you want to let me win, then by all means. Continue doing things your way. The slow way."

"Can I use magic in here?"

"Of course, you can do anything you want. I’ve been trying to tell you this since the beginning. I’m not going to give you all the answers, but you should probably start using that large cranium of yours you call a head."

The shadow flew to the top of the library and started browsing a floating bookshelf.

"Huh, never knew Twilight used to wet herself."

"Hey, that’s private!" Exclaimed Twilight.

"Nothing’s private since you let me into your mind, Twilight."

Twilight was now mad, so she kept digging through book after book, quickly. So quickly she finally cleared 2 bookshelves in almost 2 minutes. She hadn’t even realized this, but she was beginning to speed read through most of the books. Soon, she cleared almost all the books of the lower floor and moved onto the second floor. All the while, the shadow taunted her. Telling her she will never escape her mind unless she knew what she was looking for. Twilight went on unimpeded and ignored the taunting and focused her mind on finding the clue.

Book after book, no clue, just bits of memories she already remembered; Becoming Princess Celestia’s student, meeting Pinkie Pie and Rarity, Going to Wonderbolt Academy with her friends to talk to Rainbow Dash. But no clue to why she stole the scrolls from Canterlot Castle. She started thinking, why did she go to the castle, why did she go to the archives, where did she go once she went into the archives, and why did she meet with Princess Luna.

"That’s it!" Twilight exclaimed, "I met with Princess Luna, maybe if I can find her, she’ll tell me what happened."

"Oh, Twilight, you are so close and yet so far. Luna wasn’t involved in this matter at all. As a matter of fact, she didn’t even see you."

"Then why do I remember Luna being involved in this?"

"Your mind is fuzzy. Remember, I am you, I remember all the details, but you do not."

"Oh really? Did you also remember that I asked Luna to talk to Celestia for me?"

"Wow, you’re delusional even in your own mind. I didn’t think this was even possible." Said the shadow, shaking it’s head, "Luna was never involved, only Celestia and and even she barely remembers it as it was months ago and it was a book you showed her."

"Then why do I get the inkling that you’re not telling me everything about the situation? Why are you telling me riddles instead of answers?"

"Because you know all the answers, for the last time. You were there, months ago when the incident happened. Everyone you met that day knows what happened. Including your friends. They all thought you were crazy, they visited you month after month but you were already my puppet at that point. What boggles my mind is why you didn’t heed the warnings like everyone told you to. You call yourself a student of magic yet you had no idea what you were getting yourself into at the time. You were overeager to learn a spell and that drove you to Canterlot Castle. Maybe this clue will jog your memory a bit."

"I wanted to learn…a spell?"

"Dear Celestia, are you dense. Yes, this incident involved a spell you wanted to learn. Maybe this pony will refresh your memory."

The shadow transformed into StarSwirl the Bearded.

"Ring any bells, Twilight Sparkle?"

"No, not unless I wanted to bring you back from the dead."

"Ah, now we’re getting somewhere."

"What do you mean? I wanted to bring Starswirl back from the dead? Why would I do that?"

"Why indeed," said the shadow curiously, "You seemed far too eager to learn a revival spell that day, but something came over you and you wanted to try your luck at reviving a unicorn."

"You must be joking. I can’t revive a unicorn. The amount of magic needed to revive a magical being is far too taxing for any unicorn alone."

"Ah, but you are no ordinary pony, now are you?"

"So did I do it?"

"No, you didn’t even come close. You went to a cemetery to find his grave and tried the revival spell. Obviously, it didn’t do anything, so you left for your library back in Ponyville. You feverishly went through your books for a way to do it. You found no help there either, so you went to Zecora who first told you that you shouldn’t mess with the circle of life. You ignored her warning and went to Canterlot Public Library instead. Is any of this ringing a bell at all?"

"Yeah, somewhat. But I don’t remember going to Canterlot’s library."

"That’s when you found a book of necromancy and showed it to Celestia. She didn’t look at the book too in-depth but she said something along the lines of follow what you think is best. But she warned you about trying the spell on the dead. That was warning number 2. And once again you didn’t listen to her."

"I’m starting to remember some of it, keep going please."

"I can’t believe I have to tell you everything," sighed the shadow. But it continued anyway, "So you jot down the ingredients, ask the librarian if you can buy the book, paid for it and mailed it to yourself."

"So what about the scrolls?"

The shadow sighed again, clearly tired of dealing with this. Figure it out yourself. I already told you half the story. You can figure out the rest by yourself.”

"How? I’ve already gone through an entire library floor and found nothing."

"Then I suggest you start digging deeper into your mind by reading more books."

The shadow started floating away to read more of Twilight’s personal life as a filly, and Twilight went back to reading books though she felt dejected about the prospect of having to read even more books.