> A fiend or a friend?
>  by JL-Hero
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> meet Magic Silver
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Firecrackers filled the night as the royal wedding was being held.
It was the happiest day for Princess Cadence and Captain Shining Armor. For Twilight and her friends, it was the most memorable night of their lives.
Joy and happiness filled the night, and for just one night, all other problems were put aside. But meanwhile, far from… that plane of existence, a mysterious figure was watching the wedding party, using everypony's eyes as if they were cameras.

"No… they are not prepared yet. Even after that has happened, they are just not ready for what is to come… I must help them, I must prepare them." And the monitors that were watching the party were shut down.

The next two weeks after the royal wedding were very peaceful and calm. In Ponyville, Twilight only had to write one friendship report, something about charity. Since then, things had been almost boring for Twilight Sparkle. Although she was a skeptical pony, she felt sure that the future was bright. She looked upon the window and saw the bright sunny day along with the bird's singing, but despite the beauty of the day, she couldn't be distracted from her studies. Yet she was feeling something that was making her uneasy, maybe the fact that Queen Chrysalis was defeated. Yes, but now she is living in this world; that could be a great concern. Or that her brother hadn't written to her yet, and she didn't know how he was doing, and for that matter, how Cadence was doing. Twilight resolved that even if the future wasn't that bright, she had to concentrate on the present, so she returned to her studies, this time with no distractions.

"Finally I've made it to Ponyville ," said a male unicorn with brown coat and silver-colored mane as he put on some sunglasses.  Glancing around him, he finally spotted a couple of local looking ponies. Quickly trotting over, the brown colt kindly asked them for directions to the nearest library. Taking a moment to think they eventually pointed to an old oak tree with housing modifications.

"It not very fancy but it is one of the best," they said.
Giving a farewell to the informative ponies, the colt headed toward the library that was owned by Twilight.  As he made his way over to the library he took notice of how peaceful everything in Ponyville seemed.

"Interesting design for a library"
he said and kept walking while he had another thought.

He reached the doorstep and started knocking. After a minute, the door opened and the colt was received by the little dragon, Spike.
"Oh, hi there buddy. Do you attend this library? I need to check some volumes."
"Hold on a second. We have a customer!" the little dragon shouted, and Twilight came down to the door.
"Good evening, come on in. How can we help you?"  
The colt entered into the library, looked around for a minute, and said, "Yes. Actually, I am looking for some history books and some books about the Elements of Harmony."
"How do you know about the Elements of Harmony?" Twilight asked, impressed and suspicious.
"Well, the thing is that I have always been a legends fan, but one day while I was searching for the real event behind a certain legend, I came across with the story of Nightmare Moon and her defeat by Celestia using the Elements of Harmony. Then I remembered when Nightmare Moon was defeated again, and Princess Luna returned to us. Nightmare Moon was defeated by six young mares instead of Celestia because she was temporarily banished to the sun by Nightmare Moon, but the mares' identities remained anonymous by Celestia's order. I don't know why that was, but then came this lord of chaos of whom I learned in another story too, and he was defeated by the same six mares! I mean, they saved the world twice, and this time every paper in Equestria had the story and their pictures, although the names still remained anonymous. I want to know how it is that they work because how is it possible that at first, Luna and Celestia used the elements to defeat Discord, then Celestia alone used the same elements to banish Nightmare Moon? And now there are six mares necessary to use them!"

Twilight remained amazed by how much this colt showed to know and observe. She thought for two minutes and said, "Well I first learned about the elements in this book over here." Twilight used her magic to levitate the book and leaned it towards the colt. "But all that it says is that a living representation of each element is necessary to make them work. Maybe the reason why Celestia and/or Luna could use them alone was because they themselves were living representations of each element."

"I seriously doubt it," the colt coldly said.

"What?" Twilight said.

"Oh no, nothing I… just thought in a loud voice… I think."

"Well I am searching for some national and universal history too, so I'll like to see your copies."

"Yes…" Twilight levitated some other history books and leant them to the colt.

"So you are not from this town, I can see that. Where are you from and why did you come to Ponyville?" Twilight asked, now in a suspicious tone.

"Well, like I said, I was searching for the real event behind a legend and that led me to Canterlot's biggest library, but they told me that the most specialized books are in the Royal Library, but that some of those books were loaned to a local library in Ponyville. I have been living in Canterlot for at least 15 years, so I can say that is like my home city," the colt finished.

"There is something familiar with you… have we seen each other before?"

"Oh no, I don't think so. I would remember you too, and I never forget faces." The colt clarified and continued, "Maybe I have a very generic face, and I look like any guy."

"No, I think it's something in your voice…" Twilight said.

"Oh, is that so? Well then I must have a beautiful voice, and now you are confusing my voice with that of some actor or singer. It happens," the colt said in an almost happy tone.

"Yes… maybe, but I don't think that would be the case," Twilight said in an inquisitive way.
"Then it must be a simple case of déjà vu, but it's only a trick of the mind, and you shouldn't let it bother you," the colt said in a skeptical tone.
"Yes, could be just that… well sir, is there anything else I can do to help?" Twilight said in an industrious tone.

"No, not for now. Thanks," the colt said.

"Just let me seal them for the loaning," Twilight said.

"Hey Twilight, are you going to keep chatting some more? If so I'm taking a break." Spike announced absent mindedly to Twilight. . Did you hear me?" Spiked announced to Twilight.
At this, the brown colt shocked and said, "Twilight? Like Twilight Sparkle?? Princess Celestia's personal disciple and protégé? That Twilight Sparkle??" the colt asked in an enthusiastic way.

"Why yes, but how do you know that?"

"Are you kidding?? It came on the newspapers! Princess Celestia's disciple and Captain Shining Armor's sister was the bridegroom's chosen one to sing at the royal wedding. Oh my! It's you! I am meeting a celebrity!! Would you give me your autograph? Or maybe a picture with you? Or a picture with you and your autograph on it? Or maybe-"

The colt was deliriously asking questions, but Twilight interrupted him and said, "Alright, calm down. I didn't know that was on the newspapers. I really don't like the idea of being a celebrity anyway, but if you really want it, I think I'll give you my autograph," Twilight replied at his rant that nearly seemed like an antic for her. The colt levitated an empty sticky note that was near and leant it to Twilight.

"And for whom is this autograph?" Twilight asked expectant, and the colt took off his sunglasses and revealed a pair of bright golden eyes.

"Magic… Magic Silver, please!"

Twilight wrote the autograph with the dedicatory and gave it to Magic Silver with the sealed  books.

"Thanks for the autograph, but now that I know a celebrity lives in this town, I will seriously think of moving from Canterlot to Ponyville.  Ms. Twilight, you seem like an interesting pony.  It would be nice if we could get to know each other better and your Ponyville friends too. But for now, I must head back to my home.  I will get the books returned in two or three days… I hope to see you more often Ms. Twilight."

The colt finished, went outside the library and headed to the train station.
"See you around Mr. Silver!" Twilight shouted after Magic Silver, when he was now far from the library. But in the road, for Magic Silver, his only thought was,

"Yes Twilight, I will see you around even if you don't want it.  Some way, shape, or form you are going to accept my friendship… and my help. This time the Elements of Harmony won't be enough.  I won't do it for you and your princess Celestia but for the entire world.  Enjoy your peace while you can Twilight Sparkle. thought an unseen spirit.
"It's good to be back" he said with a grin.
> the beginning of a beautiful friendship?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

2:00AM.


Magic Silver was sleeping without sheets. He thinks he doesn’t need them; they just make the nights worse. He doesn`t really sleep more than a few hour these days; the nightmare visions of a horrible disaster keep him awake. Every time he starts to dream, he starts to struggle against the nightmare and his best efforts drive him to wake with an accelerated heartbeat and a forehead soaked in cold sweat. This experience has showed him a new emotion he never felt before: fear. He is more concerned than he realizes. With every night that passes, he realizes that his resolution to accomplish his duty and the responsibility he feels is the righteous. He rises from his bed, goes to the window in front of him, and watches the horizon embraced by the moon.

“Every night is worse the last..." He muttered, wiping his dripping brow. "This is the tenth night in a row these visions have tormented me; such a cold reminder of what is to come. I must fulfill my duty to this world. The time is drawing nearer; I must begin preparing Twilight Sparkle. Only she can stop this disaster from coming to pass..." Sighing, he turned and began to pack his belongings. He had a long journey ahead of him.

Morning came and went. By noon he was already out, headed for the train station. He greeted several ponies that he met on his time in Canterlot, a short escape from the weight of his goal. It was short lived though. By that afternoon, he had his ticket, and was on the train to Ponyville.

He arrived in Ponyville several hours later. Quickly, he gathered his books into his pack, and headed for the library. It didn't him very long, and soon he was standing before the familiar tree. He knocked, waiting for an answer. Instead of Twilight however, Spike answered the door.

“Oh, hello there." Magic Silver greeted, bowing his head politely. "Is Twilight Sparkle home at the moment?”

“No, she left a couple of hours ago,” Spike replied.

“And where did she go?” the colt asked, nearly exasperated.

“I think she’s at Rarity’s boutique, helping her out with some gems,” Spike revealed. “But what do you need her for?”

“I just… need to speak with her on certain matters… Thank you. Oh, also here are the books that I borrowed.”

Spike took the books, and with this, Magic Silver asked one final thing

“Oh, um... where can I find the boutique?” Spike revealed him the domicile and after that, the colt finally departed to the boutique.

Magic Silver quickly, but calmly, got to the boutique. It has the door opened. He entered and saw Twilight and Rarity. Twilight was trying to somehow modify some jewels, but all that she did was break it. By looking to the floor, Magic Silver saw a pile of gems; either broken, or stripped of their glow and color.

“Hello Ms. Twilight Sparkle, I see you are busy. Have I came at a bad moment?” Magic Silver respectfully asked.

“Oh, not at all, just let me fix this… and-” Twilight said as she tried to modify another gem with her magic, but it suddenly shattered.

“Darn it…” Twilight said frustrated.

“Why are you trying to modify these gems?” Magic Silver asked, and Twilight was about to respond, but Rarity quickly interrupted.

“Last night, a very important client came with a big order of outfits with gems. Emeralds to be specific. Naturally, I accepted without hesitation, but I forgot that I used them all on another one of my outfits. I don’t have time to go out and find more, so I asked Twilight to come and see if her magic could change the color of these rubies. I have some obsidian stones that can play like emeralds, but anypony with half a sense of fashion could tell that they lack in luster. It's all proving to be very frustrating.

“Isn’t that a little… dishonest?” Magic Silver asked concerned.

“Normally I would agree with you, but this is a very big contract, and I'm out of time! I can't go out looking for emeralds now, what would the client think? Worse, think of how it would affect my boutique's reputation!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Well, maybe I can help. I have a trick that'll do just that!” Magic Silver said enthusiastically.

“You do? Because I know several spells that have a limited control over the matter, but none of those seemed to work to modify these simple rocks,” Twilight listlessly said.

“Let me give a try.” Magic Silver levitated a gem and started his explanation. “Look: you must not concentrate on trying to manipulate the gems’ matter. You have to focus in their glow. Put a gem trough the light and watch its glow. Focus in that, then start concentrating your magic in the exact point where the shine comes. Then you have to perform a spell to change the light spectrum." he said, effortlessly manipulating the ruby. "This is relatively easy because you will be changing the light spectrum of a single tiny object.” Magic Silver ended his demonstration and gave Twilight the finished ruby, now as green as any emerald.

“As for the obsidian gemstones," he added, examining one. "you only have to add them some more glow. This is even easier to make, just cast a simple illuminating ray, and then they will shine just as the bigger precious gems,” Magic Silver finished.

Twilight tried again to do the same following the instructions. Instead of producing results, the color suddenly drained, leaving a grey, lifeless stone in its place.

“Easy there, this takes time,” Magic Silver said concerned. “I think I can handle things from here. You shouldn’t waste time, it would be better if you start making the main outfits until you're ready to add the gems."

Twilight and Rarity agreed, and started on the ensembles. Magic Silver continued his work modifying the gems, growing impatient as minutes turned to hours. With his help, Rarity was able to complete the job with a space of few minutes before the client’s arrival. After a brief congratulations from the client and a payment, Rarity thanked Twilight and Magic Silver and dismissed them . The colt finally had time to talk with Twilight.

“I'm sorry, I almost forgot! What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

“Well, like I told you the first time, you are quite an interesting mare.  I can only imagine what I could learn from Princess Celestia’s disciple. Surely you can agree that the things I can learn from you are beyond my wildest dreams! And besides, I'd like to know how it is to have a mare as a friend; I never had a female friend. I think I can learn plenty of things about mares, and I think you may learn something too, you don’t have male friends, do you?” Magic Silver finished.

Twilight blushed, flattered by Magic's request. "Um..." she quickly searched the library of her mind for her male friends. Her brother came instantly to mind, though they hadn't spoken in quite some time. There was Big Macintosh, though she only really knew him by face and name.  She started to wonder how different it could be to have a male friend. If it’s like to have a brother, she would be more than charmed with the idea, and if it’s to have her normal female friends (with the obvious differences) then another friend is never too much. She ended liking the whole idea.

“I suppose it would be a fresh experience." She said, hesitantly. "Sure, I'll be your friend; if you promise to help me with the coloration spell you showed me." Twilight said jokingly.

“It'd be my pleasure; like I said, we can learn many things from each other, and you know what? I think this is related to destiny, because I feel that my destiny could be here in Ponyville with you.” At this, Twilight's eyes grew wide in surprise, and she turned away blushing.

“OH!... no, no,  I didn’t mean that! I meant that it is MY destiny to be your friend, but not necessarily your destiny, because I am not interested in you in that way—but don’t get me wrong; of course I like mares, and I think you are beautiful! I'm just not personally interested in you, and don’t misunderstand, I think that many, many colts might find you attractive, but not me, not—now—I mean—I um… I think I'm screwing this up, aren't I?”

Twilight Sparkle still had her head turned away, he couldn’t tell if she was embarrassed or angry, perhaps both. The silence seemed to last an eternity.

“Damn it… why now?" He thought, mentally slapping himself. "Ugh… the only time I have an opportunity like this and I screw it up. Veeery clever Magic Silver. I should consider having to change my name to 'Stupid Silver'. It'd fit better."

Twilight finally turned her head to the front, but she had a wide smile in her face like if she found something funny, but not enough to make her laugh. The truth was that Twilight found Silver’s awkwardness amusing and that his intentions were sincere; if he was so concerned about not ruining the opportunity of have her as a friend.

“Yes, I think this is stupid too... You know what? We should just forget this whole thing, you don’t need some idiot to embarrass you or make you feel uncomfortable.” Magic Silver said ashamed.

“It’s not that, it’s just...  you remind me of myself back when I first came to Ponyville. It also reminds how much I have changed since then. Magic Silver, of course I’ll like to be your friend, and yes I want to learn things from this friendship.” Twilight happily said.

“Really…? Then I guess I'll definitely move to Ponyville. It will be better to stay close to my new friend. I don’t have any real friends in Canterlot anyway, so there's nothing holding me back. Thank you, Twilight Sparkle for allowing me to call you my friend.” Magic Silver said with joy and relief on his voice.

“No need to thank me; I couldn't deny my friendship to someone who truly wanted it, especially when I know they don't have any other friends.” When they came to Twilight’s house, they proceeded to say goodbye.

“Well, see you later Magic.” Twilight said first.

“Yes, tomorrow I will start arranging my move to Ponyville. For now, it’s goodbye, but you will see me again very soon. Have a good evening Ms. Twilight Sparkle, and in the future, perhaps you could introduce me to some of your other friends." Magic added.

“Please, just call me Twilight.”

“Alright, goodbye Twilight.” With that, Magic Silver departed to the train station, knowing finally that his plans could commence.

---
After a few days, Magic Silver finally had a home to his own. The move was quick, and by week's end, everything he could ever possibly need was in Ponyville. He moved to the near edge of Ponyville, farthest from the Everfree forest. Of course, the task of moving his belongings and placing them into his new house was a task that took him an entire day. He felt bad that he wasn’t able to say hello to Twilight, but he didn’t let that bother him. After all, he was going to see her very often from now on. 

Placing the furniture inside his house was exhausting. Sleep wasn't an issue though. The nightmares still plagued him each night. These sleepless nights did give him time to ponder these strange visions. What if they were only the future that 'could be' if he didn't succeed in his task? With each passing night however, his hope for a different path faded, and it began to seem more like the future that 'would be'. The only hoped that Twilight cooperated and accept his help, but most of all: trusted him.

In the morning, he left his new house to buy some supplies in the market square of Ponyville. He only needed some food; he could buy an entire years-worth of food if he needed, but his priority now was to visit Twilight Sparkle so he could begin his teachings. His hunger got the best of him though, and he stopped to grab some quick breakfast. He could at least spare some time to eat something before going to Twilight’s house, but while he was buying some lettuce and other vegetables, he saw Twilight in another stall, buying some fruit. He couldn’t believe his luck. He quickly finished his purchase and headed to greet Twilight.

“The morning surely brings blessings! Good morning Twilight!” Magic Silver said.

“Oh, good morning Silver, I didn’t expect to see you out this early!” Twilight happily said.

“Well yes, the thing is that I finally finished my move here from Canterlot. I barely finished settling the furniture in my new house, of which, of course, you are welcomed to visit, when I noticed I was out of food. I decided it would be a good opportunity to check out some of the local markets. Do you often buy food so early in the morning?” He asked.

“Well, not really often, but this vendor has the better products and he runs out of them very quickly. So here I am, buying while there are still good fruits and vegetables.” Twilight clarified.

“Twilight, I was wondering..." Silver began insecurely. "Perhaps you can make a little space in your schedule for me to meet your other friends? We could have a little visit to each one of them…”

“Well, that’s not quite possible...” Twilight replied, and Magic Silver started to look disappointed.


“But I can arrange a meeting for all of us! Come to my house at eight o’clock and you could meet my other friends. They would love to meet my newest friend as well, I'm sure of it!” Twilight added.

“Really? That would be perfect; I’ll be there, thanks Twilight!”

Later that day, he prepared to visit Twilight. He pondered all the ways they could spend time together; maybe speak some more, or perhaps read together. Maybe they could even practice magic! Then he remembered that before thinking of spending time with Twilight, he had to meet her other friends. He swore underneath his breath and checked the clock. A little over half past seven. "Time to get going..." he murmured, starting out the door.

Although it didn't take half an hour to reach the library, the space in-between gave him plenty of time to think of excuses he could use to get Twilight alone. It was a lot more difficult than he thought it would be. When he finally reached the library’s doorstep, he noticed that all the lights were dark. He hesitantly knocked at the door, but there was no answer. Instead, the knob slowly turned itself, and the door creaked open. He felt a slight sense of oddness as he stared into the darkness of the library. As little as he wanted to enter the darkness, he reasoned with himself that it could only possibly be a joke. He never would've taken Twilight as the kind of pony who liked playing pranks, but then again, he had seen stranger things. He prepared himself for anything and stepped inside, carefully making his way through the darkness when suddenly, a brilliant flash of light blinded him:

“SURPRISE!!!” many voices shouted. He recovered from the shock and he saw that now every light was turned on.

“Hello! And welcome to your surprise Pinkie Pie Party!” an elated pink pony happily shouted, hopping over to the still dazed Silver. “I'm Pinke Pie, and you must be Magic Silver. Twilight told me about you!” she added.

“Um... Yes, thanks for the welcoming party... but speaking of Twilight, you wouldn't happen to know where she is right now?” Magic Silver asked.

“Of course I do silly! She mentioned that you wanted to meet us here, so let me take you to her.” Pinkie Pie said.

On the way, Magic Silver recognized many ponies that he saw in the little time so far in Ponyville. He thought it odd that they would come to a complete stranger's party… or do all these ponies really know each other that well? Well they got to the place; there were Twilight and a few others standing by her: Rarity who he recognized from the boutique, an earth pony, and two Pegasi. 

“Hello Silver! You said you wanted to meet my other friends, well, here they are! I'm guessing you already know Pinkie Pie, she throws the best parties in Ponyville, maybe even all of Equestria. You met Rarity last week.” At this, Magic Silver proceeded to properly greet Rarity by holding her hoof and taking a bow, and after a minute, Twilight Sparkle continued.

“This is Rainbow Dash.” she said, motioning to the blue Pegasus. 

“Hey, what’s up?” Rainbow Dash said, and Magic Silver raised his hoof, waiting for Rainbow Dash to do the same. When she did, he leaned his hoof into a hoofbump. Rainbow Dash did the same with confidence.

“This is Applejack." Twilight said, continuing her introductions. "She and her family are responsible for most of the apple production around here.”

“Howdy, partner!” Applejack said, and Magic Silver greeted her like he did with Rainbow Dash. “Wait,” she interrupted, breaking away from the hoofbump. Turning away, she burped. She turned back, a slightly embarrassed look on her face. At least had the decency of turning to another side.

“Charming.” Silver said, motioning Twilight to continue. After that, Twilight finalized introducing Fluttershy, but she only said an almost inaudible “Hello” and cowered with her mane, but Magic Silver just made a quick bow and said “Charmed.” 

With the last introduction out of the way, Silver finally saw the opportunity he had been waiting for. “It’s a colorful and interesting group of friends that you have Twilight," he began innoculously, glancing over the group. "but could I speak with you in private?” 

“Um, sure..?” Twilight hesitantly agreed as they separated from the group.

“When you said you wanted to introduce me to your friends I was expecting  something a little more... subtle.” Magic Silver said.

“Yes, but this was to show you the amazing parties that Pinkie Pie throws. Besides, don’t you like parties?”

“I suppose... but I’m not very fond of them either. The real reason I wanted to talk with you is that I know that you are a pony very skilled with magic; after all, you are Celestia’s disciple. I was thinking that I want to learn magic as well. Believe me, I am not as good as you may think after what you saw back at the boutique, but I want to improve, to surpass myself, I want to learn magic from one of the best. I want to learn from you… and in exchange, I can teach you some clever tricks that I know to make some of your spells easier.”

Twilight blushed at this. She'd received many compliments for skills at magic in the past, either from her partners at the magic academy or Celestia, but never to the point of wanting her as a teacher. She thought on the prospect of having a student of her own, then smiled. “Yes, I can be your teacher. I can’t deny knowledge to those who want to learn, and, like I said the other day, I’d like to learn more about that trick you made at the boutique.” Twilight enthusiastically said.

“So, when can we start?” Magic Silver said.

“How about tomorrow after lunch? We could have it at my house.” Twilight asked.

“Well, yes I would love to, but do you often invite your friends to lunch with you?” Magic Silver replied.

“Well, no, not too often and not at my house, but we are going to spend the morning reading magic books and practicing spells, so I think it would be dumb to have activities at my house, but before that going to a far place only to eat,” Twilight Sparkle pointed.

“Yes, makes sense. Well, I’ll be here tomorrow for lunch. I may not LOVE parties, but I think I can have some fun now.” After some hours, the party was over and Twilight was saying goodbye to everybody. And then, she had to say goodbye to Magic Silver.

“Good night Magic Silver.”

“Good night Twilight, have a nice rest,” Magic Silver said. “I’ll be here tomorrow, and I'll promise you now, you won’t regret this agreement. It will be a very rich exchange of knowledge.”

“I hope so, too,” Twilight added. And so Magic Silver departed, and Twilight Sparkle entered into her house ready to sleep. On the way back to his house, Magic Silver thought

“From tomorrow Twilight Sparkle, I will give you the opportunity to prove yourself as a teacher, and I will show you that I can be a better teacher than Celestia herself. Rest now, what is to come will force your limits and you shall be prepared. You have a power beyond your wildest dreams, you just don’t know it yet. But soon I will open your mind and let you discover it, unlike Celestia who has tried so hard to hide it…”

> Worthy of trust
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

4:25 AM

Magic Silver was resting in his couch with a cushion behind his neck. He didn’t need to sleep, but he didn’t want to either. Now, he was scared from the nightmares he had. He didn’t want to see them anymore. He already knows his own resolution; he doesn’t need more reminders, but this rather another reaction of fear, the feeling was awful. Indeed, he was planning what things he would teach to Twilight and in what order. He knew that at a certain point, he would reveal his true purposes, but for now, if there was a true friendship for Twilight Sparkle, he would let her enjoy it. While he was having this train of thought, suddenly a flash passed through his eyes. He stood for a moment with his mind blank. He couldn’t see the moon from where his house was, but he came out the house. He could barely see the moon with all the high houses, so he grabbed a ladder and climbed to his roof. Now, not only could he see the moon, but also the royal castle attached to the mountain. Embraced by the moon, he watched it for a moment, quiet and peaceful, as if he were analyzing a piece of art that could or could not be fake, and then he whispered, like if he had found the flaw in the piece and knew of whom was the work

“Queen Chrysalis…”

10:40AM

Magic Silver looked at the clock once again. He had almost perfect timing, not sleeping at all helped his schedule. He prepared to leave the house to go and see Twilight, but he realized if he planned staying in Ponyville for long, he needed to find a job. But where? He needed a job, one that didn’t keep him away from Twilight. Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack? He wasn’t scared of hard work, but it was too far away from Twilight’s house. He kept thinking of more workplaces, but they were either too far away from his house or too far from Twilight’s house. Then, he remembered Rarity’s boutique. It was close enough to Twilight’s house. He wasn’t good at concocting outfits either, but there could be other things that Rarity could assign him to do. How difficult could it be? Magic Silver spent maybe too much time thinking about a job. He wasn’t late, but he wanted to have the best timing possible. He left his house heading to Twilight’s; he took several brief looks to the castle whenever he could see it between the high houses. He continued walking through the streets, some ponies that were at the party greeted him, but he didn’t notice that he was distracted, too focused in his thoughts, but those ponies didn’t know this and maybe they thought wrong. When he finally reached Twilight’s house and knocked on the door, he was at last received by Twilight herself. They greeted each other and Magic Silver came in. The meal was ready; Twilight was working along with Spike to prepare the food. Once Twilight served the meals, Magic Silver and Twilight Sparkle took their seats. Twilight started with a light chat, Magic Silver followed up, but then he brought up something curious:


“Twilight, I must tell you, these straw rolls are very well-dried, perfectly crispy, but what really deserves recognition is this salad. It is perfectly seasoned, and the ingredients… they are the same that my mother used to use only that she used lemon and salt to season the salad instead of oil, but I have to admit the oil does gives an extra flavor to the salad.”

“Thank you, I made them with Spike’s aid,” Twilight Sparkle said.

“Spike is…” Magic Silver asked expectantly.

“The little talking dragon, yes. He’s a great help here in the library. I gave him the day off, I wonder what he will do with his free time now? By the way, you mentioned your mother, where is she living now?” Twilight Sparkle confidently asked.

“She doesn’t,” Magic Silver coldly clarified.

“What do you mean—oh, oh I am so sorry! I didn’t know! Please forgive my lack of tact,” Twilight Sparkle said embarrassed.

“Don’t worry, it doesn’t affect me anymore, but that’s why I left my original home. I didn’t know my father, and when I was still a filly, a cardiac affliction took her away, and the pain was too much. All I wanted was to evade the pain, so I left the city and never came back. Fourteen years had passed and only now the pain is starting to disappear…” Magic Silver finished.

Twilight Sparkle remained silent while she was thinking if asking him more about him or just throwing away the topic if it was so painful for him to think about that. However, she concluded that at least one more non-personal question wasn’t harmful at all.

“And where do you come from? Where is your hometown?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, I think that doesn’t matter anymore. My past doesn’t matter anymore. It is said that if there’s a god, once you ask him for forgiveness and if this petition is related to your past, he forgets it completely and doesn’t care anymore, so why other should people? Besides, do you make these questions to all your friends? I mean, do you perfectly know in every possible sense to Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, or Fluttershy?” Magic Silver said.

Twilight remained impressed, and yet a bit confused. This could turn into a very awkward conversation, it was true she didn’t know her other friends that well, but she was so curious about this colt. She wanted to know more about him. If he was under a psychological pain, she could at least lead him to unburden from his troubles, so she decided ask him one more question.

“You did something wrong, something bad, something that you are not proud of?” Twilight asked.

And maybe this was too much for him to tell her, knowing her so little, but he stopped to think for some seconds, closed his eyes, and then opened them again and said,

“Yes, Twilight you could say I did wrong things, but the truth is that I am not proud of them, but neither I am ashamed,” Magic Silver coldly said.

Twilight Sparkle remained silent one more time, but this time she was almost shocked. She thought about asking him, “What things?” but then she realized that maybe it’s true, she shouldn’t care about his past, she should care for who is he now. With this realization, she proceeded to finish the topic by saying,

“I’m sorry… it was rude of me to ask you so many questions,” Twilight calmly said.

“Don’t worry; it’s natural that you want to know more about a friend. In time, I will tell you everything about me. I am done with my food, thanks for the lunch. Are you done? We have things to study!” Magic Silver enthusiastically said

“Yes, indeed. Now, how much do you know about magic?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I know all the basics from my mother. I don’t know any bigger spells, I wasn’t accepted at the magic academy back in my town. My field is rather the prestidigitation. I have been practicing clever tricks and creative uses for the basic spells I know. But no, I am very inexpert when it comes to complex spells,” Magic Silver clarified.

“Well, you can start by reading this book from chapter one. In fact, you will have read many books, the field practices will come when you are more advanced in your studies,” Twilight said. Of course, she didn’t mention it, and she hide it pretty well, but she was incredibly excited by the idea of having her own student.

“Hey Twilight, can I call you Ms. Sparkle while we study?” Magic Silver said with enthusiasm.

Twilight chuckled and said, “Okay,” and both of them turned to their own study books. After several minutes of reading and taking some notes (at least Twilight was making the last thing), Magic Silver broke the reigning silence.

“Ms. Sparkle?”

“Yes, Magic Silver?”

“I noticed you have plenty of books about science and natural biology, do you study them as well?” Magic Silver questioned.

“Yes, I study magic books for Princess Celestia’s lessons and science books for my regular scholarly matters.”

“So you are studying magic and science?”

“Yes, that’s it, at least for those who were admitted at the magic academy.”

“You know? I asked you this because, you see, it’s curious. I love books too, and then in a certain book I found a certain fictional character who mastered both the magic arts and science and achieved to rule his natal country using the magic and science. And that’s the whole point of the story: those who are better prepared should have the power, because they are worthy,” Magic Silver said.

Twilight Sparkle remained silent, a little confused, trying to deduce what he meant by that commentary. Finally, she had nothing, so she proceeded to ask for that.

“What are you trying to say? What is your point?”

“My point is: Celestia is probably creating much smarter and more cultured ponies than herself,” Magic Silver stated.

“We are not better prepared than Princess Celestia! She has a thousand years of experience, maybe more. We will never be superior to that level of wisdom, how can someone else be better qualified to rule Equestria? That wouldn’t make sense. Besides, she has preserved Equestria for more than a thousand  years, that speaks for itself!” Twilight declared a bit angrily.

“Right, I forgot that you know her that well, my bad. We are distracting us from the studies again, sorry for bringing that up,” Magic Silver apologized and both kept reading. The minutes passed idly for them, but Twilight couldn’t help but look through the window from her spot on her bed. Magic Silver was close-by and noticed this. More minutes passed, but he didn’t want to bring up another distracting conversation, but he felt the needing of ask Twilight if something was distressing her:

“Excuse me, Ms. Sparkle, maybe it’s none of my business but is something wrong? I can see even from here that you are worried about something. What is it?”

Twilight thought about whether to tell him the reason of the concern or not. She barely knew this colt, and they already clashed over a matter, but his concern sounded sincere. Besides, telling him about the problem could help to unload the distress. She sighed and said,

“It’s my brother. He hasn’t written to me, and he promised that after the wedding, he would write me about his days with Cadence, his wife, but too many days have passed. I wouldn’t be so worried if he had written to me during these days, but there is still nothing from him in the post office. I am worried that he forgot about me again or… what if they are in danger and I don’t know!?” Twilight said, starting to get anxious.

Magic Silver noticed she was going to enter emotional distress; he needed to say something relieving. He wasn’t prepared, however, he quickly thought of something.

“Well, Twilight, sometimes when the happiness is great the loved ones tend to forget about everything else, it’s not good to think the worst of the situation. He’s probably trying to write to you, but something is keeping him busy, keeping him from writing to you. Why don’t you send him a letter?” Magic Silver recommended.

“I don’t know where they are. The last thing I know is that the honeymoon was in Manehattan, but where will they go after that? I don’t know.” Frustrated, Twilight put a hoof in her face and said, “He made me a promise…”

“Well, that’s too bad, but maybe you should give him some more time. Besides, they are members of the nobility, if something happens to them, we would know it by the newspapers. Like I said, I don’t think that it’s his fault. Cheer up! If you are so close, then he will write you and let you know he’s alright, he’s happy with her wife and that despite all that, he still loves you and worries about you as well.”

Magic Silver’s words did relieve Twilight. She thought about her concerns and reflected, “Yes, maybe I am being impatient. I should give him some time. After all, he’s my brother, I should trust him”

With this, both decided to return once more to their studies, but in the end, Twilight didn’t tell Magic Silver about an even bigger concern. One more hour passed and Twilight ended her study session with Magic Silver.

“Alright Twilight, these books were pretty interesting, though, some things I already knew. But it’s my turn now. I want to teach you something, and I’ll keep calling you “Ms. Sparkle”.

“Ok,” Twilight Sparkle said with a light smile on her face.

“First of all, we are not going to use any books. My teaching method is completely dynamic, so let’s begin!” Magic Silver finalized. He told Twilight to follow him, and they went downstairs. When they got to the main library, Magic Silver sat down on the floor and told Twilight to do the same.

“To facilitate the learning process, we will proceed to do some meditation. The main reason why it can be difficult to learn new things is that our mind, our subconscious, is locked to process only certain things. We can say we are open to any new knowledge, but the truth is we don’t. That’s why so many ponies has so much talent for one or more things, but there are things where these ponies are awful; they have their mind blocked for that knowledge.”

Twilight was skeptical at first, but then she remembered that lesson she learned from Pinkie Pie’s “Pinkie Sense”, so she acceded to do this, Magic Silver told Twilight to close her eyes, and he did the same. Seated with their eyes closed, Magic Silver said,

“Let’s begin with focusing on one thing, particularly an object. Visualize it and put the same concentration as you would with another spell.”

“Why an object?” Twilight asked.

“Questions at the end,” Magic Silver interrupted.

Twilight started doing this, but while she had her eyes closed, Magic Silver opened his own eyes and observed Twilight. He wondered what she would be thinking. After three minutes, he saw Twilight’s horn starting to glow, but it wasn’t the normal transparent glow. It was like if her horn was made of light, and then something started growing from the horn. At first, it seemed like a tentacle of light, but it started to gain form. Magic Silver couldn’t tell what it was, but more than that, he was impressed that Twilight accomplished something so complicated so fast. Of course, Twilight wasn’t aware of this, and just when the light construct was finishing to complete its form, a headache broke Twilight’s  concentration, and the light-constructed figured disappeared. Putting her left hoof to her head, Twilight said,

“Oough… is this supposed to hurt?”

Magic Silver, still amazed, didn’t let much time pass after his reply and said,

“No… Not exactly… but if your head hurts, it means that you were advancing on unlocking those parts of your mind that are closed… just, I didn’t think you would make it so soon.”

“Now that you mention it, I remember something like this in a book, and I think that was scientifically explained, but where did I put it? Oh yes, I think it’s there on the top of that bookshelf.” Twilight tried to levitate a book on a shelf on the left side of the library, but it was too tight between other books, so she couldn’t grab it by only trying to levitate it. Thus, she grabbed a ladder and climbed to the top of the bookshelf/ Magic Silver got a little nervous at this and, like if he was in some sort of hurry, said,

“Twilight, I don’t think that is necessary. I already told you it’s a mind thing, you’re going to find the very same I already told you. There’s no need to check it!”

As Magic Silver was trying to persuade her, she was already at the top of the ladder. Twilight, now on the ladder, tried to levitate the book with more strength, but she was going to bring down the other books and create a mess, so she used her hooves to hold the books to the sides, and she tried one more time. This time, the book was coming out, but still was very tight, and Twilight was applying much force on her levitation spell to take it out. So when the book finally came out, it did so forcibly and quickly that it hit Twilight in the face, knocking her off of the ladder.

“Twilight!!” Magic Silver shouted. As quick as he could, he grabbed Twilight with his levitation magic five feet before touching the ground.

“Twilight, you gave me an awful scare! Be more careful next time, you could ask me for help!” Magic Silver said with concern.

But Twilight, still being levitated, had her eyes closed embracing for the impact. When she realized that she didn’t hit the ground, she opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was Magic Silver’s worried eyes. She saw his lips moving, but she couldn’t hear anything. Was she deaf now? If that was the case, she didn’t care much. All that she could do was look at the eyes of Magic Silver as his lips kept moving. Were they always this bright? Like two golden globes, in a matter of seconds, Twilight realized that maybe she was lost in his eyes. If that was the case, she didn’t want “to be found”.  Magic Silver put Twilight on the ground, but she was still gone, so Magic Silver kept trying to make Twilight react.

“Twilight! Can you hear me!? Twilight Sparkle!” But still she didn’t said anything, something that Magic Silver noticed was that Twilight’s eyes were like if she was going to cry. He didn’t know how to interpret this and he kept trying one more time. Putting both hooves on Twilight’s face and leaning his face to hers to make a louder message, he shouted,

“Twilight Sparkle, are you there!!!???”

This took Twilight out of her trance. She quickly shook her head several times and said,

“Y-yes, yes I am, thanks for saving me there! I—ah I don’t know what happened to me, I am sorry if I worried you.”

“Yes, but are you sure you are ok? Don’t you want me to get you something to drink? I think you were in a serious shock, so if you want me to stay here and I don’t know, talk? Or you want some time alone?” Magic Silver asked.

“Actually, I think…” Twilight still looking at the Magic Silver’s eyes said, “I need that time alone. I have to deal with another issue besides the ‘shock’.”

“Oh, ok. Tomorrow at the same hour?” Magic Silver questioned.

Twilight Sparkle stood there thinking for a moment and said, “No… you can take tomorrow for you. Think about it as an off-classes day.”

“Oh, alright… see you… soon Twilight,” and Magic Silver left, and Twilight was alone with a mix of feelings. There was no real shock for the nearly would-be lethal fall, instead she had a feeling that she never felt before, and she needed to talk about it with someone, and she already knew who that would be.

The next day, she left her house heading to Rarity’s. When she got there, she knocked the door and almost immediately Rarity attended her.

“Hello Twilight! To what do I owe the pleasure?” Rarity happily said.

“Well, I want to know if we can talk about something.”

“Dear, you can tell me everything, please come in.”

Twilight entered into the boutique, and she got a big surprise when she saw Magic Silver there cutting fabrics with levitating scissors.

“Um, Rarity, what is he doing here?” Twilight asked.

“Him? Oh he is working with me now. I hired him yesterday in the evening. He seemed needy of a job. At first, I gave him the task of cutting fabrics and he does it well, but then he offered to help me with the accounting and he is much faster than I am for that. With him helping me with those tasks, I can concentrate on designing and concoct ensembles. He is such a good worker, it’s good to have a pair of extra hooves helping me here. And between you and me, it’s kind of exciting having such a handsome colt working with me,” she giggled.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and said,

“Yes… that’s part of what I want to talk with you. It’s personal, and I think you may have experience in this, so I’ll like it if tomorrow around six’ o'clock, we meet at the coffee shop that is a few blocks from my house. You know which one.”

“Yes dear, I will be there.”

And Twilight left Rarity’s house. Twilight was now loaded with not one, but three different concerns. There is the lack of communication from his brother, the fact that Princess Celestia hasn’t written to her since the last letter, and now Magic Silver. She knows she got lost in his eyes, but why? Was there a logical reason? Or was an… emotional reason? And this is what Twilight Sparkle feared the most.

The next morning, Magic Silver’s lessons started all over again. This time, Twilight Sparkle gave him much more reading to make. Magic Silver, of course, agreed to this. The time passed idly, almost dull, with no conversation from each other. Magic Silver had the assignment of reading some specific chapters from three books. While he was reading, once again he couldn’t help but watch Twilight Sparkle there, uneasy, concerned. But Magic Silver tried to not say anything; this time he wanted her to tell him her problems by her own volition, so he remained silent. By the time he finished reading, he told Twilight Sparkle what he learned and looked forward to sharing with her his knowledge, but she refused.

“Well, that’s all the class day for you. I have a very important compromise, so I’m afraid I don’t have time for practicing with you. So, maybe tomorrow? I’ll be completely free. Besides, you have work to do at Rarity’s boutique.”

“Yes, but my shift starts in about four hours! I do have time. Besides, when is your other compromise? I can at least give some useful advices, and I promise it won’t take long.”

Twilight Sparkle agreed to this, and Magic Silver proceeded to give her the tips for many already known spells for her. As Magic Silver said, this didn’t take much time, and he was about to leave, but Twilight Sparkle said goodbye and walked with him to the door, but it was in a very hasty and almost harsh way. Magic Silver noticed this and when he was outside the library’s doorstep, Twilight closed the door behind him and he said, hoping that she would listen.

“Twilight, I don’t know if you feel alright, but if you don’t, you know you can tell anything! Whatever it is, you don’t have to take it alone…”

He didn’t hear anything in response, so he finally said,

“At least promise me that you will practice all my advices so far!”

“I promise,” Twilight said behind the door and Magic Silver was ready to leave and during the road home Magic Silver thought,

“I don’t know what’s wrong with you, Twilight, but you are making this unnecessarily difficult for yourself.”

Twilight found herself feeling bad because she felt she was acting like surly and unconfident with someone who was only offering a friendly hoof, but this was a problem for which she will seek help with another friend of hers.

6:22PM

Rarity was still waiting for Twilight to show up, and she presented herself twenty minutes later. Rarity didn’t say anything more about that except for a little joke.

“Once again, I was the one who came much too early.”

“I’m sorry Rarity I was… I had things to do before this.”

Both ordered cups of tea, and Rarity started the conversation.

“So, you wanted to talk about something?”

Twilight thought for two minutes and said,

“Yes… I’ve been feeling very nervous and concerned. You see, I haven’t received any news from my brother since the day of the wedding, and he promised me to keep in touch more than ever before. I don’t know if something is wrong or he just forgot his promise… none of the possibilities comforts me… and there’s also Celestia.”

“What is wrong about the Princess?”

“She hasn’t replied to my letter I sent to her fifteen days ago, that only adds another concern.”

Rarity took a sip of tea and said, “Well, why don’t you go and spend a visit to your brother, and after, to Princess Celestia.”

Twilight passed a hoof through her mane and said, “That’s the problem, I don't know where Shining Armor and Cadence are. I would know if he writes to me, and for Princess Celestia, I am planning to pay her a visit to the castle, but before I want to deal with another thing, and that’s why I want your advices and answers.”

“What is it, dear?”

“It’s about Magic Silver.”

“What about him?” Rarity asked.

“Well, I have been feeling pretty nervous and only when he is around. This started the day I met him, but it was something so tiny, I almost couldn’t feel it, but it got much worse a few days ago.”

“What happened?” Rarity asked, now really interested.

“A few days ago, we were in a reading session and I almost had an accident on a ladder trying to reach a book. I closed my eyes, embracing for the impact, but he caught me with his magic, and the first thing I saw were his eyes. I never saw them so bright, so...” Twilight tried to find another word to not create a misunderstanding, but she couldn’t, and only finished,

“I think it’s fair to say I got lost in his eyes.”

“And why do you think that was?” Rarity questioned Twilight.

“I’m not sure,but I’m afraid this is an emotional issue because if it is, and I have feelings for him, I don't want to ruin our friendship because he wouldn’t feel the same. He is willing to support me, and he is doing his best to be a good friend.”

“Well, dear, you say you always felt this way when you are around him, but it got worse after that day in the library?” Rarity took another sip of tea, while Twilight was remaining silent and expectant. “Now I know what happens...” Twilight was now fully attending for Rarity’s answer. “You find him attractive, that is all.”

“What?” Twilight said, more amazed by the simplicity of her answer more than anything else.

“It is not an emotional issue, well at least not necessarily. You have to make up your mind if you really feel something for him, other than knowing that he has beautiful eyes.”

“Well, now that I think about it... No, not really.”

“Then, there you have your answer. There are no feelings involved... well other than appreciating his appearance, there is none. You don’t have to worry for that anymore Twilight, this is totally natural. Twilight, I knew you were new to interact with other colts, but I never thought you were this new. Well the good news is that you should not keep feeling this way with him.”

“And what is your advice then?” Twilight asked.

“Enjoy the sight! Twilight, it’s exactly what I do. There might not be romantic interests, but you at least can appreciate what you see: his eyes, his mane... his flank,” Rarity giggled.

“Rarity!” Twilight exclaimed.

Rarity chuckled and said,

“Well, that’s my advice, and you asked me!”

“So all that you are say is that I think he is... hot?”

“Well, that is a vulgar way to say it, but yes, that is what I am saying.”

Twilight Sparkle,stood there, thinking about what Rarity said, and then she made another question with the intention of receiving more advice.

“There’s another thing...”

“What is it, Twilight?”

“I also feel a bit unsafe with Magic Silver, because he hides something as small as his place of birth from me. Why would someone hide such basic information? I mean, what is so bad about his hometown, or what he did there that he can’t even reveal something so small?”

“Twilight, everybody has their secrets, and everybody has their own reasons to keep them, but that is no reason to distrust someone. Besides,what you do know about him?”

“Well, actually he told me plenty about him when we had a lunch together. He told me he used to work in a bookstore back in Canterlot, and he told me why he likes the legends so much. He says that legends are like fiction written by god, not so true, but not lies either. In fact, he told me many other things about him, just except for his birthplace... maybe I’m really distrusting him for such small secret...”

“Don’t worry, that is not a reason to feel bad. Having a male friend is similar to have a regular female friend, but the notable differences: we, the mares, are used to having much more secrets than the colts, but they are more unconfident and discreet about them. But of course that doesn’t mean they are bad friends. I am sure that one day he will open to you.”

Twilight remained thinking for a minute and finally said,

“Yeah, maybe I am pushing him too much. Before he can give his confidence, I have to give him my own confidence. Thanks Rarity, I knew you would understand me.”

After that, Rarity and Twilight had a brief and light chat about other matters before asking for the bill, and with each portion paid, both said goodbye to each other and headed to their homes. 


Several days passed as Twilight Sparkle and Magic Silver continued sharing knowledge. For Twilight, these days were enjoyable to say the least. Since her talk with Rarity, she felt that now her mind was much more relaxed and comfortable at least. As regards for Magic Silver, she was still feeling nervous around him, but it was a comfortable nervousness. She still had the concerns about Princess Celestia and her brother, Shining Armor, but now, somehow they were more bearable. She wondered if she was distracted now by Magic Silver.

Some more days passed and both learned a lot from each other. Twilight learned to make quicker changes of matter when using those kinds of spells, as well as being able to concentrate the magic with more ease. But Magic Silver, he was taking the things easily and calmly (at least for what respects to his “studies”). He was a good student and teacher. In fact, both of them proved themselves as teachers and students. It was during these days that Twilight finally, after a month and a half, received a letter from her brother. In the letter, Shining Armor explained that he delayed so much time because he was busy with duties on the royal guard. All the captains were assembled to discuss and prepare new measures after the crisis with the changelings on Canterlot. He told her in the letter that more contingency plans were made to face another threat like the changelings, now more than ever due to the changelings and their queen were now living in this world. Investigations were going to be made to find out where the changelings came from, but that was another issue. He also confessed that because of his military obligations, Cadence was suffering the same loneliness as Twilight. Even when Twilight felt bad for Cadence, who maybe was passing through something worse, she also felt incredibly happy after so many days of concern. Twilight at least received a letter from her brother. She hoped that this was the beginning of being close to her brother once again.

A day after that, before the study lesson, Twilight said to Magic Silver about his progress and the first real magic practices.

“You have been diligent with your studies, Magic Silver. Due to your advance with the theory books, I think now it’s time to begin your practice with what you have learned in theory. Given that you already know all the basic spells, we will begin with the mid-level. You will have to try a teleportation spell. Let’s begin with a small object like this apple.” Twilight levitated an apple and put it in front of Magic Silver. “Well, let’s begin with the basics of teleportation:  transport small objects to places that you actually can see. Teleport this apple from this room to the kitchen. Now don’t get frustrated, even with all the reading and research I made the first time, I tried and failed. I had to try several more times, but let’s go calmly, let’s see how you do it.”

Magic Silver briefly focused on the apple. He closed his eyes for a second, and then he proceeded. He quickly teleported the apple from the main library to the kitchen with his first try. Twilight didn’t know if she was more confused or amazed. That was a spell, a mid-level spell, but even such an ordinary spell took weeks for her to master it.

“Wha—how did you do that? I mean… I thought you said… how could you-…” Twilight couldn’t process the confusion. Magic Silver just did a half complex spell with the first try; he wasn’t supposed to make it.

“How did you make it? I thought you said you had no talent!”

“Yes, I know. I didn’t know this was going to happen… I think this is… whoa, Ms. Sparkle this discovery has me just as or more amazed than you. This is unbelievable!”

Twilight remained silent for a moment, thinking. This was not a real discovery if he was so talented in the first place, why did he hide it? Why had he lied about his skills at magic… Why?? If he was lying about this, then what else could he be lying about?? Twilight resolved that she didn’t want any more lies it was clear now that she wouldn’t get any straight answers from Magic Silver; she had to discover the truth by herself. Finally, Twilight broke the her silence and calmly said,

“Yes, it seems you had a special talent locked all this time. This will make the learning process faster. Let’s pass to the next lesson.”

The session continued normally with Twilight watching as Magic Silver made many other successful spells (but not all) within the first try. Now, Twilight was more intrigued than amazed. She wanted to know the truth, the real truth about this colt. Twilight’s lesson ended and Magic Silver’s lesson started. His lesson was all about illusions, who cast them, and how to maintain them using just a reflection and some light. When the lesson ended and before he parted, Twilight asked Magic Silver for his former domicile back in Canterlot.

“Number 792 of the 72 street. But why do you ask, Twilight?”

“Oh, well, just curiosity. I lived in Canterlot for most of my life. I want to know if you resided near some place memorable for me.”

“That’s great, I hopefully did. Goodbye Twilight, see you tomorrow.”

“Oh, actually, tomorrow you can take the day? I have something to do in Canterlot, so we will see past tomorrow, okay Magic Silver?”

“…Ok Twilight, have a nice day.”

The next day,Twilight gave Spike some instructions for the house maintenance, due to the fact that she was going to be outside for most of the day. She prepared for a trip to Canterlot, thinking all the thing she needed to investigate. She boarded the train and headed to Canterlot. Once she arrived, she quickly headed to the domicile that Magic Silver gave her. Of course, she had to ask for directions. When she finally arrived to the mentioned place, she saw an old colt, an Earth pony, sweeping the portion of street of his house that was next to another that had a sign of “FOR SALE” in the front of its lawn. Twilight leaned to the old colt and asked him,

“Good morning,” Twilight greeted, and she was greeted too by the colt, “excuse me, did you know a colt named Magic Silver?”

“Magic Silver…? Oh yes that unicorn. Yes, I met him. He resided in that house to the left for a little more than a half month. He was a good neighbor, though a bit retracted, but a good neighbor in the end, and he wasn’t an annoyance at all while he lived here.”

Twilight somehow was not surprised at all by this. Another lie of Magic Silver. He said he lived in Canterlot for 15 years, and this old colt says it was just half a month.

“But why do you ask, lady?”

“Oh, it’s just that I know him. He’s living in a town a train trip from here. I was just visiting Canterlot, and he recommended to me a fantastic restaurant near his former house, and I thought about giving it a check.”

“But the nearest restaurant is five blocks from here,” the old colt said.

“Yeah, I think he has a strange sense of humor. By the way, did you see when he moved here to that house, did you see the name of the moving company in the cargo carriage?”

“Yes,” the colt said.

“And that company was?” Twilight asked.

“I think the name was… A to B Moving Co.”

“Thanks, sir. Goodbye and have a nice day.”

“Yes, you too young lady,” the old colt said.

Twilight now had only one thing left to investigate about Magic Silver. He at least had to give to the moving company his real residence. Once again asking for directions, Twilight managed to find a branch office of the moving company. Luckily enough, that was the only branch office of that company in the whole city. When she got to the reception, she had to lie in order to see the paperwork of the moving service for Magic Silver. Luckily, the receptionist and the other clerks recognized her from the newspapers. Her lie about this being part of an important service assigned by Princess Celestia herself worked almost immediately. Once they gave her the papers, Twilight proceeded to read them. She found already known information of Magic Silver, but when she found the part of “Birthplace” she saw in that line was Canterlot. At this, Twilight began to grow disappointed and afraid of Magic Silver. Why did he have to lie about such simple things? Was he lying too about all the other aspects of himself that he told her? But why? Why?? These were the only questions that roamed Twilight’s mind. That was enough; she found all she needed. Disappointed, she resolved that she was going to confront Magic Silver for all his lies. “To whom the hell did I give my friendship??” Twilight thought.

The rest of the day and night she thought about it, prepared the words, and the way she was going confront Magic silver. She decided that it would be during their normal study session.

The next day, at the same hour, Magic Silver came promptly as always. Twilight received him and greeted him, but with coldness. When Magic Silver fully entered the house, Twilight took a deep breath and said,

“Magic Silver, before we start our studies, there’s something really important I want to talk with you. It’s a serious matter.”

Magic Silver, still giving her the back, put a cynical smile in his face and calmly said,

“Go ahead Twilight, I’m all ears.” 
> Let's have a nice chat
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Twilight was looking at the colt with determination and anger, she was cheated by someone she thought he was her friend, they were looking at the eyes of each other, while Twilight Sparkle had a serious look, Magic Silver’s look was calm… almost cynical in fact.

"It’s about you, Magic Silver if that’s your real name.”

“What do you mean? Twilight my name is Magic Silver as it has always has been.”

“Save it…” Twilight said with a controlled anger

“I found out some things about you: your birthplace, the time you spent on Canterlot, and maybe even your job at a bookstore is a lie too, so that’s why I want to know who you really are because I trusted you and you betrayed, so at least have the decency of telling me who you really are.”

“Look, if I lied about where I came from even to the moving company it’s because my memories about that place are that bad!”

“And what about the fake period of time living in Canterlot?”  Twilight questioned

“What’s the difference? Fifteen days or fifty years I know Canterlot very well, and find the point of telling a true quantity of time, since, like I said I already know Canterlot pretty well.”

“Don’t give that crap if you’re lying about something so small, what else are you hiding and/or lying? I mean, Magic Silver, is that even your real name? Who are you?”

Magic Silver turned his back and then he said:

“I am who I am and I have always been, Twilight”

“Stop lying I know when somepony is lying to me! I just want the truth and nothing else! WHO! ARE! YOU!”

Magic silver still giving his back to Twilight chuckled with malice and turning to face her with his eye balls now with a yellow color and his pupils bright red, he said:

“…Me?”

And then with a flash of white light Magic Silver revealed himself as the lord of chaos, the spirit of disharmony: Discord.

“Aaaallright!! I’m back!” Discord cheerfully said.

“Geez, Twilight why did it take you so long?! I wasn’t even willing to hide my real identity I could as well added some flashy neon signs that say” and Discord with a snap of his fingers summoned several neon signs with words like “Hey, poser over here”, “I am not who I say I am”, and “world champion of lying”.

“Wh—Discord! How di—“ Twilight said trying to speak with all her shock and as soon as she finished her blabbing she turned around and ran to the door, but then the door was sealed in front of her by Discord.

“Nu-uh, Twilight, before you run away and get your friends to face me, I have to tell you, you have two choices: you can go, get your friends and the elements of harmony to fight me, but then I would defend myself, I would show my immunity for a magic even as powerful as that, and erase your precious fancy jewels you call elements of harmony out of existence and then make you despair and lose hope… or you can stay here and hear what I have to say.”

Discord finished and Twilight was looking at him with shock, fear and confusion it was fair to say that Twilight sparkle had the same gaze as a caged lynx and still silent. Discord then proceeded to talk.

“First of all I am not here to hurt you or any of your friends, nor play with your minds, for that matter I am no here to hurt or manipulate anypony at all, now the main reason why I came back is because Equestria, no, the entire world is in danger and the elements of harmony won’t be enough to stop the evil that is to come, and I am here because I can help and prepare you to face this threat.”

Twilight regaining herself to be able to talk closed her eyes for a second and said,

“What the hay are you talking about…?”

Discord sighed and said,

“A great evil, incredibly powerful nearly as powerful as me in fact, only that it can’t create, only destroy, and can’t be destroyed, not even stopped, and is coming right to this planet, but I believe there is still hope.”

“The elements of harmony are the most powerful magic on this world how they can’t stop this “evil” that is to come?” Twilight skeptically questioned

“I am not saying that they can’t I am saying that they won’t be enough, but that’s why I am here, to help you.”

“Discord, you are the embodiment of lies, why should I believe you?”

“That was only a gimmick! Believe me Twilight! I am not here as the lord of chaos but as someone who wants to change the future!”

“I have seen the future Twilight and you, your friends; this entire world doesn’t survive the ravage of this evil.”

Twilight stood there staring at Discord, thinking, he sounded sincere but Twilight had many questions in mind so she decided to start with two:
“Discord I don’t know if this is another wicked plan of yours or if you are telling the truth but first of all I have two questions.”

“And what they are about?” Discord said

“First: How did you get out of your stone form? And second: Why would you want to help us so suddenly?”

“How did I get out of the stone…? Well I wasn’t even trapped in the first place!”

“What do you mean??” Twilight said really confused

“I just went on “vacation” you see, let me tell you a little story. When Celestia and Luna defeated me more than one thousand years ago using the elements of harmony and “turning me into stone” I was relieved! They were obnoxious! Completely killjoy, brave yet arrogant and with no sense of humor at all! So I decided to play along their game I abandoned my stay in Equestria and I went to explore other worlds--“
“There are other worlds?”
“Yes but that’s another story.  Like I said I was exploring different worlds I don’t know exactly how many time I spent doing this but at certain point I decided to come back just to see how things turned out for equestria and maybe have some healthy fun as well, that was when met you and your friends you proved to be as fascinating as Celestia and/or Luna but totally more sympathetic, I decided to stay more time than the last time so I took over this city, one small town wouldn’t affect an entire country, now would it? But I was wrong again and you and your friends “defeated” me and the game started again for me. I didn’t know how much time was going to be but I accepted it although I could watch this from a different plane of existence.”

Discord sighed again and continued

“As for the reason why I want to help you… I… learned the importance of things… during one of my explorations I found creatures just as smart as you only that way too different in appearance, heh, that was where I came close to learning that what you call “friendship”… Twilight you have a beautiful world here, I just don’t want it to lost, trust me Twilight I came to appreciate you and your friends.”

Twilight thought of his words and asked one more question

“But if what you say is true and you want to help us, how do I know that you wouldn’t try to cause chaos and trouble?”

“Twilight, if I want I can turn this world upside down, but I’m not.”

Twilight reflected and finally accepting Discord’s word she asked

“And how will you help us?”

“Well, I have a plan and you will play a big role on it.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Twilight you have a huge power within you, I would dare to say it’s even bigger than that of Celestia, and that’s why she took you under her wing, but I want to help you unleash all of your potential. You have the power to crush Equestria, but you will use that power help me in my plan. Your friends will have job to do as well, but is you who need to discover your own real power. I will help you to protect your home and your beloved ones.”

“But, why me? I still so much to learn I... but why can’t Celestia and Luna can't do it? They have experience and sure they still are more powerful than what I could be!” Twilight said agitated

“Celestia? Let me tell you something about Celestia… or Luna; they are politicians. Your dear Princesses, if they found themselves trapped when all hope is lost, they would try make a deal with the invading force. The rest of the world for Equestria’s safety, because that is what the politics are about: making deals and alliances. The mere fact that Celestia kept Equestria in such prosperity, peace and harmony is proof of how good a politician she is, that’s why I can only trust you Twilight Sparkle, you would die before leaving your world to some evil entity, because I know that you have the bravery, you have the heart of a heroine”

Twilight couldn’t say anything, she wanted to defend her teacher, her princess… her friend, but she knew she couldn’t argue with someone as old as Discord, by this point he couldn’t be lying even if wanted to. Discord who was now transformed again into Magic Silver said to Twilight,

“So, can I count with you to defend this world and your beloved ones?”

Twilight Sparkle reluctantly but with faith in herself resigned to carry the weight of the world in her hooves… again. Twilight merely nodded at him looking him at the eyes, When Discord saw this he realized how big the load he put in the mare’s shoulders was, but at the moment he didn’t have any other choice, Twilight was his best opportunity to save the world, he knew that at this point his words wouldn’t make much difference but still he said to Twilight,

“You don’t have to feel this overwhelmed I said that you will play the major role in my plan but that doesn’t mean that you to do it alone, remember your friends will be there to… and I will be there.”

At this Twilight gave a nervous smile and after a moment of silence Twilight asked

“So what do we do first? How do we start… this plan of yours?

“Now we do physical training.”

> Chaotic bootcamp
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight wasn’t entirely sure why he said that, but before she could say anything else Magic Silver interrupted her.

“And for that we need an appropriated place”

He then teleported taking Twilight to a place he could call “home” they arrived to what seemed to be an infinite extension of blank space

“What is this…? Place?” Twilight asked, she was having a hard time even calling it a “place” she couldn’t tell where it started nor where it ended..
“This is my home, sweet parallel dimension” Magic Silver said, though, he wished that Twilight could understand the privilege of being the first mortal creature to ever enter into his dimension.

“This is where we start, this where you will learn everything I have to teach you, we will begin with the basic skills: physical abilities, which, you will need in order to prepare you to fight the incoming threat, it will be exhaustive yes, but I have everything arranged and solved, you just have to concentrate on everything I teach you, are we--? Are you even listening?”

Twilight got a lost staring at the infinity of the place where she was, she couldn’t perceive the difference between the ground and everything else, let alone if there was any walls and ceiling or just a horizon and a sky, she could hear Magic Silver--Discord--whoever he was, talking but she didn’t pay attention. Of course she would never do this on normal circumstances, but the fascination was great. However she was suddenly dragged out of her little trip by Magic Silver’s nagging question:

“Are you even listening?”

“Yeah… Sure… Do you really live here?” Twilight asked still amazed by the place and reluctant see it as a “home”.

“Yes, I do, though this is only my yard, I’ll later show you the living room and the rest of my abode, but for now, let’s get to business shall we?” At that moment Magic Silver summoned two large walls at each side to create a long road and a pit in the middle.

“And for what is that pit?"

“First, we start with the most basic of skills; you must be able to jump that pit, you can take all the impulse you think you need”

Twilight didn’t want to admit it, but she still was processing all that stuff about saving the world, sure, she already did it in at least three occasions, but she knew that none of those demanded so much as this, what is more, she realized that she just trusted the worst enemy that she and her friends have ever faced, and yet she was there doing exactly what he was telling her. So she realized that at least she could get the whole truth, maybe this whole thing was an evil plan by Discord… or maybe not… Even if he was sincere about his intentions she felt she needed more reasons, she needed answers.

“Ok, Discord but first I want to ask you a few more questions”

“Of course, Twilight, but please, call me Magic Silver. Discord was only a gimmick, Magic Silver is who I am now. This body is comfortable and I like it, and apparently you like it too.”

Twilight blushed a bit at that statement, though it was truth, she does not like to be reminded that.

“Oh yes, I know how you look at me. But that’s not important, now about your request I thought of something, How about a little deal? You complete every physical test I give you and you can ask any question you want, do you agree?”

Twilight nodded and she prepared herself taking backward steps and then, when she got a good calculation for the impulse she will need, she started running to the pit, and when she got close to the edge and tried to jump it, she failed miserably falling into it and getting hurt.

“Oh boy, this is going to be a long, long day” Magic Silver said with a bit of annoyance

Magic Silver stood there in the starting line of the artificial road, watching Twilight try and fail, sometimes she could get closer to jumping the pit, and then came the times where even when she still was failing it was by a small margin. as Magic Silver was witnessing this he started wondering to himself:

“I really don’t know if this is a mistake. I really hope not, if it wasn’t for our rules I would fix this whole thing in the blink of an eye. Should I really give this weight to a simple mare? Of course she is special and of course she has the qualities, but she has to go through all this in order to discover them. She needs to know what we are going to fight against, even when she and her friends have already defeated 3 powerful villains, she doesn’t have a idea of what is coming. I wasn’t willing to hurt anyone. Nightmare Moon wicked and evil as she was, was only the incarnation of a young mare’s anger. Chrysalis, well, I couldn’t give her credit for anything, this isn’t supposed to happen. None of this happened anywhere else, this world shouldn’t be taken out of its harmony nor its inhabitants, that’s why I am almost hurt for the fact that she will have to learn all of this the hard way.

Twilight Sparkle failed once more to jump the pit, this time catching onto the edge on the other side before falling, seconds after she touched the ground a staircase appeared behind her, for she could get out the pit and start again. Before completely getting out she started to think:

“Why am I doing this again? I’m supposed to go through all this training in order to get ready to fight a great evil, but that’s what Discord said. Why do I believe something he says? After all, he is the supreme trickster. He says he doesn’t want to hurt us, but maybe he is talking about a physical pain, and he will be more than happy to make us miserable like the last time… But then “Why am I doing this again? I’m supposed to go through all this training in order to get ready to fight a great evil, but that’s what Discord said. Why do I believe something he says? After all, he is the supreme trickster. He says he doesn’t want to hurt us, but maybe he is talking about a physical pain, and he will be more than happy to make us miserable like the last time… But then again if I have the chance to ask him exactly what he is.  Yes!  I can look him in the eyes, and see if he is lying, after all, thanks to him I can spot a lie when I hear one.”

When she got out of the pit and walked her way to the starting line, she stopped for a moment and she looked a Magic Silver who just made little smile. Then she started to ponder again:

“Why should I trust him? Seriously, why? He is the embodiment of disharmony, the god of chaos, even if he already said that he learned the importance of things. But how can I believe that when he used to have fun creating chaos and misery, and how exactly he learned something so important? He is the one who turn my friends on me, he made me experience the ultimate misery, and I just won't forget that. I will never trust him and I shouldn’t even be doing this, preparing to fight a great evil and prevent a disaster? Maybe he is the disaster! I think he wants to fill me with self confidence for only in the last minute, when he reveals his evil scheme. He would take pleasure crushing every given hope, but then again I am here, trapped on his realm, But I think I have a plan and in order to apply it, I have to play his game!”

Twilight ran as fast as she could, faster than when that Hydra was chasing her, she really forced her legs this time. Just before reaching the pit, she decided to try a new strategy. This time she jumped at the very edge of the pit, also using an incredible amount of strength in her legs, this time she succeeded. She made it to the other side, barely, but she did it. She collapsed right after the landing tired and out of breath and Magic Silver appeared right next to her saying:

“Nicely done, Twilight, as soon as you catch your breath you can ask your ask your question”

Twilight gave herself three minutes of exhaling before getting up, when she did that, she threw the question:

"What are you exactly?"

“Me? I am basically everything that you already know, I am omnipotent and immortal, but I am not a spirit of chaos, at least not always. Discord… that was only a role that I performed, only a gimmick. I have different names depending on the world but I really don’t have proper name, that’s why now I ask you to refer me as Magic Silver, since in order to help you I need to blend in your society. Overall, everything you have to know about me is that I am an interdimensional being and that I am here to help.”

Those five last words, left Twilight wondering more things, but she decided to remain silent and wait her next chance.
“Alright, Twilight, that was your question, and now comes my next challenge, first you will have to jump that pit two more times, after that I will tell you the next part of the challenge.”

“Ok, but at least I have to drink something before I continue, I’ve never felt so exhausted…”

“Oh, Ok,” Magic Silver said and touching Twilight’s nose with his hoof he said:

“There, that should do it”

“What—what did you do? I feel refreshed and my legs aren’t heavy anymore”

“I made you ignore the pain on your worked out muscles, filled your body’s water deposits and put food on your stomach.”

Twilight immediately thought that this was just another trick but she decided to keep playing along, the faster she could complete the tests the faster she would get out of this realm.

“You can start now, Twilight”

Twilight reached the starting line of the path, she got on position and prepared to start running, but just in that moment Magic Silver added:

“Oh, and Twilight, just how many times do I have to repeat the same thing? I don’t want to run this world, I don’t want to ruin your lives, and I am not interested in creating chaos anymore! I thought you knew better, since you already know the feeling of not being trusted."

Twilight was totally amazed and confused about how in the hay Magic Silver knew what she thought. But then again after seeing how he has his own plane of existance that would be a pointless question. but wha he said was truth, and the realization hit her, she indeed knew that feeling, but her hatred and paranoia overwhelmed every little sense of confidence she could have about Magic Silver’s intentions. The facts were obvious and she just chose to ignore them and keep being suspicious.

“Look, Twilight, I am not asking you to trust me. I am just asking to believe what I say, I just want you to be ready to fight for those that you love. And with more reason now that there is a reason to fight for them and for the future.”

Twilight merely nodded at this, she didn’t have words, a future, yes,  that’s what she has been thinking, fighting at the present to ensure a future. After that Twilight got back to her original position and took off, running as fast as the last time, Twilight managed to jump once again the pit though she landed clumsily and stiff. Before galloping again to the starting point Magic Silver teleported next to her and said:

Let me give a little advice, every time  you land after a jump try to duck at the very moment of the landing. That will distribute the energy of the impact and will reduce it.


“All right, Magic Silver, but how many time will I have to be here?”

“Don’t worry about that, I will only tell you that a day here on this plane is a minute on your world. So you won’t be out for long, but we will spend several days here. I need to know if you are up to spend all that time training.”

Twilight then remembered words that she said moments ago: protect the present, to ensure a future, a future for everyone.

“OK, the next part is basically the same as the previous one, only that this time the difficulty level will be higher since the road will be longer, and there will be multiple pits. But don’t worry there will enough room for you to take the necessary impulse to jump.“

Once more she repeated the process only that this time the pits appeared one by one as she raced through the path, jumping them with slight difficulty, but she finally completed the test. She was exhausted again, but that was no problem thanks to Magic Silver’s touch.

“Ok, I have completed another one of your test, now it’s time for my question.”

“I wouldn’t forget that, ask and it shall be answered.”

“How exactly did you learn that there are things that are worth fighting for?”

“It was another world, another body, another name, It was a more complicated world than this, and the creature that I associated with was… Strange mix of you, Twilight, and Princess Celestia only that he was a male. It was then that I learned the meaning of friendship, although he never saw it like that. But in the end we got to understand each other.”

“So, at least in the end he got to consider you as a friend as too?”

“I like to think so, but the question is already answered, let’s begin the next test. You will have to do the exact same race the pits as obstacles, only that this time I will be pressing you by… shooting at you!”

“What!?”

“You have to go through a danger situation besides I will be making warning shots… for now, so let’s start.”


Twilight began the now dangerous race as Magic Silver flew over her preparing to blast energy beams, Twilight made her best attempt but this time multiple failures were inevitable. Try and failed over and over again having to dodge Magic Silver’s rays and concentrate on the jumps. Whether she was taken down by a nearby explosion or simply falling inside the pits, this was both stressing and exhaustive for Twilight. But she had determination after all but it was only after many, many attempts, much more pain and physical efforts and several hours trying to succeed that somehow she managed to dodge ever ray fired at her and jump every pit in front of her.

Twilight landed heavily ducking, only that she couldn’t get up due to exhaustion. However this was easily fixed by another touch from Magic Silver.

“Every time you do that I feel that my body is entirely replaced with another.”

“I hope that means you feel good. Well I am ready for a new question if you have one.”

“Yes, I have one, is about your past here on equestria.”

“Oh, and what you would  to know this time?”

“How did you become ruler of equestria?”

“Aah, a really legitimate question… But to be honest, I am not entirely sure. You see, back then I was relatively young, I came to equestria only looking for a new playground. Celestia and Luna were already in charge of moving the sun and the moon respectively, but then I discovered you, ponies. It was fun to play massive scale pranks and causing chocolate rains here and there, but of all of those pranks were primarily harmless. However one day they came to me with news about the cities and asking me for orders until that day the pony folk were apparently organized in sovereigns states, and they considered me as their new lord. Maybe because I was the most powerful being on Equestria, I wasn’t really qualified for the job, but I accepted anyway. Soon though Celestia and Luna saw the flaws in my government and the rest is history. I was tired too so I let them think that they defeated me and I went on vacations.”


Twilight was somehow amazed by the simplicity of the facts, but they were also pretty much what she already knew from the history books.

“Alright Twilight, let’s continue with the training. You know? Twilight, we have only spent thirty-six hours on this realm and we are going to spend… the time necessary for these physical tests be as easy for you to perform as reading.”

Twilight had a mixture of shock and annoyance in her face. But she decided that if this was necessary to capable to protect their friends if the elements of harmony could fail. The other thing that was bothering her was that now she will have to make 
a list of crazy things she has done and apparently will keep doing.


> which one falls faster? A liar or a shapeshifter?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight dodged the last ray fired by Magic Silver and she threw to the ground panting of exhaustion. Magic Silver approached to her and said:

“Well that finishes the day.”

He then touched Twilight curing her from her exhaustion and then proceeded to transport both of them to the normal dimension right back in the library.

“Well that was a ton fun” Magic Silver said with optimism

“Yes… too bad it only lasted one week!” Twilight said with exasperation. She was tired not physically but mentally, she really didn’t sleep in all those days and all she did was basically fighting for her life. She needed a break from all of this

“Oh Twilight, but why don’t you look at the bright side? You are now an impossible target, you have an exceptional physical condition and I dare to say that no trap conceived by a mortal mind can catch you!”

“Yeah but this was just too…” Twilight couldn’t find the words, she was too tired or she didn’t want to remember all those exhausting, restless and dangerous days

“Magic Silver… I need to take a break…”

“That’s fine; I was going to give you a break anyway.”

“But I mean from all of this. I need a vacation, even if it’s little.”

“Ah… but of course!” Magic Silver said with enthusiasm and a big grin on his face

“Where would you like to go? I can “arrange” you a cabin in the most beautiful mountain of equestria with all the luxuries and supplements you could need, or maybe a beach house?”

“Thanks, but all I need is a couple of days maybe three on Canterlot. Go and visit Princess Celestia, spend time in the rooms that gave so many memories and maybe see my old schoolmates one more time.”

Magic Silver looked at Twilight with a look of calmed surprise, but he nodded and asked:

“Are you sure that’s all you need?”

She nodded”Yes, in fact, I think I still have time to gather my stuff and take the train. I’ll notify Spike, tell him to take care of the library for a few days.”

“Hey, you’re going to visit princess Celestia?  I’d like to go too!” Said Magic Silver with eagerness in his voice

“Why would you want to do that?” Twilight asked

“Well it’s just that I’ll like an audience with the princesses, there is something I want to ask them. That’s all, and since I am a friend of yours you can facilitate me that, right?

Twilight had a suspicious look, but then remembered that at this point, it was impossible for him to have bad intentions, but, considering who he was she still asked one petition:

“Okay, but on one condition, please don’t make any attempt to disrespect them.”

“You have my word. Now I’ll go and wait at the station.” Magic Silver said exiting the library.

Twilight just stood there, not wanting to think about what just happened seven minutes ago in real time, she decided that the best thing she could do was to distract herself with these vacations even if they were short, she would have time to worry about the world’s fate later .

After gathering her stuff and instructing her dragon assistant to watch the library, she headed to the train station where Magic Silver was expecting her just like he said.

“Isn’t this a beautiful day to meet with the royalty? Come on Twilight, after you, madam.”

Twilight couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at him; she shook the head and entered the wagon which was surprisingly empty. At first the ride was really quiet with Magic Silver looking through the window. Twilight was still wrapping her head around the fact that she was right next to the spirit of chaos… or at least he used to be, that was another thing that bothered her: why he said that “Discord” was only a role and if that was the case then why he chose to be the incarnation of chaos and disharmony, she thought about these questions for a while in awkward silence until she decided to finally ask.

“Disc-I mean Magic Silver--.“

“Please now, call me Silver.”

“Silver, you said that the identity of Discord was only a role, what did you mean by that?”

“That, Twilight Sparkle is a question for another time because when I answer it will teach you many things that you probably never wondered.”

That peaked Twilight’s interest, but she knew she wasn’t going to get an answer for that question, so she decided to ask the other thing.

“Silver?”

“Yes, Twilight”

“Why you decided to adopt the identity of the spirit of chaos, I mean, why chaos?

Magic Silver seemed to think about this question for a minute and then he answered:

“Because chaos… is liberty and freedom of thought at its finest.”

“How is that?” Twilight asked puzzled by that particular description of the chaos.

“Because, you see, I saw chaos as an expression of imagination nothing has to make sense, everything is up to your creativity. Chaos is unlimited and without boundaries imagination manifested in a physical way, the imagination is superior to intellect because whereas intellect is just the capacity to execute ideas, the possibilities of imagination have neither limits nor restrictions, and its ultimate expression is the chaos. Ponies usually see chaos with bad connotations and they often confuse it with madness but that’s because ponies always seek to have things under control and chaos is the exact opposite, heck, I don't even have control over the things I create, sure I can always undo what I create but other than that they can do anything, be anything because they’re free.  In the worst of the cases chaos is imagination executed with an… unusual sense of humor.”

“But, what about your mandate? You couldn’t expect the people to just cope with the constant chaos.”

“And that’s another reason why I accepted to leave when Celestia and Luna ‘persuaded’ me.”

Twilight stood silent and pondered over this for several minutes and then finally came to the realization that despite everything that she knew about Discord and what he seemed to be, he was someone centered and mature, he knew that there is always a proper time for everything.

From there the trip was quiet though it didn’t have the tense atmosphere as before. When the train made it to Canterlot and both of them exited the wagon they noticed that very few other ponies were in the other wagons, this was kind of odd since Canterlot is the capital city, but it wasn’t a big deal so they ignore it. However once they left the station with Magic Silver helping Twilight with her baggage. they got further into the city and Magic Silver noticed that something was not quite right with the ponies, though the rest of the city seemed just as normal the citizens seemed off to the entire picture; of course Twilight wasn’t noticing any of this.

“Hey Twilight, I thought Canterlot was, you know, a bit noisier than this, I mean, don’t you think that the city is strangely idyllic today?”

“Hm, that’s true, but why is that important?” Said Twilight not really understanding what Magic Silver meant.

But he remembered that Twilight can’t sense things like he does, the city was quieter than usual but that was only in a relative way: a slight combination of day after New Year’s Eve and a normal weekly day. But when they arrived to the market district the suspicion made more obvious to Magic Silver they passed through a farmers market possibly one of the noisiest places on a town or city and yet this one was almost quiet with the exception of a few customers setting business with farmers at their stalls and there’s he decided to fully explain his suspicion to Twilight.

“Twilight… don’t you think that something really strange is going on with these ponies?”

“Well it’s been a few weeks since the changeling invasion don’t expect them to…”

Twilight looked around her, she had passed through this market in the past and back then it was full of voices and announcements from the farmers promoting their products, yet now was almost silent, it was strange yes, but it wasn’t a matter of concern for Twilight, at least not much.

“This can only be my own paranoia...”

“What do you mean?” Twilight said with an intrigued and nervous tone

Magic Silver didn’t gave her an answer and continued

“But I will conduct a simple experiment just to be sure. Twilight watch all around you, watch the ponies and pay attention to their reactions, I’m going to test their awareness.”

He then approached to one of the vendors; Magic Silver violently dragged him out of the stall, pounded him on the ground, his reaction was also odd, sure, he seemed surprised enough and almost panicking by the sudden aggression, yet he wasn’t talking and with one punch from his hoof rendered the guy unconscious. Luckily there wasn’t any guard to attempt an arrest, though that wouldn’t be a concern for Magic Silver. Twilight almost gasped at this and almost yelled:

“Why did you do that!?”

“Look around you.”

Twilight looked all the ponies around and not a single stare was found, not one pony was looking at them, in fact their faces didn’t even flinch, everypony kept with their business without noticing what just happened like if the whole scene had been rendered invisible . Twilight remained astounded by this; she still couldn’t say anything when Magic Silver spoke.

“Can you see it now? Something really disturbing is going on here”

“A-and-and what do you think it is?” Twilight said stuttering due to her astonishment

“As far as I can tell, these ponies--maybe all the ponies in the city are under some sort of illusion; they won’t notice anything outside of what they are allowed to see... Or at least that would be a theory.”

“Do you think is some sort of spell?”

Magic Silver thought about that question or at least he seemed to do and then he said:

“Most likely, but if it is the case then it’s no use wasting time here, we shall go and warn the princesses, let’s just hope that they’re not under the same illusion.”

“Right.” Said Twilight with a hint of fear but also with determination

Speeding their pace they both headed to the castle where the guards seemed to recognize Twilight letting her and Magic Silver pass one of the castle employees offered Twilight to carry their baggage to her former room on the castle.

“That was convenient, don’t you think?” Said Magic Silver pointing out the fact that that employee saved them a lot of time they can use now to go and see the Princess

“Well they always stick around every now and then, though they always remain inside the castle. It’s not usual to see one of them so close to my room.”

Magic Silver frowned with suspicion and walked alongside with Twilight to the throne room and when they approached the door one of the guards greeted Twilight saying

“Ah, good evening, Ms. Sparkle, the princess is waiting for you inside.”

Magic Silver was taken aback by this, if the rest of the day seemed strange this was downright supernatural.

“Wait, what? She is waiting for her? How the heck did she know? And why this guard suddenly talking, they aren’t supposed to talk!”

But he couldn’t tell this to Twilight she got ahead of him and before saying anything else the door was shut behind them.

“Is she so happy and eager to see the princess that she is not noticing out of normal at all?”

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight yelled with as much concern as expected from a pony that has been practically a daughter for Celestia

But Magic Silver noticed something that nearly stunned him: the two royal guards of the throne room, they weren’t there, he tried to warn Twilight.

“Twilight--!”

He was interrupted by Twilight starting to tell to the princess what they just witnessed in the streets

“Greetings my dearest disciple” Said Celestia with too much calm

“Princess Celestia, I am happy to see you again, but I came with something extremely important.  This is an emergency! There is something terribly strange with the ponies in the streets; they seem to be hypnotized to live their normal lives no matter what happens--a murder could be committed in the streets and they wouldn’t notice!”

“It is already of my knowledge, Twilight Sparkle, and I am already working to seek the solution to this abnormal condition of my subjects, though I assure you, everything is under control.”

“Under control, huh?” Magic Silver though not surprised by the realisation. 

Twilight was about to ask for information about what the princess knew, but the princess closed her eyes and spoke first

“However I need to work on the solution of a bigger problem…”

“Is there a bigger problem!? And what could be??” Twilight asked with disbelief

“To terminate your life of course” she said with so much casually as if she was talking about a minor maintenance problem in the castle structure, one second after saying this she performed a transformation too familiar for Twilight revealing herself as the Queen Chrysalis

Twilight’s face filled with a mixture of utter shock, how it was possible, here and now!? but despite her now dried mouth she managed to ask with a yell:

“Queen Chrysalis! Where are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!!??”

“Ah they and I… solved our differences… so much that you could say that we are like family now!”

“What did you do to them!!??”

“That is not important now what matters is what I am going to--“

“You are a damn bad actress, Chrysalis, I didn't buy your performance nor for one second!”

“And who is this foolish new friend of yours?”

“Me? Don’t mind me; I am just an unknown factor, but I have to admit: this is a pretty good plan hypnotizing all the ponies in canterlot, somehow subdue the princesses, take over the castle and kill the most important element of harmony. Hmmm that doesn’t sounds like something you would come up by your own, are you sure nobody helped you do your homework? You’re going to get bad notes in the future, dear.” Magic Silver said with as much mockery as he could trying to either outrage her or incite her to reveal more of her scheme.

“A Queen has no need of assistance to create a scheme as perfect as this one; this time nothing will stop us from taking what is ours by prophecy! One correction though, only half of those ponies are under mind control the other half was replaced by my children.”
That revelation shocked Twilight

“Still not buying it, not after seeing how good turned out your last plan, I mean, come on! You let Twilight and her friends unattended and without any guard and then you gave them your back like saying, ‘I’m going to turn around for I don’t know, three minutes and I hope none of you tries to escape.’”

Chrysalis was clearly irritated by the acknowledgement of her mistakes and with venom in her voice said.

“Your identity doesn’t matter now, for none of you is going to get out of here alive!”

“Hey don’t count me in, I’m leaving right away.”

“What!?” said Twilight with surprise and fear but Magic Silver quickly responded:

“Don’t worry, the princesses are still in the castle, I’ll go and rescue the princesses! Damn that sounded horribly cliché.”

“Hey but what about me!?” Twilight frantically said and Magic Silver placed a hoof in one her cheeks and looked her in the eyes, he knew too well that she liked very much looking at those golden eyes.

“Hey I trained you, I trust in you, besides I will always have your back, understood?”

Twilight automatically nodded at this. She had to admit that that was an excellent way to raise her spirits. And with this Magic Silver teleported out of the throne room.

“What!? How could he do that!? I placed several anti-teleportation spells and seals all around this room--but that doesn’t matter he won’t succeed and I just need to kill you to end all hopes of keeping us from what belong to us!”

“Anti-teleportation spells… great, just great.” Twilight said with nervousness and embraced for an immediate attack from Chrysalis.