> Stroke of Luck
>  by Gboyd
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: Origins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The bright baby blue crystal that was their mother shattered, along with a scream of rage. The red jewel visibly flashed as it was flung at eye-blinding speeds at the stone wall. Other bright flashes seemed to respond as other jewels flew by it.The jewel screeched to a stop, inches away from the wall; whipping around to confront the attacker just in time to see a diamond butterfly drop to the earth and break into a million pieces. The red jewel flashed again, this time leaving a glow so bright it was blinding. When vision returned, a young man stood there. He was wavering, disoriented, a little see-through, but that didn't stop him from bending to pick up the tiny pieces of what once had been the Element of Kindness. He looked up, golden eyes narrowing dangerously as bolt after bolt of powerful magic hit the tree, obliterating it. 
A bright sapphire rushed forward and cast a quick shield over what remained of the tree. The shield was then promptly smashed as another angry bolt hit it. The young man froze, feeling powerful magic behind him. He squeezed his eyes shut, clutching the pieces to his chest. Honesty had had it. 
"MAGIC! ENOUGH!" a deep, masculine voice roared. All activity stopped, and the little six-pointed star hovering above the mutilated crystal tree shivered slightly, before plunging down into the young man's already outstretched hand. Once it landed, it ceased to glow, and silence permeated the cavern. The young man merely sat there, tears running down his face at the damage his sister had done. Red-hot fury suddenly rushed through him, and he turned and flung the amethyst six-sided star out of the cave as hard as he could with an enraged cry. 
Four more blinding flashes, those of orange, yellow, blue, and green lit up the cave. The young man collapsed, sobbing. 
A young woman ran forward and dropped to her knees at the tree's remains. She raised delicate fingers to her mouth. A smooth voice, falling and rising like the ocean escaped her. "Magic..." she breathed. "How.... how could you?" Rage filled her veins and she screamed. Her voice bounced off the cave walls and shot out of the cave. A hand landed on her shoulder, and she glanced up. Turquoise eyes glistened down at her, and she buried her face in her other brother's chest, sobbing uncontrollably. 
The first young man gritted his teeth and slammed his fist into the stone, ignoring the fire racing through his body in response to his actions. A strong arm slipped underneath him and lifted him to his feet. Honesty's piercing blue eyes were filled with sadness. He gazed at the crystalline remains and  released a sigh, an arm tightly wrapped around his little brother. 
"It is done," he said. No one responded. Heads turned and watched another young woman gingerly tip-toe towards the broken tree. She bent down, once poofy hair now flat and straight as paper. She whispered some words, and gathered six of the biggest pieces she could find. She cradled them and gently handed them off to her siblings. She looked each in the eye.                  
"Mother's not passed. In our hearts, and those of the ones we know, she always lives on." No one responded and there was a moment of silence as the Elements of Harmony gazed at their mother. Laughter took a few steps and looped her arm though Generosity's. 
Together, as one, the siblings turned around slowly walked out of the cave. Honesty separated himself from the others and slammed his hand into the ground. The earth shook, releasing towers of dirt in the air. Blue energy surrounded the mounds and lifted them to cover the cave's mouth, hiding their former home from view. Kindness darted forward and placed one finger on the pile. He hummed a soft melody. The land shook, shifted, and changed, replacing valleys with mountains and prairies with trees. Animals raced towards the spot, digging homes and making nests. Kindness placed both hands on the mound, and plants obeyed their master's bidding. Thorns viciously shot out of the dirt, tangling and curling and growing more and more outwards, making it impossible for any creature to make it through. As the plants grew, the siblings backed up. 
A bright glow gently, almost hesitantly, shown through the newly-created brambles. Loyalty stepped forward, reached through the sharp thorns, and wrapped his fingers around the six-pointed jewel. Without a word, he gingerly slipped the shaking jewel underneath his shirt, where he could feel her press against his chest. He walked back towards the others.
"Now what?" Generosity asked dully. 
"What else?" Kindness responded. "Let's go find our bearers." He stepped forward, with one last glance at their former home. The others silently agreed and began the arduous journey to find the ones their mother had betrayed. 
Loyalty paused, turned, and gazed at the mound. "I'm sorry, Mother," he whispered. He turned, and ran to catch up with his siblings. Magic was still shivering beneath his clothing. If he had ever heard Magic's voice before, he could almost say she was crying. 
> Arc 1: A Broken Spark  Chapter 1: Return
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Acquaintances are the ones we know the best; close friends we know the least. ~Anonymous
World building, that's what it was. She rubbed her temples. Her eyes blurred at the pieces of paper littering her desk like white cotton clouds. It was allot. And that didn't even count the stacks of paper around her desk on the floor. The candle flickered low, forming a puddle of wax in the holder. She sighed, and twisted around to face the balcony of her chambers. The moon shone brightly, a bright beacon in the dead of night. Shadows flitted by every now and then. They could be the Night Guard, or just plain bats. 
It was strange when she thought about it. Usually when one heard the fluttering of wings in the dead of night, they would freak out in fear. But for her, it was different. The night was a beautiful masterpiece, the stars pinpricks of light to lead your way; the moon your nightlight, and the shadows your blanket. It made her feel safe, comfortable. She didn't exactly know why, but it never really bothered her. Maybe she was closer to the Night Princess than she thought. Of her nation, as far as she knew, she and Luna were only ones who truly understood the night. 
She let out a soft groan, tailbone sore from sitting for so long. She needed a break. She scooted back from the mahogany desk, picked her way across the room, ignoring the important scrolls she stepped on and made her way to the balcony. She leaned on the railing and let the wind blow across her face. 
Shadows stretched long and lonely across the plains and meadows. The shadows made a black, silvery quilt over the land, snugly fitting the mountains at their base. Below her, lights on in houses made pinpricks of light dotting the land, similar to the stars in the sky above her. She looked in her favorite direction. 
Directly down and across, slightly to the west, lay the best place in the world. She squinted, allowing her imagination to recreate the Great Hall in the center of the town. Moonlight winked off Ponyville's trade-mark statue. She could see, over the orchard hills, one window on in Sweet Apple Acres. Someone was still up. Across the street on the other side, she studied a slightly pink, silvery building. There was still a light on in there too. She really wasn't all that surprised. Of her and her friends, she and Rarity were usually the only ones who tended to pull all-nighters. 
She leaned against the railing, wings relaxing and draping a warm blanket across her back as the temperature dropped. She kept her gaze on the small town's light. They flickered at her like fireflies, beckoning her to come home. She nuzzled her wings, excitement bubbling up in her chest at the thought of returning tomorrow. But just as quickly, a reminder pricked her conscience at amount of paperwork still on and around her desk.  She loved to do administration. But paper piling on day after day for a full week can do a number on one's psyche. Exhaustion picked that exact time to plop down on her, and she yawned, realizing just how tired she was. She gazed wearily at the beige material still littering on the floor. There was still allot she hadn't done. She still had three days to finish it, but that didn't even skim the amount of work she'd have to deal with once arriving home. 
Well, it was late, and she needed to get some rest. She chanced a glance back at Ponyville, yearning to see her friends again. 
A clinking sound drew her attention away from the view, and she whipped around to face her bed chambers, startled. China hit stone, making a small chime on the floor, and her mail slot was waving. Curious, and less alarmed, she picked her way across and over the boring work on the floor and headed for the door. 
A teacup sat on the floor, still full. She cocked her head at it, surprised. Granted, it was the servant's job to refresh royals, like herself, with tea or other necessities while they were working. They weren't commanded to do it---it was a common courtesy. But at this time of night? As the servants should be in bed by now. 
"Huh," she thought. "That's a little odd. But some tea will help me sleep, at least." She lifted the cup with her magic. it was still warm, fresh. Her tired body tingled. She found herself looking forward to escaping from this world to the next, where no paperwork plagued her from dark corners. "Thanks, whoever you are. I'm going to get some sleep tonight!"
She changed, wrapped a robe around herself and, still holding the tea, sat gingerly on her bed. Her body sunk into the soft cloud mattress, and she cooed with delight. it was all so warm and soft. Her lavender feathers brushed her face, and she let loose a giggle. She could go to sleep right here, right now. On that note---her eyes shot open and she shot a playful glare at the west wing of the tower, where the Night Princess lived. Luna was probably just trying to make her go to sleep. Typical. Twilight chuckled and took a sip of her tea. 
Peppermint with just a touch of honey. Just the way she liked it. She smiled. Those servants really knew what they were doing. It brought back memories. Her mother would make tea just like this, whenever she was sick, or scared. A lullaby began to play in her head, the same mysterious one that always lulled her to sleep in the dead of night. She could see Luna's magical aura in her mind's eye, pulling the covers over her and coaxing her off to sleep. She giggled softly again, as sleep overtook her. 
The tea cup slipped form her grasp, and china shattered on marble. Tea the color of molasses bloomed, splotches of black on the once spotless floor. Her wings fell to the floor, touching the still-warm liquid. The tea stained her lavender wings, a blotch were it shouldn't be. A magical aura did indeed pull the covers around her and tuck her in, but it wasn't Luna's blue. It was red. 
He pressed his ear against the door, three-inch thick wood and five feet away from the princess, listening intently for the soft snores that were sure to come. Instead, he heard china shatter and flinched. A realization came over him, and he mentally pumped a fist in victory. The teacup was on the floor, and his mission had been a success. He gently lifted her up in his red magic and tucked her in. A sharp tapping sounded behind him. 
He turned and bowed low. Strange words echoed off the hall walls, a language that did not belong to Equestria. "Nee Sticlyn (My king)," he said, "stien shin docordare. Ire minta stare-kin hy'nde (she is contained. Your plan is working perfectly)." The moon had placed a finger through a window above him, and a claw reached out from the shadows, scratching the floor. The claw left a mark on the flawless floor, and the mark bled a liquid eerily similar to blood. He watched it intently, eyes wild and crazed. "Pord-ore est en lisch courtzenta roen rinked. Stien neen galen ge-u-dee cungeral-engal a dierha Harmonare (I put fourteen drops in the drink. She won't be returning to the other children of Harmony anytime soon)," he whispered. He froze, feeling the same claw slowly pierce his shoulder. It inched up his skin, cracking his armor like a knife slicing through cheese. The metal caressed his skin, passing and pausing at the tendon holding his cerebrum. He remained frozen in fear, willing the claw to release him. It did, melting back into the pitch black of night with a zing. 
He sighed in relief. His master was pleased. "Narcen, zin-chishe me Scorepan, avim-mit Loaylty. Yerne me meer (Soon, Scorepan will be no more, If I know Loyalty. And I always know)." He reached out with an arm, searching for nothing. His arm appeared in the moonlight, a scar, an aberration. He smiled at the difference. This country loved accordance and order, didn't they? They would soon be receiving a wake-up call like non-other. Tirek's past threats and Discord's games? Hah! Child's play. But this, this was no game. And they would find that out the hard way. Only they weren't the players. They were the game-board. 
An evil smile cracked the night in two, opposite illusions blending in perfectly. A voice hissed from the darkness, deep and grating,  a voice that could make the greatest and worst of nightmares turn and run. 
"Dae-call-ese." (Excellent)."

***

Three sharp raps sounded on the old wooden door. "Commin,'" came a muffled voice. Rarity cringed, hearing crashes and bang and what sounded like plates shattering. The old screen door squeaked open, revealing a ruffled Applejack, still in her night clothes. 
"Wassa matter?" she yawned. Rarity smiled sheepishly. 
"Terribly sorry darling, but I was so excited that I just couldn't wait!" Applejack rubbed her sleepy eyes and leaned against the door frame, squinting at Rarity through confused slits of emerald. 
"Excited fer what?" Rarity allowed a huge grin to light up her face. She pushed Applejack back inside, and raced by her. Applejack leaped back, only to hauled up the farmhouse steps, directly towards her room. 
"Whoa, Nelly! Hey now!" she yelped in surprise. Rarity snatched an outfit from the antique dresser and shoved the farm girl in the adjacent bathroom with a quick, "just get dressed, darling." 
Applejack, catching onto Rarity's contagious excitement, dressed quickly, and did her morning routine in record time. She stepped out, and was yanked into a rapid (and by rapid, I mean painful) hair brushing by Rarity and this time, she allowed herself to be pulled down the stairs, and out into the dewy early morning air. 
"Now what in tar-nation are ya all brushed up fer?" she questioned, now wide awake. Rarity didn't reply. She merely shut the screen door, and just stared at Applejack intently. Applejack nearly rolled her eyes at the expression her friend's face. She knew this look all too well. It was one of those 'I'm-not-going-to-tell-you-you're-just-going-to-have-to-guess-darling' looks. Applejack decided to humor her. 
She racked her brains. Not finding any answers, she studied Rarity's hyper-active sapphires irises for a moment. A realization came over her, and she was tempted to face-palm at how stupidly obvious the answer was, and how long it took her to get it. Excitement and pure joy bubbled in her veins, so much that she wanted keep smiling and never stop, and she briefly wondered if this was how Pinkie felt twenty-four seven. She grabbed Rarity's shoulders.
"Twi's back!?" She nearly shouted. Rarity's smile was all the answer she needed. Applejack tossed her Stetson in the air with a good country whoop and set off at a dead sprint for the crystal castle lying just over the hill, Rarity on her heels; neither heeding to the fact that the sun had barely risen.

***

A prismatic streak thundered along the dirt to Ponyville, blowing back the grasses and yanking the leaves off their trees. The streak turned a sharp right and headed straight for a little cottage at the edge of town, not paying any mind to panicking citizens diving to get out of the way. 
The streak screeched to a stop directly in front of the door. Rainbow Dash rushed forward and knocked on the door. "Fluttershy! Hey! Open up!" 
The door opened, and Rainbow rushed headlong into chaos and red and yellow eyes. She was immediately spun out. She recovered quickly however. "Hey Discord, good to see ya," She greeted. "Where's Flutters?" She looked and spotted a quivering ball of the yellow feathers in the corner. Dash fluttered forward and pulled the timid pegasus to her feet. 
"C'mon Flutters! We're gonna miss her!" Fluttershy peered out from behind a curtain of pink hair. 
"Miss w-who--EEP!" Fluttershy squeaked in fright. She was pulled out the door. 
"Thanks Discord! Owe ya one!" And with that, she and Fluttershy were gone, leaving a fading a rainbow trail and a very bewildered draconequus.
Discord stood in the doorway and scratched his head. "What.... did I just see?" No one answered him. The green screen in the corner had no answers and his shadow just shrugged. "Hmm....." Discord began pacing, a question mark bobbing above his head all the while. 
As if on cue, a pinata dropped from the ceiling with a loud sneeze. Discord snapped, causing the question mark to turn into a light bulb. "Aha! Of course!" He whipped and faced the pinata, throwing a bear paw and claw out. "Happy times ahead!" The pinata bulged and threw up, candy landing on Fluttershy's hard-wood floor. Discord leaned over and studied lollipops, taffy and other candies with concern. "But also sad times...." he said sadly, as if the pile of jumbled sweets made perfect scense to him. The pinata sneezed again. Discord perked up, and slowly turned to face the reader. "Aha, ah, ah...." he chuckled. He pulled up the carpet, sucking the green screen, the pinata, and his shadow into chaos. "Can't be giving you spoilers, now can I?" He winked and gave the reader a salute. "I'll see you soon! Toodles!"

***	

Rarity and Applejack pushed and shoved their way through an already growing crowd of excited citizens. Much to their disappointment, they found themselves at the end of a literal line. A very long line. Rarity crossed her arms and frowned. 
A ear-splitting squeal sounded behind them, and both turned to see a pink blur headed straight for them. Despite the suddeness of her arrival, the two couldn't help but grin. You couldn't keep yourself from smiling when Pinkie Pie was around. 
Once she reached them, Pinkie gave them both bone-crushing hugs and bounced in circles around them, talking a million miles an hour; saying something about throwing a 'Welcome-back-Twilight-from-boring-writing-work-you're-late-dummy party'. 
Applejack thought about it. She was late, wasn't she? Twilight was usually punctual. No, punctual was an underestimate; you could set your clock by her. But Twilight was two weeks late by her return due date. Applejack could comply by a few days tardiness, heck, a few days were understandable. But this was Twilight she was thinking about. The mare was never late for anything. Something had definitely come up. Well, they were sure to hear about once they greeted her. Applejack craned her neck above the crowd, trying to spot the gold doors. It was covered up by heads. She groaned. If they got to see her today. 
"WE should be the ones to greet her first," an irritable voice snapped. Applejack's thoughts exactly. "Not the rest of these dweebs around here." Applejack looked up, about to scold her, but Fluttershy beat her to the punch.
"Nevertheless, " she began, shooting the ruffled prismatic pegasus a glare, "it's no reason to be mean. Or possessive." Applejack turned around and shot a look at Rainbow, and sent the smile meant for her to Fluttershy. Fluttershy returned the smile and gave her a tight squeeze. Rainbow threw her hands into the air. 
"Sorry! She promised me a night race over a month ago and by darn I'm gonna get it! I've been waiting for two weeks. I'm not gonna wait much longer."
"Here, here," Rarity chimed in. She fanned herself. "Honestly, I do wonder what's happened to keep her." Applejack patted the frustrated pegasus. 
"Don' worry non, sugarcube. Everythin'll turn all-right." 
Rainbow scuffed the earth with a hoof, her magenta eyes burning holes in an otherwise dirt road. "I don't like my plans being ruined," she muttered. 
"What plans, silly?" Pinkie asked, wanting to be a part of the action as always. Rainbow shrugged. 
"I dunno. I thought we'd read some Daring Do, catch up; maybe go for a fly or something." Rainbow didn't meet Pinkie's eyes. Pinkie didn't notice. Applejack, however, did. 
She knew there was something wrong with her friend. She also had a sneaking suspicion that Rainbow Dash was lying. Go for fly. Please. There was more to it than that. Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Ya sure 'bout that?" 
Rainbow's head snapped up. Her face registered surprise for split second, then she went back to her tough facade. "Whatever."
Applejack cocked her head. Something big was really rubbing Rainbow wrong. And she wanted to know what it was. Her suspicion of the lying grew stronger. Applejack bit her lip. So focused was she reviewing the past weeks events that she barely noticed a faint, red shimmering aura slowly form around Rainbow. When she did notice it, she blinked, and it was gone. "What the hay?"Applejack took a step back, startled. Had anyone else noticed the aura? She glanced around. No one else seemed to have. She relaxed and studied the prismatic pegasus, willing the aura to come back. It did, shimmering ad faint ad red as ever. Applejack let loose a soft gasp. Rainbow WAS lying! Where had this come from? Did this have something to do with her being the Bearer of Honesty? 
"Best be discreet 'bout this," she thought.  "Don' want the whole world ta know she's lyin'."' She took a step forward and gently poked Rainbow on the shoulder. "Yer lyin', sugar." 
Again, Rainbow looked surprised. "How--"
Applejack put a finger to her lips. "I can SEE it, hon. What is it---" 
Rainbow turned a light shade of reed. She hissed in a breath. 
"I TOLD you--nothing!" Her outburst caught the others' attention. Rainbow ignored them. "And now you can supposedly can tell I'm 'lying'? Does that make you a genius?" she spat. Applejack bit down the snark in her throat and carried on with same calm expression. 
"Even if I could, ya looked away when Pinkie asked what yer plans were. That a dead give-away. Lyin' 101." Applejack placed a hand on her shoulder. "What's the matter, sugar?" 
Under Applejack's understanding gaze and the concern of her friends, Rainbow relented. She sagged, then lit into the air. "I had some time to spend with her, all-right! I've been so busy this past year with the 'Bolts and these Friendship missions that I haven't gotten the chance to chill with her one-on-one. You know, something more than a five-minute long conversation and quick hug. Maybe, oh, I don't know? Relax? Read a book with her?" She released a sigh. Her voice was quiet, husky with emotion.
"I'm going to Las Pegasus for a show this Friday, and then the 'Bolts are going to edge of the southern border to meet military stations there. Something about the southern kingdoms causing trouble up in the north." She dropped to the ground, all signs of her tough exterior gone. By this point, she had all fours' undivided attention. "That's serious business. There could be betrayal on both sides-- bloodshed! We could get hurt!" Tears stung magenta eyes, but Rainbow no longer cared. She sniffed. "This was my last chance to spend time with her! That's important to me, and  I had it all planned out. We would do whatever I wanted to do-- we would read some Daring Do together, I would treat her to a show; we could go for a race or a fly; and then we could go do whatever she wants to do, and I don't how egg-headed it would be." Rainbow angrily wiped her cheek and sniffed. "She wanted to go star-gazing in a special place she did when she was a filly, and she mentioned that Princess Luna had taught her to do something cool the last time we talked. I wanted to see that. I promised!" Her voice cracked. "I don't break my promises." Tears carved a path down her cheeks and she sniffed, crossing her arms and refusing to make eye-contact. Her voice wobbled. "This mission.....   I-I might not come back. I'm scared! I.... I wanted to say g-goodbye in my own s-special way if.. if I w-wasn't coming back." 
With that, Rainbow collapsed, sobbing. Instantly, the others curled around her and boosted her up. The girls were silent, not knowing what to say. Even Pinkie was at a loss for words. Rainbow wasn't the type to just pour out her heart like that, and they were sure know how to respond. Applejack rubbed her friend's back as Rainbow released her pent-up emotion. 
Hours passed by in a matter of minutes, and the girls didn't talk like they usually would. Instead, time was spent studying the road or sun inching ever so slightly the sky, while chatter rose and fell like the waves of the lake nearby. The more time passed, the more nervous the girls felt. 
Finally, tension rose to the brink, and Pinkie voiced what they were all feeling. "AWW! C'mon! How long does this have to take? I have to be back at Sugarcube Corner in, " she checked her watch, "five hours ago." She groaned. Rainbow put a hand to her forehead. 
"Why are we so nervous you guys? We're Twilight's best friends; we shouldn't be feeling like this!" The others agreed, but no one had a response. It was the big question on all their minds. Why were they all so nervous? What had happened to them? Why did they feel like their friendship was ..... ending?
> Chapter 2: Trepidation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'With time, we change. And as we change, so do our perspectives of each-other, regardless if we're family or friends. But that's the where you need to draw the line. If you decide change for the negative, chances are that others will too." ~Amanda Hunter

The sun continued to inch over the horizon at an infuriatingly slow pace. It was slow by even Tank's standards. Patience ran out, and irritation took it's limit with one certain pegasus. She let loose a low growl and shot into the air. "Right, first off people, this doesn't take but five seconds. Say hi and move on. Don't stand around and chit-chat; she's got other things to do." No one heard her, except for the five below her. 
Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Uh.... ain't what we're planin' on doing?" Rainbow responded by rolling her eyes and looking at the glittering castle up ahead. 
"Well, look on the bright side, Dashie," Pinkie chirped. "At least we're closer, right?" Rainbow scoffed, and was instantly rewarded with a Fluttershy glare. 
"Apologize. Now."  Rainbow shrunk back and mumbled a 'sorry' to Pinkie, who burst into the widest of grins. 
"That's all-right, Dashie-Washie! We all get mady-wady sometimes." Pinkie ruffled the discontent pegasus' hair, who grunted and fixed it as fast as possible. Applejack's mind was on the comment Rainbow made earlier. She shared a look with Rarity. Maybe they were just as selfish as the towns people. Twilight had a life too, after all. Applejack blinked in realization. "Arrgh!" she thought. "Where in the world all them thoughts commin' from? We've never felt this way 'bout Twi'. Ever. So why are our ideals changin' now?"
An hour later, the line had shortened enough. A cool breeze played with the hairs on their heads as the sun sunk behind the hills. Applejack slammed her hat on the ground when she saw what time it was. 
"I can't believe it! We've been standin' in this here line all ding-dong day long!" Rarity shook her head, and Fluttershy let out a whimper. 
"My poor animals," she murmured. 
Applejack scoffed and began to pace. "I got chores ta get done. Apples to buck, caramel to be stirred. The Ponyville Days Celebration ain't but two days away, and there's still bushels o' work ta be done." 
Pinkie stared at the castle in pure silence. Her usual bouncy hair had lost its puffy state, and her eyes no longer had their sparkle of fun. 
Silence surrounded the girls in a cloud, and one question bounced around the back of all their minds. They didn't consider themselves more important than any other citizens living in this community, but they certainly knew Twilight better than others did. Before she received princess-hood, others hardly approached her, let alone get to know her, but that was understandable, given certain.... events. But once she ascended the throne--boom! People clamored for photo-shoots and autographs; some even brazen enough to ask her hand in marriage. Heck, people migrated to Ponyville just because Twilight lived there. 
The girls had known Twilight before all the craziness happened, and they still treated her the same, because they knew underneath all the fancy gigs of royalty, that she was still the same Twilight they had always known. They knew Twilight hated the publicity she constantly received, even though she richly deserved it. They knew that whenever she was put on the spot of telling tales of how she saved Equestria, she would always direct the spotlight back to them. Because they had always been there. And they always would be. 
The girls had been looking forward to Twilight's return ever since she left over a month ago. They hated it when she left, because they always felt like a piece was missing whenever she wasn't around. Ad these days, she wasn't around often. Why? She was their pillar, their sturdy ground. The strong one on the inner, because Applejack and Rainbow took care of the outer walls. If someone was bothering the group, the competitive duo would go in and lay waste to it. Rarity polished their sides, Fluttershy healed their hurts and broke up fights that occurred. Pinkie lifted them up from their problems with laughter every time, carry them back to the beginning, where they would fall into safe nets of indigo, always being led the one who started their awesome lives in the first place. And they would never trade it for anything else in the world. 
Sure, there were times when they had their doubts, and blamed Twilight for all the strange occurrences that plagued on the small town. They complained about having to leave their comfort zones whenever Equestria's fate was hanging in the balance sometimes. But once they were out of sight and beyond earshot, beyond on communication, moods would flip. Freedom pushed their feet to run, and nature  would guide their way, helped by Twilight's brainiac solutions if they ever got stuck in a sticky situation. From spending the nights under the stars and listening to Twilight's lectures on constellations, to dealing with Rarity's constantly complaining that she'd forgotten one thing or the other and wished she'd brought this or that. But Rarity complained to fill what would have been an otherwise comfortable silence, and if no one else knew what to say, Fluttershy would sing. It was a different world, a world they visited in their dreams. A world they would talk about to no one else but each-other. 
Yes, they were good friends; some might even claim they were close to being sisters. So why did this welcome-back party end up feeling different? Why did they end up at the back of the line, where they could even see her? They were already upset at the world, being that Rainbow had to miss Ponyville's biggest celebration because of her mission. Not that it was her fault. But were thing s going to continue to go downhill from here? 
Twilight cascaded over the hills, bringing the moon with it, and bathing the surrounding hills, mountain and valleys in shadows. It was, officially, night, ad they were STILL in line. The line eventually dispersed, fed-up parents dragging screaming children back to bed. 
The golden doors sparkled in the moonlight, and the girls approached them slowly with trepidation. The doors usually felt warm and welcoming. Now they loomed over the girls with a disapproving air. 'You have no business here,' they seemed to say. 'The princess has no interest in entertaining commoners like you.' But that didn't stop Rainbow from fluttering up the steps and landing on the threshold. The others needed no second bidding. They hurried up the steps. Rainbow gazed at Applejack. She looked thin, weak, unsure of herself, and the moonlight made her seem pale. No, scratch that--she WAS pale. So different from her usual blustering, bold self. It unnerved Applejack to no end. 
One last shared look, and Pinkie stepped forward. She put her fist to the doors, and paused. She didn't knock. The doors mocked her in the silvery moonlight. 'Go ahead,' they whispered. 'Knock. See if she even hears you. We warned you. You are common filth, not even worthy for her eyes to gaze upon. An uninterrupted jester. A blade of grass in the field. She is a goddess. A being above the skies. You were left in the back of the line. Sigh of fate's first warning. So go ahead. Knock.' 
Pinkie shook her head to clear it. Her fist made contact with solid gold three times. Three booming, hollow knocks sounded throughout the castle. The girls scrambled backwards, startled at how loud the sounds were. They weren't usually that loud. The girls huddled together, fearful. 
That same question and several others refused to leave them alone. What was wrong with them? What awaited them behind those doors? Would they even recognize her? So many questions, so little time. Rainbow sucked in a breath. The handle had started to turn.
> Chapter 3: Brief Joy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'A friend's physical gifts are often the ones we cherish the least. Don't use them, you lose them. A friend's unseen bond? Now that's a different story.' ~ Camillia Sajan

Raspberry energy wrapped around the door handle and turned. Warm light spilled onto the landing. Twilight stood there. Her lavender wings hung down in exhaustion, and dark circles painted rings under her eyes. When she saw them, her smile lit up her whole face, and the girls felt their worries wash away. She rushed into their arms. 
Pinkie broke into a huge smile, her limp bouncing back up into it's perky, fun-filled state. She squeezed the alicorn. Rainbow Dash shot around, a crazy prismatic dance around the parlor. She raced back to Twilight and playfully tugged on her wings. "C'mon Twi! We gotta go. I promised you a night fly, didn't I?" 
Twilight opened her mouth, about to respond, but Rarity beat her to the punch. At once, the girls burst into chatter. 
"Did you have fun!?"
"Who did you meet? Oh, did you see Spitfire and Commander Race-Flight?"
"Did you see Lady Rose Petal? Come on, darling--details!" 
"Did you see Flurry Heart?" 
"Were some people big meanies', or were they nice?" 
"What'd ya eat? Were those stuffy hors'de ovrs' better than my good ole' fashioned apple pie?"
"Did you miss our awesomeness?"
"Were you lonely at all?" 
Twilight giggled and shot into the air. "Stop!" She laughed. "I'll tell you, I promise, I will." She stretched, still in the air. 
Rarity stomped a foot in fake rage. "Well no. No no no no no no. That will not do. I need details, darling!"
Twilight laughed again. "I know. I know. But first....." She gave them her signiture, quiet smile and, with a flourish, held out five gifts, wrapped in white with gold ties, Canterlot's color theme. Applejack gasped. 
"You got us gifts?" Rainbow asked in debelief. Fluttershy eagarly flew up and took her gift. Pinkie bounced up and snatched boh hers and Rainbow's, while Applejack's and Rarity's were levitated down to them by Twilight's raspberry aura.
"Ya didn't have ta do this, Twi," Applejack admonished. Twilight dropped to the floor and wrapped herself in lavender feathers, looking sheepish. "I know, but I just couldn't help myself. Besides, they were ony way. And being that I was way behind schedule, I decided to make lemonade and all." She watched their reactions. "Well, what do you think?" 
Rarity tore hers open and squealed. She leapt forward and squeezed Twilight. "Gold fabric!? Darling! This could do wonders for my future lines!" She held Twilight back at arm's length and studied her. "I told you being a royal is everyone's dream." Twilight just laughed. 
Applejack had torn hers open, and was now staring quietly at it. Whether it is was confusion or awe, they didn't know. But tears were sparkling at the corners of her eyes. "Twi? What.... What is this?" 
Twilight slide smoothly from Rarity's grasp, darted Applejack and wrapped her arms around the farm girl. 
"It's a crystalline apple, a hand-chisled in the Crystal Empire. There's a local jeweler in Canterlot who's a close friend of my mom's." Twilight's mother was one of the best jewelists in the nation. "I might have bended his strong will just a bit with my authority as well,"she added sheepishly. She peeled back the paper some more. "That's not all." Applejack looked at her, confused. Twilight just smiled. "Open it." 
"Uh, sugar? It's a crystalline apple made from a rock. Apples don't open," she dead-panned. Twilight winked.
"Leave it to those with specialized knowledge." She tightened her grip on Applejack, clearly eagar to see her reaction. "Rub the surface, like you would a genie's lamp. Trust me." 
Aplekack moved her left hand over the crystal apple, and all the girls leaned forward. A click sounded, followed by cracks spidering around the edge. Applejack gently pried it apart with shaking hands. The apple opened, revealing a ruby red interiir. Sitting in the middle of a velvet cushion was a simple mental hair clip with a bangle at the end. Above the clip, on the ceiling, a crystalline buttercup flower bloomed, showing a delicate yellow intiror. Applejack gasped and whipped around to face her friend. "Twilight---"
"Look inside again," came the response, along with a squeeze of her shoulders. Applejack did as was told. Sitting beside the hair clip sat a small packet of flower seeds. Applejack shot Twilight a questioning glance. Twilight focused her gaze on the ground. 
"I know you're not a gardner, but..... I thought you could plant those. You know.... As a reminder of your parents." There was moment of silence. When Applejack didn't respond, Twilight grew flustered. "I didn't want to bring back any bad memories; I just thought it was a good idea but then I thought about it and realized that it might cause you pain but by the time I realized that it was already too late and--"
Applejack clapped her hand over her friend's mouth. "Stop." Twilight blinked several times. Applejack pulled the now surprised princess into a tight hug. "Thank you,"she whispered. 
A few feet away, Fluttershy had opened her gift and was now staring at it. Rainbow flitted over. "What'd ya get her, Twi?" 
Twilight released herself from Applejack and walked over. "I got her a conventions pamphlet. She can to conventions and speak. Animal shelters are opening up all over Equestria, and I knew it too good of an opportunity to miss." 
Fluttershy shot her a knowing look. "You want me to conquer my stage fright, don't you?" 
Twilight smiled sheepishly. "No? Yes? Ah, fine you caught me--yes! Besides, if you take this opportunity, maybe... Ponies will understand animals more, and... Not be so afraid of Everfree Forest." Fluttershy smiled. 
"Okay." 
Pinkie held her gift high in the air. "Ooh! Me next!" She waited until everyone was watching, and excitedly tore hers open. Without looking at it, she raced around the room like a pink bowling ball. The girls slung wings and clapped hands over ears. Their complaints and groans were lost in Pinkie's din. "EEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHH!!" Without warning, she stopped dead in front of Twilight. "You kept your promise," she said in disbelief. Twilight peered out from under lavender feathers. "Of course I did. I know better than to break a Pinkie Promise." 
At that, everyone looked at Applejack, who folded her arms. "Goin' there are ya?" Everyone erupted into laughter expect for Applejack. She just sat there pretending to be mad. 
"What did you get her, Twilight?" Rarity asked. 
"She got me a travel pass---with Cheese Sandwich's signature! I'm going on his 'World Tour, Parties of Pink'! Free of charge!" A courus of 'wows' sounded. Applejack shook her head again. "Ya didn't have ta to do this, Twi'."
"I know, But I wanted to." Fluttershy wrung her hands. 
"B-but we don't have any gifts for you!" Twilight regarded her with a calm look. 
"Yes, you do." The girls stared at her with bewilderded stares. Twilight beckoned them all forward with a wave, and set off for the stairs. After a trip down the hall, and a few turns, the group faced the throne room doors. Twilight pushed them open. She flew up and twisted and looped around the roots of the chandiler. She faced them, smiling as realization hit them. Rarity's cheeks colored slightly, as it had been her original idea. 
"This is the best gift you could have given me." Twilight let her words sink in for a moment, then turned to look at Rainbow. 
"Dash? You going to open your gift?" Dash blinked several times in surprise, then grinned. She viciously tore into the paper, only to stare at the object with a flat expression. "It's a book," she deadpanned. 
"Not just any book," Twilight said in a sing-song voice. She continued stare at her friend with a mischievous look. "Look closer." Rainbow shot her an inquisitive gaze, and did as told. Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped. "No way!" 
Several 'What? What is it?' s came from the others as Rainbow held the book over her head in glee. "Daring Do and The Haunted Cabinet!" she crowed. She lowered the book and studied the glossy cover. "This wasn't supposed to come out until next year, at least!" She stared at Twilight in awe. "How.....?" 
Twilight fluttered down and sat on the crystal floor, putting her arms on her knees. "I'm a princess, Dash. I can bend a few rules." 
The next thing everyone knew, a rainbow blur rocketed across the room and pinned the princess to the ground. "YOU'RE THE BEST!!" Twilight laughed. She gently pried the pegasus off her. "But that's not the best part." Twilight paused, drawing out the suspense, and enjoying her friends' reactions as they leaned in close. "Open it."
Dash shot her a knowing look, and opened the book, only to nearly drop it in shock. She practically glared at her royal friend, demanding an explanation. Twilight giggled. "I asked Daring Do if I could have as a gift for you. She consented, and I made her a copy. But that's not all. There's an artist in Manehatten who works with Daring. She designed the cover. So, to answer your question, yes this is the handwritten prototype." 
Rainbow threw her hands in the air. "That's it--I'm done!" She whipped around and pointed at Twilight. "You're not getting me anything for HearthsWarming." Twilight rolled her eyes good-naturedly in response. 
There was a moment of comfortable silence as everyone enjoyed their gifts. Rarity looked up and gazed at Twilight, who lay on the floor, wings splayed out and looking completely at peace with the world. That question that has plagued them from earlier riddled her mind now. She desperately wanted to know what had made Twilight late, but she just looked so peaceful. Rarity bit her lip. After warring with herself, she steeled her courage, and spoke up.
"T-Twilight?" Twilight's eyes popped open, clearly hearing the stutter in Rarity's voice. 
"Something wrong?" 
Rarity sucked in a lungfull of air, pre-pared to ask the question. 
Instead-- "Where's Spike?" Rarity blinked in surprise at that coming out of her mouth. Where had that come from?
"Oh, he was tired and decided to hit the sack." Twilight glanced at her friend. "Why?"
Rarity waved a manicured hand. "Nothing, darling!" she exclaimed, hoping to Celestia that she sounded convincing. "Just curious, is all." She let loose a tiny sigh of relief when Twilight shrugged it off. 
Rainbow put her book to the side. "Enough of this." She flew over and began to playfully tug at Twilight's wings.   "C'mon Twi'. Let's go! I promised you a night fly, didn't I?" 
Twilight opened her mouth to respond, but Fluttershy nudged her way up between them, and slung her arms around their shoulders. "Why don't want  we all go?" 
With consent from Twilight, and excited replies, or shouts in Pinkie's case, she, Twilight, Rainbow, and Fluttershy rushed out the door, giggles filling the night. 
Applejack came up beside Rarity, holding her apple. "You were about ta ask her, weren't ya?"  Rarity nodded. Applejack sighed. "I gotta feelin this here situation's gonna be allot more complicated than it needs ta be. " Rarity looked away. 
"If I'm being honest, darling, I'm actually quite afraid of what she would say." 
Applejack quirked an eyebrow. "Whaddya mean?" 
Rarity, realizing her mistake, let loose a tinkle of fake laughter. "Oh nothing, darling! Let's just focus on tonight, shall we?" With a flounce, she was out the door, leaving a bewildered Applejack in her wake. 
Rarity didn't even try to push away the thought this time. As she walked, she studied the group up ahead. A glint of gold winked off Twilight's crown at her, and Rarity growled quietly. 
The stereotypes were true, weren't they? Twilight was from Canterlot after all. And now look at her. Wings, a crown--everything she could ever want. So why would she need them? Rarity clenched her teeth and tried to keep the tear from spilling over. Twilight had used them. Like....  Like tools! Rarity bet her bits Celestia didn't send her to Ponyville--Twilght had to have orchestrated the whole thing herself! Maybe even the elements were under her influence. Rarity wouldn't be surprised. Twilight had the brains to achieve. 
She hadn't been their friend all this time like she claimed. She had used them. She was a fake.
> Chapter 4: Suspision
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Every person, family member, close friend will always be cautious of others. Never trust someone completely.' - Ann Marie

"Dash!" Spitfire sighed. She peered around the corner, only to see Soarin' and Fleetfoot. Spitfire eyed them. "Where's Crash?" she inquired. Soarin and Fleetfoot shared a look. Fleetfoot shrugged. 
"You been out of the loop, Spit?" Soarin asked. "Dash left for Ponyville this morning. You gave her a break, remember?"
Spitfire sighed again. How could she have forgotten? Spitfire rolled her eyes at the now empty bed Dash usually occupied. Even though the new rookie still drove them crazy at times, the 'Bolts wouldn't trade her for any other promising pegasus on Equus. She really was a great asset to the team. 
Spitfire didn't mind Dash running to some extreme mission or other when Princess Twilight needed her. After all, Dash had her own life to live. She wasn't like Spitfire, who's whole existence revolved around Equestria's greatest ariel flight team. Still, HQ just wasn't the same without her. Spitfire had grown rather fond of her witty attitude and slight ego. It was nice to have someone who could spar with Fleetfoot on an equal level. 
"Right.... " she muttered, but Soarin and Fleetfoot had returned to their conversation. Spitfire trudged over, letting her ears pick up bits and pieces of the chatter across the locker room. 
"...... Maybe she's gone off on another Friendship Mission?" Fleetfoot suggested. Spitfire almost rolled her eyes. Friendship Mission. Honestly, the name was kinda cheesy. Princess Twilight may be in charge of the whole thing, it being her gig to spread friendship across Equestria and the lands beyond, but couldn't she have at least come up with a better name? Spitfire tuned back into the conversation. 
Soarin scoffed. "Really? I think she just wants to rest." Fleetfoot playfully pushed him in the chest. 
"Right, because Crash tells you verything huh, loverboy?" Soarin colored slightly. Fleetfoot rolled her eyes and shoved her dirty towel in the hamper, then turned to her own locker, hands clasped. For a fleeting moment, she looked like the little girl she'd once been. "Wonder what it's like?" she mused. Soarin slammed his locker shut. 
"Like to what?" 
"To go on one of those missions. What they encounter." Fleetfoot fluttered into the air. "Imagine the dangers they must face. To see Dash kick some monster butt." She dropped to ground abruptly, serious; all signs of her daydream gone. She turned to Soarin with an inquisitive gaze. "I've always wanted to see Princess Twilight shoot some kind of spell. You know, something epic."
Soarin chugged a bottle. "You have."
"When?"
"The Summer Sun Celebration. Eight years ago. Remember? It was after those crazy vines nearly ate up Ponyville. She did some kind of stunt between the moon and the sun, mid-rise."
Fleetfoot brushed it off. "Nag. That wouldn't count. I wanna see her blast away some evil. Or even see her wield the Elements! Wouldn't that be cool?"
Soarin shrugged. "I guess."
"Oh come on. Imagine it. All those rainbow colors swirling around you. They say it's extremely powerful." Fleetfoot gave a delighted shiver. "To see it swirling across my skin; the raw power rushing through my veins...." She froze. "Although, now that I think about it, I don't think I could handle it. You realize, all the times they've saved Equestria, no one has ever really even once seen them actually wield the Elements? Everyone witnessed it when Princess Celestia did it." 
Spitfire shrugged. "To each their own."
Soarin and Fleetfoot filed out, still talking. Spitfire closed her locker and noticed another locker still cracked open from across the room. Knowing the rules of privacy, and Precision Wisp's 'rituals' for cleanliness, she made to close the locker. Before she could, something colorful peeked out at her. Opening it all the way, Spitfire was greeted with Dash's gala uniform hanging on rungs below her shelf beside her jacket. A flash of gold caught her eye from the left, and Spitfire pushed the jacket aside to reveal a gold choker necklace. Curiosity spiked, and knowing Dash really wasn't the type to wear jewelry, Spitfire unhooked the clasp and held it in her hands. It was a simple gold band. A tiny, six-pointed star ameythist was set in the middle. Princess Twilight's emblem. 'Huh,' she thought. 'Odd.' She shrugged and looked up. A small duffle bag sat on the shelf, alongside Dash's certificates and awards. Behind the duffle bag, Spitfire saw her reflection. She reached in there and pulled out a small hand mirror. One corner was worn and cracked from years use. The material holding the mirror together on the back rustled, and Spitfire flipped it around. It wasn't matrial, it was pictures. 
Windy Whistles and Bow Hothoof stood beside a two-year-old Dash holding her first trophy, proudly displaying the award to the camera with a huge smile. A smile missing a tooth. Despite herself and her tough side, Spitfire couldn't help but smile. Another picture presented a teenage Dash mussing up her father's hair, her mother laughing in the background. And on and on they went. Dash signing autographs to excited fans with her fellow Wonderbolts. Dash caught hugging a tortoise. Dash flying alongside a little pegasus girl Spitfire was sure she'd seen somewhere before. Dash with her friends. Spitfire paused.
Princess Twilight was on the side, her smile lighting up the entire picture. She looked so different that what Spitfire had seen before. Gone was the big, fancy regalia and crown. The royal posture. Here, Spitfire saw a girl just relaxed to be there with her friends. Spitfire stared at the photo stunned. She absentmindedly traced one finger alongside the pictures edge. She had never seen royalty without their bling, and had always wondered why Dash addressed Princess Twilight as just plain 'Twi' or 'Twilight'. Now she knew. Of course, Dash mentioned they were friends, but Spitfire never really considered just how close they were.
No wonder Dash always rushed off to Ponyville whenever she could. If Spitfire had friends like that....   She looked back at the picture. 
Dash was hugging the princess tightly, showing off the lavender wings. According to the date, this must have been taken sometime after the princess's coronation. And by the look of the picture, it was obviously Dash's favorite. It was dog-eared and worn. Spitfire put everything back and shut the door. Rainbow Dash. Spitfire smiled, thinking of the name. Now she had a new reason to like the Wonderbolts newest rookie. 
***
Canterlot. The city of prestige, wealth, royalty, and success. A place where every dreaming designer, artist, and athlete dreams of living. After all, you'd be living right next to the princess. Life can't any better that, can it? But for a young woman named Lily Sapphire Rose Rich, Canterlot was just home. Her mansion, was just a house, and all attention she received and the privileges she possesses were just perks. Because she had plans. Big plans. But those plans would have to come into play later. 
Right now, she had to get through the week first. It was summer vacation for Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, and as far she knew, all her friends had escaped to the ice-cream shop down the street. Not her. She was stuck in her room. Packing. Why? Her  dad just HAD to leave on the first day, didn't he? 
Lily groaned, slapping another outfit on top of the towering pile of clothes, which was dangerously teetering to the left. And that was another thing. Why did SHE have to do the packing? They had servants, didn't they? Well, if you could call the tremebling pimple-stricken, eye-glasses nerd in the doorway a servant to who stuttered like his life depended on it. 
Lily scoffed and pointed a finger. "What are you standing around for? Take my luggage to the carriage." The servant, or as her mother liked to call him, 'My daughter's butler', gulped. Lily raised an eyebrow. "Well?" she demanded. The shivering teen raised an objective finger. "B-but M-mis-s, d-don't you t-think that's t-too--" 
"Of course it's not too much, you idiot!" Lily snapped. "It's just a small load." The 'small' load consisted of ten trunks stuffed to the brim with who knows what, along with two hand-bags whos stitches were working really hard to keep everything in place. Lily silded up to him, her voice suddenly sickeningly sweet. "Oh, but I'm sure a man such as yourself can handle it." She drew a finger down his chest as she spoke, causing his pale face to turn many a shade of red. "You can handle it, right?" Lily side-stepped him, snickering inwardly as he put a very shaky hand up to his forehead with a goofy smile, as if saluting her. "Y-yes, ma'am!" 
Lily gave him the sweetest smile she could muster, then raced down the stairs as fast as she could. Honestly, young men his age were SO easy to manipulate. 
Lily made it through the grand hall, avoiding servants and bumping into maids, and found herself in the parlor, tapping her foot.
After about five minutes of waiting, Lily's patience ran out. "Mother!" she called. "Come on!" 
Lily's father raised an eyebrow in disapproval at her, but otherwise didn't say anything. Lily rolled her eyes. Her father, Patented Gold, was one of Princess Celestia's advisors. He worked with Equestria's top agents and did many service commissions for the country. But you would never guess his work by the way he looked. Patented Gold was something out a novel, what with his white gloves and perfectly manicured hair and all his little excessories. He was very traditional, a sculpture straight from the Rising Era. 
"Coming, darling, I'm coming." Her mother, all frills and curls came clacking down the hall, holding her most likely powdered hair in place. 
Her mother, Chrysanthemum Dazzle, was an artist, and everything about her showed it. From her hand-stiched shoes to her carefully styled hair, she was the epitome of perfection. Her mother was first noticed by the Princess herself, after seeing a well-done painting of one of Equestria's folk-lore legends. 
After a few hours of losing patience, yelling at the servants for their 'incompetence', as her father put it, they were off. 
Lily stared glumly out of the carriage window, ignoring the constant shaking the buggy was under. Her father sat beside her, hands folded crisply in his lap, head lying back against the headrest, eyes closed. 
Small, white clouds of powder came from the other end of the buggy, where her mother was busy primping again. 
Lily groaned and slumped back. Her mother peered out at her from behind her compact mirror, features twisting in mild disapproval. "Do stop slouching. You're not in bed." 
Lily rolled her eyes. "Where are we going anyway?" 
Her mother patted some blush on her cheeks. "Why to visit your uncle and cousins in Ponyville of course!" 
Lily only heard the last part and frantically sat up, heart racing. Ponyville? They were leaving the richest city in the world for some water-hick town in the middle of nowhere!? "What!?" she shrieked. "You made me leave my friends for....  For a dirt street with a couple of houses!?" 
Her father gave her a glare. "Lily, calm yourself," he commanded. Lily didn't hear him. Her mother gazed at her. 
"I thought you would be excited, dear. That's where the Princess of Friendship lives. You know? Twilight Sparkle, your old childhood friend?"
Lily let her head bang against the headrest, ignoring the slight headache it gave her. They were going to Ponyville. To visit her most hated nemesis. Could this day get any worse?
> Chapter 5: The Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'They say the past always comes back to bite us. And they're right....  If we let it. '  - Anonymous

Twilight dropped the quill, her hand throbbing. She could her blood pulsing through her fingers after all the writing she'd done. Twilight took a deep breath and rolled up the scroll. 
The throne room doors closed, startling Twilight. She shrieked, the parchment falling to the floor. 
"Sorry," Spike briefly apologized. He took a few steps into the room and hopped up into his little throne beside hers. Twilight sighed in relief and gave him a small smile. 
"That's alright," she assured. "Guess I'm was just so focused and... " Twilight yawned. Spike  looked on with an amused expression. 
"And tired?" he finished. Twilight giggled. "You know me too well." 
There was a moment of  silence, filled by Twilight's pen scratching. Spike gazed at the gold table, not really seeing. Gradually, his head began to droop, along with soft snores.  
Twilight, hearing this, glanced up and caught his head with her wings. Spike continued to snore, causing his caretaker to chuckle. 
An hour later, with the stars high in the sky, Twilight was walking down the crystalline hallways, a tuckered dragon tangled up on her wings, snoring like a freight train. The sound made Twilight smile and shake her head. 
When she had gotten up, Spike had refused to let go of her wing, forcing her to carry him awkwardly down the hall. Twilight laughed softly again at the thought. "And he says he's a big dragon," she whispered to herself. After tucking Spike in, Twilight made her way down the hall, ready to turn in. 
She closed her chamber door and locked the handle. A sharp sound split the night, causing Twilight to charge her hands with and whip around to face the intruder.
"Who?" Owliulicious hooted, cocking her head in confusion. Twilight relaxed her guard. "Oh, it's just you." She stretched again, and made her way to the bathroom. 
After doing her night routine, Twilight walked back to her bed under the cover of darkness, and let sleep take her over.
***
The bumpy, uneven carriage ride glided into Ponyville around half-past one the next afternoon. Thatched roof houses, young people milling about in the square, and the gold and burgundy color theme the town possess just gave off a welcoming atmosphere. Well, to most people. 
Lily and her family descended from the carriage, with her mother gushing on and on about, 'just how cute this town is!', 'what rustic charm!' and, 'Oh I wish we had visited it years ago!' Lily rolled her eyes for what seemed the millionth time today. Honestly, it was so cheesy she wasn't whether her mother was sincere or not. And really, what was there to say about this dirt street attached mud houses that they called a town? The answer? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. This 'town' is more of a setback than Appleloosa is, and that's really saying something! 
Lily picked up her ballet flat and shook it in disgust. The main highway wasn't even paved! Were they in the wilderness or civilization? And the princess lived here? Please. Either this was some kind of cruel prank, or her parents had lost their minds. 
Before she could make another move, a rainbow blur rocketed into her side and continued going until Lily ended up in...  A mud puddle. She froze, feeling the cold sludge seep through her expensive silks. Her ballet flats were forever damaged! She screamed in rage.
"How DARE you!?" she shrieked at the rainbow blur, who was hovering just above her head. Lily groaned and slowly picked herself up off the ground. She could feel the eye of every citizen on her, and even heard a few snickers, which only increased her anger. Cheeks crimson, Lily stomped a foot, sending mud everywhere. Yet at this point, she no longer cared. 
"WELL!?" She demanded, holding out her arms. "Clean me up!" 
The rainbow blur hesitated, then darted forward. Lily squeaked in fear as the air around her slowly funneled upwards, changing colors and lifting up the mud. Lily sighed in relief as the rainbow blur finished. Lily paused. Something wasn't right. A pale, orange lock of hair bounced off her cheek, frizzed out and puffy. Lily froze. Her hair.....  She let out a ear-splitting scream, causing Rainbow to clap her hands over her ears. 
Rainbow peered at the mud-civered teen through bleary eyes, ears still ringing from the girl's sheer pitch. It should made illegal that one's voice is able to go that high. Rainbow fluttered as close as she dared, for fear her would longer work after this. She offered a hand to help her up, but the girl slapped her hand with an angry cry.  Rainbow gritted her teeth. She wasted too much time on this. 
"My hair.....! " the girl wailed. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Oh for the love of.... " Leave the dramatics to her. In fact, Rainbow could help her greatly on her way. Her concerned expression  slowly morphed into a face of mischief. With a flap of her wings, she sent the brat right back into the puddle with a breeze and flew off; heart and mind in another direction, leaving enraged screams to echo behind her. 
Rainbow flew on, shaking her head, trying to get rid of the ringing. "Good riddance," she muttered. 
A shout tinged with a country accent slowed her flight, and she looked down to see Applejack, who tipped her Stetson in greeting. Applejack's  freckled face was pinched with worry. Rainbow felt a stab of panic and fluttered down closer. 
"Something wrong with the preparations, AJ?" 
The farm girl shook her blond locks. "Nope. But somethin's ticklin' yer throat. Ye look ya swallowed a lemon and got dropped into a herd a swine." Rainbow snorted. 
"You could say that again," came the reply. Applejack raised an eyebrow. 
"What happened?" 
Rainbow kicked a foot, beginning to grow sheepish.  "Aw, nothing. I just ran into some Canterlot big-shot, and I may have.....  Sent her into a mud puddle?" 
Applejack decended into giggles, causing Rainbow to laugh along.
"Although I dunno who's worse off-her ruined hair and clothes, or my still-ringing ears." As if to prove her point, she rubbed her ears. Applejack gave a sympathetic nod. 
"Where'ya headed off to in a such a hurry?" 
Rainbow glanced off to the side. "Answers." 
Applejack gave another nod.  "I'm actually headed there myself. Care to give me a lift?" 
Rainbow smiled. "Sure." She dropped lower, wrapped her arms around Applejack's torso and flew off. Applejack tightened her hold by grabbing onto Rainbow's arms. The act caused Rainbow to smile again. She always loved holding her friends like this. 
"Well looky there," Applejack said, startling Rainbow. She looked up, only to see their other friends headed in the same direction. 
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Rainbow cheered. She increased her speed, carrying a panicked Applejack. 
None of them saw the mud covered silliouhette behind them, eyeing the rainbow figure with something close to hatred.
> Chapter 6: The Fight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Those who are closest to us are the ones we know the least. The ones we hate are the ones we know the most. So..  What are we to do? Just keep on going? Yes. That sounds like the best advice.' - Thomas Alhad
Lily furiously shook her head. Mud splatteres spiraled off her face in every direction. She eyed the figurines in the distance headed for the castle. Who were they? Why were they here? Her eyes widened with disbelief. And why were they headed for the princess's castle of all places--espeacially that rainbow-haired brat? 
Mud schelched under her ruined shoes and she scoffed in disgust, shaking them for the millionth time. Darting across the street, she hid behind an oak tree, and peered at the girls. 
She watched with growing curiosity. One of the girls, the more sofisiticated one by the looks of her, raised her hand to knock on the door. Lily drew in a sharp breath. No way. There was no way the princess would let them au natural without an appointment! Lily paused. Then again, she most likely would.... 
Lily knew Twilight's reputation. Everyone did. She was known as "The People's Princess". Well, that's what the paper called her as of last year. Princess Twilight was not the type to put on airs, or hold formal meetings with others. Probably had something to with her title. To be honest, Lily didn't understand why. She was a princess, the highest of the high; Equestrian royalty--she SHOULD put on airs and have citizens make appointments in order to see her. But she didn't. Still, it wasn't tradition, and being that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna didn't seem to have a problem with it, there was really nothing Lily could do.
All that aside, as much Lily hated to admit it, it was why she was loved. Her castle doors were always open and welcoming. She never wanted to be put on a pedestal, and always reflected compliments back at others instead of accepting them. To put it simply, Princess Twilight was one of them, a commoner. Lily sighed, and continued to watch the figures in the distance, her curiosity growing more and more by the second.

***

One by one, the girls arrived at the amythist steps, nervous and anxious. Rainbow huffed. She could just see herself in her mind's eye, rushing at the door, kicking it open and shouting, 'We know you're in there, and we want answers!' But instead, she resorted to hovering above and waited to see what the others would do, a first for her. She knew situations like these had to be handled differently. Besides, this was Twilight they were talking about. Surely she had a valid reason for avoiding them... right? She wouldn't....  Nah! It was Twilight; friendly and all round kind person!  
Rarity took a deep breath. Taking encouragement from the faces of her friends, she acsended the crystal steps and raised a closed fist to knock. But before she could, once again, the doors seemed to leer at them. Threatening them, taunting them, daring them to go inside. Biting down on her resolve, Rarity put her fist to the door, steeling herlse fto the ignore the silly warnings. 
The door swung open before her fist could make contact, revealing Twilight standing there, eyes alive at seeing them.
"Hey!" she said cheerily, clearly in a good mood. Rarity blinked. Then blinked again. 
"What...." she stumbled. Twilight giggled.
"I saw you coming through the window," she said dissmissively. "So what's up? Usually you guys would send me a note or something, not just visit out of the blue."
At this point, the girls weren't quite sure what to say. They had come here with every intention to get answers, but now they were having thoughts. Not to mention that strange dreaded feeling they had been sending since Twilight's return was as strong as ever now. And seeing the mood that Twilight was in, they didn't exactly want to ruin it. So, they opted for silence.  
Twilight's smile began to fade, and she closed the door behind her. Fluttershy flinched, and the girls felt that same nagging dread that had been bothering them for weeks. Fluttershy squeezed her eyes shut.
'Please let this be a bad dream,' she pleaded inwardly. 'Please let this not be real'. 
"Hey, what's wrong?" Fluttershy squealed in fright as she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. Her eyes popped open, and Twilight yanked her hand back, face pale.
"G-girls? Is... Everything okay? You all look like you've seen a ghost. Is someone hurt?" 
There was a long pause of extremely tense silence as the girls thought how they were going to break this to her. Things were changing, and they knew it. With their lives taking different directions, keeping their friendship together want going to be easy. But now... they weren't sure if they could keep it all. Or if they even wanted to keep it. How were they going to break this to her? 
"Girls?" Twilight's voice cut through their thoughts, and they all flinched. "Please. You're scaring me!" 
Everyone looked up at Rainbow, silently begging her to take the first plunge. The pegasus, knowing there was no other way around it, complied. 
She fluttered closer, eyes locked on Twilight. Better start with the questions first. "Twi..... where have you been? We haven't hardly seen you for days." 
There was a pregnant pause. "I've been catching up on my work," came the hesitant answer. 
Rainbow growled inwardly. That wasn't the truth, and they both knew it. Even during her busiest of days, Twilight always, ALWAYS managed to make time for them. Rainbow shook her head. "No, that's not what we're asking." 
Twilight shook her head slightly, clearly confused. "Then..... ?" 
Rainbow blew out a breath. "You wanna tell us what you've been up to, Twi? 'Cause you've been making yourself pretty scarce over the last.... Oh, I dunno, FIVE WEEKS!?"
Twilight flinched at the sudden volume change and clear anger that laced Dash's voice. It was clear to Dash that Twilight had gone from confused to bewildered. Rainbow gave an inward scoff. And she was supposed to be the smart one.
"I..... don't....." 
Applejack had had enough. "Oh c'mon now, Twi?" She groaned. "Yer a horrible lier. Jest tell us what's goin' on." 
"We're worried about you," Fluttershy whispered. 
"Have you been purposely avoiding us!?" Pinkie demanded, hair slightly deflated. At this, Twilight sputtered.
"What--avoiding---I haven't been avoiding you! I would never do that!" Rarity raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Then would you like to tell us where you've been? We haven't heard a smidgen of silk on your whereabouts for past mobth, darling." 
Twilight sucked in a breath, cheeks pink from anger. But before she could say anything, Rainbow jumped in.
"Then what the hay is going on?" She demanded. Twilight bit her lip. 
"I've been swamped," she weakly answered, knowing full well her friends wouldn't accept that as an answer. But it was the truth, and she knew they wouldn't understand.
Fluttershy clenched her teeth. "Too 'swamped' to see your friends?!" she snapped. Twilight reeled backwards, startled at the shy girl's sudden anger.
"What?! No!"
"Then what is it?" Dash yelled. "Tell us what's going on! You've been avoiding us like the plauge, and---" 
"I have NOT been avoiding you!" Twilight shrieked, her anger now peaked. She lit into the air. "I've been EXTREMELY busy!" 
"With what, pray tell?" Rarity hissed. Pinkie shrank back, flinching. This conversation was going downhill, fast.
Twilight gritted her teeth. "You wouldn't understand." 
"Try us!" came the unified response. Twilight blinked. They really wanted to know, huh? Well, they asked, and she would deliver.
Twilight growled. "Alright, fine! Try this: I was delayed by some stupid case of which I don't even know what or why, because no one would bother to tell me--even though I've asked; Celestia got me wrapped up in a trade schtick with Saddle Arabia-with paperwork along for the ride, of course, and THEN she wanted me to try out court, to see how I would do. I aced it, of course as we both knew I would, but I've still got paperwork from that, not to mention the paper I have to finish writing and sign before this week is up so it can have plenty of time to make it across the seas to get approved; somebody, dunno who, thought it was a good idea to poison me--which put me two weeks behind my normal workload, and that's just Canterlot! I haven't even touched Ponyville. Hmm, let's see: work piled up while I was gone; there's that to deal with... Oh yeah! Mayor Mare wanted me to make a temporary law and meet up with her TOMORROW and I don't know how I'm going to do that. And on top of ALL of this, I have a petition to write and sign so I can get it approved by EEA before I travel to Phillydelphia for that Royals Tour, so yeah, you'd think I was busy!" 
There was a long moment of silence as Twilight released her frustrations. She blew out her breath, and waited fearfully for their response. 
Rarity looked shocked, to say the least. Fluttershy looked mortified, Pinkie deflated at Twilight's outburst, and Applejack was sympathetic. But Rainbow, however, didn't change her expression. She hummed thoughtfully, looking down at Twilight with a neutral gaze. An unreadable, neutral gaze. A neutral gaze that dug a needle of fear deep into Twilight's heart.
"Well then. I see how it's gonnna be." 
Regret and shame for her outburst came crashing down on Twilight, and she felt the beginning burn of tears. No! This couldn't be happening! They weren't.....!
Rainbow nodded matter-of-factly. "Yep. Looks like things are gonna have to change. In fact, they've been changing. Ever since you got those things." She leaned down and tweaked one of Twilight's wings. 
Icy fear clawed it's way up Twilight's back, and the sting of tears pushed forward even harder. Twilight bit her lip. She didn't respond. Rainbow folded her arms, still in the air.
It was still there. That burning truth, that Twilight was never really their true friend in the first place. That it had been a lie. Twilight had been using them for years. Using Celesita--using everyone! 
Then again, if she WAS their true friend, she wouldn't been willing to sacrifice herself for them or Equestria, right? 
What was truth? 
Rainbow sucked in a breath. "So," she began. "So, guess we're gonna have to make appointments too?"  Twilight looked shocked. 
"What? No." Twilight's answer was slow, deliberate. "You're my friends." 
Rainbow's breath hitched in her throat at that word. She had said it. Friends....  Maybe....
"Why would you have to make... appointments?" Twilight spoke the last word like it was something one should never say. Rainbow threw her hands up, exasperated.
"Well, how else are we gonna see you?!" Twilight gaped. "Don't look at me like that," Rainbow snapped. Her eyes stung with sudden tears. "Is this how it's gonna be?" Her voice cracked. "Was it worth it to get those things?" She buried her face in her hands and softly landed on the ground, defeated. 
"What are you talking about?" Twilight snapped, fear making her defensive. 
"Twi..." Applejack took a step forward. "Have ya noticed that things are changin'?" Twilight took a step back. Her mind couldn't seem to comprehend what was happening. Her cutie mark seemed to burn. Way in the forest, Magic began to glow slightly, pulsating with a soft light. 
"How... How do you mean?" Twilight asked. Applejack took a shaky breath. Here it comes. The truth. It was right there! All she to do was say it. She opened her mouth to speak, but her ever burning tears decided it was their moment to shine, and her throat clogged. She looked at Rarity, who claimed send her eyes, and shook her head, refusing to take the slack. Rainbows mouth tightened into a thin line, and Pinkie buried her face in her hands. It was up to Fluttershy. She gulped and took a step forward.
Twilight gazed quietly at her, willing her to speak. She let her wings slowly relax, mind already spinning a million miles an hour at what their answer might be. But she would never be prepared for the answer. 
Fluttershy licked her lips. "W-we think that... That..." her voice rose to a squeak, and she flinched. She chanced a glance her friends, who nodded, encouraging her forward. Fluttershy clasped her hands together. "We feel that.... That... Well, since you're a princess now, you...... You won't have time for us anymore." Her voice trailed to a whisper, and she ducked her head.   
Silence was the loudest sound the girls had ever heard. Fluttershy's words seemed to hang in the air like too-ripe fruit, quivering. They dropped, bursting, too late. 
Twilight closed her mouth, eyes wide, unable to say anything. She stumbled backwards, only to come to a stop courtesy of her golden doors. She peered atbyer friends, seeing them in a new light now. Her friends, her world, her anchor had just told her she didn't have time for them. Her mind was reeling. Her throat jammed, needles continued to stab themselves into her heart. Was this... True? Did they....?
"You all feel this way?" she asked, voice hitched with unshushed tears. There was a pause. A moment's hesitation. Then they nodded. It was subtle. They nodded. THEY NODDED. Twilight let out a ragged gasp. Pain tore Twilights soul to shreds to the point where she felt like she was bleeding. Her dam holding back the tears burst, and tears blazed paths down her cheeks. Her friends became distorted shapes and colors. She clenched her teeth, trying to keep the tears down,bbut they just kept coming. Her breath hitched in ragged gasps. Her friends... Betrayal, that's what it was. She tried to speak. To say something. Anything! But her mind muddled her words. 
A soft sob escaped her throat, and Twilight clutched her chest. Her cutie mark was now burning. She couldn't take it anymore. She took a step forward, flapped her wings once, and was gone, leaving the cries of her friends in the distance. 
Twilight couldn't feel the wind blowing against her face She couldn't see where she was headed,  but she no longer cared. It didn't matter anymore. Nothing did.  She let the wind take her where it would. 
Twilight finally lit down on the ground, some miles away from Ponyville. Blurry, disorted shapes and dark splashes of color told her she was in the Everfree Forest. She stumbled forwards, trying to get her bearings, to clear her mind--anything! 
A soft presense engulfed her, gently tugging her forward to some unknown location. Twilight shook her head and instinctively resisted, but the force grew stronger. Twilight ceased her struggle and allowed herself to walk forward. 
She looked up through teary eyes to see the mouth pf a cave. The soft, comforting glow of the Tree of the Harmony beckoned to her, and she stumbled forwards. The Elements glowed and hummed in response to her presence, but Twilight didn't notice. Magic hissed, feeling her pain. Twilight collapsed on the crystalline roots; the presence that had been guiding her forward completely vanishing from her subconscious. A heart-wrenching sob tore from her throat, and she screamed in pain. All her insecurities, her fear and stress of the past month came out in floods. How dare they! How DARE they! Did they have any idea of what her life was like now? No! They didn't! She had the whole world practically on her shoulders, and they go and....  Twilight ducked her head, her chest heaving with suppressed sobs. Her hair fell forward, hiding her face from view. She was the freaking fourth wheel of the royal trio of royalty these days! All she did was paperwork. And now... it had come. Her greatest fear had come true. That her friends had always been wary of her in the first place. Some Princess of Friendship she was turning out to be. 
Twilight continued to cry. She didn't notice the tree's roots gently curl around and slowly lift her into an embrace. She didn't notice the Element of Magic glow fiercely and release itself from its hold on the Tree, and hover over Twilight. Bright pink streams of energy surfaced from the gem and sunk into the young girl's chest, directly into her cutie mark, leaving no scars. 
Twilight shuddered. She was so tired, and the edges of her vision were darkening. Sleep overtook her, and her body sagged with relief. She didn't think sleep would be so easy. But a subtle glow from the Element suggested that she may have had some help. 
Maybe tomorrow would be a better day. 

***

Magic sighed, gazing sadly at her  bearer. She was hurting greatly, and there was every reason for that. 
"Will she pull through?"Honesty's sad tone snapped Magic from her thoughts, causing her to sigh. 
A wave of firm reassurance came from Magic. Honesty didn't respond, apparently satisfied with her answer. However, her own thoughts were contrary as to what she had transferred to her brother . "She HAS to pull through," Magic thought desperately. "They all will have to. They'll need each-other in the troubling times ahead."
She looked up, seeing the darkening horizon as the terrible day drew to a close. But while most saw the sun setting and the moon rising, all Magic could see were black shadows consuming everything in their path, and a blood-red moon lighting the land with a vicious smirk.
> Chapter 7: Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Someone once asked me, 'How do you fix your mistake?' I said, 'You ask for forgivness. it's the only thing you can do. But forgivness does not only tether itself to the one you sinned against--you have to forgive the transgressions against yourself.' ~Henry Liecht
As soon as the truth spilled, Fluttershy instantly wished she could disappear. The look on Twilight's face absolutely tore her to the core. They had hurt her big time and they knew it. They blew it! There was no chance for their friendship now. 
Twilight stumbled backwards. Pinkie took a tentative step foreward to help her, but when Twilight's magic flared, she quelled her efforts; memories of the beach on that terrible day when the Storm King was chasing them reappearing in her head. Twilight choked back a sob, and knives continued to assult the girls. Rainbow dropped completely to the ground, all signs of agressiveness gone. They had seen Twilight  in many forms. Excited, nerdy, insecure, hyper, happy, quiet, worried, sad, supportive.... But they had never seen her hurt. This hurt. 
Twilight took a step forward and took the skies. Rainbow lifted her wings to go after her, but Appljack stopped her. ''Let her go," she whispered, emerald eyes glittering with tears. Dash didn't respond, just stared after the indigo figure that soon disappeared into the forest. As dusk cascaded over the hills, their friend's namesake, one thought resonated within the girl's minds. Their friendship? It was no more. 
***   
Lily watched the conversation with piqued interest from her place under the oak. She instinctively flinched. The conversation was getting heated. Her heart spiked with shock when she saw how they were treating the princess. Regardless of how she thought of her enemy, she WAS a princess. Royalty. Who did they think they were, telling at the princess like that? She gritted. She needed to get over there and stop them. Before she could make a move, a lavender blur shot over her, causing a shriek to rip out of Lily's mouth. Several more screams of shock, confusion, and alarm resounded through the streets as the princess raced over them.
A plan entering her head, Lily marched right up to the girls. "What in Equus just happened!?" 
The rude pegasus who had shoved her in the dirt whipped around. Lily stopped dead when she saw her. Instantly, Rainbow's magenta eyes locked onto her, burning holes in her head. 
"What do YOU want!?"
Lily raised an eyebrow. "What did you just do to the princess?" 
Rarity stepped forward aggressively. "Whatever do you mean? What princess?" 
Lily just stared at Rarity with a deadpan expression. "Number one: I know for a fact you all are more intelligent than that, and number two: you know exactly what I'm talking about and you're trying to get out of it, so cut to the chase and get on with it. What. Did. You. Do?" 
Rarity didn't respond, just folded her arms. As if obeying a silent command, the others formed a line on either side of her, Applejack subtly sliding Fluttershy behind her. 
Rainbow fluttered her wings nervously. Her heart was still stinging from the conversation earlier, if it could even be called that, and it took every bit of her self control to not race full speed after the broken-hearted princess. 'C'mon Rare, bail us out,' she pleaded inwardly.
"Well," Lily demanded. Now knowing there was no way out of it, the five girls relunctantly complied. Everyone looked at Rarity, hoping her smooth words and ways would get them out of here so they could fix the huge mistake they had made as soon as possible. 
"W-we're friends," Rarity began delicately, her voice shaky, "and sometimes, friends fight. And when they do, they can hurt each other--" 
Lily let out a mock shocked gasp. "YOU HURT THE PRINCESS?!" 
Rarity stammered. "N-no, I didn't! That's not what meant; I--" 
Rainbow dropped to the ground, defeat slamming her down. They were done for.
"We would NEVER hurt her!" Fluttershy protested loudly, a first on her part. Lily raised an eyebrow.
"She just flew off crying, because you DIDN'T hurt her?" she summarized. The girls just stood there, silent. Applejack stepped foreward. 
"We had a fight--" 
"With the princess--" 
"Can I finish? We fought, 'cause we ain't perfect, and that's all there is to it." Applejack stepped forward, anger driving her actions. "But that ain't nothin YOU need ta worry yer perty little head over. We're her friends, we'll take care of her. Go knit yerslef a scarf or somethin'." 
Lily grinned inwardly. She had a feeling that the cow-girl would hava a temper and she was right all along. And the country-bumpkin had dragged the rest of them right into their trap. 
Lily nodded in agreement. The girls started to relax, feeling relief that they were finally going to be able to do what they so desperately needed to do, but aRairity felt the sharp, unwanted stab of panic. She knew that behavior, having been raised in Manhattan. The girl was plastic, a complete two-edged sword, and judgeing by the gleam Rarity saw in her eyes. 
"Oh don't worry, I'll do that," Lily chirped cheerily. She paused. "And I might have a friend at the press who can help me." With a triumphant smirk, Lily placed one foot in front, turned a smooth one-eighty, and walked off, leaving five stunned girls behind her.
A shocked pause followed. When reality came crashing down, panic set in tenfold. Rainbow was the first to break the silence. 
"THE PRESS!?" she shouted. She fluttered into the air. "If she gets a hold of the press--" her head whipped up, and she made ready to rocket after Lily. "HOLD IT! Don't you--" 
Applejack snagged her foot, emerald orbs pleading. "Rainbow, sugar, please, hold yer wings; we don't wanna make a scene." 
"But she's--" 
"I know darling, I know. And by the looks of it, she's obviously someone of importance. She could no doubt get the press wrapped around her little finger," Rarity growled. "Point is, if we tried to stop her, we would be the ones on the spot, and believe me, darling--that in itself is more trouble than it's worth."
"Rarty's right, Rainbow. Even if we DID succeed in stopping her and blasting her out of my party cannon for being a no-good party pooper and listening in on our super-private-this-is-just-between-us-and-no-one-else conversation, which I would desperately LOVE to do, we can't." She paused. "Besides, Twi's got nothing against us." 
Rainbow buried her face in her hands and refused to respond.
"If thing get to the worst, we'll jest tell 'em the truth. It's all we can do." She placed a comforting hand on Rainbow's shoulder. "It can't get worse than this, sugar. And if confrontation does come, Twi'll be there ta back us up." 
Rainbow peered at Applejack. "I hope you're right, Applejack," she said weakly. 
There was sigh in response. "Me too, sugarcube. Me too." 
The girls turned back to retire their houses, weak and defeated. Few words were spoken between them, and any hope that Pinkie tried to raise was pushed aside, but it wasn't believed either.
Fluttershy hung back and said nothing. 'Oh what have I done?!' she mentally screamed. 'We just came to get answers! If I had just stayed silent--oh WHY did I say that?! I should've just kept it to myself. Saved us the trouble.' She gazed at the spot where Twilight had disappeared, turquoise eyes narrowing. 'All that,' she thought miserably, 'and we still didn't get answers.' 
Fluttershy continued to scuff her way down the street. She couldn't explain it, this feeling. Call it women's intuition. She had it ever since Twilight had returned. But now it clutched at her heart, squeezing and constricting in every place it could reach. 
If you asked, Fluttershy would have told you that things were about get worse.
> Chapter 8: Rumors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'The biggest lie in the world is 'They Say.' A Lie can around the world before the Truth got it's boots on.' 
- Terry Pratchett

She shut the Boss's office door with a quiet click, mentally pleading for her pure excitement and euphoria to stay calm until she could get out of the building. 
She had gotten a promotion. She, Blotched Ink, of the Canterlot Daily Times newspaper, and four-year repeat award of being the worst reporter Canterlot supposedly has to offer (hence the name), had gotten a promotion. An upgrade. 
She wanted scream and shout and sing and squeeze her trusty pen until she passed out from pure joy.
How? Well, my friend, t'was quite simple.
A week ago, a young woman walked into parlor of the company building where, to Blotched Ink's luck, she was working. She claimed to have the biggest story Canterlot had ever seen, and insisted that the entire nation would soon go hog-wild over. 
At first, naturally, Ink had rolled her eyes. For as long as she had worked at Canterlot Daily Times Company, or CDTC, every five-year-old kid would walk in and use the same genaric, cliche line, then tell some story about how his cat got stuck in a tree. 
But when the young woman said that Princess Twilight was involved, she immediately gained Ink's undivided attention. As everyone knew, the Princess of Friendship was quite popular, and every fan knew every word of how she had saved Equestira over a dozen times over the years; Ink being one of those fans. But other than her popular known background, such as being Princess Celestia's pupil, the Bearer to the Element of Magic, the Princess of Friendship--just to name a few, Twilight Sparkle lived what some might call a secret life. Because, unlike Princess Celestia, Luna, and Princess Cadence, Twilight Sparkle didn't have fans following her every minute of the day. Of course, the fact that she lived in some backwater town like Ponyville might help. 
According to the woman, she had been in Ponyville visiting family and friends when she happened to over hear a rather heated argument between the princess and some commerners. The young woman had traveled to closer to the group to hear, and witnessed an argument take place. While she couldn't quite hear what the commeners were saying, it was clear that they were abusing and accusing the princess of something. Then, "the princess raced over me, in tears!" the woman said, clearly bothered about it. Ink had been shocked, to say the least. But the story was out, and soon the whole world would know. 
Blotched Ink continued on down the street, still lost in her self-victory. Oh, to be the life of a reporter. It was why she chose this profession. You discovered certain things about certain people and revealed the truth to the world. Sure, it wasn't the best life, and people's livelihoods would become ruined, but life isn't all rainbows, flowers, and sunshine now is it? 
***
Twilight scanned the scroll for a few more moments, not really taking in what was written down. She just couldn't concentrate. She slouched with a groan, the scroll slipping off her desk onto the floor. 
Fear continued churn within her stomach, and she rubbed her forehead. What could possibly be causing this? It wasn't a friendship problem, she knew that for sure. In fact, she had checked her cutie mark so many times it had been rubbed raw. 
She sighed, and bent reluncantly to pick up the fallen scroll. Before she could make another move, a surprised scream caught her attention. She jerked, and the scroll plunged to the ground. 
Twilight leapt into the air and rocketed towards her office door. She pelted through the doors and raced down the halls towards the sound. 
A series of crashes and bangs startled her again, and she rounded the corner, nearly crashing into a pile of boxes.
"Woah!" Twilight screeched to a halt, and the cardbourd pile responded with a dazed groan. Spotting a familiar gray wings and mail carrier's hat, Twilight relaxes. She skirted the boxes, picking the hat which had fallen during the crash. 
"Derpy?" Twilight levitated boxes aside and lifted a dazed Pegasus from the pile. "Are you alright?" 
Raspberry aura surrounded Derpy's torso, straightening out her wrinked uniform and smoothing her hair. Twilight gently placed on the ground. Derpy blinked, and shook her head. Her crossed eyes suddenly filled with panic, and she grabbed Twilight's startled shoulders.
"Twilight! I came to warn you! The press is..." She balked for a moment, blinking. "Wha... What was I supposed to...?" There was a pause. "Oh yeah! The press...!" Derpy released Twilight's shoulders and began to dig through her carrier bag."Let me just...." 
Sticking out her toungue in concentration, Derpy reached deeper, drawing out a thick copy of Canterlot Daily Times. "Look!" She practically threw the packet at Twilight. 
With one last cautious glance at Derpy, Twilight ripped the plastic off and took a look at the front page.

 "PRINCESS TWILIGHT CAUGHT IN BRAWL--LEAVES IN TEARS!"
The only question the public is asking: 'Are these indaviduals friend or foe?' 

Twilight gazed at the print with a silent air. Her amythist eyes were wide. Anger and fear boiled in her stomach, and she could feel her aura start to surrpind her hands. "How....?" 
Derpy wrung her hands in a panic. "What do we do!?" 
Twilight didn't respond. She slowly lifted her head to look at the Pegasus, amythist orbs smoldering with rage. The papaer burst into angry flames. 
Derpy backed up. Twilight watched, with mild interest as the flames destroyed the treacherous print and turned it to ashes at her feet. She looked away and drew in a deep, shuddering breath. She knew she was scaring Derpy. 
"Derpy?" She began quietly, elicitng a squeak from the frightened Pegasus. Twilight winced. Still, she persisted."How did you get a hold of this?" 
"W-well, there's a stand in the p-post office, and I was assigned--" 
Twilight cut her off with an icy glare. "If it's available to the public, then there is nothing we can do." She paused, and turned to face the window. Better that than let her friend be scared of her. Derpy froze, chilled by Twilight next words.
"I'm going to find out who did this," she whispered. "And when I do, they will wish they had never been born."
> Arc 2: Hidden Secrets Chapter 1: Twilight's Call
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity adjusted her garden hat and sighed with contentment. "Ahh.. This day is gorgeous, just gorgeous!" 
Rainbow looked when she heard Rarity's voice, and seeing Rarity's outfit, she nearly choked on her food. Fluttershy shot her a glare. Rainbow swallowed her food with some difficulty, and desperately tried to keep her laughter under control.
"Snrk-ahh uh Rarity, what's with the hat?" 
Rarity sniffed. "Its quite simple, darling. Seeing as its spring, I thought it quite fitting to wear a spring hat, especially since we're in public," she said pointedly with a dissaproving air. 
Rainbow balked. "'In public?' Rares, look around you. We are a mile away from Sweet Apple Acres. That's five miles away from the nearest house. We are out in the middle of nowhere. I repeat: No. Where. What part about this tells you that we're in public?" 
"She's got a point sugar." Applejack walked up, carrying a big basket with Pinkie ponking behind her. Rainbow rubbed her hands together. 
"Finally," she groaned. "Took you guys long enough." She turned her attention to Pinkie. "I trust you brought the sweets?" 
Pinkie snorted. "Well duh! What kinda picnic would this be without cupcakes?!" She drew out a three-tier plate with iced cupcakes. Ignoring the fact that Pinkie had drawn the sugary treats out of her hair, Rainbow dove in."Sweet!"  Rarity and Applejack shared a look, shrugged, and began eating.
After a few comfortable moments of silence, Applejack spoke up. "So y'all? What's new?" 
Rainbow stretched. "Oh nothin' much. Just practicing my awesome moves." She nodded matter-a-factly, while Applejack just rolled her eyes good naturally. 
"I meant somethin' new." 
"Oh. ....Nah. Just workin' on makin myself 20% cooler." 
Rarity dabbed her mouth with a dainty napkin. "Well, I just got a new orders to create a new spring line. In fact, I just gleaned some inspiration from meadows surrounding Ponyville. I think I'll call it, 'Nature's Dreams'."
"Wow. That sounds pretty good." Applejack said. "Welp, ain't nothin' new fer me. Same old same old. Jest the way I like it." 
There was another moment of silence. Rarity turned towards the only person who hadn't said a word. "Fluttershy, dearest? Are you all right? I know you're shy, but you're being very quiet.... Even for you." 
Fluttershy was silent for a moment. Then she spoke up. "Haven't you noticed? Twilight isn't here. Twilight. You know, the one person we know who has a panic attack if she a second late for something? She's usually the first here!" 
Applejack clammed up, shocked by Fluttershy's unusual harsh tone. Pinkie frowned. 
"Wow, Flutters. Blunt much?" Rainbow quipped.
"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity snapped.
"What!? This is Fluttershy; she never does this. Something's really bothering her." 
Fluttershy sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm just really worried. I haven't seen Twilight in days, and a few weeks ago she promised to help me with some animals. w
We agreed the yesterday was the day, but she never showed up. Discord had to help me instead. Not that I, um, minded, but you know how he is with Angel." 
The others were quiet. "You know, Fluttershy's right." Applejack spoke up. "I ain't seen heads nor tails of Twi in the past week. Pinkie, did she ever show up buy somethin' from Sugarcube corner this mornin?" 
Pinkie scrunched up her face. "Hmm... Let's see..  Carry the three and...    Nope nope nope and nope!" Pinkie suddenly let loose a huge gasp. "What if something's really wrong!? What if she's sick!? What if she got attacked by a monster and tried fight it off herself and failed miserably and got carted off wondering why in the world her friends didn't come to save her and is probably thinking we've betrayed her and that her world is over--mmph!"  Applejack had shoved a hand over her mouth. 
"I'm sure it ain't that bad. We just gotta see what's up." 
"You don't think there's something actually wrong, do you?" Fluttershy panicked. Applejack opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off.
"Guys!" Yelled a distant voice. "Guys!" 
Rarity perked up. "That sounds like Spike!" 
Everyone turned their attention to thier towards the direction of the voice, and Rainbow fluttered into the air.
"Guys!" Spike pounded up to them, wheezing. "I..... Twi...light is...." The young boy collasped to his knees, panting. 
"Did you run all the way here?" Rainbow asked. Still breathless, Spike just nodded. Rainbow whistled, reluctantly impressed. "Geez, little man. Take it easy next time huh?" 
Spike paused, then blew out a breath of air. "Twilight... She's locked me out of her room." 
The girls shared glances of confusionwith each other while Spike caught his breath. 
"Spike, dearest scales, that's nothing of real concern to panic over." Rarity dismissed, flipping her hair as if to prove her point. "Every lady needs some alone time." Rainbow rolled her eyes in response. 
"No," Spike protested, still out of breath. "Even if she DID want 'alone time', whatever that is, she would NEVER lock me out!" The girls silent now, surprised by his sudden conviction. He paused, wondering whether to drop his bomb or not. 
All six of them had been friends for at least two years, and while Twilight trusted them completely, Spike still had his reservations. And although Twilight had moved on from the vicious betrayal that had torn her apart years ago, Spike still hadn't, and he wasn't going to let her make the same mistake again. 
Hia caretaker's trust wasn't something to be taken for granted, because once you lost it, there was little chance you could get it back. She was like Rainbow in that regard, and he had to smile at that. But her natural anxiety and tendency to panic made her vulnerable, and the last time Twilight trusted someone, she was left heartbroken and numb to outside world for at least two years.
All the same, Spike couldn't help but feel as though he could trust them. If their past adventures with Discord and Nightmaremoon were anything to go by, then one could trust them with anything. But Spike still had his doubts, and by the looks he was getting, he could tell they were getting really concerned.  
He sighed, still struggling with this inner battle. If he told them, then they could have information to use against Twilight on the future, or just not help her at all. They proved they were more than capable of that during Twilight's freak out last year. But if he didn't tell them, then maybe life could go on as before, albeit with minor trust issues. Then again... 
Spike jumped, startled when Applejack put a comforting hand on his shoulder. 
"Sugar, yer still havin' a hard time trustin' us, aren't ya?" 
Ashamed, and unwilling to answer, Spike nodded. 
Applejack looked extremely sad. "That's okay, sugar," she sighed. "But you should know that we care, and you can trust us. It'll be a chance to prove we learned our lesson." Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy nodded in agreement.
"And if you still have doubts, put us all under the Pinkie Promise!" Pinkie piped up. "No one breaks a Pinkie Promise!"
Spike perked up. He hadn't thought of that. "Okay.... " He faced them. "I'll tell you, but I need you to Pinkie Promise to NEVER tell anyone else!" 
Everyone nodded and complied, doing the motions, but Rainbow rolled her eyes slightly. "You make it sound like this is a life or death situation." 
Spike whipped to face her, emerald  eyes glowing fire. "I mean it!" He snapped. "Shining Armour doesn't even know about this!" 
That got Rainbow's attention. She instantly did the motions and dropped to the earth; studying Spike, quiet and determined. Spike took a deep breath and finally dropped his bomb. 
"Twilight is crying." There was silence, and Spike continued. "And I think I know why." Rainbow lifted into the air, about to take action, but was stopped. 
"Wait! Before you go break down the door and demand to know what happened, there's something you should know." Spike beckoned them to come closer, and took a deep breath, preparing to tell his story.
"About fifteen years ago, there was a devastating storm off the east coast of Phillydelphia. It was the one of the worst storms the East Coast had ever suffered, and not even the Wonderbolts could gain control of it. People wondered if the storm was natural, or had magical qualitites to it. It probably did. Homes were completely destroyed, and thousands of lives were lost. People called it 'Hurricane Kraken.'"
The girls began to shiver with fear as Spike told his story. Of all of them, Rarity and Applejack were the only who truly remembered what the storm was like. While Ponyville was situated in the middle of Equestria, it was affected by the storm. Wind and rain from the storm still damaged the land, and the East Coast had been completely reshaped. 
The place the where the storm first hit land was sealed off from the rest of Equestria, because it was said you could still hear the screams of those who lost their lives trying to fight the storm. It was known as 'Kraken's Cove', in honor of the creature that took over the land millinias ago, back when the Great Northern Kingdom still existed. Like the tale of Nightmaremoon, the 'Kraken' was also used as a way for parents to scare children to get them to obey the rules, such as 'Go to bed or the Kraken will come for you', or 'Eat your vetables so I won't to call the Kraken.'
Spike continued to tell his story. "After the storm was over, Princess Celestia sent battlaitions to the shore, to see if they might find any survivors. A group found a small basket fifty miles north above Phillydelphia..." Spike trailed off, a lump in his throat. He could only imagine how the girls would react once they put two and two together and found out the truth. 
Swallowing, Spike managed to choke out his peice. "Twilight was in the basket." He fell silent, frozen. If you asked Spike then and there what was the loudest sound he had ever heard, he would probably tell you it was the silence that occured after their friends knew the truth about Twilight. 
The girls were completely shocked. Twilight? An orphan? Impossible! She had parents; a family. She was so perky, so friendly. It was hard to believe, but the grim espresson on Spike's face told them they weren't dreaming. 
Spike cringed, knowing this would hit them hard. Applejack, especially. It was of the reasons she and Twilight got along so well. They both knew what it was like to lose parents. But while Applejack knew what had happened to hers, Twilight, unfortunately did not.
Applejack finally spoke up. "So that's why she said that..." 
Rainbow turned to the farm girl, still stunned. "What do you mean?"    
Applejack drew in a shakey breath. "Last year, she was helpin me out in the orchard, and I guess I mentioned my parents or sumthin, 'cause she got all curious. Not that I minded, but if I'm bein honest, it was more questions than I'd've like answer. I answered 'em, 'course; she's my friend. When we finished our chat 'fore she left, I heard her mutter, 'I know how you feel.' I always wondered how; I mean she's got parents... until.. now." 
There was a long moment of silence. 
"So... She's adopted?" a tearful Fluttershy asked. 
Spike could do nothing but nod. 
"This makes a soooo much sense!" Pinkie voiced. Everyone turned to her. "Well, I mean, look at it this way: we always kinda wondered why she so nervicited and scared and tense and had mental breakdowns all the time, and I guess we started to think it was a part of her personality but now we know its not because.... Because.." Pinkie trailed off and grew silent. 
"Because why?" Spike asked; scared. Seeing Pinkie quiet and sad was a rare sight. 
"Because its a deep down fear that everyone has.  And its part of why we do what we do. Rarity draws attention to herself by her makeup and frilly ways, I express it by being loud and energetic all the time, Applejack does it by talking about apples all the time, Rainbow's niche is boasting, Fkuttershy's is....  well, you get the idea." 
Spike nodded and Pinkie continued. "Its the fear of being forgotten. The fear of being left behind, and everyone has it." 
"But you guys have saved the world mutiple times! You could never be forgotten!" Spike protested. 
"I know," Pinkie sighed. "I don't think we ever grow out of it, because its a natural thing." 
Rainbow balked. "Wow, Pinks. I didn't know you were a philosopher." 
Pinkie smiled. "Just another one of my many talents," she giggled. Pinkie turned back to Spike. "Its always there, lingering in the back of your mind. But for Twilight, its always at the forefront of her mind, and I bet you Discord's tomato and confetti soup she thinks about it every night before she goes to sleep. She wonders who her real parents were, and why they left her." 'Believe me, I know how she feels,' Pinkie thought. 
"Wow," Spike mused. "Now that I think about it, that actually makes allot more sense, and.... why Twilight's parents were hesitant to tell me the truth." 
"Whatever do you mean, Spike?" Rarity asked. 
"Well, I noticed that Twilight would distant and sad sometimes, especially when holidays drew near," Spike explained. "She hid it well, but I always knew." He looked down in shame. "I never knew why, and I always did my best to comfort her, but.... it was never enough." 
Once again, there was another long bout of silence as the girls digested this new information about their friend. 
"Guess its true what they say," Pinkie voiced. "You never stop learning." 
"That's not funny," Fluttershy protested softly. Pinkie just smirked sadly in response. 
"So... now what?" Applejack asked. 
Rainbiw stood up with a determined air. "I'll tell you 'now what'! We got and let her know she's not alone." Rainbow paused with satisfaction and rose into the air amid murmurs of agreement and the sound of ths girls gathering their things. 
Rainbow Dash looked over in the direction of the library. "We let her know she's loved."
***
Twilight placed her fist on the glass, opened her hand, and let it slowly fall. To anyone looking at her from outside, they would she looked trapped. She was trapped. Trapped inside a world that wasnt her own. 
Trapped by a sacrafice that wasn't her desicion. A scarafice that bound her to Equestria not how hard or long she pinned for home. 
Twilight gazed out the window to the north, looking beyond the faint white sparkling haze that was the Crystal Empire. 
She wanted to go home.  To see the land of her bloodline. Where green pastures rolled for miles alongside miles of wheat fields. Where forest continued to grow, unhindered and untouched by human hands. Where stars twinkled like a million little lights in the sky. Where, a kite above a graveyard gray, at the end of the line far, far away, where a child still holds on to the Magic of Thirthinal.....
> Chapter 2: Canterlot Expedient
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Deep down, there is a place where all great minds go. A place where, if you say the wrong thing, it is either a simple misstep, or a terrifing mistake. It is your choice of what you want it to be. After all, the place.... is your mind.' --Anonymous
Twilight lay there, surrounded dark purple sheets and a tangled cover; a sign from her restless night. The curtains of her canopy bed waved softly in the early morning dawn breeze. She could hear Spike snoring softly in his basket at the foot of her bed. 
Yes, peace. It was a peaceful morning indeed, and could easily lure one back into dream-land. But Twilight's mind was anything but peaceful. Anger, regret, sorrow, and fear all roiled around in one confusing ball. Twilight doubted Discord could clear out her emotions. 
Twilight sat up, facing the sun. She sat there in silence for a while, then got up. She silently passed over her desk of drawers and her closet, gathering a few things. Once she was done with her morning routine and packing, she paused and looked over at the little boy. Spike was on his stomach, hand up on his pillow, while the early morning light gently lit up his bright green hair, making it glow. Twilight smiled at the sight. It was the picture of perfect innocence. 
Twilight walked over, bent down, and kisssed him on the forehead. Spike snuggled down deeper and mumbled a bit in his sleep; his typical response. But Twilight watched, as, from the moment her lips made contact with his skin, a small wave of pink magic coalesced all over the little boy. 
The Blessings' Kiss. Few knew about it. A kiss that, when given to one single indavidual, would protect them in times of dire need. It was cliche, but true. But what made the different from any other was that it was an action of love, and partial to the giver alone. Each act is unique, therefore each protection spell was unique. Twilight stood up after the spell had finished, walked over to her desk, and scribbled out a note. 
Smiling one last time at the sleeping child, she swished aside her balcony curtain, and stepped outside into the cool morning air. Twilight drew her cloak closer to herself, and, with one last look at Ponyville, she was gone, leaving behind one single, purple, feather. 
***
The streets of Canterlot were busy, as per usual. Then again, it was market day, so that was self-explainable. Still, it didn't mean that Lily liked it any less. Because with busy days came the crowds. And with the crowds came the horrible wait service. Seriously. All Lily wanted was a simple sundae with cooke chunks, caramel creme de menthe, chocolate syrup, and a cherry on top. A simple sundae. 
"Sooo....."  Top Tier asked, eager for details. Lily had asked her friends out for girls' afternoon, and being that she was back from her horrifying exprience that was... Ponyville, the girls had agreed almost instantly. Now here they were, at Lily's favorite ice creme parlour, but Top Tier was done with waiting. She was the group's gossip, ready to spread juicy details at a moments notice. It was really one of the only reasons Lily allowed her into their... group. If you could call it that.  					 	"Soo....." She repeated, with that familar glint in her eye. 
Lily decided to play along, and played it up some. "So what?"   
Top Tier gave her a deadpan stare. "What was it like in Ponyville?"                                                                                                        	  	 		   
Lily groaned with distaste, but before she could respond, another piped up, "Did you see Princess Twilight?"
The poor soul recieved icy glares in response from the rest of the group. Lily decided to ignore her. It went without saying that Peach Dream was weakest one after all. Just like her father. 
Lily sighed. "It was atrocious. Like, I don't even know what my parents were thinking! A backwater one-street garbage dump? For a week?" She shook her head. "But one of the worst parts was when we arrived." At this point, Lily's drama skills began to take over, and fake tears glimmered in her eyes. Seeing this, all of her friends leaned forward eagerly. "I had literally just stepped out of the carriage, surrounded a crowd, of course, when this.... this six-limbed... airhead came out of nowhere and sent me straight into a mud puddle!" 
Gasps of outrage and shock rose from the group. 
Lily nodded sagely. "My shinelle pants and my Saddle Arabian silk-imported cardigan was ruined! In every sense of the word!" Lily paused, making sure her story was sinking in, then continued. "I demanded she help me up, but she just flew off!" 
Once again, mutterings of disbelief were heard. 
Lily continued, the fake tears now flowing down her face. "I was humiliated. Sitting there, in a puddle of mud, the entire population of that backstreet garbage dumb laughing at me. I just..." Lily trailed off and burst into tears, only to be surrounded and comforted by her friends. 
Calming down, Lily flipped her hair, adding a little flair to her story; people had thronged about her amd her friends. Lily had no doubts that it was a mixture of eager reporters looking for some gossip, most likely some fans, and just a few curious onlookers. 
Lily leaned forward towards her friends, a glint in her eyes. "But that wasn't the best part...." She whispered conspirationally. Getting her drift, her friends leaned forward as well. Top Tier began to grin like a maniac. She was a gossip lover, as everyone knew, and no one delivered gossip like Lily Sapphire Rose Rich. 
"I met Princess Twilight Sparkle. In the flesh." That was all she had to say before a din of excited squealing overtook the small outdoor table area. 
"No way!" Top Tier gasped. 
"Oh, what I wouldn't give to meet her..." Peach Dream sighed. 
"I am soooo jealous of you," another piped up. 
Lily rolled her eyes and smiled at the eager responses. This wasn't even the best part. However, a few girls seemed to be having the opposite reaction the others did. 
Her closest friends, Blanchette Parapette, Mayline Treeborn, and Lacey Fringe went pale, while most were confused at their reaction.
Blanchette leaned forward. "Are you serious?" she asked incredulously. 
Lily raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like I'm kidding?"
Peach Dream held up a finger. "I... I don't get what's confusing. What's so wrong with meeting the princess?" 
Blanchette shared a knowing look with the others. "Oh, woe is me," she smirked. "Willl I ever be able to teach the Peach how to remember things?" Dramtically, she placed a hand on her forehead. The others snickered, while hurt began show on Peach Dream's face. 
"Princess Twilight Sparkle," Balnchette, stressing the first word and grimacing, as if it left a bad taste in her mouth; "is Crylight Sparkless. You know, Spazzle? The dork, the princess' pet who set the royal library on fire and got Lily kicked out of Princess Celestia's school? How do you not know this?" 
Lacey leaned foreward. "You really need to pay more attention to things you really don't understand," she scoffed. 
Peach flinched. "I understand now," she weakly shot back. It was futile, but Peach conintued, "My mother--" 
Mayline let out a bark of laughter. "Your mother! Ha! Does your mommy know you're here?" she asked, scrunching her face into a pout while doing an impression of high, squeaky voice. The others roared with laughter. 
Lily snickered alongside them, but decided by the look on Peach Dream's face that the teasing had gone on long enough. At least for now. "Alright, girls, settle down." Peach Dream shot her a grateful glance that instantly switched back to hurt within a millisecond at the next thing Lily said. "We'll let the peach dream a little longer." This little quip, of course, elicited snickers from the other girls. Peach Dream sat back, deciding it was best to keep her mouth shut. 
Mayline rolled her eyes. "So, anyway, get to the good stuff! You met the winged freak; what happened?" 
"You did always say that if you ever got the chance, you'd get your revenge. Did you?" Another voiced. 
Lily held up her hands to stop the flow of questions with a smile. "All in good time my friends, and yes, I did. It turns out that she's 'friends', with a bunch of commeners--including the one that sent me reeling into a mud path. But here's the best part." The group waited with baited breath. "I did some research, and it turns out that these commeners are the ones who weild the Elements!" 
At this revealation, outburst of shock rippled through the group. But Lily wasn't finished. "So, I came up with a plan, because this is the perfect opportunity! She's the 'Princess of Friendship', right? Well, guess what?" 
A chorus of 'what's responded. 
"Friendship is the very thing that weakens her!" 
Top Tier cocked her head, confused. "How do you figure?" she asked. 
"Look at it this way. I watched them all for a while over the week. They're close. Like, really close. So, I whispered a while little lie here... a rumor there...." 
The girls instantly caught on. "And you forced them to confront each-other!" Blanchette finished, as if giving the answer to an exam. 
"And if they do that, they'll have hurt royalty!" another chimed in. The thought set in, and group fell silent, looking at Lily in awe. Finally, the silence was broken.
"No way!" Lace Fringe squealed. 
"Way," Lily smirked. 
Once again, the courtyard came alive with noise. Lily sat back, smirking inwardly as she listened to their hurried conversations, speculating what was to happen to the prosecutors. Hearing footsteps bwhind her, Lily stiffened slightly.  
"What iz as matter, Madame?" a heavy Prench accent questioned. Lily turned her head, only to see a young waitress gesture to the animated group. "They no like?" 
"Oh, they're going through the paper," Lily dismissed. The waitress hesitated, and set down her tray with Lily's order on it, looking rather sheepish. 
"I apologize for ze wait, madmoiselle. Ze kitchen waz very busy, and-" 
Lily rolled her eyes and flicked her hand at the young girl, a signal that her work was done. The waitress hesitated, then scampered off. Lily sighed with relief, about to dig into her sundae with gusto, when she got interrupted yet again. 
Blanchette had somehow managed to trip the packet away from the girls and brought it over. 
"This is brilliant!" she squealed. "I know it was against the law and all, but they got the princess on their side, surely! So how in Equestria did you pull this off?!" 
Several others voiced their agreement, and Lily smirked. "Oh believe me, it wasn't easy. But I have friends in high places..." She trailed off, leaving it to their imagination to answer their questions. How had she pulled it off? One simple phrase, dear reader: Magical Persuasion. 
***
He sat there, watching in morbid fascination as crismson liquid trailed its way to the floor. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his heart thudded. Anger and fear roiled around in his chest. How..? Why..? Who was she? What did she want? How dare she...   HOW DARE SHE FORCE HiM TO..!! Force him to....  Force him to mind-control three of the few people she trusted! Not only that, but with a spell that should only exist in the Great Northern Kingdom! A land, that, in Equestria's eyes, should no longer exist. But she had gotten a hold of it. 
He cringed, and tears burned the corners of his eyes as the memories of the deed flooded his mind. The way they suddenly grew limp, how their eyes reverted from their natural color to a sick green. A sick green that reminded him of those.... shape-shifting bugs that left his land in ruins! The princess's teachers, her sister-in-law...  And that...that WENCH threatened to decimate his people by the millions if he didn't go through with it! 
At the mere thought of it, he collasped to floor, crying out as flames of pain flashed over his body. A lump rose up his throat, and oxygen left him as more blood made his way out of his throat.  He could feel his hands burning, and knew they had turned coal black. His limbs shook violently; his body screaming at him not to take another step. 
When the rays of the early morning sun peeked over the far-off mountains, he picked himself up, abd slowly, painfully, began making his way home. Tears still streamed down his face, and regret ripped his consciousness to shreds. But despite all his pain, he smiled. He had done it. He may have been frozen in crystal that showed his greatest fears. He may have done the unspeakable by sending tge princess teachers and family in a place of unconsciousness. But, he was still a prince. He was still an alicorn. An alicorn who had magic that surpassed Equestrian magic by a million miles. An alicorn that had twisted the spell one last time to do the opposite of what it was supposed to. 
He was Thirthinal, a graveyard, a prince. He had kept his sister safe, and in doing so, had finally set himself free for good from the slavery that bound him fir the last fifteen years. He could finally go home. To the Great Northern Kingdom. To Islay. He just couldn't take his beloved sister with him. At least, not yet.
> Chapter 3: Trial and Decision
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Anger often makes do things we regret. Everyone knows this. The question is, 'do we think of this when we do the deed?'" ~Anonymous
"...Your Highness, you simply must understand. You can't let them out; it simply isn't done! It's against the law and registrations, and even if we managed to allow them freedom, they would still have to pay for their crimes," he said, straightening papers for the millionth time. 
Twilight clenched her fists. "I know," she said quietly. "I was under Princess Celestia's personal tutelage; I studied the law quite extensively--""You're Highness---" 
"And that's another thing: Do me a favor and STOP INTERRUPTING ME!" Twilight slammed her palms on the table's mahogany surface, the sound echoing throughout the room and silencing the court council. They simply gawked at her, as if shocked that she would dare interrupt them. Twilight blinked, pushing the bitter thought away. She needed to keep better control of her emotions. Better that than have her subjects fear her. "Huh, subjects," she briefly mused. "Still not used to the idea."
Letting loose a relieved, yet self-conscious sigh, Twilight straightened. "Thank you." At the sound of her voice and the apologetic tone it carried, the members relaxed, along with the guards attending back of the room. "Now, if I may continue-" she chanced a look at the members of the law bureau and the Captain of the Royal Guards for any objections, and, seeing none, she spoke again. "The trials need to commence once the first interrogation is over, correct?"
The Chancellor of the Law Bureau, Judge Time Lock, nodded. "That is correct, Your Majesty."
Twilight paused. A thought had just come to her. "What if....   What there is no need for a trial?" 
For the third time, silence dominated the room. The members were still too shocked that she would raise her voice against them, apparently. Twilight cringed. "What I mean is, the....   violators," she flinched at saying the word. They were her friends, not violators! "If I vouch for them, they will have my word on their good behavior and conduct, and their safety lies under my crown, then there is no need for the questioning of the public or trials, right?" 
The council members looked at one another in silence. They all seemed to be begging their comrades to speak up. Finally, Time Lock took the plunge. "Your Highness," he began. Twilight gave him a respectful nod. "Yes, please go!" she begged silently. "Anything to fill this icy silence they seem to like so much."
"As much as I would to agree with you, as you make a good case, that is simply not something the Royal court can comply to."
Twilight didn't reply. She just studied him quietly. "I apologize sincerely, but these young women have been found guilty in the eyes of the people, and must be dealt with accordingly, lest we cause a riot, or worse, rebellion." A murmur of nods went around the room.
"But... they're innocent." Twilight weakly protested. "I've known them for seven years; they would never stoop so low." 
The judge shook his head sadly. "Regardless, the rules still stand, and we must abide by them." Twilight opened her mouth, but the judge held up a hand. "Princess, these rules were created by the Pillars themselves. It was the only way to keep peace throughout a new Equestria. It worked then, and has since then for hundreds of years. And, as much as it pains me to say this, even with your position as a princess, you cannot change the rules. You simply haven't had enough time on the throne. Your qualifications aren't quite up to par yet. I am truly sorry." He gazed at he, his wise eyes speaking volumes. "As a leader you must make tough choices." A tangible relief seemed to seek through the room, as someone had finally spoken up. The crowd visibly relaxed, the expressions on their faces clearly showing they assumed the Judge's words would calm Twilight down. Twilight felt nothing but despair. Then anger. 
"So, you're telling me I have to put innocent people behind bars as a punishment for a crime they didn't commit, nor would ever commit, because the public says so!?" Her voice rose in volume.
Time Lock didn't even bat an eye. He merely raised an eyebrow at her in response. "Would you rather the people turn against the crown instead and topple everything you and your fellow princesses have worked for to the ground?"
Twilight could find no response. There was a pause, then an attendee in the back adjusted his eye-glass. Hope rose in Twilight's chest at the sight of Fancypants. Maybe he had found a loophole, or another avenue she could use. Something. Before he could begin, the door opened, followed by the very last person Twilight wanted to see. 
"I have input!" a voice trilled, and whispers instantly shot up and bounced off the ceiling like so many hissing fire-crackers. Twilight blinked and sat back down, barely resisting the urge to leap across the table and tackle her to the ground. Instead, she resorted to grinding her palms into ribbons by courtesy of the sharp edges on her throne. 
''I'm very sorry to say this," the unwelcome member began in a very sarcastic tone, "but I have to go with the council members on this one. They have to be put away." 
The voice alone grated on Twilight's nerves, and she took a deep, shuddering breath. Tears pricked at her eyes, blurring her vision as she stared at the intruder. The same person who had made her life Tatarus just two weeks ago. However, in keeping in with her reputation and title, Twilight decided to try a different approach. She wanted to get her friends out. She had earn her points. Twilight stood up, and held out a welcoming hand, the smile on her face anything but sincere. 
"Please, Ms. Sapphire, sit." The young woman instantly bounded over and sat down in Rarity's chair, causing another rush of anger to pulse through Twilight's veins. She swallowed hard and continued, trying to keep her voice from getting too shaky. "First off, you make an excellent point...." The woman's smile grew bigger. "...one that I am well aware of. However, I don't remember inviting you to this meeting. Which, gathering the data I've been receiving from my protection wards, you've entered by way of window and have been eavesdropping for the past hour." The young woman's smile was frozen in place, face growing redder as whispers hissed everywhere from the members.  Twilight stood up, her 'peaceful' demeanor remaining. She was anything but calm on the inside. 
"Perhaps you could take the 'criminals' place?" Twilight cordially asked, using her fingers to make quotation signed at the word 'criminal'. "You just committed treason, not to mention trespassing, against the crown, among other things. It would only be right, wouldn't it?" 
The silence was so loud, one could hear a pen drop. Twilight placed her hands on the table and leaned forward. "Well? Your decision?" 
There was no response, and Twilight inwardly rolled her eyes. "Then I suggest you make your leave before I act on my decision." She locked eyes with Lily, her voice going dangerously quiet. "And before you make me any angrier."
Lily stared daggers back and stood up sharply, causing Rarity's throne to teeter backwards. Raspberry magic caught it in an instant, and Twilight slowly put it back in place. Lily instantly put a smile on her face, and let loose a giggle.
"Um, sorry. I just happen to be a member in Celestia's private court. You can't send me out."
"I--" Twilight began, but was interrupted yet again.
"Furthermore, what proof do you have to allow these girls to go free? There's thousands of copies in black and white about the crimes they have committed and thousands of people believe it, word for word. What could your word possibly do to relieve them of the penalty set against them?"
Twilight was silent. Anger was boiling inside her, hotter than it was when Tirek destroyed her library. She squeezed her eyes shut, ememories flooding her mind. Anyone could destroy her home, because a house could be rebuilt. But lives can't be so easily rebuilt. And no one destroyed her friends' lives. Not if she had anything to say about it.
Twilight took a deep breath. "Lily, if I may make three things clear?"
At the sound of her voice, the council shrank back in slight apprehension. No longer sturdy, the princess's voice was shaky and restrained, and those with a trained eye could see slight glow around her hands.
"Oh really," Lily snarked. "And what would those be?" 
"Ms. Sapphire," Time Lock warned, but was promptly ignored. 
Twilight opened her eyes and froze Lily in her gaze. "Number one, those newspapers are false. You know this. I have several witnesses testifying to you eavesdropping behind an oak fifty feet away from the location where the 'crime'," she made quote signs with her fingers at the word, 'crime' "took place. Second, I know the reporter's reputation with which you conspirited with to make the press. You bribed her with a story you knew she wouldn't refuse. You used her. Furthermore, as of the present,  I believe you committed a certain crime by trespassing on private property, despite your claim on the fact you are a member of this council. And even if you are, I did not invite you here, and I strongly requested  that you leave immediately. You refused. And finally, as I recall, this is my throne room. Not Celestia's." 
Lily was wide-eyed, not able to find a response. "I... You... " finding no response, she stomped out with a growl. 
Twilight let loose her breath. "Guards, please make sure she finds her way to the front door." The two nodded and smartly marched out, closing the door quietly behind them. With that over with, Twilight turned her attention back to the room. 
"Council, Judge Time Lock, thank-you for your advice and patience in this matter. I will get back to you with my decision,  within the next twenty-four hours." The Council stood up as one and began packing documents, but at the sound of Twilight's voice, they paused. "However, when I do, I will not change it." Her eyes passed over all in the room. "That will be all. Meeting adjourned." She stepped out and stepped aside, allowing all the dignitaries and juries to leave and waited. Fancy Pants stepped out, looking frazzled. He hadn't been able to get a word edgewise all evening. 
"Was I too much?" she asked quietly, shivering under his thoughtful gaze. He jumped. 
''I... do not know, young Twilight." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I should think your reasons were very justified, all matters considered." He sighed. "Your friends brought life and color to the dullness here in Canterlot. I would like to see them free again." He gazed at her. "Whatever happens, you know you have my full support." 
Tears burned in Twilight's eyes, and lump formed in her throat. Seeing this, Fancy Pants smiled and pulled her into a hug. Twilight returned it. When he released her, Twilight faced the ground, and jumped when something cold and hard was forced into her closed fist. Surprised, she looked up to meet Fancy pant's understanding faded blue gaze. 
'If you need to talk to me, simply squeeze the button, my dear." Twilight nodded, speak unable to speak. Fancy nodded in turn, and began making his way down the hall. Twilight stood there, studying the summoning device in her hand. She could still hear Fancy's footsteps echo down the hall. 
"Oh and Twilight?" She looked up. he was at the corner, a  hand on the wall. "Please don't do anything rash." Twilight smiled sadly and nodded in response. 
After waiting a few more moments, Twilight swiftly turned and walked down the hall. The disk in her hand was transferred to her pocket as she entered the main staircase. Twilight traveled all the way down, the gears turning in her head. The Council's words and voices reverberated through her mind like so many buzzings bees. What could she do? How the world had turned so quickly against them. Judge Time Lock's words came back to her. "A Leader must make hard decisions..." Twilight blinked and shook her head to clear it and continued her stride down through the first floor of the castle, heading for the outside world. 
"Twilight?" a voice sounded, causing Twilight nearly jump out of her skin. She turned, finding Spike peering out from behind a door. Twilight's heart clenched in her chest. He looked so small, so vulnerable. "Spike come here." He ran to her, jumping into her arms. 
"What's going on? What happened? Where are the girls?" Twilight bit her lip, trying to keep the tears from spilling out. She considered taking the usual route, saying that she'd tell him later, or that he'd understand when he was older. She brushed the notions aside. She wouldn't lie to him. If push came to shove, he would become one of the only people she could trust. 
"The girls in are in jail," she told him simply, turning her head away, no longer being able to keep the tears in. She didn't want to see his reaction.
"WHAT!?" Spike schreeced. "Why!? That hay did they do?" 
Twilight shook her head. "That's the worst part. Nothing." 
Spike sputtered. "We need to get them out! Maybe... Maybe we could get Starlight down here, or Shining! They could change the public's minds!" Twilight snorted. Whether that was in mirth or disgust, she didn't know. 
"Spike, Starlight and Shining have no more influence that I do. If I can't change their minds, what makes you think Starlight will?" Spike paused. She had a point. He opened his mouth again, possibly to protest, but Twilight spoke before he could. 
"Spike, you trust me, don't you?" Spike nodded. Twilight smiled. "Then trust me when I say I have a plan." She set him down. "Now, how would you like to spend some time with Ember?" 
Spike's face lit up with joy, and he jumped and down. "Yes!" He instantly went on a tangent, wondering what they might do together, what he might learn, and how long he could stay. Twilight merely smiled sadly as Spike raced down the hall in excitement, yelling that he needed to pack. Twilight stood there. "You can stay for as long as you'd like," she thought. "The last thing I need is them using you as ammo against me or the girls. Besides, you're reaching your final growth stage. When that happens, then Equestria really see how deep my love can go." A small thorn of guilt pricked her at the thought. She didn't want to use Spike that. But she was a leader, wasn't she? And a leader had to make hard decisions. Shining's words came back to her. "When you're fighting, you never give up. You always, always play defense, but if push comes to shove, and you can no longer play defense, that's when you go offense. You do whatever it takes to bring your opponent down, even if it means playing dirty..."
Well, push had come to shove. She'd try playing nice. It was time to get dirty. After all, her parents had named her Twilight, for a reason. 

***

A crack appeared on the stone. His finger twitched. Pink light hit the stone again, cracking it further. His now free hand clenched. The stone disappeared from his legs, and he fell hard with a grunt. He groaned, pain sparking all throughout his battered body. Reality caught up with him. He was free? he was free!
He scrambled to his feet, looking around with bleary eyes. That accursed Night Princess's solar orb was in the sky, pinpricks of stars around it. He squinted at it in confusion. Wasn't she supposed to be in it? He shook his head. It didn't matter. He took a step forward, but stopped in his tracks, fear plaguing him for the first time. A pink cuffed chain had suddenly blinked into existence on his ankle, sparking savagely. 
"Aren't you forgetting something?" a voice purred sweetly from somewhere in the darkness. He looked around wildly, spotting nothing. Growling, he yanked the chain, only to yelp in pain when it burned him. Gritting his teeth, he stood still, admitting defeat.
"That's better," said the voice. "Now, I believe this belongs to you." A small golden piece floated towards him alight on raspberry aura, jingling slightly. Recognizing, he gave an involuntary jerk on the chains. That was his! How did--whoever this was--get a hold of it! It was sealed that damn mountain!
"You want it?" the voice asked, floating the trinket just out of reach. He growled, his deep voice reverberating around the clearing. 
"Of course I want it," he answered. 
"Good," his mysterious companion responded. "I have need of your... services. You want revenge on the unicorn who sealed you in stone and took this," his trinket jangled as the aura gently shook it, "away from you. I can get that for you. I want revenge on Equestria, too. You help me, I give you what you want most." 
He paused, thinking about it. "What's in it for me?" 
His companion chuckled. "I just told you. You do it, you'd get this back." They shook his treasure again. He growled. 
"How do I know you won't go back on your word?" 
"Darling," the voice simpered, then turned dark. "I never break my promises. Now, do we have a deal?" He paused, then nodded. At his agreement, the chain vanishing, releasing him. He glanced up, his bell still floating there, still ringing. "When your bell tolls, Equestria will burn," the voice said, a slender hand beckoning him forward. Equestria burning, eh? He liked the sound of that. 
"Judging by your smile, am I to assume you like the idea?" His new partner asked. 
Grogar grinned. "Yes. I do."
> Chapter 4: Trial and Terror
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"To every cycle of life, there is a balance. Day, night, good, evil. The green grass on one side of the fence; the dead grass on the other. It doesn't matter which side you choose---if you choose a side at all. What matters is the balance you keep. To which way you lean." ~ Anonymous
"How things change so quickly," Twilight mused. She felt self-conscience, staring out over Canterlot like some sort of  tyrannical figure. Which, considering what she'd done just previously, was probably an appropriate description. The thought made her sick. 
It was amusing, really, how just a few nights ago, she and her friends were laughing under the moonlight, exchanging stories and teasing each other about everything under the sun. Now here she was, brooding and scheming out every detail down the last atom, going so far as to bring a hated nemesis in the mix, under the pretense of 'desperate times call for desperate measures.' And her friends? They were trapped by bars of another's making.
At that thought, fury surged through through her for a brief moment, only to replaced with despair. "How in the world will I get them out!?" she screamed in inwardly. Sure, she had one of Equestria's most hated enemies under her control, for lack of a better term, but he scared her to death! What in the world would she even use him for!? The only reason she was able to set him free was because she'd had the Element of Magic with her. On that note, she was very surprised the Element had even allowed her to set Grogar free. But maybe because she was it's bearer, she had control over it?
Twilight rubbed her temples, a headache forming. She didn't know! Everything was so confusing. She didn't know where to turn and even Princess Celestia didn't have any advice. For once. 
"Peace, child," a soft, motherly voice cooed. Instantly, her panic ceased. Twilight took a shaky breath. Her thoughts were spinning out of control again. She paused. What was that? That... that voice she'd heard. She could have sworn she'd heard it before...  But before she could ruminate on it further, she heard the doors open. 
"Princess," a sudden male voice sounded, causing Twilight yelp with fright and accidentally burn the window sill. She turned, heart pounding. 
The guard cast her an apologetic glance. "My apologies, Princess." His voice was quiet. He cleared his throat and raised his voice. "The Courts are ready for you." 
Twilight drew in another shaky breath. "This is it," she thought. She pushed open the throne room doors, stepping into the room, preparing to fight yet another battle. As the doors closed behind her, no one noticed the burn on the sill disappear, leaving the painted wood unblemished. 

***


Chiseled Dagger stood there, against the wall. Safeguarding one of Canterlot Castle's many, many halls, as he had done for over forty years. His will was just as polished and unyeilding as the breast plate he wore. Inmovable, stubborn, with a streak of red-hot anger if push came to shove. He wasn't known for being a softy and letting others into his open heart. However, a few came close. One in particular, being the sister to one his favorite students in training, back when he was younger, more carefree, and willing. Shining Armour. Strong, willing, malleable, and with a magical skill not all could copy. One of the few Gleaming Dagger was proud to call his student. If the past was anything to go by, Shining hadn't lost his touch. Maybe that was why he was now the Prince-Consort of the Crystal Empire. 
But despite his outer, expressionless demeanor, his thoughts were anything but. Something had happened at the castle. Something strange. When Princess Twilight Sparkle ascended the throne, things in the castle changed. Mostly for the better, in his personal opinion. The newest Princess encouraged all castle staff to become more friendly with each-other; helped the castle staff with their tasks so long as she wasn't too busy; even going so far as to fix their problems. All castle staff were amiable with each-other; some were even good friends, such as Dandruff Particles, Head Servant, and Raven Inkwell, Princess Celestia's head assistant. The thought caused the old guard to smile. There was a reason for that. Ever since a certain indigo-haired, lavender-winged girl became princess. More smiles were exchanged, trade increased, need he say more? In short, the entire castle's atmostphere had changed, going from all business, to that which it truly was: a home. Open. Refreshing. To say that Chiseled Dagger liked it was an underestimate. 
But lately, things had changed. Drastically. Especially since the successful capture of five 'criminals', although Chilsed wasn't entitely sure that was true. Whispers now dominated the halls, servants rushed to and fro without exchanging a word to their fellow guards like they used to. Tensions between once strong relationships grew thicker and thicker, and absolute trust between even the best of friends drained at an alarming rate. More fights behind closed doors occurred, and glares were constantly being shot at others when mistakes were made, instead of the laughter that used to happen. When Princess Twilight arrived, things had lightened up a considerable amount, but that didn't last long. 
Something wasn't right. At all. Even the Princess herself had seemingly changed, no matter how hard Chiseled tried to convince himself otherwise. In all the years he had known her, excluding all the times Equestria's safety hung in the balance, she was always a paragon of hope, always willing to lend an ear or a hand. Always relaxed. Always smiling. Always...  friendly. For as long as he had known her, Princess Twilight had never acted like this. Never for this long. 
Footsteps softly approaching him yanked the old guard out of his thoughts. He straightened to attention, and allowed his eyes, and only his eyes, to wander towards the sound. 
Speak of said princess, and she shall appear. Princess Twilight walked, or stalked more like it, down the hall. She kept one hand down by her side. She was holding something, although he couldn't tell what. In any other normal case he would be suspiscious, especially since she wasn't the type to hide anything, unless it was private. But it wasn't his place to pry. She was a princess. 
Her other hand waved aimlessly through the air, seemingly following an invisible trail of some sort. He had seen this before, as it was common amoung unicorns. Princess Celestia did it all the time. He didn't really understand it, being an Earth-born, but he got the jist. It was a second-nature habit, as easy as breathing, depending how strong your well-spring was. They were instinctively searching for leylines in the air, following energy trails no one else could see. Of course, he had heard the possibility that for some it was a tic, but he had a feeling it was mostly the former. 
"Chisled Dagger." It wasn't a question, and it snapped him back to reality in an instant. He blinked, before focusing on her. Her gaze was steely, something he had rarly seen. 
"I have an... offer for you." Her tone was light, but he could sense a dark undertone, and he stiffened. He didn't like this. Not from her.  
He shifted his position and spoke, his voice cracking from lack of use. "Your majesty?" 
Her eyes glittered with mirth for a moment, making him wonder if he had said something wrong. She blinked it away. "I know you're not under my authority, but I heard you have a good record with safe-gaurding Equestria's Treasury, as well certain stone relics in Canterlot's Gardens." She bit her lip, her eyes going distant for a moment. "The name 'Discord' comes to mind." 
The old gaurd cocked his head slightly. "Where is she going with this?" he wondered. 
"I need you to gaurd something else," she said. He paused. His duty was to Canterlot Castle, nowhere else. But she WAS a princess. He couldn't undermine her authority. Still... 
She smirked, causing the uneasy feeling in him to grow stronger. "Judging by the look in your eyes, I have a feeling I'd have a hard time swaying you if I just asked. Unfortunately..." For just a moment, regret and sadness flashed across her expression, only to return back to its original state. But he saw it. 
"I'm going to have to make this an official royal order, signed and sealed." With a raspberry flash, a scroll appeared in front of him. It bore Celestia's royal seal, causing him to gasp. 
"You can do this?" he blurted, forgetting his place. A smooth chuckle sounded from within his mind, causing him to freeze in place.
"Well if we're getting into the nitty-gritty, no. I'm not. However, I AM a princess, something several people seem to forget, so I say it's time to put my foot down. Let's not include the fact that Celestia is not involved; so why is there the need for her to know?" 
He didn't respond to her words, too shocked. "You can use telepathy!?" he practically shouted in his mind. He heard a patient sigh. 
"Does everyone believe that Celestia and Luna are the only ones able to use it? Any unicorn with enough skill and mental control is able to do it, and---" a soft chuckle was heard, "I'd like to think I'm more magically skilled than that. The Element of Magic did choose me, after all." There was a long pause. Chilsed decided it was best not to say anything. 
"But more to the point. I'm using telepathy for a reason. You'll notice the hallway is nearly empty, and I approached YOU. 
I need you to gaurd something for me. This won't take any time off your usual schedule or pay."
"I shall do as you command, princess." He said, bowing his head. He heard her release a sigh, and then felt fingers lift his chin. 
"Thank you. And, please don't bow to me. There's nothing i hate more."
"What would you have me guard?" he asked. She paused for a moment. 
"Not 'what', but who. And if you have any hesitations...." She trailed off and lifted her hand, dropping a small, brown bag in his hand. Several clinks sounded from inside, and Chisled nearly dropped it due to the weight. 
"... I assure you, this is worth the pay."

***

Magic ceased glowing. A sense of relief emanated from her, causing the plants around the Tree to perk up. Her siblings, however, weren't so calm. 
Her bearer had only returned her five hours ago after the.... shall we say deed, and instantly, Honesty pried the truth out of her. Her siblings were greatly displeased. And they let her know. 
 "GROGAR!?" Loyalty raged. "What in the good light of Celestia's sun was your bearer thinking!? And you let her go THROUGH WITH IT!? IS YOUR HEAD SCREWED ON STRAIGHT!?"
Magic flinched, but refused to answer. 
"Loyalty, enough," Honesty said gently.
"But she--"
 "I know. But I also know she has a good explanation. Right, little sister?" he said pointedly. 		 
Magic flinched again. If she had a form, she would have gritted her teeth. A strange burning sensation stung her, and she paused, confused. It felt like like liquid, almost. It didn't cause pain, but it wasn't exactly pleasant either. Were those... tears? Was this what it was like to shed tears for those they had always watched over?  Yes, that must be it. 
Magic claimed her nerves. She knew Loyalty. He had a short fuse, and she also knew she was on thin ice. She had to be careful. 
 "I'm sorry," she murmured quietly, feeling her 'tears' spill over. Her voice was unsteady, the depth of her emotion showing through. She knew her siblings could hear her, and they were drinking in every word. 
"Magic," Kindness breathed, obviously feeling her pain. 
 "My bearer...  She's... She's desperately clutching at straws and is getting trapped at every turn, no matter what path she takes." Magic gritted her teeth again. "Even I am running out of options. I... I was so desperate to help her that I... I guess I no longer cared what she did."
"Magic," Honesty began, but Magic continued. 
     "I--I know it was wrong, but she has a plan." Magic fell silent, unable to continue. Her siblings were quiet. Perhaps her explanation was good enough. 
There was a long pause of silence. Then Laughter spoke up, albeit hesitantly. "Why are you doing this for her, M? You know Grogar is dangerous--we barely escaped last time!"

"I love her," Magic answered simply. Her siblings had no response. There was another long bout of silence before one of them spoke up again. 
"What can we do?" Generosity asked. 
"Be careful," Honesty answered. "It's all we can do."