A Study in Twilight Sparkles

Chapters

Prologue: One Fateful Morning Updated: 01/02/14
Chapter One: Trains
Chapter Two: Planes!

Prologue: One Fateful Morning Updated: 01/02/14

“Where am I?” her voice echoed almost like its own reply. The room was dark except for paltry light provided by a wall sconce. Confused she looked around for a door but the only doors were in front of her and she was sure the direction she had fallen from was behind her. It didn’t make any sense. How could you just a fall into a room like this? Even more where was this place? The questions kept piling up and even more so she felt weird like she was crawling on the floor. Turning around she noticed her reflection in the surface of the mirror. Screaming she looked away, “What! That’s not right!?” Looking again this time she covered her mouth to stave off a scream. Same reflection looking back this time she stared hard noticing the peculiarities. As difficult as it was she compiled a list and began to recite it trying to keep calm. However when she opened her mouth another scream escaped her lips. Obviously she was incoherent there was no way this was happening. She wasn’t a horse, she didn’t have wings, no horns, she wasn’t purple, and her hair wasn’t violet. She wasn’t all these things, she was normal twilight the girl who didn’t fit in, who stayed in the library all day, had a cool older brother and a dog. But her hair was violet like her eyes and overall it really was her looking back. It was just this form, how does someone become a pony? That was the primary thought running through the jumbled mind of the foreigner. Perhaps if she looked back at this morning and everything leading up to this she would figure it all out.

First thing she remembered was the high cielings of her room and the boy waiting for her at the door. He was handsome as always and she adored him because they were bestfriends through everything. Today hadn’t really gone like she wanted. Heck, if it had been up to her she wouldn’t have gone at all. Yet, everything he said clung and weighted her down.

“Twilight Sparkle, you need to calm down. This is a good experience for you. You’ve done nothing but hole up in the library and come out when it’s time to eat.”

“I just can’t believe they would connive behind my back to send me someplace just because they think ‘I need to make friends’. I need friends less than I need these new clothes.” Twilight spoke indignantly.

“We won’t be here for you forever. I know Cadence would be disappointed to see you acting like this. Maybe you should try taking one from her book.” The mention of Cadence had changed Twilight’s look of discomfort into shame.

“I could try…I suppose.”

“Don’t give me that Twilight. That’s just a cop out. If you really wanted to make friends you would.” The pale ivory teen standing beside her offered no sympathy for her troubles. His attire of blue jeans and a white Crystal High sports coat gave off a similar feeling of cold. He’d been waiting for 20 minutes because his sister was working on being tardy for school. Originally Twilight had begged for a ride so she could forgo the ritual of riding a bus with her peers on the first day of school. However her brother had seen it as another ‘cop-out’ and refused. So instead of driving today he would forgo his daily calisthenics practice to walk her to the bus stop.

The two were still standing inside her room, a small space painted the same pale violet as her skin. Against the wall a bed was sheeted and covered with a bedspread that displayed a 6-pointed star emblem design. This shape found its way into all her clothing and possessions. it was no surprise when she appeared before her brother that morning wearing a split-zip up top displaying it. She had opted for a blue skirt to compliment the white background and easy walking boots clad in gray leather.

Once both teens had finished preparations and went downstairs into the kitchen, breakfast was already gone. Sitting at the kitchen table was their mother Twilight Velvet. She had a book in one hand and cup of coffee in the other.

“Have a good day at School, honey. Hopefully you’ll fit in this time.” Velvet’s light turquoise eyes looked visibly troubled as the teens passed. Spike the family dog sat on her lap, enjoying her careless strokes across his short fur.

Shining Armor stopped short, letting Twilight continue to walk out the door. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I don’t think she can take another school where she’s an outcast because of her brains.”

“It honestly wasn’t my idea. I received a phone call from your principal suggesting we try it. They can’t even convince her to go to class. She just stays inside the school library like some kind of ghost.”

“I didn’t know it was that bad. I’d heard rumors but I thought the bullying had stopped.”

“She’s so quiet about school that I didn’t know either. The principal said he had talked to Vice Principal Luna of Canterlot High about the issue and she had agreed to a transfer so that Twilight might at least graduate."

A quick glance at his wrist caused the teen to exclaim in surprise, “I have to go, Mom. Sorry!”

Twilight had been waiting impatiently for her brother. “I could have missed the bus by now and you’d have to drive me to school.”

“Unlikely. We would have seen the bus if it had come. It drives down this street to turn around. Not to mention there is other bus stops. And you could always walk.”

“Fine.” the teen pouted stepping away from the white siding of the house and off the short concrete porch. They walked in silence with Shining Armor taking the position closest to the street. He was enjoying the air as they walked, but they were in such a rush they couldn’t stop for any reason, much less be polite to those they passed. Along the way Twilight’s fancy for certain animals kicked in and her eyes wandered occasionally to take a peek at one.

“Alright Twilly. Give it your best shot and good luck.” Her brother proclaimed after only two blocks. The corner ahead was marked with a sign declaring the bus route. Next to the stop another girl was casually waiting at the corner. Twilight could only presume it was for the same reason as her.

Shining Armor had turned around, taking off at a light jog back the way they came. She understood he couldn’t dawdle, but his hurried pace made her feel even more uneasy. After deciding not to dwell on it her interest turned to the other teenager. Bright curls wound themselves tightly into a tangle of pink raspberry around the girl’s face and she hummed with a goofy smile. Twilight quickly noted ear buds were behind the girl’s obliviousness to Twilight’s approach. She bubbled inside with uncertainty until finally she made up her mind to say something but the bus’s approach drowned out everything.

The bus was a white liner decked in gold and blue; the colors of the Wondercolts. The swivel doors on the front opened, revealing a light blue interior and a bus driver in a clean jumpsuit. No stranger to buses she grasped the metal guide rail and boarded the bus. Inside the noise of chatty school kids and scuffling feet combined with the sound of someone practicing the French Horn. Twilight found an open spot towards the front and took a seat. Immediately a trend she was used to had begun. The other students moved away giving her unnecessary amounts of room and attention with their eyes. Looking around at all these people she knew it wasn’t to going to change. She would always be alone. All she would have is her books. That’s all she needed as far as the teen was concerned. The whispering continued amongst the other riders and she was sure they were waiting for a slip up. Unable to avoid their stares and silence she settled in, pulling a thick hardcover book from her bag and starting to read.

“Hey, Twilight!” a happy voice chirped from the aisle. Putting the book down she looked up dumbfounded at the girl.

“How do you know my name?”

The other girl’s cerulean eyes ignited with insight then she ran to back of the bus leaving Twilight completely stupefied. She didn’t know but it was eerie. Twilight was sure she would have remembered someone like that if they had ever met before. Even after the girl was gone it stuck to her soul like glue. Somehow she’d find out who that girl was and how they were acquainted.

For a bus ride the trip was excruciatingly long in twilight’s standard of time and was only pronounced being close to completion by the jostled stop and the view of yellow that overflowed through the window. They were stopped in a long line waiting to get to the drop off zone. She began to feel irritated at every go-stop-go so much so she began to mutter it in time.

Then the exultation of being released came when the airbrakes released announcing the final stop and the eventual departure from the cramped vehicle.

Everyone rushed trying to get out first. It was a stupid competitive ritual because it didn’t really matter who went first. Once everyone was off the bus there would be another pile up at the front doors of the school if this was anything like her last one. As the line piled up and she waited to get off the bus it gave her a chance to see the large school through the windows. Its ivory bricked glory and the banner hanging down over the foyer of the school stood out against the green and blue of the surroundings. The sight kept her mesmerized until her boots were planted firmly on the sidewalk.

Tourist eyes looked over the school and she realized it made her look new. Putting her head down practically left her blind and when she did look up she saw the stallion statue a few feet in front of her. It’s solid stone features looked towards the sky. She wished she could have looked that confident. Suddenly the steady flow of students increased pushing her towards the statue. She was at their mercy and her legs weren’t co-operating in the least. Twilight wondered what was going to happen to her when the crowd stopped moving. Time was lost on the teen and the bell rang its first warning; predictably it became treacherous. At that point she could remember feeling tripped and the terrible falling towards the statue as she was pushed out the side of the moving tide. She closed her eyes and extended her arms hoping that would stop it all. Instead everything went silent and the girl was sure that she had passed out. Maybe was she dead on the concrete? It certainly would have been better than the humiliation of another school. But no she found herself in this dark room when she opened her eyes.

Everything suggested this wasn’t a hallucination. She felt the pain of stretching out her wings and the tumbles of trying to walk; she could even smell the paraffin of the candles on the wall. Yet it didn’t make Twilight happy at all. A new world to learn and no hands to read any of the books on the shelves? It couldn’t get any worse. The recollection had calmed the alicorn but still answered no questions. Twilight wasn’t a unicorn and wasn’t a Pegasus. She had deduced she must be a winged unicorn because a horned Pegasus sounded preposterous.

Twilight could stay here as long as she liked until death set in. The only options seemed to be going through the door and seeing what this world held. If it was different; then perhaps she would no longer be the outcast. She could have friends but she would never love. You can’t love outside your species that was the decision anyway.

The first task to this world was walking. Every attempt seemed to leave the pony feeling like it was over glorified crawling. She could do it but not gracefully. Every step she had to think about and that took away from other important thoughts.

The wings were the real mystery. They scared her beyond any doubt. Humans didn’t fly and boarding an aircraft didn’t count. A few experimental flaps and she hovered weakly but the space didn’t accommodate for much more practice than that. Falling back down onto the plush carpet she sat up from a sprawled out position and stared at the door as if she had x-ray vision. Nothing had changed about the door; it was large, made of dark wood and didn’t have any peepholes what so ever.

The real issue was that her apprehension was kicking her in the muzzle. She didn’t really have a reason to fear leaving the room because this room wasn’t going to feed her. Finally putting her mind to it she approached the door. The task of opening the lifeless cold object that barred her way, was a whole new experience. It left her feeling dead to the world. She wanted to know who was responsible for such a hard task. For it certainly wasn’t her.

Just as quickly as she stepped out into a cool air of the hallway the door shut with a loud creak and two voices greeted in unison, “Good Morning Princess.”

They were battle hardened ponies donned in gold Spartan armor and the apprehension returned with the weak greeting she gave, “Good Morning.”

“Early reading in the royal library?” An orange coated Pegasus asked sincerely.

“Uh, yes. “

“I was sent to report that your friends left earlier and will be waiting for you at the train station.”

“Oh, thank you.” She said backing away almost into a wall but corrected herself to face the right direction. Focusing on walking turned out to be the best policy until she almost turned into another wall.

Saving grace turned out to be the bright light coming in from further down the corridor and the fact that it opened into a magnificent great hall. This room was sparsely furnished and focused on two thrones on a raised dais. A door leading out at the far end of the hall caught her attention and she rushed for it. Stopping short her legs wobbled as a voice called, “Hey, Twilly!”

Turning back she saw a unicorn of white with a blue mane walking towards her. Behind her the guard from earlier was approaching from the hall. “Look, Shining Armor. I don’t need you tailing me wherever I go. I can take care of myself.” She suddenly felt embarrassed at her remark. Had she really forgotten that this Unicorn wasn’t her big brother.

“Look, is this about Flash Sentry and his guards keeping a watch on you while you’re around the castle? Cadence and I are just concerned that another pony seeking the elements of harmony could come running through the gate again.”

Her eyes sparked up. There was a gate of some kind back to her world and back in that room of course. No doubt though she was trapped but who needed to go back? Not her. If he was her big brother then she could just exist here as easily. It already looked more prospective first she would just need to meet these friends.

Noticing he was waiting for her response she opened her mouth but got instead of a well-planned reply this spilled out, “Ah, got it… I just spent too long in the library that’s all.” She turned towards the door when he cut her off by spinning the wily alicorn around. “I came to see you off. It seemed to me you were going to leave without saying good bye to your big brother.” Shining Armor touched his horn to hers as a sign of affection. Magic infiltrated her mind it seemed to be memories of happiness.
“I’m really sorry about what I said. You do care.”

“Of course, you’re my sister. Now you best be off the train will be departing soon.”

A smile lingered as she turned to go. She was loved here by a big brother and had friends. There was magic too but she couldn’t miss meeting her new friends. They were more important than focusing on learning the magic of this world. That would have to come later when she got to her new home.

She did however whisper softly as she reached the door, “I’ll see you again brother.”

Author's Note

This is a learning experience for me as a writer I'm looking for direct feedback. If you find something oddly written or you feel it needs work tell me in Message or Comment. I'm noticing that I overlook things when I'm writing because I automatically supplement the words with the backing that's not on the page.

I also give thanks to my editor Agent_Trune who proofreads this and slaps me every time I put seeming/seemingly twice in a sentence.

Another update: 01/02/14

Chapter One: Trains

The sun was hanging high over the train station by the time Twilight Sparkle had arrived at its base. Feeling a little wary she held back to recover before walking up the landing to see these so called ‘friends’ of hers. The train station itself was a neat facility painted in navy blue with lilac and white shingled roofing. It was odd that the floor was painted in the same matching purple roofs. It made all the inhabitants stand out. However it was so busy she couldn’t tell who these friends were. It became obvious once 5 ponies rushed her.

The first pony, a Pegasus prodded, “Jeez Twilight you took forever getting back.” Her mane was a brilliant rainbow that shone above a sky blue coat. She was edgy and kept prancing with excitement.

“It’s doesn’t matter, Rainbow Dash. I’m just glad she made it back on time.” This time the speaker was light orange earth pony with a mane of straw colored hair pulled back in a hair tie.

“Um, excuse me.”

“Still she almost didn’t. It would have been a lonely train ride back without Twilight.”

“Um, um. Please, the train…”

“And I’m telling you it doesn’t matter.”

Suddenly a loud voice proclaimed over the ponies, “Boarding now for Ponyville. I repeat Train 3 for Ponyville is boarding now.”

The interrupting Pegasus looked apprehensive with defeat for she had failed to deliver the message-before the train staff- to her friends. She glided on pastel yellow wings towards the gate before landing gently in line for boarding the train.

However the effect was the two friends had stopped arguing and both moved into line with the rest. Unnoticed at her hooves was a purple dragon who was yawning sleepily. His resemblance to her family dog was remarkable so she had no choice but to try since her last gamble had been correct. “Spike?” she questioned hoping it wasn’t wrong.

“Yes Twilight?”

“We’re going to be boarding the train soon. You can nap then.” She was getting adept at lying. As long as she faked it no one would know the difference. They marched slowly onto the train as their luggage had already been loaded so there was only a few carry on’s following behind their respective owners. The cars were multi-colored and cute in their own way.

The mare could not help but be awed at the roomy seating and luxury of the cars. Red velvet cushioned seats and the wood paneling were refreshing compared to this morning.

“Gee, Twilight is something wrong?” another one of her friends. She was bright pink with the most gorgeous blue eyes and what Twilight felt was a funny way of speaking.

“I’m fine. Just a little tired is all.”

“Alright.” With that she took off hopping down the car. It was odd to watch yet the amazing thing was that she didn’t hit the ceiling even once.

The last unicorn wasn’t silent in the least, she was ignoring Twilight completely and engaging in a steady conversation with Applejack about some dance event and the ideas she had gotten from the crystal pony boutiques.

It had been hard to feign and lie but she knew if they found out the truth they would abandon her and she’d be alone and lost in this world. Something she had picked up listening was this land was called Equestria and the place she emerged into was called The Crystal Empire. Twilight could only hope that this world’s Twilight Sparkle stayed out of her new life. She had decided after mingling with Shining Armor that this place was way better than home. But really after all this she just wanted a nap. Now feeling scott free she began to settle in for the train ride to a place called Ponyville.

The chamber was gray stone and barren of all personal items. It belonged to a violet Alicorn, who was missing at the time. She had teleported back to her room to recover the journal of a famous wizard before she would have to leave for home. Missing her ride home was something she didn’t wish to endure yet it had taken forever to find the book. Somehow it had ended under the bed much to her annoyance. One glimpse in the mirror showed a face she had always known. Simple tresses with their normal magenta streak and pale purple eyes that reflected the light; she was suddenly reminded of her need to return to the train station. Teleporting felt weird at first; it was like being blinded and your body is being taken apart like an action figure then reassembled at the location you imagine. This Twilight Sparkle was the native here and her magic was strong enough to prove her to be able to transcend all the worlds’ magics.

Yet, punctuality wasn’t one of her strong suits as was the magic of friendship. She was tardy and constantly being distracted by her own reflection. It took a moment for the distraction to pass and time suddenly hit her like a bad realization. “I’m late! I’m late, so very late! No! No!” she cried zipping through space suddenly appearing on the platform at the train station. A couple nearly jumped out of their seats after the Alicorn suddenly appeared, it's body occupying space too close for comfort. Wandering lost she realized the train was gone and so was her friends.

“If you had been here, perhaps, ten minutes earlier you could have made the train. Next one will be arriving 30 minutes before sunset. You will have to wait here unless you feel the need to fly or try and teleport yourself since you scared those two over there shitless. Excuse my language, Princess.” The window attendant, a gruff old stallion, hadn’t been exactly rude, but just blunt.

Thoughts bubbled like nonsense in her brain trying to find an answer. Even a thought back to a Starswirl the bearded spell for a teleportation hub came to mind. Problem was Starswirl’s notes indicated many places one could end up besides Ponyville. So that was too risky. Another thought was to fly to the train and board that way except she knew there were long tunnels on the way to Ponyville and her flying was lackluster at best. So that was another plan out the window.

One idea rose to the surface above the rest. “Of course, teleportation!” exclaimed the eureka afflicted Alicorn. Focusing her mind on the train she imagined where it must be and herself moving to its location. A feeling came over Twilight and it was cold but warm at the same time. It was a different than she was used to. Then following it consciously she began to feel sick like something had hit her squarely in the tummy and then she became dizzy as if she had been run through some high-tech spinning machine designed for drying laundry. She couldn’t let that invention idea bother her now so she opened her eyes to find herself standing on the very edge of the train. Rail behind her it was a very close encounter and she dare not think of the mortality rate of pony-railroad accidents. At least she was still whole as far she knew. Maybe it was the distance but Twilight still didn’t like the feeling.

The first rail car was the luggage car and it was stacked to the brim with valises and other bags. Easily navigated she was lucky for the lack of a posted guard. Rid of the car she nervously listened to the air as it whipped with the sound of a radar's Doppler.

“Wake up, Twilight.” Applejack said nudging the Princess.

“Yes?” The Alicorn yawned softly opening one sleepy eye.

“We’re almost back. That was a nice vacation Princess Cadence treated us to. Oh how I wish I could have stayed longer.” The pale unicorn reminisced with stars in her eyes.

“I’ll be glad to get back to my studies.” Now it was Twilight who had stars in her eyes.

“Rarity, you’d miss home eventually and it looks like Twi has already gone home.”

It was then a voice came over the loud speaker, “Disembarking for Ponyville will commence in 5 minutes.”

The ride itself had felt short despite how long it had taken to get there. Thanks to unicorn portal magic the journey was cut down from 4 hours to less than two. It was the proprietary magic of the Equestrian Rail Ways. The magic was a very recent discovery attributed to the crowning of Princess Twilight Sparkle.

The party of six didn’t rush their departure, choosing instead to wait for the others to depart. The seats were warm still and Spike was still waking from his nap as well. “You couldn’t let me sleep?” yawned spike.

“If we had you could have ended up lost and alone.” Twilight teased.

“Don’t talk like that Twi. Now that I’m up lets go home.”

“That may be true but you shouldn’t tease poor Spike like that.” Applejack interceded.

“That’s true. I’m sorry, Spike.”

Spike didn’t look happy about his adopted mother’s sense of humor, yet he had to concede to the truth of the matter. Without her he wouldn’t have even been born. After the outburst was over the train had become empty enough for the mares to dismount. Ponyville’s station looked more serene and realistic compared to the pastel colors they had left behind. First to leave the group was Apple Jack. Big Mac and Apple Bloom had come to bring her home.

She had left to discuss everything that had happened while they had been gone. What they spoke of was incomprehensible if you weren’t in their circle.

“Wait, Twilight.” Spike cried launching himself onto her back. Twilight had nearly bucked from the unaccustomed weight. “Uh, aren’t you going to carry your luggage?” Spike asked next. A purple trunk was sitting lonely on the ground. Some ponies were pulling there’s by the teeth while other unicorns used magic. She hadn’t any experience with magic and now the baby dragon was expecting some trick. It was a dire situation and her heart began to beat heavily

She was saved when two young stallions approached. One was a muted burnt orange, the other was tan. “Allow us to assist you Princess.” It didn’t take long for it to dawn on her that being a princess had its perks. “Oh, thank you.” Blush suffused Twilight’s cheeks.

“Oh, aren’t you lucky, Twilight. Two hunks to carry you home.” Rarity sighed.

“I’m not sure that’s a compliment.”

“Oh, oh but it is. I want two pieces of hunky goodness to carry me for the rest of my life.”

“Well, Ok then. I’ll be going now.”

It was then the two pegasi appeared before her. “I’m glad I got tell you this before you left but I had a good time. Hopefully we can hang out again soon.” The bright yellow Pegasi flew gently towards the forest. It didn’t seem like she could go fast even if she wanted to.

The next was the memorable Rainbow Dash, “I’m with Fluttershy. I agree I had a great time. I’ll be seeing you.” Her rainbow mane soared across the sky, moving away from the train station towards the great unknown. Pinkie Pie was still unseen, but that was just like her.

Hearing the loudspeaker announce their arrival at Ponyville left Twilight speechless. “I went that far?” She stood there, musing about the teleportation spell before the sudden horde of train goers knocked her out as they amassed at the doors. Overall she was so tired she didn’t want to fight the crowd. She really just wanted to see her friends and check on Spike. That nap seemed really appetizing; she thought about sinking into the nearest unoccupied bench and wasting a few hours. All she could do is wait to get out, which could take forever by her standards.

One thing kept plugging through her mind. She felt betrayed by her friends and couldn’t believe they’d leave without her. It was really painful to push so hard and find no success. Deep in thought she failed to notice the pink party pony trying to get her attention towards the front of the car.

Author's Note

I feel this chapter is a little choppier than my previous work. I'm thinking of taking another go at it tomorrow.

Again thanks goes to my editor Agent_Trune. This time it was sentences that lead to cliffs. I know this isn't where the side walk ends....at least I hope it isn't.

Chapter Two: Planes!

“Twilight! Wakey Wakey!” a familiar cute voice called.

Opening one eye she saw Pinkie Pie with a Tuba pressed against one of her ears. The earth pony was holding pockets of air in her cheeks to stave off the musical blast. “Hold on, I’m awake.” she muttered through her waking tongue. She was extremely happy to see one of her friends there, but there was still a lingering issue on her mind. With most of her thoughts still focused on getting up she didn’t realize what came blurting out of her mouth.

“How could you leave me back there!? I missed the train, and you all left without me!”

Somehow Pinkie Pie didn’t seem to notice. She attempted to speak with her mouth still full of air, “Mmmffu Mmmmfuuhhh.” Realizing this wasn’t going well Twilight reached out and pressed the pink pony’s cheeks together, causing a loud farting noise to erupt from her mouth.

“Gee thanks Twilight! It was really hard trying to speak with my mouth full. Now just what do you mean I left you behind? You were up front napping the whole time.”

Twilight looked like she had been struck across the muzzle. “What another me? I couldn’t have split myself by magic could I?” The mere thought of it terrified Her.

“Well you both look alike, except for your crown of course. Also, my twitchy tail was acting up the whole ride here. So I knew something was a hoof.”

“It couldn’t have been the teleporting could it? Pinkie Pie look at me do I look normal?”

“You look whole to me.”

Twilight was winded with a mental overload, which caused sparks of magic to vibrate off her horn in confusion. In the span of a second, she had teleported outside the car onto the pavement, leaving Pinkie Pie behind.

The train behind her whooshed as it released the airbrakes and took off for its next stop. All the excitement was over at the depot for now, with all the familiar faces fading into the woodwork. Even the janitorial staff had left from the platform. Twilight suddenly felt alone and unsure of why there was a doppelganger of her walking around. Overall the effect was shocking to her. There were too many reasons a fake version of her could appear. She had only one definite thought, which was that it had probably followed them from Ponyville before choosing to manifest in a pony shape.

“Twilight! You're doing it again!” Once again she found a tuba horn against her ear. This time, however, Pinkie Pie took the time to empty her own cheeks of air.

“Oh, sorry Pinkie. I was wondering if by chance this double was related to the mare in the mirror.”

“Could be, assuming you a found a haunted mirror and looked in it before noticing an evil reflection staring back at you with its fangs and evil laugh.”

“It’s just I can't figure out why it’s here or how it got here. Worse thought is everyone else is in danger with that thing walking around.”

“She seemed pretty nice.” Pinkie Pie interjected.

“Well she was pretending to be me. So of course she was trying to be nice.”

Her companion shrugged and turned to go, causing Twilight to realize she might want to let her make a canter before stopping her, “Wait Pinkie! You can't tell the other ponies because I think I figured out what ‘she’ is.”
Pinkie Pie’s pantomimes were straight on, but this time she opted for a simple, “Of course, Twilight.”

Luckily for the truant girl the two stallions knew where Twilight Sparkle lived. The tree looked so sweet and cute it was hard not to be giddy with excitement. An emotion she was failing to hide, “I’m home.”

“It was only a week, Twilight.”

“I know and there’s bound to be cleaning needed since we left it for so long.”

“Oh man. You had to bring it up didn’t you?”

“Of course Spike. If we didn’t keep the place clean, our friends wouldn’t want to come over.”

Opening the finely contoured dark red door revealed a library. Built into the walls of the trunk were rows of shelves, and a sun pattern on the ceiling shone down on everything. It provided a wealth of light to the room. Taking in the sight the most noticeable thing was the thin layer of dust coating the central table and the floors. The alicorn was more than excited for the books, as she was eager to take in the information they could provide.

Twilight was already getting ahead of herself, forgetting about the two stallions who had guided her here. They had set her things down at the base of the stairway leading to her living quarters, and were standing nearby as if they were waiting for something. She suddenly realized they were looking to her for guidance, so she offered a reply,

“Thank you for your help.”

“Was our pleasure Princess.”

With that, the two stallions departed leaving Spike and Twilight alone. With that Spike took his leave of her, going into another room and then returning shortly with broom and a duster. It seemed to her everything here was expected to be resolved by magic. It had been obvious that unicorns were the magic holders, and she was special because she was their princess but so far she'd been afraid to try her magic. Finally, she decided she was going to test it by sweeping the library. A simple task like that would prove how capable she was.

"Go ahead and go take a nap. I’ll start sweeping here.”

“Thanks, Twilight” yawned the dragon. It seemed that he liked his mid afternoon naps.

Before taking care of business Twilight decided to take this as her cue to explore the library. Her eyes wandered taking in each binding they wandered from 'Unicorn Physiology' to 'The Theory of Everything in 214 Steps'. Once again the alicorn was bubbling over with giddy excitement. Yet there was more to see. Tip-hoofing up the stairs she peered into the room watching Spike prepare for bed. His neat little basket looked comfortable with its baby dragon sized blanket and pillow. Next she noticed the bed had a similar comforter styling to her own at home, then it dawned on her that she was referring to where she came from as home. No longer she decided since Princess Twilight Sparkle lived here so would she. Who wanted to return to such a dreadful place anyway?

Slipping back down stairs led her to notice another set of stairs leading downward. She decided ultimately that would be a trip saved for later. More mesmerizing was the horse head table with its smooth surface and the book exposition displaying new arrivals. Twilight suddenly wished she could reach out and touch it with a hand but realized there was nothing but hoof at the end of her arms now. Sadness lingered momentarily as she forgot how to be strong. Realizing what was happening the alicorn bucked up resisting the feelings to be depressed. She had survived this long without them so regardless fingers were just a luxury.

Twilight's mind returned to a forgotten task since menial work blots out all feelings, and she decided the broom work would be perfect to stave off melancholy of homesickness. The first attempt proved to be uninspiring. Swinging her head around to try and force the magic out ended with her becoming very dizzy. Luckily Spike wasn’t witness to her folly, as he had left earlier. Taking the trunk with him, he had dragged it upstairs, letting it bang against the steps as it had followed behind him. Her second attempt involved her focusing on the broom while willing it with her mind to move. All that did was produce sparks. The last attempt caused more ruckus than originally intended as by focusing on her horn instead of the subject, it produced a spray of magic that caused the broom to fly into the nearest wall instead of sweeping up the dirt.

It was at that point Twilight started brooding about the uncooperative broom. Her thoughts were invaded by dark whispers that made her want to snap the broom in half. Other evil things she could do to the inanimate object surfaced, and she tried to wipe them from her mind.

“Stop Changeling!” a voice cried from the door. Standing there looking strong was Princess Twilight Sparkle. The Tiara
styled Element of Harmony was seated on her head in all its glory. The shock on the double’s face was evident as her mouth gaped open. Matching her in almost every way it was uncanny to watch the twin turn to look at her. “What’s a changeling?” She asked

“You aren't fooling me. A changeling is a creature that feeds on the emotions of others, and I know there isn’t a twin of me in this world or I would know!”

“I don't know. Maybe you're the ‘changeling’. I know I’m not.”

“See this element? It chose me, not you. So you can either go or be banished by its power!”

“Seems to me you're putting an awful lot on this crown of yours. Perhaps you have very little merit other than being a
princess. For your information, I have no intention of going back where I came, regardless of what happens to me.”

Sparks emanated from both horses' horns, but it was the original Twilight Sparkle who struck first, nailing the alicorn to the same wall the broom had hit. “You are going to stay here while I find a way to return you to your true form.”
Spike had been watching from above, waiting for a clearing before finally coming down, “Twilight? What’s going on? A changeling? Did she follow us from the crystal empire?”

“She must have Spike otherwise she wouldn’t be playing it up with all my friends and trying to steal my life.”
Steeling herself for the fight books flew off the shelves in a flurry, with the Princess speed reading them as they passed. Spike realized what she was doing and came down to help her look through the books.

“Gee, Twilight what’s goin' on here?” a voice spoke belonging to a familiar straw-maned mare. Looking back and forth at the two Twilight Sparkles evoked mixed feelings in Apple Jack, and none of these emotions were good.

“I’m being held prisoner.” The one against the wall said.

“I’m preparing to send a changeling back to Queen Chrysalis.” Announced the one wearing the crown.

Both spoke in the same voice, making it a confusing matter, “Okay, this is gettin' confusing. Twilight why are stuck against the wall like that and are you really a changeling?”

“No, but psycho seems to think I am. Beside there’s no proof to say what I am. It's, not as if you can scan me to tell that I am a so-called changeling.”

“Don’t bother talking to her; she's just going to lie.” responded Twilight, who was still mass reading books as the flew by, cut off Applejack before she could respond.

“Aren’t you one to talk? Coming in and throwing accusations. You even attacked first.”

“Well you're an evil spawn from a queen who tried to sentence me to die in the caverns of Canterlot. I had to be prepared.”

“If you were captured it’s your own fault. Still, I am not a changeling.”

“Then prove it. What are you?”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle, caretaker of the Golden Oak Library. I live here with Spike.”

“That’s my life! How dare you!? The more aggressive Twilight marched straight up to the face of her doppelganger.

“Quiet you two! Until we know which of you is the real Twilight, you're going to be staying here. Spike, I’m leaving you in charge while I’m gone.” Applejack was firmly in the grip of confusion, but she knew she had to stop the bickering. In her mind it had been quickly decided that she needed to gather the rest of her friends and confront the problem, Elements of Harmony not withstanding.

Clouds had filled the sky, taking over the formerly promising day now looking like it was on the verge of rain Applejack looked up to see if there was a familiar streak of color. When her eyes caught sight of it, she cried out. “Rainbow Dash come down here it’s an emergency!”

In zippy flair, the blue Pegasus came down in a polychromatic streak, “You called?”

Applejack leaned against the door exposing the two Twilight problem.

“Holy Mackerel!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash as Applejack closed the door.

“We need to gather everyone, quickly.”

“Hold on; I need to let my friends know I’ll be leaving early. After that I’ll go get Fluttershy.” With that statement, she had vanished back into the sky.

Applejack ran straight into the Carousel Boutique. The door was open, but she didn’t see Rarity anywhere in the shop. Rain began to fall in sheets outside, and thunder boomed in the distance, signs of a storm growing on the horizon. Inside a sound creaked from the work desk, revealing an ivory coated unicorn that had gotten to its feet.

“Rarity, thank goodness it’s you. We have a problem over at the library.”

“Goodness my, is it large enough that Twilight cannot possibly handle it?”

“Well the problem is Twilight Sparkle. Rainbow Dash is getting Fluttershy currently. We need to help Twilight. Just go over to the library and the problem will become very clear.”

“If you say so, darling. I’ll go over right away.”

Of course, Rarity took forever, spending what felt like ten minutes at each station in the shop. First she picked out her umbrella and clothes, then her scents and finally her makeup. Applejack watched the whole affair with a series of foot tappings and sighs.

Rarity looked good to go, but the prep time was wasted because no one would care. “Alright, I’m off dear. Before I go and forget, take this.” Blue light bubbled out her horn as she strapped up Applejack with a red umbrella and mahogany holder saddle.

The two mares stepped outside together, and Rarity looked up at the sky. Applejack still had her hat but still Rarity was generous with her offer of an umbrella. The rain had gotten worse, as expected and the area seemed even darker than before. In their haste, there hadn’t been any time for parting words. She knew the issue was confusing and that trying to combat it would take more than one. Thinking of the things she could have said just made her feel woozy.
Rarity broke the silence, saying the one thing that mattered, “Is Pinkie Pie already there?”

“No, I haven’t seen her yet.” Apple Jack said.

“Then you better be off. You know what finding her is like.”

The sense of dread started to creep into Applejack. Pinkie could be anywhere in Equestria. Her uniqueness and abilities were beyond any form of explanation, which would make finding her difficult. Either she would find Pinkie at her home or Pinkie would find Applejack by jumping over the wall she was so fond of. Regardless The Search for Pinkie Pie had begun.