The Ballad of Xyclone

Deep in the Everfree Forest, midnight

"Spike? Are you awake?" whispers Twilight in her tent, late at midnight.

Spike moans sleepily. "Ugh...I am now. What's wrong?"

"It's Xyclone," continues Twilight.

Spike groans, annoyed. "Seriously, this again?"

"What's your opinion on him, Spike? What do you think of him?"

"Well, I don't think he's the worst enemy in all of Equestria, as you keep boldly emphasizing. I think he's a cool dude. He seems like he'd be a good friend."

"I think I'm starting to have second thoughts about him..." continues Twilight.

"Good!" exclaims Spike. "Does this mean you'll stop acting so darn crazy?"

"That's the thing. I wish I wasn't having second thoughts about him. I still don't trust him..."

Spike groans frustratingly. "Why can't you just accept that he's a good guy?! You know what? We're done here. I refuse to have this same conversation again." Spike returns to bed, wrapping himself up in blankets.

"B-But Spike--!" Twilight cries.

"No!" yells Spike. "I'm sick of you acting like this! You've changed, Twilight. You used to be nice, but this obsession over Xyclone is turning you into a monster. I miss the adorkable pony Twilight Sparkle who loves to read, not to spy!"

"I'm just trying to be aware in case anything bad happens!" Twilight shoots back. "I'm trying to help Equestria!"  "Equestria is *fine!"* screams Spike. "The only thing you need to worry about is yourself right now!" Twilight looks down, feeling guilty. "Wake me up when you have some common sense, Twilight. Goodnight."

Twilight turns away from Spike with tears in her eyes. "I'm...I'm not a monster..." she whimpers under her breath. She looks outside at Xyclone sleeping soundly on a log. She closes her eyes and looks at the ground sadly. Something inside Twilight snaps then. She looks back up and her look of sadness suddenly turns into anger. "He's turning me against my own friends," she growls. "He will never get away with this. No more Miss Nice Princess." Suddenly Twilight's pupils dilate and drift apart, and a malicious grin spreads across her face. "I'm not a monster," she says, giggling madly. "H-He's the monster!" She tilts her head up into the sky and cackles evilly. "GUESS WHO'S BACK?!" she laughs menacingly.