Sparkyll and Hyde

Act I: Chapter Four:

Grand Opening of the Altrotta Theatre

     The three hour train ride to Canterlot felt to Twilight less than a half hour of much-needed peace. Her stress and grudge from before had eventually dissolved, leaving her in a balmy state; though her vacation from work still bothered her somewhat. Her friends had chosen, when they'd first left, to leave her be in order to give her time to 'cool off' (As Rainbow naturally put it).

     After the first hour Fluttershy worked up the courage to approach Twilight and decided that it was the right time to tell her about Silver Mist, the mare that had sent Rainbow her letter.

     "She was my and Rainbow's old teacher from Cloudsdale High," she had told her. "Rainbow and I both struggled with our studies back then--me with flying, and her with, um, everything else--so she came to Cloudsdale to help us out. Flying was a required class to pass in order to graduate, after all. But she spent most of her time with Dash, since I only needed that one subject handled."

     "But what about those butterflies back when you got your cutie mark?" Twilight had asked. "Didn't they teach you to fly?"

     "Oh, well, yes and no. See, Silver was kind of the mother figure; urged us to make friends, never scolded us too harshly, and always taught us little by little and used many methods to do so. But she always told me that I couldn't really learn until I experienced flying for myself, and it wasn't until I fell off that cloud that I knew what exactly she meant. I still remember how proud of me she was when I got back to Cloudsdale."

     Fluttershy continued on that once she and Rainbow had graduated, they both made plans to move to Ponyville to fill in positions for weather pony and veterinarian. However, Silver Mist, too, had prepared to leave, despite Fluttershy's objections that she could help other students with their studies. " 'There are other ponies all over Equestria that need me for more than school studies.' That's what she told me. But I guess if she thought so, she was doing the right thing. Now that she's resurfaced with helping another pony, I get that she's a mentor of sorts that travels all over Equestria. That's why we're going to the Altrotta, by the way. The pony she's helping works there now, and she promised . . . ulp . . . front row seats . . ."

     "So you and Rainbow want to see her again."

     "O-of course! Besides Dash, she was my only friend! Erm, I mean, she still is, but . . . well, never mind. My point being, I'm sure she'd love to meet you, and I hope she's not, um, intimidating."

     "What? No, Fluttershy, she sounds amazing! Now I really can't wait to meet her."

     After that, the unicorn had settled with a fantasy book for the rest of the ride, wondering about this mentor.

      When the PA made a ten minute notice for their destination, Twilight set the book she cradled in between knees back in her saddlebag, nestled in between her barrel and the wall of the car in protection of its contents. The dim lights purring above her head barely provided enough light for her to read, partly to blame for her putting the book away.

     She instead decided to organize the items in her saddlebag until she could talk to Spike, letting a slow, quiet whistle between her lips while removing first the TS8 Formula; double-wrapped in bubble-wrap, of course. Adrenaline jumped into her veins; she quickly put it behind her back leg before anyone saw it, knowing one of them would put the pieces together of what she was planning. The book she had been reading came next, placed under her front hooves. From the side pockets, there were a hooful of quills and inkwells that she thoroughly examined for frazzled feathers or dents in the metal. Satisfied with their state, she put them aside in a neat row.

     She reluctantly lit her aura around the last object, the Alicorn Amulet, feeling a mental weight press down on her mind. Cold whispers emanated from the black alicorn's eyes, chanting the unicorn's name in beckoning. Twilight could practically hear its urges join with its magic, to have but a small taste of what darkness could do in the light--

     A hard chuck later, the Alicorns-damn object was thrown to the bottom of the bag, obscured by the thick hardback she threw on top with a disgusted snarl. The burden at once withdrew back into its shadowy home, practically hissing at the unicorn an unspoken promise that she'd sooner forget. Warmth and feeling steadily returned to her body as she tried to soothe her jolted nerves.

If Trixie dealt with that the whole time . . . Zecora did have a point; there was a high risk for trying one's hoof at dark magic . . . But one thing at a time. Once the TS8 Formula was approved, that particular challenge would be faced. And besides, her belief that even the darkest demon could become an angel remained strong. Princess Celestia always told her to see past the malevolence in every sentient; wouldn't it also be fair to find that spark of light in a blackened heart? All others who had tried had fallen to dark magic because of their greed and willingness to embrace evil. Twilight's resolve to avoid duplicating that mistake remained firm in her heart.

     "Y' alright, sugarcube?" she heard Applejack say. Her face flooded cherry red, realizing that her shout before had attracted six pairs of eyes.

     " . . . Yep. Never . . . better, girls," she replied choppily.

     Applejack gave a knowing smile. "T'ain't nothin' to worry about, sugarcube. That silly necklace'll be outta' your hooves next week and locked away fer good." She faced the others, resuming her part of the conversation, as each of them eventually settled.

     The train bounced a couple times against the tracks, resulting in a familiar sloshing that pricked Twilight's ears from behind. She snatched the Formula from behind, certain no one was looking, and threw it in a small pocket inside the saddlebag. So far her plan of staying in Canterlot remained obscure to her friends, and she hoped to leave it that way.

     "Spike, could you come here, please?" The girls didn't react to her calling the drake, who slid off his seating in obedience.

     "What's up, Twilight?" He hopped up to a seat next to her so their eyes met.

     "I just need to check that we've got everything for our stay," she began, voice hushed. "Scrolls, study books, extra journals--"

     "Vials, corks for said vials, first aid kit, and double extra everything else that you mentioned," he picked up, extending a claw for every item.

     "Good. That's everything, then." Twilight closed her eyes, sighing to herself. "And we shouldn't be more than a couple weeks. I don't like having to drag you back to our Canterlot house, but I need you with me." She waved her hoof about in an ordering fashion. "You'll have to take notes on effects and symptoms from the TS8 Formula and anything else that may be needed, as well as helping me with following our usual schedules. But like I said, we shouldn't be staying much longer than a couple weeks."

     Spike nodded, then asked, "So what about the test subject? You haven't found one yet, haven't you?"

     "I'm try--" Twilight held back her irritation and continued, "Sorry. I'm trying my best to find a subject, okay, Spike? It's just that the Governors aren't ponies one could . . . negotiate around so easily. Finding a way around their ruling isn't that easy, and I'll have to focus on other things until I find one."

     Spike glanced at Applejack, wary of her listening to the discussion. "So this staying-in-Canterlot thing is between us, right?"

     "Yeah, don't say anything to the girls. You know how they worry, and if they find out I'll never hear the end of it." She sighed again, staring at nothing through the train window. "This just feels wrong, though. Lying to them?"

     "So? Just be honest."

     "No, that's not what I mean. Princess Celestia knew that I was planning this since my meeting, yet she didn't say anything in that reply to Rainbow. Knowing her, she wouldn't leave her or the girls out of it. So what's going on?"

     Spike looked out the window as well. "I dunno. Maybe she wants you to come clean yourself. Not like she's gonna fix everything for you." When she solemnly nodded, he added, "You're not telling them now, are you? Wouldn't want to ruin tonight for them."

     "Yeah, no, I'm not saying anything right now, Spike. I've needed to unwind for some time now, anyway."

     She turned to face the window and watched Canterlot's shadow crawl over the train, making the dim lights above seem like beacons. Spike had gone quiet and looked out with her, but mostly stared at the train wheels and listened to their six-count rhythm against the tracks.

      "So, what's the whole deal with the Altrotta, anyway?"

     Twilight lifted her head from the glass. "Well, Fluttershy said it was a theatre, as in Bridleway Musicals like Nickered or Neigh Miserables." She grinned and clapped her hooves at this. "But I don't remember ever hearing about it before. I think after my meeting with the Governors, Father had said something about a building opening this week over by the pegasus race track. Maybe this theatre was what he meant?" She tapped a hoof on the window sill to match the beat of the wheels. "But I digress. Silver Mist must care a lot about Neigh Miserables to help run this theatre with the pony she's helping now."

     Spike slumped against the wall, hand on face. "Yeah, but c'mon, Twi, that one play's boring. Too much war themes, y'know? And they always sing about being shoved around."

     "Too many. And Neigh Mis isn't just about war and poverty; it defines the very nature of--"

      "Oh, here we go," Spike rolled his eyes.

     Instead of going through with her explanation, Twilight gave up and dropped the subject faster than one could say 'One Neigh More', playfully shoving him aside.

  "Attention, mares and gentlecolts, we have arrived in Canterlot, the shining jewel of Equestria," the PA said in a dull bored voice. "Please prepare to disembark, gather your luggage. Thank you for choosing the Friendship Express and have a wonderful evening."

     "That'd be our stop," Applejack chimed as she stood from her haunches. The door hissed open in tandem with the engine cooling off as Rainbow dove through, letter still in her grasp.

     "Come on, Fluttershy! Let's go!" she stomped, poking her head back in.

     "Oh, I'm sorry, Dash. Sorry." Fluttershy slinked closely behind the prism pony, head so low she could have licked the floor.

     "Huh," Twilight shrugged, "I knew Rainbow did well as Silver's student, but I had no idea she was a teacher's pet." Sliding off her own seat, she set her saddlebag onto her back, the Amulet inside resuming its whispering, however faintly compared to before.

      "You all set, sugarcube?" Applejack turned back to her, hearing her shudder.

      Twilight hesitated a bit, feeling cold fingers tear into her skin and crawl underneath with a faint tickle along her body. Does Celestia even know that the Amulet has these effects? More hesitation later, she shook it off. No, don't be ridiculous, Twilight. The Princess would never have put me in danger if she knew. "Yes, everything's fine, AJ. Let's go."

     The other shot a suspicious look at her, looked at the saddlebag, then back at her.

     "Really, Applejack, I'm fine." Twilight laughed at her voice crack. "I have it here safe and out of sight."

     Applejack's glower lowered even more so. "But is it outta mind?"

     "Well . . ." She got her there. Was it even possible to hide secrets from the Element of Honesty? "Look, I'll be alright once we get to the Altrotta," she promised.

     Looking at the saddlebag once more, Applejack sighed, her muscles relaxing. "Just be careful, alright? I couldn't stand the thought'a you sufferin' more than a billy goat eatin' a tin can. And we don't need any of those Gove'ners swiping that thing, either."

They'd have to pry it from my cold, dead hooves before I see it in theirs'. Twilight found herself aghast that she thought such a catty remark. Maybe going to the Altrotta with this isn't such a good idea . . . she thought glumly.  But she couldn't go home; the way to the theatre and the way to home were completely different roads, assuming she was right about the theatre being near the race track. And she really didn't want her friends to wait on her just for that. Screw it. It's a silly amulet. A magical, lie-whispering amulet, maybe, but an amulet all the same. I've dealt with worse things.

     Spike had clambered onto her back while she had been thinking her plan through, and now waited, tapping his claws impatiently. Can he . . . feel it, too? Its corruptive powers? Yet another chill stole the breath from her lungs as she thought this. Spike, however, seemed completely unaffected, with an exception of concern in his eyes. "Let's go, everypony," she cleared her throat. If Spike were to become influenced by the Amulet anytime soon, it would have been that more obvious. She took the lead of the remaining ponies, stepping down onto the platform.

     The first noticeable thing about Canterlot Station was how cold it was. Autumn winds tore at Twilight's mane and tail and through her prized sweater, which she bunched the collar of around her neck in response. Rarity herself plucked a thick scarf from her saddlebag, passed a couple back to Applejack and Pinkie, then helped everyone into the station's main building. "My, they've planned the Autumnal equinox rather early, don't you think?" she wondered once they were inside.

     "Does that mean we can make snow cones early?" Pinkie gasped. "Dibs on the snozzberry~!"

     Twilight swept her eyes across the room for her pegasi friends among the large crowd. "Where did Rainbow Dash go now? I can't find them with everypony here!"

     In their own clamor, some of the ponies stopped, hearing the young doctor, and recognized her, eyes filling with either admiration or venomous hatred.

     "Is that Doctor Sparkle?" one said.

     "I didn't know Celestia's pet was granted permission to terrorize us."

     "Doctor! What are your comments to your recent meeting with the Governors of Canterlot Hospital?"

     Twilight cringed at the thought of dealing with reporters . . . again. It was incredible. Every time she had some kind of row or discussion with the Governors the reporters were the first to claw at her hooves for details. "Excuse me. I'm sorry, I can't talk right now." Weaving her way past a disappointed journalist, she picked her head up again. "Rainbow Dash!"

     Naturally, no response. Or the begging paparazzi drowned her out. Whatever the case, she couldn't deal with them any longer. "Hold on, Spike!"

     With a flash of pink light, her horn began to glow with the magic of a teleportation spell. The surrounding ponies at once assumed this to be an attack spell, and scattered to the far ends of the room, crying terrorism.

     "Run! She'll kill us!"

      Light exploded from the duo in a split-second, sending them onto the main street, where most of the shops and tourist attractions were.

     Twilight only just opened her eyes when she heard a familiar voice yelp in surprise, and the hair of a prism tail whip the back of her head. "Ow!"

     The pegasus must have flown upward before her tail hit; she hovered down into Twilight's field of vision, glaring her down. "Warn me if you're gonna pop right in front of me like that! I almost made you roadkill!"

     Fluttershy, now floating next to her, stared at Twilight with less of a scolding expression, but relief that no harm was done. Like a stray puppy, she must have been following Rainbow the whole way through the station; which meant they were long gone before Twilight's 'fans' had 'attacked'.

     Sliding off her back, Spike stumbled on the cobblestone path, dizzy from the sudden spell, and leaned against Twilight before Fluttershy took him into her hooves.

     "Sorry, Rainbow Dash," Twilight finally answered. "I had to get out of there, and quickly. Lousy reporters . . ."

     "Wait, what?" Rainbow gasped. "Reporters? As in reporters interviewing you?" Her face molded into one of disbelief as she grabbed her by the shoulders. "Why did you take off then! You could have at least told me!"

     "Uh, I believe I did," Twilight said.

     The pegasus shook her head and growled, to which Fluttershy 'eeped' and dove behind Twilight. "They were begging for autographs, practically worshipping you, right? And you ran off?"

     "Well . . ." Her voice strained as she sunk onto her knees, quite literally. " 'Worshipping' is a bit of a strong word; and besides, there were just as many scowling."

     "Arrgh!" Rainbow grabbed her mane. "I knew I shouldn't have rushed! I should have--"

     "Now, just you wait a minute, Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy snarled; for her standards, at least. She put Spike down and darted up to Rainbow Dash. Spike at once sidled over to, and then behind Twilight.

     "Warn the others, Twi. All of Tartarus has broken loose."

     "That's not fair to Twilight, scolding her for trying to escape paparazzi!" Fluttershy scolded, not hearing Spike. "Not everypony likes being paid attention to, or having bright, scary cameras shoved in their faces, or ponies not minding their own darn business!" Rainbow's wings folded against her body, eyes filled with dread. She plopped onto the ground. "Believe me, I know," Fluttershy said, her tone more gentle. "And besides, you're better than this, this boasting side of you."

     Rainbow sunk under her aquamarine glare, sighing under her breath. "Heh, sorry. I guess I got a teensy bit 'numbskulled'. I'm sorry, Twi," she glanced at the doctor.

     Twilight swallowed, looking between the two pegasi. "It's . . . okay, Rainbow." Wow, I'd hate to get on her bad side . . .

     Spike, in turn, swallowed as well, then noticing something down the road, he ran some feet forward.

     "There, now, Dash," Fluttershy cooed. "Don't you feel better about yourself already?" Turning away, she trotted back to Twilight, humming to herself.

      "Um . . .F-Fluttershy . . .?" Twilight stammered. How . . .? Did you . . . use the Stare?"

     Fluttershy gasped. "No! Why would you even think that! I . . . could never--" Covering her eyes with both hooves, she whimpered softly. "Sorry, sorry, sorrysorrysorry," she sniffled. "I . . . sorry . . ." She pulled her hooves away, seemingly calm again. "Please . . . understand, Twilight, I'd never use the stare on another pony. Maybe small, misbehaving animals, but not a more-sentient creature like a pony or griffon. It's like taking away their free will, their own consciousness of life. You of all ponies would understand, your work considered."

     "Oh, right . . ." Twilight silently bashed herself for being insensitive about Fluttershy's superpower. "How you put it, you've got a point there. The whole . . . Stare . . . being that mental cage."

     "And, um, it's exactly what you're trying to do, right? Break more-sentient creatures from their 'Stare'?"

     "Yes, that's about right. Unfortunately, the Canterlot ponies, especially the Governors, they don't seem to get that I'm trying to do something good. But . . ." The doctor turned, looking at the ponies passing by, either ignoring, glaring at, or failing to notice her. "I think it's because they're afraid of me. Or rather, afraid of my work--how unprecedented it is--but they also fear me because of it. But I can't blame them for it. Isn't it our second nature to avoid the unknown like hay fever?

     "And unfortunately," she said, turning back to her friend, "Ponies like Octavia mold that fear into spite for me."

     "You can't go tell Princess Celestia and let her confront those ponies?" asked Fluttershy. "They wouldn't bother you anymore if you did."

     "Maybe, if the Governors didn't constantly go out of their way to say something bad about me behind her back. Everything I do, even lifting a hoof instead of using my horn to perform a task, ponies like Octavia will try to use that in some form to attack me. Going to the Princess won't solve anything, I don't think. Besides, I shouldn't have to go to a diarch of an entire nation to outwit my adversaries. This is my battle to fight, Fluttershy."

     "Over here, Rarity!" Spike led the mentioned mare, with Applejack and Pinkie following behind, over to Twilight, who cringed. She'd left them behind, she realized, back in that mob of radicals, to put it harshly.

     "Hi, girls! Heh. You're not upset that I left you behind, right?" She could have sworn one of the hairs of her mane plucked out of place and that her smile was stretching uncomfortably wide.

     "Upset? Nope," Applejack shrugged. " 'Fact, soon as you done teleported, them ponies--fans and 'porters alike--wandered off like zombies, probably fergettin' you were even there to begin with."

     "Certainly. Though I must admit, I'm rather jealous. However long did you have such admirers?"

     Holding back a sigh to Rarity's comment, Twilight answered, "Well, let's see . . . I'm seventeen, been working on this since I was nine . . . divided by . . . Well, my work started getting noticed around year four of my work, so I probably started getting 'admirers' about when I was thirteen. I may have gotten used to it, but I still hate that I have to deal with them when borrowing Star Swirl the Bearded's Legacy tomes from this library."

     "You . . . don't want to be noticed?"

     "Preferably, Rarity. Not everypony takes a shine to being a star."

     Rarity nibbled her lip gently, that look crossing her face. The one where her eyes narrowed in thinking as mental wheels churned for a solution. "Ah! Yes, that'll do," she finally said when looking at her saddlebag. She withdrew a thick black cloak and passed it to Twilight. This ought to help with your dilemma, Twilight Sparkle."

     Twilight slowly took it with her own magic and slipped it on, buckling the clasp at its neckline. "Thanks you, Rarity, but . . . black?" Rarity was the type of pony who'd burn any article of clothing that was black, if found in her closest. To see the fashionista wearing black either meant she was trying to hide or in mourning, or her days of nonstop designing had finally gotten to her.

     Ah heh . . . It's just a silly thing I keep for rainy nights," Rarity blushed. "I may have taken it in a hurry after packing my emergency crystal scarves . . ." Everyone else either sighed or rolled their eyes while Twilight examined the cloak. There wasn't much to say in detail about it, except its fabric was made for the winter season, providing a thick blanket of warmth over most of her body, except for the hock of her back legs, its furthest reach.

     She pulled the hood up so that it hung just over her horn, grateful for a shield from the biting wind. As a blanket of warmth, however, it failed miserably, but the wind wasn't at blame here, and she knew exactly why. "Thanks again, Rarity. I really do appreciate it," she said to Rarity, although her eyes were set disdainfully on her saddlebag.

     "I would suggest thanking me once we depart from these scandalous ruffians." Rarity gestured a foreleg to emphasize the phrase, then took the lead and walked toward an alley in between beauty parlors. "This way, please. It's a seldom-known shortcut Fancy Pants informed me of during my time with him." Covering a blush, she dove in between the buildings as the others followed.

     Once they had passed through the maze of dark alleys, Twilight could see she was on the road to the Pegasus Race Track, so they must have been close to the Altrotta. The street had already crowded with ponies walking through, that being another sign. Alright, let's just get in there, and away from nosy eyes, she huffed. After Rarity let herself out, she followed suit, then waited on the others.

     "Whee! It's like a coal mine!" Pinkie cheered. Her mane had somewhat been covered in soot, as well as Rainbow and Applejack's, but everyone else was untouched.

     "Thank goodness," said Rarity. "Last time I'd wandered through there it was rather tidy."

   The seven regrouped, they walked on, merging into the pool of nobleponies and middle-class citizens, much to their disdain, especially towards the doctor. Twilight's eye caught Spike shuffling to the back of the line at one point. Of course. There was only one renowned doctor in Equestria that never traveled without her dragon assistant. She cast her gaze down, wishing she could shrink to the size of a filly and seem unimportant to these ponies.

     She had nearly missed the building with her head still sunk in hiding, until Rainbow grabbed her and turned her around. "There it is, Twilight! Pretty neat, huh?"

    Overall, it was a two-story building painted evergreen with thin lines of gold paint tracing the frames of the doors and the four windows on the second floor. It was also spread intricately yet sparingly along the facade. Overdone designs wouldn't help anyone with business.

     At the front entrance there were two large pillars that helped support a balcony on the second floor, possibly reserved for storage or kitchens only. There was a large wooden sign hanging off the balcony depicting a pegasus standing on hind legs, with wings outstretched and eyes shut as if the pony was unaware of its visitors. Below the image were large words etched in gold paint:

Altrotta Theatre: Dinner and Show Parlor

Reservations Only!

     Twilight swallowed softly, climbing the short staircase at the foot of the building, wary of the ponies surrounding her. Now came the hard part; having a good time planted in one place, vulnerable to those who despised her.

     "Whoa, they sure done pulled the stops outta this one," said Applejack, fixing her hat's angle. "Sorta' reminds me of a hotel, the way it's built an' all."

    Stumbling on a step, Twilight closed her eyes, taking in the scent of fresh pinewood and the clamor of lively music and chattering inside. "I think it is. Er, I mean was, if my memory's right."

     Spike fingered his lip in thinking, then exclaimed, "Oh, yeah! This is that run-down hotel that used to be here before I could remember. You and I used to pass by here going to those races, right?"

     "Mmhm. Except it was so out of the way of everything, nopony knew it was even there." She helped Spike off Rarity, letting him walk on his own, then continued, "Even I thought it'd been demolished years ago. I guess whoever Silver's helping now wanted to put a hotel-ish spin on this theatre."

     "Or they wanted to go the easy way without puttin' any real work into it," Applejack frowned. Her remark did make sense, being that, as Spike said, it was practically at the track's doorstep. The last thing a theatre needed was having their shows interrupted by thunderous cheering from there.

     "What do you suppose we do about getting inside?" asked Rarity, eyeing an usher that stood by the door. "I don't believe a letter from a manager would count as a reservation for us." The stallion's green aura surrounded a clipboard, no doubt with the names of expected customers on it.

     Twilight stepped around Rarity and pulled her hood back, unintentionally taking on the look of a wanderer looking for shelter. "I'll handle this, Rarity."

     Straightening out her mane in a somewhat-orderly fashion, she approached the usher.

     "G'evening, miss. Your name?" the usher spoke before she could say anything. He smiled politely, catching her off guard with his friendly attitude.

     "Twilight Sparkle," she recuperated quickly enough. Recognition glinted in his eyes, followed by his jaw opening slightly, but otherwise he didn't react to the doctor's name. So there is somepony in Canterlot who doesn't either swoon or sneer at my name. I wonder if Princess Celestia bribed him? Nevertheless, she continued, "I'm sorry, but my friends and I don't have reservations, but I think we're expected."

     With Rainbow's permission, she passed him the letter from Silver Mist. The usher's eyes waved back and forth across the words, scrunching his eyebrows, then eyeing her clothing suspiciously. Perhaps wondering what kind of doctor came to a theatre dressed in a cloak and sweater; even if this was recreation. She swallowed again, reconsidering her confession.

     The usher glanced inside, eyes searching for someone, then huffed. "Very well. Go right in, miss. But, please, don't expect any favors next time. This is a theatre, after all." She exhaled softly and gave a quick 'thank you' just as she heard him mutter something about 'her giving free rides'.

    He stepped aside, letting her and the girls inside. Like the lobby of an old hotel, the room was large and lit brightly with chandeliers that left a pale green tone in the room. The stage at the end was only between twenty and thirty feet away from them; in that space was a large dining area for the guests. About twenty-five tables had been set there, six cushions per, in a checkerboard pattern.

     The stage itself didn't have much detail besides massive, spread-out wings making up the frame above, and green curtains folded at the sides. Winding staircases nearby the stage ran up to the second floor, presumably off-limits to the public from what little life there was up there.

    The girls all scanned the room, whispering to themselves.

     "I take it back," said Applejack. "Whoever did the work on this here theatre broke tooth an' hoof doin' this."

     Pinkie, spotting a bar over to their left, 'oohed'. "Girls, they have a super-large amount of sarsaparilla!" She started to dive forward before Rarity stopped her.

     "Erm . . . that's not . . . sarsaparilla, dear. That's something . . . much stronger than that." To emphasize, she waved at another usher, who carried a loopy patron out.

     "Oh. Oh well, then." Pinkie started hopping away, humming to herself.

     Twilight looked around for Silver Mist, assuming the name meant she had a similarly-colored coat. A pony like her couldn't be that hard to find in a crowd of ponies with hues of blue and white and yellow.

"Hey! What gives!"

     The sound of a spell being activated followed by Spike's shout pricked the doctor's ears. Wheeling around, she darted back to the doors to find Spike behind a wall of green. The usher's horn glowed the same color, eyes squinted with contempt. Twilight's objection died in her throat as he snarled to her, "Not it."

     Stunned, Twilight argued, "What? No! He's with me, sir."

     The usher didn't waver. "Don't care. It's not welcome here. One spark from it, and this place'll become the 'Ashtrotta'." Twilight heard Pinkie laugh at the pun and shot a look at her. The others must have heard too; they all stood behind her, ready to defend the dragon.

     "For your information," said Rarity, approaching him, then standing on the edge of her hooves to meet his eyes, "It is a he, and he has as much privilege to enter as we do."

     "You six don't have a privilege. I let you riffraff in because Silver apparently invited you. Otherwise, doctorate or no, I would've thrown you out by now."

Pretty much explains why he was so nice before, the usher with a mask.

     The usher's cold eyes drilled into Rarity's, making her resolve disintegrate into worthless ash as she slinked away, muttering an apology to Twilight.

     "Sorry. Just enforce the rules here, mares."

     Twilight felt her jaw clenching, her heart longing to sock him in the throat. I don't believe for one second that Silver would make rules to forbid dragons. He's lying! She made up her mind and approached him. "If you're not going to let my friend in, I don't need to stay here." The girls all started after her before she raised a hoof. "Not you, girls. You can stay if you want, but I don't want to anymore. Not if Spike can't come with us. He's as much of a family as you're my friends."

     Meanwhile Spike shuffled between feet, whether touched by her defending him or disappointed with the usher, she couldn't tell. "Listen, Twi, you don't have to leave. I'll just go back to our old house for tonight."

     Twilight was already mentally rejecting at the idea. There was no way she wanted to spend the evening without all of her friends, especially not without Spike. "Spike, no. I'm not letting you spend the night alone. This isn't fair to you, coming all the way from Ponyville."

     The drake folded his arms, stone-hard resolve. "I'm not spending the night alone. Dad's there. He's got Fridays off, remember? Besides, I don't think mister bouncer here--"

     "Hey!"

     "Now, who's casting the giant green wall here?" he shot back at the bouncer. Then looking at Twilight, "Point is, I don't belong in here, and these ponies know it. So why not put that to good use?"

     Skeptical, Twilight shook her head slowly. "I really don't see how this is being turned into an advantage . . ."

     Spike leaned forward. "You're walking into a five-star restaurant, full of those dumb snobs, with you-know-what in tow and no defense whatsoever from it getting stolen." He began rolling his hands in a cycle to emphasize. "But say if I held onto it for you, you'd have nothing to worry about, right? And nopony would ever have to know you had it in the first place. Just saying, being caught with it in your hooves would be really bad for your rep."

     "Spike, all I'd have to do is place a simple containment spell on it to keep prying hooves out."

     "I take it that it keeps stressful energy inside, too?" he shot back, raising an eyebrow sarcastically.

     "I--" She saw it in his eyes that he knew. The Amulet still whispered to her, weighing her shoulders down like a boulder, clawing its dark ideas into her mind like a drag--griffon's claws. Even for one so young, it must have been obvious, the pressure she felt from the Amulet's power. And if he of anybody knew . . . "Fine," she sighed quietly. "But don't even--"

     "Don't touch it more than I need to, don't leave it out in the open. Don't worry. I'll just put it in the safe soon as I get home. Give it here."

     Deciding to give the whole saddlebag, which she presumed he meant by taking it, she unbuckled the straps and passed it to him; after the usher's wall had been reluctantly taken down, of course. As soon as she had, she heard the whispers die out, and warmth returned to her body. She held back a shudder and instead focused on Spike. Her saddlebag looked heavy in his grip, but he seemed capable enough for the trip. "And, Spike?"

    The dragon bent back to look at her in form of a question.

     "Just . . . please . . . be careful with it. It isn't I don't trust you, but the thing in there . . ." To say that tears didn't threaten to break through would have been a lie. This is wrong. It'll drive him mad if he's not careful. Twilight bit her tongue to not say it. He could handle himself long enough, couldn't he?

     Spike grinned back at her. "I'll be fine, Twi. I Pinkie Promise on that." He used his free hand to make the silent gestures of said Promise and started to turn around. "I see you back home, okay?" He stepped around patrons waiting to go inside, and was swallowed by the night.

     The usher had watched him closely, and now blinked at Twilight. "Well. Such sentiment for an imp like it."

     Literally blowing off his dry insult with an exhale, she spun back, entering the semicircle of her other friends.

    "Sugarcube? Y' alright?" asked Applejack, trying not to sound dense. Tapping her front hooves together, she glanced out from where Spike had left, then at Twilight, who also was looking.

     "Mm . . . Maybe it's better this way, Applejack. I'd have to constantly look over my shoulder if he didn't take it with him. Trust me, I'll be better once we settle to a table and find Silver Mist.

     "It hurts me to accept an atrocity like that," said Rarity. "Just because he's a dragon, it certainly isn't justified for him to be treated as such."

    "I'm gonna talk to Silver about this," Rainbow said angrily, "That rule's stupid as Tartarus, and I'll buck it outta here, to the moon!"

     As tempting as it was, Twilight didn't see a reason for her to do so. "That won't be necessary. My coming to the Altrotta's a one-time thing if this is the case. I just want to enjoy tonight, then go get Spike. He wouldn't want us causing trouble with this, anyway." Facing the dining area she added, "Or having our night ruined by it."

      She and the girls entered the section, trotting past the tables occupied by snobbish nobleponies. As many of them glared at her, or slid their spare cushions under their table whenever she passed them, she did her best to ignore them. She might have been dirt under their hooves to them, but even dirt has its own purpose in life.

     It wasn't long before she saw Fancy Pants and his family seated together, with Blueblood and Fleur both with their back to her. Waving quickly at Fancy, she ducked back down just in time to hear Fleur say, "Whatever are you grinning about, Fancy dear?"

     "I saw some tap-dancing ponies back there." He hadn't missed a beat with his reply.

      Rainbow snickered, then winked at Twilight.

     As they got closer, she could make out the performer currently singing a jazz-themed song up on the stage; a pegasus mare who looked about her age, but she didn't look like anyone she or the others knew personally.

     There was no sign of either Princess in the theatre, a rare thing to happen since a grand opening was usually accompanied by one or both of them, as well as a platoon of their guards.

     When coming to the second-to-last row, Rainbow flew up and did a three-sixty spin until squinting off to the left. "I dunno, everypony," she shrugged, turning back to Twilight, "I don't see her--Look out!

     Twilight just turned to see what Rainbow yelled about before finding a stallion's hoof thrust back. Throwing her front-legs up, she prepared for the blow.

Thwap!

     She heard the music stop and nearby ponies fall quiet. She risked opening her eyes to find that a grey wing had blocked the attack, startling the stallion. This wing had no feathers on it, as though someone had ripped them off, leaving it instead tattered and ugly. The other wing was probably the same way.

     "I believe that's enough of your roughhousing tonight, sir," said the pegasus. Twilight looked to where the wing and body met and saw a pale-grey mare with a blood-and-peach-colored mane that ran past her shoulders in thick, spaghetti-like strands. Her icy-blue eyes pierced into the attacker's, which were wide with surprise.

     When the moment passed, he snarled at her, "I say! This isn't your concern, madam. Excuse yourself at once!"

      The mare's eyes didn't wander from him as she walked to his other side. As she passed, Twilight saw her cutie mark; twin feathered wings were folded protectively around a heart.

     She glanced back at Rainbow, who grinned, bumping her hooves together in a 'go get em' fashion. Yes, that has to be Silver.

     Silver spoke again, in a soft voice. "This is a theatre, not a fight club. I will not tolerate the Altrotta being treated as such." She extended a 'wing' past Twilight to push her to a safe distance. "I will ask you once: apologize to Doctor Sparkle and return to your seat, or leave the Altrotta." She paused, then added with a grin, "Sir."

     Sputtering in disbelief, the stallion raised a hoof, trying to strike again, this time at Silver. Instead, his blow was averted by her left 'wing', stretched out to a wide width. She swung down, forcing his hoof into the floor. Recuperating himself, he then threw his other foreleg to which she twirled one-eighty and blocked with the same wing. Throwing that limb upward, she used that distraction to back-kick him in the throat. She stepped aside, letting him stumble forward.

     Impressed, Twilight blinked, then registered that Rainbow and Fluttershy were cheering.

     The stallion hissed and started to let himself up before Silver pinned his neck with her front hoof. "You sadistic foal of a--"

     "I believe you owe the doctor an apology now," she cut him off.

     The stallion instead growled at her, struggling against her leg. "I'd rather eat my--"

     She pushed harder, cutting off his oxygen. "Look, I abhor violence as much as the next pony does. But please, for the love of the Alicorns Above, don't make me do something regretful." She tapped her free hoof, sighing. "And make it snappy. I have better things to do than foalsit."

     He swallowed, glaring at Twilight, then murmured an apology.

     "Oh, for heavens sake," Silver whispered to herself. "Fine, it's acceptable. Glitz, Cashmere?" She motioned two ushers to her. "Remove him from the premises, please?"  She lifted her leg, then stepped back.

     "Wait! You said--"

     "I gave you one chance; you wasted it, now leave."

     As the ushers escorted him out, Twilight heard Applejack whisper to her, "What in the hay was his problem 'gainst you, anyways?"

     "Three guesses why," Twilight deadpanned. The stallion was obviously a noblepony from the way his accent was, maybe a hoof-licker of Blueblood's that heard about her recent breakthrough in developing her Formula.

     Once the stallion was out of sight, Silver glanced at the staring ponies, who all went back to their meals. However, Blueblood's retreat several rows away didn't fall unnoticed by Twilight, confirming her suspicion before.

     The pegasus singing her jazz number had watched the confrontation in shock, forcing her to lose her place and start over again.

     Rainbow and Fluttershy were the first ones to approach Twilight and Silver. "See, Fluttershy?" grinned Rainbow, flying just over her. "I told you Silver could take him." The yellow mare just whimpered through closed hooves.

     Silver grimaced at this and walked towards her. "You. Wings tucked, haunches down, eyes forward!" Rainbow froze, petrified, and folded her wings, plopping to the floor. "And don't slouch!" She became stiff as a post. Silver scanned her ex-student meticulously, even brushing dust off her mane.

     "Wow. Now I see where you get it from, Fluttershy," Twilight whispered. Fluttershy laughed quietly. "Did she ever teach you like that?"

      She tilted her head in a kitten-like way. "Making me sit up straight and mare-like? Yes, but she'd never talk to me like that. This is mostly for students who would act tough, thinking they're better than everpony else. Um, n-not that Rainb-bow's a fool for thinking that or anything . . ."

     They turned back to Silver, who finished circling Rainbow, and made eye contact with her, ice meeting fire, before breaking into a grin. "I apologize, Rainbow Dash. I couldn't help doing that again, just for fun."

     Rainbow's jaw practically unhinged. "What! But you--"

     "What kind of school reunion would this be, what with not messing with you in front of your friends? Which, by the way, I'm proud of your efforts with friendship."

     "Do I get a Wonderbolts sticker?" Rainbow gasped.

     "Um, no, but moving on . . ." Turning to Twilight, she said, "I'm sorry you had to see that show of violence before, Doctor Sparkle. I was hoping our grand opening would be without incident on your part . . ."

     "Wait, you knew I was coming?"

    Silver chuckled lightly at this, as though the answer was obvious. "Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy and I have shared letters with each other since parting in Cloudsdale. They've shared much about you and your friends in a good degree ever since meeting you at the Summer Sun Celebration and the return of Princess Luna. And when I helped found this theatre, I knew I had to send invites for all of you."

     "Huh. I hadn't a clue Rainbow Dash an' Shy were talkin' 'bout us since way back then," said Applejack.

     Silver nodded at the farmpony. "Yes. Like I said, they told me much about all of you. Each of you represent an Element of Harmony, and you, specifically, represent the Element of Honesty; a personal favorite trait of mine in equine, or any species, for that matter. I never believe I would ever see the Harmony Bearers in person, much less two of them being my own students."

     She reached for a glass of wine, sipping it carefully, and sighed with contentment.

     "If I may ask," said Rarity, "Fluttershy never said what elegant city you came from, where you achieved you education to aid those lesser ponies."

     "Um . . ."

     Silver looked away from Fluttershy, set the glass down and approached Rarity. "Well, in truth, I'm not a resident of Equestria at all. I come from far off, just a small slice of paradise off in the corner of the world. I've always been taught to show kindness and to help less fortunate ponies, but . . ." She trailed off, thinking to herself. "I've longed to experience Equestria for myself for a long time."

     "If your home was perfect, why did you leave?" asked Twilight.

     "If you had the chance to experience the life of Star Swirl the Bearded, whatever the cost, wouldn't you have done the same? I was, for lack of a better term, an outsider looking in. I wanted to learn its culture, its history, see the sights, know its diarchs, feel the sun's rays in a different world. Even getting a taste of your food and drink is new to me.

     "But I didn't want to abandon my old ways, either. So I took on my role as a tutor, a special teacher to those who had no helping hoof to guide them. Which eventually led me to here."

     Twilight, eyeing her surroundings, asked, "Well, the Theatre looks wonderful. You sure run it pretty well; I'm sure the pony you're helping is certain of that as well.

     Silver laughed quietly. "Thank you, Doctor Sparkle. I'm pleased with the compliment, but I just oversee the food and seating, and take care of any complaints that we may have in the future. The Altrotta is not really mine to command."

     "Silver Mist!" Everyone except the summoned jumped; she let out an exasperated breath.

     "Speaking of . . ."

     A navy blue pegasus dive-bombed at her, golden eyes glaring. Whatever her cutie mark was, it was hidden under the green work-outfit she wore. Twilight couldn't help but feel surprised at how thin the mare was; her legs were like stilts that she thought would snap in two at any moment. "Where the hell is Soa--"

     Silver walked calmly to her, closing her mouth with a 'wing'. "Please, calm yourself, Glider." she said caringly. "We cannot have our guests being scared off." She gestured to Twilight, whispering something to her.

     Turning to the doctor, Glider's fire-orange braid swung off her shoulder, batting her face before she shakily guided it back with her wing. The hair on top that hung just above her eyebrows was rough and unkempt, like Rainbow's, and had tips of gold at the edges. Her tail, on the other hand, was short and unbraided. The bunched-up cluster of white freckles on the bridge of her nose loosened when she recognized Twilight.

     "Ahem. You're . . . Doctor Sparkle, right? I . . . um . . ." She shook her head, flustered, then breathed in haltingly and started over. "I'm Gliding--erm, Glider, that is, founder and head of the Altrotta Theatre." She retained an air of professionalism. "Ponies come to me if they have bigger complaints than dusty tables or hairs in food. But if that's the case, I don't think they'll leave happy with my answer. But I digress. I don't think you'll cause any trouble in my Theatre, will you?" Her eyes flickered towards Pinkie and Applejack, who both flinched.

     "Quite the colorful party you've invited, Silver. Those two are your former students, right?" She poked her muzzle at the pegasi.

     "Yes. They are also the Bearers of Loyalty and Kindness."

     "Are they? Well . . ." She studied them for a minute, every detail, then said, "Seems you taught them well. As students and friends of Silver, you're welcome in my Theatre anytime, regardless of reservation."

     "Awesome! Free dinner, Fluttershy!"

     "I'm afraid I can't give everything for free, um . . . Dashell."

     "Rainbow Dash."

     "Whatever," she rolled her eyes, then sternly addressed Silver. "Have you or have you not found our performer yet?"

     "Not quite," Silver murmured, "But I am certain he will come any minute now."

     Glider ground her teeth, snarling under her breath. Looking about ready to explode, Twilight instinctively dove down. Instead, the pegasus drew in a long, deep breath and muttered, "Damn it. Idiot." Then eyeing the doctor, she said, "Well, we can't all be smart, can we, Doctor?"

     Whether it was her intelligence she insulted or her friends', or even Silver's, Twilight wasn't sure, and hid a scowl from her. Something about her was off, but not the changeling-queen-disguised-as-future-sister-in-law kind of off, either.

     Glider cleared her throat, spreading twitching wings, and walked ahead. "Silver, keep both eyes out for that slack-off bastard while we get my guests to their table." As she passed each row of tables, patrons either bowed their heads in respect or adverted the gaze, pretending not to be seen.

     Seeing the empty table she was leading them to, Twilight and the girls followed closely behind. She watched the ponies who looked away, and wondered if Glider threatened them into doing this. Maybe she's why that usher wouldn't let Spike in . . . But if she knew . . .

     She suddenly found herself not liking Glider, not a claw's worth, ironically put. She obviously didn't seem to value kindness like Silver Mist did, and neither did she try to be welcoming. A Bridleway director version of Ebeneighser Scrooge came to mind when she looked at Glider. But still . . . didn't he still have a heart buried under coal? There was something about her that made Twilight feel sympathetic. She obviously had a hard beginning to be so chloric towards others, and had a very small pool of those she trusted, judging by her calmer nature towards Silver. Her wings often and violently twitching had to be another sign. There were too many variables to work with on this.

     Glider's voice snapped her out of her pondering. "You'll have to ignore my concerns. When I sent out the memo to my performers for their scheduled showtime, one of them, I assume, ignored it. Now, I have to depend on a fractured group to entertain until he can perform with them." She said this glaring at the floor. "He was supposed to sing with them, but if this keeps up, he'll be lucky if he makes the last performance."

     "Pardon my asking, but I happened to noticed that you haven't set an actual play for the Altrotta," said Rarity, "I suppose that's what a theatre is meant for?"

     "Oh, I do plan plays," Glider replied, clearly trying to ignore her rudeness. "But I wanted tonight to be a music showcase; honoring great composers and lyricists of our time, such as Arab Menken and Maestro Wildhorn. I've even planned a Harness Zimmer showcase for the near-future. It would make sense, beginning . . . um . . ." She glanced back, eyes scanning for something. She panted, then looked away. "Right, um, beginning the career of the Altrotta with an overture. Mind the pun, if you will."

     She laughed to herself to clear the tension from before, then stopped at a table and pulled out cushions for the guests. "But enough about my theatre, Doctor. Silver tells me you're on the brink of success of completing a special potion. Your teacher must be . . . pleased."

     "Uh, yes," Twilight retained her professional attitude. "Princess Celestia has always supported me in my studies of science, though I have also honed my magical talent, thanks to her. With the forces of magic and science combined, I could create this Formula." She sat down, started to remove her saddlebag before remembering. "Once it's over, our society won't have any need for asylums or hospital rooms for the comatose, thank Alicorns."

     The pegasus eyed her skeptically. "Uh huh. The Alicorns . . . Tell me, Doctor, this potion . . . it's made strictly for these two pools of ponies?"

     There was something unsettling about her tone. Twilight swallowed quickly and answered, "Yes, just for asylum and comatose sentient life forms. Unfortunately, I can't make any risks to try something like a reformation potion. Scientifically, it's impossible to make a living thing pure and without fault."

     "I see . . ." The pegasus pulled away and continued, "Well, nothing to do about that, I suppose. Now, if you'll excuse me, guests." Facing Silver Mist she said, "You need to find my last performer at once, before my guests get restless and leave. Preferably before I find him."

     "Yes, Glider. I suggest you go focus on other things, forget about this tardiness.

     Glider snorted impatiently. "Just find him, and get him in here, now!" She shuddered softly, glancing up to the second floor. Silver at once rushed to her side, waving her hoof up and down in motion for her to breathe. "I'm fine, I'm fine, Silver," she whispered, after a minute of repeated breaths. "Please, get a waiter over here at once. Excuse me." She took off in less than a second, darted up to the second floor, and entered one of its dark rooms.

     Rarity broke eye contact with where she left and blinked. "My. Is the dear alright, Silver Mist?"

     "Yes . . . unfortunately, helping Glider is a greater challenge than teaching a scared pegasus how to fly. That's all I'll say on that matter." She walked to Fluttershy's seat and brushed a stray hair off her face, a common habit between the pegasi, Twilight presumed. "Why don't you come with me, Fluttershy? We have much to catch up on."

     "Oh, sure, Silver! I'd like that. Excuse me, girls . . ." She scooted off her haunches, nodded at Rainbow, and followed Silver away from the dining area.

     Meanwhile, Twilight stirred a hoof in perplexing thought, blankly watching the jazz pegasus from before.

     "Y' alright, sugarcube?"

     She flinched from Applejack's hoof touching her shoulder, interrupting her. "Um, yeah. Everything's fine." Luckily for her, a waiter had come before she could elaborate, and quickly ordered. After he took everyone else's orders and left her eyes went back to the performer.

     She had finished her song, then slipped behind the curtain. Another pegasus mare, with a much-darker coat, flew out and began her own number, just a classic Bridleway song.

That other mare and this one must be part of that 'fractured group' Glider was referring to. Twilight looked down to the entrance, where the usher from closed the doors to signify that the Theatre was full. Hopefully, this last performer wouldn't run into Glider; at least, she prayed it wouldn't be the case. She started to drink from her glass when hearing a clatter of pans hitting the floor from behind, followed by Silver him hissing something, a warning, maybe, to whoever caused the interruption.