Twilight Sparkle Creates A Thread

A young, purple alicorn stood next to her desk, her new sketchbook of her latest attempts of drawing laying open for all to see. Inside were drawings of many kinds: ponies; colorful renditions of diagrams; landscapes; and the wonderful blue sky. She drew each because ponies were easy to draw for beginners, diagrams were her bread and butter, landscaping was something she has wanted to start doing ever since Fluttershy, her pegasus friend, showed her how, and the skies above were different and changing every single day, giving something new for Twilight to draw. Drawing wasn't one of her only new developing passions. There was also something else that clouded her mind and made her wonder of things she never sat down to think about. For example, one night, in her warm, cozy library, she sat calmly on her couch while her hooves tapped endlessly on this new contraption they found in the only human's house. He, Fred, had kept it hidden from them for a while; then, when he went delirious and ran into the forest without returning, the bearers of the Element of Harmony had seized his property with the help of Mayor Mare, the mayor of Ponyville.

As they searched the house, they found all different types of commonplace items , but nothing was out of the ordinary until Twilight picked up the best artifact ever. It made a satisfying pinging noise when she opened it and twinkled right before her eyes. It mesmerized her with its colorful background, but intrigued her with its interesting icons and buttons. She had to investigate.

Days had passed since that day and all she had been doing was burying her muzzle into several, large books. Today, however, was different: this was her turn to take a well-deserved break from her studies. As such, she indulged in her passion of drawing, thinking of a new piece to create. She had recently spoken to Celestia about her latest passion in artistry and, apparently, she accepted that this was something Twilight must do. Stress, as a Princess, is hard to overcome when you are first called to duty. Most seem they are just going through the motions and eventually collapse under its fierce grip, while others shy away and discard the title. It was disappointing, in Twilight's eyes, but it was something someponies had to do; it was part of life. She had been trying to balance it as of late, and it has been going well thanks to her willingness to draw.

"Twilight?" a voice from behind her said. "Are you going to draw?"

Twilight turned and faced the direction from where it came. "Of course, Spike!" she began, turning her attention to the decor above her window in front of her desk. "Drawing gives me the opportunity to understand what it's like for artists across Equestria!"

Spike, Twilight's dragon assistant, frowned as he passed her desk. "You're always busy," he muttered.

The words that came from his mouth surprised Twilight. Spike has been her loyal assistant for so long. Heck, she even could call him her brother, they're practically family. Yet, she has never seen this side of him. "Spike, wait; come here," she said.

The disheartened expression of Spike made Twilight's heart crumble. Each step he took made her mind race, and seeing his head hung low made her gulp down the saliva she had been holding.

Spike, on the other hoof, knew his place in this library, with Twilight, and with the rest of Equestria. He was second in everything. Of course, how could he suspect things to be different now, in this setting, with this pony?

Spike came close as Twilight drew him near. "Spike, tell me what's wrong."

Spike hid his grin from his face, showing, instead, his drooping frown. "Why don't we ever go out anymore?" he said with a slight sob. "Twlight, do you remember when we were younger?"

Twilight nodded. "Yes, why?"

"We did so much more together then than we are now!" he exclaimed. "We went around the castle and explored it inside-out about twenty-five thousand, two hundred, and sixty-eight times; went to Cozy Corners for some ice cream once in a while; and we always visited the library," he said, before pausing to see Twilight's reaction. With nothing shown but a face of wonder, he continued, "We lived there, Twilight. We still live in one today," he brought her closer. "Why did everything else have to change?"

Twilight gasped as she took in what he said. Things have changed. For the better? Twilight thought, her mind racing. Spike might be right, there has been a lot of change... She looked down at him, his eyes glimmering in the sunlight. Was it for the better?

Twilight gave him a bright smile and nuzzled his cheek. "How about I do something different for a change?" she said as she pulled away from his cheek. He gazed up at her. "How about we go to Sugarcube Corner?"

"When?" Spike asked with a raised brow. "Because sometimes, I have to nudge you to get you to go anywhere." He paused, pointing at the desk beside them. "Especially when you're drawing."

Twilight frowned momentarily. Did I really neglect him this much? Something had to change. I have to change.

"How about right now?" she offered, looking down at him with a smile.

"Right now?" Spike said excitedly, his eyes widening. "B-but, don't you have to clean up before we go?"

Twilight giggled. "Looks like somepony else needs a different view too," she said as she passed by him, heading straight for the stairs. Suddenly, a thought; much different from her ordinary, sound, think-before-you-really-act thoughts, entered her mind. It made her smile wide, grinning like a filly with an evil plan. With the devious thought, she shouted on the top of her lungs, "Can't catch me!" before she raced down the stairs, hoping for Spike to follow.

The results were what she expected.

"Wait!" he shouted, rushing down the stairs after her friend. He knew Twilight was one of his crazy, best friends; but she has never done something this... immature before as a Princess. He smiled, dismissing the thought. He loved this side of her, heck; let it stay. With joyous laughter, he charged into her, knocking the two friends over in a heap of boots and scarfs. He chuckled loudly, while Twilight giggled softly. They got up, dusted each other off, and picked up their appropriate winter scarfs. The boots were salvaged from Fred's home, which was now being lent to a pony by the name of Octavia, who needed a new place to stay; a different view...

I should be more like Octavia. Twilight thought as a smile weaseled its way on her face.

Turning to see Spike still fiddling with his scar, Twilight stood by the door and cracked it open. "Ready?" she said as she looked at her dragon assistant.

Spike nodded. "Always."

Together, the two walked out into the snowy tundra of Ponyville, where their adventure had begun.