Therapy with Twilight Sparkle

Chapters

The perfect day
The Villain
The Psychopath
The Depressive
The Alcoholic
The Pretty Pink Portly Party Pony
The Student and the Teachers
The lesson

The perfect day

The flight to Canterlot and back took more out of Twilight than she expected. Landing on her balcony she felt a dull, satisfying pain in her wing muscles. She gave one more flap to rid herself of any leftover dew in the wings and walked it.

Spike was not home and she did not have any extraordinary experiments planned for today, so she took "Spells and incantations for the discerning thespian" and spent the next few hours reading. It was written a century after the whole Nightmare Night debacle, when a bizzare mix of tragedy and Theatre of Cruelty became popular. Ponies were reenacting the darkest times of Equestria in the most sickeningly dark and disgustingly gory ways imaginable. Naturally, conventional theatrical makeup was no longer cutting it and a wide array of showpony spells was created. Thankfully, the macabre form of theatre did not last long and eventually devolved into a highly niche genre, but the spells remained and were quite interesting in their own right.

Feeling her stomach grumble, Twilight closed the book and hid it from prying eyes. Although the spells required the caster to have considerable skill and imagination, they required relatively little magical power. Rarity had skill and imagination in leaps and bounds and the last thing Twilight needed was Rarity's usual histrionics enhanced by the magic of ancient thespians. She glided down from her balcony and started slowly trotting towards Sugarcube Corner.

She entered the building and then left half an hour later, happy and satiated. Pinkie asked if she could deliver a cake to Sweet Apple Acres and Twilight happily obliged. Fastening the cake to her back with magic ropes she began cantering towards the abode of the Apple family.

This day was going just perfect. She would make the delivery without any hiccups, have a spot of tea or maybe cocoa with Fluttershy and then go to sleep early, since tomorrow was going to be a grueling day of flight training with Rainbow Dash which she was definitely NOT looking forward to.

Naturally, the instant she thought that, she jinxed all her plans for the day. The first surprise of the day was a large green and brown projectile heading her way. Flying at a breakneck speed for its size , shooting huge red shrapnel everywhere, it was heading straight for Twilight's happy face. She let out a high pitched scream as her mind assessed the situation, but fortunately her body already reacted to the threat as it had done many times before. The projectile impacted the shield and fell to the ground with a heavy thud.

Before her laid a beautiful apple tree torn cleanly out of the ground with a nice big chunk of earth encompassing its root system. Two large hoofprints clearly indicated the one responsible for this travesty. She levitated the tree and started walking in the direction it came from. Not even a minute passed when she head her friend's annoyed voice.

"Big McIntosh Apple, what in tarnation was that? Oh, ya'll just went and uprooted another one of our appletrees. Again. That's what, fourth one this month?

"Eyup."

"Ah sometimes don't know what ah should do with you, big brother. If ya keep bucking our appletrees into the horizon, it won't be long before Sweet Apple Acres turn into Sweet Apple Acre."

Twilight finally located the source of the voices. Applejack was glowering at Big McIntosh, who was standing innocently in front of a large crater in the ground.

"Hi Applejack, Hi Big Mac. Is this yours?" Said Twilight levitating the offending tree into its proper place.

Big McIntosh flashed a brief smile and nodded, "Eyup!"

Applejack huffed in irritation and spoke, "Hi Twi. This here big galoot keeps bucking our appletrees sky high, breaking household items, overplowing the field, ya get the idea. It's like he lost all self control or something." She brightened up, "Anyway, is that Pinkie's special cake I ordered yesterday?"

"It sure is!" said Twilight levitating it on Applejack's back.

"I better go have it refrigerated then – " she turned towards brother "– and you are getting a smaller slice for nearly ruining another tree and all the trouble you gave Twi today, mkay?"

Big Mac raised a hoof, "But-"

"No "buts or ya won't get any at all! Anyway Twi, want a drink or something?"

"Sorry AJ, I haven't seen Fluttershy in ages and promised her we would catch up today." This was not, strictly speaking, true, but right now all Twilight wanted was a pleasant little conversation with her gentle friend.

"Well attagirl! I better go get this thing nice and cold for the evening. See ya tomorrow!" Applejack trotted off with the cake balanced carefully on her back."

Twilight waved Big Mac goodbye and began trotting in the direction of Fluttershy's cottage. In about a minute she heard the heavy sound of his hooves. She turned towards him raising a quizzical eyebrow.

Skidding to a halt from full gallop he intoned, "Miss Twilight, we need to talk."

A dozen cheesy flirt lines perfect for making any "taken" stallion uncomfortable suddenly died in her brain as she heard the tone of his voice. "Is something wrong, Big Mac?"

"Eyup. Mah sister."

"I have already talked to Applebloo-"

"This is not 'bout Little Bloom. It's about AJ. Y' know, we in Officer Armour's unit 'ave been through a lot, but-"

"Officer Armor? Unit?"

"Eyup, talking about your brother here. Or do y'all think he is Captain and Prince, because of his pretty blue eyes? But enough of that, Miss Twilight. As Ah was saying, our experience in the army holds no candle to what your little group was through. Something's up with AJ, but she ain't tellin' me. I would ask Miss Fluttershy, but she's awfully busy lately. But you, Miss Twilight, your eyes don't look troubled. I know it sounds mighty selfish of me, but could you get mah sister out of whatever she's stewin' in? Ah'll do anything in return," – Big Mac spoke clearly and slowly.

"Will you tell me more about your time in the guard and Officer Armor? Just as an extra?"

"Eyup, Miss Twilight."

"That's so nice of you. Of course I will talk to Applejack and don't even try to do anything in return. Capisci?"

Big Mac gave her a thankful smile, "Eyup!"

"See you around then!" Big Mac went back to his farm and Twilight continued along the path to Fluttershy's cottage. She was mildly annoyed.

First Luna, then Celestia and now Big Mac? Why do ponies keep telling me this stuff? Everypony looks just fine! Gah, at least I can have some peace and quiet with Fluttershy, free of all these cryptic requests.

She finally arrived at her destination. Unfortunately, their get-together wasn't meant to be, since Fluttershy was very busy treating Harry the Bear who had, among other things, a Cragodile's tooth stuck where the sun does not shine. "Ugh, " thought Twilight, "that one must sting." She tried to ask Fluttershy some questions, but the pegasus only answered in "Umm, just a second" and "Would you mind if I removed this Chimera claw first?"

Annoyed at the turn of events, Twilight left the cottage without even saying goodbye. She started galloping towards the Friendship Castle, fuming about having to face Rainbow's training sessions without any kind of emotional relaxation beforehand. Mind you, Rainbow wasn't a bad friend. No, she was still one of the six best friends any pony could hope for, but the instant she learned that Twilight's alicorn properties gave her vastly increased pain tolerance and endurance, her workouts started looking less like beginner's flight training and more like the brutal Pindos warrior-pony agoge of yore.

Tired and sweaty, she finally reached her new home. Flinging the doors open with magic, Twilight barged inside, nearly careening into Rarity, who let out her surprised "wa-ha-ha!" – a vocalization that Twilight still couldn't wrap her head around.

"Hello-o there Rarity, " Twilight mused. "Do you, by chance, need something from me or have any issues you want me to resolve?

Composing herself and sealing the door, Rarity replied, "Why yes, my dear. You see, I wanted to start a business partnership with Mister Rich, but I would like to do a background check on him first. I know a very significant portion of his credit history resides in the Ponyville branch of the Royal Canterlot Bank. Unfortunately, I can not obtain it without being registered as an appropriate organization and this would take me SIMPLY forever."

Twilight was very surprised. This was a most unusual request for Rarity to make, since she preferred to work alone. Besides, was Rarity implying...

"Rarity, what does this have to do with me?"

"Why, darling, you are officially the Princess of Friendship now. Royal Canterlot Bank is a governmental institution. You, as a member of Royalty can request any information under the pretense of "Royal Business" and they are required to comply."

Yep. She wasn't even implying anymore. She wanted Twilight to straight up abuse her privilege as royalty.

"Let me get this straight, you want me to abuse my royal power to obtain sensitive information about Filthy Rich? Rarity, are you sure you are telling me everything?"

Rarity's body tensed up and her brow twitched slightly. Unfortunately, dark vision didn't come with being an alicorn and Twilight didn't see that.

"Of course I am telling you everything, dear. Why would I lie to you?"

Yes, why would she lie to her? They were best friends after all. Still, something rubbed Twilight wrong about the whole situation.

Twilight sighed. "Okay Rarity. I will help you. Just... I want you to know that if you are feeling wrong about something, we are always there to make you feel better.

Rarity's heart dropped. She felt that she should confess right there, but reassured herself. Your plan is too important Rarity. You can't fail it on your first step.

Twilight teleported her crown to her head from the top floor. "I suppose I will need my regalia for this, right?

"It will certainly help."

"Okay, let's go get this over with."

They walked out into the evening Ponyville. Despite all the cryptic nonsense and Twilight's failure to meet up with Fluttershy, her day was still going well enough. They spent the time it took them to reach the bank chatting about Rarity's new line. Finally reaching it, they stepped inside.

In two hours, a tired, but content Twilight Sparkle opened the doors of her castle. This didn't go as bad as she thought it would. In actuality, it was somewhat amusing. The usually friendly bank workers turned into nervous wrecks upon seeing her crown. Every simple question she asked was met with either forced smiles or scared stuttering. It was Luna's first Nightmare Night all over again. She made a mental note to study the effects of regalia on ponies sometime later.

Twilight tended to her hygiene, gave sleeping Spike a light kiss on the forehead and then fell fast asleep soon after hitting the pillows.

The Villain

Twilight felt surprisingly fresh the next morning. She blazed through the boring daily song and dance of bathing, eating and scolding Spike for not brushing his teeth. She spied a lonely cloud drifting above Ponyville. An unmistakable tail hanged off its side. Suddenly, a great idea arose in her mind. Silently taking off her balcony, she sped towards the cloud and performed her evil deed. A loud yelp and a look over the shoulder reaffirmed her success – Rainbow fell through the weakened line in the cloud and was looking very dumbfounded. "You are on, Dash!" Twilight yelled.

The next two minutes consisted of a frantic race culminating in a cerulean hoof applying a noogie to Twilight's skull. Rainbow was a lot faster but Twilight was the one controlling the situation - until Rainbow Dash executed an expert level maneuver no doubt used by her in the past to administer curative noogies to many fillies and colts.

Then their training began. In five hours a completely spent but happy Twilight plopped down on the cloud next to Rainbow. They chatted for half an hour before continuing their conversation on the ground in Twilight's third most favourite joint in the town, since Dash did not approve of Sugarcube and Hayburger on training days. Twilight told Dash about her little misadventure with Rarity.

"Odd. Rares told me once that she would never be yoked into a partnership. Still, I'd like to witness the looks on those clerk faces. Could we go into the bank together?"

"What, just so you can laugh at them? No way. I have a better proposition though." She told Dash about the spellbook and potential pranking applications.

"No word to Rarity though, understood?"

"Deal!"

After spending a little more time together, they finally said their goodbyes. Twilight walked back to the castle, taking great care to NOT move her aching wings. She nestled into her bed and continued reading the theatrical spellbook. Finishing it in a few more hours, she put the book down. The sun was getting lower and soon the moon would come out.

It was not just an idle observation. Oh no. Twilight was planning to observe the moon for quite a few days already. Holding the power of the four alicorns sparked her interest in solar, lunar and love magics. To study them, she would have to study the subject of the magic first. Studying the sun came with annoying preparations and studying love involved passionate romantic relationships with ponies, which was out of question for a busy studios young mare such as herself. The moon was perfect. Not to mention she liked the look of the night sky.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by frantic bucking of her front door. Startled, she exited her room and trotted down the stairs. Spike was already at the door, suspiciously eyeing it.

By the intensity of the bucks, it was either two children or two elderly mares. But why so late? She opened the door, readying her horn just in case. A pair of panting fillies stood before her – An earth pony with a tiara leaning on a slightly chubby unicorn filly for support. She levitated them onto a couple of cushions and took a better look at them while they were catching their breath. Sweetie Belle bore a look of intense worry. Diamond Tiara just looked like she had seen a ghost, her pupils nearly completely dilated and her weak body trembling like a leaf. Sweetie Belle finally caught her breath and drew her into a hug. She relaxed slightly, but was still shaking.

"Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara? What happened?"

"R-rr-rr-ar-it-y..." stammered out Diamond Tiara and went back to trembling and sobbing into Sweetie Belle's mane.

"Twilight, help! We were visiting Mister Rich with Rarity and then she began waving some papers around and saying a lot of mean things I'm not allowed to say. She scared Diamond Tiara and I think Mister Rich. I'm scared too. I've never seen my sister so angry before."

Twilight suddenly remembered Rarity's odd request. She was already piecing the puzzle together in her mind. "Sweetie, tell me EXACTLY where Mister Rich lives in relation to my house and anything else in the town" The filly told her. "Thank you. Spike, take care of them. Comfort them and give them Fluttershy's special tea. My presence is needed."

The purple dragon nodded and ushered the fillies upstairs to warm beds.

Twilight calculated, concentrated and teleported directly into the foyer of Filthy Rich's house. She heard voices from the living room. Sneaking over, she stopped near the door and she sent a discreet magical eye into the room

The usually immaculate Filthy was slouched in his armchair. His eyes had steel in them and that steel was directed at the white unicorn mare in front of him, but the subtle twitching of his face betrayed a shadow of fear. A family portrait stood framed on the coffee table – Filthy himself, his wife and his daughter, all with carefree smiles on their faces. The rest of the table was taken up by a large amount of documents.

"Diamond Tiara would never hit your sister, much less nearly break her hoof. Besides, have you seen her and your sister? Tiara spends her time chatting with Silver Spoon and reading fashion magazines. Sweetie Belle is always running around getting exercise with her two friends. Besides, while I acknowledge that Diamond is not at her best behaviour and can say incredibly mean things but she wouldn't hit a fly."

"I don't even care anymore Mister Rich. I have had enough of bullying in Equestria. Time for somepony to take matters into their hooves. Your daughter has caused much grief to the children of this town. Do you know that she bullied Scootaloo over her underdeveloped wings?"

Filthy flinched as if somepony struck him, "Unfortunately I do, Miss Rarity, but I can't control her any more than you can control me with these old documents. They just prove that I engaged in some mildly shady dealings several years ago. Nothing short of a very crooked court will find me guilty. Please, if you would just calm down and listen to reason."

"I don't want to listen to anything you have to say, Mister Rich. I am tired of seeing frowns on the faces of children. And yes, I can, indeed, control you with these documents. You will have lost the moment I accuse you. Imagine the headlines! "Filthy Rich's Shady Past: Dream or Reality?", "Element of Generosity accuses Ponyville magnate Filthy Rich of underhanded tactics" and so on and so forth. These cases last for a while and word gets around. By the time you are deemed innocent the good name "Rich" will be ruined for a long, long time." She flicked her tail and laughed.

He reeled back slightly, "You need to go see a therapist. You are trying to run me out of town for being a father to a slightly bothersome filly. I have already put my hoof down. My family is not leaving. Diamond Tiara is staying in Ponyville."

"You love your family, don't you, Mister Rich?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"As I said ten minutes ago, Mister Rich, I will do ANYTHING to see my little sister happy. She means the world to me. Take a look at these –" she threw an envelope at him. He opened it.

Inside were highly suggestive pictures of him and Rarity. Filthy went white in the face and looked up at the unicorn standing before him.

"Why?"

"Mister Rich, all of my life I've tried to be generous to every pony I met. As I matured, I began to realize that you can't make everypony happy. A mare has got to prioritize. Right now, my priorities lie with myself, my friends and my family. Emphasis on family. If there is no Diamond Tiara in this town, there is no bullying in this school. No bullying will make my sister happier. Believe me, ruining your family won't make me happier and I would do it with a heavy heart. But if I have to do it, I will."

Twilight could not take it anymore, "That is quite enough, Rarity! –" she screamed, barging inside.

Rarity suddenly felt her legs give in underneath her, "Twil-"

"So this is what you meant by "small background check". You needed materials for blackmailing Mister Rich. You also got somepony to help you take the provocative pictures. Undoubtedly, someone you can trust, a close friend, another unwitting pawn in your plan. Was it Pinkie? Rainbow? Maybe Fluttershy? Oh and congratulations on performing your crime in front of the fillies – Diamond Tiara is traumatized for Celestia knows how long and your little sister has learned something new about you. Bravo." She concluded with a slow, sad clap of her hooves.

Rarity started crying, but Twilight cut her off.

"I don't want to hear you cry. Go back home and sleep. Tomorrow morning I want you both at the castle at... Mister Rich, when would it be convenient for you? I need you there to correct her if need be."

"Ten o'clock will be fine, Princess," he already composed himself.

"Ten o'clock it is. Now go and rest, you will need a clear head tomorrow to try and justify yourself. Your sister will be staying with me in the meantime."

Rarity galloped away, tears streaming behind her.

"Should Diamond stay with me for tonight?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now, is there anything you require?"

"I already have what it takes to get through this night, assuming it's real –" he gestured at the wine rack. "But, tell me one thing, Princess Twilight. Is this a dream?"

"No, it is not a dream."

"I would never imagine Rarity going so far with something like this. She always seemed like such a sweet and kind filly"

"Neither would I, until today. See you tomorrow, Mister Rich."

"Good night, Princess."

Twilight solemnly walked out of Rich's large house, deep in dark thoughts. She took her time walking back towards the castle, thinking about how to approach this situation tomorrow. Finally reaching her castle, she entered. Spike was pacing nervously back and forth, clearly waiting for her. "Is it as bad as Sweetie Belle told me, Twilight?"

"Probably worse, Spike. I don't even think you would like to know the entirety of it. Now Spike, could you please get me the key to the special juice box? I had a stressful day and tomorrow is going to be worse."

"Twilight, you are going to defuse the situation tomorrow right? Don't you think you need a clear head to do this? I don't exactly trust you to stop on one glass."

"You are probably right Spike. Make me some herbal tea. Zecora's recipe please. The one for sleep deprivation?"

"Coming right up, Twilight."

After drinking the tea Spike prepared for her, Twilight spent twenty minutes rolling in her bed trying to fall asleep. Finally, the herbs took their effect and she slowly drifted off to sleep.

Waking up, Twilight went down to prepare breakfast. She even skipped her usually thorough hygiene procedures this morning, just giving her mane a quick brush. Spike was already there, food waiting for her. She reached down and kissed him lightly. "Spike, I don't know how I would live without you."

"You wouldn't."

They sat opposite each other and ate their breakfast in dour silence. The accursed hour was getting closer. Thankfully, the fillies upstairs looked like they would be sleeping in for the whole day. It was good. Two less problems to worry about.

She heard a pony knock at her door. The punctual Filthy decided to arrive half an hour early. He looked over her shoulder, searching for something.

"Diamond is sleeping soundly upstairs, Mister Rich. Don't worry. She was in good claws."

Filthy gave Spike a thankful look.

"Help yourself to the food. Rarity will be here in twenty minutes tops and we can start sorting this mess out."

In two minutes, Rarity walked inside. Her mane and coat were neatly combed once again and she bore a neutral expression on her muzzle, but her eyes were very glassy. A pair of saddlebags was on her back.

"Shall we begin the hearing " – Twilight began, but looked over her shoulder as soon as she heard the sound of hooves behind her – "Sweetie Belle?"

"I think I should be here for this, Twilight."

"You were not sleeping?"

"This is not my first time feigning sleep. I am fine. Diamond is still fast asleep." Twilight noticed that while speaking the filly looked anywhere except for her sister. This was in sharp contrast to Spike, who was looking very sadly at the platonic love of his life.

"Are you sure you want to be here for this, Spike? You can go outside if you want to."

"I don't want to be here. I need to be here."

"Okay then, everypony take a seat." Once they all sat down she looked at Rarity, "Speak."

"I think I should go first, Twilight. It will help you understand, " Sweetie chimed in.

"Go on."

"We were crusading the day before yesterday. We were trying for "Cutie Mark Crusaders Entomologists". I was running after a butterfly, but hit a pothole on the road and sprained my hoof real bad. Scoots and Bloom got me to Rarity's, since my parents decided to have a shopping trip. She saw me limping and then kind of freaked out and stopped noticing me at all. It happens when she gets focused on something, like a design. I don't know the rest."

"Thank you Sweetie. Proceed, " Twilight said, looking at Rarity.

"When I saw Sweetie limping, I thought she got beaten up by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Knowing Silver is just doing anything it takes to stay Tiara's friend, I decided to pay a visit to Mister Rich. I didn't even register that I needed to help my sister. I had to interrupt Mister Rich in the middle of an important conversation. He denied my accusations of his daughter and was understandably annoyed at my interruption. I approached him a second time later and was rudely shot down. By then I had enough of it. I have been having certain thoughts for a while. A flawless plan hatched in my mind. I would make sure that Diamond would nevery bully another Ponyville foal again. It was an impeccable plan, really, with fail-safes all over. My first step was to visit Sugarcube. I asked Pinkie to help me with a prank and told her to bring a camera. She was happy to help. Then I visited you and you helped me get the information on Mister Rich's past dealings from the Royal Canterlot Bank. By the time we finished it was already 10 p.m – the time Mister Rich goes out on his evening walks in the park. I grabbed Pinkie and got there. I told her to roll a cart to trip me and Mister Rich down and take pictures of us as a prank. I then walked up to Mister Rich and strolled along with him, apologizing for everything I said. The cart struck true and the deed was done. We helped each other up, apologized once again, then parted ways. I went to sleep. The next day I waited before it was nearly sundown, got Sweetie Belle, because I wanted her to see what happens to bullies and then went to Mister Rich. You know the rest."

"How much of what she said was a lie, Mister Rich?"

"None of it, as far as my side of the story is concerned."

"Very well then. Rarity, you said you have been "having certain thoughts for a while." What exactly do you mean by that?"

"Thi- this is none of your business," Rarity stammered out.

"Rarity, dear friend, this IS my business. Besides, you just tried to blackmail a pony you were always in good relationships with. I can't resolve this case without understanding your true motivations. It's not like you to do such a deed, even if your sister got hurt."

"Okay, Twilight. I suppose there is no harm in telling everything, now that I am already knee-deep in manure. You see, I have been highly annoyed by our little team being treated like dirt by strangers. But it is not only about us. Oh no. Equestria is a happy place, but there are still jerks, bullies and other unsavoury ponies out there. Naturally, they need to be cleaned up. I decided to speed the process up, any way I can. A sharp mind, a few clinking bits and a delicate hoof can go great lengths to learn the levers of any pony you need to have control over. I would talk to those ponies, try to make them change their mind, then press a few of those levers if that didn't work –" she levitated a few folders out of her saddlebags "– I have compiled quite a bit of information over the last week. These documents are on Suri Polomare, Trixie Lulamoon, Doctor Caballeron and those three morons at the weather factory. The situation with Diamond Tiara was unplanned for, but nearly worked, " she paused, "Thank Celestia you arrived when you did. I don't know what I was thinking."

Twilight rose the folders and looked at them. One by one, she immolated all of them except for one. "Rarity, I appreciate your efforts to help clear Equestria of evil, but by yesterday night's experience it would probably result in a lot of broken fates and shed tears. Besides, why Trixie? She made her amends."

"She made my hair go green."

"Never thought you would be so petty, Rarity. Still, good findings on Doctor Caballeron. We will put them to good use once this situation is over. If this situation is over. Now, I have to ask you again, what made you do all this?"

"Do I have to say everything in front of Mister Rich?"

"Yes, since he is the one who will determine your punishment, not me, and he needs to understand your motivations clearly. I am officially giving him the right to decide on your choice of punishment. Now, proceed."

"Okay then. Do you remember the Inspiration Manifestation spellbook fiasco? Well, when I got home, I proceeded to sit down and continue to gorge myself on the remaining ice-cream. I thought to myself, "Why is it always so easy for evil forces to corrupt me? The Nightmare. The spellbook. Discord. That one stings the most. I know he used his magic to turn me, but still, he did not toy with my emotions to make me mistrust my friends. He appealed to my greed. Then I got it. The answer was right there. It was so easy to corrupt me because I am the least moral out of our group. Don't shake your head. Rainbow is brash, but fiercely loyal. You are utterly devoted to our friendship. Pinkie's life revolves around making us smile. Applejack and Fluttershy are very caring, selfless and always act natural. Spikey... I am almost jealous of how good his heart is. I am generous because I am the Element of Generosity. Spike is a dragon. He is generous, good and caring in spite of his nature." She gave him a sad smile.

"You all are nothing like me, Twilight. I am greedy and impulsive. I am jealous and selfish. My smile is often a mask, hiding my true emotions. I have mistreated all of you many times. Our outing in Manehattan? Your birthday in Canterlot? And still you love me and treat me as your best friend. I have been striving to be more like all of you and less like me, but nothing came out of it yet. So I came up with this little plan to do good for Equestria in the way I can, the one that doesn't require kindness, compassion or a good heart. That is all."

"Mister Rich? Have you reached a conclusion?" Twilight intoned, still deep in thought herself.

The stallion was sitting with his head in his hoof, deep in thought. Every pony(and dragon) at the table was fidgeting nervously, waiting for his decision. After a minute he rose his head and said in a very even voice, "I forgive her for what she has done, since nothing too bad came out of it, but with a caveat. I can understand what she is going through and she is already punishing herself more than any banishment or incarceration would. I don't want to ruin such a great filly's life. However, I don't want Diamond Tiara to live with what she witnessed yesterday. If anypony can help her forget what she saw, I will be more than happy to put all of this behind us."

The room went quiet again. Sweetie Belle and Spike wore unsure smiles. Rarity wasn't sure whether she wanted to cry, laugh or kiss Filthy Rich's hooves. Twilight finally broke the silence.

"I am, among other things, a memory spell expert. I can't cut the memory out without affecting neighboring ones. Mind is not pony insides and I am not a surgeon. I can, however, block her from remembering the ordeal. This is just a band-aid though and further interactions with you, Sweetie Belle and Rarity will trigger the memory. I could also slightly modify her memory of yesterday's evening. This is the healthiest way and provided I don't add or remove any new ponies, no memories will clash.

After a moment of thought, Rich said, "I believe you can do this, Princess. Be gentle with her, please."

They went upstairs. Diamond Tiara was kicking her hooves under a blanket. Her eyes were closed and she bore an expression of fear on her face. She obviously had a nightmare.

Twilight walked up to the filly, closed her eyes and gently touched Diamond's forehead with the tip of her horn. After a moment she withdrew.

"She will wake up in ten minutes. Mister Rich, yesterday Rarity visited you to discuss a business partnership. Bored, Diamond Tiara made a bet that she could outrun Sweetie Belle to my castle and back. When they went outside a dark shadow scared them and they arrived at my place exhausted and promptly took me and Spike on our offer to let them rest."

"That was oddly specific, but thank you, Princess."

Rarity walked up to him, her ears drooping and her hang low, "Mister Rich, I don't know how I will ever make up for what I did yesterday and how I will ever repay you for the kindness you have shown me."

He gently lifted up her head, "You can repay me by sorting yourself out. It pains me to see such a promising businessmare destroy her own life. As for making it up for me, nothing. No harm done."

She nodded thankfully.

Diamond Tiara yawned loudly, opened her eyes and jumped out of the bed. "Daad, can you explain to me what I'm STILL doing in this castle and why is this blank flank still here? –" she gestured towards Sweetie Belle and got closer to Filthy Rich.

"Young filly, you and I are going to have a nice, long talk today." He said his goodbyes and exited the castle.

Rarity finally broke down from the stress and began to cry. Everypony moved in to comfort her. Then Twilight ordered everypony to sit down and started talking to Rarity. She took her time, explaining to her that one can't do good with evil without causing more evil. That her friends loved her. How Rarity blew her negative sides out of proportion and forgot about all the good ones. How everypony in their group was more than a little flawed in their own way. With Rarity's sanity restored, and their friendship blooming anew, they kissed each other goodbye.

Mentally spent, Twilight laid down on her bed. This almost got really bad. She had no idea one of her friend would feel that terrible. She decided it was high time to get some sweets to eat away her worries. Twilight entered the balcony with determination. Unfurling her wings, she dove straight towards the Sugarcube Corner.

The Psychopath

Twilight bit into her fourth cake and washed it down her throat with cocoa. It felt good. Her stomach was protesting and her taste buds were numb, but she payed them no mind. Everypony in Sugarcube was staring at her with a mix of fear and concern. Her mane was full of icing, her coat dirty from crumbs and spilled cocoa. A small cupcake was impaled on her horn. Her table was miraculously clean, courtesy of a cleaning spell she put around it. She didn't want to cause Mr and Ms Cake any trouble, after all. She just wanted to eat pastries and sweets. A lot of them.

Twilight started thinking about her other friends, what troubles they might be going through and how she should go and talk to them as soon as possible. She slapped herself and chomped down on an oversized bar of toffee. "Less thinking – more eating, Twilight". She was in no condition to resolve any more situations today, so she might as well enjoy herself.

Suddenly she heard a raspy bloodcurdling scream outside. "Seriously? Can't a mare have some peace today?" She jumped on her feet, nearly overturning the table, and was outside in a second. Her body was protesting such rough treatment, her gums ached and she felt like vomiting, but she felt like this was not just Rarity losing a ribbon. Especially since Rarity was definitely not in the mood for histrionics.

Cleaning herself with magic Twilight ran until she finally found the source of the scream. Thankfully, it was not too far away.Ponies were crowding the Ponyville square, loudly debating what was happening in front of them. The first important thing she saw was a completely silent Rainbow Dash squirming in Applejack's iron grip on the ground. One of her hooves was free and she was trying to throw Applejack off by hitting her in the head. The farmpony was successfully dodging. Scootaloo was standing between the fighting pair and the crowd, looking very confused, a small bloodstain on her cheek. Twilight also saw a familiar large pegasus lying on the ground. His right wing was twisted at an unnatural angle, his beige coat was matted with blood and his jaw was seemingly broken. A peaked cap and a small saddlebag were lying next to him on the ground.

Seeing enough, she cleared her throat and cast a spell. She felt magic leaving her horn and concentrating in her throat.

"BE STILL!" she boomed. She did not know how to use the Royal Canterlot Voice and this little actor spell was nowhere near as powerful but it did the trick. Ponies recoiled in fear, Applejack and Rainbow Dash broke away from each other. Rainbow took a look at her bloodied hooves. She let out the bloodcurdling scream again, recoiled and waved them in front of her as if trying to get away from them.

"Any medical specialists?" A few unsure hooves rose up in the crowd. Twilight gestured at the twitching stallion, "Give him first aid and get him to the hospital. Carefully." She then walked over to Applejack and Rainbow Dash, examining them. Applejack was fine, save for a few minor bruises. Rainbow Dash's hooves were cracked and bloodied and she was looking very light-headed.

"Rainbow! Can you tell me what the hay is going on around here?!"

Dash let out another, this time very weak, scream and fainted, dropping to the ground like a sack of potatoes.

Twilight turned towards her orange friend.

Applejack shrugged, "Ah was just running by, having made a delivery of treats when Ah saw RD and that poor fellow talkin' about something. Scoots was nearby listening to them. One moment Dash looked just fine and the next was trying to beat the life out of him. Ah got her off him as fast as Ah could and, well, ya know the rest."

Scootaloo started speaking, "I know about as much. RD was showing me some cool tricks and sport tips when this big guy showed up. They started talking about some boring adult stuff. I think he was stating something and Dash was replying, until his last sentence. That's when she flipped out and started beating him up. This is also where the blood on my cheek is from. Is something wrong with Rainbow, Twilight?"

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Yes, Scootaloo. Something is. Are you feeling fine?"

"Yah, a little bit confused though. Are they both going to be fine? Should I go home now?"

"Yes, they will be fine" – she was slightly less sure than she wanted to be – "and yes, Scootaloo, you should go home now. If you feel bad about anything, visit me at once."

Looking up she saw the crowd staring at them. "What are you all still looking at? Does this look like a theater stage to you? Go do something productive!" Twilight yelled. She was a little more angry and annoyed than she should have been.

The crowd started dissipating.

With Applejack's help she got Rainbow Dash to the hospital. Her orange friend bid her farewell since she had work to do, but made Twilight promise she would tell her everything about RD once she got better.

Twilight walked into the hospital. First things first, she inquired about the state of the pegasus stallion and was relieved to hear that while he was in a pretty rough state, he was going to make a full recovery in the next few days. Handing over Rainbow Dash to the nurses, Twilight sat down to wait for their friend to recover.

An hour later Rainbow Dash came out. She was clean once again and her hooves were bandaged. She winced slightly with each step.

"Rainbow Dash, what in Equestria was going on back there?"

"I will tell you everything. Can we go somewhere quiet first?

Twilight wordlessly teleported them to her room in the castle. They settled down.

Finally, Rainbow started speaking.

"I have been hanging around with Scootaloo all day. I decided to show her some tricks and we went to the square for that. Then I heard my name get called out. I turn and see nopony other than Hoops. Despite being the bullying little prick he is, I decided to entertain him. After all, I don't hold grudges and everypony deserves a second chance. Besides, surely the years have taught him something, you can't stay a butthead forever.

So I ask him, "Whattup, Hoops, how is life?" and he shows me his cap saying that he is now a senior cloud production manager and was sent here to receive fresh information about Ponyville's cloud needs. So, he asks me how my life is. I told him that I was doing okay, just the usual weather-captaining, Equestria-saving and cider-drinking life of mine. Then I talk business and he writes it down. I was preparing to leave and then he suddenly stops me and asks, "How is your sex life? Still "doin' it" with that yellow klutz?". I politely tell him that my sex life is mighty fine and Fluttershy doesn't figure into it in any way. He continues, "Don't try to kid me, Rainbow Dash, I know how you have been looking at that grey idiot. You totally have the hots for her." So I tell him that first, Derpy is not an idiot and is just wall eyed, second, that my sex life should not concern his moronic mind since he was going to get none of my flank anyway and third, that he should really just scram and stop insulting my friends. I was already pretty pissed and my vision was starting to act a little funny, and I was going to put some distance between me and him. I was already unfurling my wings when he said "So, is that plucked orange kiwi your friend or your mate, heh, Dash?" Then it kind of all went dark and next thing I remember is trying to break free from AJ," her tone suddenly became a lot more worried, "Twilight, what is wrong with me? Please tell me. I nearly offed him."

"Have you had anything like this happen to you before?"

"No. I always had a little bit of an anger problem, but nothing I couldn't manage. It got slightly worse lately, since I have to act a lot less like me and a lot more professionally, unless I am in Ponyville. I can't even tell some high-profile jerkflank to piss off when I'm in Canterlot or Cloudsdale. Newspapers will be all over me. So, that's one of my ways to cool off gone. Still, I never exploded in anypony's face like this before. What do I do, Twilight?

"First of all, you shouldn't give a buck about the newspapers. If something helps you vent, do it. They write a lot of things about me as well. I stopped caring a long time ago. As for why you blew up, that guy was practically asking for it. I know you have a soft spot for every pony he mentioned. He probably intended to make you cry, but he apparently didn't know you very well.

Still, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get some therapy. All of us, mind you. Rarity got her heart in a knot as well. I still need to talk to our other friends about their issues. We should probably go to Mac and Shy first and then, if that's not enough, go visit a professional."

"That's a great idea, Twi." They both smiled.

Twilight dropped her smile. "Unfortunately, there is still one problem. You know, the one in the hospital with the dislocated jaw. Rainbow, I am afraid you will have to pay the hospital fee for him, along with some moral compensation. You are damn lucky he is not permanently injured or he could seriously press charges against you."

"Pfft, bits are not an issue."

"I know they are not. Just sad that you have to pay money to that flankhole after what he said to you. Ugh, my stomach hurts. RD, I'm tired, can you go now? I need sleep and some medicine."

"Sure thing, Twi, unless there is anything you need."

"No, Dash, you can go now." With those words she flew out.

Twilight rolled over. Her body was aching, her stomach was on fire, her horn fizzled and cracked for some reason. But worst of all were the thoughts on her mind.

I was too slow again. Dash nearly got herself into huge trouble. I just hope I won't be slow tomorrow.

Spike came over to her side. He carried a tray with two cups and a bowl sitting on it. The smaller cup contained a mixture, which she recognized by its smell as stomach medicine. The larger cup held inside heavily infused green tea. The bowl held some oak cookies. He placed them down near the bed. taking the smaller cup in his claw, he poured it into her mouth. Twilight winced but instantly felt a little bit better. She gave her horn a try. The teacup and the cookies levitated. She could use her magic again. After drinking the tea and eating the cookies, she drew Spike into a hug.

"I love you Spike. Thank you for brightening up this horrible day."

"I love you too Twilight." He cuddled closer to her and soon they were both asleep.

The Depressive

Twilight woke up. The sun was brightly shining outside. A few more times of waking up this late and she would have trouble with her sleeping schedule next week. Spike was still sleeping peacefully next to her, mentally exhausted from yesterday. She slowly wriggled out of the blanket, making sure to not upset his sleep. She looked at herself in the mirror. Horrified, Twilight took a step back. She looked and felt like a cavepony who had just been in a fight with an Ursa Minor. A cavepony with really bad breath. Sighing, she started the long process of making herself smell and look presentable.

Drying her head with a towel, Twilight started descending the stairs to the kitchen. She was not feeling up to the task today. How could she help her friends when she felt so insecure herself today? If only there was somepony other than Spike who could listen to her...

Finally, her brain registered the almost angelic singing emanating from the kitchen. She trotted in.

"Fluttershy?" Her gentle friend was currently working her magic on a cup of tea, making sure it comes out just right.

"Oh, hi Twilight. We've been meaning to get together for a long time now, but I was busy. But today I'm finally free! Oh and Applejack told me you weren't looking so well. And, umm, Rainbow Dash too."

"Ugh, thanks Fluttershy. Yesterday was an absolute nightmare and the day before wasn't much better."

"Now-now. Take a seat and let's drink some nice, tasty tea and then you can tell me everything you want. Unless, of course, you don't want to, but that's okay too."

They settled down and quietly drank their tea. Twilight's body agreed that it was indeed nice and tasty. However, Twilight's mind couldn't stop thinking about her problems. She decided to start off with Rarity.

"... and then we smiled and kissed each other goodbye, " finished Twilight. "So, what do you think, was I too late, Fluttershy? Am I a bad friend? How could I not see this coming weeks ago?!" They were lying on the pillows, side to side. Fluttershy was listening intently. Twilight Sparkle was forlornly kicking dust bunnies around. They were protesting, but she didn't hear them.

Fluttershy extended her wing and patted her friend on the head. A rude and patronizing gesture from anypony else, it was just a genuine display of kindness from Fluttershy. Her care was genuine and Twilight knew it. "You are an amazing friend, Twilight, don't you ever doubt that. And I don't think anypony could foresee this. Rarity is an amazing actor. If she doesn't want a pony to see inside her, she won't let them."

"But what do you think about the whole situation?"

"I think you and I should make other ponies talk their hearts out to us more often. And not just our best friends, but others as well."

"Well, time to tell you about Rainbow Dash then..."

"What do we do Fluttershy? Should we all go see a therapist?"

"Only if we can't help each other completely."

"You've been in flight camp with her. Was she like that back then?"

"Oh yes, Dashie was always a little bit of a hothead –" Fluttershy giggled, but then became serious again "– but she never lost control of herself before. I should seriously spend less time with my little animal friends and more with my big pony friends. My best friends." She smiled again. "Dashie always relaxes around me, so I should really go talk to her. I think I will start today."

"Fluttershy, everypony relaxes around you. Even Discord, for Celestia's sake."

"Oh I know, Twilight."

"Hug me, Shy."

And Fluttershy did. After a few more peaceful minutes, Twilight withdrew. "Thank you Fluttershy. I don't know how you do it, but I think I am ready to talk to Applejack now. Will you check on Pinkie?"

"Yes Twilight. Should we go?"

"Let's do this, Fluttershy!"

And with that, they flew out of the window.

The Alcoholic

The leaves of the apple trees were gently rustling in the wind. Big Mac was busy plowing the fields. Not a single unnatural sound interrupted the serene picture before Twilight.

Which is precisely why she doubled her flapping speed and rushed downwards towards Big Mac. It was too quiet. No bucking of apple trees, no friendly banter between the siblings, no yeehaws or eyups. That and Big Mac looked different today. His shoulders were slumped, his mane hung over his eyes and he clearly didn't nowhere near his usual speed.

"Big Mac! Is something wrong?"

He nodded and replied, "Eyup. I'm 'afraid it's too late to talk to AJ now."

Twilight gasped, imagining the worst. "Did she commit sui-"

"What in Tarnation, Twilight?! Why would ya even think that? Nope, she is just drinkin'. She finished her chores today, mumbled something about "Mah friends don't need no mare like me" and shut herself in with her namesake."

Twilight was visibly shocked at the news. "How often does this happen to her?"

"This is the second time. The first was when Ma and Pa went away."

"Did you even try to stop her? You are her big brother?"

Big mac huffed in irritation. "What am ah supposed to do? She doesn't listen' to me in her state. Should ah go break all the booze in the house and knock 'er out cold? My Pa once told me when ah asked about alcoholism, "You can keep a bottle from a pony, but you can't keep a pony from a bottle." If AJ wants to drink, she will drink."

"Hey Big Bro, Hey Twi! Whatcha talking about?"

"Umm, this and that sis."

"Oh, Ah thought for a moment there that you were talkin' bout Applejack drinking applejack to, how do ya adults say it, drown her sorrows?"

Twilight shook her head. The filly was growing up way too fast for her own good.

"How do you even know this, Little Bloom?"

"Ah have mah ways, " – she turned towards Twilight – "Twilight, will you please help mah sister. Ah don't how much more she can take. Ah don't know how much more Ah can take!" Tears were welling up in her eyes.

"I will try to."

"Now Big Brother, Ah want two things. Some ice-cream and to cry into your mane."

He lifted her up and she finally broke down into tears. Shooting Twilight a parting glance he cantered away into the town, with Applebloom sobbing into his mane.

Twilight affixed her gaze on the entrance of the house. Preparing to see her friend's lowest point in life she opened the door, ready for anything.

Instead of a complete mess she was expecting she found the kitchen polished to perfection. The air was very musty as if nopony entered or exited the place for years. It smelled very heavily of both apples and alcohol. She heard muffled singing and guitar music from upstairs. She silently ascended the stairs, a slow, sad melody accompanying her movement. Applejack sang another short verse and continued playing.

Reaching the door, Twilight opened it with magic. The room was incredibly dark. The curtains were closed and the main lights were off, leaving the only illumination in the room to come from a lamp on Applejack's nightstand, illuminating little more than her bed. A large bottle stood there, as well as a large mug full of a translucent dark brown liquid, covered by a slice of bread, identical to the slices on a plate nearby. A veritable battery of bottles neatly lined up the outside wall of the room. Three of them were already empty. Applejack herself was sitting facing the curtains, a guitar in her hooves. Her hat rested on the bedpost. Her hair was undone and covered almost the entirety of her back. Twilight slowly circled her to take a better look. Her hooves were moving on the instrument with the skill and precision of a true virtuoso. Her face bore an unreadable expression and her eyes were unfocused, almost lifeless. She opened her mouth and sang quietly:

And there you have it girl
Your talent isn't there
Always second best
You should just confess
That you must start anew
A million miles away
Throw away your lies
Kiss your friends goodbye

Applejack finished with a beautiful harmony ending on an unsettling minor accord. Carefully setting the guitar down she hooked the mug over her hoof and upended it into herself. Cringing slightly, she followed it up with a piece of bread. She poured herself another full mug and covered it up with a slice of bread from the plate. Her hooves were noticeably shaking.

Twilight did not deem herself a connoisseur of alcoholic drinks, but she was fairly sure that ponies didn't usually drink brandy by the bottles a mug at a time. She did not know how Applejack would react to outside stimuli, so she went out on a limb and hoped she wouldn't be too violent. She reached out and touched Applejack's shoulder. No explosion of drunken rage happened. Instead, Applejack slowly turned her head and inquired with an unsure voice, "Twilight? Is that you?"

"Yes, Applejack, it's me."

"Please, Twilight, go away. Let me and my sister spirit be together. Ah don't know what Ah am going to say to you."

"Applejack, drinking is not an op-"

"Go away Twilight. You don't need me. My family doesn't need me. Nopony needs a mare who is good for nothing."

"Applejack, everypony is good for something, especially a pony like you."

"An aspiring fashionista with an affinity for gemology and finer pleasures of life. The fastest living thang in Equestria. A magical alicorn princess - one of the only four. The most cheerful and enigmatic pony in the universe. A pegasus so kind even the most fierce of beasts love her. And of course a boring earth pony with nothing exceptional to her. Ah AM good for something. Bucking apples. That's it. Mah life in two words." Applejack emptied her mug. She tried to fill it up again, but the bottle was empty. Swearing quietly, she reached down for a full bottle, but her hooves found only air.

"Stop poisoning yourself. You have had enough."

"Who are you to decide if Ah had enough? Give them back!" she was almost crying. "Get out of this here house and let me drink in peace. Ah don't want to see your kind around here anymore. Not the annoying pegasus, not the insane party mare, not the prissy unicorn, not the doormat and definitely not the pampered pony princess! Ah'm gonna drink all of that booze, wake up and then Ah am going to buck apples for the rest of my life, because that's what mah cutie mark is telling me."

Twilight leaned in close. "Okay Applejack. I can go away and return the brandy. You will NEVER see me again and you will be free to drink as much as you want. Your friends and family will slowly turn away from you and you will truly become nothing more than a dipsomaniac applebucker for the rest of your life," she paused. She knew it was just a lie and that everypony would be there for Applejack no matter her state. "Or I could sober you right up and you could tell me what's really on your mind."

Suddenly, Applejack drew her into a hug and gave a few sloppy sobs. "S-s-sober me up, Twilight."

Twilight's horn lit up. "Go straight to the bathroom," she warned. A beam of magic hit Applejack square in the chest. She wobbled towards the bathroom.

After nearly thirty minutes of coughing, vomiting, wheezing and crying. Applejack emerged from the bathroom, her body clear of alcohol. Her face was fresh but very pale, her eyes were clear and her hair was once again gathered into a neat ponytail. The window was now open and the smell of alcohol was nearly gone.

"Thank you, Twilight. So, what should ah start with?"

"Get comfortable first, Applejack." Twilight was sitting on a chair near the bed.

Applejack thought for a moment, got into the bed and curled up under the blanket. Twilight levitated a large cup of warm tea over to her which she gulped down in one sip.

"Now, my friend, tell me what's eating at you."

"Ah guess Ah should just give you the background first, Twi. As ya know, ah was destined to be an element of honesty since mah early years. As ya know, we are almost forced to stay true to our element no matter the situation, which is why Rarity nearly worked herself to death several times or why y'all take it slow and try to befriend our enemies instead of blasting them to smithereens with magic. That means several thangs for me. Firstly, Ah can sense it when a pony tells me a black, bold-faced lie.

Secondly, that means Ah mahself am very bad at any sort of direct lying. Ah can't even tell the smallest of lies without mah face comin' alive as if Ah were having a fit." She paused and then forced out, "Ah am a completely happy pony and nothing is plaguing mah mind!" Her face contorted painfully. "Ah am a very sad and lonely pony, mah life is terrible and Ah hate mah friends!" She grimaced even harder this time. "Y'all seeing that Twi? All of this means that if Ah want to go 'round without parading mah feelings for the world to see, Ah have to put a mask on erryday. Mah curt way of speakin', the stetson over mah eyes, mah mannerisms, applebucking fer hours. All a way to divert away the questions of mah friends. Questions ah am forced to answer truthfully once they have been asked. Now, this is not what has been eating at me, ah am used to living like this. When somethin' sours mah mind real bad, I go to either mah big brother or Fluttershy and let it all out. Except lately."

Twilight grimaced, imagining how hard it would be for her to live without even some small white lies. How many were told by ponies every day? Not every lie carried a macabre intent, but Applejack's element did not discern. She thought for a few more moments and then asked, "What is eating at you if not this, Applejack?"

"Ah have been thinkin' since Ah was just a little filly. What is mah special talent? Rarity's is gemfinding. Yours is magic. What does mah cutie mark mean? What is mah calling in life? Ah always thought it was working at the farm, but it has been nagging on me worse and worse lately and, well, ya know the results."

Twilight laughed darkly. Tears came back to Applejack's eyes. "Why are y'all laughing at me?"

Twilight gently stroked Applejack's head. "I am laughing at how insignificant the problem is. You've nearly ruined your life over it instead of, you know, asking me."

"Then tell me Twilight! What is mah talent! What is mah calling. Because ah don't see one."

"I will start with your cutie mark. You see, Applejack, a cutie mark is nothing but a sign of your coming of age and also signifies ONE of your special talents that came naturally without any learning. But it is just a drop in the ocean of what makes a pony. Fluttershy's talent is empathy with animals, yet she is also an amazing singer and has the grace that would make most mares in this world go green with envy. Pinkie's is partying, but she spends most of her time baking delicious pastries and doing things even an alicorn princess can't. Your "special" special talent is to increase the productivity of land. Plants you tend to, especially apple trees, grow faster and bear more fruit. But that's not what makes you. You are an ace Applejack. You are a master of anything you do. You are the strongest and most athletic pony in our group, your crafting skills rival Rarity's, your cooking gives the Cakes a run for their money and you play the most beautiful guitar I've heard in my life. When you pick up a skill, you master it to perfection, but only when you focus. Remember the rodeo where you haven't taken a single blue ribbon for the first time in your life? You let your mind get clouded with doubt and lost the will to succeed. You have been stifling your potential for far too long Applejack. You could become the greatest sportspony, Equestria's most loved guitar virtuoso, anything you want, but you stay here cooped up in your farm brooding over nothing."

"But isn't mah calling to be with mah family? Ah thought that was what mah cutie mark was telling me."

"I am going to drop a big secret on you now, AJ. There is no calling. You have grown up around Big Mac and Granny Smith and you think they stay here at Sweet Apple Acres just because it is their so-called "calling of life". No, they do it because it makes them happy. Your big brother's name could be known all over Equestria, but there is nothing that makes him happier than watching his two sisters grow up and his home prosper – and nothing makes him sadder than seeing you destroy your own life. What is MY calling, Applejack? I thought it was staying cooped up in Canterlot reading books, then I thought it was to live a humble and happy life as the Ponyville librarian, now I am an alicorn princess living in a castle. This week I am a theurapist. There is no telling what is going to happen tomorrow or next week. Applejack, just cast away the worry, do what makes you happy and let your heart soar."

Applejack smiled and drew Twilight into a hug. They quietly sat there hugging, both happy for Applejack's newfound purpose in life.

"Now Applejack. I've had the most stressful two days and that's saying something given how our lives are. Say, what do you think about a sharing a freaking drink together – as two responsible adults we are?"

"Sure as shootin!"

They went downstairs. Applejack cooked a few treats for them to eat while Twilight tidied up the room and prepared the table. They spent the rest of their evening slowly sipping the brandy, savouring the taste of Applejack's cooking and talking about small stuff.

The day was coming to an end, Sweet Apple Acres red from the low-hanging sun. Big Mac was sitting next to a lonely apple tree, cradling Applebloom, whose thoughts seemed to be off somewhere. Suddenly, the farm's entrance door opened and they both raised their heads to see Applejack slowly walk out of her house carrying something on her back and a basket in her teeth. She stopped near the tree, spitting the basket out and carefully setting her cargo down on the ground. Big Mac could smell her breath. She smelled heavily of bubble bath and very lightly of her namesake. He looked at the dark figure on the ground. Applejack's "cargo" turned out to be a passed out Twilight with the silliest possible grin plastered over her face. Not wasting a second, Applejack jumped in and hugged her siblings. She kissed them both and started speaking, "Big Brother, Little Bloom, Ah am so sorry Ah made you worry. Ah promise it will never happen again. Ah love you both so much." A warm feeling washed over Big Mac and Applebloom. "Now ah have to git Twilight to her castle and then we could talk." She wobbled slightly.

"Ah will do it, AJ."

She smiled and slowly walked to the house with Applebloom sitting on her back, happy that her sister was normal again. Big Mac let out a happy sigh and bucked the tree slightly, dropping a few apples into the basket. Securing Twilight on his back, he took the basket and set his course for the Friendship Castle.

A very annoyed Spike was waiting for him at his destination. "So, I guess she DID get her hooves on some "special juice" after all, huh?" He motioned Big Mac to follow him into Twilight's bedroom. The stallion placed the basket on the nightstand and carefully set the drunken princess on her bed. Spike expertly tucked her in and placed a glass and a pitcher full of water next to the basket. He waddled over to Big Mac and gave him a fist to hoof bump.

"Thank you for taking care of Twilight. She has been having some issues lately."

"Eyup."

Spike saw Big Mac out and went to sleep the rest of the night away.

The Pretty Pink Portly Party Pony

"This day was going to be fun-eriffic!"

Of course, Pinkie Pie had this thought every single time she woke up. And it came true almost every time, except for those days when her hair went limp and she didn't want any sweets but buck those! Everything was gonna be a-mazing!

She was up way too early today. The sun was not even up yet. Still, Pinkie felt rejuvenated and as such began her morning exercise. During one of her jumping jacks she spied a purple alicorn speeding off towards Canterlot. Mentally wishing her friend good luck, Pinkie carried on.

After a quick bath she came downstairs. It was time to stop shaking and get baking! She looked at the special orders and started whipping up a cake for the Apple Family.

The day was going perfectly fine. Her treats were cheering ponies up and she needed little more than smiles on their faces. Another customer walked in. Pinkie started bubbling with joy. It was Twily! One of her five bestest friends! She did Twilight's order and sat down to have a nice chat over a cup of cocoa. As the conversation happened, Pinkie couldn't help but notice that there was a little something her friend was worrying about. Still, she felt this "something" was very insignificant right now, so she decided not to press the issue. They finished their meals and stood up.

"Oh Twilight, I almost forgot! Could you make a delivery to Macky and Jacky for me? I am working double-time today to make some time in my schedule and don't know if I can make the delivery myself!"

Twilight happily agreed and took the special cake. Pinkie saw her out and walked back into the kitchen to continue her work.

Pinkie tasted the new experimental cream she just cooked up. Yummy! This was great! Suddenly, she felt something different in the fabric of her reality. It tasted like marshmallows and grape jam. Even yummier than her cream, because it was her friend! She bounced out of the kitchen to welcome Rarity. Then she heard what Rarity was proposing. She brightened up with joy. A prank suggested by her prim and proper friend! How a-MAZING! The planned their nefarious scheme for a good few minutes and then Rarity went away. Pinkie was a bit sad they had to part so soon, but hey, they had a prank to do this evening. Wasting no more time, she zipped into the kitchen to finish her job.

She spied the target next to Rarity. It was almost time. She studied the curvature of the road and the trajectory of the target. Tensing up her muscles she made a calculated buck with a small "whee!" and her cart struck true. Wasting no time she activated the camera and started taking pictures. For some reason Rarity asked her to give her the photo to complete the prank, but it didn't matter as long as they all had fun!

Meeting Rarity at their rendezvouz, she passed the photographs. Rarity packed them into an envelope and the envelope into her saddlebag. Flashing her friend one last smile, Pinkie went to hitch the cart used for the prank and bounced away back to Sugarcube corner with it. She needed some rest.

All things considered the next morning was pretty normal all-around. The Cakes, thankful for her work yesterday, let her off early. She spent some time with Rainbow Dash thinking over their newest prank they would pull off on Applejack on their next get-together. Then RD went a little red in the face and asked if Pinkie had any heart-shaped cakes. Pinkie gave her a coy smile and showed her the assortment of goods in Sugarcube. Paying up, Rainbow took the cake in her teeth and sped off, blushing under Pinkie's knowing look.

Then Pinkie decided to pay a visit to Applejack. She bounced over to the farm. She saw Applejack and Big Mac finishing up their chores. Deciding to wait until they finish their work she made the last big bounce and ended up on a branch of an apple tree. It gave a warning creak under her weight. She scurried off closer to the trunk, giving herself a disapproving look. "How come your tummy is so big, Pinkie?! You are getting so much exercise." Pinkie giggled and closed her eyes, becoming one with the errant cosmos. She reached out to Applejack and Big Mac, biting into their souls.

Big Mac tasted a little more sour today than usual, but nothing too bad. She then took a bite out of Applejack. Her eyes shot open and she reflexively spit nothing out of her mouth. Her taste buds were still feeling the bitterness. Something very bad happened to Applejack and she needed Pinkie's help NOW.

She tried everything she could think of over the course of the next few hours. Applejack was impossible to crack and Pinkie only felt worse and worse as she tried to make her friend feel better. Defeated, she bid her farewells and trotted off dejectedly, her mane slightly deflated.

"This day is... okay, " she thought to herself, placing another batch of cookies into the oven. She couldn't help Applejack right now, but she could always help her later. And if she got sour other ponies would get upset too, so she had to be strong for them. For Ponyville! FOR EQUESTRIA! Her spirits lifting up slightly, she trotted out of the kitchen, a tray with an order balanced on her back. She set it down and returned to the counter when her taste buds nearly exploded from the assault of different tastes. That could only mean one thing and it was not a good one!

The door was suddenly flung open and Twilight stood before Pinkie. The mare's mane was disheveled, her eyes had a grim determination in them and her face bore a slightly unhinged grin. Her horn flared and a mountain of bits appeared on the counter. Pinkie's boost in confidence was already gone, along with any extra volume of her mane.

"Pinkie, I want pastries and I want them NOW! Also, lots of cocoa."

The next hour was a frantic mix of baking, serving and worrying for Twilight's mental and physical state. Pinkie was a heavy eater and it showed, but even she was staring in horror as mountains Sugarcube Corner's stock evaporated in Twilight's mouth. A scream took her out of her thoughts. Twilight's seat was already empty. Wasting no time she trailed her friend, subconsciously teleporting from corner to corner. They came to the town square, where a scene was playing out.

Pinkie walked back home. She just witnessed one of her bestest friends nearly end a pony. Her hair was no longer the poofy goodness it once was, but she was happy that at least nothing irreversible happened and she felt that not all was lost for Rainbow Dash.

Inside her room she found a very serious-looking Rarity. The unicorn opened her mouth and began her confession. Pinkie wanted to close her ears or beg her friend to shut up, but it was too late. Rarity has already said everything she needed to say. Giving an apologetic smile she left the room. Her mane and tail now completely limp, Pinie fell into her bed and began to bawl. The Cakes came over and comforted her. She thanked them but continued bawling.

It was so peaceful and serene. The sun of the new day was shining through her curtains. Pinkie set down her cupcake and continued looking at the rock in front of her. It was gneiss. She felt a feeling of comfort sitting next to something so ancient and unchanging. A few more hours passed, as she and the rock made some small talk. Finally, she bid him farewell and drifted off to sleep.

Rocky and Madame LeFlour came back from their trip. The party was fun-e-rific! Of course, Gummy was the soul of it, mingling with guests and dancing the evening away. Some fuzzy yellow and pink creature was trying to disrupt the party but Pinkie was having none of it! She threw the creature out of the door, making it "ow" in pain.

Some of Mister Gneiss's friends came to visit the next morning. She was having an absolutely rocking tea party with them, when somerock knocked at the door. Opening it, she looked at the strange rock in front of her. His texture was very soft and oddly furry. He also was a pretty lavender colour and smelled of apples mixed with something.

"Hello Pinkie Pie, may I come in?" the rock said to her.

"Get out, you are not invited to our party."

The rock glowed slightly in one place and the next moment the party pony felt something washing over her.

"Yes... Twilight. You can come in." Pinkie ushered her friend in and plopped down on the bed.

"Pinkie, for the love of Celestia, please tell me what happened to you!"

"Oh, just three or four of my friends going off the deep end while I'm absolutely powerless to help and one of them also used me to frame a pony as an adulterer. Other than that, not much at all."

Twilight started saying a lot of words. The pink mare listened to them mirthlessly. Still, some of this information was pretty interesting. For instance, Rainbow apparently got over her anger problem, Applejack was at peace with herself, Rarity made amends with everypony and was incredibly sorry and Twilight was of sound mind and body. Great news, sure.

Wait what? Her friends were fine again? Was this nightmare all over? With a "Pomf" her mane regained its usual poofiness. She let out a loud "yay" and tackled Twilight to the ground.

"At last, everything is fine, " Twilight thought as they cleaned up Pinkie's creepy party. "Everything, except for my failed assignment." She did not let this sour her mind. She had known Celestia for a long time and she wouldn't punish Twilight. If anything, it would be an important lesson to learn.

The Student and the Teachers

Twilight soared through the evening sky. She was still a bit nervous about the upcoming debriefing with Princess Celestia, but she was not shaking in fear like she would before.

Landing on the balcony once again, she prepared to walk into the chambers. She promptly collided with a large dark figure. Princess Luna smiled warmly upon her and they both came inside.

"Tia will be here shortly. You can tell me everything you would tell her and I will relay the information to her. Excuse my bluntness, but she doesn't have the patience today to sit through all of your explanations. In fact, I think she wants you to just listen today. Proceed.

Twilight explained everything in great detail.

"That was most expected indeed. Pray tell Twilight Sparkle, how do you feel after it all?

"A little bitter, but I am happy that everything turned our fine in the end."

"That is the most spectacular news. Your mind is as strong or stronger than mine then. Tell me, dear friend, do you know the true story of my fall into the darkness?"

Twilight felt a little uncomfortable. Slowly, she said, "Well, Luna, after your return it is generally agreed upon that your integrity was weakened by jealousy allowing the Nightmare to take over."

"Indeed, Twilight Sparkle. However, as it always goes, it is but a part of the truth. Back then our roles were the same as they are now. Tia ruled over the day and dealt with many issues the ponies had. I had my night court and of course I also had to dreamwalk to deal with the troubles that went through ponies' heads as they slept. Now, how did you mentally proceed through the whole ordeal?"

"Well, I only got my peace of mind the day before yesterday, so, honestly speaking, I was living my nightmare these few days, trying to do everything to make my friends' lives go right."

"As expected, Twilight Sparkle. Now, imagine doing this for centuries. And with, let's just say, less moral ponies than your friends." She stopped speaking and smiled.

"You mean-"

"Yes Twilight Sparkle. That was the second major reason I gave in to the Nightmare. After spending some time on the Moon rethinking priorities in my life I think I finally got it and I want you to understand it as well. You personally felt the stress and it was only your five best friends. If you want to be there for everypony as a shoulder to cry on and not go mad, you must first acknowledge that relationships are not made equal. You, your family and best friends come first. Then other friends. Then acquaintances . And so on and so forth. I am not telling you to not take problems of other ponies seriously. Just prioritize. Don't throw your soul into a firestorm just to help some random pony. The wound in our hearts if you lose your mind will never heal."

Twilight said unconvincingly, "I think I got it, Luna."

"I know it is a lot to take in, but you will eventually see where I am coming from. Now, get ready, I think I sense another soul in need of your company."

Once she uttered those words the doors opened, revealing a tired Princess Celestia. She slowly walked into the room and slammed her flank down onto the bed. Luna shot Twilight a reassuring glance, gave Celestia a gentle brush with a wing at which the solar princess snarled and exited the room, locking the doors behind her.

Celestia finally let a groan escape her, turning to face her student. "Twilight, do you know why you are here now?"

"Luna said I was here to listen to you."

"Great, you know. And please, as few questions as possible."

Celestia started talking. About her nearly senile assistant. About the pain-in-the-flank nobles and bureaucrats. Lots of other frustrations escaped her throat, some in a colourful form that Twilight was shocked to hear from her. Still, Celestia was not satisfied. Clearing her throat, she began her confession,

"Twilight, have you ever heard me say the word hate in relation to me having sincere contempt for something?"

"No."

"Well, you are about to hear it now. I hate one thing in life more than anything. I hate not being in control. When things spiraled down and Luna turned into Nightmare, I was in control. I used the smallest amount of Element energy possible to seal her for as little as I could. When you freed my sister, I was in control. I knew Luna's kindness kept the malevolence of Nightmare in control, I knew no harm would come upon you. I knew that underneath the black skin and fangs it was still my sister.

Then Discord broke free. My old friend and enemy. He thought he had me this time, but he should have known better. I waited for you to write, Twilight. All the friendship letters were at the ready. I anticipated his every move and outplayed him on his own board.

Old Chrysalis decided to pay us a visit. She thought she defeated me. Little did she know that I was in control of the situation the whole time. If anything went wrong and the love between Cadence and Shining was not strong enough, I would intervene –" she concentrated and created a small tinted magical shield. A moment later a miniature sun was born inside it. Celestia levitated a wrought iron candlestick from her nightstand and threw it into the shielded sun. It evaporated instantly. She cancelled the spells "– I would scatter her ashes all over Equestria. It is not my way, but I am always ready, just in case.

The loss of the Crystal Empire is an old pain of Luna and I, but I knew that you and your friends would succeed. Discord's prank with the seeds was amusing, but nothing more than that.

Then Tirek came. First Discord betrayed us, then I had to give away my magic. I was no longer in control. I admit that my faith in you wavered when I was lying with my sister and niece chained in Tartarus. You succeeded, as you always do and I can't express the relief I felt when you did. You see, Tirek is the worst thing we have ever faced and not just because he almost prevailed.

Nightmare Moon craved a throne and adoration. She would shroud the land in everlasting night, but with her power and earth pony magic crops would still grow in the night. Equestria would survive, if without me.

For Discord, the world used to be his playing board. He would toy with Equestria for centuries, but he would not let his toys get completely broken. Life would go on, in a bizzare and insane fashion, with Ponyville as the Chaos Capital.

Chrysalis was weak and Sombra a fool. They never stood a chance at succeeding and, again, they wanted subjects and control.

But Tirek is something else entirely. He doesn't care about ponies, he would not "rule" us. He would just suck our magic and strength dry and continue rampaging through the world. The ponykind would die out over the course of several years.

And such is the story of me almost letting Equestria die. I risked everything by sending Discord to retrieve Tirek and then I risked again by giving you all the magic. I should have just gone with Discord and undone the red bastard."

Slowly calming down, she smiled at her shocked student. "Do you want to stay in your old chambers for the night? They are still empty."

Twilight nodded, "Yes Princess, I don't think I'm in condition to fly back."

"Sweet dreams, my favourite student."

"Sweet dreams, my best teacher."

Twilight walked out of the room and went towards her chambers.

Celestia sighed. She was happy to confess, but was still feeling a bit under the weather for no real reason. Suddenly, her blanket moved. Pinkie Pie emerged from it with a pegasus guardpony, gamboge of coat and blue of mane. He looked as if he had just witnessed Everything and Nothing at the same time. "A stallion will cheer you up!"

Celestia looked him over, smiled and nodded.

"Thanks Pinkie. He will."

The lesson

Twilight soared through the air on fully stretched wings. Rainbows shimmered on her coat and mane in the rays of the early sun, giving her an almost ethereal look. Of course, Twilight knew that these rainbows were nothing but refraction of light in the droplets of water on her fur, but that did nothing to dampen her childlike glee. Her new appreciation for wings probably had something to do with the whole Tirek disaster nearly two weeks ago, where they saved her flank time and time again. Thankfully, everything was settling down and bad memories were subsiding. Not doing a sonic boom every time she flapped her wings also helped.

Still, a small shadow of worry was creeping into Twilight's mind. Why did Princess Celestia insist on seeing her before the dawn? In fact, why was the sun taking unusually long to rise? Did something happen to the Princess Celestia? To Princess Luna? Was all hope lost? Did Tirek escape aga-

Twilight's rational self put her hoof down. Everything was fine. Princess Celestia's balcony was already in sight. After a couple more minutes of relaxing flight she plopped down on it. "I have to work on my landings" – she thought to herself.

Silently opening the door with her magic she peeked inside. The princesses were lying on the cushions close to each other, Luna gently stroking Celestia's back with her wing. Unwilling to interrupt the peaceful intimate moment, she started closing the door.

"Come in, Twilight!" – rang Celestia's voice. Twilight walked in, shutting the door down. She levitated a cushion in front of the princesses and sat down.

"Hello Celestia, Hello Luna" – Twilight greeted. Celestia responded in kind while Luna just gave her a tired smile and a nod. "Why did you want me here so early in the morning"

"You have a lesson to learn and an assignment to receive" – the sun princess replied. Twilight's back suddenly snapped itself into a perfectly straight line and a hair strand dislodged itself from her mane. Celestia raised a calming hoof. "Don't worry, Twilight, it's nothing you haven't done in the past. Now, tell me, what does a cutie mark mean for any given pony?"

"It signifies a special talent, a particularly strong character trait, something in the pony's fate or a combination of the above."

"Partially correct, Twilight. But now, is cutie mark the thing that defines a pony?" – seeing Twilight shake her head she continued – "It's good that you understand this. Now, a few examples. What can you tell me about this pony?"

Twilight looked at the magical visage of a pony projected by Celestia's horn. "It's Berryshine, although we in Ponyville call her Berry Punch. Her special talent is growing different sorts of, well, berries, grapes in particular. But her passion in life is brewing and I would lie if I said her wine isn't amazing."

"More than amazing. It's nothing short of excellent" – Luna chimed in, levitating an empty bottle towards Twilight. It had a wax seal with Berry's cutie mark on it.

"Now, Twilight, what do you think of Apples?" – Celestia inquired.

Twilight perked up. "Oh, they are my favourite along with cherries. Big, ripe and fresh. I positively can't live a day without sinking my teeth into their juicy sides." She looked up to see two coy smiles directed at her. "What?"

"Twilight, when I said Apples, I meant the family, not the fruit."

Twilight slowly turned beet red at the realization. Her mane fell over her eyes and she let out a small "eep" that would make Fluttershy proud. Celestia's smile evolved into a grin and Luna let out a hearty guffaw.

"Now Twilight, tell me what you think about them in relation to their talents, cutie marks and personalities. Only talk about the core –" Celestia winced "– family that you are familiar with."

Now calm, but still slightly embarrassed Twilight replied, "Well, Granny Smith is the head of the family. She is great at cooking, organization and instilling good traits in children. I think even Diamond Tiara got something out of her speech in the school. Applebloom is always positive, full of energy and has a very bright mind. She is especially good at arts, crafts and potion making. Big McIntosh is unnaturally strong, even for an earth pony, and is incredibly smart and knowledgeable, although he takes great care to hide it. Applejack is exceptional at anything she does, and she is an extraordinary athlete. Sometimes it feels like she is stifling her true potential by working at the farm all the time. Still, I am not sure what their cutie marks have to do with what they truly are. I can kind of see the apple pie but not the rest. "

"Well said, Twilight Sparkle," Luna intoned. "It is because their cutie marks have nothing to do with what and who they are. In fact nobody's cutie marks do. They just reflect one special talent that came naturally. Nothing else. Sometimes, like in sweet Fluttershy's case, they fall in line with their personality traits. But that's it, coincidence, nothing more than that. The elder Apple siblings' special special talents are a variation of natural Earth Pony magic particularly well attuned to apples. Big McIntosh's increases the nutritional quality of the fruit, while Applejack's increases the yield. But, as you well know, they have many other abilities and traits that truly make them who they are. But enough of that. Tia, proceed."

"Twilight, what are your special talents, now that you understand ponies better?"

"Umm, magic, organization, science, creating and maintaining friendshi-"

"Correct, Twilight. Now, what do good friends do?"

"They, umm, listen to each other's problems and-"

"Again, correct. But not everypony is a natural listener. As you are probably well aware, I am a talker. I take control of most conversations I am in, which is a good thing in some situations and horrible in others. There are very few listeners, Twilight. Of the ponies you and I know, I can only be sure that three ponies are truly good at listening – Fluttershy, Lulu and Big McIntosh. However, with the amount of personal problems you have helped your friends with, something tells me you have a potential to be one as well. And I feel now is a great opportunity to prove it.

The last few years have been incredibly stressful for all of us and I am worried for your group's emotional well-being, seeing as you were always the ones in the thick of things. I am afraid what Tirek did in particular took a mental toll on you. This is not a formal assignment. Just pay a little more attention to their troubles, listen to them and, if you suspect anything you can't help them with, consult me, Luna or Cadence."

Twilight bowed her head.

"Now go, Twilight Sparkle. Tia needs to work and I need my sleep."

Twilight bowed a second time, entered the balcony and took flight, still thinking over the conversation.