The Price of a Wish

Chapters

Prologue
Paradise
Good Morning
Not as Planned
All is not as it seems

Prologue

Twilight stared into the hole. Brown, then a darker brown then an oddly lighter brown lined the walls of the hole, all leading down to a small inconspicuous looking black box. Months and months of research and tracking down false leads and following even the barest hints of its existence had finally lead her here. A dense jungle, home to the same species as Daring Do’s arch rival Ahuitzotl. Sadly Ahuitzotl was the last of his kind so Twilight hadn’t met any others of his species.

She looked up and at the ruins around her and then back down to the seemingly innocent black box. If the rumors were true then what was inside the box is why none were left. A chuckle slipped past her lips as she thought about it. It was a silly rumor but there was credence to it, after all, there were no more Ahuitzotls left. Such lines of thought were flippant at best though, plenty of races and species had been lost to time over the course of history.

A lavender aurora carefully lifted the box from the ground. Twilight’s saddle bags flipped open and the tiny box was nestled in between two books to protect it from anything that might damage it on the way back. The shadows around her were growing longer and Daring Do had warned her not to wander the jungle late at night, opening the box was going to have to wait. Twilight moved away from the excavation site and paused to look around again. Step pyramids surrounded her like mossy hills of stone. Old thatch roofs from sunken homes dotted the area making for treacherous terrain to anypony who wasn’t careful enough and the encroaching darkness wasn’t going to help matters any.

Twilight had been lucky the box had been buried sometime after the fall of whoever had lived here before or she might never have found it. Underneath her hooves were miles upon miles of labyrinth like intertwined tunnels and homes. According to legend the city she stood over had been one giant continuous building. The step pyramids poking up into the trees had been the communal buildings and temples of worship for the ancient gods of those who had built it. If the box had been anywhere inside the maze below the chances of her ever finding it would have been slim to none.

She glanced back at the hole again. Large enough for her to fit in the dirt spoke of having been shifted aside for the box for more recently than that of the earth that had filled in parts of the city. Two Temples rose up on either side of the hole like sentinels watching over a prisoner and Twilight couldn’t shake the feeling that whoever had buried it here knew something about those old temples she didn’t.

Ahuitzotl’s face flashed across her mind as she turned away from the pyramids. Evil as he may seem the fear in his eyes when she had asked him about the box and it’s contents were all too real. He knew more than he had told her, of that she was sure, but why he had told her anything she couldn’t be sure. The ancient city vanished into the treeline as Twilight broke into a gallop, her mind swimming with uncertainty and fear.

This had to be worth it, worth risk. She needed it to be. That city had a wrongness about it and now that wrongness seemed to bounce against her side in the saddlebag. Twilight had to believe her cause was good enough, honest enough to warrant what she was going to risk for it. Her pounding hoof beats echoed around her as she galloped through the forest like vile and haunting laughter.

~ ~ ~

It taunted her, sitting there on the table. All the light around seemed to be absorbed into it’s now gleaming black surface and she swore it was watching her. Twilight threw her saddle bags over it and shuddered. There was something wrong in that box, a presence that felt like Discord but far more malevolent. Could she really do this? She had traveled across the seas and deep into one of the oldest jungles in the world for it but could she really do this.

The bathroom door closed behind her and Twilight slumped against the door. This was wrong, she knew it was wrong. Some princess she was turning out to be. Abandoning her duty and her friends to gallivant around the globe in search of some ancient relic. The twin temples standing guard over the hole swam through her mind and with it the months that had led up to this journey.

The warnings about what lay inside plagued her mind as she remembered everything she had gone through to get this far. Evil, mischievous, malevolent, all words that had been used to describe what lie within that container that taunted her now. Thinking about it now she couldn’t remember a single word that didn’t hint at some horrible consequence for using it. Even Ahuitzotl had told her to stay away from it. He had insisted that some things should lay buried, best forgotten and left alone. Such reverence and fear he seemed to hold the legend of what she had dug up in.

The thunking of her head against the hollow wooden door as her head hit it several times cleared her head and she stood up. This was worth it. Celestia was worth it. Her mind made up she opened the bathroom door only to find the box sitting on the floor just outside it.

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed the lump that had lodged itself there as soon as she saw the box. Maybe it wasn’t worth it, whatever this thing was it clearly wanted to be used. It had to be used, it didn’t deserve to be locked...No this was wrong. She couldn’t do this.

Twilight looked down at the small gyroscope in her hooves, the box sat open on the table. It was so innocent sitting their in her hooves, what harm could it possibly due. “I wish I had a chance to win her heart. I wish that we could be more than student and teacher, that we could be closer, that we could have a chance at love.” The center of the top began to spin and it slowly stood up in her hooves.

Twilight could feel it, something was happening. Magic gathered around the top like a whirlwind, picking everything in the room up. It all whirled around her, faster and faster it went as the top picked up speed. A voice called out through the wind. “Your wish has been heard. A contract to be formed so a due must be paid.” A crack began to form in it as the magic got stronger and stronger and then suddenly everything grew calm. “Do you accept the terms of the contract?”

Twilight stared at the top and the whirlwind she sat in the center of. “I will pay anything, just let me be with her.” The wind began to pick up again, her mane whipped about by the wind and new cracks slowly formed in the top.

“Consent has been given.” More cracks and a strange glowing. “A due will be collected and the wish shall be granted.”

Twilight watched in awe as more cracks began to appear in the artifact, spider webbing through the delicate structure. The wind began to scream and then there was a pulse. Another pulse, and another and then everything turned white. It was a moment before she heard the explosion and her world turned black. A pair of a sinister aquamarine eyes flashed before her and then everything faded away.

Paradise

Deep, deep into her slumber the noise echoed. That infernal sound that meant it was time. Bubbles of consciousness tumbled around in her mind as the ringing continued ceaselessly. It whipped up the ocean of her slumbering mind into a frothing mess and slowly she managed to reach out with a hoof and smack around for the cursed device.

Twilight slowly sat up in bed, her blanket draped over her like a cloak. Her head pounded like a symphony orchestra was playing to the tides of war. Every joint and muscle ached like she had just gone several rounds with a minotaur. A groan escaped her lips as her head lifted and the blanket fell back letting in the morning light that filtered through the four paned window.

The sound of glass shattering marked the end of the alarm clock’s endless tiriad and brought her much needed relief. Carefully she stepped from the bed onto the cold stone floor leaving the blanket behind on the bed. “What happened last night?” She groaned as she shook her head hoping that the memories might be jostled loose by the act. “Everything hurts, why?” Another useless attempt to jiggle the memories loose as she began to lumber her way to the restroom.

Tidbits bubbled around her mind as she churned over any and all memories she could recall from the last few days. One thing in particular came to mind, a dream. Something about a top, some crazy magic, and this voice. No there was more, a wish, yes there was a wish.. A pulse of pain lanced through her head forcing her to her knees. This was wrong, she was wrong. Her head pounded with each pulse of her heart and she felt like it was going to split open and some part of her wanted it to, just to end the pain.

Twilight struggled but managed to open her eyes as she lay gasping for air through the pain. Why was she lying on a stone floor, her bedroom, it was crystal not stone. Hazily she made out the spines of books resting on recessed shelves, books were good, they were normal. Her head throbbed again and she winced, her wings flexing. Wait no, her shoulders tensed, where were the wings she had grown used to seeing out of the corner of her eyes when they spread?

Suddenly the pain was forgotten, replaced by sheer panic. This was wrong everything was wrong. Wrong room. Wrong castle. Wrong books. No wings, no crown, no assitant. Carefully she curled up on herself and took her tail between her front hooves and began to gently stroke it. She was real, she could feel herself, that was step one, identify what was real.

An explosive crashing and slamming sound did little to jostle her from her thoughts as she took stock of things she knew. The sound of somepony taking a huge breath came shortly after her door was brutally opened and just as quickly as the breath had been taken Twilight heard the meek sound of the same pony deflating like a balloon. “Seneschal?” The marble white alicorn asked cautiously as she looked at her purple scribe laying curled up in the middle of the floor gently stroking her tail.

A twitch of her eyelid, a flop of her ear and a creepy grin was her only acknowledgement to the intruder at first. Slowly and jerkily she turned her head towards the infringing presence and the smile grew even wider while her pupils grew even smaller. “Yes.” She drew out the word in a fashion that screamed dangerous and laughed slightly. “What can I do for you Princess.” Her eye twitched again.

Slowly Celestia stepped backwards out of the room. “Nothing, nothing at all. Well maybe just a little something. Perhaps you could shower, maybe meet me for breakfast in an hour, the usual place.” She smiled kindly and warmly as the door swung closed quietly.

Twilight stared at the door for a moment before what had just happened came crashing down over her like an anvil. She scrambled to her hooves and tripped her way to the door, her own hooves betraying her in her haste to reach Celestia before she was gone.“Oh my, no, did I just?” She ran to the door and threw it open. “Celestia.” Their muzzles nearly touched as she skidded to a stop in the door. Coughing politely Twilight backed off slightly, very slightly. “Sorry, um. So, yea I’ll um shower and meet you in the dining room in an hour.”

“That sounds lovely.” Celestia shifted a little to give herself some space. “Don’t forget the schedule book this time.” Her piece said she smiled warmly and teasingly before darting in and giving Twilight a peck on the cheek and skipping away down the hall.

Twilight watched her until she disappeared around a corner before darting back into her room and closing the door. She closed her eyes and took several calming breaths just like Cadence had taught her. Breath in and bring your hoof to your chest then exhale while moving your hoof away and repeat as necessary. “Okay, so what was I doing again?” She looked around at the room calmly, everything from before Celestia’s arrival completely forgotten.

It was a simple room. A bed in one corner, bookshelves lined the opposite wall with a large window recessed in the middle of them. Two plush looking pillows on the windowsill looked well used and what looked like a day planner rested on one. On the far wall was the door to the washroom with a tiny desk next to it.

Twilight looked at the hole in the window and sighed. “I’m gonna need another alarm clock.” She added it to a mental list of things she would need to get done today as she made her way to the shower.

~~~

Twilight opened the door to the dining hall and smiled nostalgically, it was just like she remembered it. A large bay window opposite the door, an oak table scarred by time and countless meals. Flowers blooming in the morning light that streamed through the window lined the walls and added a strange exotic garden feel to the room. Twilight pulled open the dumbwaiter nestled between two shrubbery bushes and grabbed the three plates inside. Pancakes for Celestia, eggs and hay bacon for her and a plate of toast for them to share.

She smiled as she turned around and saw Celestia sitting comfortably with the morning paper and sipping at her tea. A calm quiet morning before they both had to get to work. Court would begin and Twilight would advise while she recorded what happened in court. After a while they would break for lunch. Somedays Luna would join them and others they would enjoy with only each other for company. Routine, old and trustworthy, and something Twilight cherished more than words could express. Her routine with Celestia, it brought a giddy smile to her lips even now, months after they had begun dating.

Twilight paused as she thoughts about their months together, her brow knotting up, something about that, what was it? “Seneschal, dear, has breakfast arrived.” Celestia smiled comfortingly at Twilight as their eyes met and all of Twilight’s worries faded into nothing. It didn’t matter anyway, she had Celestia and that was what mattered most.

“Your pancakes Celestia.” Twilight slid the plate onto the table in front of the white alicorn before taking her seat and pulling up her day planner. “Today seems to be a short day, barring any major problems of course. You have a short meeting with Blueblood before court over his use of the garden for the soiree he is planning with his friends from college. After that is of course your usual court. Court will focus on non noble pony problems, primarily the land disputes from Manehatten and the surrounding countryside. Lunch will be served as per usual in the garden and then we have the paperwork from court to deal with.” Twilight took a bite of her eggs and penned a few things into her book. “And then I reserved some seats at the italian place you like in lower Canterlot for dinner.”

Celestia poured the little cup of syrup over her pancakes with a sigh. “You think they would just send up the bottle of syrup, these little cups are just never enough.” She cut out a triangular piece and took a bite. Her eyes fluttered closed and she let out a small moan of pleasure. “I guess I can forgive the chef, he makes such divine pancakes.”

“Her name is Pinkie, I believe her assistant is responsible for the pancakes though. His name is Spike.” Twilight tapped the quill to her chin. “I think at least.” She passed some of her bacon to Celestia and looked down at the planner again as she took a bite of her eggs. “I think I can actually squeeze some more time in for dinner if we can get Rarity to help out with the paperwork. It’s not her specialty but she is quite business savvy.”

Celestia hummed a bit as she chewed on the hay bacon. “Spike you say, and Pinkie. What happened to Chef Whitehat?”

“He retired last week.”

“I see, I see. Well I must commend Pinkie and Spike, this breakfast is wonderful.” The ancient mare smiled as she watched Twilight. “So those reservations, are they for two?”

Twilight’s quill skipped across the page she was on leaving a dark line across it and she sputtered as a bright blush flared across her cheeks. “Princess.” She cleared her throat and tore the page out. She mumbled under her breath, “Yes, of course.” and went to work rewriting her page. It drove her nuts how she did that. IT was this special tone she used just for her and it hinted at some very not foal friendly ideas.

A chime like twittering filled the room as Celestia watched her seneschal’s reaction. “We have been dating for over a month now, it’s adorable how that still makes you stutter.” Celestia sipped her tea and nodded to the chef who stepped in through the door between the shrubs.

“Will you be requiring anything else for breakfast.” The pink mare's poofy mane bobbed from side to side as the mare bounced over to Twilight. “Hey there Twi, how’s things in the castle. You should come visit us in Ponyville again.”

“What, but you work here. How could I visit you somewhere you aren’t?” Twilight’s brow furrowed as she stared at the crazy chef.

Pinkie giggled and passed them both a cupcake. “My bad. Have a cupcake on the house as an apology.”

Twilight looked at the cupcake, something about it made her head hurt. A tiny little gyroscope was perched on top of it and the cupcake itself looked almost like a box. Shrugging she unwrapped it and took a huge bite out of it. “I must say, she makes a wonderful cake.”

Celestia snickered and pointed to hers. “I think she knows.” A purple six pointed star was painted with frosting on top of the lavender colored cupcake wrapped in a magenta wrapper. “I wonder if it tastes like the real thing.” A coy smiled wrapped around her lips as she gently licked the cupcake while eyeing Twilight with lust filled eyes. “It’s not quite as sweet sadly, but it is still quite...delicious.”

Twilight could have sworn she was on fire. Seeing Celestia’s face like that and the way she was looking at her, slowly Twilight slid under the table with a glass of water that she poured over her burning face. Today was going to be a long day if Celestia was in that kind of mood.

~ ~ ~

Twilight rolled over, trapping one edge of the covers under her side and causing them to tighten around her. She didn’t move to loosen them instead she sighed happily and smiled. The warm blankets made her think of Celestia’s wings wrapped around her as the snuggled in the park to watch the fireworks. The restaurant had been wonderful just like last time, though the server had been new and made a few mistakes.

Twilight giggled to herself and snuggled deeper into the covers, she needed to get some sleep so maybe just maybe she could be up before Celestia tomorrow. Her eyes drifted closed and a dream began to form. It didn’t really take shape it was just a rainbow of swirling colors. Voices, she heard voices, familiar ones. The colors bled together like a kaleidoscope and she caught a glimpse of a dark blue something.

A hoof, it must be a pony, reached for her but the colors shifted suddenly and the shape vanished in a small explosion of blues, silvers and blacks. A pair of aquamarine eyes drifted through the swirling mass of colors as they formed strange undulating lines of colors that mixed and split, dancing to the beat of an unheard drum. More shapes came and went as the colors danced through her mind without a single sound she could hear but knew was there.

The blue pony popped up more than once but was always quickly banished with a sharp shifting of colors. Suddenly the colors began to jump up and down in time with some strange sound that seemed to beat heavily against her ears. Louder and louder it got and then just as it had come it was gone and the colors began a sedate seep through her sleeping mind. Suddenly the colors spiked and she jolted awake.

Pain, unimaginable pain. Beyond anything she could have ever imagined coursed through her like a river fire setting her nerves a light. She groaned and curled up in on herself, slipping from the side of the bed though she barely noticed until the cold seeped up into her burning skin and soothed the ache like gentle caress. From her fevered mind she heard the strangest of of sounds, a gentle motherly cooing, no not cooing murmurs, promises of comfort. Gently she was wrapped in a strong and gentle warmth and though the pain continued she felt slightly better.

Time passed her by in unknown lengths as the pain wracked through her body like electricity. Every nerve, every fiber of her being burned with agony and her only comfort was the gentle song that enveloped her mind and the warm embrace that cocooned her body. At long last the pain began to fade and her eyes fluttered open to a field of white fur. Twilight nuzzled deeper into the fur and with a whimper and wrapped her forelegs and the barrel of her savior.

“Feeling better yet Seneschal?” Celestia warm motherly voice caressed her ears and the memory of the pain faded even more.

With the utmost care Twilight managed to nod, rubbing against the soft heavenly fur of Celestia’s chest. “Yes, thank you.” She wriggled deeper into her embrace. “I’m sorry to have woken you.”

Twilight felt Celestia smile, so bright and loving, it was so much more than she ever deserved. Celestia soft titter was like a wind chime on a gorgeous afternoon as she gently nuzzled the top of Twilight’s head. “You never need to be sorry for such things. I thought I told you when this all began that I would be there for you no matter how bad it got.”

“I know, I know but it’s just...” Twilight pulled away slightly and looked up into Celestia’s lavender eyes. Those eyes full of endless love and patience, possibly the prettiest part of the mare who ruled this small nation. “I’m not sure I’m worth it. I’m only going to bring you pain when I someday leave you.”

A gentle peck on her forehead. “That is not something to worry about. I will always have the memory of our time together, and those will hold me up while I mourn your loss.” Celestia pulled Twilight into a tighter more loving embrace. “No matter how bad your last days are I will never forget the strong mare who swayed my heart. The mare who saw not Princess Celestia but Celestia when no other would.” Another gentle peck just below Twilight's horn. “The mare who has never feared my sister or who she was and accepted her like she did me. You have been the highlight of my life since I hired you and you will continue to be until you leave this world.” Carefully Celestia rose to her hooves while holding Twilight close using one hoof and her magic. “Now let us retire together.”

With the care of a museum curator handling a priceless work of art Celestia lay Twilight on her bed and crawled in beside her. Twilight’s face lit up with a bright blush as she was pulled close to the white alicorn but she gave no fight. Instead she rolled over and pressed herself into Celestia’s chest with a content sigh. “You are to good to me Celestia. What have I ever done to deserve a mare as wonderful as you.” Celestia just smiled warmly and gave her another gentle kiss on the forehead and turned the lights out.

Entwined like lovers the two gentle drifted off and this time Twilight did not dream. She did not dream of being a princess, of friends that she held closer than her family or unrequited love. Her sleep was undisturbed by colors swirling together or faceless blue ponies reaching out to her. She was safe and warm in the embrace of Celestia.

Good Morning

She lay still in the bed. No sign of life from her save the gentle rise and fall of her chest and the beeping of a heart monitor. Ponies had come and gone, all friends and family, but only one had stayed by her side unquestioningly. Celestia had not left her bedside since Twilight had arrived at the hospital.

To see her, this strong and vibrant mare, lying in those stark white sheets, the pain it inspired was beyond any she could remember. It wasn’t just pain though, there was something more, something greater than the pain of seeing her like that. For all her knowledge, her wisdom and power, there was nothing she could do. Celestia, ruler of Equestria and caretaker of the sun was powerless to help the mare who meant more to her than the world.

Powerless. The word bounced around in her head causing her to squeeze Twilight's hoof tighter. Small spots formed in the sheets as once again the tears filled Celestia’s eyes and fell from her face. The sound of the door opening pulled Celestia from her revelry and she watched Twilight Velvet walk in.

“Afternoon Celestia.” The smile was slightly strained but not because of Celestia. If anything seeing her ruler sitting there beside Twilight with tears in her eyes gave her courage. “Has there been any change in her condition?” Celestia shook her head sadly. “I see. Well...I guess, we'll just have to keep waiting.” Velvet shuffled around the room, checking all the flower vases and busying herself as best she could to distract herself from the thoughts that plagued her.

After several minutes Celestia stood and excused herself to the restroom. Velvet quickly took a seat at her daughter's bedside. “Hey Twilight.” She brushed a lock of hair from her face with a sad smile. “I’m back again today. Heard from Shining and Cadence, seems like they’re on their way down from the Crystal Empire to visit again.”

Outside the door Celestia leaned against the wall. She hadn’t really needed to use the restroom but she could barely look Velvet in the eyes anymore. It hurt to see the look in her eyes when she looked at Twilight. It didn’t matter what the reason was, a soldier hurt in battle or a worker hurt on the job, her fault or not, seeing the look on a pony's face as they looked at their hospitalized loved one was something Celestia was never able to get used.

A hoof reached out and gently rested itself on Celestia’s shoulder. “Sister?” Luna asked questioningly. “Is everything okay?” Celestia looked to Luna, a tear rolling down her cheek as her composure threatened to break again. She shook her head slowly and sadly. “I see, no change then.” Luna sighed and pulled her sister into a soft hug. “I tried to reach her last night but it seems I was unsuccessful.”

“Do not blame yourself Luna. Whatever she has done, whatever has happened to her, it’s beyond even me.” Celestia almost pulled away from hug but she didn’t have the energy and leaned into her sister for support. “With all my years, all my knowledge and power, there is nothing I can do.”

They both turned and looked at the door to hospital room, their thoughts grim. Luna finally spoke up again. “I reached her in her dream but, it seems as though it achieved nothing. I came hoping that maybe, just maybe, there had been a change.” Her ears fell and she leaned against her sister harder, the shaking of her shoulders the only thing to give away how deeply her failure hurt.

Celestia wrapped a wing over her sister gently and they stood together, leaning on one another for support. Both uncertain of what the future held, what would happen to the elements without Twilight. Neither spoke, absorbed by their thoughts and their hopes for what may never come. Suddenly both were jolted from their thoughts as Velvet slammed open the door screaming for a nurse.

The hospital became a flurry of activity as doctors and nurses scurried about. Bits and pieces of what was happening were caught by the princesses and their hearts swelled at the news. The whole hospital seemed to warm up as they smiled for the first time since Twilight had arrived. Soon Twilight’s friends arrived with her father and they all waited expectantly outside the door with the princesses, their anticipation almost palpable.

Finally a doctor stepped out of the room and looked them in the eyes with a smile. “She’s waiting for you. We explained it as best we could and all she wants is to see you now.”

Twilight Velvet and Night Light went first, Twilight Sparkle’s friends following closely. Celestia shivered with excitement and hope as she waited with her sister. Finally she could see her smile again, see her face light up when she talked about magic or her friends. Twilight was back and it filled Celestia with unbridled joy, the likes of which she hadn’t felt since her sister had been returned to her.

They entered together, Luna letting Celestia take the lead. There she was, smiling vibrantly like everything that mattered in this world sat around her now. Her five friends chatted excitedly with her while her parents held each other with tears in their eyes. It took a moment for her to look up and tears threatened to spill from Celestia’s eyes as she took a step forward, then another.

Her next step stopped and fell slowly to the floor alongside the smile on Twilight's face. Twilight tilted her head and confusion slowly replaced the cheery look on her face. The seconds ticked by and all noise in the room fled as the everypony fell quiet, their gazes flicking back and forth between Twilight and Celestia.

Everypony was full of anticipation for this fated reunion. The memory of Celestia standing vigilant by Twilight’s bedside as she waited for her to return spurred the hope for a tearful and glorious reunion. Luna peered in from the doorway, unable to pass her sister and enter the room yet, confusion slowly etching lines into her face as she saw nothing like what was expected. The air was thick with anticipation and yet under it all everypony could feel something else, fear.

The silence was finally broken by Twilight. “I’m sorry, are you one of the doctors, is there something else?” She smiled kindly but it might as well have been empty to Celestia. It was missing everything it was supposed to have. The smile wasn’t one meant for somepony familiar, it was one given kindly to a passing stranger. Sensing something was wrong Twilight let her smile fall. “Um, are you okay?”

The world fell apart around Celestia as she stared at the purple mare staring at her. It wasn’t her, this was an imposter. Somepony must have replaced her, there was no way, it was impossible. With a choked up voice she managed to squeak out her answer. “It’s me, it’s Celestia.” No rise in the corner of her lips, no sudden light coming on as she recognized her. Twilight’s face remained devoid of recognition. “Co-ruler of Equestria, your teacher and friend.”

Twilight’s shoulders drooped and she shook her head sadly. “I’m sorry it doesn’t ring a bell.”

Slowly Celestia's rump sank to the floor as her mouth opened and closed, searching desperately for the words that would prove this was a dream. Tears blurred her vision and a lump formed in her throat. “But, how?” Her voice was a barely audible whisper. She looked back to Twilight and the look of concern on her face was the final straw. Something inside her broke and she lifted herself up from the floor, her face taking on it’s regal mask she used in court. This was neither the time nor place, whatever had happened to her could be rectified but not now during this joyous occasion for her friends and family. “I’m sorry.” Motherly affection filled her voice, covering up the quiver of sadness that tinged it. “Now’s not a good time, we can talk later. I’ll leave you to your friends and family.”

With that she turned away before anypony could answer and left the room. Luna scurried out of the way and watched as her sister hurried down the hall. Once Celestia turned the corner Luna looked back into the room and the confused occupants and offered them a smile. “I’m sorry about my sister Twilight. I have no excuse for her behavior.”

“It’s fine Luna.” Twilight settled down and leaned back. “I didn’t know you had a sister though.” A dopy grin brightened her face. “Especially one so pretty.”

The whole room giggled like they knew something she didn’t and slowly the atmosphere inside took on a brighter tone, the incident with Celestia pushed out of their minds for the time being.

~~~

As she rounded the corner Celestia vanished with a flash of light and quiet pop, a nearby nurse jumped slightly but when she saw no one else in the hall she relaxed. Back in Celestia’s quarters an identical pop and flash heralded Celestia’s return and she promptly fell into her bed. Twilight’s last words to her echoing in her head like a macabre song to her worst fears.

I’m sorry it doesn’t ring a bell. Over and over the sentence danced across her mind, trampling happier memories and turning them into shards that impaled her heart. How could she have forgotten all their time together, everything they had had, all the dinners, the lessons, the times Celestia had visited her in Ponyville? Unbidden tears came to Celestia’s eyes and she buried her face in a pillow and let the tears flow.

Finally the tears slowed and Celestia pulled her face from the pillow and rolled over. A scroll was wrapped in the golden glow of her magic and tugged free from the bookshelf it rested on before floating across the room and unfurling in front of Celestia.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I’ve been in Ponyville for a week now and it’s amazing, though it is a little strange from time to time. Like you told me I have been spending time trying to make friends and it’s been an interesting experience. Just yesterday my mail mare, her name is Ditzy Doo though everyone calls her Derpy, crashed through the front door of the library. I helped her up and we talked a bit and she ended up teaching me and Spike a new muffin recipe. She’s very cheerful though a bit clumsy. I still miss you and Canterlot most nights but I really like it here in Ponyville, it’s much friendlier than Canterlot.

Sincerest Regards,
Twilight Sparkle

The scroll curled back up and Celestia sighed wistfully. It was the first non friendship report Twilight had sent her and now it was one of the many things Twilight had forgotten. The letter began to move back towards the bookshelf but paused halfway and slowly floated back.

A smile wormed it’s way onto Celestia’s lips as a plan began to form in her head. If Twilight couldn’t remember by herself maybe Celestia could help her. Show her parts of the life she had forgotten. Her wings fluttered by her sides. It was perfect, she could just help Twilight remember her old life and then things could go back to normal. The smallest giggle bubbled out of Celestia as she rolled from the bed with a newfound energy and purpose and she began to sing a little diddy as she gathered the things she would need and began to plan.

Author's Note

For those of you who are following already, go reread the first three chapters. I polished them up a little in hopes of clearing things up. Those of you just joining us, welcome and I hope you enjoyed this ride so far. Feel free to comment below, or not, you know what ever. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and will continue to follow, my announcement is now over.

Not as Planned

Twilight lounged back in her throne with a sigh and blew a tuft of her mane out of her eyes. “Bored.” She elongated the words as she slipped sideways to lay lengthwise in the chair. “Stupid map, stupid throne, stupid memories.” Briefly she growled at the map and then sighed again. “Two weeks and not a mission from the map or word from Luna.”

The purple alicorn’s eyes drifted closed as she lazily swung a hoof off the side her makeshift lounge. Lilac eyes full of pain and betrayal flashed through her mind again causing her eyes to pop open. “Tartarus, why won’t you leave me alone?”

Ever since she had woken up and seen that resplendent alicorn die at the sound of her words it had haunted her. Who could have guessed not remembering somepony could devastate them so much. Twilight shook her head and looked up at the chandelier made from the ancient oak she had first called home when she had arrived in Ponyville. Each crystal filled with a single memory between her and her friends and to her irritation Celestia appeared in a few. Those weren’t the only hints either, little things around the castle. Photos of them together, books signed by her and even a few letters.

Rainbow Dash walked in followed by Rarity and they both paused to look at the sprawled out alicorn. “Hey, you okay over there Twi?” Twilight looked over and grunted. “Uh huh, so getting a bit of cabin fever I take it?” Another grunt. “Maybe you should leave the castle or something.”

“Tried that, but there’s nothing to do around here.” Twilight paused and glanced around like she was looking for somepony. “And Pinkie keeps trying to throw me a good morning party, every morning.”

Both Rarity and Rainbow lifted and eyebrow and then let it sink in. “She’s just showing that she’s happy you woke up, in her own special way.” Rarity put on the sincerest smile she could and looked around the room. “Not that a party is a bad thing but every morning is a bit excessive.”

Twilight nodded. “You’re telling me. It’s getting harder and harder to avoid them. She ambushed me in the shower yesterday and this morning she was waiting for me in my bedroom. Standing there, hovering over me like a vulture waiting for it’s meal to keel over from exhaustion.” She shuddered at the memory. “I keep telling her I’m fine but I might as well try and solve her pinkie sense again for all the good it does me.”

“Poor thing did take it pretty hard.” Rarity walked over to the map and looked down at the rock farm Pinkie had called home once. “We were all worried at first but she visited her folks and came back cheery as ever.”

Rainbow passed Rarity and moved around the table to Twilight. “Well not really, I caught her in the Cake’s kitchen zoned out a few times. Hair deflated and everything but she would bounce back like nothing happened. So Twilight,” she paused and smiled. “Never mind, looks like you're needed.”

“What?” Just as she spoke her cutie mark floated up and zipped over the map and came to rest over Canterlot. “Oh.” Twilight shifted so she was sitting up right and Spike came running in.

He stopped next to Rainbow Dash and bent over with one hand on his knee and the other held up with a claw extended. After a minute he stood up and held out a scroll. “Luna’s seal but I think it might be from Celestia.”

“Thank you Spike.” Twilight took the scroll in her magic and unfurled it. “It is from Luna, seems her sister has been acting strange for the past week and a half.” She looked up a worried look on her face and gulped. “I guess I have to go face the mare in question.” Her ears flipped back as she remembered how much she had hurt the mare. “Wish me luck.”

~ ~ ~

The soft silver chariot glided gently down through the clouds as the two bat ponies pulling it descended. Behind them in the chariot sat a very nervous purple princess who eyed the castle they were heading for with a cautious eye. Between the letter and the map she had every reason in the world to be very unsure of what was about to happen. Only the slightest of bumps signaled their landing and Twilight jumped out quickly and spied Luna approaching.

“How bad is it Luna?” Twilight trotted up to Luna as she spoke and Luna turned to walk alongside her.

Luna took a moment to collect her thoughts and find the right way to phrase it. “She, well really I’m not sure.” Luna sighed lightly and shook her head. “When I got back from the hospital after you had woken up she seemed fine and only a little distracted. As the days wore on though she she got more and more, erratic. Finally just a few days ago she locked herself in a new wing of the castle that had sprung up overnight and I haven't seen her since.”

Twilight let the information absorb for a few minutes as they walked. “And you have no idea why?”

“Quite the contrary, you’re the reason.”

Twilight’s steps faltered but she managed to keep walking. “Oh.” She dropped into silence as they walked, her trepidation turning into full blown worry after what Luna had said. This Celestia, as she was called, seemed to have fallen off the deep end over her for some reason and, hopefully, this wasn’t related to the map sending her here. Even if it wasn’t it needed to be dealt with if she was a princess of Equestria, though Luna did a fine job of ruling by herself.

A gentle tap on her shoulder stopped Twilight from knocking on a set truly massive doors with her face. She craned her neck back to look at the doors as she stepped back a little to see them easier. Made of a dark wood she couldn’t place they were carved with her cutie mark in the center of each door. The handles were creepy busts of her cast in gold and carved with such care that one could almost count the individual hairs in her mane.

Twilight glanced over at Luna who just shrugged and motioned to the doors. “I have been unable to open them. Seeing as you seem to be the cause of her...eccentric behavior, perhaps you can open them.”

Chuckling dryly Twilight grabbed the disturbingly lifelike handles in her magic and took a deep breath and whispered under her breath. “Please please just be a normal room.” She pulled and the doors swung open with ease and both Twilight and Luna stepped back in awe as they saw inside the room for the first time.

The ceiling was made of a purple tinted glass casting the entire room in a gentle purple color but that was only the beginning of the purple. Purple rugs, purple columns with stripes of pink, torches in purple holders, purple pillows with pink trim holding artifacts. If it could be purple it was and if it wasn’t purple it was some other color that adorned Twilight’s furry body. Glass cases lined the walkways that moved throughout, like a large museum dedicated to one individual. The closest one contained the first test she had ever taken in the school for gifted unicorns and presumably the rest contained similar articles if the banner hanging from the ceiling that read Early School Days was to be trusted.

Twilight leaned in to look closer and saw Celestia’s name written under the teacher's name, yet another notch in the story about their shared life or whatever it had been. The soft sound of hoof steps filled the room and Twilight looked up to see Celestia trot into the room from one of the side rooms. The marble colored mare took a seat at the far end of the room, her wings fluttering slightly and Twilight couldn’t be positive but she swore there was an eye twitch.

“Twilight!” Celestia smiled wider than Twilight would have believed possible as she happily greeted Twilight. “Welcome to, well I haven’t thought of name yet. I didn’t expect you so early after all.” There was a definite ear flop and no doubt about an eye twitch this time. “You'll have to excuse some of the mess, I haven’t finished polishing up all the exhibits yet.”

It took all of her willpower not to take several steps back and slam the doors. “It’s fine, Celestia.” Twilight flinched as the owner of the...fine exhibits jumped to her hooves in excitement over her name being used. “So what is all this exactly.”

Celestia wiggled her rump in excitement and skipped over to Twilight and draping a wing over her back. “This my wonderful student.” The disturbing smile grew wider as Twilight was pulled deeper into whatever this room was. “Is a monument to our life together. All your memories and my memories of everything we have ever done.” They stopped in front of a display with a rubber ducky resting on a pillow. The plaque read The Quacken, defeated year 989 of Celestia’s reign. “Take The Quacken here, you used to battle him every bath night.”

Celestia sighed wistfully and Twilight pulled herself free from underneath the unhinged rulers wing. “Yes, I do remember him fondly. Quiet the bathtub terror.” Twilight watched the other alicorn very carefully as she spoke, her expression akin to a pony watching a basilisk facing away from it. “Of course, those baths were always taken with my parents at home.”

Celestia whirled around to face Twilight causing her to back pedal towards the safety of the exit. “Of course, of course you wouldn’t remember over just a silly rubber ducky. I must show you more if I want you to remember.” As the word remember rolled from Celestia’s mouth Twilight swore there was a clap of thunder somewhere and her whole body shivered. Before she had a chance to react a wing had draped over her back and pulled her along to another case. “How about instead we take a look at some of your old tests.”

“You know what, as much fun as this is, I do have some important friendship work to get to. I can’t neglect the duty of the map after all.” Twilight tugged away from the feathery prison draped over her back and turned to make a run for it. All of five steps, that was how far she made it, only five small steps before a golden glow captured her and she was yanked back to the side of her captor.

Like a balloon Twilight floated over Celestia as she skipped past everything else in the room and into another hall. “Perhaps you need something stronger than those silly little things to help jog your memory.” They passed an archway made of two Twilights standing on their hind hooves and pressing their front hooves together. “How about the hall of snuggles.”

Nope, that was the only thing in Twilight's mind, just nope. With a burst of magic she teleported free and landed by the archway. “Look, Celestia, this is all very...flattering but, yea.” She started walking backwards as she spoke, her horn charged for another spell just in case. “It’s all a little much. I can’t say I’m not flattered, it’s not everyday the ruler of a country gathers things from your childhood and puts them on display like this after all. It’s all just a tad, much.” Twilight’s resolve faltered ever so slightly when Celestia began to deflate. “I just need time to process all this okay. Like I said it’s,” She tried not to choke as she said it, “endearing but it’s just a little much. Maybe after I have had some time to process it all you can show me some more.”

“Yes, of course, who wouldn’t need time to process. You can’t be expected to just remember suddenly because you’ve seen it all.” Her smile returned in full psychotic force. “You take some time to let it all in and maybe remember a few things then come back to collect a few more old memories.” Celestia seemed to skip in place with excitement over the idea. “I’ll be here ready to show you more whenever you want.”

Moments later Twilight appeared in a bright flash outside and grabbed Luna’s face. Luna was still trying to process the room and barely noticed as Twilight landed beside and grabbed her face. She heard the words and saw the lips move but she hadn’t completely rebooted from the shock of so much purple in one place and could only nod as Twilight spoke. “You, me, somewhere else, NOW!” Another flash and they both vanished and the large doors to the Twilight World exhibit swung closed of their own accord.

All is not as it seems

The rainbow tail bobbed back and forth in front of her, teasing her thoughts. Not in the way most were teased by a bobbing tail though, there was just something so familiar about it. Swish one way and red, yellow and orange flashed across her vision then the other way with green, blue, violet, and indigo. Hypnotically it moved from side to side displaying it’s rainbow of colors. Back and forth the questions went with the the tail Why was it so familiar, why did she feel like there was more to this tail than it first appeared and what did it want to tell her?

“Lieutenant...” What was her name again, right. “Dash was it?” The guard looked back just long enough to give a nod. “Are you sure it’s necessary for you to lead me to the doctors?”

The guard stopped and turned back. “With all due respect ma’am, yes.” She turned back to the hall to watch where she was going. “Celestia has tried sending you by yourself before and we both know how the ended up, don’t we?”

Twilight turned away and chuckled embarrassedly. “Yea, I remember that.” She winced a little as she remember how hard the lieutenant had tackled her the bruise it left on her side. “Celestia takes my health far more seriously than is warranted and I still think you lied about her telling you to get me there by any means necessary.

Dash stopped and turned about suddenly. “Well, that’s for me to know and for you wonder about.” She pointed to the door on her left with a smile. “And here we are, head inside and I will be here waiting for you when you leave..”

Twilight nodded and opened the door with a flick of her magic. A standard waiting room greeted her. To the left sat a receptionist, who was surprisingly a griffon, and a few half circles of chairs dotted the room. In the middle of the half circles were short tables with outdated magazines on them and on the far wall was a humongous fish tank with all sorts of exotic fish swimming about blissfully unaware of the world outside their four glass walls.

Moving past the receptionist with a nod she took a seat near the fish tank and grabbed a random magazine from the table. The title read something about the new field of dream walking and pictured Luna on the cover. Before she could start reading the receptionist walked up with a clipboard. Without thinking she rolled up the magazine and sent it back to her room to be perused at a later date. Twilight forced a smile up at the receptionist as she produced a clipboard.

“Welcome back Miss Sparkle. I’ll need you to sign the usual documents as well as fill out the form about the most recent episode. Doctor Unwell will be waiting in the usual room.”

With a curt nod Twilight dismissed the receptionist and got to work on the paperwork. It didn't take long, she had done it several times before, and she was off to see the wonderful annoyance known as Dr. Unwell. She opened the door to her usual room and was greeted by a smiling Dr. Unwell to whom she passed the forms before taking a seat. “Welcome back Miss Sparkle, though I guess you’d rather not be back.” He flipped through the forms, checking his facts and getting what he needed. “According to this you weren’t taking your meds.”

Twilight fidgeted in place, gently tapping her hooves together and trying to find anything but the doctor to stare at. She hated this, sure she was supposedly sick but all the questions, and tests never led to anything which lead to her lying about things that she really shouldn’t be lying about and ultimately the cycle just repeating itself over and over. Finally with a defeated sigh she looked at the doctor. “They make me tired and I have trouble focusing on them. I need to be able to focus when I am making her schedule.” Her eyes found their way to Dr. Unwell’s as she spoke, against her better judgement she had told the truth.

As she stared at Dr. Unwell Twilight couldn’t help but those two annoying aquamarine eyes.Sinister, that was the only feeling they ever seemed to give off, like there was something else he wanted but couldn’t have. She’d tried bringing it up before but something always got in the way. A servant dropping something, Celestia doing something to embarrass her, just something always came up whenever she tried to talk to someone about how much Dr. Unwell’s eyes disquieted her, how much his presence made her skin crawl.

“I can understand that Miss Sparkle but the meds will slow the progression down.” He tapped the chart as he spoke. “And even if they don’t, since this is all still such a strange case, it will help lessen the pain.”

A soft tapping of Twilight's hooves was the only answer she gave as her ears flattened against her head. She tried to avoid Dr. Unwell’s disturbing gaze and bit her lip. “I know, I know but it’s just, the pains not really that bad. Celestia usually helps me when it gets really bad. Are you sure there isn’t something else you can give that does make my head all foggy.”

Dr. Unwell scratched his chin the back of his pen for a second while he stared at the ceiling in thought. “Maybe but I’ll have to look into it a little before I prescribe it. In the meantime please keep taking the pills regularly. The more you do the better they work.”

“Okay.” Twilight sighed in defeat and deflated a little. “Um, I’m going to need a new bottle then.” Her voice was barely a whisper as she spoke and she scratched the back of her head with a hoof. Please don’t ask about the last bottle, please, she thought to herself as she waited for him to answer her.

“That’s not a problem.” Dr. Unwell smiled and pulled out his prescription pad. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t throw them out this time though. These pills aren’t cheap.”

Nodding meekly Twilight took the prescription and stood up. “Well thank you Dr. Unwell.” She stood and made a move for the door but Dr. Unwell tutted her and motioned to the exam table. “Fine, we can do the tests too. I don’t see the point though, they never tell us anything new. It’s always the same results.” Dr. Unwell smiled and Twilight moved to the exam table with a huff while grumbling obscenities under her breath.

~ ~ ~

Lieutenant Dash jumped as the door slammed open and a clearly frazzled seneschal stomped out and slammed the door behind her. A long fissure formed in the wood of the door as it tried in vain to open in the opposite direction it was supposed to and Dash swore she saw dust rattle off the stones around the door. Her mouth opened to speak but Twilight beat her to it. “Stupid Dr. Unwell, with his stupid tests.” Twilight's head whipped around and her eyes narrowed at Lieutenant Dash. “Take this prescription and burn it, I don’t care where or how just make sure Princess Celestia doesn’t know.”

Dash saluted and grabbed the note with a wing. “Right away seneschal. If I may though, why?”

An irritated groan rumbled past Twilight's lips and she shook her head. “Because they are useless and don’t do anything but mess me up. I need to be able to focus and I don’t need to be constantly tired.” Her eyes narrowed as she glared at the guard. “You aren’t going to be telling me to take them are you?”

“Nope, I have no intention of doing such a thing.” Dash stepped back and bumped into the wall, Twilight's glare unnerving her a little. She had heard stories of how testy the seneschal got after a visit with Dr. Unwell and the look in her eyes served quite well to add credence to those stories. “I can't say I agree but I honestly don’t trust that doctor. Something about him isn’t right and I bet these pills really aren’t helping you anyway.” She fluffed her feathers and took a deep breath as Twilight's glare lessened. “I know it’s just rumors but some of us think that it’s a little suspicious that you didn't get sick until after Dr. Unwell showed up. I mean, you’re his only patient and you never seem to get better and you were never sick before him.”

Rainbow let out the breath she had been holding as Twilight’s gaze softened and she turned away. “Hmm.” With that she began to walk away, Lieutenant Dash all but forgotten but not what she had said.

The words tumbled around in Twilight's head for a little bit, something about them. It felt like they were trying to pick at something buried in her head. She saw a flash of rainbow color out of the corner of her eye and swore there was a haunting echo of something calling to her but it quickly faded. With a shake of her head she straightened out her thoughts. The dream from last night drifted to the forefront of her mind and the swaying colors made the niggling sensation in her mind grow stronger, what was it she needed to remember.

Before she could remember though she arrived at the courtroom doors and they opened to reveal Celestia sitting in her throne awaiting her. All her thoughts fled as she realized she was late and she darted to her spot beside Celestia. Just as she settled onto her cushion a guard called the start of court and the first petitioners flooded in.

~ ~ ~

Twilight spat out her quill and rubbed the bridge of her nose in exasperation. She hated this day before she got here and it was only getting worse. They had four more petitioners to go but they had gotten stuck on the last one. He had some inane plan for some small town on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest and entitlement issues that had given Blueblood a run for his bits. Twilight groaned in frustrations as she flipped through her notes again, looking over the proposition and everything while she waited for the next petitioner to be let in.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Celestia standing up and stretching out. “Well I think that’s enough for today.” She smiled down at Twilight pushed all the papers back into Twilight’s bag while stopping the inkwell and moving back to the corner of the desk with a flick of her horn. “How about lunch in the gardens?”

Twilight groaned as she stood and her legs popped. “That sounds lovely but what of the others waiting?”

“I had them sent away so we could have lunch together.” A sweet smile and Celestia stepped down from her throne and pulled Twilight in close with a wing. “You looked tired and I felt that a break was in order.”

Twilight shifted closer to Celestia. A stray thought distracting her as she chased it through her mind. Something about this felt off. Court, something to do with court being called early for a break. Her thoughts were stalled out as she felt a soft pair of lips on her own. Startled at first she stiffened but then melted a little. What did it matter if court was called early? Lunch with Celestia was way better than court, especially if she got more those.

As Celestia pulled away Twilight giggled. “That was pretty great for a first kiss.”

“What do you mean first kiss?” Celestia frowned.

A pang of something flashed through Twilight’s mind and she felt a headache starting. “Of course, what was I thinking?” She smiled and gave Celestia a peck on the lips. In her mind though, Twilight kept searching for the last time they had kissed, or the time before that but for some reason she kept coming up blank. In her thoughts she knew Celestia was right but in her memories she couldn’t find the evidence to back it up. Slowly things began to come together and new image was forming in her mind, a troubling one.

~ ~ ~

It was tense, very tense. Two alicorns and a small uncomfortable unicorn sat around a small table in a beautiful white gazebo that was nestled in the center of a large flower garden. Flowers of every color and description bloomed around them and their fragrances mingled together in a potpourri of tranquility. None of that helped though and the air around the three ponies trembled with unease and a tenseness bred from some unknown factor.

Quietly Celestia took a calculated sip of her tea as she eyed her sister. “I’m so glad you could join us sister, on our little lunch date.” She smiled with a false warmth and made sure to enunciate the word date very clearly. Celestia grabbed Twilight with a wing and pulled her closer.

“It was my pleasure dearest sister. I so rarely get to speak to Twilight, what with all the time she spends beside you.” Luna ignored the look her sister gave her and instead smiled at Twilight. “Not that I don’t understand why you spend so much time with her of course Twilight. It was your greatest wish after all.”

The clinking of a tea cup being placed back on the table slightly harder than necessary interrupted Luna before she could speak more. “But of course, it is still a new relationship.”

Twilight cleared her throat and tried to scoot away from both princesses. “Um, so um, this has been great but I can’t help but think maybe I forgot to...put the top back on my inkwell.” She laughed awkwardly and shuffled further away from Luna and Celestia and the glare they were giving each other. “Yea, inkwell, can’t let the ink dry out.”

Her excuse made Twilight quickly turned to bolt away only for Luna to stop her with a wing. “Nonsense, you’re Celestia’s seneschal. You can easily replace a dried out inkwell. Stay, let’s talk about your friends in Ponyville, or perhaps your brother up in the Crystal empire.” Celestia opened her mouth to speak but Luna silenced her with a glare. “Or we can just talk about the last time you visited your family.” Twilight gave a half-hearted attempt to pass the wing but gave up and let Luna drag her to her side.

Twilight fidgeted uncomfortably under Luna’s wing. “Look, Luna, I appreciate the concern but...”

Luna smiled warmly and cut Twilight off. “Please, I would love to hear about your last visit with Cadence and Shining.”

Twilight huffed in resignation and grabbed a biscuit. “Well...” She trailed off almost as soon as she started. When was the last time she had visited her family. “I, umm.” Her head started to hurt and her vision blurred a little but then she caught site of Celestia. “I haven’t visited them since before I started dating Celestia.” She gasped suddenly. “Oh, I forgot to tell them I started dating you Celestia.”

Celestia just smiled and sipped at her tea as she chuckled. “It’s fine, we can always tell them later.”

Luna nodded with Twilight and they were silent for a moment before Luna spoke up again. “And what of the other element bearers in Ponyville. How are they?”

“They’re great.” Twilight's brow furrowed as another headache made itself known. “I think.” She closed her eyes and clutched her head as images flashed through her mind. Twilight felt Celestia’s hoof on her shoulder and the pain slowly receded. As the pain receded the thoughts of her friends faded and she calmed down slightly. “I’m sorry Luna I don’t know what came over me. What were we talking about?”

Luna frowned. “It was nothing important, just your old friends from Ponyville.” She eyed Celestia as she spoke. “You know Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rarity. Don’t tell me you forgot them in the excitement of finally dating my sister?”

Twilight felt it again, that strange niggling in the back of her mind. It was the same one she had back in the throne room. Something huge was right there in front of her. It felt like the moment right before she made a big breakthrough in an experiment but more fleeting, like something was trying to keep her from catching it. Those names, they were important, very important, they held the answer. She felt Celestia’s hoof again but brushed it away, she didn’t need to be calm right now, she needed to think. Those names, the answer was in the names. ”Rainbow Dash.” She whispered the name to herself and memories surged through her head.

A rainbow contrail. A sky blue mare full of herself but able to back up every word she spoke and loyal to a fault almost. A smile wormed it’s way onto Twilight's face and she spoke with more confidence. “Fluttershy.” Cream colored with a pink mane and kinder than any pony she had ever met. “Applejack.” An orchard full of apple trees, a small cabin full of family bonds and love.

Twilight’s headache flared suddenly and she felt herself drop to the ground. The memories tried to escape but she clenched her teeth and fought the pain. “Pinkie Pie.” Unbridled joy flooded through her and she felt herself giggle despite the pain. That was Pinkie Pie alright, always trying to get a smile. The joy helped her fight through the pain and she felt the last name roll free almost by itself. “Rarity.”

As the final name left her lips the pain vanished. All of it was gone, her head was clear and slowly she opened her eyes. There they were, her five greatest friends. They stood around her in circle blocking out everything else and calmness filled her as she stood up and faced the not Celestia. She knew it now, that wasn’t Celestia and this wasn’t real.

“I don’t know who you are or why you have trapped me here but it’s over.” Celestia melted away and a serpent with feathered wings now floated where she had stood. Twilight took a deep breath as she locked her eyes with it’s aquamarine ones. “Release me from this dream and begone.”

It hissed at her and dove forward without a word only to be stopped as Twilight and her friends channeled the elements. A rainbow shield settled over the creature and began to shrink. “Begone from here, return to wherever I released you from.” As the bubble shrank it began to laugh causing Twilight to pause.

It took advantage of the pause and lashed against the walls of it’s prison. “You can send me back but I won’t be leaving empty handed.” It laughed again and smiled maliciously as it slammed against the wall again and slipped a single feather past. The feather shot straight for Twilight and hit her just below her horn.

As soon as the feather touched Twilight the bubble collapsed and the creature vanished. Twilight staggered a little and felt Luna catch her. She looked up at her in confusion, but before she could speak Luna began to fade and the sounds of ponies talking excitedly filled her head. Slowly she felt her eyes flutter open and a white ceiling came into focus.