Heart's Desire

Chapters

Twilight
Princess Celestia
Rainbow Dash
Fluttershy
Big Macintosh
Princess Luna
The Cutie Mark Crusaders
Applejack
Pinkie Pie
Rarity

Twilight

Twilight stared in dismay at the sopping wet book. The cover page had been wrecked beyond repair by the rain. The words inside had run together into giant pools of ink. On the table beside her were the remains of what had once been pages, crumpled, chewed, spit out.

“I’m really sorry,” Rainbow Dash said, her face locked in a grimace. “I ran a bath for Tank this morning and left him while I went to do my weather duties. I didn’t know that he’d go around the house and do something like this.”

“But you left it out where he could reach it?” a hint of frustration tinged Twilight’s words.

Rainbow Dash backed up and said defensively, “Hey! Fluttershy never told me that tortoises think anything leafy looking is food!” She pulled out a small bag of bits from her saddlebag and passed them over to Twilight. “Look, I’m really sorry. I’ve learned my lesson.”

Turning around, Rainbow Dash trotted out of the library, a dejected look on her face, her head held low. The door slammed shut, blocking out the storm that she had just walked into.

Walking over to a trash bin by the stairs, Twilight looked closed her eyes and turned her head as she dropped the book in. I hate doing that, I really do. If I ever have to do it again... I’ll... I’ll... She resolved on learning as much on book repair as possible. Which reminds me, I have a gift from my birthday that may have been such a book.

“Spike!” Upon reaching her room, she discovered that her assistant had neglected to put all his comic books away. Looking around, she couldn’t see Spike anywhere. “Augh! I told him that he couldn’t go romp around with the Cutie Mark Crusaders until he had cleaned up around his bed.” She stomped her hoof in frustration.

As she gathered up the comic books, stacking them neatly onto of Spike’s bed, the front door bell jingled. Her ears perked up and she trotted to the top of the stairs and looked down.

Derpy Hooves stood in the middle of the library, looking around. “Special delivery for Miss Twilight Sparkle. You here?”

“Yeah, up here.”

“Oh, hello Miss Twilight!” Derpy smiled and waved cheerily at Twilight. “Special delivery from Canterlot. The Princess asked that the package be given to you as soon as possible.” Puffing her chest out in pride, Derpy beckoned to somepony just outside the door.

Two soaking wet stallions grunted and strained as the they dragged a large, rectangular package through the door. They stopped as soon as the box was out of the rain. They dropped to the ground, panting. One of them finally looked up and said, “Hey, special instructions are that we have this put in the basement. Could you kindly direct us there?”

“Umm... sure. The door over there. Watch your step though, the stairs wind pretty tightly down.” As the stallions stood up and struggled to pick up the package again, Twilight turned her attention back to Derpy and joined her downstairs. “Say, it’s raining cats and dogs outside. How did you guys keep the box dry?”

Derpy pulled out an umbrella. “Well, pegasi are naturally water resistant, but I don’t think the delivery ponies stayed very dry.”

“The box, Derpy. The box!” Twilight rolled her eyes.

The whole town, myself included, loves Derpy, but sometimes she’s a little bit... in her own world.

Derpy smiled, her cheeks tinged red in embarrassment. “Sorry. I think it’s some new spell the department is trying. Works like a charm.”

Twilight sighed. “It’s alright, Derpy. You’re as helpful as ever. Thanks.”

“No problem! Oh, and that reminds me.” Derpy turned to the mail sack on her side and dug around in it. Eventually, she came up with an envelope. Frowning, she passed it over to Twilight. “I swear that I had another letter for you, one from the Princess, but I can’t find it.”

“ Don’t worry about it. I can ask the Princess for a copy via Spike mail. So, what’s this?” Twilight asked, staring curiously at the letter. Whoever had sent it had neglected to put a return address on it.”

Derpy shrugged. “I dunno. But I gotta go.” She turned as the stallions marched up from the basement and headed out the door. Following them, she waved at Twilight.

Absentmindedly, Twilight waved back. When the door closed, shutting out the noise of the rain, she went over to the table in the center of the library and tore open the letter. She quickly scanned for a name and found that it was from her parents. It read:

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

We waited at the train station for two hours hoping you had just missed your train and would be coming on another one. Guess you were too busy to visit up like planned. There’s always next time, right?

Anyways, we’ve been doing fine. Thank you for the book on gardening. It’s helped us immensely. We wish you could be here to see it. The tulips are blooming beautifully. We’re looking for any books we can on gardening. If you could us more, we would be very greatful.

In other news, your mother learned a new spell a few days ago. She can teleport small objects short distances. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Maybe you can come up next weekend and help her learn to transport the items further.

We look forward to your next visit. Your brother will be up all next week. It could be like a family reunion!

With Love,
Your Parents

Twilight finished the letter and grimaced, her eyes squeezed shut. Tapping her head, she tried to hold back tears. “Shoot! Shoot, shoot, shoot! I promised!” Crumpling up the letter, she threw it across the room, the frustration from early returning in vigor.

Ugh! I am just one big mess up lately. Twilight wiped her eyes and sniffed. I’d better go unwrap that package Princess Celestia sent before I screw up even further.

Twilight walked downstairs, trying to remain calm. She took deep breaths, letting them out slowly to keep her frustration under control.

At the bottom of the stairs, Twilight turned on the lights. In the center of the room stood the package. It loomed above her, nearly three times the size of her. Her anger forgotten, she examined it curiously.

Huh, no marks on the outside, not even the standard mail markings. Guess the Princess was in a hurry.

She used her magic to tear a jagged cut down the center of the package. The box fell away to reveal an ornate mirror. To her, it looked like it was a thousand years old. The edges were engraved with intricate designs, but the actual mirror had a misty appearance to it. She couldn’t clearly see herself in it.

Huh, why would Princess Celestia want to store an old mirror in my basement? Maybe the letter Derpy forgot will explain. She looked at the top of the mirror to see if there was anything to help her discern something more about the mirror. Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi. Huh, what does that mean?

Twilight cocked her head while she thought about it. However, after five minutes of thought, nothing came to her. Maybe I have a book that can help. Though, I don’t even know where to start. I don’t know what language that is.

Twilight trotted upstairs only to return a few minutes with some window cleaner and a rag. But first, let’s get this mirror clean. She ran the rag across the mirror several times and squinted.

“Huh, nothing.” She leaned close to examine the mirror and see if her cleaning had had any effect on it. Suddenly, she jumped back in surprise. “S-Shining Armor? Mom, Dad?”

Looking over her shoulder, she found that the basement was as empty as ever. Turning back to the mirror, Twilight saw that the in addition to her family, she could see a library in the background.

The library was massive, and certainly not her own. She could see a desk and above it in large, fancy letters were the words Canterlot Library of Higher Learning. Around the room were dozens of ponies, each wrapped up in their own studies. Library assistants, including Spike, ran around shelving books.

A door to the left of the desk opened and in trotted all of Twilight’s friends. They waved at her and immediately split up to find books on their own.

Twilight reached out to touch her parents, but her hoof was stopped by the glass of the mirror. “I... I can’t believe it. This is what I’ve always wanted. To be in charge, to help ponies to learn, to be somewhere where I could visit my family regularly.”

She sighed sadly and leaned against the mirror. She slid down it, frowning. The anger from before faded, replaced by an empty feeling. She finally let the emotions get the better of her and burst into tears.

Princess Celestia

You know what it is, you know what it does. What you saw wasn’t real, never can be. Princess Celestia frowned at her bowl of oats. The thought of the mirror plagued her mind and had done so for several days now. But it’s over now. I shipped it off to Twilight Sparkle for safe keeping two days ago.

“Sister, what bothers thee so?”

Princess Celestia jerked her head up and blinked in surprise. “Oh, Luna. I... I didn’t see you there. I’m sorry, but my mind has just been... far away from reality as of late.”

Like wishing I could have done what the mirror suggested. She gulped and did her best to force a smile for the sake of her sister.

“I’ll be fine in a few moments.”

Princess Luna cocked her head a look of concern on her face. “Thou are lying. But everypony is entitled to their secrets. We shall let it lie for the time being.” She turned and made to leave. Just before she disappeared into the hallway, she stopped and said, “But thou hast better keep your head out of the clouds today. We have the Gryphon Empire envoy visiting.

Celestia nodded. “I’ll be ready by then.”

What are you doing Celestia? You haven’t been this bad since... well... since ever. She collapsed back into her bed and just lay there on her side. You had the mirror for far too long.

After lying there for a few minutes, she made up her mind. I have four hours or so before the meeting starts. That’s enough time for me to pay a quick visit, right? She prepared a teleportation spell, but just before it went off, stopped herself. But I can’t let Twilight see me... it’d look suspicious.

Focusing her magic, she targeted herself instead of Ponyville. The spell slowly enveloped her. A strong wind swept about the room, tossing her mane around her head. She could even swear that the spell lifted her off the floor a couple centimeters.

Finally, it ended, dropping her back to the floor in a heap. Groaning, she wiped the sweat off her forehead and got up to look in dresser mirror opposite her bed. At first, she couldn’t see herself, she was too short.

Frowning, she retrieved the stool from under the window and hopped on. What she saw caused her to gasp and nearly fall off the step. A pegasus? The spell turned me into a pegasus? But... it’s always turned me into a unicorn before. Why?

She turned to one of the many bookshelves in her room and quickly scanned the shelves for the book on transformations. Then, she shook her head. That’s irrelevant now. What matters is that I have two hours before the spell wears off and it’s an hour flight to Ponyville.

Looking one last time around her room, she smiled sadly. “Sorry Luna, but I have to do this. I’ll be back before that meeting, I swear.”

Jumping out the window, Celestia let herself drop a few stories before flaring her wings and giving them several strong flaps. Gaining altitude, she made a slight adjustment in her flight course so that she flew directly south and towards Ponyville.

As she let herself glide, she let her mind wander back to that fateful night.

“Nightmare Moon!” Princess Celestia smashed through the ornate stained glass window to her sister’s castle. She landed on the far end of the long, stone throne room. “This has gone on far enough!” she shouted.

At the opposite end of the room, Nightmare Moon sat on her throne calmly as if nothing had happened and said, “Oh, and what do you know? Hasn’t your tyranny gone on long enough? Yet, you insist that you’ve done nothing wrong.”

Glaring at the mare that had once been her sister, Celestia stomped her hoof. “What tyranny? The ponies under our rule have been happy. They take an active role in the government,” she growled, taking a menacing step forward and growled, “If anyone is being a tyrant, it is you. It is you who is trying to force our subjects to live in an eternal night.”

“If they had appreciated the night more, there would be no need for this little... lesson.” Nightmare Moon laughed coldly. “A few months was all I asked. Yet you were too selfish, too prideful of your sun to let me do it.”

“Appreciation? That’s all you wanted?” Princess Celestia snorted. “Then you are blind. It was because of you that ponies went to bed without fear. It was because of you that ponies felt safe.”

“They should have appreciated me more!” shouted Nightmare Moon.

Princess Celestia could see the rage building in Nightmare Moon’s eyes. “Like I said, this has gone on far enough. By the power vested in me by the Elements of Harmony, I hereby banish you to a thousand years solitude on the moon.” She steeled herself for the task she was about to perform.

Nightmare Moon’s eyes twitched and she scowled. “You wouldn’t dare.” She prepared a spell.

As the physical manifestation of the elements appeared around her, Princess Celestia looked at Nightmare Moon through pure white eyes. “I would. We both know it is for the best.”

A rainbow light shot into the air from Celestia’s horn. It reached its apex and fell towards Nightmare Moon, swirling around her. Rearing up, she shot spell after spell at it, but each one bounced off and dissipated.

“Sister, please! Think about what you’re doing!” The anger had disappeared off of Nightmare Moon’s face to be replaced by a look of pure terror. “Tia... why would you do this to your own sister?”

Princess Celestia struggled to maintain her frown. She furrowed her eyebrows and looked on without moving a muscle. Finally, as the spell disappeared along with her sister, Princess Celestia said, “I had a sister once. You are not her.”

With the ordeal over, Princess Celestia looked away, trembling. The Elements of Harmony fell to the ground beside her, lifeless. She followed suit and burst into tears.

“What have I done?”

Celestia shook her head, bringing herself back to the present. She sniffed and wiped her eyes. Her hooves came away damp. Blinking in surprise, she looked around.

It’s over. Her banishment is over. So, why are you sad? What’s done is done and in the past.

As she looked around, she realized that she had arrived in Ponyville. The sun stood nearly at its apex and the town below bustled with ponies.

Dropping from the sky, Celestia landed near the library. After taking a moment to dust off, she trotted into the library. Inside, she immediately almost smacked right into Twilight.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” Twilight backed up, blushing. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.” She extended a hoof and cheerfully said, “What can I help you with?”

Celestia chuckled nervously. “Nothing, Twi...” she groaned inwardly before continuing. “I mean, I’ve come here to...” looking around, Celestia tried to come up with a reason to be there that could get her to the mirror, but her mind blanked. “The mirror!”

Twilight looked at her quizzically. “Come again?”

Celestia showed Twilight her cutie mark, which had been changed from her normal one to a half moon, half sun. “I’m from the court. Princess Celestia sent me to make sure that the mirror arrived safely.”

“Oh, that. It did,” Twilight said, nodding. “I’ve put in the basement for safekeeping.”

Celestia bit her lip. “Err... may I see it. To... you know, just to double check.”

“Sure!” Twilight smiled and turned. “Follow me.”

Together, they trotted across the library to a door. Twilight opened it and gestured for Celestia to go first. Gathering a spell, Twilight turned on the lights in the basement.

“It’s at the bottom of the stairs in the center of the room. Now, if you’ll excuse me...” Twilight backed up. “I have to to tend to the library just in case somepony comes in. Not that anypony will,” she mumbled.

Celestia nodded her thanks and descended the stairs. Looking around, she found herself in a large, round room. Pushed up against a lab bench was the mirror. It looked just as it had when Celestia had it at the castle.

Walking closer, she sadly brushed the surface of the mirror. As she stared, the familiar scene formed. She stood in her room, collecting the energy for a spell. When she had enough, she released the magic and disappeared in a flash of light.

When the light cleared, Celestia saw herself standing just behind Princess Luna. She was about to put on the helm of Nightmare Moon. She looked at it and then scowled.

Celestia stretched out a hoof, laying it on Princess Luna’s shoulder. Shaking her head, Celestia smiled and gently took the helm away.

The anger faded from her sister’s eyes. Together, they walked away. As they walked, Celestia saw small bolts of lightning surround her and she disappeared, appearing back in her room.

She stood there, waiting. Finally, after a few minutes of standing still, the door opened. In walked Princess Luna. She smiled and hugged her sister.

Celestia felt that the ponies in the mirror shared a connection. One stronger than anything she could ever have with the Princess Luna in real life. A bond that had been formed over a lifetime as if they had never been separated.

Wiping her eyes and taking a big gulp, Celestia silently wept. Looking away, she lay down as she tried to regain control of her emotions.

“Princess Celestia?”

She jerked awake at the sound of her name and looked towards the door at the top of the stairs. “Twilight!” Celestia stood up, feeling the very edge of panic. “How long have I been here?”

Twilight curiously looked at the Princess. “It’s only been a half hour since I showed your assis... oh!” she covered her mouth. “Oh, that was you, wasn’t it? Then in that case, only a half hour,” she repeated.

“I’ve got to go. I shouldn’t have come.” Celestia gulped nervously, but inwardly, she sighed in relief.

Plenty of time to get to the meeting. See, Luna? Nothing to worry about.

“I wish I could stay and chat, but I promised Luna that I’d be with her at the first meeting she hosts.” Celestia prepared a teleportation spell, setting it for her bedroom.

“Oh,” Twilight mumbled, a look of disappointment on her face. “Maybe next time. But, before you go. I know what the mirror is. I figured it out on my own. What do you see?”

Before she could answer, Celestia’s teleportation spell went off and she disappeared with a crack. Back in her room she sighed and answered the question anyways.

“Only what I desire, but can never have.”

Rainbow Dash

Loop, loop, dive, and... Rainbow Dash folded her wings as she reached the apex of her climb, twisted, and let herself fall. As she neared the ground, she took a breath and closed her eyes. Flaring her wings, she pulled up hard. Opening her eyes, she whooped in excitement. She had pulled up just above the treeline.

I’ll bet the Wonderbolts have never seen something like that! I’m sure to get on at the next tryouts. Her practice finished for the day, Rainbow Dash turned and headed back to town. I can almost smell the uniform already.

As she flew, she had the strangest feeling that somepony was below, watching her. Looking down, she frowned. She couldn’t see anypony around. The sun had just fallen below the horizon and most ponies were already inside eating dinner or something.

Shaking her head, Rainbow Dash turned her focus back on reaching her cloud home. As she passed the library, the feeling returned. This time, it returned with somepony calling her name.

“Hey Rainbow! Rainbow Dash!”

Looking over her shoulder, Rainbow Dash spotted Twilight waving frantically at her from one of the upstairs windows in the library.

“Hey Twi’,” she shouted. “What can I... oof!” Rainbow Dash slammed into dark storm cloud, one of the first of the storm front brewing in the distance. She slid off the cloud and fell the short distance to the ground.

Twilight immediately appeared with a bright flash of light. “Oh my gosh! Are you alright? I didn’t mean to distract you like that!”

Rainbow Dash jumped to her hooves, rubbing her head. “Yeah... I’ll be fine,” she replied. “Now, what’d you want?”

“Oh! Umm... yeah. I was just wondering if you could come test something for me.” Twilight nodded back at the library. “It’ll only take five minutes tops, I promise.”

Raising an eyebrow, Rainbow dash said, “Sure. I guess. As long as you aren’t planning to hook me up to any weird gizmos.”

Twilight beamed. “Don’t worry! All I need you to do is to look into a mirror and tell me what you see.” Twilight turned and trotted by towards her house. “Like I said, five minutes tops.”

“A mirror?” asked Rainbow Dash. “Why don’t you do it yourself? I mean... I could just describe myself to you.”

Twilight giggled. “No, not that type of mirror. I mean, you’ll see yourself, but you’ll see other things too.” She stopped and turned to explain. “You see, there was these words that I couldn’t read: Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.” She struggled over the words as she tried to pronounce them.

“I thought it was some foreign language, but then I realized that the words were actually just backwards. With a little time, I came up with I show not your face, but your heart’s desire.” Twilight laughed. “Suddenly, what I saw made sense. I just want to test the mirror again to make sure it wasn’t just a fluke or something only unicorns can use.”

Rainbow Dash waited patiently for Twilight to finish. When she did, Dash rolled her eyes. “Twilight... we already know what I’d see. Me leading the Wonderbolts, obviously. Perhaps you should pick somepony that you don’t know.”

As she said this, she knew it wasn’t true. Deep down, another desire bit at her heart. However, she couldn’t quite place her hoof on it. Frowning, she jumped into the air. “Sorry Twilight, but I... umm... gotta go do dishes or I’m eating off cloud floor tonight.”

Rainbow Dash steeled herself, shoving away all other emotions. There is nothing you want more than to be on the Wonderbolts!

Or is there? whispered the furthest corner of her mind.

Shaking her head, she shook her hoof at the approaching cloud bank. “I know what I want and no stupid mirror can change that!”

But what about your want for a—

Rainbow Dash tore into her house, storming away as the clouds reformed around the hole she had created. Angrily, she scowled at everything and anything that got in her way. She jumped over a table, broke through a wall, kicked various objects out of the way.

Finally, she reached the pantry and just grabbed the first thing she saw, a box of wheat flakes. Without looking, she dumped the entire box into a bowl and began eating.

Why am I angry? I shouldn’t be, but I am?

The other part of her mind seemed to whisper to her. Maybe it’s because for once in your life, you’ve realized that you don’t have things planned as well as you want. Maybe the thought of your true desire both scares and fascinates you. A combination you’re not used to, so you resorted to the easiest emotion to feel: anger.

Sighing, she pushed the bowl away, no longer hungry. “The problem is, I don’t know what that desire actually is. I suppose there’s only one way to find out...” she closed her eyes and shook her head. “Guess I’m going to go take a peek at this mirror.”

“I knew you’d reconsider!” cheered Twilight. “The mirror is downstairs if you’ll follow me.”

Rainbow Dash put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Wait, before we go, I’ve got a question.” When Twilight looked back at Rainbow Dash quizzically, she continued. “What if what I see is... bad or scary?”

Twilight chuckled and said, “Then you’ve been hiding a lot of things from us and yourself.” Her face grew serious. “But I know you. You’re a good pony and what you see is probably going to be exactly what you said.”

Nodding, Rainbow Dash trotted past Twilight and down into the basement. “Alright, I’m ready.”

Together, the sat in front of the mirror and just stared. Rainbow Dash squinted, but nothing looked back at her.

“Twilight, I only see—”

Twilight silenced her, waving in Rainbow Dash’s face. “Shh... I’m trying to see if the picture has changed from the last time I looked into the mirror several days ago.

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash saw something out of the corner of her eyes. Turning her gaze to the upper left corner of the mirror, she gasped. A pegasus stallion shrouded in shadows flew down to stand right next to her reflection. He smiled and grabbed her hoof in his own.

She realized that while she stood in reality, the Rainbow Dash she saw in the mirror lay in a hospital bed. Her reflection had a large, round stomach.

A doctor joined her and the mysterious stallion. He mouthed something and the other Rainbow Dash strained. She looked like she was in immense pain. Both the doctor and the stallion allowed her to squeeze their hooves while she pushed.

The image faded to be replaced by the same Rainbow Dash. However, this time she lay there sweating as the doctor placed a bundle on her lap. The stallion patted her shoulder and whispered something.

Rainbow Dash touched the mirror, a look of wonderment on her face. “Twi’?”

“Hmm?”

“I can’t see him, yet I can.” She looked over at Twilight. “What does it mean?”

Twilight sighed and tore her gaze from the mirror and trotted over to a lab bench where a notebook rested. “I don’t know. Probably that you aren’t entirely sure who you want in your life?” She shrugged and jotted some things down. “It could also mean that it’s a desire that’s not quite a desire.”

“Meaning?”

“You both want it and dread it?”

Rainbow Dash blinked in surprise. “I... I guess. I mean, having a family would hinder my ability to get onto the Wonderbolts.” She sighed. “I don’t know. This is all so confusing!”

“But on the other hoof, this confirms what I wanted to test. The mirror will work for any pony.” Twilight closed the journal and trotted upstairs.

Nodding, Rainbow Dash followed after. “Right, glad I could help.” She headed over to a window and hopped up on the edge. “But I have a lot to think about now.” She flared her wings and took off towards her house.

A lot to think about indeed.

As she flew, the storm started with gusto, showering the town in a torrent of rain.

Fluttershy

“Oh, Opalescence! What have you done?” Fluttershy stared in shock at mouse hanging limply from the cat’s mouth. “The mouse didn’t do anything. Why?”

Opalescence dropped the mouse and meowed loudly. She began digging. When the hole was deep enough, she tossed the mouse into it and filled the hole back in.

The entire time, Fluttershy stood there, watching helplessly. I should do something, but what could a timid mare like myself do?

Her ears perked up and both her and Opal turned at the sound of Rarity calling out. A second later, the Rarity galloped into view.

“Opal! Opalescence, where are...” She stopped in front of Fluttershy. “Oh, there you are darling. Mommy’s been looking all over for you,” she said as she used her telekinesis to pick Opal up and rub noses with her. “You had me worried.”

“Umm... excuse me, Rarity.” Fluttershy looked down and scuffed her hoof on the ground. “Can I ask you something?” She patiently waited for Rarity to finish petting Opal and answer.

“Of course, dear. What can I do for you?” Rarity replied after setting down Opal, who immediately darted down the path and disappeared around the gate at the end. “Oh! Opal, where are you going.” Rarity spun around and ran after her pet.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes. Can it wait until then?” she called over her shoulder as she disappeared down the path back to Ponyville.

Fluttershy sighed and turned to go back in. “Of course. Anything for you.”

When she entered her cottage, the usual noontime scene met her eyes. Angel sat at the table, tapping his paws impatiently. In front of him was an empty bowl. On the counter, already out, were a head of lettuce, some carrots, and other miscellaneous vegetables. Upon seeing her, Angel pointed at the food and scowled.

“You want the same salad again?” When Angel nodded, Fluttershy walked over to the sink and pumped some cold water into a basin. Once it had filled, she dunked each of the vegetables and rubbed them vigorously to clean off any dirt.

After breaking apart the lettuce, she carefully retrieved a knife from the chop block and cut the carrots into chunks. Grabbing the other ingredients, she shelled peas, shredded cheese, and put in some left over croutons.

Finally finished, she quickly tossed the salad and then set in front of Angel. He sniffed at it, nibbled the edge of some lettuce and then shoved it away. He looked up at Fluttershy and frowned, tapping his paw rapidly.

“What? Did I not add enough croutons?” When Angel nodded, she bit her lip and said, “But that was the last of them. I’m sorry, but we don’t have any more and I don’t have time to make more. I have to meet Rarity at the...” she took a sharp intake of breath and looked at the clock.

Her wings shot up and she rushed towards the door. “Five minutes ago! Oh, I hope she’s not too angry with me.” As she shot out into the bright day, she looked back at Angel who merely sniffed and looked away.

Luckily for Fluttershy, the spa sat on the edge of town not too far from her house. When she arrived, she spotted Rarity standing just outside the door. She didn’t look angry in the slightest, but was tapping her hoof impatiently.

“Ah, there you are, darling. I was worried something had preoccupied your time and I’d have to go alone. Not that I’d have minded or anything, but going with you is just simply marvelous.” She turned and opened the door, gesturing for Fluttershy to go in first.

As she passed Rarity, Fluttershy noticed that Opalescence clung to Rarity’s back. “Umm... is there a reason you’re bringing Opal to the spa today?”

Rarity looked back and chuckled. “Oh... that. I thought I was going to be the late one. So, I decided it’d be easier to take her just this once instead of quickly running to the boutique. I hope you don’t mind.

After what Opal did to that poor mouse, I’m not sure I want to be around her. Fluttershy had to bite back the remark, instead nodding.

“Good,” Rarity said as she followed Fluttershy in, closing the door behind them. They went up to the counter and Rarity rang the small bell on it. When one of the usual spa workers came out from the backroom. “One of the usual for both myself and Fluttershy, please,” Rarity ordered.

The worker nodded and beckoned them to follow her. She led them over to the large wash basin. On the way, she grabbed a pack of salts and ripped it open. Once at the tub, she dumped the salts in. “When you’re ready, just call and we’ll get the steam room ready.” With that, the worker left Rarity and Fluttershy to their own devices.

As they were about to get into the steaming water, Opalescence jumped into the air. She landed on the edge of the tub and sprinted out of the spa before either pony could react.

“Opal!” Rarity shouted as she made to run after her beloved pet. “You’ll ruin your new pink bow if you keep running like that!”

Fluttershy motioned for Rarity to get into the hot bath. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll go quickly get her back and drop her off at the boutique.” She walked back down the stairs as Rarity sighed and slid into the water.

“Okay dear... I’ll be waiting here for you.”

Galloping around the beauty products, Fluttershy exited the front of the shop and looked around for Opal. In the distance, she could see the cat running towards downtown. So, Fluttershy followed.

She galloped down the path and darted around Sugar Cube Corner. She was just in time to see Opal scamper by the fountain in the center of town square and head into the Ponyville library.

Following, she burst through the library doors and looked around. The room was empty. Slowly walking around, she tried to spot the cat. As she circled, she noticed the door to the basement swinging shut ever so slightly.

Raising an eyebrow, Fluttershy pushed the door open and looked down the stairs. Of course... the one scary place besides the Everfree and Opal has to choose it. Gulping, she slowly descended the stairs.

When she reached the bottom, she could barely see. Except for a sliver of light that came through the door at the top of the stairs, it was completely dark. The only thing that she could see happened to be her reflection in a mirror.

No! Now is not the time to stare at myself. Just get Opal and get out! Rarity is... The thought trailed off as she realized that she wasn’t alone in the mirror. Standing around her were various animals.

At first, she thought she had just seen things. It looked like her yard, yet she couldn’t believe it. Looking closer, she realized that it did look like her yard. Except, something was off.

Looking around the picture, she noticed that Opal was there as well. Spinning around, Fluttershy couldn’t see the cat. Turning back to the mirror, she looked at the reflection of Opal again. A mouse sat in her forepaws, but Opal didn’t do anything.

Suddenly, Rarity came into the picture from the left side of the mirror. She smiled and leaned down to pet Opal. After stroking her pet for a bit, she walked around the cottage and returned a minute later with a sack of feed. She walked around the yard stopping at various groups of animals to pour food in front of them.

Carnivores and herbivores alike eagerly shared the food. Neither group of animals bother each other as they ate.

But... that’s impossible. The Fluttershy in the mirror turned and seemed to smile at her. The real Fluttershy backed up. Rarity would never get dirty like that and all the animals eating the same food?

Suddenly, the lights in the basement flared on. Fluttershy closed her eyes and grimaced. “Wha..?” She shielded her eyes with her hoof and looked up. At the top of the stairs stood Twilight.

“Fluttershy? What’re you doing here?” Twilight looked down at Fluttershy curiously.

“I... umm... sorry!” exclaimed Fluttershy. “I was just... looking for the mirr... Rarity’s... umm...” She stumbled over her words. “Rarity’s cat! Have you seen Opal lately?”

Twilight nodded. “Yeah, I have. She’s hiding under my bed upstairs. Though I still wonder why you came into the basement. You hate the dark.”

Fluttershy gulped. “I’m really sorry. I thought I saw her run down here.” She slowly walked up the stairs. “Oh, and if you don’t mind me asking... that mirror, it showed me things.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Perfect harmony among animals. Rarity helping me take care of them.” Fluttershy glanced longingly back at the mirror. “It’s like it knows my—”

“Heart’s desire, correct?” When Fluttershy nodded, Twilight continued. “That’s what it shows. Now, if you wait right there, I’ll go get Opal and you can get back to whatever you were doing.”

Fluttershy waited patiently while Twilight retrieved the cat. As she looked around, her gaze fell on a clock over a bookshelf. She gasped. “Oh no! It’s really been half an hour?”

Twilight came back down the stairs and shrugged. She placed Opal on Fluttershy’s back and said, “I don’t know. When did you arrive?”

Fluttershy paid no heed to the question. Instead, she made sure that Opal had a tight grip and galloped out the door towards the spa. “S-sorry, Twilight. Rarity’s probably wondering where I am.”

Some friend you are. You want perfect harmony, yet you can’t even make it to the spa in a timely manner. She grunted in frustration as she ran. But I’ll start working on it from here on out!

Big Macintosh

Big Mac’s ears perked up, the squeal of the barn door hinges alerting him to the presence of another pony. “Apple Bloom? Is that you?” When nopony responded, he shrugged and went back to rubbing the dirt off the plow.

Ah’ve worked around this barn since... well, since I’ve been big enough to do anything and it still gives me the willies. He quickly looked around. The mid-morning sun streamed through the cracks in the roof in thin shafts. Big Mac could see dust particles in the light, but beyond that, he only recognized the vague shapes of various old farm tools in the shadows. Just relax. A few more years and the family’ll have enough for a new barn.

He shuddered as he wiped away the last of the dirt off the plow and stepped back to admire his work. Suddenly, something tapped him on the shoulder. With a bellow of surprise, he spun around and stepped back.

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” Twilight stood there a hoof over her mouth. “I thought when you called out, you knew that there was somepony coming.”

Panting heavily, Big Mac felt his heart. It was still racing from the scare and didn’t seem to want to slow anytime soon. “It’s okay, Twilight.” He looked behind her, just in case Applejack had accompanied Twilight. “What do yah need?”

“A place to store something,” she replied. “Specifically, somewhere that not many ponies go. I thought that maybe your barn would do? I was going to ask Applejack, but she’s nowhere to be found. I went to the house, but Granny Smith is asleep.” Twilight shrugged. “I guess it’s up to you.”

“Ah guess. Depends what yah want to store.”

Twilight pulled a letter out of her saddlebag and levitated a sheet of paper in front of him. “A mirror. This should explain it. The letter arrived just this morning.”

Under the glow of Twilight’s horn, Big Mac read it:

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

As I’m sure you’ve figured out, the mirror you received from me is no ordinary mirror. Its name is the Mirror of Erised. When a pony looks into it, they see their deepest desire. One would think that it’s not a bad thing. However, the mirror needs to be locked up. Kept somewhere where nopony can find it. You see, it does more than just show your desire. It sucks away your life slowly until you want nothing more than to just sit in front of it and stare.

Sincerely,
Princess Celestia

Big Mac looked up from the letter. “And yer telling this to me why?”

Twilight shuffled her hooves and said, “Because I trust you and your family to not look at the mirror when I say that you shouldn’t. Plus, it’d be a real shock if I just stored it in the barn and you accidently bumped into it without knowing what it does to you.” She smiled nervously. “If it makes you feel better, just look away and I’ll put a cloaking spell on it.”

“Ah suppose. When do you need to move it?” Big Mac looked around, half expecting to see the mirror by the door.

“I can move it right now. It’ll only take a few minutes.”

Big Mac nodded and calmly trotted out. “Yah’ve got five minutes, then Ah really need to finish my work.”

“Got it.” Twilight furrowed her eyebrows and nodded. “I’ve already got a spot picked out.”

Shouldn’t be an issue. I already know what I want. Big Mac chuckled at the thought. Ah well, I got some tools to collect while she hides the mirror anyways. He walked over to the nearest grove of trees and grabbed a bucket full of supplies. Just as he turned to head by to the barn, a loud flash bang from the loft caused him to rear up and cry out in surprise.

Twilight flew out the window and landed hard a few meters away from Big Mac. She lay there for a few seconds groaning before she got up. Grimacing, she checked herself over for scrapes. “Is okay,” she said groggily.

Turning around slowly, she faced Big Mac. He could see that she had been disoriented. “Err... Twi’? Perhaps you should go see Nurse Redheart. Yah don’t look so good.”

Twilight’s words were slurred. “Perhapsh... But it’sh nothing. The mirror wash surprisingly resistant to my magic. Poured too much into the spell.” She shook her head and stumbled back towards town. When Big Mac moved to help her, she waved him away. “It’sh fine. I’ll be alright in a shecond.”

Big Mac shook his head. “Yah need the hospital right now. I’ll take you there myself.”

Twilight laughed. “Fine, I’ll just teleport there.”

“Wait!” Big Mac’s cry came a second too late. She disappeared with a crack. He shook his head and sighed.

Mares’ll be mares, Ah guess. I’ll head over to the hospital in a half hour to make sure she made it okay. Shrugging, he picked up the bucket of tools again and trotted into the barn. He placed the tools by the plow and turned to go find another bucket. Curiously, he looked up towards the loft. There were wisps of smoke drifting around lazily.

Frowning, he walked up the stairs and entered the loft. Looking around, he could see nothing except a large scorch mark where Twilight’s spell had exploded. No fire. That’s good, Ah suppose. No mirror either. Guess Twilight couldn’t get it here.

He decided to check out the charred ground before he left. Just to make sure it isn’t too hot and a fire hazard. Walking closer, he rubbed his foreleg against the area. It was cool to the touch. As he circled around it, he bumped into something. Spinning around, he looked around for whatever he had hit. He saw nothing.

“Strange... maybe Twilight did managed to get the mirror into the barn.” Backing up slowly, he eyed the spot wearily. As he went, the air seemed to shimmer. He stopped and stared suspiciously. “No way... yah know what yah want. No need for a mirror to tell you that.”

The cloaking spell faded, leaving the mirror in place for Big Mac to see. “Just leave now and yah’ll never have to worry about it,” he mumbled. But to his dismay, the mirror almost seemed to call him. Looking into the mirror from where he was, he only saw himself.

It’s just my reflection, nothing to be scared of, he thought. Just a peek to prove that can’t hurt, can it? Slowly, mesmerized by the reflection, he walked up to the mirror. As he got closer, a picture slowly formed around his other self.

He raised his hoof and placed it on the mirror surface. His reflection did the same, but smiled. The other Big Mac waved back at the image. Looking past his reflection, Big Mac saw a thriving farm. Hired workers ran too and fro between orchards, going about various tasks. In the distance, a brand new looking barn, similar in shape to the old one but twice as big, sat on a hill.

“B-but... Sweet Apple Acres has always been a family run farm and always will.” He squinted to get a better look at the pony workers. Suddenly, he realized that they weren’t actually hired workers, but his family.

One of the workers, Braeburn Big Mac realized, trotted over and tapped him on the shoulder. Subconsciously, he reached up and touched his shoulder. He felt nothing but himself and when he turned around, he was still alone in the loft.

He looked back at the mirror, but found himself staring at nothing. Sighing, he got up and went to leave the loft. At the stairs, he nearly ran into Applejack.

“There yah are, Big Macintosh! We’ve been looking for yah for the past hour or so. We thought you were in the orchard collecting tools for cleaning.” Applejack looked curiously over Big Mac’s shoulder. “What’re yah doing up here anyways? There's nothing to look at.”

“Ah was...” Big Mac stopped himself, remembering what Twilight had told him. “Nothing... Ah thought Ah heard something up here and was checking it out.”

She can't see the mirror? Why? Is it only visible if you touch it?

Applejack laughed and said, “For an hour? Ah doubt it.” Suddenly, she gasped and grin spread across her face. “Yah were looking for a mare, weren’t yah? It was Rainbow Dash, wasn’t it? Ah know yah’ve got a thing for her.”

Looking for a mare... looking. Big Mac blinked in surprise as Applejack’s teasing reminded him of something. He shoved past his sister and galloped down the stairs, leaving a very confused Applejack behind.

“Twilight!”

Princess Luna

We never thought we’d have to do this, but it’s gone on too far. Princess Luna took a deep breath and pushed open the door to her sister’s room. It’s time for an intervention.

“‘Tia, we need to...” She stopped and frowned. The room looked as if somepony had torn it apart. Papers were scattered everywhere, plates of half eaten meals sat on the desk in the far corner. Partially read books lay face down on the window seat in no particular order.

In the bed, behind a set of velvet red curtains, was Princess Celestia. Luna could hear Celestia mumbling about something. Beside her floated a paper and quill. On her other side levitated a large tomb.

“Sister?” Princess Luna approached cautiously. “‘Tia? You’ve been holed up in your room since that meeting with the Gryphon envoy. It’s been nearly a week.” She pulled back the curtains and immediately stumbled back, gasping.

Celestia looked up at her with bloodshot eyes. The bags under her eyes sagged heavily and she yawned as she looked towards Luna. “Has it really? I haven’t even noticed.” She stifled another yawn and said, “My studies have been keeping me up.”

“About what?” Luna raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

Celestia giggled nervously. “I-it’s none of your concern. I’ve got it under control.”

“Thou have what under control?” Luna said, annoyance tinging her voice. She ripped the book from Celestia’s magical grip and looked at the cover. “The Mirror of Erised?” she exclaimed. “Celestia! Why? Even Star swirl the Bearded wouldn’t dabble in it and he was arguably smarter than either of us.”

“Give it back!” Celestia jumped up off the bed and made a pass with her magic for the book. “I’m so close to figuring out to knowing everything about it. I just need to get it back!”

Luna gasped and frowned. “Thou had the mirror and thou lost it? How... how did thou come across it? Thou know that dimension travel is dangerous and very few ponies would dare try to do it.”

“It passed on from its previous guardian. It’s mine by right!” Celestia hissed, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “And I only lost the mirror because I was foolish! I gave it to another for safekeeping.”

Rearing up, Luna stomped a hoof hard. “Thou knew what the mirror does when thou received it. Thou have endangered the lives of others, condemning them to a fate similar to yours unless we act quickly.” She shoved her sister onto the bed. “This has gone on long enough. We shall put thee to sleep and then go destroy the mirror once and for all.”

Celestia violently shook, using and explosive spell to throw Luna back. “No! I am a goddess by rights. No pony tells me what to do!”

Luna crashed into the desk, causing it to splinter and collapse. She lay there groaning. As she tried to get up, Celestia stomped up, another spell already prepared. Luna bucked out hard, sending her sister tumbling, the spell fading from her horn.

“We both know it’s in thine best interest to go to bed for a few days. We can cover for thou while thou rest.” Luna stood up and threw several subduing spells in rapid succession. “Thou will sleep for the good of Equestria!”

Raising up a shield, Celestia barely managed to clumsily deflect the spells. With each pass of magic, her defenses cracked a little. Finally, the last subduing spell from Luna shattered the shield. Celestia grunted as she slid back into the bed legs from the force of the resulting backlash.

She feebly cast a spell that flung various objects around her at Luna, who was slowly advancing.

Luna deflected each object easily. Without any effort, she picked up Celestia and put her onto the bed. Rearing up, she gently brought her forehooves down on Celestia’s side. “We will return in few days to wake thee up,” Luna calmly said. “But before we do, who did though give the mirror to?”

“The mirror is mine and mine alone,” spat Princess Celestia. “It was a mistake giving it to her, but I’m not telling you who she is,” she growled. “I would have been fine if you had just left me alone.”

Shaking her head, Luna sighed. “That’s enough information for us. There’s only one she thou would trust with anything of yours aside from us. Now...” Luna prepared her most powerful sleep spell and touched Princess Celestia’s forehead with her horn. “Sleep and it shall all be over when thou wake up.”

Celestia struggled for a few seconds before falling limp, her breathing shifting from fast paced and adrenaline pumped to the regular breathing of a sleeping pony. Luna smiled in satisfaction and backed off, lovingly placing a blanket over the sleeping form of her sister.

We are truly sorry. But it’s for the best of the kingdom. Luna sighed and prepared a teleportation spell. Now, we believe it is time to pay Twilight Sparkle a visit. With a flash, she disappeared, the familiar feeling of being squeezed through the folds of reality overtaking her.

A few seconds later, she reappeared in the Ponyville library. The first thing she noticed was how eerily silent things were. Looking around, she realized that nothing had been touched in a day or two. Books were collecting dust on the center table. Scrolls and quills sat on the desk in the far corner untouched.

Curious, she walked around looking for any clue as to where Twilight may have went. A noise from upstairs caused her ears to perk up. Looking up, she sighed in relief at the sight of a familiar face.

“Spike!”

“Princess Luna?” Spike stared in surprise, stopping just as he had been about to descend the stairs. He dropped to his knees and bowed. “W-what are you doing here?”

“We are looking for Twilight Sparkle. Is she here?” Luna strained to see behind Spike as if Twilight would walk around him at any moment and say hello. To her disappointment, nopony appeared around him.

Spike looked away awkwardly and scratched the back of his neck. “Umm... I could tell you where to find her, but I don’t think you’re gonna get much out of her. She’s in the hospital and the staff aren’t letting anyone near her, including me.”

“What? Why?” demanded Luna. “They cannot deny a princess of Equestria. It’s of utmost importance that I talk to her.”

Shrugging, Spike came downstairs and picked up a few books to reshelf. “Like I said, you probably won’t get much out of her. She’s been unconscious for the last two days.” He went over to the center table and picked up a few more books. “Rumor says she blew herself out of the Sweet Apple Acres barn loft with a high powered spell and then tried to teleport when Big Mac told her to go to the hospital.”

“You have our thanks, Spike. Thou has told us what we need to know.” Princess Luna cast a teleportation spell and appeared just behind the Apple family barn. Looking around, she checked to make sure no pony had seen her. When she was sure she hadn’t been spotted, she flew up to the loft window.

Just inside, she stopped for a second to collect her thoughts. Shouldn’t we be more concerned with Celestia’s student?

No, the mirror must be destroyed, another part of her mind whispered. Twilight is in the care of the hospital staff, she’ll be fine. It’s too early in the morning for the doctors to be up anyways.

Steeling herself, Luna stepped into the loft. She could sense the mirror at the far end. The magic from whatever spell Twilight had cast lingered in the air, giving the area a sour smell. Using her own magic, Luna could see the outline of the mirror.

Just walk up, lash out with your hooves and it’s over. Then we shall go check on Twilight. She took in a deep breath and slowly walked forward.

The other part of her mind seemed to whisper to her. But remember what happened the last time you were around the mirror. It was a brief look, but it started a war with your sister and resulted in your banishment.

“What we saw a thousand years ago is no longer relevant. Desires change,” she said with determination.

Stopping just in front of where the mirror sat, she reared up and lashed out. Just as her hooves were about to strike, something gave her pause. Faltering, her hooves fell to the ground and she stared in surprise as her reflection shimmered into view.

Except, it wasn’t her. In her place sat Nightmare Moon. She overlooked Canterlot, which burned bright as day. In the sky, the sun fell, replaced by the moon. Behind her, Celestia lay unmoving on the ground. Blood streaked chaotically through her coat and her horn had been shattered.

Luna’s horror grew as she watched the scene unfold. N-no... this cannot be. It’s been a thousand years, and we’ve changed a lot since then!

The Nightmare Moon in the mirror turned and grinned wickedly at Luna, gesturing for her to look below. When Luna did, she saw an entire army of loyal ponies marching under a single banner. Occasionally, small groups of guards would rush out of Canterlot only to be brutally slaughtered.

Luna sat there, nearly in tears. I only ever wanted peace since my return. Nothing more. Why? Why is the mirror turning this to me?

Turning, she abandoned everything and galloped as fast as she could out of the loft. All she wanted to do was to get away from the mirror and the horrors within.

“Even if a pony changes, they cannot fully shake who they once were. Silently, it will wait in the deepest parts of your heart waiting to strike.”

Luna shook her head, trying to get the words of Star swirl the Bearded out of her mind. They had been the last words spoken to her before her descent into madness as Nightmare Moon.

“The best we can hope for is to bury that desire and pray it can never dig its way out.”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders

“Good morning Crusaders.” Sweetie Belle yawned as she trotted into the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ club house.

And she’s an hour late, like usual. Scootaloo rolled her eyes and went back to staring at the map. Now, where could we go crusading today?

“Morning Sweetie,” Scootaloo replied. “Trying to get your cutie mark in lateness?” She snickered at her own joke.

Sweetie Belle growled and lunged at Scootaloo. “Hey! Rarity keeps me from going anywhere until 8:45 and it takes ten minutes or so to get here!”

Upon seeing Sweetie Belle jump at her friend, Apple Bloom darted in between the two fighting fillies. “Hey! Give it a rest, will yah? We can’t afford tah argue like this. Anyways, we’ve already established that our special talent isn’t arguing.” She held both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle at legs length. Desperately, she said, “It’s okay, honestly. We know about your sister’s dumb rule and we should have changed our times to reflect that.”

“No! We’ve had this time as our meeting time for ages,” yelled Scootaloo. “We’ve never had issues with it until Sweetie Belle got in trouble with Rarity, again!”

“Chicken!” growled Sweetie Belle.

“Dictionary!” retorted Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom stared in horror at her friends. “Yah both fight like a married couple! Oh!” She feigned sudden shock and pointed at their flanks. “Ah... Ah think your cutie marks just appeared. And... yup, it’s you two arguing.”

Both fillies immediately stopped throwing insults and looked at their flank, a mixture of anticipation and horror on their faces. Sweetie Belle twirled around trying to see while Scootaloo backed up to look into the club house’s small, cracked mirror. When they discovered that what Apple Bloom had said was not true, they looked back at her with disappointment.

“Gotcha!” Apple Bloom giggled. “Now can we stop arguing and get to today’s crusading? Ah have several ideas.”

Sweetie Belle looked at Scootaloo and broke into a fit of laughter. “S-sorry, won’t happen again. I’ll ask Rarity about going out a little earlier. Are we all good, Scootaloo?”

“Yeah, we’re good.” Scootaloo hopped trotted back over to the wall where their map was pinned up opposite the mirror.

But one day, I’ll bravely save them from something and they won’t be able to call me chicken. She sighed and examined the map. I’ll just throw it on the growing pile of things I want to do along with flying.

Across the paper, each location they had already visited had been crossed out with a giant, red X. Some places had be marked a second time. And then there was Sweet Apple Acres, which had over a dozen X’s over it.

“Now hear me out before yah all laugh, but I really think that our cutie marks are going to be earned on the farm.” Before Sweetie Belle could protest, Apple Bloom waved her hoof, shushing her and said, “ Ah know that we’ve tried a lot here, but there’s one place we haven’t been.”

Scootaloo frowned, but waved for Apple Bloom to continue. Yeah, we’ve tried a lot here. Pruning, harvesting, herding, and... and... I can’t even remember it all. Scootaloo could feel the frustration building. We really need some new places to go.

“The barn loft!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, continuing on with her idea. “ Ah really think that Ah’m on tah something here.”

“But you told us yourself that there’s nothing up there except hay,” Scootaloo said, voicing her concern.

Sweetie Belle’s eyes seemed to light up and her ears shot up. “Hey, yeah! Didn’t you hear about the explosion, Scootaloo?” When Scootaloo shook her head, Sweetie Belle explained. “Twilight apparently cast a spell that went off with a big bang in the loft and no pony knows what it was.”

Applebloom nodded. “And Ah was thinking that maybe if we identified the spell, we could get our cutie marks!”

The other two ponies nodded vigorously, the plan intriguing them both. They all reared up and smacked hooves. “Cutie Mark Crusaders Spell Identifiers!” they shouted.

“It’d be cool to have an thaumatologist cutie mark” Sweetie Belle hopped up and down in anticipation as they left the club house and headed to the distant hill where the barn sat.”

“A thaumawhat now?” Scootaloo said as she dodged a tree, the group just having entered the southern orchard.

Sweetie Belle coughed, her cheeks flushed a light shade of red. “Sorry. It’s just a word I heard Rarity say while while she was talking to Twilight once.” She looked straight ahead, away from her friends. “I was curious and looked it up in the dictionary. It’s a pony who practices magic.”

“But we aren’t going to be practicing magic. We’re only trying to identify a spell that Twilight cast and then maybe more spells once we get our cutie marks,” Scootaloo replied.

Apple Bloom cut into the conversation. “Now wait a second. Ah supposed that spell identification would fall into this thaumathingy.” She looked up as they came out of the orchard and found themselves at the base of the hill. “No use arguing about it. We’re at the barn. Last one to the loft is a rotten apple!”

There’s something special in the loft, I can just feel it! Scootaloo thought happily. She grinned as she prepared to gallop up the hill.

All three fillies took off at full speed, jostling for first. They burst through the barn doors all at once and tumbled to the ground in a heap. Giggling, they untangled themselves and lay on the ground for a few seconds panting.

They took this time to look around, just in case there was a clue on the first floor as to what spell Twilight had cast. In the dim light that seeped through the cracks and came in through the large double doors, they only saw the regular objects. A recently cleaned plow, buckets of nails plus hammers, and several ancient farm tools.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” cried Applebloom. “The loft is this way!” She mounted some stairs at the far end of the barn and beckoned for her friends to follow.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle glanced at each other and grinned. Together, they dashed for the stairs, following Apple Bloom up. When they reached the top they stopped and stared in confusion. Besides hay and a slight draft which blew strands of hay, there was no sign that any spell had been cast.

In fact, the floor looked as if it had been recently washed. Curiously, they nodded to each other and separated to look for clues. Scootaloo stayed by the trap door and looked around it. Sweetie Belle went to pile of hay and jumped in to look underneath. Apple Bloom wandered over to the far end to examine the ground.

Danggit! I was sure that there was something special about this place. I still feel like there’s something for us here. Scootaloo sighed in disappointment and frowned.

Suddenly, her ears perked up and she spun around as Apple Bloom cried out in surprise. At the far end of the room, she could be seen sitting on the ground, rubbing her snout and glaring at something.

Trotting over, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle helped their friend up. “Whatcha staring at, Apple Bloom?” they asked.

“This stupid mirror! Ah didn’t see it and ran smack dab into it.”

Scootaloo cocked her head and looked at the empty space in front of her. “What mirror?”

“Wha... ugh! What do you mean you can’t see it? It’s right there!” Apple Bloom gestured wildly at something. When her friends only stared at her blankly, she grabbed their hooves and forced them to touch the cool surface. “This one!”

They collectively gasped as the mirror shimmered into view.

“So that’s what Twilight cast. Just a simple cloaking spell.” Sweetie Belle frowned and examined the misty surface of the mirror.

Scootaloo ran her hoof along the ornate frame. “But that doesn’t explain the supposed explosion. There has to be...” Her words trailed off as she blinked in surprise. Guys? Are you seeing what I’m seeing?” She stood stock still while her reflection flittered about high in the air.

Eventually, her other self landed on the doorstep of Rainbow Dash’s cloud home. The door opened and a very happy looking Rainbow Dash swooped down to give the Scootaloo in a big hug. Together they went inside where they sat at a table and ate from plates of hay fries. They laughed about something that Scootaloo couldn’t hear.

“Guys... I think I’m seeing things.”

Apple Bloom shook her head. “Yah aren’t the only one. You guys can see us standing together, right? Except we look older and so happy? We’re at the clubhouse, but it looks older somehow. And... and we have our cutie marks!” she exclaimed. “But Ah can’t quite see what they are.”

“I don’t think we’re seeing the same things, cause that’s not what’s appearing to me.” Sweetie Belle looked away from the mirror for a second and shrugged at her friends. “I see me and Rarity at the park. Mom and Dad are there too. They’re showing us a card from two years ago. It says something about how they enjoyed their last trip ever and they’re home for good now. We’re so happy, it looks like neither me nor Rarity have argued in ages.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle turned to stare at Scootaloo. “What’d you see?”

“Umm... I was flying with Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo grinned nervously, trying to come up with something plausible other than what she’d actually seen. “We were... err... flying together as Wonderbolts.”

They can never know, but why am I so ashamed of my current situation. It’s not gonna last forever. It’s not like being an orphan is bad or anything.

“Girls! What are ya’ll doin’ up here?”

All three fillies whirled around at the voice of Applejack.

“We were just trying to see what Twilight cast to cause that explosion!”

“We were just crusading, honest!”

“Ah thought that maybe we could discover our talent as thaumathingies up here.”

Applejack waved a hoof, silencing anymore explanations. “Wait, thaumawhats now? You mean cutie marks as sorceresses? But only...” She cut herself off and said, “Nevermind! Yah know you’re not supposed to be up here. We moved everything out of here for a reason.”

“Yeah, Ah know. The floorboards are weak.” Apple Bloom looked down, frowning. She shuffled her hooves and turned back to Applejack. “But we didn’t move everything down. There’s that mirror.” She looked back at her friends who nodded their agreement.

Applejack peered around the three fillies and raised an eyebrow. “What’re yah talking about? There’s no mirror. Ah think you’re imagining things. Anyways, it’s time for breakfast and then chores.” She trotted back down the stairs, gesturing for Apple Bloom to follow.

Apple Bloom sighed. “Sorry guys. Guess we can cross this off the map of places we didn’t earn our cutie mark.” She followed her sister out. “See ya’ll in a few hours.”

“Bye!”

“Take care.”

Sweetie Belle shrugged. “I’d best go too. Rarity is probably wondering where I am by now. Best go get this yelling out of the way.” She too trotted down the stairs, leaving Scootaloo alone with her thoughts.

Someday I’ll get up the nerve to talk to Rainbow Dash. There’s no way she can say no, and then maybe she’ll teach me to fly.

Applejack

Now why in the hay would Big Mac be up there? He knows better. Applejack reared up and bucked out, hitting the apple tree with a solid thunk. The apples landed with a satisfying clunk into the wooden baskets underneath And then Ah catch Apple Bloom and her friends up sittin’ in the loft. When we moved everything out of there, Ah made it clear that nopony was to go up those stairs.

Walking over to another tree, she lashed out again, hitting it hard. Questions raced through her head like a swarm of angry bees. Yet, nothing she thought of answered any of them.

“Hey AJ, you finished the orchard and just kicked an empty tree.” Rainbow Dash peeked over the edge of her cloud and laughed. “You seem distracted. What’s up?”

Applejack looked up and replied, “Ah don’t know. That’s the problem.” She went around various trees, grabbing baskets and grunting, dragged them to a cart at the end of the row. “The other day, Ah found Big Mac up in the loft just starin’ at nothin’.”

Rainbow Dash shrugged and flew down to start loading apples into the cart. “So? He’s a grown stallion. He has every right to go and be day dreamy wherever he likes.”

“Ah guess, but when Ah needled him about yearning after...” Applejack blushed and coughed. “Err... when Ah made a passing comment, he jumped like a spooked rabbit and yelled something about Twilight.”

Laughing, Rainbow Dash elbowed Applejack and said, “Ooo... so Big Mac is chasing after that egghead? Ha! I knew Twilight would get an admirer eventually.” Grinning, she grabbed another basket and slung it on top of the rest. “They’ll make a good pair. I always figured Big Mac as a reader. I see him every week at the library checking out a new book.”

“Wh... no! If Big Mac is chasing after any mare it’s...” Applejack waved her hoof dismissively. “Nevermind, that’s not the point. Anyways, Ah find out a few hours later that Twilight’s in the hospital because she nearly blew herself up casting a spell in the loft.” Sighing, Applejack grabbed two more baskets and dragged them over to the cart. “Ah don’t even know why he let her up there in the first place.”

Applejack fell silent, and they worked without talking. Both darted off into the orchard and returning with baskets of apples. The afternoon sun beat down on them, and both were soon sweating profusely. After an hour, they dropped to the ground panting, the last of the apples having just been loaded.

“Okay, so back to what we were talking about before.” Rainbow Dash raised her head slightly and looked at Applejack. “I’m sure he has his reasons, so why are you worried?”

Applejack rose to her hooves and attached the cart’s harness to her back. “Ah guess, but Twilight’s spells are, in mah experience, well thought out and generally safe.” Straining to pull the heavy load, she started her way slowly towards the barn. “Ah guess it’s just when Ah caught Apple Bloom and her friends in the loft that Ah became worried.”

“Heh, fillies will be fillies.” Rainbow Dash shoved Applejack over and slipped the second harness over her head to help her friend pull. “I remember getting into so much trouble when I was young.”

“Like when yah first moved here and we immediately got in trouble for knocking over that scaffolding?” Applejack laughed. “Anyways, it’s their excuses that bother me. They said something about a mirror. When Ah looked around them, there wasn’t anything there.”

“So? Did you even check properly?

“Come again?” asked Applejack, staring at Rainbow Dash with an eyebrow raised.

“I said, maybe you should look around a bit more. Maybe they were talking about a small mirror and it was just buried under some hay when you arrived.” As they reached the barn, Rainbow Dash shrugged off the harness and jumped into the air, hovering. “I have to go practice for the Wonderbolts tryouts. See you later and good luck finding that mirror.”

“Take ca...” The last word faded off of Applejack’s lips as Rainbow Dash quickly disappeared in the distance. Sighing, Applejack mumbled, “... care. Take care and see yah tomorrow.”

Maybe she’s right. Maybe Ah did miss it in the hay. Applejack grabbed a basket of apples and placed it by the door. As she turned back to get another one, her gaze drifted to the loft. A quick look around, and back to work.

She walked over to the barn door and pulled the giant faded-red doors open. Taking a breath, she trotted up the stairs to the loft and looked around. Except for the hay drifting in the air from a draft, the room was completely empty. Piles of hay lined the wall all around.

Now if Ah remember correctly... Her gaze drifted to the far end of the room. That’s where they were when Ah found them. She walked over to the hay against the back wall. Stopping just in front of it, she frowned. It looked like it hadn’t been disturbed recently.

Reaching out, she went to brush the hay aside. Her hoof struck something, which pinged softly, and grunted in surprise. Looking up, she found herself staring at a reflection. Taking a step backwards, she growled, “Whoa there!”

Her surprise faded into curiosity as her other self did not back up and growl as she did, but rather laughed lightly and winked. The reflection walked away, pointing to the top of the mirror as it disappeared. Just before it faded from view entirely, it turned its head to look at Applejack and mouthed the word “backwards”.

Puzzled, Applejack looked up. Engraved into the arch above the mirror’s surface were the words Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.

And what’s that supposed to mean? Twilight is probably the one who’d know best. The image of herself mouthing the word “backwards” appeared briefly before fading again. Oh, read it in reverse? Applejack’s ears perked up and she grinned. Ah can do that.

Tilting her head, she moved her head from right to left, reading. “Ishow no tyo urfca ebu tyo urhe arts desire. What the hay is that supposed to mean?” She sat down and tapped her chin, pondering.

Suddenly, she jumped up and laughed. “Ah got it!” She bit her lip and tapped her hoof on the ground, splitting up the words a bit. “Ah show not yer face, but yer hearts desire!”

The triumphant grin faded, replaced by a frown. She leaned close to the mirror, glaring at it. “But Ah don’t get it. Ah don’t see anything.”

“Applejack?”

The sound of her brother’s voice startled her. Whirling around, she gasped and cried out, “Big Mac! What’re you doing here?”

He paid no attention to the question and asked his own. “What do yah see when you look into the mirror?”

As her heart returned to its normal pace, Applejack eyed her brother suspiciously. “So yah weren’t staring at nothing that day Ah found yah up here.” She turned the tables on her brother by repeating his question. “What do yah see when you look into the mirror.”

“Yeah, yah caught me. Ah was looking into the mirror. Ah... umm... just wanted another look to make sure what I saw didn’t change?” He sighed and stared off into space. “It was like the mirror knew what Ah wanted more than anything.

Big Mac trotted over and sat down beside Applejack. He stared into the mirror. When Applejack tried to get his attention, he just waved her away. She poked him, shoved him, and even shouted into his ear. He paid her no heed, not once breaking his gaze on the mirror.

The truth about the mirror suddenly dawned on Applejack. Gasping, she looked out the window towards the Ponyville and the hospital. No wonder Twilight hid it up here! Ponies don’t ever come up to the loft. She glanced back at Big Mac and snorted. Except, several ponies decided to come up here for whatever reason and discovered it. Ah have to warn her! Leaving her brother, she galloped out of the barn and towards town.

“Don’t worry, Big Mac. Ah’ll get help!”

“Twilight!” Applejack burst into the hospital room despite the protests of the nurses. “Twilight! Ah need to talk to yah!”

Twilight jumped a little in her bed and looked up, the surprise clear on her face. “Applejack!” She reached up and moved a bandage that was covering her entire forehead so she could see. Another bandage covered her hoof and she wore the traditional hospital gown.

“The mirror, Ah know what it does and it needs to be moved now!” Applejack said frantically. “It shows a pony’s heart’s desire and—”

“And draws them back in until they become mindless slaves to it. I know,” Twilight reassured her friend. She shifted slightly and levitated a letter off of the nightstand. “Princess Celestia told me. Just curious, but how did you find out.”

“Mah reflection told me to read the inscription backwards and Ah figured it out from there,” Applejack replied.

Twilight raised an eyebrow skeptically. “It... talked to you?”

“Well, no,” Applejack said with a sigh. “It mouthed the word “backwards” and Ah went from there. After that, Ah couldn’t see anything. Not even mahself.”

“interesting. And do you feel any desire to go back to see if anything changed or to just stare?”

Applejack’s eyes widened. “No, but Big Mac came up and...” She gasped and covered her mouth. “Ah really gotta go and get Big Mac outta the loft. Ah think it’s already got ahold of him.”

Turning tail, Applejack galloped out of the hospital, shoving aside doctors and nurses. “Hang on, Big Mac. Ah’m coming!”

Pinkie Pie

“Guess who!” Pinkie Pie bounced into the hospital room, a broad grin on her face and a basket of cupcakes tied to her head. “And I mean it this time when I say you’ll never guess. You’re eyes are behind that silly bandage!”

Twilight tapped her chin and hummed. “Hmm... it couldn’t be Pinkie, could it?”

“Ooo... you’re good,” Pinkie Pie gasped in awe. “Have I played with you before?” Skipping to the bed she leaned over gently grabbed the bandage, sliding it off.

“Ow, Pinkie!” Twilight groaned, squinting in the bright afternoon light. “Why’d you do that?” Slowly, Twilight opened her eyes as they adjusted.

Pinkie Pie giggled. “Because it’s hard to see if your eyes are covered.” She untied the basket and slid it onto the nightstand. “Anyways, I wanted you to see what I brought you from Sugarcube Corner.”

“More cupcakes? That’s the third basket you’ve given me.” Twilight laughed and gestured at two other empty baskets on the floor beside her bed. “I’m gonna get fat!” She patted her stomach and grinned. “I started sharing them with the staff because I couldn’t eat them all.”

“One can never have enough cupcakes!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie, staring at Twilight in mock shock. She grabbed the basket off the nightstand and pushed it onto the bed beside Twilight. “And Doctor Pinkie says it’s time for another.”

Chuckling, Twilight grabbed a cupcake, levitating it just above her. “Okay, okay.” It wobbled in her magics feeble grasp as she leaned forward to take a bit. Suddenly, the purple aura surrounding the cupcake faded and it plopped down straight onto Twilight’s snout.

Pinkie Pie frowned and carefully picked the cupcake. “Silly Twilight. You’re nose isn’t hungry, you are!”

“Whoops, I suppose you’re right.” To confirm this, Twilight’s stomach rumbled. “The doctor said the spell I cast really pulled a number on my magical ability.” She screwed up her face and did her best impression of the doctor. “It’ll take time to recover, but you should practice to speed up the process.”

Falling back and rolling around on the ground, Pinkie Pie gigglesnorted for a few seconds. Finally, she got control of herself and stood back up. Wiping away tears of mirth, she said, “G-good one Twilight! Where’d you learn to imitate voice like that?”

“I used to spend hours trying to act like Celestia when—”

There was an annoyed cough from the door. “Ehem... Excuse me.”

Twilight looked at the nurse in surprise. It quickly turned to a sheepish grin. “Oh, I didn’t see you there, Nurse Redheart.”

“You should be ashamed, mocking Doctor Clear like that.” She sternly glared at the two ponies who hung their head in shame. “Anyways, it goes more like this,” she coughed and imitated the doctor in a deep voice. “Good afternoon. Everything is well, I trust? Of course it is, I’m your doctor after all.”

Both Pinkie Pie and Twilight stared at Nurse Redheart in amazement, their mouths hanging open. She grinned and pulled in the cart that had been just outside the room. “You should see the look on your faces right now. Priceless!”

All three began to slowly chuckle before finally breaking out into fits of laughter. While they laughed, Nurse Redheart went about preparing the medicine Twilght had to take daily. Walking over, she nudged a tray onto the nightstand and gestured for Twilight to drink.

“Question!” Pinkie Pie raised her hoof, bouncing in place as she waited for Nurse Redheart or Twilight to call on her.

“Answer!” Nurse Redheart called, pointing at Pinkie Pie.

“Can I decorate Twilight’s room? I mean...” Pinkie Pie frowned, waving her hoof around the room. “... it’s so boring.” She skipped around the entire room. “It’s just a bed and a night stand against the center of the back wall, this window, and whatever this is.” She stopped at the heart monitor and poked it, causing it to squawk.

Twilight sighed and feebly tugged at Pinkie’s tail with her magic. “Pinkie, the answer isn’t gonna change since you asked the last five times. Doctor Clear told you that the rooms have to stay pretty standard or every patient will want a decorated room. Anyways, I’m not the only one that uses this and what I like may not be to the taste of another pony.”

Nurse Redheart nodded in agreement as she filled up another cup full of some serum. “Yes, we tried that once and it was a nightmare.” Trotting over, she raised the medicine to Twilight’s mouth and tipped it up, forcing her to drink. “Now, I think it’s time for you to go, Pinkie.”

“Aww... why?”

Grimacing at the bad taste, Twilight waved her hoof and said, “Because that was a sleep concoction.” She yawned and her eyes drooped. “A s-strong one too. Uhh... before I drift off, could I ask a favor?” When Pinkie nodded, Twilight continued. “Could you go check on Applejack? She was here an hour before you and left in a hurry shouting something about her brother. She should be in the Sweet Apple Acres loft.” The last word trailed off as Twilight’s eyes closed and she immediately began to snore.

Pinkie Pie giggled as she quietly backed out of the room, following Nurse Redheart. “Okie dokie lokie.”

“Psst... Applejack?” Pinkie Pie peeked into the barn, glancing around suspiciously. “Twilight says I need to check on you.”

Seeing nopony, she smiled and trotted in, humming happily. A sudden thump from the loft caused her to jump into the air, hiccupping in surprise. She looked up curiously. “Now, what could that be?”

She galloped up the stairs, a sudden worry for her friend crossing her mind. “Applejack!” she yelled, bursting into the loft. She stopped and stared in amazement at the sight in front of her. Applejack had tackled her brother and was trying to get ahold of his tail.

“Ah said, we need to leave now!” she growled, finally catching Big Mac’s tail with her teeth. “Yah of all ponies should have known better than to come back up here!”

Big Mac struggled, turning around and shoving Applejack away. “Ah just want five more minutes! Ah promise!”

Applejack landed with an oomph beside Pinkie Pie. Shakily, she stood up. “Pinkie! Ah’m glad to see yah!” She gestured at Big Mac. “He needs to get tah work, but he refuses to leave the loft. He’s uhh... we’ll just say he’s spyin’ on a mare he has a crush on.”

Pinkie Pie glanced at Big Mac. “Consider it done.” She looked at Applejack seriously and saluted. Turning, she quietly stalked up to Big Mac and gently grabbed his tail in her mouth. Suddenly, she yanked, dragging him down to the ground.

As he fell, his forelegs flailed. Big Mac failed to catch himself and hit his head hard against the floorboards. He lay still, groaning in pain. Holding his head, he tried to push himself up but couldn’t due to Pinkie Pie dragging him across the floor towards the stairs.

Applejack jumped up at the thunk. “What are yah doing!” she cried, rushing over to Big Mac. She bent down and examined his head. Finding nothing, she turned and glowered at Pinkie Pie. “Yer lucky it didn’t do any damage, or I’d have you workin’ the farm for an entire year!”

“Don’t worry, silly. I knew what I was doing. You see...” The explanation trailed off as Pinkie Pie realized that Applejack wasn’t paying attention. She moved to help Applejack carry Big Mac down the stairs, but was waved away.

“Ah think you’ve “helped” enough. Ah’ll take it from here.”

Pinkie sighed and mumbled, “Well, I thought a sneak attack from behind was a good idea.” She set a hoof on the first step down, about to leave when something crossed her mind.

“What was Big Mac looking at?” She turned back to the room and looked around, puzzled. She crossed the room and sat exactly where Big Mac had been. Frowning, she cocked her head. “That’s a nice wall, I guess. Could use some more paint and maybe a banner, but still nice.”

Backing up, she went to leave. As she quickly turned, her flank brushed against a cool surface. She leapt forward and whirled around, growling. “Who’s there? Who touched me?”

The only thing she saw was an ornately built mirror. Relaxing, she examined herself. “So, this was what Big Mac was looking at.” Smiling, she waved at her reflection. “Hello, me!”

Pinkie Pie’s other self giggled as a room formed around her. She bounced around, streamers appearing from nowhere to line the walls along with banners. Confetti fell from the ceiling. Balloons bounced around as the reflection hit them with her hooves while prancing about Sugarcube Corner.

“Hey! That looks like the party I threw last week!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Did Big Mac get Twilight to record my parties so he can watch them?” she gasped. “Or maybe...” Hopping up, she jumped at the mirror and bounced off.

Rubbing her snout, she glared at the mirror. “Guess it’s not a secret door.” She watched as the scene unfolded. Ponies streamed in and her reflection greeted them all. Her friends were there, the Princesses were there, her family arrived, and there were ponies that even Pinkie didn’t know.

Her reflection skipped over to Pinkie Pie and slapped a newspaper against the mirror surface. Leaning close, Pinkie Pie read it.

Equestria’s Largest Party

Today, Pinkamena Diane Pie launched the party everypony has much anticipated. Held at Ponyville, centered around Sugarcube Corner, it’s open to anypony. At last count, there were fourty-six million guests planning to attend. That’s seventy percent of Equestria.

Due to preparations for this party, crime has been down one hundred percent. Sadness has been down one hundred percent. Happiness is at an all time high of nine hundred percent.

Pinkie Pie clapped her hooves excitedly. “Ooo! That sounds amazing! Speaking of which.” She waved goodbye to her reflection who waved back before going back to the party. Trotting out, she smiled, giving the mirror one last glance. It was empty.

“I have a party to plan!”

Rarity

“Fluttershy, dear. You’ve been all too quiet lately.” Water sloshed as Rarity leaned forward in the spa’s soaking basin and brushed Fluttershy’s mane out of her face. “Well, quieter than normal. What’s wrong?”

Fluttershy shied away from Rarity’s touch. “I-I’m sorry. I just—”

Rarity frowned and leaned back in the steaming bath. “Don’t apologize. You can say anything on your mind around me, darling.”

“It’s nothing. Just please forget I was going to mention anything.” Fluttershy tried to smile, but it came out as forced. “Anyways, we’re here to enjoy ourselves, right?”

Rarity closed her eyes and slid down deeper into the water. “I suppose.” For a few seconds she sat there in silence, letting the soothing heat soak away the weeks stress. But whatever seemed to be bothering Fluttershy started nagging at Rarity’s mind.

Fluttershy has never hidden anything from me. Rarity snorted into the water and watched the bubbles. We’ve been friends for far too long to keep secrets from eachother.

“Actually, there is something.”

Rarity perked up and looked at Fluttershy, anticipating some big reveal. A stallion? She’s got her eyes on somepony! I just know it!

“Do you think if I took care of Opal for a week or so, she’d calm down?” Fluttershy smiled nervously. “I mean, ever since a few days ago when we tried to get together for the spa date where she freaked out, she’s been acting strange.” She shrugged. “I mean, even strange for a cat.”

Disappointed, Rarity sighed and replied, “It might, but do you think you’d want to, darling? I mean, last time we tried that, she found a mouse and spent an hour trying to make Opal spit it out.”

Fluttershy looked away, embarrassed. She stirred the water with her hoof. “I know, but I want to try something.”

“Try what?” Rarity looked at Fluttershy curiously, then waved her hoof dismissively. “Actually, I trust you. Just make sure she—”

“All right girls, time to move to the sauna.” The arrival of one of the spa workers cut Rarity off. The employee passed them towels to wrap around their manes as they stood up and pulled themselves onto side.

They followed the employee to the sauna in silence. When they arrived and opened the door, a cloud of steam drifted out. They sighed in pleasure and sat down on the benches against the far wall. Rarity immediately added a few rocks of coal and poured a pitcher of water on top.

“Do you think it’s possible to achieve perfect harmony?”

The question surprised Rarity and she opened her eyes, raising an eyebrow at Fluttershy. “Hmm...?”

Fluttershy brushed a few strands of her wet mane out of her eyes and said, “I mean, do you think it’s possible for something like Opal living next to some mice and not eat them?” She leaned forward and poured a little more water on the rocks. “I’m just wondering because that’s what the mirror showed me.”

“Mirror?”

“Yeah, the one in Twilight’s basement.” Fluttershy shrugged. “She said that it shows a pony’s heart’s deepest desire.”

“And what did you see?” questioned Rarity.

Fluttershy sighed and unwrapped the towel from her mane. “Animals living together as if they weren’t any hunters or hunted. I just wanted to know if that was possible.”

Rarity tapped her hooves on the ground and said, “The manticore needs to eat.”

“I know, but it’s still a nice thought.” Fluttershy smiled at the thought. “I mean, it’d make my job that much easier.”

“I know it would, dear. It’s a nice thought.” Rarity stood up and knocked on the door, stepping back to wait for the spa employee to get them for the last part of that day’s spa trip. “Just don’t put too much faith in mirrors that “claim to know you”. We both know what it showed you isn’t possible.”

Though, it is a novel idea. I am a tad curious what it would show me. Rarity tapped her chin and pursed her lips. Perhaps just a peek. I’ll ask Twilight.

The spa employee opened the door and gestured for the two mares to follow her. They walked to the massage tables. They lay down and a masseur joined them. Both Fluttershy and Rarity sighed in pleasure, practically melting into the tables.

I wonder what I’d see. Probably something mundane like being the big news in Canterlot. Rarity turned her head to get comfortable and flexed her back slightly as the masseur rubbed her tense muscles. Or maybe I’ll see my family together for once. I’ve always wanted that.

Her mind drifted off, fogged with half coherent thoughts about the mirror. Rarity knew that she shouldn’t but she couldn’t help it. All she wanted was a quick peak. I’ll ask Twilight right after this. She should be at the library. She just got out of the hospital.

“Rarity!” Fluttershy gently poked her friend.

“Hmm...? Rarity opened her eyes and turned her head to look at Fluttershy. “What is it, darling?”

Fluttershy backed up and smiled. “The masseur is finished, and I have to get back to the cottage before Angel gets impatient.”

Sliding off the table, Rarity stretched, feeling renewed. “Of course, dear. I should probably get back to the boutique, but I have one stop before I do.”

At the front of the shop, Fluttershy and Rarity hugged before parting ways. Rarity trotted down the path towards the library. It was a straight shot several blocks down and she hurried, paying no attention to the buildings around her. She sidestepped several ponies by the fountain and stopped a second to look around. Seeing that she was alone, she walked up to the library door and pushed it open.

Spike looked up from the book he had been reading and cheerfully said, “Oh, hello, Rarity! What can I do for you today?”

“Where’s Twilight?” Rarity asked. “I need to ask her a question.”

“Umm...” Spike tapped his chin, looking up. “Sorry, she kinda told me not to tell.” He went back to reading his comic book. “She said she’d be back in about half an hour if you want to wait.”

Rarity fluttered her eyelashes and smiled at Spike. “Please? I really need to ask this question and I don’t have much time.” She leaned close and whispered, “please tell... just for me?”

Spike shifted uncomfortably. “I really shouldn’t. Anyways, I don’t know where she is exactly.”

“Pretty please?”

Spike sighed and closed his comic book. “Only for you. Alls I can tell you is that I saw her heading towards Sweet Apple Acres.” He backed up slightly and raised his claws. “It’s all I know, I swear!”

She’s at Sweet Apple Acres? It couldn’t be in relation to that explosion she caused in the barn loft, could it? Rarity chuckled and patted Spike on the head.

“Thank you, Spikey. Now, for your reward.” She smiled and kissed his forehead. She could practically see his heart flutter and laughed. “My lips are sealed. You told me nothing.”

“Th-thanks.” Spike sighed and rubbed his forehead as he watched Rarity trot off.

“Twilight, dear?”

Ugh... it’s so dirty here. How does Applejack stand working in all this dust and hay?” Rarity snorted in disgust, stepping around a wet pile of hay. She looked up the stairs leading to the loft. No answer. I guess she left already. Might as well go up anyways to see what she was doing up there.

She trotted up the stairs, waving away the dust floating around the air. Shoving aside some hay that peeked over the edge of the loft entrance, she looked into the room. She frowned a bit at what she saw. “Twilight? I thought you’d left. Why didn’t you answer when I called, darling?”

Twilight turned and raised a hoof to her lips, shushing Rarity. Waving her other hoof, she beckoned for Rarity to come closer. “Do you see it?”

Rarity cocked her head and raised an eyebrow curiously, walking towards Twilight. “See what? You look like you’re staring at nothing.”

“The mirror!” Twilight grabbed Rarity and dragged her close. Raising her hoof, Twilight forced Rarity to poke at something she couldn’t see.

Her hoof touched a cool, almost freezing cold surface. Gasping, she started in amazement as a ornately built mirror shimmered into view. She tried to back up, but Twilight shoved her forward.

“What do you see?”

“What do you mean? I see myself! Nothing el...” Rarity stopped, her mouth hanging open. Her reflection winked at her and walked away on its own accord. It returned a second later with Sweetie Belle in tow. Around them, the boutique materialized. It looked just like the real one. Mannequins under the window, shelves of fabric, the modeling mirrors, and a sewing machine.

What happened next surprised Rarity. Her reflection lead Sweetie Belle over to the sewing machine and pulled a beautiful red, satin cloak off of a hook nearby. She passed it to her sister and stepped back.

Sweetie Belle smiled and lay it under the needle of the sewing machine. Closing her eyes, she concentrated. Her horn glowed and the needle moved up and down, forming an intricate pattern.

Sweetie Belle sewing? But... she hates the craft! Rarity frowned and tried to look away, but couldn’t. The image was mesmerizing and she didn’t want it to stop. Is that really what I want? To pass on my talent to my sister?

Suddenly, something grabbed her shoulder. Crying out in surprise, Rarity whirled around. “Twilight!”

“Rarity! How long have you been here?” Twilight stared at her friend, concern in her eyes.

“I... I don’t know.” Rarity looked around nervously. “You saw me come up, darling. You tell me.”

Twilight sighed and rubbed her forehead. “That’s the problem. I left the library with the intent of coming and moving the mirror before anypony else discovered it, but I don’t remember arriving.” She shrugged. “I just came around a few seconds ago to find you sitting next to me.”

“Twilight? What is this mirror?” questioned Rarity. “Fluttershy told that it shows the heart’s desire, but I have the feeling it does more than that.”

“Well, yes and now,” Twilight replied. “That’s all it does, show you what you want most. The catch is that you eventually get curious enough to look at it again because you want to see your desire so badly. It slowly becomes harder and harder to resist it until...” she gulped. “... until you become a shell of a pony doomed to forever sit in front of it.

Rarity gasped. “Then what are you waiting for? Get rid of it!” She turned and ran for the stairs. “I’m leaving now! I have no desire to be trapped by some magical artifact!”

“Wait!” Twilight called out, raising a hoof to stop Rarity. “Did you see anypony running from the barn when you came in?”

“No. It’s only me and you up here.” Rarity stopped and looked back at Twilight. “Why?”

“Oh, no reason. While I don’t remember arriving, I do remember a brief moment where I thought I saw another pony jump from the window as came into the loft. Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath, a spell already forming at the end of her horn. “Anyways, I’d best cast the spell that’ll transport the mirror to Celestia knows where, and you should probably get back to the boutique.”

“Right.” Rarity nodded and galloped out of the loft, heading for home.