The More Things Change

by Unicornucopia

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Sad, Drama
Length: 951

Five different ponies reach their breaking points and end up atdmitted to the Fillydelphia Psychiatric Hospital at the same time. Five becomes six and a bond forms. How will their connection shape the future? Is change always worth while in the end?

Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash are all admitted to the Fillydelphia Psychiatric Institute. On the same day. They're immediately introduced to Pinkie Pie, a long time patient, eager to help them get comfortable. They're lives become intertwined as they navigate the institution. Will they be able to cope with their personal demons before a larger threat wreaks havoc on their home?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2017-02-13 04:10:01 UTC

Lackluster

The sun shone high over the city, casting all of Canterlot in a warm, orange glow. Many of the city's residents were taking advantage of the beautiful day and could be seen milling about on nearly every corner. Princess Celestia, the alicorn who raised the sun each and every day among the few not basking in the sun. She was preoccupied. There was work to be done and while there was no immediate danger, the task was still urgent. The Princess of the Sun needed to visit her student, Twilight Sparkle, one of the brightest unicorns in history.

Celestia had  just finished a long and difficult conversation with her student's family. It was always draining to discuss a pony's health with the family but it was necessary. Especially as she believed that there was still time to solve the problem. They all agreed without much argument that it was time to take drastic measures. Twilight Sparkle needed help and only the Princess could help h

As The Princess of the Day left the Sparkle family home, she took a moment to address her student's young assistant, Spike the dragon.

" Thank you for coming to stay here Spike. I know you would rather be with Twilight right now but I need to speak with her alone"

"I know Princess I just wish I could help. I feel like I'm getting her in trouble"

"Oh Spike, she isn't in trouble and you shouldn't feel guilty. You did the right thing and I'm proud of you. Twilight will be too. I'm sure of it"

"Um Princess, the little dragon ventured, "can we come visit her?"

"Absolutely Spike, and your welcome to write to her between visits, since they'll need to be scheduled"

Princess Celestia opened the door, finally catching sight of her student. Surveying the rest of the room, she was disappointed but unsurprised to see parchment covering every surface. In the middle of the chaos was her student Twilight Sparkle, sleeping with her face pressed into an unbitten sandwich. Frowning slightly she attempted to wake the sleeping mare.

"Twilight... Twilight wake up, we need to talk." Twilight's eyes snapped open. Instantly awake the unicorn yelped, " princess! I wasn't expecting you! Is this about my report, I was planning on sending it today I promise!"

The sun princess cleared a path in the clutter of the floor and removed the papers from her charge's bed.

She then guided her young charge to an empty space and helped her sit.

"No Twilight, I am not here for your report. It isn't do for another week you know that." The sun princess smiled warmly.

"I was merely stopping by to visit my favorite little pony, if I'm allowed that is."

Of course Princess, I meant no disrespect-" "Twilight," Celestia cut in, I'm only teasing, your Princess likes to have a little fun on occasion."

" Right absolutely but if you were only coming to visit then... What did you want to talk about?"

The older mare began to show her true age. She was every bit the regal, wise and powerful ruler of Equestria. As she towered above her young student,gazing into her eyes, she truly looked all of her thousand years of life. Truly formidable yet infinitely gentle, the epitome of perfection. The kind of pony who commanded attention everywhere.

"When was the last time you had a full night's sleep, or ate without Spike having to force you?

"Princess please, it's just that I have so much work to do and-"

"Twilight this is getting out of hoof, you aren't taking care of yourself. We've talked about this several times already and I must intervene." Your family is already aware of the situation and they've given me permission that this is the best option."

"What did they agree to? The young mare jumped off the bed, beginning to panic. "What option!? Oh please don't send me back to Magic Kindergarten please!" Twilight Sparkle! That's enough, you aren't being sent to magic Kindergarten-"

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" The purple unicorn shouted, jumping with joy.

"Ahem" Celestia cleared her throat, snapping her student back to reality. " As I was saying, you won't be sent to Magic Kindergarten, but you won't be staying here either.  First thing tomorrow we will be taking a train to Fillydelphia, from there you will be brought to your new home: Fillydelphia Psychiatric Institute."

"Princess no! The smaller pony cried, " you can't send me there with all those crazy ponies!"

"This place is not a prison, you will be able to continue your studies in a more controlled environment."

"Oh thank goodness, I'm on the verge of a breakthrough and it would be a shame to never finish."

" This is temporary Twilight, you will come home again. Now, why don't we sit down and have something to eat, afterwards you can catch up on some much needed rest."But Princess don't I need to get ready?"

"Everything is already taken care of, my little pony all you have to do is show up."

The two decided on a meal of cucumber salad, daisy sandwiches and chocolate cake. To pass the time and distract Twilight, they visited the castle garden while Twilight named every last flora and fauna growing there.

All too soon it was time to lower the sun and make way for the night.

After escorting the bookish pony to her room, Celestia left her with one final task.

"I know it won't be easy but, when I leave you tomorrow, I want you to relax, enjoy yourself, make some friends and be sure to write to me about your experiences and your new friends."