When Harmony Dies.....by TheApexSovereignChaptersCrazy, Crazy, CrazyLooks Can be DeceivingSometimes a Lie is Harder to TakeCrazy, Crazy, Crazy"I'll give you all....." Twilight licked her split lip and stared up at the collapsed ceiling of the grand hall. Giving an eerie snicker moments later, her bugged out eyes shot back at the group of battered and bloodied ponies, each one wearing an Elements of Harmony. "...ten seconds." She spoke in a crazed, distorted tone, like two voices were talking. Her real voice sounding 'normal,' albeit indicating what little sanity was left, and the other was like a demon mimicking her every word but was only a second off. The tip of her horn was chipped, thought it still worked just fine. She'd need it for what'd happen next..... In a voice edged with the shell-shocked unicorn's looming insanity she explained, "And when I get to zero and you're. Not. Gone!" She took a deep, demented inhale, filling her lungs with the smoke of roaring flames sweeping over Canterlot and drifting into the torn open ceiling. "Theeeeen I'll have to, well, kill you! Yeah! Beeeecaaaauuusse.....I-don't-like-you!" She gave a psychotic cackle, making a terrified yellow pegasus shift from hoof to hoof uneasily. On Twilight's head rested the Tiara of Magic, now melted, twisted, and bent in a solidified mess with the pink gem on top bent at an awkward angle. After another deep breath, she began the countdown, "Ten...." Rainbow Dash set her jaw, stamping out any urge to just leap at the unicorn and beg her to come back to the crater once known as Ponyville. "Nine...." The brash pegasus, her mane more ruffled than usual, winced at a sudden pain that shot through her bandaged wings. "Eight...." "Don't do this, Twi." Applejack muttered to herself, knowing the broken unicorn couldn't hear her. She blinked away drips of blood oozing from a gash on her forehead. She shifted her brown cowboy hat up so she could look at her old friend right in the eye. Right in her unsettling constricted pupils, edged with a dark blood red. "Seven...." Twilight's crazy 'Lesson Zero' grin grew wider, if that was possible. Tears ran down Fluttershy's grime matted fur, her quiet whimpers were drowned out by the constant buzzing of the Changeling Hive overhead and the screams of terrified Canterloins. She did her best to remember keeping a bandaged front left off the ground, only sometimes forgetting and being reminded by a cruel, sudden pain jolt up her shoulder. "Six...." Pinkie Pie held her ground, but without a smile. Her normally frizzled mane was now cluttered with dirt and some small pieces of debris. The once vibrant pink earth pony was now an ugly, filthy shade of pink with her coat caked in soot and fresh blood flowing from a deep gash on her side dragged along her balloon cutie mark to her shoulder. Her icy bloodshot eyes still glistening with tears was a clear indication that she was fighting back the urge, though her trembling lips were an obvious giveaway. "Five...." The lavender pony giggled with insane anticipation. Rarity tightened her muscles though her face showed clear signs of pacifism. Her pristine white coat now caked with grime and burns, as well as her lavish mane no longer in it's eminent curled finish. The pair of sapphire eyes refused to look into this stranger's eyes. "Darling..." She began, staring at the small steps leading up to the insane pony. "Fo-ur...." Twilight said in a sing-song voice. "...think about what you're doing." She tried keeping her composure as her vision started to become clouded. "Three...." "Please Twilight....please come back to us." Fluttershy cried horribly, on the verge of collapsing. "Two....." The purple unicorn felt her heart rate pick up. This was it! This was the moment she's been waiting for! And from the throne at the end of the hall, behind Twilight, was Queen Chrysalis sitting in a reformed, more insectoid looking throne with bones making up the frame and coal black scales forming the cushion and back padding. She sat with her hind legs crossed over eachother and her forelegs resting on the arms of her throne. "One...." The Changeling Queen hissed. The Elements reluctantly held their ground, prepared to do the unthinkable if the opportunity arises. But for a moment their old friend, now lost in her own sea of misery and self-pity, broke down into angry tears, her maniacal grin faded. Her old companions glanced at eachother worriedly as the unicorn stared down at the scalded red carpet, silently whimpering. She slowly lifted her head, revealing tear tracks engraved into her fur, "I loved you all so much..." The psychotic unicorn whispered in between a sob, right before replacing her somber persona with that of anger. Her horn, crackling with pink electricity bouncing off the serrated edges of the shattered stain glass windows, fired at jagged current of the searing lightening at the petrified mares. All the while her face was contorted into that of the mentally unstable. Three Days Earlier...... "I could've gained a sister..." Twilight said aloud, on the brink of tears. "But instead....I just lost a brother." The unicorn replayed the last five minutes in her mind over and over again, like a broken record. She lied down on the carpeted stairs of the grand hall, resting her chin on the top step. "How could I've been so stupid!?" She cursed herself, angry tears starting to well up in her eyes. "I could've gone to Celestia....I could've gone..." She started to weep, her gasping sobs echoed in the spacious chamber. "Why did I have to be so....so...." The young mare couldn't think of the words to describe her outburst. She replayed the whole scenario in her mind. How she barged in like a maniac, accusing Cadence without presenting any concrete evidence, and her brother..... "Shining Armor..." She whispered, a single teardrop rolling down her cheek and landing on the fine carpeting with an inaudible plop. "...I'm so sorry I ruined your wedding....and I'm sorry Cadence...." The thought of how she reduced her old foal sitter to tears brought forth a new pang of guilt, one that is of regret. Twilight buried her face in her forelegs, her cries being muffled only a tiny bit. A new horror entered the lavender pony's mind, one that made her shoot her head up. What about my friends!? And Celestia!? The powerful images of her friends abandoning her, and Celestia's haunting words echoed through her mind like a lingering spirit, "I have a lot to think about." Even her own teacher was disappointed with the insubordination. Twilight couldn't bear the thought of losing everypony she held dear. "It was an accident....a misunderstanding...." The delirious mare assured herself underneath grieves of depression. "...I swear." Twilight knew she was kidding herself, how Celestia would probably punish her for this, her friends wouldn't want to talk to her again. How could my brother just ban me from his own wedding? She prayed to Celestia, the very goddess who turned her back on her just minutes ago, that Shining Armor didn't mean it. But she could tell from the crystal clear memories and the sickening pits of her aching heart that his harsh tongue was sincere. "How...How could my fr-friends just abandon me like that?" She cried out, though her wails were probably muffled by the massive stone doors at the end of the hall. "I've n-never judged a pony by their-" The unicorn stopped to let out a violent cough, "their cover!" She spat angrily, hot tears clouding her vision as she stared at Celestia's throne with scorn. "And now they just leave me for...for some pony they just met!?" Rainbow Dash, she thought with an evil grin behind her mask of depression, loyalty? The Elements aren't too picky, I'll give 'em that. Her eyes widened as she realized what was just conceived. Dear heavens....what am I thinking? Twilight became terrified at the sudden dastardly thought she just reckoned. I should just go back to my room...and pack up. Catch the next train to Ponyville, perhaps? She had no idea where to really go. The wronged mare wasn't sure if anypony would accept her for what she's done. The librarian somberly mulled over the scenario once more, steadily growing a tad angry. The smug looks on her friends' faces as they whisked by her, not looking back to see the hurt inflicted in her eyes. Then there was Celestia, who spoke those heartbreaking words for the upteenth time in Twilight's psyche. The mortified look from the Element of Magic did not move Celestia in the slightest as she glanced back one last time and slammed the doors shut. Her scolding glare never broke, even when looking Twilight in the eye as the double doors were encased in a harsh yellow glow. The ensuing bang that echoed throughout the chamber shattered the pony's heart. With a heart filled with lead, Twilight Sparkle struggled to get up on all fours, her front left had fallen asleep from lying on it. The unicorn slowly turned and trudged at a snail's pace down the carpet, through the stone doors. Her chin almost touching the ground and her hoof clops were drowned out by the thick carpet. But from one of the stained glass windows, the one of six ponies battling a draconequus, there was a certain mare spying on the convicted unicorn. She flapped her massive pink tainted wings in a steady rhythm to keep afloat, not quite used to the heavy clunky airfoils of alicorns, but they'll have to do. The stalker hissed in a pleased tone, "Hmm.....perhaps I won't have to banish you, my dear." For a brief moment, her soft violet eyes flashed a harsh green. She turned and head back to the north tower, where she and Shining Armor were staying. As soon as Cadence perched herself upon the windowsill, there was a rapping at the door. "Cadence? Sweetie? Please, all your friends are really worried." The cunning Changeling Queen, having practiced this multiple times, started to cry. She's been able to do so on command so many times. 'Trying' to wipe away crocodile tears, the doorknob gave off a green glow and swung open. Standing in the doorway was her groom, the princess, and her newly commemorated bridesmaids. She levitated the handkerchief resting on the nightstand behind her. Dabbing at her tears, she said, "Oh, I'm so sorry you have to see me like this everypony. It's just...It's just-" She collapsed into tears once more, falling onto her husband's shoulder. He gently pat her on the back and said in a hushing tone, "It's okay hon, it's fine. I'm sure Twilight will-" He stuttered for a moment. Unbeknownst to the others, a swampy green hue in his eyes faded out as quickly as it appeared. Gently pushing Cadence away, the colt shot her a grin and said, "I'll be sure to give Twiley a piece of my mind." "Oh please, it was just a misunderstanding sweetheart!" His marefriend pleaded, placing a hoof under his face, secretly absorbing a small amount of energy. Celestia stepped in the room beside him. "I think Twilight would benefit from a talk with her older brother." She said matter-of-factly. Shining Armor smirked and gave a slight nod, "I think I'll go talk to her now, before it gets too dark out." And with that, he turned and briskly walked out the door, not sparing a passing glance with the other Elements as if he was in some sort of trance. The sun goddess waved a hoof at the others, ushering them to come in, and turned her attention to Cadence. "Is there anything else you need, Cadenza?" She sniffled and said in a depression thick voice, "I just want to be alone right now." and blew into her handkerchief. Behind the princess, Applejack followed by the others smiled reassuringly, trying their best to cheer up the bride. "Don't you worry, sugarcube. As Twilight's friends, we'll talk some sense into her, set things straight." The others nodded in compliance. And with that, the ponies vacated the room so Celestia could be alone with her niece. "Whadda ya think we should do, y'all?" The cowpony asked as the others formed a circle at the top of the staircase just outside of Cadence's room. Spike silently twiddled his fingers, still reflecting upon the situation with his best friend and mentor. "About what?" Pinkie Pie naively asked. "About Twilight." Fluttershy muttered. Rarity fluffed her curled mane, trying to keep it from being ruffled after the exhausting hike up the staircase of north tower, "Yes, Twilight's definitely got an issue we simply must fix." Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah! Remember how she freaked out about the whole Smartypants thing?" The fashionista tapped her chin, "In fact, she always has a freak out whenever it involves Princess Celestia." The brash pegasus slammed her forehooves together, "I say we should make her harvest every apple in Sweet Apple Acres. That'll teach her to think twice about messin' with Cadence." The orange earth pony shook her head, "Simmer down 'ere, Rainbow. She just needs a talk. That's all." Spike actually smacked Rainbow in the shin. It didn't hurt of course, but she and the others were taken aback by the dragon's uncharacteristic action. "Spike! Chill! What was that for!?" The azure pegasus demanded in a tone that wasn't harsh, but confused. "How could you say that about Twilight?" He spoke in a calm, yet slightly angered tone. "After everything she's done for you? Yeah, she made a mistake. But that doesn't mean she should be reduced to hard labor." He clenched and unclenched his fists multiple times, keeping his breathing steady. Rainbow frowned, "Look, all's I'm saying is she shouldn't just go around making crazy accusations like that. It can get her in allot of trouble!" Spike rolled his eyes at the hotheaded pony's attempt at trying to seem like a good guy. A.J. rubbed her aching forehead. Looking out one of the many windows dotted along the staircase, she found Celestia's sun set behind the calm tranquil ocean. "Look y'all, why don't we hit the hay and talk about this tomorrow?" The others agreed without question. A/N: Alright, first chapter. Yeah, I know not much happened. But if it did, then it'd be a really long opening. No worries, the ball will start rolling in the next chapter. And to those of you who say, 'Dur! Twilight shouldn't be crazy! The premise is all wrong, she'd forgive them!' Well, maybe you should read more an find out how she got this way! Looks Can be DeceivingTwilight Sparkle quickly skimmed through the contents of her saddlebags, double checking on a list to make sure she isn't forgetting anything. There was much empty space, due to the unicorn packing lightly to begin with. Inside the right bag were some blank sheets of parchment and a quill. The left bag held a couple of novels Twilight read during her down time. She sealed the bags shut after making a last checkup and levitated them onto her back. These saddlebags, the ones embedded with a gold star and a stylized 'U', were the same ones Shining Armor gave her when she got her cutie mark, as a form of apology for not being there. She tried suppressing the memory, for it only brought pain of what was once in her life, and what may never be again. She levitated, onto Spike's basket, a short, simple, letter saying: Dear Spike, Due to my presence no longer required here, I've decided to return to Ponyville. Tell everyone else that I'm okay, and write back to me on how the wedding was. I'm still really sorry about how everything turned out, but we'll talk more about that when you get home. Your best friend, Twilight Sparkle Twilight felt a knife of guilt drive into her heart as she took one last look at the master bedroom in the Ivory Tower, with it's lofted bookshelves holding volumes upon volumes of information on the second floor. A sky-blue writing station was tucked away underneath one shelf suspended from the ceiling, which required a ladder to access. The massive window encircling that floor, making up the wall, gave a jaw-dropping view of the entire city. The railing-less staircase winding down from the upper floor led to the lower level; a decked out living quarters with a circular bed blanketed by a red comforter was set across from the purple tinted stone doors, followed by aqua colored walls lined with assortments of potted plants and milky white pillars resembling urns. The centerpiece of the room consisted of a rectangular glass coffee table stood on a dark blue star patterned rug with scarlet and golden laced pillows propped around it. Would you believe that the princess actually let Twilight stay in her old room? Surely anypony who stayed in this tower was an honored guest, and this was no exception to Celestia's prized pupil. But this was all a briefly lived piece of nostalgia that didn't bring forth any positive emotions like it did only a mere two days ago. She was knocked out of her trance when she heard a rhythmic pounding on the door. The mare turned and magicked the door open, excepting it to be Shining Armor. Lo and behold, it was her older brother. Twilight just looked up at him with pained eyes. She looked down at the ground, refusing too make eye contact as she mumbled, "I'm so sorry, Shiny." The colt took a step into the room, breathing heavily through his nose. "You've got a lot to answer for, Twi." He said in between gritted teeth. Twilight looked up at her brother with reddened violet eyes. "I-I don't know what to do!" She cried out in despair, turning around and walking towards the coffee table. "I mean, I screwed up big time, and I don't know what to do!" She felt like she was about to burst into tears right then and there, "I just don't know...." Her voice trailed off. Still standing at the doorway, Shining Armor said in an eerily calm voice, "Cadence is just devastated at how you treated her. She had a complete breakdown from all the stress, forcing Princess Celestia to console her. Even your 'friends,'" He put sarcastic emphasis on 'friends,' "helped calm her down while you were up here wallowing in your own self-pity." Twilight finally broke down into convicted tears and sprinted towards her brother, burying her face in his red dress shirt. Shining placed a hoof on her shoulder and shoved the young mare away, causing her to stumble back a few feet before regaining her balance. Knowing she was in no position to say something, Twilight just hung her head low, pawing at the ground a bit and sniffled. The elder continued his harsh rant, "Your friends think you should be punished." He stated. Not even shifting her eyes, Twilight dryly said, "I know..." as she fell to her haunches. Shining Armor scowled at the lavender pony. He brought a hoof up and sent it careening with all his might towards the pony's face. SMACK! The impact pulsating through her left cheek forced her to the ground, leaving behind a bright pink hoofprint that stood out against her pristine purple coat. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" The enraged colt snapped. Twilight shed new tears as she sat back up, gently rubbing her cheek. Silence. For a solid five seconds, silence. The only audible noise in the still air was Twilight's shuddered inhales. "Shiny, that hurt...." She whispered. "Yeah? Well, tough love little sis. You're lucky I don't throw you off the tower!" The lavender pony buried her face in her forehooves and wept louder. The possessed colt relished in his sibling's cries until he noticed the saddlebags now lying behind her, tucked underneath the table. He obviously knew where she was going, but he decided to inflict more pain on the heartbroken pony. "Hey, where're you goin'?" He asked with fake curiosity. Twilight wiped her nose, sniffling, and said in a steady tone, "I'm going back to Ponyville....since you don't want me here..." She looked up at her brother to find his cold, judging eyes have not changed. She hoped there was some shred of remorse left in her brother so he'd say she didn't have to go, or something along those lines. But instead, as if a final knife was thrust into her heart, Shining Armor gave a haughty laugh. "Well, wouldn't wanna keep you waiting!" He said with a cruel smirk. Twilight couldn't believe what she just heard. Staring into space for a moment, she just let out a stuttered, "Wh-What?" The masculine unicorn shot a hoof out the door, "Get out!" He roared. Not knowing what else to do, the pony sprinted out the room with her bags, making a dash down the staircase into the recently cast nightfall shrouding Canterlot. Shining Armor watched her with a satisfied crack as she ran down the whole length of the stairs before teleporting in a small pink flash. On the rooftop, oblivious to anypony else, sat a bright pink alicorn with her wings spread out like a falcon. "Phase One of Three: Breaking the pony." She muttered to herself with a dastardly smile. Twilight Sparkle tearfully sprinted down the streets of Canterlot, her saddlebags rustling in a thrashing rhythm. Her teleporting spell brought the unicorn just outside of the castle front gates. The streets of this gleaming metropolis of Equestria was dead silent at night, most of the ritzy ponies retiring to bed at this hour. As she swerved through alleys and streets, trying to reach the late night train to Ponyville before it departs, Twilight crashed into another figure when making a sharp right into the market plaza. Her unfortunate victim's groceries, just some linens and spools of thread were scattered over the dull gray path. "Oh," Twilight started, attempting to mask her depression. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there." She rubbed her head that slammed against the pavement. Upon opening her eyes, she came to realize she crashed into none other than Princess Cadence. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Cadence!" She said urgently, "I didn't see you there!" 'Cadence,' maintaining her sour demeanor but trying to appear concerned said, "Twilight? What're you doing out at this hour?" The small unicorn was hesitant to answer, formulating a lie. "I'm....I'm going to find....to find..." The horrible encounter with Shining Armor came rushing back like a bad taste in her mouth. When he, her older brother, struck the younger sibling in a fit of rage, that broke Twilight. And not in a literal sense, but in an emotional sense. Shining was believed to be the pony Twilight would turn to if she was ever feeling down, the one who would stand by her when no one else would. With this same mare standing against her, who could Twilight possibly turn to? And with this blood chilling thought burrowing into her brain, Twilight broke down into hysterical tears. While Twilight made futile attempts to wipe her eyes, a distinct hum roused inches away. She opened her bloodshot eyes and saw the bleary silhouette of a golden-laced handkerchief encased in a soft green aura. Beside it was Cadence, offering a comforting grin. "Thanks," the somber pony muttered, taking the handkerchief in her own magenta glow. "and I'm really sorry about earlier." Cadence shook her head, "Don't worry about it, Twi. In a way, you were right. I shouldn't have been so short with your friends. But, you know, it's a big big day coming up!" She ended it with a light chuckle. Twilight dabbed her eyes and gave her foal sitter the handkerchief. Cadence levitated it into her saddlebag, as well as the items sprawled out around her. While scanning the area to make sure she didn't lose anything, Cadence asked, "So why are you out here?" The said unicorn pawed at the ground, her eyes feeling as if they were made of lead. In a quick, quavering tone she said, "Leaving." The princess shot her head up. "What? Why are you-....Oh, I get it. Twilight, sweetie, you can't leave!" The filly's fragile gaze met the alicorn's. "He doesn't love me anymore...." She said, taking the risk of breaking down at any given moment. "We had this terrible fight....and I shouldn't come to the wedding." Her vision became blurred as she blinked away tears. Cadence's eyebrows rose in shock. "He said what!?" Twilight looked up with confusion as the princess let out an angry huff. "Your brother is such a drama queen. Don't worry Twi, I'll talk some sense into him." She reared her head, cursing under her breath, "I can take care of myself." She muttered just loud enough for the violet pony to eavesdrop. She turned back to Twilight. "I'm sorry you guys had that fight." She said sympathetically, "But your brother needs to learn that just because I'm a princess doesn't mean I need eight shoulders to cry on after a little breakdown." Twilight lightly snickered, seemingly forgetting her past troubles. "Even your friends came in. I mean, really? Sure, they're a kind bunch of ponies, but that doesn't mean they had to say all of those horrible things to make me feel better." The lavender pony's breath hitched itself in her throat. "Wh-What did they say?" Cadence rolled her eyes, "Oh, they were just trying to make me feel better, I'm sure. They just said some pretty nasty stuff about....oh, wait." She stopped, noticing the tears welling up in Twilight's eyes as she turned away, staring at the glistening gem of Canterlot Castle with contempt. The pale pink alicorn approached the shuddering unicorn and placed a comforting hoof on her back. "Hey hey, Twilight, it'll be okay." She said in a reassuring tone. Twilight's eyes met the foal sitter's gentle gaze, "I'm positive they didn't mean anything. They were just trying to make me feel better, that's it." She placed a gold slippered hoof under Twilight's chin and lifted it a little. "I just don't know anymore...." She muttered somberly. Offering the warmest of smiles, Cadence continued, "Twilight, Auntie Tia has shown me all of your friendship letters and I must say, you guys are the closest friends I've ever seen. I'm certain a petty feud like this won't hinder it in any way." The depressed filly smiled weakly, "I guess so." Cadence dropped her hoof and replied with a light chuckle, "Good good. Now let's walk back to the castle and sort things out. Everything'll be different in the morning. I promise." Shining Armor mindlessly droned through the corridor with a bloody tissue engulfed in an icy glow pressed against his nose. Before entering the castle, Shining bashed his own face against the wall to make it look like he was in a fight, then purposely made his way down the guest wing, hoping he'd bump into Twilight's friends. Around the corner, excited chatter echoed down the spacious hall. Upon making that turn the alabaster colt discovered it was, in fact, Twilight's friends. "Hey Mr. Armor!" Pinkie Pie enthusiastically waved a hoof. "Hey...." He said nasally. Applejack gave an impressed whistle, "Woo-ee partner! Y'all look like you've been wrestlin' a manticore!" She mused, eyeing the bloody tissue. Shining gave a humble laugh, "Yeah, well, who knew my sister could be as strong as one, too?" "Darling, you can't be serious." Rarity gaped. "Twilight, the nicest pony in Equestria, did this to you?" "Hard to believe, right?" The colt gave a fake wince of pain as he gripped his nose tighter. "I just went up to her room and she went berserk! Screamin' and swearin' up a storm, I'm surprised she didn't wake up half of Canterlot! She said some pretty, uh, unflattering things about you guys and the princess, then bucked me in the face and ran off." As he checked to see if the bleeding has ceased, the five friends exchanged appalled glances. "She's out of control!" Rainbow exclaimed, flinging her hooves up into the air. "What were some of the things she said?" The colt ignored her question, focusing on the pain pulsating through his nose. "Come on, y'all." Applejack took a step towards the direction Shining came from, who in turn briskly trotted by the group. "Let's find that filly and give her a piece o' our minds." "Oh my, I sure hope she's not in too much trouble." Fluttershy mumbled aloud. Spike, who rode on the bashful pegasus' back, remained silent the whole time, feeling his heart drop to the pits of his stomach. Sometimes a Lie is Harder to Take"What are you saying, Princess Cadence?" Twilight asked, staring doubtfully at her former caretaker. Cadence repeated herself in a more expository tone. "Like I said before, it's just a phrase you shouldn't take to heart, but a lot of friendships don't last forever." The pair hiked up the small paved hill, approaching the castle gates guarded by a pair of cinnamon and marble colored stallions. Cadence exchanged a brief glance with each of them, their eyes briefly flashing a swampy green before stepping aside. The princess continued, "Tastes change, opinions clash, or sometimes they just drift apart, never seeing each other again." The mares made a detour off of the main path and trotted around the castle, into the sculptor garden. "You should never develop the fear of being alone, Twilight Sparkle." Luna's moon cast an eerie glow over the garden, forming dozens of looming shadows originating from the dozens of statues. "For there will always be friends you could relate too." The duo halted, gazing up at a towering statue; one of a strange creature made from various animals and a fanged mouth releasing a silent scream. "Even in the grimiest of places....." Twilight shuddered at the sight of her demonic foe; the same one who almost plunged Equestria into eternal chaos and nearly destroyed her friends. "Wh-What're we doing here, Cadence?" She asked nervously, slowly turning her head though her eyes remained briefly locked on the draconequus. The drab pink alicorn let out a heavy-hearted sigh before looking away from the filly. "Twilight.....I-" She choked on her words, taking a gasping breath. "There's something I want to share with you, but you have to promise me you won't tell anypony." The lilac pony stepped beside her old foalsitter, tenderly rubbing her head against the elder's side. "I promise." "No, you really can't tell anypony, not a soul. If you do, then it's off with my head." The princess sounded as if she was on the brink of tears. Twilight's heart ached to see her compassionate mentor seem so afflicted, making her wonder why anything she's done would warrant an execution. "Cadence, I swear not a single living soul will know." The older mare sniffled, opening her glazed eyes. "Alright Twilight, if I can really trust you...." She steadily inhaled, attempting to maintain her composure. "I'm not what you think I am. In truth, I'm....I'm a Changeling; always have been." The scholar cocked her head to the side, puzzled. "A Changeling? What's that?" Cadence pleasantly sighed, turning to face the confused pony. "You don't know what a Changeling is? Come on, Twi! I thought you'd know, considering how many books you've read." She playfully rubbed a hoof in Twilight's mane, causing it to become disheveled and ruffled. The knowledgeable unicorn giggled lightly, gently pushing away the boisterous princess. "No, no. I haven't heard of a Changeling before. What are they?" Cadence's face fell, rearing her head and looking up at the solidified God of Chaos. "They're a dying breed, I'm afraid. We're shapeshifters living on the far edge of Equestria, in the Forbidden Zone. Our main source of food is, well, another being's love." Twilight mulled over the the alicorn's words for a brief moment before, recoiling in horror. "You-You're just using my brother as a food source! How could you!?" The princess let out a series of urgent hushes, "No! Please! Let me explain!" She pleaded in a loud whisper. "We only feed off of those who we truly, undoubtedly care for. And your brother, oh Celestia, he's probably the kindest, most generous stallion I've ever met." She sighed in bliss, placing a hoof over her heart. The lavender unicorn's smile was wide, beaming. In her entire life of studies, she has never came across a sentient with such cunning abilities and yet they're so kind and endearing. Her expression turned to worry when a new thought burrowed itself into her mind. "Why wouldn't Princess Celestia allow Changelings in Equestria?" Cadence's face darkened, staring at the glistening statue giving off a white lunar glow. "A lot of ponies have secrets, Twilight. The Princess is no exception. She just doesn't like creatures who are a little...." She locked eyes with the voided marble pair of the draconequus. "....different." "That doesn't sound like Princess Celestia." Twilight said, galloping to the other side of the engaged mare. "Well, maybe I made the wrong choice of words." Cadence said, smiling faintly. "The Princess annexed Changelings into the Forbidden Zone for fear of potential spies." Twilight frowned, "That doesn't seem fair." "It's not." The princess muttered, gazing up at the white orb hung in the midnight sky. "So few of us are even residing in Equestria, due to several complications. We'd have to come up with a fake name, a backstory, all lies, just to get some food." Cadence squeezed her eyes shut, trying her best to hold back tears. "Only the most cunning and deceiving of us make it through. And even then, we'd still have to find a suitable partner that nourishes us both mentally and physically. And I, unfortunately, obtained the scumbag title of the hive's finest. Then again, who would expect anything less from the Queen of the Changelings?" Twilight gasped, her eyes brightening in delight, "You're the Queen!?" The doppelganger nodded, chuckling softly at the pony's eager naivety. "Yes, I am. I set out thirty two years ago, clawing my way to the top and becoming a princess. Of course, none of the princes or princesses are related to Celestia or Luna by blood, it's just more of a title ordeal. But I'm hoping that one day, I could let my kind back into Equestria." Twilight felt guilt and confusion. She couldn't possibly believe her old foalsitter is not actually a pony, and that Celestia could do something so cruel to such innocent creatures. "Cadence? What'll happen if the Changelings are brought back?" Cadence, on the other hand, completely changed the subject. "Twilight, I want you to do exactly as I say, this will help you understand what I'm talking about." The unicorn let out a perplexed 'Okay.' The princess placed a hoof on the mare's back. "Okay, now just stand still." She lifted her hoof off of the unicorn's back and placed it on the draconequus' foot. The alicorn then lowered her head with gently shut eyes and crossed her horn with Twilight's. "Cadence? Where are we?" Twilight looked around, noticing that she and the elder were pale, shallow, almost ghost-like versions of themselves. There, they stood in the Canterlot Grand Hall. At the far end of the hall was Celestia and the other six Elements talking, looking rather angry. What they were saying was distorted, muffled, as if an invisible wall obstructed the two groups. Beside her, the alicorn had an expression of great seriousness. "We're in the spirit's memories." Twilight knew the 'spirit' she was referring to was Discord. Just as she made the connection, she realized that this was the event where Discord was set free from his stone imprisonment a mere eight months ago. As if he was on cue, Discord's voice spoke up in an ghastly, echoing demeanor. "But you wouldn't know that, would you? Because I don't turn ponies into stone!" Silence. Twilight shook her head. "Princess, I don't understand." The memory started to fade into black, causing the duo to seemingly be standing in a foreboding darkness. "Listen carefully, and watch." She motioned to the memory starting to form from a murky, shimmering speck into a full scene, like a play. The Spirit of Chaos repeated himself, "Because -I- don't turn ponies into stone!" The unicorn stuttered, feeling the dreaded feeling of realization starting to stab it's way into her heart. "I-I....I don't-" Before her, the memory began to play out. A frightened midnight-blue mare backed up in the corner of a cottage, beside a smoldered fireplace. Tightly pressed against her chest was an orange flag lined with three horizontal diamonds. The mare's bright orange eyes widened with fear, her breathing became rapid. "P-Please! Have mercy!" She cried, her lengthy aquamarine hair draped like curtains around her face. An alabaster hoof encased in a golden slipper stomped on the ground. "Would you order your forces to stand down?" She asked. The pony's expression darkened. Using her flag for support, she stood on her hind legs and huffed her chest out with pride. The crimson cape clung around her shoulders lied on the floor. "I'll never succumb to a tyrant like you! The resistance will prevail, and your days of ruling with an iron hoof are over!" Celestia hung her head, "Then you leave me no choice, my subject." The princess' horn illuminated a golden aura as six colored gems levitated around her. In a single flash, the cottage rumbled from the force of the magic blast. The pony was no longer there. Discord's voice echoed in Twilight's head once more. "Because I don't turn ponies-" There was just a statue, holding a flag with dignity and pride. "-into stone!" "Victory." Celestia whispered to herself with a satisfied smile. And with that, Twilight's eyes sprang open, her brain not even processing the fact that she's back in the real world. The pony's body, sprawled on the ground, convulsed and twitched, her breath shook with every exhale, sweat poured down her forehead. At a complete loss of words, Twilight's words became broken, incomprehensible phrases. "Wh-....why....Celes..." She scrambled to her hooves as Cadence spectated with a worried look, though inside she couldn't stop smiling. Like a broken record, Discord's haunting words played through Twilight's mind over and over again as she gaped at the dozens of statues in elegant placements. There was that one of the three ponies standing on eachother, "-I- don't turn-" The mare and colt holding a scroll, "-Did you miss me, Celestia?" a mare lying down, as if she was surrendering, "You wouldn't know that, would you?" a couple initiated in a frozen embrace, "-I- don't turn ponies into stone!" The unavoidable fact hit Twilight worse than a freight train: These ponies were once flesh and blood. Once. And that's all thanks to Princess Celestia. Tears began to well up in the young pony's eyes. She struggled to her feet, looking up at Cadence while incoherently sputtering, "Ca-Cadence! This can't be true! It just can't!" Sweat poured down her face, mixing with tears. "I-I need to go-" Twilight turned tail and made a dash for the castle's back doors, into the grand hall. Cadence's mellow expression finally broke into a psychotic crack. She knew her 'friend' won't confront Celestia immediately. At least, not without a morale-crushing encounter with her friends. The Princess continued grinning, pleased with how nicely her plan was coming together. That is until an eerie voice echoed in her mind. An eerily distinct one at that. "Ya know, next time you decide to worm into my thoughts, you could at least give a warning, or a hint." The alicorn looked up at the statue to see that it's placement hasn't changed, it's face still expelling a silent scream. "Besides, you forgot to wipe your feet when you left." He added with a mischievous giggle. "What are you talking about?" Cadence snapped, then feeling ridiculous about talking to an inanimate statue. "I give and take, darling. You accessed my thoughts, now I can access your's. And Sparkle's." Cadence looked around, making sure no one was around. "Stay out of this!" She hissed, "This is my job. And I refuse to let months of planning fly out the window because you decided to coax the little brat into blowing my cover!" "Hey! Hey! Relax, sweetheart! Trust me, I'd love to see the downfall of Equestria as much as you do. And I like the execution! Feeding horrible lies about her 'loving and caring' mentor? Brilliant! And please, these 'unfortunate victims' are just as atrocious as I am. The dear should've at least picked up on that." The Changeling Queen was growing impatient. "Enough rambling. What do you want?" "Let's see. Uh, I'm trapped in stone. That's one. I have a score to settle with the Elements. That's two. And, ugh, I have a lifelong grudge towards our dear, loving Princesses." "Get to the point." "I want out, you twit! Get Twilight to hate her friends. No, despise them! I like what you're doing with the lies, very good. Very inspiring. But you need to take a step further." "How? And why would I help you?" The doppelganger asked, intrigued by the spirit's proposal. "I was getting to that." Discord retorted, sounding annoyed. "More lies! The most horrible acts of ponykind you can think of! It's like you told the dear before: Everypony has secrets! Help me with this, and I'll help overthrow the Princesses. And trust me when I say, your armies are utterly powerless against the Princess. Trust me. I've seen pissed Celestia. You'll need help taking her down." Cadence thought for a moment, weighing in the pros and cons. Finally, she replied in a dark tone, "Alright Discord. You've got yourself a deal. But believe me when I say that you don't want to get on my bad side. You may be a god like the Princesses, but you're just as vulnerable as them too. And not as powerful." To prove a point, her horn fired a blast of vibrant green energy at a stone statue of a royal guard, obliterating it to smithereens. "Noted." The draconequus replied casually. A/N: Whoever understands the chapter title gets a cookie. On a side note, I apologize for updating this at a snail's pace. But I have so much shit on my plate! Just, please, be patient. Shit'll get real in the next chapter.
Crazy, Crazy, Crazy"I'll give you all....." Twilight licked her split lip and stared up at the collapsed ceiling of the grand hall. Giving an eerie snicker moments later, her bugged out eyes shot back at the group of battered and bloodied ponies, each one wearing an Elements of Harmony. "...ten seconds." She spoke in a crazed, distorted tone, like two voices were talking. Her real voice sounding 'normal,' albeit indicating what little sanity was left, and the other was like a demon mimicking her every word but was only a second off. The tip of her horn was chipped, thought it still worked just fine. She'd need it for what'd happen next..... In a voice edged with the shell-shocked unicorn's looming insanity she explained, "And when I get to zero and you're. Not. Gone!" She took a deep, demented inhale, filling her lungs with the smoke of roaring flames sweeping over Canterlot and drifting into the torn open ceiling. "Theeeeen I'll have to, well, kill you! Yeah! Beeeecaaaauuusse.....I-don't-like-you!" She gave a psychotic cackle, making a terrified yellow pegasus shift from hoof to hoof uneasily. On Twilight's head rested the Tiara of Magic, now melted, twisted, and bent in a solidified mess with the pink gem on top bent at an awkward angle. After another deep breath, she began the countdown, "Ten...." Rainbow Dash set her jaw, stamping out any urge to just leap at the unicorn and beg her to come back to the crater once known as Ponyville. "Nine...." The brash pegasus, her mane more ruffled than usual, winced at a sudden pain that shot through her bandaged wings. "Eight...." "Don't do this, Twi." Applejack muttered to herself, knowing the broken unicorn couldn't hear her. She blinked away drips of blood oozing from a gash on her forehead. She shifted her brown cowboy hat up so she could look at her old friend right in the eye. Right in her unsettling constricted pupils, edged with a dark blood red. "Seven...." Twilight's crazy 'Lesson Zero' grin grew wider, if that was possible. Tears ran down Fluttershy's grime matted fur, her quiet whimpers were drowned out by the constant buzzing of the Changeling Hive overhead and the screams of terrified Canterloins. She did her best to remember keeping a bandaged front left off the ground, only sometimes forgetting and being reminded by a cruel, sudden pain jolt up her shoulder. "Six...." Pinkie Pie held her ground, but without a smile. Her normally frizzled mane was now cluttered with dirt and some small pieces of debris. The once vibrant pink earth pony was now an ugly, filthy shade of pink with her coat caked in soot and fresh blood flowing from a deep gash on her side dragged along her balloon cutie mark to her shoulder. Her icy bloodshot eyes still glistening with tears was a clear indication that she was fighting back the urge, though her trembling lips were an obvious giveaway. "Five...." The lavender pony giggled with insane anticipation. Rarity tightened her muscles though her face showed clear signs of pacifism. Her pristine white coat now caked with grime and burns, as well as her lavish mane no longer in it's eminent curled finish. The pair of sapphire eyes refused to look into this stranger's eyes. "Darling..." She began, staring at the small steps leading up to the insane pony. "Fo-ur...." Twilight said in a sing-song voice. "...think about what you're doing." She tried keeping her composure as her vision started to become clouded. "Three...." "Please Twilight....please come back to us." Fluttershy cried horribly, on the verge of collapsing. "Two....." The purple unicorn felt her heart rate pick up. This was it! This was the moment she's been waiting for! And from the throne at the end of the hall, behind Twilight, was Queen Chrysalis sitting in a reformed, more insectoid looking throne with bones making up the frame and coal black scales forming the cushion and back padding. She sat with her hind legs crossed over eachother and her forelegs resting on the arms of her throne. "One...." The Changeling Queen hissed. The Elements reluctantly held their ground, prepared to do the unthinkable if the opportunity arises. But for a moment their old friend, now lost in her own sea of misery and self-pity, broke down into angry tears, her maniacal grin faded. Her old companions glanced at eachother worriedly as the unicorn stared down at the scalded red carpet, silently whimpering. She slowly lifted her head, revealing tear tracks engraved into her fur, "I loved you all so much..." The psychotic unicorn whispered in between a sob, right before replacing her somber persona with that of anger. Her horn, crackling with pink electricity bouncing off the serrated edges of the shattered stain glass windows, fired at jagged current of the searing lightening at the petrified mares. All the while her face was contorted into that of the mentally unstable. Three Days Earlier...... "I could've gained a sister..." Twilight said aloud, on the brink of tears. "But instead....I just lost a brother." The unicorn replayed the last five minutes in her mind over and over again, like a broken record. She lied down on the carpeted stairs of the grand hall, resting her chin on the top step. "How could I've been so stupid!?" She cursed herself, angry tears starting to well up in her eyes. "I could've gone to Celestia....I could've gone..." She started to weep, her gasping sobs echoed in the spacious chamber. "Why did I have to be so....so...." The young mare couldn't think of the words to describe her outburst. She replayed the whole scenario in her mind. How she barged in like a maniac, accusing Cadence without presenting any concrete evidence, and her brother..... "Shining Armor..." She whispered, a single teardrop rolling down her cheek and landing on the fine carpeting with an inaudible plop. "...I'm so sorry I ruined your wedding....and I'm sorry Cadence...." The thought of how she reduced her old foal sitter to tears brought forth a new pang of guilt, one that is of regret. Twilight buried her face in her forelegs, her cries being muffled only a tiny bit. A new horror entered the lavender pony's mind, one that made her shoot her head up. What about my friends!? And Celestia!? The powerful images of her friends abandoning her, and Celestia's haunting words echoed through her mind like a lingering spirit, "I have a lot to think about." Even her own teacher was disappointed with the insubordination. Twilight couldn't bear the thought of losing everypony she held dear. "It was an accident....a misunderstanding...." The delirious mare assured herself underneath grieves of depression. "...I swear." Twilight knew she was kidding herself, how Celestia would probably punish her for this, her friends wouldn't want to talk to her again. How could my brother just ban me from his own wedding? She prayed to Celestia, the very goddess who turned her back on her just minutes ago, that Shining Armor didn't mean it. But she could tell from the crystal clear memories and the sickening pits of her aching heart that his harsh tongue was sincere. "How...How could my fr-friends just abandon me like that?" She cried out, though her wails were probably muffled by the massive stone doors at the end of the hall. "I've n-never judged a pony by their-" The unicorn stopped to let out a violent cough, "their cover!" She spat angrily, hot tears clouding her vision as she stared at Celestia's throne with scorn. "And now they just leave me for...for some pony they just met!?" Rainbow Dash, she thought with an evil grin behind her mask of depression, loyalty? The Elements aren't too picky, I'll give 'em that. Her eyes widened as she realized what was just conceived. Dear heavens....what am I thinking? Twilight became terrified at the sudden dastardly thought she just reckoned. I should just go back to my room...and pack up. Catch the next train to Ponyville, perhaps? She had no idea where to really go. The wronged mare wasn't sure if anypony would accept her for what she's done. The librarian somberly mulled over the scenario once more, steadily growing a tad angry. The smug looks on her friends' faces as they whisked by her, not looking back to see the hurt inflicted in her eyes. Then there was Celestia, who spoke those heartbreaking words for the upteenth time in Twilight's psyche. The mortified look from the Element of Magic did not move Celestia in the slightest as she glanced back one last time and slammed the doors shut. Her scolding glare never broke, even when looking Twilight in the eye as the double doors were encased in a harsh yellow glow. The ensuing bang that echoed throughout the chamber shattered the pony's heart. With a heart filled with lead, Twilight Sparkle struggled to get up on all fours, her front left had fallen asleep from lying on it. The unicorn slowly turned and trudged at a snail's pace down the carpet, through the stone doors. Her chin almost touching the ground and her hoof clops were drowned out by the thick carpet. But from one of the stained glass windows, the one of six ponies battling a draconequus, there was a certain mare spying on the convicted unicorn. She flapped her massive pink tainted wings in a steady rhythm to keep afloat, not quite used to the heavy clunky airfoils of alicorns, but they'll have to do. The stalker hissed in a pleased tone, "Hmm.....perhaps I won't have to banish you, my dear." For a brief moment, her soft violet eyes flashed a harsh green. She turned and head back to the north tower, where she and Shining Armor were staying. As soon as Cadence perched herself upon the windowsill, there was a rapping at the door. "Cadence? Sweetie? Please, all your friends are really worried." The cunning Changeling Queen, having practiced this multiple times, started to cry. She's been able to do so on command so many times. 'Trying' to wipe away crocodile tears, the doorknob gave off a green glow and swung open. Standing in the doorway was her groom, the princess, and her newly commemorated bridesmaids. She levitated the handkerchief resting on the nightstand behind her. Dabbing at her tears, she said, "Oh, I'm so sorry you have to see me like this everypony. It's just...It's just-" She collapsed into tears once more, falling onto her husband's shoulder. He gently pat her on the back and said in a hushing tone, "It's okay hon, it's fine. I'm sure Twilight will-" He stuttered for a moment. Unbeknownst to the others, a swampy green hue in his eyes faded out as quickly as it appeared. Gently pushing Cadence away, the colt shot her a grin and said, "I'll be sure to give Twiley a piece of my mind." "Oh please, it was just a misunderstanding sweetheart!" His marefriend pleaded, placing a hoof under his face, secretly absorbing a small amount of energy. Celestia stepped in the room beside him. "I think Twilight would benefit from a talk with her older brother." She said matter-of-factly. Shining Armor smirked and gave a slight nod, "I think I'll go talk to her now, before it gets too dark out." And with that, he turned and briskly walked out the door, not sparing a passing glance with the other Elements as if he was in some sort of trance. The sun goddess waved a hoof at the others, ushering them to come in, and turned her attention to Cadence. "Is there anything else you need, Cadenza?" She sniffled and said in a depression thick voice, "I just want to be alone right now." and blew into her handkerchief. Behind the princess, Applejack followed by the others smiled reassuringly, trying their best to cheer up the bride. "Don't you worry, sugarcube. As Twilight's friends, we'll talk some sense into her, set things straight." The others nodded in compliance. And with that, the ponies vacated the room so Celestia could be alone with her niece. "Whadda ya think we should do, y'all?" The cowpony asked as the others formed a circle at the top of the staircase just outside of Cadence's room. Spike silently twiddled his fingers, still reflecting upon the situation with his best friend and mentor. "About what?" Pinkie Pie naively asked. "About Twilight." Fluttershy muttered. Rarity fluffed her curled mane, trying to keep it from being ruffled after the exhausting hike up the staircase of north tower, "Yes, Twilight's definitely got an issue we simply must fix." Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah! Remember how she freaked out about the whole Smartypants thing?" The fashionista tapped her chin, "In fact, she always has a freak out whenever it involves Princess Celestia." The brash pegasus slammed her forehooves together, "I say we should make her harvest every apple in Sweet Apple Acres. That'll teach her to think twice about messin' with Cadence." The orange earth pony shook her head, "Simmer down 'ere, Rainbow. She just needs a talk. That's all." Spike actually smacked Rainbow in the shin. It didn't hurt of course, but she and the others were taken aback by the dragon's uncharacteristic action. "Spike! Chill! What was that for!?" The azure pegasus demanded in a tone that wasn't harsh, but confused. "How could you say that about Twilight?" He spoke in a calm, yet slightly angered tone. "After everything she's done for you? Yeah, she made a mistake. But that doesn't mean she should be reduced to hard labor." He clenched and unclenched his fists multiple times, keeping his breathing steady. Rainbow frowned, "Look, all's I'm saying is she shouldn't just go around making crazy accusations like that. It can get her in allot of trouble!" Spike rolled his eyes at the hotheaded pony's attempt at trying to seem like a good guy. A.J. rubbed her aching forehead. Looking out one of the many windows dotted along the staircase, she found Celestia's sun set behind the calm tranquil ocean. "Look y'all, why don't we hit the hay and talk about this tomorrow?" The others agreed without question. A/N: Alright, first chapter. Yeah, I know not much happened. But if it did, then it'd be a really long opening. No worries, the ball will start rolling in the next chapter. And to those of you who say, 'Dur! Twilight shouldn't be crazy! The premise is all wrong, she'd forgive them!' Well, maybe you should read more an find out how she got this way!
Looks Can be DeceivingTwilight Sparkle quickly skimmed through the contents of her saddlebags, double checking on a list to make sure she isn't forgetting anything. There was much empty space, due to the unicorn packing lightly to begin with. Inside the right bag were some blank sheets of parchment and a quill. The left bag held a couple of novels Twilight read during her down time. She sealed the bags shut after making a last checkup and levitated them onto her back. These saddlebags, the ones embedded with a gold star and a stylized 'U', were the same ones Shining Armor gave her when she got her cutie mark, as a form of apology for not being there. She tried suppressing the memory, for it only brought pain of what was once in her life, and what may never be again. She levitated, onto Spike's basket, a short, simple, letter saying: Dear Spike, Due to my presence no longer required here, I've decided to return to Ponyville. Tell everyone else that I'm okay, and write back to me on how the wedding was. I'm still really sorry about how everything turned out, but we'll talk more about that when you get home. Your best friend, Twilight Sparkle Twilight felt a knife of guilt drive into her heart as she took one last look at the master bedroom in the Ivory Tower, with it's lofted bookshelves holding volumes upon volumes of information on the second floor. A sky-blue writing station was tucked away underneath one shelf suspended from the ceiling, which required a ladder to access. The massive window encircling that floor, making up the wall, gave a jaw-dropping view of the entire city. The railing-less staircase winding down from the upper floor led to the lower level; a decked out living quarters with a circular bed blanketed by a red comforter was set across from the purple tinted stone doors, followed by aqua colored walls lined with assortments of potted plants and milky white pillars resembling urns. The centerpiece of the room consisted of a rectangular glass coffee table stood on a dark blue star patterned rug with scarlet and golden laced pillows propped around it. Would you believe that the princess actually let Twilight stay in her old room? Surely anypony who stayed in this tower was an honored guest, and this was no exception to Celestia's prized pupil. But this was all a briefly lived piece of nostalgia that didn't bring forth any positive emotions like it did only a mere two days ago. She was knocked out of her trance when she heard a rhythmic pounding on the door. The mare turned and magicked the door open, excepting it to be Shining Armor. Lo and behold, it was her older brother. Twilight just looked up at him with pained eyes. She looked down at the ground, refusing too make eye contact as she mumbled, "I'm so sorry, Shiny." The colt took a step into the room, breathing heavily through his nose. "You've got a lot to answer for, Twi." He said in between gritted teeth. Twilight looked up at her brother with reddened violet eyes. "I-I don't know what to do!" She cried out in despair, turning around and walking towards the coffee table. "I mean, I screwed up big time, and I don't know what to do!" She felt like she was about to burst into tears right then and there, "I just don't know...." Her voice trailed off. Still standing at the doorway, Shining Armor said in an eerily calm voice, "Cadence is just devastated at how you treated her. She had a complete breakdown from all the stress, forcing Princess Celestia to console her. Even your 'friends,'" He put sarcastic emphasis on 'friends,' "helped calm her down while you were up here wallowing in your own self-pity." Twilight finally broke down into convicted tears and sprinted towards her brother, burying her face in his red dress shirt. Shining placed a hoof on her shoulder and shoved the young mare away, causing her to stumble back a few feet before regaining her balance. Knowing she was in no position to say something, Twilight just hung her head low, pawing at the ground a bit and sniffled. The elder continued his harsh rant, "Your friends think you should be punished." He stated. Not even shifting her eyes, Twilight dryly said, "I know..." as she fell to her haunches. Shining Armor scowled at the lavender pony. He brought a hoof up and sent it careening with all his might towards the pony's face. SMACK! The impact pulsating through her left cheek forced her to the ground, leaving behind a bright pink hoofprint that stood out against her pristine purple coat. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" The enraged colt snapped. Twilight shed new tears as she sat back up, gently rubbing her cheek. Silence. For a solid five seconds, silence. The only audible noise in the still air was Twilight's shuddered inhales. "Shiny, that hurt...." She whispered. "Yeah? Well, tough love little sis. You're lucky I don't throw you off the tower!" The lavender pony buried her face in her forehooves and wept louder. The possessed colt relished in his sibling's cries until he noticed the saddlebags now lying behind her, tucked underneath the table. He obviously knew where she was going, but he decided to inflict more pain on the heartbroken pony. "Hey, where're you goin'?" He asked with fake curiosity. Twilight wiped her nose, sniffling, and said in a steady tone, "I'm going back to Ponyville....since you don't want me here..." She looked up at her brother to find his cold, judging eyes have not changed. She hoped there was some shred of remorse left in her brother so he'd say she didn't have to go, or something along those lines. But instead, as if a final knife was thrust into her heart, Shining Armor gave a haughty laugh. "Well, wouldn't wanna keep you waiting!" He said with a cruel smirk. Twilight couldn't believe what she just heard. Staring into space for a moment, she just let out a stuttered, "Wh-What?" The masculine unicorn shot a hoof out the door, "Get out!" He roared. Not knowing what else to do, the pony sprinted out the room with her bags, making a dash down the staircase into the recently cast nightfall shrouding Canterlot. Shining Armor watched her with a satisfied crack as she ran down the whole length of the stairs before teleporting in a small pink flash. On the rooftop, oblivious to anypony else, sat a bright pink alicorn with her wings spread out like a falcon. "Phase One of Three: Breaking the pony." She muttered to herself with a dastardly smile. Twilight Sparkle tearfully sprinted down the streets of Canterlot, her saddlebags rustling in a thrashing rhythm. Her teleporting spell brought the unicorn just outside of the castle front gates. The streets of this gleaming metropolis of Equestria was dead silent at night, most of the ritzy ponies retiring to bed at this hour. As she swerved through alleys and streets, trying to reach the late night train to Ponyville before it departs, Twilight crashed into another figure when making a sharp right into the market plaza. Her unfortunate victim's groceries, just some linens and spools of thread were scattered over the dull gray path. "Oh," Twilight started, attempting to mask her depression. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there." She rubbed her head that slammed against the pavement. Upon opening her eyes, she came to realize she crashed into none other than Princess Cadence. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Cadence!" She said urgently, "I didn't see you there!" 'Cadence,' maintaining her sour demeanor but trying to appear concerned said, "Twilight? What're you doing out at this hour?" The small unicorn was hesitant to answer, formulating a lie. "I'm....I'm going to find....to find..." The horrible encounter with Shining Armor came rushing back like a bad taste in her mouth. When he, her older brother, struck the younger sibling in a fit of rage, that broke Twilight. And not in a literal sense, but in an emotional sense. Shining was believed to be the pony Twilight would turn to if she was ever feeling down, the one who would stand by her when no one else would. With this same mare standing against her, who could Twilight possibly turn to? And with this blood chilling thought burrowing into her brain, Twilight broke down into hysterical tears. While Twilight made futile attempts to wipe her eyes, a distinct hum roused inches away. She opened her bloodshot eyes and saw the bleary silhouette of a golden-laced handkerchief encased in a soft green aura. Beside it was Cadence, offering a comforting grin. "Thanks," the somber pony muttered, taking the handkerchief in her own magenta glow. "and I'm really sorry about earlier." Cadence shook her head, "Don't worry about it, Twi. In a way, you were right. I shouldn't have been so short with your friends. But, you know, it's a big big day coming up!" She ended it with a light chuckle. Twilight dabbed her eyes and gave her foal sitter the handkerchief. Cadence levitated it into her saddlebag, as well as the items sprawled out around her. While scanning the area to make sure she didn't lose anything, Cadence asked, "So why are you out here?" The said unicorn pawed at the ground, her eyes feeling as if they were made of lead. In a quick, quavering tone she said, "Leaving." The princess shot her head up. "What? Why are you-....Oh, I get it. Twilight, sweetie, you can't leave!" The filly's fragile gaze met the alicorn's. "He doesn't love me anymore...." She said, taking the risk of breaking down at any given moment. "We had this terrible fight....and I shouldn't come to the wedding." Her vision became blurred as she blinked away tears. Cadence's eyebrows rose in shock. "He said what!?" Twilight looked up with confusion as the princess let out an angry huff. "Your brother is such a drama queen. Don't worry Twi, I'll talk some sense into him." She reared her head, cursing under her breath, "I can take care of myself." She muttered just loud enough for the violet pony to eavesdrop. She turned back to Twilight. "I'm sorry you guys had that fight." She said sympathetically, "But your brother needs to learn that just because I'm a princess doesn't mean I need eight shoulders to cry on after a little breakdown." Twilight lightly snickered, seemingly forgetting her past troubles. "Even your friends came in. I mean, really? Sure, they're a kind bunch of ponies, but that doesn't mean they had to say all of those horrible things to make me feel better." The lavender pony's breath hitched itself in her throat. "Wh-What did they say?" Cadence rolled her eyes, "Oh, they were just trying to make me feel better, I'm sure. They just said some pretty nasty stuff about....oh, wait." She stopped, noticing the tears welling up in Twilight's eyes as she turned away, staring at the glistening gem of Canterlot Castle with contempt. The pale pink alicorn approached the shuddering unicorn and placed a comforting hoof on her back. "Hey hey, Twilight, it'll be okay." She said in a reassuring tone. Twilight's eyes met the foal sitter's gentle gaze, "I'm positive they didn't mean anything. They were just trying to make me feel better, that's it." She placed a gold slippered hoof under Twilight's chin and lifted it a little. "I just don't know anymore...." She muttered somberly. Offering the warmest of smiles, Cadence continued, "Twilight, Auntie Tia has shown me all of your friendship letters and I must say, you guys are the closest friends I've ever seen. I'm certain a petty feud like this won't hinder it in any way." The depressed filly smiled weakly, "I guess so." Cadence dropped her hoof and replied with a light chuckle, "Good good. Now let's walk back to the castle and sort things out. Everything'll be different in the morning. I promise." Shining Armor mindlessly droned through the corridor with a bloody tissue engulfed in an icy glow pressed against his nose. Before entering the castle, Shining bashed his own face against the wall to make it look like he was in a fight, then purposely made his way down the guest wing, hoping he'd bump into Twilight's friends. Around the corner, excited chatter echoed down the spacious hall. Upon making that turn the alabaster colt discovered it was, in fact, Twilight's friends. "Hey Mr. Armor!" Pinkie Pie enthusiastically waved a hoof. "Hey...." He said nasally. Applejack gave an impressed whistle, "Woo-ee partner! Y'all look like you've been wrestlin' a manticore!" She mused, eyeing the bloody tissue. Shining gave a humble laugh, "Yeah, well, who knew my sister could be as strong as one, too?" "Darling, you can't be serious." Rarity gaped. "Twilight, the nicest pony in Equestria, did this to you?" "Hard to believe, right?" The colt gave a fake wince of pain as he gripped his nose tighter. "I just went up to her room and she went berserk! Screamin' and swearin' up a storm, I'm surprised she didn't wake up half of Canterlot! She said some pretty, uh, unflattering things about you guys and the princess, then bucked me in the face and ran off." As he checked to see if the bleeding has ceased, the five friends exchanged appalled glances. "She's out of control!" Rainbow exclaimed, flinging her hooves up into the air. "What were some of the things she said?" The colt ignored her question, focusing on the pain pulsating through his nose. "Come on, y'all." Applejack took a step towards the direction Shining came from, who in turn briskly trotted by the group. "Let's find that filly and give her a piece o' our minds." "Oh my, I sure hope she's not in too much trouble." Fluttershy mumbled aloud. Spike, who rode on the bashful pegasus' back, remained silent the whole time, feeling his heart drop to the pits of his stomach.
Sometimes a Lie is Harder to Take"What are you saying, Princess Cadence?" Twilight asked, staring doubtfully at her former caretaker. Cadence repeated herself in a more expository tone. "Like I said before, it's just a phrase you shouldn't take to heart, but a lot of friendships don't last forever." The pair hiked up the small paved hill, approaching the castle gates guarded by a pair of cinnamon and marble colored stallions. Cadence exchanged a brief glance with each of them, their eyes briefly flashing a swampy green before stepping aside. The princess continued, "Tastes change, opinions clash, or sometimes they just drift apart, never seeing each other again." The mares made a detour off of the main path and trotted around the castle, into the sculptor garden. "You should never develop the fear of being alone, Twilight Sparkle." Luna's moon cast an eerie glow over the garden, forming dozens of looming shadows originating from the dozens of statues. "For there will always be friends you could relate too." The duo halted, gazing up at a towering statue; one of a strange creature made from various animals and a fanged mouth releasing a silent scream. "Even in the grimiest of places....." Twilight shuddered at the sight of her demonic foe; the same one who almost plunged Equestria into eternal chaos and nearly destroyed her friends. "Wh-What're we doing here, Cadence?" She asked nervously, slowly turning her head though her eyes remained briefly locked on the draconequus. The drab pink alicorn let out a heavy-hearted sigh before looking away from the filly. "Twilight.....I-" She choked on her words, taking a gasping breath. "There's something I want to share with you, but you have to promise me you won't tell anypony." The lilac pony stepped beside her old foalsitter, tenderly rubbing her head against the elder's side. "I promise." "No, you really can't tell anypony, not a soul. If you do, then it's off with my head." The princess sounded as if she was on the brink of tears. Twilight's heart ached to see her compassionate mentor seem so afflicted, making her wonder why anything she's done would warrant an execution. "Cadence, I swear not a single living soul will know." The older mare sniffled, opening her glazed eyes. "Alright Twilight, if I can really trust you...." She steadily inhaled, attempting to maintain her composure. "I'm not what you think I am. In truth, I'm....I'm a Changeling; always have been." The scholar cocked her head to the side, puzzled. "A Changeling? What's that?" Cadence pleasantly sighed, turning to face the confused pony. "You don't know what a Changeling is? Come on, Twi! I thought you'd know, considering how many books you've read." She playfully rubbed a hoof in Twilight's mane, causing it to become disheveled and ruffled. The knowledgeable unicorn giggled lightly, gently pushing away the boisterous princess. "No, no. I haven't heard of a Changeling before. What are they?" Cadence's face fell, rearing her head and looking up at the solidified God of Chaos. "They're a dying breed, I'm afraid. We're shapeshifters living on the far edge of Equestria, in the Forbidden Zone. Our main source of food is, well, another being's love." Twilight mulled over the the alicorn's words for a brief moment before, recoiling in horror. "You-You're just using my brother as a food source! How could you!?" The princess let out a series of urgent hushes, "No! Please! Let me explain!" She pleaded in a loud whisper. "We only feed off of those who we truly, undoubtedly care for. And your brother, oh Celestia, he's probably the kindest, most generous stallion I've ever met." She sighed in bliss, placing a hoof over her heart. The lavender unicorn's smile was wide, beaming. In her entire life of studies, she has never came across a sentient with such cunning abilities and yet they're so kind and endearing. Her expression turned to worry when a new thought burrowed itself into her mind. "Why wouldn't Princess Celestia allow Changelings in Equestria?" Cadence's face darkened, staring at the glistening statue giving off a white lunar glow. "A lot of ponies have secrets, Twilight. The Princess is no exception. She just doesn't like creatures who are a little...." She locked eyes with the voided marble pair of the draconequus. "....different." "That doesn't sound like Princess Celestia." Twilight said, galloping to the other side of the engaged mare. "Well, maybe I made the wrong choice of words." Cadence said, smiling faintly. "The Princess annexed Changelings into the Forbidden Zone for fear of potential spies." Twilight frowned, "That doesn't seem fair." "It's not." The princess muttered, gazing up at the white orb hung in the midnight sky. "So few of us are even residing in Equestria, due to several complications. We'd have to come up with a fake name, a backstory, all lies, just to get some food." Cadence squeezed her eyes shut, trying her best to hold back tears. "Only the most cunning and deceiving of us make it through. And even then, we'd still have to find a suitable partner that nourishes us both mentally and physically. And I, unfortunately, obtained the scumbag title of the hive's finest. Then again, who would expect anything less from the Queen of the Changelings?" Twilight gasped, her eyes brightening in delight, "You're the Queen!?" The doppelganger nodded, chuckling softly at the pony's eager naivety. "Yes, I am. I set out thirty two years ago, clawing my way to the top and becoming a princess. Of course, none of the princes or princesses are related to Celestia or Luna by blood, it's just more of a title ordeal. But I'm hoping that one day, I could let my kind back into Equestria." Twilight felt guilt and confusion. She couldn't possibly believe her old foalsitter is not actually a pony, and that Celestia could do something so cruel to such innocent creatures. "Cadence? What'll happen if the Changelings are brought back?" Cadence, on the other hand, completely changed the subject. "Twilight, I want you to do exactly as I say, this will help you understand what I'm talking about." The unicorn let out a perplexed 'Okay.' The princess placed a hoof on the mare's back. "Okay, now just stand still." She lifted her hoof off of the unicorn's back and placed it on the draconequus' foot. The alicorn then lowered her head with gently shut eyes and crossed her horn with Twilight's. "Cadence? Where are we?" Twilight looked around, noticing that she and the elder were pale, shallow, almost ghost-like versions of themselves. There, they stood in the Canterlot Grand Hall. At the far end of the hall was Celestia and the other six Elements talking, looking rather angry. What they were saying was distorted, muffled, as if an invisible wall obstructed the two groups. Beside her, the alicorn had an expression of great seriousness. "We're in the spirit's memories." Twilight knew the 'spirit' she was referring to was Discord. Just as she made the connection, she realized that this was the event where Discord was set free from his stone imprisonment a mere eight months ago. As if he was on cue, Discord's voice spoke up in an ghastly, echoing demeanor. "But you wouldn't know that, would you? Because I don't turn ponies into stone!" Silence. Twilight shook her head. "Princess, I don't understand." The memory started to fade into black, causing the duo to seemingly be standing in a foreboding darkness. "Listen carefully, and watch." She motioned to the memory starting to form from a murky, shimmering speck into a full scene, like a play. The Spirit of Chaos repeated himself, "Because -I- don't turn ponies into stone!" The unicorn stuttered, feeling the dreaded feeling of realization starting to stab it's way into her heart. "I-I....I don't-" Before her, the memory began to play out. A frightened midnight-blue mare backed up in the corner of a cottage, beside a smoldered fireplace. Tightly pressed against her chest was an orange flag lined with three horizontal diamonds. The mare's bright orange eyes widened with fear, her breathing became rapid. "P-Please! Have mercy!" She cried, her lengthy aquamarine hair draped like curtains around her face. An alabaster hoof encased in a golden slipper stomped on the ground. "Would you order your forces to stand down?" She asked. The pony's expression darkened. Using her flag for support, she stood on her hind legs and huffed her chest out with pride. The crimson cape clung around her shoulders lied on the floor. "I'll never succumb to a tyrant like you! The resistance will prevail, and your days of ruling with an iron hoof are over!" Celestia hung her head, "Then you leave me no choice, my subject." The princess' horn illuminated a golden aura as six colored gems levitated around her. In a single flash, the cottage rumbled from the force of the magic blast. The pony was no longer there. Discord's voice echoed in Twilight's head once more. "Because I don't turn ponies-" There was just a statue, holding a flag with dignity and pride. "-into stone!" "Victory." Celestia whispered to herself with a satisfied smile. And with that, Twilight's eyes sprang open, her brain not even processing the fact that she's back in the real world. The pony's body, sprawled on the ground, convulsed and twitched, her breath shook with every exhale, sweat poured down her forehead. At a complete loss of words, Twilight's words became broken, incomprehensible phrases. "Wh-....why....Celes..." She scrambled to her hooves as Cadence spectated with a worried look, though inside she couldn't stop smiling. Like a broken record, Discord's haunting words played through Twilight's mind over and over again as she gaped at the dozens of statues in elegant placements. There was that one of the three ponies standing on eachother, "-I- don't turn-" The mare and colt holding a scroll, "-Did you miss me, Celestia?" a mare lying down, as if she was surrendering, "You wouldn't know that, would you?" a couple initiated in a frozen embrace, "-I- don't turn ponies into stone!" The unavoidable fact hit Twilight worse than a freight train: These ponies were once flesh and blood. Once. And that's all thanks to Princess Celestia. Tears began to well up in the young pony's eyes. She struggled to her feet, looking up at Cadence while incoherently sputtering, "Ca-Cadence! This can't be true! It just can't!" Sweat poured down her face, mixing with tears. "I-I need to go-" Twilight turned tail and made a dash for the castle's back doors, into the grand hall. Cadence's mellow expression finally broke into a psychotic crack. She knew her 'friend' won't confront Celestia immediately. At least, not without a morale-crushing encounter with her friends. The Princess continued grinning, pleased with how nicely her plan was coming together. That is until an eerie voice echoed in her mind. An eerily distinct one at that. "Ya know, next time you decide to worm into my thoughts, you could at least give a warning, or a hint." The alicorn looked up at the statue to see that it's placement hasn't changed, it's face still expelling a silent scream. "Besides, you forgot to wipe your feet when you left." He added with a mischievous giggle. "What are you talking about?" Cadence snapped, then feeling ridiculous about talking to an inanimate statue. "I give and take, darling. You accessed my thoughts, now I can access your's. And Sparkle's." Cadence looked around, making sure no one was around. "Stay out of this!" She hissed, "This is my job. And I refuse to let months of planning fly out the window because you decided to coax the little brat into blowing my cover!" "Hey! Hey! Relax, sweetheart! Trust me, I'd love to see the downfall of Equestria as much as you do. And I like the execution! Feeding horrible lies about her 'loving and caring' mentor? Brilliant! And please, these 'unfortunate victims' are just as atrocious as I am. The dear should've at least picked up on that." The Changeling Queen was growing impatient. "Enough rambling. What do you want?" "Let's see. Uh, I'm trapped in stone. That's one. I have a score to settle with the Elements. That's two. And, ugh, I have a lifelong grudge towards our dear, loving Princesses." "Get to the point." "I want out, you twit! Get Twilight to hate her friends. No, despise them! I like what you're doing with the lies, very good. Very inspiring. But you need to take a step further." "How? And why would I help you?" The doppelganger asked, intrigued by the spirit's proposal. "I was getting to that." Discord retorted, sounding annoyed. "More lies! The most horrible acts of ponykind you can think of! It's like you told the dear before: Everypony has secrets! Help me with this, and I'll help overthrow the Princesses. And trust me when I say, your armies are utterly powerless against the Princess. Trust me. I've seen pissed Celestia. You'll need help taking her down." Cadence thought for a moment, weighing in the pros and cons. Finally, she replied in a dark tone, "Alright Discord. You've got yourself a deal. But believe me when I say that you don't want to get on my bad side. You may be a god like the Princesses, but you're just as vulnerable as them too. And not as powerful." To prove a point, her horn fired a blast of vibrant green energy at a stone statue of a royal guard, obliterating it to smithereens. "Noted." The draconequus replied casually. A/N: Whoever understands the chapter title gets a cookie. On a side note, I apologize for updating this at a snail's pace. But I have so much shit on my plate! Just, please, be patient. Shit'll get real in the next chapter.
