Twilight's New Logic Puzzle Adventure

Chapters

Glowing Wings
Back Through the Forest
Five from the Hive
A Brief History of Changelings in the Triple Towns
Uncle Knows Best
Yes, No, True, False ... It's All the Same
Back to the Alicorn Society

Glowing Wings

Events were unusual enough this day for Ocellus.

It started minutes before her first class of the day, when her wings began pulsating bright flashes. She had never heard about such a thing happening while in the changeling hive, but she shrugged it off as being a rite of passage that no one had yet explained to her. And as she felt no discomfort, merely a tingling sensation, she did her best to ignore its effects.

Her friends asked her about her wings, which was only natural as they had come to care for her well-being. Her teachers inquired about her condition as well, though nopony had a good answer for her. She kept insisting all was well and simply wished to focus on her studies, hiding her apprehension as well as possible.

Shortly before her last class of the day, she received another surprise when Counselor Starlight approached her and sent her to Headmare Twilight’s office. Nervous, Ocellus made the lonely trip through the hallways to her new appointment.

Her wings still glimmering, Ocellus cautiously approaches the door to Twilight’s office and gives it a half-hearted knock. Upon hearing a “Come in,” she gently pushes open the door and steps inside.

“You wanted to see me, Headmare Twilight?”

Seated at her desk while peering over a dusty text, Twilight looks up and shifts her gaze to the young changeling and her new condition. Smiling warmly, she hops off her chair and trots over to Ocellus, her magical aura gently closing the door to the office to allow for privacy.

“Thank you for coming, Ocellus. I hope that all is well with your studies.”

“Everything’s just fine,” Ocellus states, “but I was surprised to see Counselor Starlight summon me to your office. I’m not in trouble, am I?”

“No, you’re fine … but I’m sure you’re curious about why your wings are radiating the way they are.”

“Really? You know why my … uh …” Ocellus’s attention quickly refocuses to an aspect of Twilight she had not initially noticed. “Your cutie mark is pulsating?”

Twilight briefly inspects her flank before turning back to the young changeling. “Ocellus, do you remember what I said about the Cutie Map?”

Thankful for an excuse to push aside her thoughts regarding her wings, and always eager to show off what she’s learned, Ocellus responds enthusiastically. “The Cutie Map is located in the Castle of Friendship, and it’s able to summon ponies from all over Equestria and send them to all sorts of locations in order to solve friendship problems.”

Twilight nods in approval. “Well done! It’s great to see another who is as interested in learning as I am. But here’s something you may not know … sometimes, non-ponies are summoned by the Cutie Map.” A look of surprise comes over the changeling’s face as Twilight continues. “… which brings me to why I’ve asked you to come.”

The look of surprise turns to a combination of shock and dawning understanding. “You don’t mean … my wings are glowing because of …”

“I assume it started this morning for you,” Twilight states. “As for me, I was about to head over to the school when my cutie mark started radiating. I hurried over to the Map, and sure enough, I saw my cutie mark hovering over a location in Equestria, one I’d been to not too long ago. My cutie mark, and an image of a young changeling.”

“I’M being summoned by the Cutie Map? N-no, there must be … some mistake.”

“The Map has never been wrong with its selection of just the right ponies … or creatures … for the task at hoof. You’re being summoned for a reason, one that even I do not know. What I do know is that in the short time I’ve gotten to know you, I’ve seen a bright, caring student who takes her studies as seriously as I did back when I was a foal, and I would be delighted to have you join me on this … well, let’s call it a field trip. Now we should go; the balloon is all set to take us.”

“What, you mean now?” Ocellus exclaims. “What about my classwork? What about my friends? What about the Hive? Does Thorax need to be notified?”

“I’ve already crafted a communication to Thorax and the changeling hive, informing them of the situation,” Twilight assures. “As for your friends, Starlight will explain to them why you’re missing for a couple days. And as for your classwork, think of this as ‘extra credit’.”

Ocellus mentally processes their conversation as she walks around the office. “This is just so much to take in,” she says as she eyes the text on the desk.

Twilight’s horn glows as the text levitates. “You’ll want to read through this on the ride over. It will help you understand where we’re going.”

“Oh? Uh, Headmare Twilight … where are we going?”

“Someplace that until recently I thought only existed in a dusty textbook. We’re heading to the twin towns of Utopia and Paradise.”

Author's Note

Those who have not done so will want to read the prequel before continuing. This Fic, like the previous one, contains logic puzzles that the reader is encouraged to solve before coming to the solution.

Back Through the Forest

Hours after setting off, with the forested destination creeping over the horizon, Ocellus looks up from the text and addresses Twilight. “OK, let me make sure I understand all of this, because this is really crazy.”

“Go right ahead,” Twilight insists with a wry smile.

Ocellus nods. “All right … so these two towns were founded by a group of unicorns and pegasi, with an intent to segregate themselves by type.”

“In so many words.”

“But over time, unicorns started moving to the pegasus town of Paradise, and pegasi started moving to the unicorn town of Utopia.”

“Correct.”

“But the unicorns, both those who moved and those who stayed, kept such fierce loyalty towards Utopia that they would state that they came from Utopia whether or not they moved.”

“And the pegasi did as much with regard to Paradise,” Twilight adds.

“And for whatever reason, it came to pass that all statements from the ponies who moved were lies. So all statements from Utopian unicorns or Paradisian pegasi were true, and all statements from Utopian pegasi or Paradisian unicorns were false.”

“Just like in my logic text. I know it sounds weird.”

“Just a bit,” Ocellus states with a tinge of sarcasm.

“And yet I was there not too long ago, summoned by the Cutie Map along with Pinkie Pie. And together, we—”

“Professor Pinkie Pie???” Ocellus’s outburst catches Twilight by surprise. “She was asked to participate in a logic-puzzle adventure?”

“Don’t underestimate Pinkie Pie,” Twilight asserts. “She might be fun-loving, but her intelligence goes far beyond balloons and baking.”

Ocellus ponders Twlight’s words as the latter continues. “In any event, we had left the area thinking the friendship problem was resolved. Apparently, there are new wrinkles that need to be worked out. And for some reason, you’re needed this time around.”

“So do the inhabitants still hold on to their ways of lying and truth-telling?”

“I’m not sure … but we’ll find out soon enough,” Twilight answers as they reach the edge of the forest.

Having tied down the balloon to a stately tree, Twilight looks down a familiar dirt path leading into the undergrowth. “You all set?” she asks as she turns to face Ocellus, only to eye a pale-blue pegasus with a stringy-red mane and matching tail, sporting an acorn for a cutie mark. “Oh, sorry, didn’t see you there.”

“Twilight it’s me, Ocellus,” replies the pegasus in a familiar voice, taking Twilight aback. “I … I don’t know how these ponies feel about changelings, so just in case, it’s best to blend in, right?”

Twilight sighs. “I thought Pinkie and I left this area with a better appreciation of friendship than that. But, I suppose it won’t hurt things if you’re more comfortable ‘blending in’. We’ll head to Utopia first; I know some of the ponies there, and maybe they can—”

“Well well well … I believe I see a familiar alicorn around these parts!”

Twilight turns around to face a charcoal-grey alicorn. “Zodiac!” she shouts with a large smile as she gives her long-lost friend a warm embrace. “How are things going? I take it from your appearance that the Alicorn Society is still in place.”

“Indeed, and more accepting than ever,” Zodiac replies. “Faux-alicorns now roam freely among the triple towns, continuing to carry the message of respect and acceptance to current and future generations.”

“ ‘Triple towns’?” Ocellus asks. “I thought there was only Utopia and Paradise.”

Zodiac eyes the pegasus-looking changeling. “I see Twilight has switched companions … but any friend of Twilight is a friend of the triple towns. Tell me, is this your first trip to our humble corner of Equestria?”

“It is. I was called here for … uh …” Ocellus backtracks, careful not to reveal her true purpose for accompanying Twilight. “I mean, I felt a calling for coming here; Twilight told me so much about the history of the area. So is it really true that the ponies around here lie or tell the truth based on their hometown?”

“Yes and no,” Zodiac replies, getting Twilight’s attention with his comment. “With regards to day-to-day life, all ponies now embrace honesty and transparency. No more regular use of beginning every statement with ‘I believe’.”

“Well that will simplify things,” Twilight points out. “But you said ‘yes and no’, so where does the ‘yes’ part come in?”

“With most aspects of life, transparency is the norm,” Zodiac explains, “but cultural heritage and legacy still matter among the residents. When asked directly about which town a pony, or his or her companions, come from, the old ways still exist.”

The comment elicits another big smile from Twilight. “So we still have that only Utopian unicorns and Paradisian pegasi tell the truth, and everyone else lies? Awesome!”

Zodiac chuckles. “Yes, I almost forgot how much you enjoy such things … but you should know that there’s an added wrinkle now.” He turns to Ocellus. “I take it Twilight hasn’t told you about Elysium.”

Ocellus shakes her head as Zodiac continues. “When Twilight first came, there were incursions coming from a group of earth ponies, intent on disrupting the natural flow of life in both Utopia and Paradise. Those incidents might be continuing today, were it not for the intervention of your friends. Now, though, the town of Elysium, located in the opposite direction from the former ‘twin towns’, is recognized as part of our ‘triple town’ structure. And out of a shared sense of town pride, or perhaps to simply fit in, the inhabitants of Elysium, a town founded by earth ponies, respond to questions about where they come from the way those from Utopia and Paradise do … only earth ponies from Elysium speak the truth regarding questions of residence, while both unicorns and pegasi from Elysium lie regarding those same questions.”

Zodiac turns back to Twilight. “Also, the earth ponies that come from either Utopia or Paradise share that cultural legacy: they lie about all residential questions.”

“OK, I think I understand this,” Ocellus states. “So the only truth-tellers about location questions are Utopian unicorns, Paradisian pegasi, and Elysian earth ponies. All others lie about the same location questions.”

“You catch on quick,” Zodiac replies. “I’m curious if you can apply that knowledge.”

“So am I,” Twilight adds, glancing at Ocellus before turning back to Zodiac. “We’re heading over to Utopia now. Care to join us?”

“Actually, I’m heading towards Elysium. I should be back in Utopia early tomorrow morning, though, if you wish to catch up more on events at that time. Until then, I bid you both good day.” Zodiac turns one last time to Ocellus. “Enjoy your stay here.” He then turns and heads off down the path away from the forest.

As the ‘alicorn’ disappears from sight, Twilight turns back to Ocellus. “So … shall we?”

“I’ll just follow you and observe,” the ‘pegasus’ replies.

As the two turn back towards the forest, a unicorn emerges from the forest. “Let’s see what we can learn,” Twilight comments as she approaches the unicorn. “Excuse me,” she begins, “but could you tell me from which town you come from?”

“I come from Elysium,” the unicorn replies before continuing her walk down the dirt path towards the earth pony town.

“OK then,” Twilight says to Ocellus, “what can you tell me about that unicorn’s hometown?”

Ocellus thinks for a minute before answering. “Well … if that unicorn was telling the truth, then she would have to be from Utopia since only unicorns from Utopia would be honest about their hometown. Since she said she was from Elysium, that means she lied to us, so she’s not from Utopia. But she can’t be from Elysium either, because then she would have been telling the truth. That means she must be from Paradise. At least, if everything I’ve learned about this place is consistent.”

Twilight smiles broadly. “Well done! I couldn’t have explained it any better myself.”

“Headmare Twilight … just out of curiosity … what does solving logic puzzles have to do with friendship?” Ocellus’s question elicits a great laugh from Twilight. “What’s so funny about that?”

“Nothing,” Twilight assures the young changeling as she composes herself. “It’s just that you sound just like Pinkie Pie did when we first came here. And you’re absolutely right; I’ll be more mindful of others as we progress. Follow me.”

By the time Twilight and Ocellus come to a fork in the path, each path leading to a different one of the original ‘twin towns’, the changeling has a bevy of thoughts related to the encounters the two of them had along the way.

In total, the two came across 5 groups of two or three ponies. Each time, Twilight warmly greeted the strangers, introduced herself, then nonchalantly asked what each group could say regarding their hometowns. And each time, Ocellus was left to figure out where each pony truly came from.

The first group consisted of a pair of unicorns. The first unicorn stated that neither of them came from Utopia, and the second unicorn stated that neither of them came from Elysium.

The second group consisted of a pegasus and an earth pony. The pegasus claimed that they both came from Elysium; the earth pony simply said “That’s not true.”

The third group consisted of a pair of pegasi. The first pegasus said that at least one of them came from Utopia, while the second pegasus claimed that the first pegasus came from Paradise.

The fourth group consisted of a unicorn, a pegasus, and an earth pony. The unicorn claimed NOT to come from Paradise. The pegasus stated that either the unicorn or the earth pony, or both, came from Utopia. The earth pony claimed that none of them came from Elysium.

The fifth group consisted of two unicorns and an earth pony. The first unicorn stated that both she and the other unicorn came from same town. The second unicorn claimed that between herself and the earth pony, at least one of them came from Elysium. The earth pony said that none of them came from Utopia.

After each group had passed the twosome by, Ocellus mulled over the possibilities … and to Twilight’s amazement, she had correctly figured out the hometown of each and every pony they came across.

Having chosen the path from the fork she had once picked some time ago, Twilight was about to lead Ocellus to the unicorn-founded town of Utopia. Before they could start, another familiar-looking ‘alicorn’ approached them from the path leading to Paradise. “Welcome back, Twilight!” the silver mare calls to the twosome, causing them to turn.

“Hey there, uh, …” Twilight closes her eyes and concentrates, attempting to remember when she came across this particular pony.

“Oh, my apologies,” the stranger replies. “We never did speak with each other the last time you were here, though Zodiac regales all of us with tales of your intellectual prowess to this day. I am Spiral; I work closely with Zodiac, and I got to know your friend Pinkie Pie pretty well before she was accosted by Sunbolt and his group.” Spiral looks around. “Speaking of which, where is Pinkie Pie. I would say she left an indelible impression on myself, and perhaps the totality of these fair villages.”

“Pinkie’s not with me this time,” Twilight replies, “but let me introduce you to O—”

“Oak Tree,” Ocellus quickly interrupts, causing Twilight’s head to swivel. “I’m, just, here because Head … uh, because Twilight invited me along, knowing that I like puzzles and things.”

Twilight mouths ‘Oak Tree?’ to her companion before turning back to face Spiral. “Yeah … she does like puzzles. In fact,” she continues, regaining her composure, “she correctly deduced the hometowns of a dozen ponies on the way to Utopia.

“Really?” Spiral’s interest piques as she turns to Ocellus. “I’m heading to Utopia now; tell me all about these encounters while we walk.”

“Well,” the young changeling shyly states, “I think Twilight tells stories better; let her fill in the details, if that’s OK.”

“Very well,” Spiral turns back to Twilight. “Fill me in.”

Twilight takes a quick, forlorn look at Ocellus before turning towards Utopia. “OK, Spiral ...”

As the threesome head to Utopia, Twilight gives Spiral the details of their conversations with the five groups. “It really strikes me,” she continues, settling into her element, “how much more complicated this system of logic got with the addition of the earth ponies and Elysium.”

“Take that first group of unicorns. Last time I was here, the first statement alone would have been enough for me to figure out that the first unicorn was from Paradise and the second unicorn was from Utopia. Now, though, the possibilities involving Elysium have to be taken into consideration; all I can deduce now is that the first unicorn is lying; otherwise, she herself would have to come from Utopia. But that forces the second unicorn to be from Utopia, since one of them has to be and it can’t be the first unicorn. And that means the second unicorn tells the truth, so the first unicorn can’t be from Elysium either. Therefore, the first unicorn is from Paradise and the second unicorn is from Utopia.”

“In the second group, the pegasus clearly lied since only pegasi from Paradise tell the truth and she claimed to be from Elysium. That means the earth pony was truthful, so the earth pony was from Elysium … but they can’t both be from Elysium, as that would make the pegasus’s comment true. So the pegasus could only be from Utopia.”

“Then there was that pegasus pair. The comment by the second pegasus means that they were either both telling the truth or both lying … but if they were both telling the truth, then at least one of them would have to be from Utopia, which can’t be since all pegasi from Utopia lie about their hometown. That means they both lied, and so neither came from Paradise … but neither could come from Utopia either, or the first pegasus would have been truthful with her comment. So both of them must be from Elysium.”

“As for the first group of three we came across, I know the earth pony is lying; only earth ponies from Elysium are truthful regarding hometowns, and she claimed that none of them were from Elysium. So at least one of them is from Elysium … but the unicorn’s claim to NOT be from Paradise means she cannot be from Elysium either, as that would make her statement true and unicorns from Elysium lie about their hometown. So it must be that the pegasus is from Elysium, and she lied about the hometowns of the other two; neither actually comes from Utopia. The only possibility left is that both the unicorn and the earth pony are from Paradise.

“And then there’s the other group of three, the most complicated of all of them. The earth pony said that none of them came from Utopia. Suppose that’s true. Then the earth pony would be from Elysium, and neither unicorn would be from Utopia, hence neither unicorn would have been truthful. But the second unicorn claimed that either she herself or the earth pony was from Elysium, and that would be a true statement, which can’t be. Therefore, the earth pony lied and is not from Elysium, and at least one of the threesome is from Utopia. Now the second unicorn’s statement has to be false, for if it were true, then the unicorn herself would have to be the one from Elysium, which can’t be if she’s being truthful. That means neither one is from Elysium, and the second unicorn can’t be from Utopia either; she must be from Paradise.”

Spiral takes in the breadth of this final argument as Twilight continues her reasoning. “Now consider the first unicorn’s statement. If it were true, then the first unicorn would have to be from Paradise as well, but that would make the statement false. Therefore, the first unicorn lied as well, and cannot be from either Paradise or Utopia; she must be from Elysium. But we already know that at least one of them is from Utopia; it must be the earth pony.”

“… Wow. Just, wow.” Spiral comments after a pause to take everything in. “Truly, you have my utmost respect for such logical thinking.”

“Well, remember that …”

Twilight turns to ‘Oak Tree’ and sees her vigorously shaking her head. “… well, remember that I really like these kinds of puzzles. It’s nice to be back here, in something of my …” She giggles slightly before continuing, “… alternate element, I suppose.”

“Well, Bravo again, ‘milady’,” Spiral says with a smile, forgetting who Twilight said first solved those puzzles.

As the last of the daylight gives way to the moonlit starry night, the path widens into a familiar clearing, with numerous buildings dotting the area as they did the last time Twilight set hoof in the village, candles illuminating the numerous windows. Bidding Spiral a good evening, she and Ocellus head to a nearby inn and check into a room.

“You okay?”

Twilight’s query carries genuine care, which causes Ocellus to respond. “It’s nothing, really.”

“It’s not nothing,” Twilight insists. “You let me take all the credit during that last part of the walk. You were the one who solved those puzzles. Why not speak up about it?”

“I don’t … think you’d understand.”

“Then please … help me understand.”

Ocellus, still displaying the appearance of a pegasus, takes a breath before addressing her headmare. “I may have been too young for the attack on Princess Cadence’s wedding, but I’ve been told the stories. And I know my race is still considered untrustworthy among most … even after the Transformation and new life under Thorax. And though I now have a close-knit group of friends … of which I will always have you and your professor friends to thank … it’s only a small piece of a larger puzzle in this world.” She looks around the room the two occupy. “I feel like most in this world are still apprehensive to have changelings around. And even if I was summoned by the Cutie Map for whatever reason, I’m not ready to open up. Not yet, anyway. I …”

Ocellus turns away from Twilight. “I don’t think you can understand what I’m feeling now. It’s not your fault, I know this. But no ‘pony’ could really understand.”

“Actually, Ocellus, I think a number of ponies could understand … if you just—”

Twilight’s response is interrupted by a unicorn bounding through the door into their room. The twosome instinctively turn to face the strange pony; male, but bright pink with a tangled mess of green for a mane and tail, Twilight immediately wonders if there are family members Pinkie Pie never told her about. She notices his cutie mark, composed simply of an exclamation point and a question mark, which only adds to her confusion.

“Oh, sorry,” the unicorn starts, “I didn’t expect to see anyone else in here.”

“That’s quite all right,” Twilight graciously replies. “Is it possible the inn double-booked this room?”

The unicorn’s pupils shoot to the corners of his eyes. “Uh … probably not. Look, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“You’re fine,” Twilight again replies in a friendly manner. “I must say, you remind me of a friend of mine. And I’m sure there’s an interesting story behind your cutie mark.”

“Oh, you’re one to talk, Princess Alicorn,” the unicorn sarcastically responds.

Sensing a tinge of antagonism, Twilight abruptly changes topics. “Sorry, didn’t mean to offend. Let me start again. So, how do you feel about Utopia?”

“Meh … I’m not from Utopia.”

The unicorn’s reply causes Twilight to go silent … but after her previous encounter with a strange unicorn in this inn, she refrains from making any further assumptions. She opens her mouth to speak—

“WHO ARE YOU???”

Ocellus’s sharp interrogation causes both the others to turn to her in surprise as ‘Oak Tree’ trots up to the pink stallion. “I’m waiting,” she icily continues.

Beads of sweat start to form upon the unicorn’s forehead. “Hey, sorry, didn’t mean to offend anypony here. Calm down, little filly.”

“You said you’re not from Utopia,” the ‘pegasus’ starts, “and you’re either telling the truth or you’re lying. But any unicorn from Utopia would state that they’re from there, and any unicorn from either Paradise or Elysium would lie and say they’re from Utopia. So I ask you again: WHO? ARE? YOU?”

The unicorn begins to stammer as ‘Oak Tree’ angrily stares him down even as she has to direct her head upward to make eye contact.

“Ocellus, calm down!” Twilight instinctively calls out.

“OCELLUS???”

Upon hearing the name, the unicorn suddenly changes form from a pink unicorn to a yellow four-legged bug-like creature with large green eyes and fluorescent tan wings. The transformation causes Ocellus to likewise revert back to her natural form.

“UNCLE COCCYX???”

Five from the Hive

Cloudstitch and Sunbolt stand agape at Zodiac’s assertion as Twilight turns to ‘Oak Tree’, concerned how the latter will react. Spiral turns to Zodiac. “What’s gotten into you?” she asks tersely.

Zodiac’s tone softens as he turns to Spiral. “My apologies for being so curt, but what’s the point of all these little ‘tests’ of worthiness …” He trots over to ‘Oak Tree’. “… if we simply invite changelings into these hallowed halls?”

“That is a serious accusation to levy, least of all on such a young filly,” Cloudstitch states, finding her voice. “What proof do you have for this charge?”

Zodiac snorts derisively at no one in particular, then faces ‘Oak Tree’. “We’ve all become so fixated on notions of ‘proof’, when one can see the truth simply by gazing into the eyes.” He addresses her softly: “Go ahead … there’s no more need to hide your true self. I promise you, nothing can be gained by continuing this charade.”

‘Oak Tree’ turns to Twilight, seeking guidance from her expression. Twilight closes her eyes and nods … and Ocellus morphs back into her true changeling self.

The other three faux-alicorns stare in disbelief at the former pegasus’ true self. Sunbolt then turns to Twilight, anger burning from within. “How DARE you bring a changeling to our headquarters!”

Cloudstitch walks over to her son and places a forehoof on Sunbolt’s shoulder. “That’s enough, Sunbolt; there’s nothing to be gained by shouting or violence.” She then turns to Twilight. “On the other hoof, you do have some explaining to do.”

“Cloudstitch,” Zodiac starts, “I would like to question this changeling further while you and the others get what information you can from our Princess of Friendship.”

Cloudstitch nods, and Zodiac beckons Ocellus to follow him out the door.

“I’m coming with you,” Spiral states as she turns to the door.

“I think I can handle this on my own,” Zodiac replies.

“We’re partners, remember?”

“I’m … well aware of that,” Zodiac retorts, “but I also think it intimidating enough for a youngling to be interrogated by one alicorn, let along two. Besides, I think the more ponies there are to get answers from Twilight, the better.”

Spiral opens her mouth to respond, but Cloudstitch interrupts: “Perhaps he’s right; she may be a changeling, but she’s still just a child. You stay with us.” She turns to Zodiac. “Do not be too harsh … but find out as much as you can.”

“Understood.” With that, Zodiac and Ocellus make their way back through the doorway.

“We don’t need to get other alicorns around here riled up,” he tells the changeling upon leaving the room, “so kindly turn back into your ‘Oak Tree’ disguise.” Ocellus nods and morphs back into her pegasus form.

They travel down a myriad of corridors, passing several other faux-alicorns along the way, until finally reaching an unoccupied hallway with an open window.

Ocellus looks around, not seeing an interrogation room. “Is there some sort of hidden entranceway?”

Zodiac turns to the faux-pegasus. “You’re pretty smart, Ocellus. How’d you like to be real smart?”
Ocellus looks at him quizzically. “I … I don’t understand.”

“You trust Twilight, right?” Ocellus nods in apprehension. “Then I ask you to trust me. Now follow.”

Zodiac spreads his wings and flies out the open window. Ocellus takes one look behind her, then soars out the window in pursuit of Zodiac.

“… and when I woke up, me and all my friends were covered in slime but otherwise unharmed. And all the changelings, well, changed to their current forms.”

The three faux-alicorns digest the information Twilight provided. “Is that why this young changeling appeared as she did?” Cloudstitch asks.

“It’s who she is,” Twilight replies.

“When I think of changelings, I think of four-legged black bugs with pockmarks and a sinister demeanor,” Sunbolt states. “How can you be certain the form she shows you now really is her true form?”

“It’s not just appearance,” Twilight answers. “She’s pure in heart and mind, just like King Thorax.”

“Thorax?” Spiral asks. “What about Queen Chrysalis? Did she change as well?”

“No … she fled from her former home. She popped up once, while I was away on friendship business, but nopony has seen her since.”

“Then how do you know Ocellus isn’t working with Chrysalis?” Sunbolt asks. “For that matter, how can you trust any of them?”

Twilight turns to Sunbolt and stares daggers at him, her response nonthreatening but resolute: “Actions speak the loudest of all … and the actions taken by King Thorax and, indeed, all the changelings since the Transformation tell me that they’re reformed. That they want to be part of a greater good. That they have the best interests of all civilization … regardless of what some naysayers would believe.”

Sunbolt starts to respond but is stopped by Cloudstitch: “You really care for this ‘Ocellus’, do you not?”

“I care for the well-being of all my students … and of all creatures, pony or otherwise.”

…

“You’re very convincing,” Spiral states, “and I believe that you believe everything you state. But that doesn’t deny the possibility of at least some renegade faction of changelings, those still aligned to the old ways.”

“No, I suppose not,” Twilight admits. “But I haven’t seen any ‘old-school’ changelings since the Transformation. Have any of you?”

Twilight turns from one faux-alicorn to another. “You all seem deathly afraid of a changeling invasion,” she continues, “but I haven’t seen any hints of such a thing, not now and not during my last trip here. Perhaps you could start filling me in on what’s been going on.”

Cloudstitch begins to craft a response … but an alicorn bursts into the room, causing the others to turn to him.

“Sorry I’m late,” Zodiac starts, “I got detained on my way back this morning from Elysium.”

For all intents and purposes, Paradise is no different from Utopia.

A greater number of pegasi roam the streets and frequent the homes and businesses of the village, but a visitor from the outside would otherwise see little to differentiate the town founded by pegasi to that founded by unicorns just off the other pathway at the fork. Similar residences, similar structures … a similar inn, whose entrance ‘Zodiac’ and ‘Oak Tree’ land near. The twosome enter the inn and head to a room already occupied by a pair of pegasi.

‘Zodiac’ addresses ‘Oak Tree’ as he closes and locks the door. “You kept up with me very well. You’re a stronger flier than I thought.”

“Nice of you to notice … uncle.”

‘Zodiac’ morphs into his yellow-clad changeling form, turns to Ocellus and smiles. “How long have you known?”

Ocellus morphs back into her changeling form. “You called me Ocellus. I never told anyone here my name … but Twilight called it out in your presence last night.”

Coccyx laughs. “I knew you were smart. You always were a smart one … the smart, quiet one who hung around in the back, always keeping to herself.”

Ocellus looks away briefly. “I’m getting better,” she says as she turns back to face Coccyx. “I have friends now. Friends who’ll be there for me in times of need, and who can count on me when they’re in need.”

“Yes, I’m sure that school is doing wonders for the good of society,” Coccyx dryly states. “But while you learn about the abstract, some of us deal with the concrete.”

Ocellus gives a Coccyx a look of curiosity.

“We have much to discuss,” he continues, “but first some associates of mine would like a demonstration.” Coccyx turns to the pair of pegasi in the corner and nods; moments later, the twosome morph into a twin pair of lavender-colored changelings with red wings.

“Took you long enough,” one says. “It ain’t easy just lying around while you gallivant as one of those ridiculous ‘alicorns’.

“I got done as fast as I could, Tar” Coccyx replies. “How did the two of you fare.”

“We held him up as long as we could,” the other twin answers, “but he’ll be with your new ‘princess’ friend soon enough. And then they’ll be looking for us.”

“It’s a large region, Carp. A lot of places to check for creatures who can blend in with the scenery if need be. I think we have enough time for one more demonstration … which the two of you insisted on, I might add.”

“You’ve been talking this little one up since last night,” the first twin states. “I’d like to see her in action before making my own judgment.” The second twin nods in agreement.

“Fair enough.” Coccyx then turns back to Ocellus. “These are my associates, Tarsus and Carpus. We have some plans for these out-of-the-way Equestrian towns … and we’d like you to assist us in those plans.”

Ocellus turns from Coccyx to Tarsus and Carpus, then back to Coccyx. “I won’t do it. I won’t return to the old ways.”

Coccyx turns to the twins … and the three of them share a hearty laugh, catching Ocellus by surprise.

“You … *heh heh* … you think we’re trying to suck the life out of these ponies?” Coccyx chuckles again. “No, my dear, we’re not planning anything of that sort …” His demeanor shifts to a more serious tone. “… but we are planning something of an incursion, and you’re welcome to join us.”

“An incursion? To what end?”

“Ah ah ahh …” Coccyx replies. “First, Tarsus and Carpus would like to see what you’re capable of. Prove your worth, and I’ll tell you everything you wish to know. Then you may decide whether to help … but I believe you will.”

Ocellus thinks back to her glowing wings from the previous morning … how she was brought to the triple towns for a reason … and carefully considers Coccyx’s offer. “What sort of proof do you need?”

Coccyx explains his test: “The ponies in these towns are quirky when it comes to notions of truth and falsity, particularly with regards to their town of origin. We need to be certain you can recognize what’s OK to say and what isn’t. Here is how you’ll demonstrate this ability to us.”

“I will ask you to turn away for a moment; when you turn back to face us, we will appear as three ponies who come from the three towns. We will each speak, and then you must determine who is who. Now, Tarsus will always represent a truth-telling pony, either a Utopian unicorn, a Paradisian pegasus, or an Elysian earth pony; thus, any comment he makes will be true. Carpus, however, will always represent a lying pony, so he may appear as a Utopian earth pony, or a Paradisian unicorn, or some other such combination.”

“And what about you?” Ocellus asks, causing Coccyx to chuckle.

“I may appear as any combination of pony type and place of residence … but whatever combination I choose, my comments will be the opposite of what is normal. So if, for example, I appear as a Paradisian pegasus, my statements will be false. Or I could appear as an Elysian unicorn, and my statements will then be true. Got all that?”

Ocellus pauses. “I … I think so.”

“Then let us commence. Please turn away for a moment.”

Ocellus abides and turns away; moments later, she turns back and sees a unicorn, a pegasus, and an earth pony. The unicorn states that he is from Utopia, the pegasus states that he is not from Paradise, and the earth pony states that he is from Utopia. Ocellus quickly identifies which is which.

“That one was meant as a warm-up,” Coccyx says. “Let’s see how you do on the next set.”

Ocellus again turns away, and upon turning back she now eyes three earth ponies. The first earth pony states that all of them are from Elysium, the second earth pony states that none of them are from Elysium, and the third earth pony states that the first earth pony is from Elysium. Ocellus takes but a moment longer than before to identify Coccyx, Tarsus, and Carpus.

The third time Ocellus turns away, she turns back to see a unicorn and two pegasi. The unicorn states that both he and the first pegasus are from Elysium, the first pegasus states that the unicorn’s comment is true, and the second pegasus states that none of the three are from Utopia. With increasing confidence in her voice, Ocellus again identifies which changeling is which pony.

For the fourth test, Ocellus eyes a unicorn and two earth ponies. The unicorn states that all three of them come from Utopia, the first earth pony states that he is from Paradise, and the second earth pony states that none of the three are from Elysium. For the fourth time, Ocellus identifies all three changelings correctly.

For the fifth and final test, Ocellus again sees one of each pony type. The unicorn states that each of the threesome is from a different town. The pegasus states that neither he nor the unicorn are from Utopia. The earth pony states that both he and the unicorn are from Elysium.

Ocellus ponders the three statements for some time, then turns to one of them. “I know you’re not Tarsus …” she states before turning to another, “… and I know you’re not Carpus.” She then turns to the remaining ‘pony’. “And you could be anyone … so I ask you to answer this: ‘Are ‘you’ from Elysium?’ And answer me in a way consistent with the rules you set for these tests.”

The ‘pony’ she addressed answers with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, and Ocellus then identifies each of Tarsus, Carpus, and Coccyx. The threesome morph back to their changeling form, the twins shaking their heads.

“I stand corrected,” Tarsus admits as he turns to Coccyx. “I had no idea how intelligent she was.”

“Then again,” Carpus states, “she could have just gotten lucky on some of those.”

Coccyx turns to Carpus. “Well let’s see … 6 combinations for each test, 5 tests, that’s …” He pauses for a moment of mental calculation. “… seven thousand, seven hundred, seventy-six possibilities. I suppose she could be the luckiest changeling alive, though.”

“Come off it,” Carpus defiantly retorts. “Obviously she was going to get at least some of those.” He turns to Ocellus. “I’d like to hear how you knew all of those.”

“We don’t have time for—”

“I’m sure there’s enough time,” Carpus states, cutting off his twin as his eyes remain focused on the young changeling. “Go on then … I’m all ears.”

“Well … OK …” Ocellus starts. “The first test was easy because Coccyx already used that statement last night, or at least a variation of it. No pegasus from these towns would ever state that they were not from Paradise, so the pegasus had to be him. And since no earth pony would ever truthfully state that they were from Utopia, you had to be the earth pony, leaving Tarsus as the unicorn.

Ocellus directs her remaining thoughts at the trio, as Tarsus and Coccyx each bend an ear. “With the second test, it’s not possible for all the earth ponies to be from Elysium, since none of them could then be Carpus. It’s also not possible for none of them to be from Elysium, since then none of them could then be Tarsus. That means the first two ponies lied and the last must have been Tarsus. That means his statement was true, so the first earth pony was from Elysium but still lied; that one must have been Coccyx, and the second earth pony who spoke must have been Carpus.”

“Both of those puzzles were simple,” Carpus states. Ocellus ignores the comment as she continues.

“With the third group, suppose the unicorn’s comment was true. Then the first pegasus would also be truthful, and both of them would be from Elysium … but then both of them would be truthful but contrary to the rules of these towns, and only Coccyx is allowed to do that for these tests. That means both of them lied, and the second pegasus must have been Tarsus. Since Coccyx lied, he must have been either a Utopia unicorn or a Paradisian pegasus … but it couldn’t have been the former, since none of them were from Utopia as the second pegasus stated truthfully. So Coccyx must have been the first pegasus, and Carpus must have been the unicorn.”

“As for the fourth group, Tarsus couldn’t have been either earth pony, since each made a statement that no earth pony from these towns would truthfully say. So Tarsus must have been the unicorn, and all three ponies in this case were from Utopia. So both Coccyx and Carpus were Utopian earth ponies, and Coccyx must have been truthful with his statement; since the second earth pony was truthful, that must have been Coccyx, and Carpus must have been the first earth pony.”

“That fifth test, though, was unfair,” Ocellus states as she focuses on Coccyx, “but you knew that, didn’t you.”

“Had to make things a little more challenging at the end,” he replies with a smile.

“So you admit you guessed?” Carpus inquires.

“No … I figured out what I could, and asked my question accordingly.”

“And what did you figure out?” Tarsus asks.

“To start with, I knew the unicorn could not be from Utopia. Suppose he was; then both the pegasus and the earth pony lied, so Tarsus would had to have been the unicorn, and his statement would had to have been true. In this case, the pegasus and earth pony would had to have been from Paradise and Elysium, in some order. But with a Paradisian pegasus and Elysian earth pony, neither could have been Carpus. And with an Elysian pegasus and Paradisian earth pony, both of which are lying in accordance with the rules of these towns, neither could have been Coccyx. So that rules out the unicorn being from Utopia.”

“Astounding,” Tarsus says to himself as Ocellus continues.

“So now I know the unicorn is not from Utopia; he’s either Coccyx and telling the truth, or Carpus and lying. Now if the unicorn was Coccyx, then his statement was true and the threesome must be from three different towns … but in order for one to have been Tarsus and one to have been Carpus, it would follow that exactly one pony type would match his town’s initial, and that one couldn’t be the unicorn. What if the earth pony were from Elysium? Then he would had to have been Tarsus … but his statement was a lie, contradicting the rules you set for these tests. That only leaves the possibility that the pegasus was from Paradise … and here I found a possible outcome: Coccyx is an Elysian unicorn, Tarsus is a Paradisian pegasus, and Carpus is a Utopian earth pony.”

“Remarkable,” Carpus says to himself as Ocellus proceeds.

“What if the unicorn was Carpus? Then the pegasus and earth pony would be Coccyx and Tarsus, in some order. What if Tarsus was the pegasus and Coccyx was the earth pony? That would mean the pegasus was from Paradise, and the unicorn was from either Paradise or Elysium. But Elysium causes a problem: the earth pony’s statement would then either be true if he were from Elysium and false if he weren’t … but all of those cases fall within the rules of the towns, so in none of those cases could Coccyx be the earth pony. But it would be possible for the unicorn to be from Paradise, making the earth pony’s statement false regardless of where the earth pony was from, so now he could be from Elysium. That led to a second possible outcome: Carpus is a Paradisian unicorn, Tarsus is a Paradisian pegasus, and Coccyx is an Elysian earth pony.”

Coccyx simply smiles as Ocellus carries on: “Could Coccyx have been the pegasus? That would force Tarsus to be the earth pony, and therefore from Elysium. The earth pony’s statement would then be true, so the unicorn would be from Elysium too. The pegasus couldn’t be from Utopia, as that would make his statement false which would be within the town’s rules; he would have to be from either Paradise or Elysium, and his statement would then be true … but for Coccyx, that rules out Paradise. Thus I got a third possible outcome: Carpus is an Elysian unicorn, Coccyx is an Elysian pegasus, and Tarsus is an Elysian earth pony.”

“So from your original statements,” Ocellus concludes, “I knew that the unicorn couldn’t be Tarsus and the pegasus couldn’t be Carpus … but the earth pony could have been any of you. And that’s when I decided to ask the earth pony if he was from Elysium. Had the earth pony said ‘Yes’, I would not have been able to figure out whether that answer was true or false … but I got a ‘No’ response, which of course could only have come from Coccyx. That led to the final answer: Carpus was the unicorn, Tarsus was the pegasus, and Coccyx was the earth pony.”

Coccyx turns to Carpus. “Need any more proof?”

In response, Carpus turns to Ocellus. “I … I had no idea you were … wow … that was, incredible! I apologize for ever doubting you!”

Ocellus smiles sheepishly, accepting of the praise but cautious as to their motives. “Now can you tell me why you’re here?”

“Of course,” Coccyx quickly states, “you’ve more than proven yourself to us. The truth is—”

A loud pop interrupts Coccyx’s response, as the four changelings all turn to a corner of the room. All are stunned to see Twilight staring back at them, displaying a look of determination and fear.

“You have five minutes to explain everything you can to me, before the Society breaks down the door!”

Author's Note

1) I left a hint to the reader as to 'Zodiac's true nature, before they reached the inn. Did you catch it? (Knowledge of the previous Fic is required.)

2) Twilight's mention of Chrysalis's appearance is not a reference to "The Mean 6", but to this Fic: "Equal Measures"

A Brief History of Changelings in the Triple Towns

“Sorry I’m late,” Zodiac says as he bursts into the room. “I got detained on my way back this morning from Elysium.” He notices the surprised reactions from Spiral, Sunbolt and Cloudstitch and grows confused himself. “What?”

“Where’s Oak Tree?” Spiral asks.

“ ‘Oak Tree’?” Before continuing, Zodiac notices Twilight in the room, jogging his memory. “Oh, you mean Twilight’s young friend! Yeah, I met her yesterday afternoon on my way to Elysium. She seemed nice enough.” Zodiac feels the tension in the room mounting. “Is everything all right with her? Where is she?”

“You mean the little changeling that you allowed to escape?” Sunbolt dryly comments.

“Changeling? That I allowed to …” Zodiac stammers for a response. “What are you talking about?”

“That’s enough, Sunbolt,” Cloudstitch calmly states before turning to Twilight. “I believe, though, that you know more than you’ve let on. Please, enlighten us.”

An uncomfortable feeling grips Twilight as she meekly responds to Cloudstitch’s request. “We … Ocellus and I, we met up with another changeling last night. She asked me not to share that information with you.”

Sunbolt opens his mouth to respond, but Cloudstitch beckons him to remain silent. “This is rather important information; you really felt it necessary to hide this from us?”

“She seemed nervous,” Twilight answers. “More than that … she felt afraid of how you all would react. And judging by how you are all reacting now …” she continues, her eyes narrowing.

Spiral speaks: “Afraid of us? A changeling? Maybe she’s too young to remember what they were like, but we certainly haven’t forgotten.”

“So … you have seen changelings before,” Twilight states.

“Long ago … shortly after these towns’ foundings, and well before the creation of the Alicorn Society. They must have been a reconnaissance crew; there weren’t many, and only a hoofful of us noticed them, but we knew that they knew of us. We prepared defenses for a larger-scale attack, but we were fortunate never to have to use those defenses. All these years later, though, it appears that they’ve returned. And you’re helping them!”

“Wait, wait,” Twilight states. “You’re telling me that you saw a couple changelings many moons ago, then nothing for many more moons, and now that they’re reformed, they’re back with the purpose of attacking you?”

Twilight’s question silences Spiral.

“Once a changeling, always a changeling,” Sunbolt asserts. “Their kind cannot be trusted.”

Twilight turns to Sunbolt as she attempts to keep her temper under control. “And what about you, Sunbolt? Have you forgotten what you and the earth ponies here have been through? How can you of all ponies be so quick to judge?”

“I’m still a pony! You’re comparing apples to poisoned mushrooms by your insinuations!”

Twilight turns away from Sunbolt as she chews on her tongue. She then turns to Zodiac. “The first time I was here, you told me about ‘logic bombs’ occurring in the towns. Tell me; have you had any since Pinkie and I left?”

Having processed the entirety of the conversation, Zodiac responds. “As a matter of fact, yes we have. Not many, really, but enough to question what was going on. We had already acclimated to the presence of the earth ponies and the inclusion of Elysium into the collection of the triple towns, so we had no further explanation … until now, anyway.”

“Then it’s possible that—”

Twilight’s response is interrupted by the presence of a tan alicorn with a dark-brown mane and tail. “Cloudstitch, we just received some disturbing news.”

The fivesome in the room turn to the alicorn. “Go ahead,” Cloudstitch beckons.

“Our pegasus contacts report that an alicorn was found flying toward the Paradise inn, along with a younger pegasus.”

The news causes the other faux-alicorns to murmur concerns. Twilight looks around, confused. “What’s the problem?”

Zodiac quickly addresses Twilight. “It’s a long-standing policy for members of the Alicorn Society not to engage in either flying or magic. A basis tenet of the Society is anonymity regarding pony type; only those in closest confidence with each other may know a member’s true type.”

Twilight recalls her first encounter with Zodiac … and how he swore her to secrecy before revealing that his own wings were fake.

Sunbolt addressed the tan alicorn. “Inform our contacts to surround the Paradise inn; I don’t want any unicorn, pegasus, earth pony, insect, or any other creature to go in or out of there until we rendezvous.” The tan alicorn nods and departs as Sunbolt turns to the others. “We’re ending this once and for all.”

“What do you mean ‘ending this’?” Twilight asks.

“It’s a matter of security and honor … sorry, but some things aren’t solved by friendship,” Sunbolt asserts as he exits the room, the other alicorns following.

“All of you???”

Cloudstitch turns to Twilight as the others exit the room. “There is much animosity towards changelings here … and even though I can sympathize with your plight, I cannot stem this tide alone. But we’ll be hoofing it to Paradise, so you have some time.”

“Time to do what?”

“I wish I knew.” Cloudstitch then exits the room to catch up with the others.

Alone in the room, Twilight ponders the recent events for a moment. With a ‘pop’, she then teleports herself out.

Ocellus smiles sheepishly, accepting of the praise but cautious as to their motives. “Now can you tell me why you’re here?”

“Of course,” Coccyx quickly states, “you’ve more than proven yourself to us. The truth is—”

A loud pop interrupts Coccyx’s response, as the four changelings all turn to a corner of the room. All are stunned to see Twilight staring back at them, displaying a look of determination and fear.

“You have five minutes to explain everything you can to me, before the Society breaks down the door!”

Ocellus, along with Tarsus and Carpus, stare in silence as Coccyx turns to face Twilight. “So they figured me out, huh?”

“The ‘alicorns’ here don’t reveal their true nature; your flying gave you away,” Twilight quickly explains, “but that’s not important right now. They’re on their way, and right now they don’t have ‘friendship’ on their mind.”

Coccyx sighs. “No, I suppose they wouldn’t. ‘Once a changeling’, right? Pharynx was right; sometimes I think it was simpler during the time of Chrysalis.”

The comment catches Twilight off-guard. “So they’re right about you wanting to … drain …”

“NO, no, a thousand times no … it’s their perception of us, just like old times, but it’s not reality.”

“So what is?” Twilight asks of Coccyx.

“The reality is no one respects us changelings anymore. Not the dragons, not the yaks, certainly not the majority of ponies we’ve come across since the Transformation. Oh sure, Thorax has the best of intentions … and bless him if his hopes ever come to fruition … but when Pharynx called the Hive out for being soft, we should have been more heedful.”

“But you’re not the creatures you used to be,” Twilight comments.

“We know that,” Coccyx states, “but ponies don’t have a dark history that goes back thousands of moons. There’s a stigma that we changelings have to overcome. And hey, I tried … I really did. I came back here to foster relations with this town.”

“So you knew of this place,” Ocellus says, finding her voice. “How? When?”

“Before the Transformation,” Coccyx says as he turns to the young changeling. “Indeed, before Chrysalis planned the whole wedding invasion. We changelings have been around long before you came into this world.” A forlorn look comes over the elder changeling’s visage. “They weren’t exactly the ‘good old days’, flying from town to town, draining the life out of sentient creatures … but we did what we had to do to survive.”

“You’ve … invaded this area?”

“No … we came, a number of us, sent here by the queen to seek out possible targets. But as you know, we fed off love and friendship.” Coccyx chuckles. “There wasn’t much of that the last time we were here.”

Ocellus reflects on her trip with Twilight in the balloon. “Twilight told me she thought this whole area was created solely for a textbook on logic. The text referred to strife among the unicorns and pegasi, but I had no idea it would have been that bad.”

“In any case,” Coccyx continues, “I thought of this place after the Transformation took hold. And really, I was fascinated by the idea. I came back here partially due to Thorax’s ideals about spreading our new-found beliefs on friendship, and partially due to the mystique with their logic-obsessed culture.”

Twilight muses for a moment. “… but you weren’t ready for just how severe the effects of logic lapses would be. Were you.”

Coccyx’s head bows. “The first time it happened was right here in Paradise. I figured this place wasn’t ready for changelings, even reformed ones, and as there were so many pegasi around, I thought it safe to become one and tour the area. First time somepony asks, I mention that I’m not from Paradise; next thing I know, the pony up and collapses right in front of us. I panicked and flew off. Days later, I hear the grumblings about my kind. And that hurt … it really did. I returned to the Hive to recruit others to help me out.”

Ocellus turns to Tarsus and Carpus. “That would be the two of you?”

“We were part of the initial scout team, along with Coccyx,” Tarsus explains. “Neither of us thought much about this place, either before or after the Transformation … but Coccyx asked for us to join him after his initial return.”

“He was real sincere,” Carpus adds. “And as events in the Hive were stagnating a bit, we obliged.”

“We’ve been here for some moons now,” Coccyx states, “and we’ve been getting better at figuring out what to and what not to say. But we still hear the grumblings, mostly from those holier-than-thou so-called alicorns. They’ve been isolated from the rest of society for so long, they refuse to even consider that the changelings have actually changed. It’s been a tough stretch.”

A thought comes to Twilight. “What about last night. You must’ve known what would happen by claiming to be a unicorn not from Utopia.”

“I’m not proud of this,” Coccyx says, “but I’ve learned that, should I need to steal away in a pinch, dropping a logic bomb … I think that’s how they refer to it … can let me bear a hasty retreat. I was exhausted after another long day of charades, and didn’t want to have a long conversation, least of all with another member of that ‘society’.” He turns to Ocellus. “I certainly didn’t expect to be called out on my comment, and REALLY didn’t expect to find another changeling … especially the one hoof-picked by Thorax to be sent off to Ponyville.”

“And what about your talk of an incursion,” Ocellus asks.

“We want to make our presence here known,” Coccyx replies. “I’m tired of having to masquerade as so many different ponies. I want these towns open to changelings, as a start to fostering better relations between ponies and our kind. Succeed here, and word could spread quickly.” He then frowns. “But how can we expose ourselves to this populace now? All that would cause is panic.”

“I don’t mean to rush you,” Carpus calls out as he gazes through a window, “but we’re about to have company.”

“Alicorns?”

“They’re on the pathway and close to entering the town proper; we got maybe a couple minutes before they show up at our door.”

“Maybe we should just give up,” Coccyx dejectedly admits. “Fly away and cut our losses.”

“I got a better idea,” Twilight states. “I suggest we converse with them in a language they’ll better understand …”

Sunbolt bangs hard on the door to a room in the Paradise inn. “We know you’re in there, changeling! Open the door, or it’ll be worse for you than it already is!”

He raps the door several more times with his forehoof before turning behind him to address his fellow alicorns. “I’ll give them another minute, then I’m breaking down that door.”

“What about Ocellus?” Zodiac asks with concern.

“Young or old, does it really matter?” Sunbolt callously responds. “We can’t have another changeling invasion. They need to know they’re not welcome in these towns.”

Cloudstitch opens her mouth to respond, but as she does the door opens. Sunbolt rushes in.

“OK, you got 5 seconds to … uh …”

Sunbolt quiets down as he comes face to face with Twilight. Turning to his left, he sees that she is standing next to Twilight, who in turn is also standing next to Twilight. He turns to his right to see two more Twilights.

As the other alicorns file in, Cloudstitch is unable to suppress a giggle as the others take in the spectacle.

“Twilight?” Zodiac hesitantly asks.

“Yes?” All five Twilights answer in unison.

“Ocellus, are you part of this?” Spiral asks. The five Twilights turn to each other, then all face Spiral and nod.

“This is ridiculous,” Sunbolt states, irritation in his voice. “I want the real Twilight Sparkle to step forward this instant!”

“Do you talk to all alicorn princesses this way?” the Twilight on the far left asks. “Where’s the friendship in that tone?”

“In any case,” the Twilight on the far right continues, “the changelings are our friends now, and friends don’t abandon each other.”

“But if it would help to break the ice,” the second-in-line Twilight adds, “the five of us have a test for you.”

“Not far removed from the tests you give others,” the fourth-in-line Twilight states.

The center Twilight grins as her eyes narrow. “Or are you unable to prove your own worth?”

“What?” Sunbolt takes a step back and eyes each of the Twilights as his anger ebbs. “OK, you got my attention. What do you have in mind?”

The center Twilight takes a step forward. “One of us is Twilight, of course, and one of us is Ocellus … and one of us is the one you seek out: Coccyx. All you have to do is figure out which of us is Coccyx.”

The Twilight to the center Twilight’s left steps up. “We will each make one statement. The real Twilight will make a true statement, as will Ocellus. The others will make a false statement. Simple enough?”

“Fine.”

The two Twilights each take a step back to fall in line with the others. From left to right, each Twilight makes a single statement:

“I am Twilight.”
“I am not Twilight.”
“Twilight is on an end.”
“Coccyx is on an end.”
“I am Coccyx.”

Uncle Knows Best

“I am Twilight.”
“I am not Twilight.”
“Twilight is on an end.”
“Coccyx is on an end.”
“I am Coccyx.”

Sunbolt takes in the comments from the five Twilights, walking from one to the next, looking each one over. A smile comes over his face as he addresses them.

“Cute … like a parent exclaiming ‘Look what my foal can do!’ … but ultimately very simple. Still, I must admit that I appreciate the token effort you put in.”

“Can you actually solve the puzzle?” the central Twilight derisively snaps.

“Oh, sure, sure …” Sunbolt walks over to the Twilight left of center. “Let’s start simple: you claim not to be Twilight. If that statement was false, you would be Twilight, who you say made a true claim. Therefore, your statement is true and you are not Twilight … but only one other made a true statement, so you must be young Ocellus. Go on … no sense keeping that false façade.”

The second Twilight nods and, in a flash, reverts back to her usual self. Sunbolt then turns his attention to the central Twilight.

“Now suppose you were being truthful. Then Twilight would either be on the far left or the far right … but either way, that would mean you were neither Twilight nor Ocellus. So you’re lying with your claim, and Twilight is not on an end. But she’s not you, either … since she’s truthful in her statement.” Sunbolt turns to the Twilight right of center. “That just leaves you, Princess of Friendship. Go ahead, take a small step forward.”

The fourth Twilight does as asked. “Not bad. Now can you find Coccyx?”

Sunbolt walks over to the Twilight on the far right. “Well, the real Twilight stated that Coccyx was on an end … and you claim to be Coccyx. But of course, that statement is false, so …” He then strolls past all the others to confront the Twilight on the far left. “Now can we dispense with this ‘Twilight shell game’?”

In three simultaneous flashes, the remaining Twilights revert back to their changeling forms, with Coccyx staring down Sunbolt.

“Nice to see you practice what you preach,” Coccyx states.

“Nice of you to notice. Now then … get out of our towns and never return!”

Tarsus and Carpus start to approach Sunbolt, their bulbous eyes slightly narrowed. Coccyx calls on them to halt before turning back to face Sunbolt.

“Playfulness aside … I assure you that the changelings are not who we used to be. We have no need for invasion, nor do we have any desire for such. We just want what you want, what Twilight is here to spread … friendship.”

“That would be a hard sell for the ponies in these towns,” Sunbolt states.

“You mean the ponies who had to be convinced to accept the earth ponies and the town of Elysium into the fold?” Zodiac’s comment causes Sunbolt to turn around, resentment in his eyes. The older changelings chuckle at the spectacle.

“That statement is a complete non-sequitor, Zodiac!”

“But is it?” Cloudstitch innocently asks. “Remember what we had to go through to get to where we are?”

“Yes, I remember, mother,” Sunbolt states through clenched teeth as he turns to again face Coccyx. “I’ve also seen the effects you changelings have had on our townsfolk. You think causing logic bombs is a sign of friendship?”

“I’ve made some mistakes,” Coccyx acknowledges. “But I’ve learned a lot from my time here, and I can assure you that those mistakes won’t be repeated.”

A wry smile comes over Sunbolt. “So … you think you’ve figured everything out, do you?”

Coccyx looks quizzically at Sunbolt. “You have something in mind?”

“Pop quiz, hotshot: you come across a unicorn from one of these towns. In one question, how could you determine whether or not that unicorn is from Elysium?”

…

Coccyx ponders the question for a few seconds. “Well … I would ask this unicorn if he or she was from Paradise. A unicorn from Utopia would truthfully say ‘no’, and a unicorn from Paradise would lie and say ‘no’ … but a unicorn from Elysium would lie and say ‘yes’. So a ‘yes’ answer means he or she is from Elysium, and a ‘no’ answer means he or she is not.”

The faux-alicorns from the Society look to each other and nod in agreement.

“A buckball layup,” Sunbolt states. “How ‘bout this one: in one question, how could you determine whether or not that same unicorn is from Utopia instead. And remember, you can’t ask some question like ‘Is two plus two equal to four?’; lying only comes with questions of one’s hometown.”

“In that case,” Coccyx quickly replies, “I would ask ‘Are you from either Utopia or Paradise or Elysium?’ For any pony from these towns, a ‘yes’ answer is truthful, so any unicorn from either Paradise or Elysium would say ‘no’.”

Murmurings of approval among the Society members catch Sunbolt’s ears. “Again … a very simple question.”

Tarsus and Carpus groan at the comment. “Hasn’t he demonstrated enough to you?” Carpus asks, irritation in his voice.

“One more question,” Sunbolt casually remarks as he turns to the changeling twin, before turning back to face Coccyx. “Give me a correct answer to one more question, and I’ll acknowledge your intellect.”

“I’m ready,” Coccyx states.

“Actually, a similar question to the ones I’ve already proposed to you … but with a twist.”

Sunbolt turns to his fellow faux-alicorns. “I realize I’ve only been a member of the Alicorn Society for a short time, but I’ve learned that secrecy of one’s pony type is essential. Thus, I won’t make an example of anyone here.” He turns back to face Coccyx. “Instead, we’ll focus on a ‘hypothetical’ alicorn from these towns. As you know, the alicorns here could be any one of unicorn, pegasus, or now, earth pony … and also, they can come from Utopia, Paradise, or Elysium. That makes for nine possibilities. Would you grant me this.”

“I can.”

“Good … so my challenge to you is this: create a question to ask of any alicorn from these towns, so that a unicorn would answer ‘yes’ while either a pegasus or an earth pony would answer ‘no’, regardless of which town they were from.”

“That’s ridiculously easy,” Tarsus calls out. “Just ask if the alicorn comes from Utopia.”

Sunbolt turns to Tarsus. “NO! That is NOT going to work this time!”

“Why not?” Carpus asks.

“Because a pegasus from Elysium would lie and answer ‘yes’, that’s why not!” Sunbolt states dismissively as he turns back to face Coccyx. “But I won’t hold their ineptitude against you.”

Enraged, Ocellus starts to walk towards Sunbolt, but Twilight creates a force field that holds her back. She remains in place, scowling as her eyes narrow their focus on Sunbolt.

“That is a rather advanced task to give,” Cloudstitch states. “Questions like that are usually reserved for final tests for acceptance into the Society itself.”

“All the more reason to use such a task now,” Sunbolt replies as he keeps his gaze on Coccyx. “Well … we’re waiting.”

After a long pause, Coccyx begins his reply. “As you said, simply asking if the alicorn is from Utopia does no good here. So all I need to do is augment that question to eliminate the outlier cases.”

“So you have a question in mind,” Sunbolt states with a smile.

“I do.”

“Well go on, then.”

Coccyx takes a breath, then asks: “Are you either from Utopia, or a Paradisian earth pony, or an Elysian pegasus?”
The smile quickly leaves Sunbolt’s face as Coccyx reasons out loud to himself.

“Lesse … a Utopian unicorn would truthfully say ‘yes’ since he or she would actually be from Utopia, while both a Paradisian pegasus and an Elysian earth pony would truthfully say ‘no’. A unicorn from either Paradise or Elysium would, of course, lie and say ‘yes’. And as for the other cases, both the pegasi and earth ponies from Utopia would lie and say ‘no’, as would both a Paradisian earth pony and an Elysian pegasus. So no matter what, all unicorns would answer ‘yes’ and all non-unicorns would answer ‘no’.”

“What’s funny,” Coccyx continues, “is that if I ask instead if the pony in question was either a unicorn, a Paradisian earth pony, or an Elysian pegasus, then the ‘yes/no’ response would tell me whether or not the pony was actually from Utopia; all ponies from Utopia would answer ‘yes’, while all ponies from either Paradise or Elysium would answer ‘no’.”

The sound of hoof-clopping causes both Coccyx and Sunbolt to turn to the other faux-alicorns, all of which serenade the former with thunderous applause.

“Remarkable,” Zodiac asserts. “Truly incredible.”

“Indeed,” Spiral adds, “and your follow-up indicates to us that you could tailor your response to account for any place of residence and any pony type.”

“What can I say,” Coccyx admits sheepishly, “I’m a good learner when it comes to such things. So,” he continues as he turns to Sunbolt, “have I convinced you?”

“You have,” Sunbolt admits. “You are quite wise in the ways of logic, particularly as they apply to the vagaries of these towns. I am indeed impressed.”

With hope in his voice, Coccyx asks, “Does this mean the changelings may now come here to forge new friendships?”

Sunbolt looks dourly at Coccyx. “… no. I never agreed to that, and I won’t do so now.”

Coccyx sighs, but upon seeing Tarsus and Carpus advance, beckons them to remain in place. “I had hoped for more from you … but I will oblige. If I may ask but one more question before we depart; all I wish is that you answer truthfully.”

“Let me guess,” Sunbolt replies, “ ‘Will you either answer ‘no’ or allow the changelings to come here to forge new friendships?’ PLEASE! That trick may have worked on Zodiac so many moons ago, but I’m not so gullible.”

Coccyx bows his head. “I suppose not.” He turns to his fellow changelings. “I did try. We can at least inform Thorax of that much.”

“Wait,” Ocellus says, finding her calmness once again as she walks up to Sunbolt. “May I ask you a question?”

“Perhaps you weren’t paying attention, little one. I’m not going to fall for any of your tricks.”

“I just have a single yes-or-no question … and you are free to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as you choose.”

“Yeah, sure,” Sunbolt answers dismissively. “ ‘but I have to answer truthfully’, right?”

“Actually, no … you can answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’, and you are free to answer truthfully or lie, as you wish.”

“Well what good is that to us,” Carpus calls out.

“It’s not,” Ocellus replies as she keeps her focus on Sunbolt. “I just wish to see how you react to my question, knowing you have free rein of your response … yes, no, true, false … it’s all up to you.”

Sunbolt turns to the faux-alicorns, who shrug in confusion, then turns to Twilight. “What do you know about this.”

“Honestly, I know nothing about Ocellus’s intentions. All I know is that she is caring and kind, and worthy of your time.”

“Fine, whatever … but after this, you leave at once. All of your kind. Understand?”

“I understand completely,” Ocellus states.

“Then go on … ask your question, knowing full well that I can answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’, and that I can answer truthfully or lie.”

“That’s all I ask of you.”

“Then proceed.”

Ocellus turns to her fellow changelings, then turns to Sunbolt. She takes a breath and carefully asks her question. Upon the utterance of her final word, her wings begin to glow and pulsate. She then turns to Twilight, and notices her cutie mark pulsating as well. She finally turns to Sunbolt and notices a growing look of shock. She bears a small smile.

“Do you have an answer for me?”

“Indeed,” Sunbolt replies quietly … “you win.”

Yes, No, True, False ... It's All the Same

As Twilight makes final preparations to depart the area, Ocellus takes a final look towards the forest, then back down the road leading to Elysium, before turning back to face Coccyx. “So what now?” she asks simply.

“Tarsus and Carpus are already heading back to the Hive to inform Thorax of our developments here. We’ll be starting small-scale, but if all goes well, there should be a strong faction of changelings in all the triple-towns within just a few moons.”

“Are you sure Sunbolt will really abide by your wishes? He was so adamant about not allowing changelings for so long.”

“I’ve seen firsthoof how these ponies react when it comes to logic,” Twilight replies as she joins the others. “At the least, I doubt Zodiac would let him back down, after what Pinkie Pie did to him the last time I was here.” She turns to Coccyx. “I do wonder how your being here will affect the way the townsfolk will greet strangers in the future.”

“I’ve already had some discussions with the Society members,” Coccyx answers. “Already, they have ideas for greater logic challenges.” He turns from Twilight to Ocellus. “Remember the quiz I gave you?”

Ocellus nods.

“As the changelings begin to populate the towns, the plan will be for changelings who take pony forms to answer questions related to place of residence in a similar manner to what currently exists, but for changelings to respond in the opposite. So a changeling who takes a unicorn form and resides in Utopia would make false statements, and if that same changeling takes on a pegasus form instead, his or her statements would then be true.” He muses for a moment. “That could lead to some really complicated puzzles.”

Twilight chuckles. “I think I’m all puzzled out for a while. In any event, we really need to get back to Ponyville.”

Coccyx addresses Ocellus one final time. “None of this would be possible without your help. The Hive owes you a great deal.”

Ocellus smiles sheepishly and gives Coccyx a warm embrace before flying into the balloon.

“It was great meeting someone as well-versed in logic as yourself,” Coccyx tells Twilight. “Hopefully our paths will cross again, under friendlier circumstances.”

“I would like that very much, and I hope all goes well for you and the changelings who come to call these towns home.”

Twilight embraces Coccyx, then joins Ocellus in the balloon before undoing the ropes, allowing the balloon to rise and drift back to Ponyville.

As the balloon passes over rolling grasslands and sparse woodlands on its way back home, Ocellus turns from the scenery to observe Twilight staring at a piece of parchment. “What are you looking at,” she asks.

“I’m still trying to make manes-or-tails of your statement. I must admit, I’m still struggling to figure out why Sunbolt just gave in the way he did, especially after you told him he could answer however he chose, and didn’t even have to be truthful.

“Oh … well, I did say he could either lie or tell the truth, but he was forced to choose one. And that’s what made all the difference.”

“Huh???” Twilight shakes her head. “I’m sorry, I’m still lost.”

Ocellus flutters over and inspects the question she posed to Sunbolt:

Will you either truthfully answer ‘yes’ or falsely answer ‘no’ if and only if you allow the changelings to settle in the triple towns, or else falsely answer ‘yes’ or truthfully answer ‘no’ if and only if you continue to disallow the changelings to settle in the triple towns?

“There really is a lot going on here,” Twilight adds.

“True,” Ocellus admits, “but it’s easier if you break down the possibilities one by one. For example: what if Sunbolt answered ‘yes’?”

Twilight inspects the question. “Well … he can either answer truthfully or falsely. If his ‘yes’ is truthful, then that satisfies the first-half of the question, and so he would be forced to allow the changelings in. What if he was lying?”

“In that case,” Ocellus answers, “the second-half of the question would kick in. Now, his false ‘yes’ would be equivalent to not allowing the changelings in … but as he’s answering falsely, that means the negation must be true, so now he does have to allow the changelings in. Otherwise, his ‘yes’ wouldn’t be false!”

“That’s … I’ve never seen anything like this in the logic books I’ve read. And I’ve read a lot of logic books! But what if he answered ‘no’?”

“Well, his ‘no’ would then be true or false,” Ocellus explains. “Suppose he was being truthful: then the second-half again kicks in, and he would be truthfully stating that he would not continue to disallow the changelings in … in other words, he would again be forced to allow the changelings in.”

Twilight simply looks on, desperately attempting to process Ocellus’s explanation.

“Finally, a false ‘no’ would come back to the first-half; basically, he would be falsely denying that he would allow the changelings in, which is equivalent to truthfully acceding that he would allow the changelings in. So you see,” Ocellus says in summation, “No matter how he answers, and no matter if his response is true or false, he has to allow the changelings in.”

“That’s … just astounding,” Twilight states in all earnestness. “So for all the choices you gave Sunbolt … ‘yes’, ‘no’, true, false … you really didn’t give him any choice at all!”

“Not if he wanted to remain faithful to his own logical beliefs. I know I hadn’t been there very long, but I could tell quickly how important that was to everyone.”

“Wow … just, wow.” Twilight pauses again to take in Ocellus’s explanation. “When it comes to logic, you could be a professor.”

Ocellus smiles sheepishly. “Well, I try hard to be as good a learner as I can be. In the past, I feel like that mindset isolated me from the other changelings, even though I was always more comfortable around books. Even when I got to your school, I was apprehensive that I would slip into my old ways … maybe I still do, at times … but I hope I’m getting better.”

Twilight nudges Ocellus’s face so that they see eye-to-eye. “Ocellus … you remind me so much of what I was like back when I was still living in Canterlot as Princess Celestia’s student. Never lose that thirst for knowledge … there’s always something new to discover, as I’ve learned over these last few hours. But you’re also blossoming as a true friend, opening up your life to others in a way far beyond where I was.” Twilight chuckles. “I had to be sent away to Ponyville to learn how important friendship really was.”

“Sound familiar?” Ocellus asks, causing both to laugh.

“You know,” Twilight says, “your exploits over these last couple days could make for an incredible logic-based story. ‘Ocellus’s Logic Puzzle Adventure’ … how does that sound?”

“I don’t think I’m well-known enough. Maybe call it ‘Twilight’s Logic Puzzle Adventure’ instead.”

Twilight laughs again. “I didn’t even do anything this trip; that title would be so misleading!”

Ocellus laughs with Twilight. “I guess it would. So … what now?”

“Now we get back to Ponyville, and you get back to your regular lessons with everyone else. I’m sure they’re curious to hear firsthoof about your exploits.”

“You think Uncle Coccyx will actually be able to acclimate the other changelings to those towns.”

“I have faith that Coccyx and the others will do just fine … but we’ll see what the future has in store.”

“Um … Headmare Twilight? I’m still curious … what can you tell me about Professor Pinkie Pie? Did she really accompany you to these towns?”

“She did,” Twilight answers, “and don’t let her silly nature fool you. She is one of the most intelligent ponies I’ve ever met. Oh, and she nearly became an alicorn herself.”

“WHAAAA???”

“Oh yes … but maybe I should back up. It all started when our cutie marks first led us to the twin towns …”

Author's Note

For those still lost after that explanation, find a copy of "The Riddle of Scheherazade" by Raymond Smullyan. Needless to say, I'm inspired by his puzzles.

Back to the Alicorn Society

For several seconds, all three creatures … the Princess of Friendship and the two changelings … stare at each other, speechless and motionless.

Then in an instant, the elder changeling reverts back to his former unicorn façade, turns tail and bolts out the door, quickly fading into the night. Twilight is slow to follow; upon reaching the entrance to the inn she eyes the darkness all around, unable to catch a trace of the faux unicorn. She returns to the room and finds Ocellus still standing in place, lost in contemplation.

“Are you OK?” Twilight asks. The question snaps the young changeling out of her trace.

“Oh? Yeah … I’m OK.”

“So this ‘Coccyx’ … he’s your uncle?”

“ ‘Uncle’ is a bit strong a term,” Ocellus explains. “In the hive, we’re basically all related to each other in some way, shape, or form. And Coccyx is of the same generation as Thorax.”

“What else do you know about him?”

Ocellus’ eyes point skyward as she navigates her memories. “Not much. Coccyx never seemed much of a ‘threat’ to others … he kinda reminds me of Professor Pinkie Pie, but more malevolent … more mean-spirited.”

“But what’s he doing here, in this out-of-the-way area of Equestria?”

“I have no idea,” Ocellus admits. “I never even heard about this place until you brought me here. But I guess now we know why I was summoned here.”

“His statement to us,” Twilight begins, “… do you think he knew that no unicorn would make that statement.”

Ocellus looks down in shame. “I’m sure he knew. It fits what I know of him.”

Twilight begins pacing back and forth. “This isn’t good,” she says half to herself and half to Ocellus. “I know the ponies of this town, and they’re very sensitive about logic. Mis-information like Coccyx’s could lead to mass mental breakdowns. And what if they find out who he really is? The repercussions could be catastrophic!”

“So what do we do,” Ocellus asks, stifling a yawn in the process. “Sorry, didn’t mean to …”

Twilight glances out a window. Stray candles dot numerous windows of residences, and emptiness fills the pathways below. “There’s little we can do right now; it looks like the whole town is shut down for the night, anyway.” She gives a yawn herself. “And I’ve learned from past experience that we won’t be any good to anypony if we’re mentally or physically fatigued. For now, we should get some rest … we’ll start fresh in the morning.”

Ocellus, back in her pegasus persona much to Twilight’s chagrin, takes in the mansion before her. “You sure these ‘alicorns’ will help us?”

“No,” Twilight admits, “but we don’t have any leads, and finding Coccyx will be as important to them as it is for us. If there’ve been any recent logic bombs, they’ll know.”

“Logic bombs?”

Twilight turns to ‘Oak Tree’. “Sorry, I should explain. As you know, the ponies of these towns have peculiar rituals when it comes to their place of origin. Some statements simply cannot be said by inhabitants of these towns; you heard one just last night from Coccyx. When somepony from the twin towns … sorry, the triple towns … hears a statement that logically cannot be, that pony often suffers a mental break and passes out. It was a much thornier issue back then, but with someone around deliberately spreading contradictory statements, it could get really bad really quickly.”

“Twilight …” Ocellus starts before pausing, a concerned looked on her face.

“What’s wrong?”

“We don’t … we don’t have to mention that a changeling is responsible, do we? I mean, we’re not who we used to be, at least as a whole, but the ponies here might assume that …”

Twilight frowns. “Gee, I don’t know. It is important information; I don’t think we can—”

Twilight’s response is cut short by the opening of the front door as Spiral exits the mansion. “Twilight!” she exclaims cheerfully upon seeing the ‘true’ alicorn. “What can I do for you?”

“Oceh …” Twilight starts before catching herself. “Oak Tree and I have important news to share with the Society. May we come in?”

Spiral’s cheery expression gives way to a more serious tone. “You may enter, but I cannot allow your young friend to accompany you.”

“Why not?” Twilight asks, a trace of irritation in her voice.

“Only those who have proven themselves worthy may walk these hallowed halls,” Spiral replies. “You of course have proven your worth time and again; indeed, we here have much to be thankful for by your very presence in our lives. But exceptions cannot be made, not even for you.”

Twilight opens her mouth to argue her case, but ‘Oak Tree’ stops her and addresses Spiral. “Can I … can I prove myself to you?”

Spiral looks the ‘pegasus’ up and down. “You seem a very pleasant individual … but only those with high logical fortitude are allowed to walk the grounds of the Alicorn Society. I’m sure the princess informed you about our group.”

“I may have missed some details,” ‘Oak Tree’ replies, “but I’m sure I can prove myself worthy to you.”

“Very well,” Spiral says dourly. “Follow me, both of you.”

This is ridiculous … this is costing us time … what is there to prove? …

Twilight’s thoughts cloud her senses as she paces back and forth alone in a sparsely-furnished room. A single desk, supplied with parchment and quills, takes up the center of the room. Bookshelves line two walls, with the single entryway to the room the only feature of a third wall. She stops pacing and looks into what she takes for a large mirror that occupies the bulk of the fourth wall, before noticing a lack of a reflection. Not a mirror … a window? To an identical room? But why?

As she peers through the window, she is surprised to see Ocellus, still in her pegasus form, escorted into the room by Spiral, who then appears to utter directions to her for several minutes. She watches Ocellus nod solemnly as the faux-alicorn leaves her and closes the door behind. Moments later, the door to her own room opens as Spiral walks in.

“I don’t understand why all this is necessary.”

“I already mentioned what had to be mentioned,” Spiral replies tersely. “Your young friend needs to prove her worth before being allowed to freely roam this area.”

“But why can’t I be at her side?” Twilight asks as she stares at Ocellus through the window. “For moral support, if nothing else.”

“I’m sorry, but we simply cannot risk the possibility of you offering more than ‘moral support’.”

Twilight turns to Spiral. “What, you mean cheat?”

“ ‘Cheat’ is too strong a word, I think … but as you would no doubt admit, you would do anything for your friends. You’ve made that crystal clear during your previous time here. And even if you weren’t overtly assisting Oak Tree, your body language could offer cues … or perhaps an innocent cough; a reflex action, maybe, but again, we cannot risk sullying the results of this test.”

Twilight sighs and turns her focus back through the window. “I assume she can’t hear us.”

“That is correct. This is a one-way mirror, which allows us to study her behavior.” Spiral walks over to a panel adjacent to the window … one that Twilight had failed to notice … and pushes a button. “We’ll be able to see and hear everything that transpires. And please do not worry, Twilight: no harm will come to your young friend no matter how she performs … but if she performs poorly, we will have to ask you to leave.”

Twilight opens her mouth to speak, but decides that it would be best not to argue. “So let me guess … 5 pairs of ponies, each consisting of one unicorn and one pegasus, and she needs to decide who is who?”

“It’s actually a bit more complicated than that now.” Spiral’s comment causes Twilight to suddenly turn to face her.

“More complicated?”

“This was your doing, by the way, so please do not be so indignant with me.” Spiral hears her own tone of voice and quickly dials back. “My apologies; I should not be so short with you.”

“So how did my actions complicate this test?”

“Once again,” Spiral explains, “we have much to thank you and your pink pony friend for. As a direct result of your involvement, all pony types now frequent these towns … and the Alicorn Society. Indeed, it was a shock to many here to learn that our very founder, Cloudstitch, was in fact an earth pony. But the new openness towards earth ponies had enriched our lives. It also complicated this test, as now the members of our society can be unicorns, pegasi, OR earth ponies … and also come from any of Utopia, Paradise, or Elysium. So while there were 4 possibilities before, there are now 9 possible combinations of pony type and place of origin.”

Twilight takes in the explanation as Spiral continues: “Oak Tree will face 5 pairs of ponies, just as you did. And as before, they will be different types … but now they could be a unicorn and a pegasus, or a unicorn and an earth pony, or a pegasus and an earth pony; it will be up to her to determine which type each society member is, but it won’t be a 50/50 guess. As before, each pair could come from either the same town or different towns; she will not be required to determine that information, though in some cases she may be able to. Oh, and to ease the possibilities somewhat, each pair will consist of one truth-teller and one liar. All this has been spelled out for your pegasus friend, and she acknowledges that she understands all of this.”

“So one pony will always be either a Utopian unicorn, a Paradisian pegasus, or an Elysian earth pony,” Twilight states.

“Yes … and the other will be one of the remaining 6 combinations.”

“… This really seems unfair,” Twilight finally admits. “My own quiz wasn’t this complicated!”

“It’s all for the greater good,” Spiral declares. “We can’t have just anypony come around here, spewing inanities and the like. Let’s just see how … ah, the first pair!”

Twilight turns back to the window as the first pair of alicorn-looking ponies walk into ‘Oak Tree’s room. They introduce themselves as Pitchfork and Scythe. Pitchfork states that he is not a Utopian unicorn, and Scythe states that she is not a pegasus. After a brief moment of thought, ‘Oak Tree’ states what she believes each pony to be. They nod and depart, as Twilight and Spiral listen and observe through the window.

The second pair to enter refer to themselves as Clay Pit and Quarry. Clay Pit states that he is a pegasus, and Quarry states that she is a unicorn. Clay Pit then states that he comes from Elysium. ‘Oak Tree’ ponders their comments and makes a claim about each pony, and they in turn nod and exit the room.

The third pair to enter say that they go by the monikers Lemon and Lime. Lemon states that both of them come from Paradise, and Lime states that both of them are pegasi. Lemon then states that Lime is not an earth pony. Again, ‘Oak Tree’ classifies the twosome, and again, the twosome nod and leave.

The fourth pair give their names as White Rook and Red Knight. White Rook states that neither of them are earth ponies, and Red Knight states that both of them come from Utopia. Red Knight then states that White Rook is a pegasus. ‘Oak Tree’ identifies each, and they nod and leave.

The fifth and final pair identify themselves as Handymare and Helpful Neighbor. Handymare states that she is either an earth pony or comes from Paradise, or both. Helpful Neighbor states that Handymare is either a pegasus or comes from Elysium, or both. Helpful Neighbor then states that he himself comes from Utopia. ‘Oak Tree’ mulls over the comments for a bit longer than with the others, but eventually gives her response … and the final pair nod and exit like all the previous pairs.

“Wait here while I get your friend,” Spiral says to Twilight as she pushes the panel button. She departs the room, and Twilight observes through the window that, as promised, Spiral enters ‘Oak Tree’s room and beckons the young ‘pegasus’ to follow her. Moments later, ‘Oak Tree’ comes into the room and embraces her headmare.

“Are you OK?” Twilight asks.

“Yeah,” ‘Oak Tree’ replies. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I know we never had anything like that test back at school.”

“How do you think you did? You sure answered quickly enough; even I would have struggled on some of those.”

“Really? I didn’t think those puzzles were all that difficult.” The changeling’s comment takes Twilight aback.

“Not that difficult??? There were 81 different possibilities for each pair! That’s more than 5 times the number I had to deal with during my test!”

“Well, knowing that exactly one pony was truthful cut down the number of possibilities to 36,” ‘Oak Tree’ mentions, correcting Twilight. “After that, there wasn’t much to them. Well … maybe to some of them.”

“OK, now I need to know.” Twilight’s horn glows as a quill takes to a piece of parchment and jots down the information gathered from the five pairs. “Tell me how you figured all these out.”

Now filled with pride by Twilight’s adoration, ‘Oak Tree’ reads through the list and begins her explanation …

“With the first pair, Pitchfork had to be the truth-teller since lying would imply that he was a Utopian unicorn, and such a combination always tells the truth. That makes Scythe the liar, so she really is a pegasus. That forces Pitchfork to be either a unicorn or an earth pony; more specifically, either a Utopian unicorn or an Elysian earth pony. He can’t be the former, so he must be an earth pony.”

“With the second pair, Clay Pit made two statements that, if true, would make him an Elysian pegasus … but that would make him a liar. That means Clay Pit is the liar, so Quarry was telling the truth when she said she was a unicorn. That means Clay Pit isn’t a unicorn, and he lied about being a pegasus; therefore, he’s an earth pony.”

“Things got trickier with the third pair,” ‘Oak Tree’ admits. “but immediately I knew that Lime was lying; by the society’s rules for the test, they could not both be pegasi. That makes Lemon the truth-teller, so both of them come from Paradise, and Lemon must be a pegasus. Also, his statement that Lime is not an earth pony is true, so Lime must actually be a unicorn.”

“So then the fourth pair comes in. I thought about Red Knight’s two statements; if they were both true, she would have to be a Utopian unicorn and White Rook would have to be a Utopian pegasus … but that would make White Rook’s statement true as well, which contradicts their rules. So Red Knight is the liar and White Rook is the truth-teller, so neither is an earth pony. Since Red Knight is a liar, White Rook isn’t the pegasus; he’s the unicorn, and Red Knight is the pegasus. Actually,” she continues, “I even know both their hometowns in this case: White Rook must be a Utopian unicorn, and Red Knight, who can’t also come from Utopia, must be an Elysian pegasus.”

“Now that last pair,” ‘Oak Tree’ continues, no longer hiding the adrenaline she feels from solving the puzzles, “that one took a bit. I thought about which combinations of pony type and hometown would allow the statement Handymare made. Suppose it was true. Then Handymare would have to be either an earth pony or come from Paradise; more specifically, she would have to be either an Elysian earth pony or a Paradisian pegasus, since a Utopian unicorn would never make that statement. What if Handymare were lying? Then she wouldn’t be an earth pony, and she wouldn’t come from Paradise; she would be either a unicorn or a pegasus, and she would come from either Utopia or Elysium … but she couldn’t be a Utopian unicorn, as that would make her a truth-teller. So in this case, she’s either an Elysian unicorn, a Utopian pegasus, or an Elysian pegasus.”

Twilight mulls over the argument. “It sounds like you’re stuck now.”

“I was … but then I noticed that of the five possibilities for Handymare, whether or not she was truthful, she HAD to be either a pegasus or an Elysian … and that was exactly what Helpful Neighbor said! So Helpful Neighbor must be the truthful pony, and since he said he was from Utopia, he must be a Utopian unicorn. Also, Handymare lied about being an earth pony, and since they can’t both be unicorns, she must be a pegasus.”

Twilight is left speechless at her student’s series of arguments. Seeing her headmare’s expression fills the changeling with pride. “I have to admit, that was fun. I mean, I’d still prefer to be hanging out with my friends back at school, but this was a fun exercise.” She mulls over a nagging thought for another moment. “Twilight? How did you know about those puzzles before I told you?”

“Oh.” Twilight looks down at the floor, then returns eye contact with her student. “Truth be known, I was able to observe you through that … mirror?”

She turns to the window, and is surprised to now see her own reflection. “I don’t get it. I was able to see and hear everything in the other room.”

“So you were spying on me?” Ocellus’s asks, regret in her tone.

“It works both ways, that mirror-window.” Spiral announces as she enters the room. “And I do apologize for the steps we in the Alicorn Society have to take from time to time … but we had to be certain.”

“Certain of what?” Twilight’s query comes out forcefully and antagonistically.

“Certain that Oak Tree truly did deduce all her conclusions, and didn’t rely on outside forces. But after hearing her explanations to you, we are more than convinced.” Spiral turns to ‘Oak Tree’ and smiles broadly. “You really are somepony special, whether you know it or not.”

The anger within Twilight begins to ebb. “ ‘We’?” she asks.

On cue, two alicorns enter the room, one dark blue and the other bright yellow with a dark blue mane. Whatever remained of her ire dissipates upon seeing the familiar faces.

“Cloudstitch! Sunbolt!” The one true alicorn embraces each in turn. She glances back at the mirror-window. “So, that window works in both directions.”

“It comes in quite handy,” Cloudstitch admits before turning to ‘Oak Tree’. “And again, we are sorry if this revelation caught you by surprise … but we had to be sure you are who you claimed to be.”

“Yeah, good to know.” ‘Oak Tree’ turns away, irritation giving way to trepidation. “Glad I could ‘prove myself’ to you.”

Sunbolt approaches Twilight. “Spiral told us you had urgent information for us.”

“Yes, it concerns …”

Twilight pauses, remembering Ocellus’s request for anonymity. “It concerns a pink unicorn we ran into last night. He made a comment that was inconsistent with what we know of your towns. We’re not sure what to make of it.”

“Don’t you???”

Everyone in the room turns to see Zodiac standing in the entranceway. “Zodiac, you’re back …” Twilight starts.

“Save it, princess!” Zodiac’s derogatory tone catches everyone off-guard as he trots over to ‘Oak Tree’.“Or perhaps you would care to explain why you brought a changeling into this place!”