Twilight Alone

by Tridus

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Slice of Life, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 18218

After her wedding concerns weren't taken seriously, Twilight struggles to forgive her friends.

Following the Royal Wedding, Twilight returns home to Ponyville and believes everything is fine. When she begins to feel resentment towards her friends for not taking her concerns at the wedding seriously, she finds herself struggling to forgive them for letting her down.

This is my first fanfiction, so feedback is welcome! :)
Special thanks to Rhyme Scheme for all the help!

Published 2012-08-01 19:44:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-10-26 01:57:17 UTC

Anger

After levitating one last book onto its proper shelf, Twilight Sparkle released her spell and the soft glow of unicorn magic faded from her horn. She walked back and forth in front of the shelf, surveying the results of her monthly re-shelving. “Hmm. Spike, where is our copy of Trustworthy Transmogrifications?”

Spike shrugged. “Sweetie Belle still has it. Last week she asked for help changing the shape of a tree, and you thought that book would help.”

“... right. That seems like a bad idea in hindsight. She’s so eager to earn her cutie mark that she might try something reckless with some of those spells. Maybe I should have loaned it to Rarity instead; that way Sweetie Belle wouldn’t be able to use it without supervision.” Twilight sighed. “Oh well. Thanks, Spike. Anything left?”

Spike walked over to the nearby table and picked up a large roll of parchment that contained Twilight’s to-do list for the day and scanned it for unchecked items; it took several seconds and nearly three feet of parchment before he answered. “Yes, but Derpy hasn’t arrived with the new books to be catalogued. Everything else is done.”

The unicorn sighed and sat down on the floor. “All right. Let’s take a break.”

“Great!” Spike threw down his quill and the checklist and ran upstairs. Probably going to take a nap, Twilight thought with a smile. Trying think of her plans for the rest of the day but instead found her thoughts drifting back to her brother’s wedding. The second attempt at his wedding had gone perfectly, and from the letters she’d received since then, she knew he and Princess Cadance were happy.

Twilight, however, had not been happy for the last several days. When she’d first started having negative feelings, she had thought it was just the loss of her brother’s attention as he started his new life. Since then she had been able to dismiss that idea, knowing that although she did miss him, she was grateful that he was happy in his new life. The mixed feelings continued to eat at her, causing her to feel more irritable than usual. Her inability to discover the source acted as further aggravation.

Not wanting to leave the situation unresolved, Twilight thought back over the events that led up to the wedding. Everything started off on the wrong hoof when I found out Shining Armor was getting married in a letter from Princess Celestia, instead of directly from him. That wasn’t his fault, though. He had to protect Canterlot from the threat against the city that had been made. Next, there was Princess Cadance and how much she’d changed since she was my foalsitter. She didn’t even remember me! Of course she didn’t, because she was really a changeling and the real Cadance was a prisoner. I didn’t know changelings existed at the time, so I couldn’t have known why she was acting so strangely.

Twilight scratched her ear.

I tried to tell my friends how awful Cadance had become, but they didn’t take me seriously. Instead they thought I was just jealous that my brother was going off to start a new life with her. Not even Princess Celestia believed me when I confronted Cadance at the rehearsal. Twilight frowned. They didn’t know her like I did though, and with all the preparations going on, they were too distracted to see what I saw. It’s not really their fault, I guess. The fake Cadance was good at fooling people. Besides, even I doubted myself after Shining took her side and everyone went to comfort Cadance, leaving me alone.

Twilight sighed, looking out the nearby window. I was right, though! Cadance reappeared while I was still alone and used her magic to imprison me beneath Canterlot. It was down there that I found the real Cadance and learned the truth. The two of us escaped and got back in time to stop the wedding. Fake Cadance revealed that she was really the changeling queen when we did, and a fight broke out. It all worked out in the end, with Canterlot being saved and the wedding going off perfectly on the second attempt. Since everything turned out all right, why is it still bothering me so much?

Her brooding was interrupted by the sound of the library doors being violently flung open, heralding the arrival of Rainbow Dash. “Hey, Twilight!”

Twilight forced a smile, stood up, and turned around. “Oh, hi, Rainbow.”

“Well, today’s the day! The new Daring-Do book! Where is it?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Rainbow. The mail hasn’t arrived today, so I don’t have my new books, that one included.”

Rainbow Dash frowned and her ears laid back. “What? But I’ve been waiting for weeks!”

“Don’t worry! I’ve got other books that I think you’ll like. Here, take a look.” Twilight levitated a book over, holding it in front of Rainbow Dash. “This featu... Before she could complete a single word, Rainbow interrupted her.

“Pass, ” Rainbow said after glancing at the cover, sounding bored.

Twilight frowned, then set the book down and levitated Starlight to Rainbow. “This is one of my personal favorites! It features a young mare trying to befriend an Ursa and I’m sure you’ll like it.”

“Next,” Rainbow said dismissively, waving a hoof.

By the fourth book, Twilight was grinding her teeth. Rainbow’s rejections came so quickly that Twilight never had a chance to describe the books or explain why Rainbow might enjoy them. As Twilight started raising another, Rainbow didn’t even look at it. “Never mind, Twilight; I’ll just find something myself.”

As Rainbow walked over to look at the shelves, Twilight’s anger boiled over. She teleported herself in front of the pegasus, who recoiled.“Fine! You never listen to me anyway!”

Rainbow Dash stared at Twilight for a moment, concerned. “Uhh, Twilight? Everything okay?”

Having realized that she had just yelled at her friend, Twilight’s anger faded just as quickly as it had emerged. She took a second to compose herself. “Sorry... it’s just been a long week.”

“Oh, all right. Should I come back another time?” When Twilight nodded, Rainbow turned and walked out. I doubt that Rainbow really believed that, but I’m grateful she didn’t press the matter. Feeling emotionally drained, Twilight simply lay down where she’d been standing and stared at the shelves. “What’s wrong with me?”

Despite being her pride and joy, the collection of books didn’t answer, no matter how long Twilight stared at them.

Three hours passed, and night settled over Ponyville. Realizing that she should eat something, Twilight slowly stretched her legs and stood up. However, after taking a few steps to the kitchen, she realized that she wasn’t hungry, and instead she left the library to go for a walk. Initially she had no destination in mind, but after seeing the stars come out she decided she wanted to sit and think under the night sky. That led her to head towards Sweet Apple Acres. The farm’s hills offered several clear vantage points of the night sky as well as a lovely view of the moonlit apple orchards, and it was remote enough to offer privacy. Upon arriving at the farm, Twilight found the largest hill that had an area without trees. There Twilight sat down and stayed, brooding again. She’d lost track of time again when her thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind her.

“Uhh, Twilight? What are ya doin’ out here this late?”

Twilight turned around to see Applejack and her dog, Winona. Not wanting to company but also not wanting to seem rude, Twilight forced a smile. “Oh, Applejack. Just went for a walk and stopped here. I didn’t know anypony would be awake still.”

“We don’t usually get anypony visiting at night, and Winona must have seen you from the farm. Came to see what’s goin’ on.”

“Sorry... I can leave if you want.” Twilight stood up, looking away from Applejack as she prepared to leave.

“That’s all right, sugar cube, but this isn’t like you. Normally you stay up late in the library. Everything all right?”

Twilight sighed. Applejack’s straightforward honesty made Twilight feel like confiding in her, rather than coming up with another excuse. She sat back down, but continued to face away from Applejack. “No... I’ve been feeling down ever since we left Canterlot, and today I yelled at Rainbow Dash for no reason.”

Applejack sat down on the hill next to Twilight. “You haven’t been yerself lately Twilight. I’ve noticed. What’d Rainbow do?”

“Nothing, really. I ordered a new book she wants that was supposed to arrive today. It didn’t, so I offered her some other ones, but she rejected everything right away without even listening to me. I got angry and yelled at her.” Twilight lowered her head as her ears fell back, looking down in shame. “Oh Applejack... you think she will forgive me?”

Applejack put a foreleg around Twilight’s neck, giving the unicorn a reassuring hug. “Of course she will, Twi. That one doesn’t stay upset. She’ll have forgotten all about it by tomorrow. But what about you?”

Twilight lowered her head further. “What about me? I don’t know why I snapped at her.”

“Twilight... you got upset because Rainbow turned her nose up at your suggestions. She was too stubborn to listen to you?”

Twilight nodded.

“And you’ve been feelin’ blue since Canterlot, where...”

“Nopony listened to me!” Finding the cause of her mood boosted Twilight’s spirits, causing her ears to perk up as she raised her head to look at Applejack. The satisfaction of problem solving wore off quickly however, and she looked away once more. “Why didn’t you, Applejack? We’ve been through so much, how could you doubt me?”

Applejack got up and moved so Twilight was facing her again. “I don’t have a good answer Twilight. We know that it was wrong now, and we’re all sorry. But...”

“But? But what?”

“It’s just...” Applejack sighed, then continued. “You weren’t happy right from the start. We thought you were just jealous over your brother. That ya just didn’t wanna lose him. That dang changeling queen fooled us, and because of that we didn’t see what you saw. We’re sorry, Twilight... really.”

Twilight turned away from Applejack once more, not wanting to face her friend directly. “I know you are. But I was alone, Applejack. When I needed my friends most, not one of you was there. I’ve never been let down by my friends like this before. Even when Discord tried to split us apart, that was with magic. I’ve been upset and can’t seem to let it go. I don’t know what to do.”

“Why don’t you come to the farm with me, and we’ll get something to drink and talk? It helps to let it out.” Applejack put her forelegs around Twilight’s neck and gave the unicorn a hug.

“Thanks... but I think I’d rather just be alone right now.”

“Oh.” Applejack released Twilight before standing up. “Umm, all right. If you change your mind, come by anytime Twilight.” After one last glance, Applejack reluctantly turned and walked away, with Winona following her lead. Twilight didn’t move. Instead, she watched the moon creep across the sky. As the night wore on she tried to determine if there was a friendship lesson to be learned from the past few weeks.

“‘Dear Princess Celestia, I’ve learned today that you can’t count on your friends and need to be ready to do everything alone.’ Not much of a letter, and it is not fair to my friends. I wonder what the lesson to learn from this situation is?” Much like her books, the night sky failed to reply.

At some point during the night, Twilight fell into a fitful, restless sleep, but when the light of dawn caused her to awaken she felt exhausted and had no recollection of what she’d dreamed about. Wearily, she started back towards the library. Still wishing to be left alone, she carefully picked a route that kept her out of sight of the farmhouse and barn. With her attention focused in the direction of the buildings, she failed to notice Applejack in a nearby orchard watching Twilight with a worried expression.

Walking home, Twilight saw few other ponies out of their homes at this early hour. In Ponyville the day was just starting. Those who were awake greeted her with a smile or a cheery “hello,” but none seemed particularly interested in chatting. Walking past Carousel Boutique, Twilight turned slightly to give the boutique a wide berth. She had gone past it when she heard Rarity’s voice calling out from behind her. “Oh darling, you’re early! I’m not quite ready yet, but come in and make yourself at home! Fluttershy will meet us there.” Turning around, Twilight saw Rarity’s head sticking out a window. After a quick wave, Rarity’s head disappeared back into the boutique before Twilight could reply.

“Huh?” Twilight looked back at the boutique window where Rarity had been. “Why would Rarity expect me tod— oh, that’s right. She invited me to the spa today.” Twilight sighed. I’d rather be alone, but don’t want to let another friend down after yesterday. With that thought, she went inside.

The showroom of Carousel Boutique was immaculate, as always. What drew Twilight’s eye were the hats. There were far more hats than usual, of varying shapes and sizes, but a surprising number were wide-brimmed with accessories like feathers or flowers in them. Must be the new style, she surmised.

She had a minute to look at them before Rarity appeared. “Oh darling, not that one. This one over here is definitely you, and you simply must try i—” Rarity’s lips scrunched up as if she had swallowed something sour. “Twilight dear, did you roll around in the grass on your way here?”

Twilight blinked in surprise, then looked at herself. Sure enough, there were bits of grass and dirt stuck to her coat, and what appeared to be a twig caught in her tail. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment when she realized that she’d walked through town in such a state. “Oh, umm, sorry. I kind of fell asleep while watching the moon and haven’t been home yet.”

Rarity shook her head. “But that means you haven’t eaten either! You can’t relax when you’re dirty and hungry. This won’t do at all!” Before Twilight knew what was happening, Rarity’s magic surrounded her and she was thrown into a bath tub. “Now you just fix yourself up, and I’ll be in the kitchen!”

“But Rarity, I... oh never mind.” Twilight frowned, as Rarity had already left. Rarity would probably insist if I had said no, and a bath does sound nice. Knowing her, she’ll also try to give me one of those hats if she thinks I need cheering up. As good a friend as she is, I don’t want a gift like that right now. I need to sort my feelings out first. Hoping that feeling clean would improve her mood, Twilight washed herself with fervor.

When Twilight finished washing up and emerged clean and dry from the bathroom, Rarity was already magically moving bowls of food onto the table. Twilight’s mouth began to water just from seeing the food that had been prepared. The food itself was simple fare: daisies, bread, several kinds of jams, and fresh fruit. But everything was cut and laid out so delicately and with such precision that Twilight felt like she was about to eat a work of art. “Rarity, this looks amazing. How did you prepare all this so fast?”

“Oh, this? It’s nothing, just simple things. Unfortunately I don’t have the ingredients to make you something proper...”

Fearful that Rarity might become overly apologetic, Twilight cut the fashionista off. “It’s my fault you didn’t have any time to prepare; I came early, Rarity. I love it. Thank you so much.” Twilight smiled.

“Oh... well if you’re happy, then I’m happy.” Rarity smiled. “Everything’s ready if you are.” Rarity waited for Twilight to sit at the table before doing so herself.

After sitting down, Twilight filled a plate with several of the offered items. Before long both unicorns were eating, though Rarity was slower about it, with the grace and manners she exhibited. Even in this informal setting, the white unicorn took the time to dab at the corners of her mouth with a napkin after every bite. It’s funny that I was the one raised in Canterlot, and yet Rarity has far better table manners then I do.

Although Twilight found the meal comforting, the silence between the two ponies soon grew uncomfortable. Fearing that Rarity might ask what Twilight had been doing out last night, she decided to start out the impending conversation on a safer topic. “So... I noticed you have a lot of new hats.”

“Oh, I’m delighted you noticed!” Rarity squealed. “Why yes, large hats are the newest thing in Canterlot fashion, and I just...“ Twilight listened intently, secretly grateful to have something new to focus her thoughts on. Given the chance to talk about her work with an interested pony, Rarity would always leap at it. By time Rarity was winding down talking about the proper hat fabric to use with red flowers, the food was gone and it was nearly time to go.

“Thank you, Rarity. That was wonderful. Here, I’ll help you clean this up before we go to the spa.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that Twilight. It’s no trouble at all.” Rarity waved a hoof dismissively.

Twilight shook her head. “I insist. You made this wonderful meal for me, and I want to help you clean up.”

Rarity smiled. “Thank you, Twilight.”

The two unicorns rose and set to cleaning up, using their magic to lift the dishes away and wash them. Twilight found she had nothing to say, working quietly washing the dishes while Rarity dried them with a magically lifted towel and put them away.

Before long they were off to the spa. During the walk, Rarity turned her head to look at Twilight. “You’ve been quiet this morning, Twilight. Is everything all right?”

Twilight laughed nervously. “Oh, fine! Everything’s fine! Nothing to worry about here.” Twilight moved her eyes around, avoiding eye contact without moving her head.

“Hmm, I see.” Rarity frowned, but didn’t press the matter further.

When the two unicorns reached the spa, Fluttershy was waiting for them in front of the entrance. Her pink mane covered one of her eyes and part of her face, but her smile was easy to see. “Fluttershy, darling!” Rarity greeted the pegasus.

“Oh, umm... hi Rarity, hi Twilight.” Sweet, gentle Fluttershy... Twilight almost felt guilty for even thinking about being unhappy with her, knowing how hard Fluttershy would take it if she found out.

Not wanting to ruin a day at the spa, Twilight forced those thoughts away. “Hi Fluttershy. I’m glad you could make it. You ready to go inside?”

“Oh, of course.” Fluttershy looked at Twilight, the concern obvious on her face. “Umm, are you all right Twilight? You look tired.”

Twilight’s voice rose in annoyance. “I’m fine!” Twilight answered, regretting raising her voice immediately after seeing Fluttershy flinch from her overreaction. “Sorry, Fluttershy. I had a long night, that’s all.”

Rarity eyed Twilight questioningly, then turned to give Fluttershy a cheerful smile. “I for one can hardly wait. A visit to the spa will make us all feel better. Come on Fluttershy.” She then stepped inside, the pegasus in tow, and Twilight brought up the rear. As always, Rarity chatted up Aloe and Lotus, who were laying out towels and preparing for the three customers. Twilight, however, was distracted by her thoughts. I shouldn’t have raised my voice like that. Fluttershy just wanted to help. Her thoughts snapped back to the present when she was whisked off to the hot tub by Aloe and Lotus.

Rarity and Fluttershy spent much of the spa visit talking to each other, but Twilight found it difficult to join in the conversation. The relaxing spa treatments combined with her lack of sleep made her want to doze off, and her thoughts kept drifting to her recent unstable behavior towards her friends.

Fluttershy noticed how unusually quiet and unfocused Twilight was being during the mud mask, and after removing the cucumbers off her eyes she leaned towards Rarity to whisper in her ear. “Is something wrong with Twilight? She’s not herself.”

Rarity didn’t move while whispering a reply to Fluttershy. “She was up all night, I don’t know why. This spa visit will help, I think. We should let her relax for now.” Twilight heard the sound of whispering, but couldn’t make out what was being said. She decided against trying to eavesdrop.

“Oh, okay. I hope she’s all right.” Fluttershy sighed, then lay back down and returned the cucumbers over her eyes.

Twilight remained quiet for the remainder of the spa visit. After leaving the spa, the three ponies stood outside the door looking at each other. Fluttershy broke the silence. “Umm, Twilight? Are you feeling bett—” Fluttershy’s question was cut off as she gasped in surprise.

Twilight registered Fluttershy’s shriek at the same time as she realized that something had hit her and knocked her off her hooves. The next thing she knew, she was lying on the ground with another pony on top of her. “Hi Twilight!”

Twilight sighed in exasperation as she looked up. “Pinkie Pie.”

“Of course! Who else would run into you and give you a party invitation!”

“What?”

“It’s the six monthiversary of Rainbow getting a pet party tonight!” Pinkie had started bouncing up and down in place as she usually did, landing so that her hooves surrounded Twilight.

Twilight frowned. “Oh Pinkie...” Twilight coughed, still trying to catch her breath from being knocked down. “I’m sorry, I can’t make it.”

Pinkie stopped bouncing. “But it’s a party. You have to come!”

“No, Pinkie. I can’t come. Could you get off of me?” Twilight started trying to move, but found there was nowhere to go with Pinkie’s legs effectively blocking her.

Pinkie started fidgeting nervously, completely ignoring Twilight’s request to move aside. “But... don’t you like my parties?”

Oh, not this again. Twilight felt her anger rising once more, and her tail started swishing. She managed to keep her voice from rising. “Listen Pinkie, your parties are great. I’m just not in the mood right now.”

“Oh... but how can you not be in the mood to party? We haven’t celebrated since we got back from Canterlot!” Pinkie started bouncing again.

Twilight used her magic to hold Pinkie in the air long enough for Twilight to quickly stand up next to her. “Celebrate what? How you were so distracted by parties that you weren’t there when I needed your help at the wedding?”

Much like yesterday’s outburst, Twilight’s anger faded after lashing out. However, this time the victim was not the brash and confident Rainbow Dash, who would simply shrug it off. Twilight realized the damage she’d done when she saw the reactions of her friends. Pinkie Pie had stopped bouncing. She stood perfectly still except for her mouth, which quivered as if she were trying to speak, only no words came. Fluttershy cowered behind Rarity, who looked at Twilight with a mix of concern and her own anger.

Twilight recognized Rarity’s reaction as a protective instinct: all of her friends were protective of Fluttershy. For her part, Twilight lowered her head and looked at the ground. “I’m sorry Pinkie...”

Pinkie found her voice quickly after the apology. “Aaw that’s okay Twilight. A party is still a party even if not everyone can make it. Maybe we can have one on another day to cheer you up?”

Rarity was not going to drop the subject so easily. “You haven’t been yourself at all today, darling. What’s going on?”

Twilight didn’t look up. “I just... I’m sorry, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Oh no, we know something’s up!” The extra voice surprised Twilight. Turning around, Twilight saw Rainbow Dash hovering behind her, with Applejack standing just behind the pegasus. “I heard you yelling again, Twilight. What’s going on?” Rainbow asked.

Fluttershy’s voice could barely be heard over the background noise of Ponyville’s residents going about their daily business, but Twilight was able to make it out. “Did we do something to upset you?”

“Was breakfast not to your liking?”

“Do you want to have a different party?”

Surrounded by her friends and inundated with questions, Twilight felt trapped and afraid. She didn’t want to face them, not like this in the streets of Ponyville. Looking around frantically, she saw no way to escape. She began to sweat as she looked for a way out and didn’t see one. Her horn responded to her desperation on its own, and she involuntarily teleported away.

“What the! Oh no, she’s not gonna get away that easily!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she started flying off to search for Twilight. She was stopped by Applejack’s teeth biting into her tail. Rainbow looked back at Applejack, waving her legs in frustration. “Hey!”

“Simmer down, Rainbow! Let her go. You’ll just chase her farther away from us.”

“We have to do something to help her!”

Applejack mumbled, finding speaking while biting Rainbow’s tail difficult. “Loyal as always... but charging over there won’t help her.” Applejack released Rainbow’s tail.

“What do you mean, Applejack?” Rarity asked.

“She was at the farm last night, y’all. She barely slept, and we talked a spell. I can explain everything, but we should leave her alone for now. She’s upset and doesn’t know how to handle it. She feels like we let her down at the weddin’, and she’s pullin’ away now. I’ll tell y’all everything once we get someplace private.”

***

Day turned to night, and locked inside the library, Twilight was barely aware of it. After teleporting back and casting a shield around the building, she’d become distraught. Even Spike couldn’t get in when he had tried, though she knew that he wasn’t involved. She just couldn’t face anypony right now. He’d called out to her and asking if she was all right, but she didn’t respond. Another voice she couldn’t make out from inside her home had come to speak to him, and she hadn’t heard him since. Somepony must have talked to him and given him a place to stay. I’ll apologize to him later, along with my friends... again.

Her thoughts were a chaotic swirl, as she tried to make sense of her feelings. She alternated between disgust at her own behavior, despair at how she could act like that, and anger that her friends had abandoned her at the wedding. Her time in Ponyville had given her so many wonderful lessons about friendship, but none of her those helped her resolve the anger she was feeling. The only other time things had gone this wrong was due to Discord’s magic. There was no one else to blame this time.

Twilight found herself at the window in her bedroom, looking out at the moon again. “I wish I had another friend,” she said, though no one was there to listen. “Somepony who could help with this... whatever this is.” She sighed, closed her eyes, sat down on her bed, and started crying into her pillow. That distracted her from noticing that once again her horn was aglow, answering her plea on its own volition. As the night wore on, her shield spell faltered, then collapsed as the magic dissipated. It was too late for visitors from Ponyville, but within the hour Twilight was not alone.

“Twilight Sparkle. What troubles you?”

At first, Twilight froze. That voice? But how? I have a shield up! It can’t be... She turned, and her eyes confirmed the visitor’s identity. “Princess Luna! What are you doing here?”

Luna blinked, surprised at the question. “I do not understand, Twilight Sparkle. I felt your spell. Your plea. You called me here, did you not?”

“But... oh. Maybe I did.” Twilight stood up. “I’m sorry, Princess. I didn’t mean to drag you into this.”

“You appear to have been crying, Twilight Sparkle. It is the responsibility of a friend to provide comfort, is it not?” Luna moved beside Twilight and extended a wing over and around the unicorn. Twilight leaned against Luna with a small smile on her face.

“Thank you, Princess. I’m really grateful you came to visit. Could we sit down, please?”

“Of course.” Luna unfurled her wing from around Twilight. Twilight tucked her legs underneath herself and lay down on her stomach. Luna followed, then gently extended her wing around Twilight again. Luna watched Twilight intently, waiting for her to speak about what was troubling her.

Twilight only waited a few seconds. “Things started going wrong at the wedding. Princess Cadance was acting oddly. You know about that, I’m sure.” Luna nodded. “I knew something was wrong almost right away, but when I tried to get my friends to help, they wouldn’t listen to me. They thought I was just jealous of Cadance. I had to confront her alone, and you know what happened after that.”

Luna nodded. “Yes. I regret not being there to aid my sister against the changeling queen.”

Twilight looked up at Luna. “That wasn’t your fault, princess. You need to rest during the day so you can guard Canterlot at night.”

“Yes, that’s true. It doesn’t make it any easier to hear that my sister was hurt. I did not come to talk about myself, however. Please continue.” Luna’s wing tightened around Twilight briefly, emulating a hug.

Twilight turned her head to smile at Luna. “I feel like my friends let me down, and I’ve been getting more and more upset about it. Yesterday afternoon, and again today, I lost control of those feelings. I get mad at my friends over little things because I’m still upset about that big thing. I know they’re sorry, but it’s not enough. I can’t seem to forgive them, even though I want to!”

Luna watched Twilight, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. “You have been my teacher about friendship, Twilight Sparkle. I am not sure how I may assist you. But perhaps...”

“Yes, Princess?”

“Back in my time, before the troubles... There was something of a tradition where colts and fillies around your age would leave home and go alone into the world. It was meant to be a great quest for insight and self-discovery. Though truthfully, as I descended into jealousy the practice was beginning to fade as well. Too many young ponies went for foolish reasons, such as to impress a special somepony. Today I’m told that it has died out entirely . But you are not so foolish, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Princess, are you saying that I should leave?”

Luna nodded. “You came to Ponyville to learn about friendship, did you not? Perhaps your next lesson is not in Ponyville. Perhaps to forgive and appreciate your friends, you need to be away from them for a time. That is what I am saying, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna’s wing squeezed Twilight gently.

Twilight frowned. Leave? How am I going to forgive them if I’m too far away to talk to them? Although, there won’t be any risk of snapping at them again if I’m far away. I don’t want to risk our friendship by acting like I have been. Can I really learn a friendship lesson on forgiveness by going somewhere that I have no friends? Princess Luna said that ponies did it all the time in the past, so maybe it will work for me today. It’s a better idea than being grumpy in Ponyville, that’s for sure!

Twilight nodded to Luna once her decision was made. “I see. Thank you, Princess. I think you’re right. I’ll do it!”

Luna smiled. “You have done so much for me, Twilight Sparkle. It pleases me to be able to reciprocate. If there is nothing else, I must return to Canterlot.”

“Of course, Princess. I won’t keep you any longer. Thank you for coming to see me!” After bowing her head to Luna respectfully, Twilight walked downstairs and opened the door for the princess. Luna walked out into the night... and into Ponyville. Twilight found it odd that she didn’t just start flying away, but she wasn’t in a mood to wonder about it. She had packing to do.

***
Dawn was just breaking when Twilight left the library and started walking out of Ponyville. She had no particular plan on where she was going, but she had packed her saddlebags with books and other essentials and was going to follow the road. She’d left deliberately early to try to avoid running into anyone, preferring not to exert the energy teleporting a long distance with a full day of walking ahead of her. She regretted that decision when she reached the edge of Ponyville and saw her five friends on the road waiting for her.

Twilight looked away, feeling ashamed of her earlier behavior and unwilling to face them. “Hi...”

“Hi Twilight.” Rainbow Dash answered first, looking at Twilight with a smug expression. “Going somewhere?”

“Yeah... Look, I’m sorry. I just need to get away for a while to think things out.”

Rarity nodded. “We know.”

“You do? But how could you possibly know?” Twilight looked at Rarity, her eyes wide in a perplexed expression.

“Princess Luna, of all ponies, came by and talked to us last night. It was quite an honor to have the Princess in my shop, you know! Sadly she didn’t stay to look at my hats.” Rarity maintained her composure perfectly, except for a slight frown.

That must have been very disappointing for her, Twilight thought, feeling a bit of pity. “Princess Luna told you?”

Applejack spoke next. “Listen, sugar cube, we understand. Kind of. We’re not here to try and talk you out of it. If you need to do this, then we’re here to support you.”

They’re doing this so smoothly. I wonder if they planned who was going to say what? Twilight thought while listening to Applejack.

Pinkie Pie took over speaking immediately after Applejack’s last word. “We got you something for your trip!” She stuck her face deep into Rarity’s saddlebag to grab something at the bottom, drawing an annoyed rebuke from the white unicorn.

“Pinkie! Honestly.” Pinkie then came out with a quick flick of her head, tossing something in Twilight’s direction. As it dropped perfectly around her neck, Twilight saw that it was a necklace with a closed locket.

As Pinkie bounced and grinned to celebrate her perfect throw, Rarity looked back at Twilight and spoke. “A little something to remind you of home and friends, darling.”

This time, there was a pause. Twilight looked down at the locket and saw the fine craftsmanship. Seeing the many small gems covering it, she knew Rarity had put a lot of effort into it. She looked up and gave her friends the first heartfelt smile she’d had in days. “Thank you. I’ll be back, I promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Twilight acted out the promise with her hoof, carefully avoiding actually poking herself in the eye.

Pinkie nodded in approval at the promise, which was followed by another pause. Twilight looked around, waiting for the next speaker. She realized that Fluttershy hadn’t said anything yet, and turned her focus to the pegasus. Fluttershy quickly spoke up. “Spike wanted to be here, but he wore himself out worrying last night and is sleeping right now. We’re going to keep an eye on him for you, and on your library.”

“Thanks, you guys. I mean it. Here.” Twilight levitated a rolled-up letter out of her saddlebag and moved it in front of the five ponies, where Rarity used her magic to take hold of it. “I was going to mail this when I got out of town, but you might as well have it now. I’ll write when I get the chance, so you don’t worry. But for now, goodbye...”

Twilight gave each of them a hug, then without a word walked quickly past them down the road.

On the hill, the five ponies watched the road until she was out of sight before gathering around the letter.

Dear Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, & Rarity,

I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting. But I’m still upset about what you did, or didn’t do at the wedding. I want to forgive you, but I can’t right now. I need time away to clear my mind and get past this, because despite what happened, I don’t want to risk our friendship by continuing to act as I have been. I’ll be back once I’ve sorted this out. Please look out for Spike. I left him his own letter, but he may not understand why I have to leave.

Your faithful friend,
Twilight Sparkle.

Jealousy

Twilight looked at herself in a standing mirror, while lying on the bed inside of her room in the Hoofington Inn. I need to brush my mane; it’s a mess, she thought. She levitated the hairbrush she had packed out of her saddle bag and began straightening her hair. The act was both relaxing, and gave her something to do that didn’t require standing up.

After four days of walking, she did not want to stand up. I’m already sore and exhausted after only a few days of walking. How does Applejack do this every day? Thinking about her friends reminded Twilight of the locket they had given her. Quickly putting her brush away, she magically lifted the necklace in front of her, gently opening the dangling locket with a hoof. Inside was a miniature picture of her and her five friends, all smiling. The first time Twilight had opened it was two days ago. Seeing the picture for the first time caused her to wonder where they found a picture that size so quickly. Now, she just looked at it for a moment before closing the locket and lowering the necklace so that it lay around her neck. It’s nice to have a reminder of home and friends, but dwelling on it won’t bring me any answers.

Sighing, Twilight stood up. Her hooves immediately began to ache again. Looking in the mirror once more, she wondered what her friends might say if they knew how sore a few days of walking had made her.

She tried to mimic Rainbow Dash’s voice. “You’re in great shape, Twilight... for an egghead!”

The room was devoid of an audience to ask for an opinion, but Twilight felt her impression was spot on.

Leaving her room and then the inn, Twilight slowly walked around town looking for the library. She had realized after leaving Ponyville that not only did she not know where she should be going on this quest Princess Luna had inspired her to undertake, she also didn’t understand just what she was supposed to be looking for. She had left Ponyville woefully underprepared in terms of research, but now she hoped to resolve this. Her best hope for that lay in the library, or so she hoped.

Luckily, she had been in contact with the librarian here before. She tried to remember what she knew about him. Page Turner, an Earth pony with a penchant for books about natural phenomena. Plants, animals, weather, even different kinds of rocks! Who finds rocks more interesting than magical study? Although, that is a unicorn-centric way of thinking. If you can’t cast spells, books on magic aren’t very interesting.

As extent of her knowledge of Page Turner, that was all she knew about Hoofington’s residents. Even that little bit of information had only come about due to the occasional letter or book exchange between them. Hoofington contained the closest library to Ponyville, and, due to the small size of their respective libraries, each had books that the other lacked. From time to time the librarians would get a request for a book in the other’s library, so letters would be sent and books loaned by mail. I’m sure Page Turner will be willing to help me, Twilight thought, feeling confident when she located the library.

Unlike Ponyville’s library, the one standing before her now was a two-story stone building. Looking around briefly, Twilight noticed that it was the only stone building in the entire town, which she found oddly out of place next to so many wooden structures. Perhaps this building has some history to it. I wonder if a stone building is more resistant to Rainbow Dash crashes than my tree. Then again, the tree does have a lot of natural warmth and comfort that stone might lack. Wouldn’t stone get damp, like a cave? Only one way to find out, I guess! With that thought, she opened the door.

As she stepped inside, Twilight recoiled from the sudden assault on her ears. She’d never heard a library this loud, even the always busy Canterlot royal library. Over two dozen ponies stood packed closely together around the few tables, reading books and talking loudly in order to be heard over the other talking groups. Many of them were elder ponies, and she didn’t see a single filly or colt. Twilight set aside thoughts about the noise, as it would be very rude to introduce herself by lecturing Page Turner on how to run his own library. Maybe the noise is worth it to have so many ponies share the joy of reading all at once, she thought as she looked for Page Turner. With so many ponies crowding together around the tables it was hard to distinguish any particular pony, let alone one she’d never actually seen. Her search ended after a few minutes when she saw a stallion carrying a basket full of books in his mouth, and when his long blonde tail swished to the side, she saw that his cutie mark was an open book with a quill writing in it. As he appeared to work at the library, Twilight decided to approach him. When she had managed to work through the crowded room to get behind him, she stopped. She had to raise her voice to be heard over the noise. “Excuse me, I’m looking for Page Turner.”

The stallion glanced behind himself. Upon seeing Twilight he set the basket down, smiled, and turned around to properly face her. “You’ve found him. Are you new in town? I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.” With that, he bowed his head and flashed a very dazzling smile.

Now that she had the chance to look at him, Twilight wondered if he had to beat Hoofington’s mares away with a stick. A bit smaller than Big Macintosh, he was still quite tall, with a leaner build. Her eyes were initially drawn to his well-groomed, lengthy blonde mane. Just add “Prince” in front of his name, and Rarity would be here in a heartbeat! A pair of large, bright blue eyes were looking right back at her. While the semblance was far from perfect, the eyes and white coat reminded her of Shining Armor, which put her at ease. Twilight smiled as she went into her planned introduction “It’s nice to meet you! I’m Twilight Sparkle, the librarian from Ponyville. We’ve traded letters but never met face to face.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Sparkle.” After looking around the crowded library quickly, his smile faded. “Unfortunately, you picked a rather busy day to pay a visit to my library. The whole town is worried, and that’s got everypony in here researching and talking. It’s normally much more tranquil.”

Twilight smiled once more. “It’s perfectly alright, really. You have a wonderful collection of books, I’m glad that so many ponies want to enjoy them.” Page Turner seemed pleased by the praise for his library’s collection. “If you don’t mind my asking though, what’s going on? What’s everypony worried about?”

Page Turner looked around before frowning, seemingly unsatisfied by what he saw. “There should be some quiet space upstairs where I can explain. If you would follow me?”

Follow Twilight did, as Page Turner wove through the crowd towards a staircase in the far corner. She looked around the library as she followed, not finding anything out of place until she reached the stairs to the second floor. Just before climbing the stairs, she looked to her left and met the pink eyes of a dark green mare, who was staring at her from around a bookshelf.

Must be my imagination; I don’t even know anypony here, so why would they stare at me? Shrugging the strange staring mare off, Twilight went up the stairs. The second floor was just as noisy as the first had been, and only slightly less crowded. As she started looking around, Twilight saw a shelf containing the complete Daring-Do series, which reminded her that several adventure books in her own library had come from Page Turner’s recommendations. Noticing that Page Turner was no longer near her, she realized that she’d gotten sidetracked and fallen behind. She looked around quickly and saw him heading for a door in the back corner. Walking quickly to catch up, she saw him open the door, then step inside while holding the door open for her with a hoof.

Once Twilight went inside, Page Turner closed the door and the room went dark. Twilight heard a series of clanging noises, and she quickly set her horn aglow with a simple light spell. She saw Page Turner struggling with a set of shutters that stubbornly refused to open due to rusty hinges.

As soon as the room lit up, he abandoned the shutters and walked over to her. “That is more efficient, I must say. Thank you. This old room isn’t used much except for storage these days, and many ponies in town feel uncomfortable in here. That makes it a perfect place to talk.”

Twilight found that a bit odd, so she looked around the room. Aside from it being clean and empty, she noticed that the window and shutters looked old, with the rusty hinges suggesting they weren’t often used. There was nothing else in the room aside from the two of them. Not even dust. “It’s just an empty room; why would it bother anypony?”

“This building has an interesting history, Miss Sparkle. The worst of it occurred in this very room. One day I would love to go into detail for you, but with so many people in my library, I must get to the point and return to my duties.”

“Oh, of course. That’s perfectly understandable. And please, call me Twilight.” Twilight smiled.

He grinned broadly, flashing perfect teeth at Twilight. “Gladly, Twilight. I knew a fellow librarian would understand. Now then... are you familiar with an aquifer?”

Twilight tilted her head slightly to the side and looked quizzical. “Aqui-what?” As soon as she’d said it, she felt embarrassed. Having a gap in her knowledge never sat well with her, except for the opportunity to learn that such moments provided.

Page Turner smiled. “Don’t feel bad, Twilight. Few ponies are, and even fewer unicorns. You are familiar with a well, of course?”

Twilight nodded. She felt a slight sense of relief that the knowledge she lacked wasn’t commonly known.

“An aquifer is an underground rock formation through which water can very slowly flow. It’s what you dig into when you dig a well, and more importantly, it’s how water passes through the ground to keep the well full. I’m not sure if you noticed, but Hoofington doesn’t have a river or lake close to town. We get our water here from wells. The town is worried because recently those wells have begun drying out.”

“Water can pass through roc... oh, sorry. Is there any danger to the town?” Twilight’s cheeks flushed from embarrassment. Asking about rocks instead of the safety of the town, what was I thinking?

Page Turner grinned. “Please, Twilight, relax. You have no idea how refreshing it is to talk to somepony that just loves learning. Yes, water can pass through certain kinds of rock formations, though it would take some time to explain the exact conditions required. We have all the reference materials downstairs, if you are curious. There’s no immediate danger to the town. There’s enough water to go around for some time, and the pegasi have been working hard to stir up more rain and reduce how much we need to draw from the wells. Over the long term, however...” he sighed, his grin fading. “I’m afraid the town can’t survive if the wells dry up. The amount of rain that would be required to sustain us would create the risk of flooding, and Cloudsdale would be required to draw more water from elsewhere around Equestria. Most likely everypony would have to move elsewhere. That’s why the library is so full today. Mayor Coppermane has put together a team of Hoofington’s best and brightest to try and find out where the water is going. You’re a very intelligent young mare, Twilight. If you would consider staying for a few days, we’d be most grateful for your assistance.” He punctuated that request by flashing his bright smile once more.

Twilight’s mind raced. Is he always this friendly? What if he likes me? Oh, I wish I’d read that romance novel Rarity loaned me last week; it was all about this sort of thing and I’d know if that’s what he is trying to do! Then again, he’s asking for my help for the town. Of course he’d be friendly doing that! Don’t worry Twilight, I’m sure he’ll realize you’re not interested. Realizing that Page Turner was waiting for her reply, Twilight’s cheeks flushed. Oh no, he’s staring at me! Need to say something!

Twilight returned the smile, not wanting to be rude. “Of course. I’d be delighted to help in any way I can.”

Page Turner hugged Twilight with a huge grin. “Wonderful! Let’s head back downstairs and I’ll show you what we’ve discovered so far.”

The stallion walked to the door and opened it, stopping beside the door to hold it open for Twilight. The gesture reminded her of Rarity describing how her prince would act when she found him, before their eyes would meet and they would have their magic moment. I hope this is just a polite gesture, it would be awkward if it turned into Rarity’s fantasy moment. “Oh, thank you.” Twilight smiled at him as she walked past and headed for the stairs. She had only taken a few steps before stopping. A lonely shelf in the corner with only one book caught her eye. She walked over to it and read the spine of the solitary book.

“Nightfang’s Journey... by Page Turner?” She looked at the stallion, who had closed the door and come up beside her, but now looked away with his ears flopped down. “I had no idea you were a writer!”

“I’m not. I mean, I was. But not lately.” He shifted his weight and rubbed the back of his head nervously, still looking off to the side away from Twilight. “It was something I tried that didn’t work out. Truthfully, I don’t think about it much anymore.”

Twilight didn’t believe it for a second. Even if he put his book on a shelf by itself out of the way, he did still put it out. He must hope somepony reads it. Plus, he stammered when it came up. And there’s his cutie mark, which looks like writing now that I think about it. What went wrong? Why is he so shy about discussing his book? “Can I read it?”

“Err.” Page Turner stuttered, then paused briefly before continuing. “Well, it’s not very good...”

Twilight raised an eyebrow upon hearing the quivering of his voice and seeing his body tense up. It was hard to believe this was the same pony she’d been talking to moments earlier. She realized that this was a sensitive subject for him, but her desire to help him get past it mixed with her love for books, and she was undeterred. “I’ve made my decision. I’d like to check that book out, please.”

Page Turner’s reaction didn’t surprise Twilight given how tense he looked, though the excuse he came up with did. “I’m sorry, Twilight. Only residents of Hoofington may check books out of the library.”

Rarity would know how to handle this... wait, that’s it! Rarity was a master at getting her way by charming both stallions... and Spike. No doubt I won’t be very good at it compared to Rarity, but deep down I don’t really think he wants to keep people from reading his book. All I have to do is be charming enough to overcome his nervousness. With that thought, she tilted her head slightly, batted her eyelashes, and tried to look like she was about to cry over being rejected. “Pleaaassseee?” Her plea came out sounding like an awkward whine. She suspected that if Rarity had seen her, there would be lectures about how to do it properly. She also suspected that if either Rainbow Dash or Applejack had seen her, there would be gales of laughter.

“Why is it you pretty mares never play fair?” Page Turner sighed, and Twilight smiled. “Alright. If you help us resolve our water problem, once we finish that you can read my book.”

Pretty? He thinks I’m pretty? That flatterer! Twilight’s smile brightened after receiving the compliment, even though she believed it was simple flattery. “Great! Now why don’t you tell me everything you know about how water gets into the aquifer underneath Hoofington.”

“Of course. The maps and most important books downstairs. The truth is, we don’t know very much. There’s a layer of clay underground, and the water is below that. Rainfall doesn’t penetrate a clay layer, so the water must be coming from somewhere else, like a deep lake or a...” He trailed off as he turned back towards the stairs and saw a green mare looking in his direction. “Oh, hello sweetheart!”

As Twilight followed behind him, he walked over to the mare, put a foreleg around her neck in an embrace, then gently nuzzled her. The mare in turn leaned into Page Turner, but had all of her attention focused on Twilight. It took only a second for Twilight to recognize the pink eyes glaring at her now as the same ones she’d seen earlier.

Page Turner broke the embrace then took up a position standing next to the mare, with both of them facing Twilight. “Sweetheart, this is Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville’s librarian. She’s going to help us with the water problem. Twilight, this is Oaken Leaf.”

“Hi!” Twilight said immediately, smiling. She saw no reason not to be friendly.

Oaken Leaf waved a hoof and gave a smile which never touched her eyes.Twilight shivered as the cold glare from Oaken Leaf began to get to her. She hates me. What did I do to her?

Twilight laughed nervously and scratched the back of her head, trying to figure out how to break the tension. Before she could think of anything, Oaken Leaf spoke. “Charmed. Dear, can I talk to you?” Although she was talking to Page Turner, she never took her eyes off Twilight.

Page Turner turned to look at her, all smiles. “Oh, of course. I just need to show Twilight what’s going on here, so she can get started. It’s just this way Twilight, follow me. As I was saying, there are no lakes around here, so we’re not sure just how far the water travels...”

Twilight lost track of his voice as he went down the stairs and out of sight. After laughing nervously to Oaken Leaf, she moved to catch up. Oaken Leaf followed her down the stairs, but didn’t attempt to follow Twilight through the crowd of ponies on the first floor. Even when there were other ponies and a shelf between them, she could still feel Oaken Leaf’s hate-filled gaze upon her.

If looks could kill, I’d need Shining’s force field right now. I wonder what I did to make her so angry.

Twilight felt a chill go down her spine. There was a time when such feelings would have troubled her, but having already spent three days feeling the same sensation at least a dozen times a day, she was getting used to it.

Twilight had spent the last three days in the library, helping with the effort to find a solution to Hoofington’s water troubles. The chills were courtesy of Oaken Leaf, who had spent much of those three days glaring at Twilight’s back. Twilight hadn’t understood the reason for the glaring until noticing that Page Turner was seemingly always nearby. If Twilight wanted anything, he was there. He brought snacks and drinks before she realized she wanted them. Any time she started looking at a map, he had some interesting fact to point out about it. Every time he doted on her, she knew those hate-filled eyes were locked on her and felt a chill in response to being watched so intently.

This is so frustrating. I understand that Oaken Leaf feels ignored, but why doesn’t she blame Page Turner for that? He’s the one ignoring her! I really need to do more research when I get back to Ponyville in order to learn how to avoid getting into messes like this.

Pushing thoughts about Oaken Leaf out of her mind, Twilight looked around the library. Unlike the previous three days, today most of the books had been set aside. The ponies she’d been working with were crowded around the largest table, looking at a map and speaking their minds. The discussion centered around the likely source of the water for Hoofington’s aquifer. There were a lot of opinions but no agreement. Twilight squirmed her way up through the crowd to the table and listened, taking it all in.

She continued listening when Mayor Coppermane returned for his daily visit. This time when he asked for an update, three ponies all started speaking at once. He managed to restore order, but soon six ponies wanted to speak and all six had different opinions on what to do. After all six had spoken, they began arguing, and the mayor’s head slumped down.

He looks really tired. The risk to the town and lack of consensus must be getting to him, Twilight thought as she watched the mayor. The mayor had come each of the last three days asking for updates. Each time, she’d remained silent so as not to step on the hooves of the local ponies. After seeing the mayor’s state and the bickering, however, she decided to end her silence.

Using her magic to lift a ruler that was lying nearby, Twilight used it to point at a mountain range southwest of the town. “Excuse me, Mayor Coppermane? The source of the water is most likely here. If you se—”

Twilight found herself interrupted by a cacophony of dissenting voices. Of all the opinions expressed, the mountain range was not at the top of the list. Mayor Coppermane silenced them all by pounding the table with a hoof. He then looked at Twilight. “What makes you say that, miss?”

“Well, you have very detailed maps in every other direction that stretch for huge distances, but this mountain range is at the northern border of the Everfree Forest. The maps around this location aren’t very accurate, and since your weather ponies don’t normally fly over the Everfree Forest, they wouldn’t have noticed a problem yet. Also, I found an old account of the founding of the town that mentioned a lake to the southwest. Mountains often act as the starting point for rivers, which means this range is likely the source feeding the lake. If that source was cut off and it’s where Hoofington’s water is coming from, you wouldn’t have a way of knowing it from here. I think it’s worth looking at.”

“Pardon me, but this is foolish.” Twilight looked in the direction of the high pitched voice, and found a pegasus whose name she hadn’t learned yet, though she did remember somepony else mentioning that this mare was the leader of Hoofington’s weather patrol. “We’ve been here our entire lives and know this land better then anypony. Why should we have to listen to a librarian from Ponyville?”

There were murmurs from other ponies in the room at that statement. Twilight saw a couple of heads nodding in approval, along with several more frowning or shaking their heads. To her, it looked like most of the room was willing to listen to her if she could present solid evidence, which she was prepared to do. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Mayor Coppermane silenced the room by striking the table once more.

“Now now, Stormfront, let’s keep things civil. Just because you don’t like her doesn’t mean I’m going to dismiss her thoughts.” He looked back at Twilight. “You’ve no doubt heard all the differing opinions expressed here. Can you prove why you believe you’re right, miss... I’m sorry, but I don’t know your name.”

Doesn’t like me? I don’t even know her! Why would she dislike me? What am I doing wrong? Forcing that line of thought from her mind, Twilight opened her mouth to speak. For the second time in a row she was cut off. Her ears twitched in annoyance as Page Turner spoke for her. “Oh, this is Twilight Sparkle. She was visiting from Ponyville and offered t... mayor, is something wrong?”

Mayor Coppermane’s jaw dropped when he heard Twilight’s name, and for a moment he simply gaped at her, looking astonished. The rest of the room except for Oaken Leaf looked between him and Twilight in confusion, not sure what had made him so disoriented. For her part, Oaken Leaf had gained a triumphant grin, convinced by the reaction that Twilight was some nefarious pony about to be banished. When Coppermane finally managed to say something, he sounded more than a little shocked. “The Twilight Sparkle?”

Twilight laughed nervously as she felt every eye in the room focus on her. “Umm... I’m the only me I know, so I guess so.” Her voice rose due to her nervousness, and her reply almost sounded like a question.

It was Oaken Leaf who asked the inevitable question, barely able to mask her pleasure at the awkward moment. “Why mayor, what do you mean?”

Ignoring the question, Coppermane looked at Page Turner. “Why didn’t you tell me she was here? She’s been here for days and you didn’t tell me so that I could properly introduce myself beforehoof?” He turned to Twilight, and lowered his head in deference. “Please Miss Sparkle, I didn’t realize it was you. No offense was intended to you or the princess.”

The mayor’s drastic change in attitude and his sudden deference to Twilight got the entire room talking again. Most of the room’s occupants were looking at Twilight still. She found the attention very discomfiting, and she started to fidget while laughing nervously again.

Page Turner looked Twilight over as if studying her, then looked back at the mayor. “I don’t understand. Why would I have introduced you?”

“Don’t you realize? This is Princess Celestia’s personal student! The pony who defeated Nightmare Moon! The pony who saved Equestria from Discord!”

For a few seconds, dead silence filled the library. Then, as if a dam had burst, nearly every occupant of the room started talking about this turn of events. Only three remained quiet. Twilight looked around frantically, hating this kind of attention but not seeing any way to calm it down. Page Turner looked as if he was just seeing Twilight for the first time, and she wasn’t comfortable at all with the intensity of his gaze. He’s looking at me like I’m some kind of painting to be admired and studied!

Oaken Leaf’s triumphant smile had been wiped away. Instead, she was scowling at a wall with her head hung low and her ears drooping. Twilight wanted to give her a hug, but first she had to calm things down. Even then, she wasn’t sure a hug would help if it came from her.

“Everypony, please. Listen to me.” Unlike the mayor, who had to resort to stomping the table to get quiet, the entire room fell silent as Twilight spoke. The effect of her words irritated her. I’m not Princess Celestia’s right hoof mare; they shouldn’t act like they’re intimidated! “Mayor, there’s no reason to be worried. I’m just a pony like everypony else. Hoofington has been very friendly ever since I got here. I’m happy to help, and if the princess ever asks, I only have nice things to say about all of you. Please, just call me Twilight.” One lesson Twilight had learned while living in Canterlot was that showing humility around nervous important ponies could help calm them down.

Mayor Coppermane relaxed. “Well, I’m very pleased to have you here, Twilight. Would it be too much of an imposition to ask you to be one of the ponies that investigates your theory?”

Twilight smiled. “I’d be happy to help. Although, wouldn’t it be easier to just have a pegasus fly over the area?”

Stormfront shook her head. “That area is always foggy above the trees, and there are treacherous wind currents coming off the mountain. It’s a dangerous area to fly.” She looked at Twilight, and there was a hint of respect in her voice as she continued speaking. “I suppose I could, but...”

“No,” Twilight interrupted her. “The ground will be safer. I won’t have to spend more than a couple of hours in the Everfree Forest to reach the mountains, so I don’t think it will be very dangerous.”

There were gasps and murmurs around the room, as most of the assembled ponies reacted in surprise to the idea of simply walking into the Everfree Forest. Mayor Coppermane smiled, unconcerned. “Splendid. Stormfront, would you accompany Twilight?” When the pegasus nodded, the mayor continued. “Excellent. Any other volunteers?”

There was no response. Ponies shifted uncomfortably, looked away, and tried to look smaller so as to avoid drawing attention. The Everfree Forest was farther from Hoofington than Ponyville, far enough that no resident had a reason to go there, but close enough that the legendary dangers were known. They wanted nothing to do with it. The silence was getting awkward when Page Turner finally spoke. “I’ll go.”

His response was followed quickly by another, from Oaken Leaf at back of the room. “I’d better come along.” She made her way through the crowd after volunteering to stand beside Page Turner. “He always gets himself into trouble without me.” Most of the room laughed at the joke, which Twilight didn’t get. Twilight wasn’t thrilled about having Oaken Leaf as a travelling companion, but kept her expression neutral.

Mayor Coppermane nodded. “Good, good. Twilight, if you prepare a list of everything you need for your trip, I’ll have it ready for you tomorrow morning. Page Turner knows how to find me. For the moment, I need to be off to tell everypony in town what’s going on.” Twilight nodded, and he walked out of the library. Most of the ponies in the library began filing out after him, now that a plan had been formed. As they filed out, virtually all of them began talking about Twilight once more. The bits of conversation Twilight heard were split evenly between surprise that she would be here, confidence that she could easily solve such a mundane problem as water shortages after saving Equestria twice, and questions about why she had stayed quiet for so long. The type of attention she was getting and her own powerlessness to do anything about it left her feeling dismayed.

Trying not to think about it, Twilight looked at what had become her exploration team. One of them likes me more then I’d like, the second one loathes me because of the attention from the first, and the third doesn’t like me and I don’t know why. Sure not the same as travelling with my friends. Her mood dragged down by that thought and the reaction the other ponies in town had given her, she wanted to rest. “Why don’t we take a break for lunch, and meet back here in an hour to figure out what we need?” When the three of them agreed, Twilight forced a smile. “Great. I know we’ll be able to solve this mystery. See you soon!” With that, she headed out of the library and back to the inn.

Once inside, she asked the innkeeper for a daisy sandwich and hayfries to be brought to her room, then went to relax on her bed with the copy of Traditions and Festivals of Ancient Equestria she’d checked out from the library, with a notable lack of resistance from Page Turner and no mention of needing to be a resident at all. The book documented the traditions before the era of Nightmare Moon appeared, and Twilight hoped it would contain some reference to the quest Luna had guided her into undertaking. Thus far she’d been disappointed on that front, but the book proved fascinating, and some quiet reading was just what she needed to relax.

No sooner had she laid down on her bed then the door opened again. Oaken Leaf came in, looking at Twilight without glaring. Twilight still found her gaze uncomfortable. “Hi,” Twilight said.

Oaken Leaf’s voice was flat, quiet, and cold. “I don’t care how important you are, Twilight Sparkle. I’m not going to let you steal him from me without a fight.” Before Twilight could respond, she stepped back out of the room and slammed the door. Twilight buried her head in her pillow and sighed. Sweet Celestia, why me?

A knock at her door forced her to lift her head out from under the pillow. “Yes?” she asked tentatively, not sure she wanted another confrontation.

“Your lunch is ready, Miss Sparkle.”

“Oh, right.” Twilight magically opened the door. “Just set it down on the table, thank you.” She then buried her head back underneath her pillow without looking at the food she no longer had the appetite for.

Twilight stayed that way for almost half an hour before deciding that writing a letter might help cheer her up enough to eat. Before long, she had her writing supplies out and was trying to think of what to say.

Dear Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, & Rainbow Dash,

I decided to stay in Hoofington for a few days. Most of them have been spent in the library. Nopony is surprised by that, I’m sure! There are some things going on here with the town’s water with which I’m trying to help. Did you know that they don’t have a lake, dam, or anything that Ponyville has? Wells comprise the town’s entire water supply.

It’s different here than in Ponyvile. People there know me for me. Particularly the five of you (and Spike, of course!), but I don’t think anypony there thinks they need to give me special treatment. That’s not the case here. Some ponies seem to believe that because I know Princess Celestia, they have to act like I’m special. It’s extremely frustrating! The princess isn’t like that, and I don’t like everypony walking on eggshells trying to make me happy for no reason.

We’re going to set out tomorrow to try and find (and hopefully fix!) the water problem. I’ll write more when I get back.

Your faithful friend,
Twilight Sparkle.

Courage

Well away from the three ponies sleeping around the embers of a campfire, Twilight lay on her right side while gazing up at the stars. The night sky is so beautiful; it’s relaxing being able to just lay here and admire it. I’ll never understand why so few ponies take the time to appreciate Princess Luna’s work.

Not for the first time that night, she tried to banish those thoughts from her mind and focus on her more immediate problems. She turned to look back at the three sleeping ponies with a sigh. Twilight had started with them near the fire, but moved once they were asleep. She wanted space.

Three days of walking is hard enough, she thought, but the tension makes it worse. Stormfront is at least polite, but doesn’t want to talk to me very much. Oaken Leaf doesn’t even bother being polite. To top it off, she glares at Page Turner anytime he tries to talk to me. He does it anyway though. I’m starting to wonder if he’s doing it deliberately to annoy her. The two of them only let up when we got near the Everfree Forest late yesterday and I called a stop. The forest scares them.

Three days of awkward conversation and even more awkward silence, with two ponies that don’t like me. I miss Ponyville so much right now.

Twilight magically lifted the necklace holding her locket off her head and held it in front of her. Even closed, the locket still served as a reminder of home and more pleasant times.

With the locket still in the air in front of her, she searched the sky for a particular set of stars. Finding them, she shifted around so she was looking directly at the same constellations she’d see immediately upon stepping out to her balcony in Ponyville. Delicately opening the locket with her magic, she then set it down in a hoof and released her magical hold. Looking up at the sky, she thought of home and friends, and wondered if any of them were looking at the same stars.

Don’t forget about me, everypony. I’ll be home just as soon as I fix everything.

The night passed, and dawn came. Twilight was content to watch the sunrise just as she’d watched the stars, until she heard a voice from behind her. “Twilight? Why are you up so early?”

“Huh?” Turning to the sound of the voice, Twilight saw Stormfront standing next to her, looking down at the locket. “How did you sneak up on me like that?”

Stormfront shrugged. “I didn’t. You were really distracted by whatever you’re looking at.” The pegasus looked at Twilight’s locket. “Is that your family?”

“No, my friends. The other five bearers of the Elements of Harmony, who deserve more credit than they get for what people say I did. With my relationship to Princess Celestia I can overshadow them sometimes, in the minds of other ponies. Princess Celestia doesn’t act like that of course, she’s fair. Your mayor, though? Pinkie Pie wouldn’t have gotten the kind of ridiculous deference he showed me.” Twilight sighed. Looking down at the locket again, she wilted slightly. “Few ponies know this, but they’re my first friends, and I met them less than two years ago. I didn’t know how to make friends until they came into my life. Do you know what that’s like?”

Stormfront sat down next to Twilight. “Honestly? No. Why are you telling me this?”

“The past few days have been awful. I know you don’t like me very much, but I just wanted somepony to talk to.” Twilight turned her head to look at Stormfront. “Did I do something to make you angry?”

Stormfront ignored the question. “You just started making friends? What about a relationship, then? Any special somepony?”

Twilight laughed nervously. “Well, no. I guess I don’t know anything about those either, except what’s in my books. I’ve never felt that way about anypony.”

Stormfront frowned. “That explains a lot. Listen, I’m sorry Twilight. I may have judged you too quickly.”

Twilight’s ears perked up. “How so?”

“Don’t think I haven’t seen what’s been going on between the three of you recently. Page Turner and Oaken Leaf are a whole thunderhead in and of themselves, but I thought you were trying to seduce him.” Twilight’s ears drooped. Stormfront laughed. “I know, it sounds ridiculous knowing what you just told me. But if you don’t mind my asking, just what were you thinking with the flirting in the library? Oak told me that she saw you... well, I won’t repeat exactly what she said.” Stormfront put a hoof up to her mouth and coughed.

Twilight tilted her head slightly, arching an eyebrow. “What did she say I did? I just batted my eyelashes and asked if I could read that book he wrote! I really wanted to read it, and I’ve seen my friend Rarity do it before. I had no idea it would lead to this!”

Stormfront smiled. “From almost anybody else, I would have a hard time believing they could be so clueless. You really are, aren’t you? No offense intended.”

Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. “None taken. I really went and put my hoof in it here. Do you have any advice on how to fix this? You seem to know Oaken Leaf; do you have any advice on how to deal with her?”

Stormfront shrugged. “Maybe. Oak is my best friend, but she’s got jealousy issues. She’ll calm down if you can get Page Turner to back off and pay attention to her again. Tell him that you’re not interested, never were interested, and it was just a misunderstanding. You might want to wait until we’re finished in the forest, though.”

Twilight blinked at that. “After? Wouldn’t it be a distraction if I leave it that long?”

“Yes. However, telling him now will likely humiliate him, and he’ll want to leave. Oak only came because he did.” Stormfront grinned. “Besides, she’s feisty when she’s jealous. I feel sorry for anything that attacks her right now, should the Everfree Forest live up to its reputation.”

Twilight pondered that a moment, then pushed her bangs off to the side with a hoof. “That doesn’t sound very safe. What if she decides to solve the problem by feeding me to a manticore?”

“It’s not a perfect plan, I’ll admit.” Stormfront laughed. “Do what you feel is best, Twilight. I’m going to stretch my wings and see if I can scout any of the forest from the air.” Stormfront smiled at Twilight, then stood up and stepped away. With a few flaps of her wings she took off, heading directly towards the Everfree Forest.

Twilight watched her leave, then clasped the locket shut and levitated its necklace back around her neck. Standing, she stretched, walked over to her saddlebags, and opened them, gathering the kettle and tea leaves she'd brought. She filled the kettle with leaves and water, then cast a simple spell to warm it. Getting the temperature for tea just right is a lot harder with magic than it is with fire, but I don’t feel like gathering wood this early, Twilight thought as the kettle was enveloped by the warm glow of magic.

After waiting a few minutes for the tea to steep, she filled a cup and slowly sipped it while waiting for her travelling companions to wake up. I wish I hadn’t left my books in Hoofington now, I could read while waiting. I guess it can’t be helped; I don’t want to risk losing them in the forest. While drinking her second cup of tea, Oaken Leaf stirred.

“Good morning.” Twilight said. “The tea’s ready, if you want some.”

“Oh, thanks.” Oaken Leaf didn’t move.

Twilight looked at Oaken Leaf for a moment, then used her magic to pour another cup of tea and set it down next to the other mare. She sounded almost friendly. Maybe it’s too early for her to be angry? Or is it because I’m over here, far away from Page Turner? Feeling hopeful, Twilight decided to attempt to start a conversation. “So... it looks like we might be able to solve this today. Isn’t that exciting?”

Oaken Leaf sipped her tea, frowning as Twilight spoke. “Something like that.”

So much for friendly. Twilight’s tail swished, but she kept the frustration out of her voice. “Listen, I think we got off on the wrong hoof. This whole thing is just a misunderstanding. I’m not trying to get between the two of you.”

“Then why are you doing such a good job of it?” Oaken Leaf scowled at Twilight while sipping more tea.

“I didn’t know I was. Really, it was ju...”

“You expect me to believe that?” Oaken Leaf laughed. “I saw how you were batting your eyes at him like some lovesick filly.”

Twilight’s cheeks flushed. “That was... I mean, I just wanted to read the book he wrote, and I’d seen one of my friends behave like that before.. I didn’t realize how he would misinterpret it.”

“Nopony is that stupid.” Oaken Leaf scoffed, then took on a mocking tone. “Particularly not the princess’ beloved saviour of Equestria.”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed. “You leave Princess Celestia out of this.”

“Or what? I doubt she would condone how you’ve been behaving.”

A third voice chimed in, sounding somewhat amused. “Ladies, please. It’s too early to be arguing.”

Both mares turned towards Page Turner, who was still laying down with his eyes only half-open. Twilight suspected they’d woken him up with their bickering. How much did he hear? As Oaken Leaf moved to cuddle up to him again, Twilight pointed to the kettle. “There’s tea.” Unlike with Oaken Leaf, she didn’t move to give him any. She feared that doing so would antagonize Oaken Leaf further.

None of them had anything further to say, so the rest of their time at camp was spent silently on breakfast, cleaning up, and packing. Then they were back on the road, heading directly for the Everfree Forest, with Twilight in the lead once more. As before, they travelled in silence all the way up to the forest itself. Twilight stopped twenty paces short of the line of trees that denoted the start of the forest, and there they waited for a few minutes until Stormfront found them.

“There’s no lake,” the pegasus said upon landing.

Page Turner and Oaken Leaf looked at each other, then at Stormfront. Twilight thought a moment, then responded. “No lake? Did you find anything other than trees?”

Stormfront nodded. “I couldn’t get near the mountains; the winds are a chaotic mess in the air there. On the ground, there’s a big clearing without the tall trees you see in the rest of the surrounding area. It’s full of sand and smaller plants, with a pathetic little pond in the middle. I think that was the lake, but the water’s gone.”

“All right. We should still go there. If the lake was fed by a spring or river from the mountain, maybe we can find it and follow it to find out where the water went.” Without waiting for an answer, Twilight started walking towards the forest again. At first she was alone, but before she reached the trees she heard galloping hooves behind her as the others caught up. Stormfront came alongside her to give directions towards the former lake, with Oaken Leaf and Page Turner following very close behind. It was a quiet walk, as the four ponies nervously strained the ears to listen for dangers. At least there’s no arguing, Twilight thought.

The forest was dark, as little light penetrated the dense forest or the fog that hung above the tallest trees. A light breeze rustled the leaves, and the noises of insects and small animals could be heard. Nothing bothered the four ponies as they walked, but they strained to listen for the sound of anything that might. Maintaining that level of readiness became increasingly difficult as they walked, so when they stepped out from the trees and onto sandy ground, sparsely populated with vegetation, they all breathed a sigh of relief. The more open area let more sunlight in, and it felt much less oppressive, less dangerous.

Twilight looked around briefly. She then turned to the other ponies and started giving instructions. “All right, everypony stay close together. We’re still in the forest, and it’s still dangerous. Let’s walk across in the direction of the mountain and see if we can find a water source.” The three ponies nodded in agreement. I guess Oaken Leaf puts getting out of the forest ahead of arguing.

Twilight watched the ground as she walked, looking for clues. She noticed the ground sloping downward steadily, at an angle suggesting that if this had been a lake then the middle must have been deep. The vegetation grew sparser as she walked, while the ground maintained its sandy texture. When she got to the edge of the remaining water, she stopped. “This really does look like it used to be a lake. Let’s keep going.” She got no response to that, so simply started walking around the small pond. The other three ponies followed closely, looking at the nearby trees for signs of life.

Once the ground started sloping upward again, Twilight started looking for a break in the trees that might suggest a river. Initially she didn’t find anything, but as she continued to look she noticed a spot where the tree trunks curved towards each other as they grew, filling in the canopy above while leaving an open path that wouldn’t normally exist in the dense forest. Heading in that direction, Twilight soon saw the same sandy ground continue into the forest, though this path had a number of smaller rocks in it as well. Twilight stopped to consult her map, then smiled in satisfaction. “This looks like the right place. The ground here isn’t consistent with the surrounding area, and this trail goes straight towards the mountain. We can follow it up and hopefully right to the source of the problem!”

Page Turner smiled at Twilight. “Sounds good. Lead on!” That got him a glare from Oaken Leaf, and he quickly looked away.

Twilight led the group out of the clearing and along what she believed to be a former riverbed. The new path snaked gently uphill through the forest, which felt just as oppressive as it had earlier. Still, no creatures emerged to bother them. Going this long without encountering anything hostile is almost strange in itself. I hope our good luck holds.

It was nearly another hour of walking before the trees broke again and Twilight found the incline increase significantly. Looking up, Twilight saw the mountain range the map had indicated rise up into the fog, with the riverbed going up into it and around a bend. Twilight continued to walk along the river bed, but as she did a howling wind picked up, carrying a chill from the top of the mountain. She turned to Stormfront, raising her voice to be heard over the wind. “I see why you couldn’t fly here now. It must be horrible in the air.” The pegasus simply nodded.

With the fog blocking the sun, Twilight lost track of time as she walked. With the cold wind blowing, it felt like hours. Finally she was forced to stop at a wall of rocks spread out across the riverbed, at least twelve feet high. A trickle of water came out through the rock wall. “A rockslide blocked off the river, maybe?”

Stormfront nodded. “Seems that way. I wonder where the water is going since it can’t go this way? It must have flooded another area or formed a new lake.”

Page Turner tapped one of the rocks with a hoof. “Then if we remove this, the lake we passed should refill and things will be fine. Eventually. It will take a while.”

Oaken Leaf sat on her haunches. “Well, this must have happened years ago for the lake to empty out the way they did. What if we’re destroying a different lake to restore the first one?”

Stormfront shrugged. “What about it? We’re fixing something that went wrong.”

“But what if other ponies or animals are using that water now?” Oaken Leaf stood up and started pacing along the rock wall.

Stormfront moved her head to watch Oaken Leaf’s pacing. “It doesn’t matter. Hoofington needs us to fix this.”

“Of course it matters. What right do we have to interfere with nature like that, particularly if it’s going to harm other creatures?”

Twilight decided to get involved. “I understand your concern about this Oaken Leaf, but we came here to try and help Hoofington. If we don’t do anything the town still has the same problem. We have to do it. Besides, for all we know this rock slide flooded an area that used to be inhabited, and we’re fixing it.”

Oaken Leaf appeared to choke on something for a moment, then snorted and shook her head angrily. “I guess you’re right.”

“Umm, Twilight?” Page Turner tapped a rock again. “There’s a lot of water behind this, and we used the riverbed to walk up here. How are we going to get back down?”

“Well we just...” Twilight looked back down the path, and didn’t see much in the way of good footing aside from the riverbed. “Umm... hmm. What about if you two head down. I’ll use my magic to get rid of the rocks, then Stormfront can pick me up and glide down.”

Stormfront shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” To illustrate, Stormfront spread her wings and had to struggle to keep standing as her wings caught the wind. She quickly retracted them. “Flying will be risky, at best.”

Twilight looked at the rock wall, then at her three travelling companions. “All right. I can move the rocks, but I’m not sure if I can teleport all of us away fast enough. Maybe the rest of you should go and leave this to me?”

For a moment, there was no response as all three ponies looked at Twilight in various stages of shock. Page Turner was the first one to recover. “Teleport? You mean you are going to move all these rocks then teleport all the way back to the lake? That doesn’t sound possible.”

Oaken Leaf only had a single word in reply. “Showoff.”

Twilight glared at her. “You have a better idea?” Silence. “Good. Then let’s do it. Head back for the far side of the lake, where the water won’t reach you. I’ll wait until it starts getting dark to give you time, then meet you there.”

Stormfront wished Twilight luck, then started back down the path. Page Turner wrapped his hooves around Twilight in a hug, which she found rather awkward, before joining Stormfront. Oaken Leaf glared angrily at the whole exchange, then kicked some dirt at Twilight on her way back down the trail. With the other ponies leaving, Twilight set about walking back and forth to look at the large pile of rocks.

This is going to be tricky. I need to move enough rocks to destabalize the wall and start letting water through. Once I do, I need to be able to drop the rocks without blocking the water again, then teleport quickly. If I don’t move enough rock the river won’t flow fast enough to restore the lake, but too much and I won’t be able to move it fast enough to avoid being swept away. Twilight continued to pace back and forth along the wall of rocks while she tried to determine exactly how to proceed.

She hadn’t decided on anything when yelling distracted her. Turning to look down the path, she saw the three ponies in the distance, galloping towards her. Shortly after seeing them, she saw four heads appear behind them. She didn’t need to see the rest of the creature to know what it was. With only a few seconds before the others would reach her, Twilight’s mind raced trying to think of what to do.

Okay Twilight, relax! You can do this! There’s nowhere to run with this rockslide in the way. Stormfront can’t fly us out. A shield spell until it gets bored? How long would that take? What if we get stuck up here at night? Maybe we can fight it. Does anypony here besides me know how to fight a hydra? What if I try to teleport everypony down the mountain? Then we’d have to come back to try and fix this later. Maybe I can chase it off with magic. Or maybe I can release the river, then put a shield up and walk down to safety with the water going around us. Would a shield even block water? Did Shining ever try that? Why didn’t we think t...

“Twilight! Hydra! Do something!” Stormfront’s frantic yelling snapped Twilight’s thoughts back to the moment.

The three ponies stopped when they reached Twilight and turned back to face the hydra, all panting. The hydra walked up the path gradually, feeling confident now that it’s prey had no escape. The four heads each looked at a different pony in the group and one licked its lips in anticipation of a meal.

Twilight had to yell to be heard over the wind, despite Stormfront being close. “What?”

“I don’t know, anything!” Stormfront and Oaken Leaf both crouched and lowered themselves into a fighting stance, ready to charge the slowly oncoming Hydra.

“All right, I’ll try!” The glow of magic surrounded Twilight’s horn as her shield spell came into being, surrounding the four ponies. The hydra’s heads looked to each other in confusion, but it continued to approach. When it reached the group, it stopped. One head lunged at the shield, and bounced off. Twilight winced.

Not willing to give up so easily, the hydra’s other heads soon joined in. With all four of them bashing her defences, Twilight grimaced and strained. Through clenched teeth she pleaded with the other ponies. “I can’t keep this up. Can you distract it so I can try something else?”

“Are you mad?” Page Turner sounded frantic and terrified. “We can’t go up against that thing without magi—OOW! Why did you kick me?”

Opening one eye long enough to see what had happened, Twilight saw Page Turner rubbing his flank with a hoof. Oaken Leaf spoke, sounding annoyed. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we’ll distract it. I just hope you have a plan.”

Twilight sighed. “Me too. Get ready!”

A second later Twilight dropped the shield and the four ponies scattered. One of the hydra’s heads was in mid lunge at the time, already committed and unable to stop itself without something to crash into. It hit the ground instead, dazing it momentarily. The three other heads each wanted to chase a different pony, and the confusion kept the creature’s legs from moving. Stormfront used the chance to risk flight, spreading her wings and going airborne briefly, then retracting them and diving directly at the hydra. She hit another head with her hooves, and managed to dive to the side after the impact.

To Twilight’s left, she saw Oaken Leaf pick up a stone and throw it at the hydra, scoring a direct hit on another head. That dazed another head momentarily, which gave her time to move and do it again. Page Turner initially stood next to her frozen in fear, but after a few shouted instructions from her he went to gather more rocks. Soon she was sending projectiles hurtling up at the hydra with impressive speed.

The hydra was frustrated enough at Oaken Leaf’s assault to try and move towards her, but the rocks were painful enough that it was slowed down. Stormfront took to the air once more, but a sudden gust threw her off course and she crashed hard into the ground. One of the hydra heads turned and started lunging for her, but a well placed rock drew its attention back to Oaken Leaf.

Hoping that her companions could manage to avoid getting hurt, Twilight turned back to the rock dam. Staring at it, her horn lit up once more as she started gathering in her power. The glow of her horn intensified into a brilliant lavender as she drew in as much magic as she could hold. Sweat beaded up on her despite the chilling wind and her body shook from the strain. She wanted desperately to turn and look at what was happening, but couldn’t risk breaking concentration. When the strain of holding so much magical energy began to turn into pain, Twilight stopped drawing in more power and instead started wrapping the magical energy around a large cluster of rocks in the wall. As she worked, a lavender glow began spreading along the rock dam, extending five feet across and slowly climbing upwards.

“Umm, Twilight?” Page Turner’s voice came from somewhere behind Twilight. “Could you speed it up, maybe?”

Ignoring the risks of being distracted, Twilight looked over her shoulder and saw the hydra nearly on top of Stormfront, all four heads ready to lunge. She tried to reach out with her magic, but the instant she tried she felt her grasp on the rock wall begin to collapse and she had to pull her concentration back. One of the hydra’s heads began moving, and just as Twilight expected the worst she heard a sickening snapping sound, which was followed by a rock the size of her head flying through the air and crashing into the hydra. The force of the impact knocked the beast onto its side. Casting a quick glance in the direction the rock came, Twilight saw Oaken Leaf lying on the ground, with Page Turner standing next to her and looking directly at Twilight. “Twilight! Stop staring and do something!”

Looking back at the hydra quickly, she saw it struggling to get back up while Stormfront used the opportunity to move away, opposite Page Turner and Oaken Leaf. Twilight quickly turned back to the rock wall and refocused, causing the glow of her magic to begin moving upwards again.

The moment he rmagic reached the top of the wall, Twilight dug her hooves into the ground and lifted with her mind. From the top of the wall, rocks lifted into the air and were thrown aside. As she worked, water began to pour over the top. At first it was a trickle, but as she moved more and more rocks the flow turned into a river cascading over the edge. If I keep this up, we’ll be flooded before I reach the bottom! I need to move the last group all at once.

Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs, hoping the others would hear her over the sound of the water. “Everypony, come to me now!” With clenched teeth, she then poured all the strength she could muster into the remaining wall of rocks, lifting a six foot tall section in one attempt and tossing the large mass of rocks out of the way. A torrent of water poured through the opening, and the rocks on either side of the opening she’d created began to fall as the pressure pushed them aside.

Celestia, please let them be close enough! Twilight spun and began her next spell, quickly looking to see if the ponies had heeded her call. Stormfront was indeed close, but Page Turner was carrying Oaken Leaf and the pair weren’t moving quickly. Waiting a second longer to strengthen her spell, Twilight felt the water hit her and knock her off her feet. As she was swept up in the surge of water, she unleashed her teleportation spell.

The next instant, Twilight felt the ground hit her. She felt soft grass underneath her. Looking around, she saw that she was back on the edge of the Everfree Forest, near where they had first entered. Twilight slumped down onto her stomach, exhausted. She lowered her head to the ground and tried to catch her breath and reorient herself. She wasn’t sure if this was exactly where she wanted to end up or not, but a quick glance showed her that the entire group had made it. That was good enough, for now. The cold wind was gone, but she felt freezing from being submersed in the cold water a moment earlier.

Exhausted, Twilight didn’t try to get up. Stormfront walked up to her. “You all right, Twilight?”

“Yes. Just tired. What about you, and the others? I saw that hydra about to get you, then a big rock hit it!”

Stormfront stretched out her left foreleg. “The crash landing was awkward, and I’m a bit dizzy. It’s not serious. Oak wasn’t so lucky, though.”

Twilight moved her head slightly to look in the direction of Oaken Leaf, and even that bit of movement was a struggle for her exhausted body. She saw Oaken Leaf lying down, with Page Turner standing over her saying something. She couldn’t make out what. “What happened, Stormfront?”

“That rock that knocked the hydra over? I saw what happened. She had Page Turner throw it into the air, then she bucked it.” Stormfront shook her head. “She hit the ground immediately after doing it. She must have hurt her legs hitting something like that hard enough to send it flying.”

“Oh.” Twilight sighed. “We need to check on her. Would you mind helping me up?”

Stormfront extended her good foreleg out for Twilight to grab onto, and with a yank hauled the unicorn to her feet. Then the pair slowly made their way to Page Turner and Oaken Leaf, who was still laying on her side. Page Turner sat in front of her. There was an unscrewed container next to him containing a salve Twilight didn’t recognize, which Page Turner was gently rubbing into the injured hooves of his marefriend.

Twilight walked up along beside him. “How is she?” Stormfront took up the other side.

“Amazingly, nothing’s broken.” Page Turner answered, not taking his eyes off Oaken Leaf’s hooves. “Her back hooves are a mess, though. I washed them out and this will keep them from getting infected, but she’s not going to be able to walk on them until we get her to a doctor.”

Oaken Leaf’s voice was quieter and more strained than Twilight had ever heard it. “I’ll be fine, stop making a fuss.”

Stormfront sat down in front of Oaken Leaf’s head. “Nonsense, Oak. Unless you or Twilight became doctors and I don’t know it, Page Turner is the only one here who knows anything at all about treating injuries. Even if he does just know first aid.” She looked at Twilight. “You’re not a doctor, are you?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, not at all.”

Stormfront nodded. “There you have it then. You stay off those legs. We’ll have you back to Hoofington and good as new before you know it.”

“You might change your mind after a few days of carrying me.” Oaken Leaf laughed. “Say, Stormy...”

Stormfront took on an expression of mock outrage. “I told you to stop calling me that!”

Oaken Leaf grinned. “I’m injured, you can’t stop me.”

Stormfront’s mock outraged broke up into laughter. “I guess you’re right. What is it?”

“Did we do it? The water, I mean.”

Stormfront gently stroked Oaken Leaf’s mane with a hoof. “We did, and you probably saved my life with that crazy stunt. Just relax now, everything’s going to be fine.”

Oaken leaf smiled. “I’m glad.”

Twilight sighed. “Say, Stormfront? Could you excuse us for a moment? I need to talk to these two.”

“Oh? Oh!” Realizing what Twilight wanted to talk about, Stormfront stood up. “Sure. I’ll just be, umm, over there.” The pegasus quickly walked away.

“Twilight, what’s this about?” Page Turner was still rubbing the salve into Oaken Leaf’s hooves, and he still didn’t look up.

“I’m sorry, to both of you. Things have just been so awkward lately, and it’s my fault. I think I gave you the wrong idea back in the library, Page Turner. The truth is that I’m not interested, umm, like that. You’re smart and I want to be friends, but I’d never try to come between the two of you. I’m sorry.”

As Twilight spoke, Page Turner gradually slowed down in rubbing the salve in, and stopped. He stared at Twilight with his jaw hanging open. After waiting a moment, Oaken Leaf spoke. “You understand I find that hard to believe, of course?”

Twilight nodded. “Of course. I don’t expect you to forgive me. I really am sorry, though.”

“I see.” Oaken Leaf frowned. “Well, you probably could have left me in the forest with that spell, but you didn’t. I’ll give you this much, Twilight; you really are as good with magic as they say. Not so much with ponies, however.”

Twilight nodded. “I’d be the first to admit that. Princess Celestia sent me to Ponyville in the first place to learn how to make friends.”

“Oh. Wow. How embarassing.” Oaken Leaf looked at Page Turner, who had barely moved during the entire conversation, then back at Twilight. “Could you leave us alone? I think we need to talk.”

“Of course.” Twilight left the pair alone, walking up to Stormfront. “I told them. Do you think she’ll forgive him?”

Stormfront nodded. “Probably. Those two do things to hurt each other sometimes and I don’t know why, but they’ve always worked it out before. We should just keep to ourselves until they do.”

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. “I hope you’re right. Now, we should talk about how to get back to Hoofington.”

Laying comfortably in bed back at the Hoofington Inn, Twilight reflected on the last few days as her quill hovered over an empty sheet of paper. The trip back from the Everfree Forest had taken almost a week. Carying Oaken Leaf slowed the group down tremendously, as none of them wanted to risk injuring her further by going at full speed. Twilight had made frequent teleportation jumps with Oaken Leaf, that being the safest way to move her. When Twilight was too tired for teleportation, Page Turner carried his marefriend. The two seemed to be getting along, so Twilight hoped she had forgiven him. It was a subject Twilight hadn’t been willing to raise, however. I’ll talk to Page Turner tomorrow, before I leave Hoofington. Maybe I can smooth things over and at least leave with the working relationship we used to have as librarians intact.

Mayor Coppermane had been very eager to hear from them. Twilight had reported her findings after seeing that Oaken Leaf was taken to the hospital for treatment. The mayor had been pleased to learn that the water was flowing again, but less so to learn that it would take months, possibly even a year or two before everything would return to normal. Twilight had to explain that a lake wouldn’t fill up instantly short of all of Cloudsdale descending to deluge the Everfree Forest, which of course they wouldn’t do with the strange weather inside the forest. Even if they did somehow accomplish that feat, water would need to seep back into the ground and then slowly move through the aquifer to Hoofington, all of which would take time. She reassured him that things would be fine in the long term, and that in the short term the town’s residents would need to manage their water carefully. With Stormfront backing her findings up, the mayor hadn’t had much choice but to accept them. Still, he thanked her for her help and the princess for sending her. Twilight didn’t bother correcting him on the last point.

Looking down at the paper again, Twilight realized she should send the princess a letter about what she’d learned here. Unfortunately she wasn't sure exactly how to phrase that yet. Instead, she dipped a quill into the inkwell and began writing a different letter.

Dear Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, & Pinkie Pie,

It’s been strange since I left. I fought a hydra, of all things. Well, some ponies from Hoofington I was with fought it, while I did some magic to divert a river and then teleport everypony away. It’s a long story, which I’ll tell you when I get home.

Mostly, I spent a lot of time fighting a local mare for the attention of a stallion that I didn’t want, without understanding what was going on. It turns out that I was friendlier than I should have been, particularly when I tried to imitate Rarity’s way of convincing Ponyville’s stallions to do her favors. This one was already in a relationship, and the other pony assumed the worst. She got very jealous. Things were bad for a time, but we’ve since worked it out and she accepted my apology. It was all a misunderstanding anyway, I’m not looking for my own special somepony right now.

I’ll write more soon. Hope everything is good in Ponyville.

Your faithful friend,
Twilight Sparkle.