Tracking the magical signature was harder than expected, but ‘Twilight’ had managed to complete the task. By then, she was freezing her flank off. Why wasn't she born with a jacket..? From her knowledge, one of her associates was born with a hat.

Looking around the area, she didn't see anything at first. But, eventually, she saw a small red point poking out from the snow. Not having enough energy for telekinesis, she picked it up with her hoof. Shivering, she tucked it under her wing firmly.

As she trotted over to a nearby town, the snow seemed to tug at her body. It made her want to stop and curl into a fetal position. 'Twilight' shivered, struggling to stay conscious. Her body trembled and shook, but she didn't care. Looking forward, she saw that there was a cave a distance away from her. 'Twilight' grinned. It may have been far, but it was way closer than the village.

If I fall unconscious, I risk being found with the artifact. Or dying, for that matter.

Having frigid winds blow at you from all directions is pretty uncomfortable, so 'Twilight' decided to distract herself. Why did she and her comrades know basic things such as language, and basic societal functions without being told...? She hadn't been among society in all her life, and yet she knew that murder was wrong..? That stealing was unethical..? That clones were unintelligent..?

'Twilight' laughed at that last part. Though, she felt shameful when thinking about it. It was her fault that her comrades were deceased. It was her fault that her mother was on the run. It was her fault, all her fault. She was just an unresponsive, unintelligent clone, without a right to live a normal life.

Her sisters... they were-

Without thinking, 'Twilight' slapped herself across the face.

No... It's... it's not my fault. Since when did my family care about me..? Why am I even calling them family..? They don't love me. They hate me, just like everypony else. Besides, I have much better things to do than play the role of a victim. There are other ponies suffering way worse than me.

As she walked into the cave, 'Twilight' glanced at her surroundings. Colossal, spotted mushrooms grew from the earth, as well as a few plants. Dull, red grass coated the dirt, flowers popping up every now and then. Smoky crystals sprung from the floor, walls, and ceiling, illuminating the cavern. A small lake of water covered a decent portion of the cave, and underneath, glowing coral illuminated the depths. Looking around, 'she saw that blades of grass only grew in the spots illuminated by the crystals. Snow from the surface, warmed by the dirt, dripped down onto the soil. The cavern looked unstable at first glance, but the more she looked at it, the more 'Twilight' felt that it was safe.

Hmm.. This must be some sort of strange cave plant. Oh, and is that a fish in the water...? I have to observe my surroundings..! I am so amazed! I have to-
...

Wow. I get distracted very easily.

Still wearing her apathetic mask as though somepony was watching her, Twilight drunk some of the water. Though she knew most societal and bodily functions, 'Twilight' didn’t have any experience with the things she knew. So, when she felt the cool, soothing water ran down her dry, dehydrated throat, she continued to drink. And drink. And drink some more.Gasping for air, she scowled.

Ugh. What was I thinking..!?

Looking around, 'Twilight' saw a mushroom across the cavern. Trotting up to it, she bit into it. It was rather hard to chew, but she still managed to accomplish it. They really didn't have much of a taste, but 'Twilight' didn't care. After eating several more bites, she sat down. Her eyes felt droopy, and soon, the feeling of sleep overwhelmed her.

When 'Twilight' woke up, she was not in the cave she had laid down in. Instead, she was laid out across a mattress, a warm and comfortable feeling overwhelming her. Opening her eyes wearily, the scenery around her confirmed she was no longer in her cave. Instead she was in a small study, a fireplace across from her. 'Twilight' was about to grunt with distaste, until she noticed the bookshelves around her. The content of the shelves varied from magic to cooking, or weaving to leather-working. Books that were essentials if she wanted to survive.

Just as she sat up, a chair in the room turned to face her.

"Hello... clone." Said the pony. The equine in front of her had dark gray fur, and a flowing black mane. He had a horn that had been tinted red, and his eyes... his eyes.. were horrifying. He had red irises, and a green sclera. They gushed purple smoke, almost endlessly. If 'Twilight' hadn't already dealt with Chrysalis, she wouldn't have been able to control her fear.

"Where the hay am I..?! Did you do this to me..!?" 'Twilight' questioned. The pony turned around, gazing at her with thoughtfullness. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. 'Twilight' definitely wasn't awake, that was for sure. If she had been, she would've been able to leave the room. Her magic was also functioning, adding more evidence to the theory that she was still asleep.

Shaking the door with her magical grip, 'Twilight' growled. She attempted to buck the door, but missed entirely. When she looked back, she saw that the door had moved.

"You foolish imbecile..! let me go or I will destroy the artifact you currently reside in..!" She threatened, and the pony laughed. "What's so funny..!?"

Wiping a tear from his eye, the stallion sighed. "I can keep you in here for as long as I desire, clone. Do not test my patience."

Realizing that she was trapped, the clone sighed.

"What do you want from me..?" She asked defeatedly. Grinning, the pony clapped his hooves. He stood up, and stomped his hoof. In an instant, the room changed. Instead of a calming library, there was a city in the distance. It seemed to be entirely made of crystal, much to "Twilight's" confusion.

"Let's strike a deal, clone. You help me conquer the Crystal Empire, and I'll help improve your conditions of life."

Author's Note

Things are getting juicy..!