Author's Note

Five days until the Friendship Games.

Change

Twilight woke up, and a realization hit her. Yesterday she had spent most the day in her room. Reading and studying. Again! She put her head in her hands and sighed heavily. She dragged her hands down her face. Okay, she thought. I can't keep wasting time like this. If I don't make connections now, what would that mean for my future? She walked into her bathroom and began to run the water. Nothing says I can't be successful and have friends!

Twilight went into the shower as the hot water cascaded down her back. She sighed contently, then returned to her thoughts. After all, I've read studies saying that friendship has several health benefits. Why wouldn't anyone want that? She grabbed a washcloth and body soap, then lathered. I wonder how many friends would be too many? Is there even such thing as too many friends? She shrugged inwardly as she began to wash herself off.

Once Twilight finished washing, she rinsed, then grabbed a nearby shampoo bottle. I wouldn't want too many friends. What would that even be like? She lathered up her hair, then scrubbed and rinsed. She got out of the shower, then dried off. What if I had so many friends that I wouldn't have enough time for any of them? She began to get dressed as her concern turned to worry. If I don't have enough time for any of them, they might think I'm blowing them off! Now fully clothed, she left her room and started pulling on her hair. If they think I'm blowing they off, they wouldn't want to be my friends anymore!

A familiar voice snapped Twilight out of her thoughts. "Twily," Shining said. "Are you okay?"

Twilight ran down the stairs in a full-on panic and proceeded to tell him all of her concerns, flailing her arms as she finished, then descended into a fit of hyperventilation.

"Whoa, Twilight," Shining said, then hugged her. "Calm down, sis. Breathe," he said softly. Twilight slowed her breathing until she sighed. "Feel better?"

Twilight smiled. "Much better."

"Listen, Twily. I know that how no matter how many friends you'll end up with, you'll find a way to schedule time with all of them." Shining smiled. "You're good at that sort of thing."

Twilight's smile widened and she tightened the hug. "Thanks for the words of confidence."

"No prob," Shining said with a grin as he broke the hug. Twilight practically skipped into the kitchen for breakfast.

After Twilight finished her breakfast, she left the kitchen. Okay, so I have Lemon as a friend, but what about other students? She cupped her chin in thought. I can't just go up to any random person and ask to be their friend. She rolled her eyes. I'm awkward enough as it is. She sighed. Maybe going out for a walk will clear my head a little.

Twilight made her way to the front door. "I'm going out for a walk," she called out, then left. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Fresh air," she said, satisfied. She smiled as she walked several blocks until a familiar voice startled her.

"No!"

Twilight yelped, then hid. She looked from her cover to see Indigo Zap, looking as though she was in a state of inner turmoil. Indigo stopped in front of a streetlight and leaned on it, folding her arms and closing her eyes. Feeling that there was no immediate danger, she cautiously approached her fellow student. "Um...are you okay?"

Indigo opened her eyes and saw Twilight. She blinked in surprise. "Twilight...huh. Never thought I'd see you outside of school. You come off as more of a...shut-in." Twilight frowned. "No offense." Indigo said, raising her arms in defense.

It might be a good idea to open up to her, Twilight thought, then sighed. "I suppose you're right."

"Wait. What?" Indigo said, surprised.

"That I'm a shut-in." Twilight said, looking away from Indigo. "I spend most of my time alone or reading a book indoors." She looked back at Indigo with a sad smile. "I may be a shut-in, but that doesn't mean I don't want to connect with people from time to time."

Indigo blinked and frowned. "Are you okay?"

Twilight sighed. "Honestly? I'm not sure. As much as I love my lab and my studies, I'm starting to feel out of place at Crystal Prep. I may get the highest scores on tests on a very consistent basis, but that's one of the reasons I feel that way. It's like I've learned everything I need to know already, and I'm not sure how to take that."

Indigo was at a loss for words for a few moments, then finally spoke up. "Twilight...I don't know what to say."

Twilight looked at Indigo and smiled. "It's okay. You don't have to say anything. I just needed to get it off of my chest." She put her hand on Indigo's shoulder. "Thanks for listening."

Indigo smiled and put her hand on Twilight's. "Hey, no worries. Tell ya what. If you need me for anything. Anything at all, call or text me. Here's my number."

Twilight added Indigo to her list of contacts in her phone. "Thanks, Indigo. You're friendlier than most people make you out to be." She said.

Indigo grinned. "Only when I want to be, Twilight...only when I want to be."

Twilight blinked, then shrugged. "Well, I have to get going. Thanks again!" She walked off with a smile. That went off even better than I thought it would! Feeling motivated, she ran back home. She could hardly remember the last time she was excited over something that didn't involve knowledge! This felt exhilarating! She nearly ran into another person while she was stuck in her reverie. Okay, she thought. Home first, borderline euphoria second. She blushed with a sheepish smile. "Sorry," she called back to the person, then immediately looked forward. Nearly bumping into one person was enough.

Twilight swiftly opened the door to her house, then closed it and ran to the living room where her parents and brother sat. She got in front of all of them with a big grin.

"Uhh...Twily," Shining Armor said. "Are...are you okay?"

"Better than okay, B.B.B.F.F.," Twilight exclaimed. "I feel like I need a change of pace. I'd like to get out of this house and do something unusual!"