Before the Friendship Games: Twilight Sparkle

"Twilight?" asked Lemon as the two left the detention room.

Twilight turned to Lemon with a sad look in her eyes. "Yes?" she said faintly.

"Are you...going to be okay now?"

Twilight sighed. "Well, I'm not as guilt-ridden about it as I was initially now that I've served my sentence..."

"Geez, Twilight. It was detention, not prison." said Lemon.

"The whole of today felt like a prison to me. A personal hell." Twilight said flatly as she put a hand to her face. "But at least I have a majority of the guilt out of my system."

"'A majority'?" repeated Lemon.

Twilight nodded slowly. "I pried open numerous floorboards, but I still don't have the heart...if you understand my metaphor."

Lemon smiled sadly. "Yeah...I get it. The guilt's going to stay with you for a while, Twilight. I still feel bad about pummeling Sour Sweet...and I wonder how she's doing right now. I've seen glimpses of her in the hallway, but she still refuses to make contact with me. Not to mention that I think the rest of the Shadowbolts are either pissed at me, afraid of me, or both." She sighed. "We're both going to have to live with this, Twilight. I know it's not easy."

Twilight frowned. "It was driving me absolutely insane, Lemon Zest. I had to tell a figure of authority or I fear I would have gone off the deep end."

"Are you going to tell your parents?" asked Lemon.

"Honestly?" said Twilight. "I don't know. I've always been a good student, and I'm proud of that...please forgive the word...reputation."

Lemon shuddered. "Gah. Thanks to Principal Cinch, I fucking hate that word."

"Sorry." said Twilight.

"No need to apologize." said Lemon.

"Maybe Radiant Hope has already called our parents and told them..." said Twilight, worry slowly showing on her face.

"Tell you what..." said Lemon. "Just act like nothing happened today, but if you can't avoid it, tell the truth."

"I don't know...I don't really like the thought of lying to my parents. I mean, I will admit that I've lied by omission, and one would say that's lying...plain and simple." said Twilight.

Lemon shrugged. "Well I won't pressure you. This whole day has put a lot on your plate,"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Yeah. Tell me about it." she deadpanned.

Lemon winced. "Sorry. Did I hit a sore spot?"

Twilight smiled. "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" asked Lemon.

"Hey." said Twilight. "If I'm struggling, I'll connect with you. That sound good?"

Lemon smiled. "Yes. Yes it does."

"Then I'll see you around." said Twilight.

The two went their separate ways.

Twilight returned home, on edge. As soon as she walked in, she ran upstairs to her room and ran the water in her shower. She stripped herself, then walked into the shower as she took a deep breath, then exhaled. She needed some time to think and relax after the last hellish twelve hours. Things were only going to get worse when she'd inevitably tell her parents. She wasn't going to kid herself. It was only a matter of time and she knew it.

Twilight sighed as she grabbed a washcloth and put soap on it. As she lathered, she wondered why she was only sent to detention as punishment. Shouldn't hacking into a school server merit a more severe consequence? She could have just as easily been suspended, or even worse...expelled! She shuddered at the mere thought! Maybe should check in with Lemon after dinner. Who knows? Perhaps Lemon would contact her beforehand.

Twilight closed her eyes and hummed as she began washing herself off. She needed to calm down. She just had to focus on the moment. It was just her and the serene noise and feeling of nice, hot water rolling down her back. She knew deep down in her heart of hearts that the calm she felt was temporary, but she'll take what she can get!

Twilight rinsed herself off and sighed contently. This was so relaxing, she just wished she could shower like this forever! Unfortunately, all things must come to an end, good or bad. She took a shampoo bottle, squeezed a dollop on her hand and started lathering up. She yawned as she began scrubbing her hair. If she didn't sleep well tonight, she didn't know what she'd do! Suddenly, her eyes widened. She was so caught up in all the recent madness that she hadn't made any progress in her quest to research the strange energies coming from Canterlot High! She slapped the palm of her hand to her forehead and dragged it down her face. No matter what the punishment may be, I have to investigate!

Twilight finished, then shut off the water. She left her bathroom and slowly get dressed in her pajamas. She was going to turn in early tonight, no matter what would happen when she left her room. She closed her eyes, and took another deep breath, then exhaled. She cracked her knuckles and opened her eyes. All right, Twilight. Let's get this over with.

Twilight left her room, closing the door behind her. As she walked down the stairs, she began to feel a chill down her spine. Why was she so scared? She was only going to tell them that she hacked into the... Oh. Right. Get a grip, Twilight Sparkle! She shook her head rapidly, then walked into the living room.

Twilight Velvet and Night Light sat in two green chairs several feet away from the television as Shining Armor played with Spike by the fireplace. The blue walls of living room were covered with family portraits and several bookshelves filled with books. Sunlight shone from the sliding glass window that led to the backyard. Twilight walked onto the carpet, and Spike shot towards her, licking her bare feet. She unsuccessfully tried to stifle a laugh from her puppy's tickling licks.

"Hey, Twily," Shining said. "Why are you in your pajamas? It's not even dinner time yet."

Twilight began to sweat as fear gripped her. "I-I'm going to bed early tonight. I didn't sleep at all last night."

"You didn't sleep," Velvet asked. "Why?"

Twilight gulped. "I was...doing something for a friend."

"Oh? And what were you doing that kept you up all night?"

Twilight grit her teeth. "I...I..."

Twilight's family looked at her expectantly, and the pressure became too great.

"I can't take it anymore," Twilight shouted. "I know about S.M.I.L.E.!"