We're both twins, yes! Now buzz off...

by Desperate Dawn

Rating: teen
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Original Character, Spike, Random, Slice of Life
Length: 56950

Continuation of a certain story that is never completed, and it has been a long time. Thus, this happened.

A/N:
First of all, you might want to know about this story.
Already know? Well, let us say that this is a Sequel for it. The current author for that story seems to be dead and I know that continuing the story without their permission is bad so... A SEQUEL but mostly a time-skip on their childhood. Basically, we're back to around the time before Nightmare Moon eventual escape and yada-yada-yada, you all know it already so... Here you go.
Edit 15/06/2019: Featured at the bottom of the Featured box on the first hour after posting! WOW, I did not expect that...
Edit 12/08/2019: Featured once more, thanks!

What happened if you are destined to be a mirror of someone’s power, a mere copy of themselves? Both in power and intelligence, the only difference is that you lack that someone’s appearance and identity? You could literally say that they are different as the day and night.

Well, Twivine can relate to that.

Published 2019-02-26 16:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-03-06 06:48:50 UTC

A Start of a New Day [Rewritten]

Author's Note

Complete Rewrite!

A Start of a New Day [Rewritten]

I opened my eyes, staring at the ceiling that I know all too well. I was feeling particularly lazy today, but I know I had to get up eventually and start the day. I went up to a sitting position, yawning as I stretched my limbs. I jolted my neck to each side. The satisfying 'crack' is always a pleasant thing to hear, and honestly, it never gets old.

I hopped off the bed, and immediately I was greeted by my vines. I probably would never figure out how these guys worked. Whenever I'm in the vicinity of a soil, they can appear anytime I needed them. They act out as a personal assistant of mine since my sister, Twilight Sparkle, had Spike as her assistant. And, they are handier than I can give them credit for, always able to find the slightest of things missing.

I smiled, petting the vines as I head to the bathroom. I quickly brush my tooth and head to the shower. I didn't bother for a hot shower. I always went for a cold shower as it always soothes me, and it made me calm. It also made me think much clearly.

Opening the faucet, I let the water brushes past my face as I closed my eyes, feeling the chill water slowly soaks my pale lavender coat.

It has been more than a decade since my accident and the shenanigans that followed suit. I'm uncertain if its the mind or just me, but I don't seem to remember my past no matter what I tried. Sure, I tried explaining the family about it, but they always brush it off. Well, at least Princess Celestia and Twilight listened, no matter how absurd they thought I was being.

Still, at least I had a caring family that accepted me as their apparent twin sister of Twilight. I can tell on that day that they were not expecting to had two more mouths to feed.

My time as a filly? Well, they have their ups and downs, just like the wheel of life. I still call bullshit on Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorn even though I am indeed not listed during the entrance exam. So, Dad and Mom filled out paperwork for me to enlist on the local school while I somehow still gets tutored by Princess Celestia.

The difference between the two lies on the specific things they taught, one's magic in general, and the other was the general things a typical school would teach its students.

Anyway, I finally enlisted at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns a couple of years back. Both Twilight and I are genetically considered twins, but the difference between the two of us is as clear as day. Twilight occasionally had a panic attack at least once every few months while I rarely even had one. Twilight's more on the introverted side while I leaned towards in between introvert and extrovert. And while I inherent some caliber of Twilight's ability, but unfortunately, I suck at magic. I don't have the control Twilight had. Miss Star Clarity learned that the hard way when she ordered me to replicate the same spell Twilight did in class.

I closed the faucet, levitating a towel my vines had generously offered me and starts drying myself. With that done, I headed out of my room towards the dining room, no doubt Spike had already made breakfast since I can smell his cooking the moment I exited.

"Hey, Spike, good morning," I greeted.

Spike smiled as he places a plate full of pancakes on the table, "Morning Twivine, I hope you're in for pancakes!"

"I'm always in for pancakes, Spike," I said, chuckling as I took a seat, levitating a slice.

"Hey, where's Twilight? I thought you'll wake her up by now." Spike said, looking around the room for my twins.

One thing that I liked the most in the morning is that I got to screw with Twilight due to her habits on sleeping in late. I love getting Twilight a wake-up call since a standard alarm clock won't do for her, especially when she was on her research streak, may Mr. Ring-a-lot be her last victim.

"She'll be up in the moment right about...now." There was a distinct 'thump' upstairs, then seconds later, a muffled screams can be heard throughout the tower.

"TWIIIIVIIIINE!"

"Yep, she's up," I beamed happily. Spike shook his head in amusement, starting to dig in onto his pancakes. It took Twilight awhile to join us, grumbling on her misfortune of living with me.

"I can't believe you keep waking me up like that," Twilight muttered, levitating her share of pancakes and eat her problems away.

I grinned, "Aww, come on Twilight, it wasn't that bad."

Twilight glared at me, then she sighed. "Okay, sorry, Twivine. I admit I am getting a little bit on edge for the past days."

Spike looks up from his food, speaking with his mouth full. "Owh, whay's vhat?"

"Spike, don't speak with your mouth full, please," I chided. Spike swallowed his food, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin.

"It was because of a prophecy that may or may not threaten the very lives of Ponies if we don't do something!" Twilight exclaimed, then slumped back to her seat.

I raised my eyebrow, "And that prophecy is?"

"Here," Twilight levitated a book out of the shelves and started to read it out loud. I noticed the book was called Predictions and Prophecies. Call me skeptical, but I'm not really into that sort of thing.

"Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, Nightmare Moon, with the aid of the stars, will escape her imprisonment on the moon and shall bring forth nighttime eternal!"

Twilight finishes rather dramatically, but it seems my skepticism started to rub onto Spike as he stared at Twilight with a frown on his face.

"Twilight, I'm sorry, but that doesn't sound likely to come true," Spike said.

"But the signs are there, the trajectory of the star almost aligned to one another like a trail, I saw it last night!"

I rolled my eyes, "Probably just a coincidence. Do I need to remind you about the 'end of the world' prophecy because some old calendar from an ancient civilization said so?"

"Yeah, that cause quite the panic, but thankfully Princess Celestia manage to handle that," Spike added, finishing the last of his pancakes.

Twilight sighed, the odds are not on her favors, and she'll probably have a hard time convincing the both of us to help on whatever she was doing.

"What if it was true?" Twilight asked, stunning the both of us. "What if, against all of the odds, the prophecy is true and all along, there was a second Princess?"

Both Spike and I looked at each other, unsure, before turning back to her. "I don't know what to expect, but I suppose only Princess Celestia can answer that."

"Great, we should tell her now!" said Twilight excitedly.

I rolled my eyes, knowing full well what would happen if she sent that letter to Princess Celestia. "Come on, Twilight, why you have to rush things?" I levitate a purple gift boxes, "Besides, we got invitation for Moon Dancer's birthday!"

"Yeah, I'll pass," Twilight said rather quickly.

"Aww, come on Twilight, just this once," Spike pleaded with puppy eyes.

Twilight looked at me hesitantly, with a reassuring smile from me, she relented. "Fine, I guess I'll have to pick up for her on the way."

"Great!" Spike and I chanted in unison.

"Happy birthday, Moon Dancer!"

Our old classmates, Twinkle Shine, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Lyra Heartstrings, all was here to congratulate her on this little party. We gave her our gifts, and then we all proceeded on the punch. I didn't let Spike had too much of it else he'll go overboard, and drank all of it when we all move onto chatting.

My gifts for her was a chemistry set and a couple rare vials I bought from that zebrarican merchant that arrived on Canterlot a few weeks ago. I don't know what Spike has for her since he doesn't want to tell me. Twilight in the other hoof, bought her a book. It was typical of her, really, last time Shining Armor, our brother, got a book on Guard's Can't gestures.

While I don't actively partake in the girls doing gossips and the likes, it was nice to talk from time to time. I tried to get Twilight out of that habit of hers, but that doesn't turn out so well. And why did I suggest her to date Blueblood all those years ago is beyond me.

And Spike decides to try to sneak up to get one of the punch, but my glare stopped him from doing so. Twilight mostly stayed out and decided that reading is a better activity than socializing, oh well, can't blame her.

After a while, the three of us bid farewell to the girls and departed home. As soon as we arrived home, she quickly get Spike to write a message to Princess Celestia.

Dear Princess Celestia,
It has come to my attention of a prophecy, if not handled carefully, may result in the extinction of ponydom as a whole.

The Prophecy in question is about the Mare in the Moon, an ancient old tale dating back at least eight centuries ago. The legend has it said that she would escape with the aid of the stars. If my calculations are correct, then I believed she would break free during the Summer Sun Celebration.

We must act immediately to ensure that the Mare in the Moon, also known by the name of Nightmare Moon, cannot succeed on her plans to bring forth eternal night.
I shall wait for your response, Princess.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle.

"Twi-light Spark-le, there done!" Spike exclaims.

"Great," a yawn escaped Twilight's mouth. "Send it, Spike."

Spike nodded and blew off the scroll with his fire breath. According to Princess Celestia, Spike is one of the rare breeds of Dragons, the one who had magical capabilities unfounded on any kind of dragon. She did not disclose the fact that, perhaps, by a miracle, Spike would be able to control his flames to any elements dragons had. Electricity, Ice, Venom, Fire, or even the good old fireball.

We Equestrian, unfortunately, don't know much about dragons, their cultures, and whatnot.

She mentioned that Spike's breed descended from an ancient black Dragon who once wield the Black Greatsword Vutha Marfadelom, whatever that means.

Unfortunately, Princess Celestia didn't respond as usual. I would assume that she put the letter away because of court or some type of meetings that requires her attention. It's not a surprise, honestly. She always redirect any message from Spike to her room if she was busy enough.

"Hey, Twilight, want to grind XP for Ogres and Oubliettes?" I asked her.

She shrugged, "Sure, why not, it has been a while since we last played."

"And I, Spike, shall be the game master of you two Adventurers," Spike said exaggeratedly, finishing with a comical Prench laugh.

The Elements

I gaze upon the night sky, it simply looked beautiful, the moon is shining brightly and the stars also tries to compete to shine the brightest amongst all others, determined to be brighter than the moon. I knew the night stars wouldn’t win against the beauty of the moon.

I leaned against my chair, looking high in the ceiling. Currently, I’m at my tower and sitting near my study-desk trying to do something to pass on the time. I always loved studying and working on a spell accompanied by the view of the Everfree and the small growing city near it alongside the quiet night sky. Suddenly, the door to my chambers was opened, a pale white unicorn mare with curly purple mane walked inside.

“The mistress wishes to see you now, Lady Twivine,” The unicorn said nervously.

Looking up-side-down from my chair, I stared at the unicorn with a bored look. Smirking, I summoned my vines, slowly creeping up behind her. The vines poked her which made her froze in place. She slowly looked behind her just like in the movies and stared up to the abomination of a vine that closely resembled a large bipedal wolf with its mouth open, a combination of a timber-wolves and werewolves made by my vines.

Horrified, she let out a scream as it closing in with its mouth ready to clamp her down, she closed her eyes waiting for the vines-like teeth to bite at her. It didn’t come, however, wondering why it didn’t. I let out a maniacal laughter that shook the unicorn out of her trance. She opened her eyes and blinked, staring as the bipedal vine-wolf smirked before slowly deforming and then retracted to their pots. I was still laughing, cackling madly of how funny to scare people to death. My laugh momentarily stopped as I fell out of my chair, rubbing my head and then stared at her before laughing again.

“That is not funny, Lady Twivine!” The unicorn snapped, although slightly afraid of unleashing my wrath.

“Y-you should've seen the look at your face,” I said between my laugh.

She huffed, puffing her cheeks. “While I have to say that you did give me a jump there, but you know the mistress wouldn’t be happy if you keep her waiting.”

My laughter finally died down as I stared at her with my usual bemused expression. “Very well, lead on then.

I followed her out of my chamber and then led me into a large oak gate. She motioned inside as she opened the gate with her pale blue magic and I walked into the throne room expecting nothing else. The throne room is empty save for four guards, standing at the opposite of each other on the side of the carpet. In the middle, a blue crystalline throne stood empty. I walked up to the center and waited for the eventual show of my mistress. And just like that, a black-furred alicorn full-on with its armor trotted out and stood in front of the throne.

“Good to see you, Queen Nightmare Moon.”

My eyes snapped open and I immediately sat up straight, sweating and breathing harshly. I looked at my room, each wall always had large bookshelves safe for one corner where my study-desk is placed near the window. I sighed in relief.

It’s just a dream, I mentally assured myself. I got up from the bed and head to the bathroom and proceeds on my morning routine. I trotted out of my room just in time for Spike serving breakfast, “Morning Spike.” I greeted him wearily.

“Morning,” He replied cheerfully before frowning. “H-hey, Twivine, is everything alright?”

I force a smile although he can tell that I’m slightly tired but whatever, “Yes, Spike, just one of those dreams.”

“Oh,” He said plainly before taking a seat and munched on his gems casually.

Rolling my eyes at his absent-minded reply, I took my seat and stared at the waffle that’s being served. My mouth waters momentarily before I dig into my food, can’t believe how hungry I am.

“Um, Twivine?” Spike stared at me before quickly realizing that I haven’t woke Twilight up, kinda tempted to leave her alone, but I’m not that mean.

THUMP!

“TWIIIIIVIIIINE!!!”

Eh, maybe. It’s good that we stick to the usual routine. It’s kinda hard to tease her when she buried herself on a book, so waking her up like that is enough. I don’t want to repeat the last one when I bother her when she’s in the middle of her reading or research. Let’s just avoid a fiery Twilight, no literally, she can spontaneously combust.

Minutes later as I finishing up what was left of the breakfast, Twilight finally come down from her room and as usual, she opened her mouth to say something before groaning and trot over to her end of the table and starts on her breakfast, and again I summoned my vines to serve her coffee. I always do this as a safety measure, grumpy Twilight is not a happy Twilight.

“Spike, send this to the Princess.” Twilight levitated the scroll she made yesterday over to Spike.

“You got it.” He then proceeds to use his magical dragon-fire, burning the letter. The letter drift to the palace, slowly disappearing as it seeped through the wall. And the replied came as quickly as Spike burned the letter. He burped a scroll which he catches it mid-air. Both Twilight and I waited for him eagerly.

“So, what does the Princess say?” Twilight asked impatiently.

Spike glanced up from the scrolls and smiled nervously. “She specifically says this for you, Twilight. She said-“He paused for a moment. “-to get a life.”

There was an awkward silence afterward. I snorted and laughed as hard as I can Spike joining in moments later. Twilight right eye twitched as we keep on laughing our butt off. Spike’s laughter finally died down although I still laughing my flank off.

“There’s more,” Spike said while chuckling here and there which results in my laughter went to a small fit of giggles. Spike reads on the rest of the letter, “She says that both of you will supervise the Summer Sun Celebration, ensuring the small town of Ponyville to successfully prepares the celebration. There’s also another note, she says that she already dispatched a guard to escort you to Ponyville so you better prepare for departure. And again another note, she says to make some friends. Signed, Princess Celestia.”

Twilight sighed in disappointment. I trotted next to her and pat her in the back, “It’s alright Twilight, for now, let’s not overthink whether Equestria is doomed or not. We got a job to do.” Twilight nods, her mood slightly improving.

“I guess you’re right, I may overthink this a little too much.”

I smiled before grinning like a mad mare, “I guess you owe me twenty bits!”

Twilight groaned as I laughed again. As I laughed, there was a knock on the door which I immediately stop laughing and looked at the door. “I’ll get that.”

Humming a tune, I trotted to the door and opened it with my magic. A white Pegasus Guard stood absent-mindedly on the door; his gaze seems to be focused elsewhere, then he shifted his attention to me. From there I immediately saw a different expression rapidly, from shock to flustered and finally back to the usual stoic guard but struggling to stay flat-faced.

“T-Twivine, g-good to see you, I was expecting Twilight there, and uhh.” The guard cleared his throat. I’m pretty sure that I saw him blushing there, but I can’t know for certain. “My partner and I will be taking you, Twilight, and also little Spike to Ponyville at the Princess order.”

“Silver Sky?” I tilted my head as I recognized that voice and as soon the name came out, he went to stuttering incoherent words in two seconds. I giggled at him which made his blush even more at the clear. “I thought you’ll be in Cloudsdale.”

“W-well,” he stammered for a bit. “I was stationed there for a bit before transferred back to Canterlot, so here I am,” He smiled. Rather glad that the conversation shifts into a friendlier topic.

“Twivine, who is it?” Twilight called from the inside.

“It’s the guard that will escort us to Ponyville,” I replied. “Better prepare our stuff.”

“Twivine, there would be another guard that will bring your stuff to Ponyville, it is best for you to carry things you wish for the journey and let us carry yours.”

“Huh, that’s great,” I thought out loud.

Before another word was spoken, both Twilight and Spike was carrying a wooden box, undoubtedly filled with book and other things. She had a saddle-bag on her, most likely filled with books or something relevant to that. She also carries my saddle-bag with her, that one who had a spare spot for a pot so I can use it without doing collateral damage when I’m inside somepony’s house or building.

“That was quick,” Silver Sky commented. “But that is not necessary, miss Twilight. Just leave it there as there will be another guard who will carry your things.”

“Oh really?” Twilight asked which answered with a nod from the white Pegasus. “Okay then, when do we depart?”

“Sooner than you think, come, the chariot is right this way.” Silver Sky said leading us to a chariot already with a Pegasus that is waiting for us. He proceeds to hook himself to the chariot and nods to his partner before turning to us. “Just sit tight and enjoy the ride.”

We hopped in the chariot and moments later, we’re already in the sky. Spike and Twilight were chatting of another scroll that he burps that consisted of the things the Celebration needs to check at, I didn’t listen to them as my mind wanders as the wind peacefully collides into me.

“Heads up, Ponyville ahead!” Silver Sky shouted which wake me up from the quick nap I took on the way. It’s just so refreshing, I can’t help it. Looking down, I saw the small town approaching rapidly.

“Brace yourself, we’re landing,” Silver Sky warned.

The Pegasus escorts landed the chariot smoothly in the open ground, if I looked more closely, I’ll say that we’re at the center of the town. The three of us hopped off the chariot. Silver turned his head to us. “Your belongings should arrive in the old library, ask the mayor for the key. She is already been notified of your arrival so there shouldn’t be any problem. If there is, notify the Princess immediately.”

“Thanks for the heads up, Silver,” I smiled.

He nodded, returning the smile. He then turned to his partner nodding; the two Pegasus quickly took up to the sky with the chariot in tow, returning to Canterlot.

“So Spike,” Twilight began. “Where should we go first?”

Said Drake looked at the scroll, “First, we should check on the food, it was prepared by somepony named Applejack.”

“Alright, the sooner we’ll finish this task, the sooner we may prevent Nightmare Moon’s return.” Twilight walked away, following the road. She halted and turned to Spike. “Do you know where she is? Does the Princess give us a map?”

Spike shook his head. “It says that she lives in a place called Sweet Apples Acres, but it didn’t say where.”

Twilight groaned, “Great.”

I saw a pink pony with a poofy mane, a mare presumably, bouncing on the road. No, I’m serious, she jumped up and down and every time she did it, a ‘boink’ sound can be heard, don’t know how the pony did that but she did.

“I guess we can ask her.” I pointed at the pink mare.

“I guess it won’t hurt to ask a passerby, let’s go,” Twilight said, approaching the pink mare with the two of us following after.

“Hello,” Twilight greeted. “I was just wondering if you can-“ Twilight didn’t get a chance to finish as the pink mare suddenly gasped mid-air, and just like that she was gone in a pink blur. “O-okay, that was weird.”

“Not only that, she also breaks physics and defied gravity,” I commented.

“And here I thought Twivine was weird.” Spike chimed in, I immediately smacked his head with my plunder vines. “Ow, what was that for?”

“It’s because of how true it is,” I said as the vines retracted back to its pot.

“Guys, can we focus?” Twilight said, slightly irritated. She turned her head at me, “And you’re not weird, Twivine. You’re just… different.”

I shrugged, “I know that.”

After asking a few of the more normal ponies, we already found ourselves in the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres, the home of Applejack. And dear heavens that is a lot of apples. I saw Spike’s mouth watered at such massive display of apples, I’m betting they would at least need twenty to thirty workers to harvest that many. We continued deeper into the apple orchards with our jaw open, awed by the sheer size alone that we didn’t realize we ventured deeper.

There was a loud ‘thwack’ nearby; the three of us looked around where it came from. Turns out just a few meters in front of us, there was an orange mare with a blonde mane. She bucked the trees and manages to drop all the apples from the trees into the bucket below, she also wearing Stetson which completes the appearance of a typical cowpony.

I’m guessing that she’s Applejack if the cutiemark was any indication. We approached her which she immediately noticed.

“Howdy there, welcome tah Sweet Apple Acres where we provide tah finest apples in all of Equestria.” She greeted, lending out her legs to Twilight.

“Good Day, my name is Twilight Sparkle and we- Whoaaa,“ Twilight took Applejack’s legs on which the latter immediately shook it strongly.

“Well, nice ta meet yah, Twilight, a pleasure makin’ your acquaintance. Ah’m Applejack.” Applejack released her grip which Twilight silently thankful for.

“So what can Ah do for ya?” Applejack asked.

Twilight shook her head, trying to get the dizziness out of the way before clearing her throat. “Well, Applejack, it’s nice to see you. This is my sister, Twivine and this is Spike.” She gestured towards each of us.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Applejack.”

“Hello there!”

“Well hello to both of yah, and Ah don’t think ya’ll have a talkin’ lizard as a pet,” Applejack said nonchalantly. Spike immediately pouted as I hold a snicker of my own.

“He’s a Dragon,” Twilight said. “And we’re here to supervise the preparation for the Summer Sun Celebration, you’re in charge of the food correct?”

“Well sure Ah do, would ya like to try tah food?” Before any of us can respond she immediately shouts, ringing a triangle, “Soup’s on everypony!”

And just like that, we got stampeded to a table where she introduced each member of the family while placing associated food on the table. Spike’s mouth watered at the variety of food being served, literally. To be completely honest, every dish here is looking great and I’m impatient to try it out, of course, I’m being a good guest and waited for the host.

“Well, this great and all, but we should get going,” Twilight said hastily, a little bit nervous on her side I guess. And each member sighed disappointedly, that one filly called Apple Bloom pouted adorably which makes Twilight feeling guilty.

“I won’t mind being here for a minute or two,” I say quickly.

“Yeah me too, l-look at all of this food,” Spike chimed in and his stomach growled. Oooh yeah, he’s getting impatient alright.

Twilight’s eyes twitched at our sudden betrayal, you don’t deny food Twilight. You don’t. She groaned and sighed, “Fine, I’ll stay.” A chorus of ‘yay’ filled the air seconds afterward.

We started digging in on our food, chatting with Applejack’s family, many question either relate to me or Spike and both of us answered as best as we could. Twilight sulked near a tree nearby while eating a few pies, pouting.

Welp, all I can say the food is A-Okay.

“Uuugh, I eat way too much,” I groaned as my stomach growled of how full it had been filled.

“I have to admit that it’s a really good pie,” Twilight said as she cast a spell to ease my suffering. I think I learned a lesson not to eat more no matter how good they are, guess I have to work on my self-restrained on Applejack’s pastries or any food as good as her.

“So Spike, who will we meet next?” I asked.

“The weather,” Spike said cheerfully. Don’t know why Spike can be so energetic after eating a lot of that pie, Dragon metabolism I suppose. “The pony in charge would be Rainbow Dash.”

Twilight looked up at the not cleared sky for the celebration, “Well whoever in charge aren’t doing their job properly.”

“LOOK OUT BELOW!”

I think I acted out of instinct, but the next thing I know is that I caught a cyan Pegasus with a rainbow mane on my vines just before she crashed into Twilight.

“H-hey, good catch, can you let me go now?” the cyan Pegasus said, slightly terrified and annoyed.

Blinking, the plunder vines slowly sink into the ground, releasing the cyan Pegasus although she’s somewhat slightly wary of me.

“I-I’m sorry, didn’t mean that,” I blurted out.

“Yeah, that is creepy although very cool.” The Pegasus shuddered. “Y-you’re eyes glowed green when I almost hit her… it was just really, really freaky. I thought something gonna happen there.”

“I’m guessing you’re Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said, hiding her scowl.

“The one and only,” Rainbow Dash stretch her wings, sounding a lot of confidence all of a sudden.

“Well, not only you’re not clearing the skies, but you tried to crash into somepony and accidentally make my sister unleashed her vines to protect me.” Twilight narrowed her eyes, clearly unhappy.

“Hey, it was all an accident. I was just practicing my tricks!” She then glared at me. “And what kind of magic is that!? Are you an evil enchantress trying to take over Ponyville!”

Oh when the last one I was just slightly irritated, now I’m pretty much mad and pissed off by her arrogant ass motherb- Okay, just calm down Twivine, everything’s fine. You don’t need to attract unnecessary attention and also the possibility of getting kicked out of Ponyville.

Taking a deep breath, I spoke out as calmly as possible. “We’re both from Canterlot to supervise the preparation for the celebration and I don’t see you exactly ‘preparing’ by clearing off the sky.”

The arrogant motherbu- I mean Rainbow Dash scoffed, “Hah, that is a piece of cake. I can clear it in ten seconds flat!”

My eyes twitched. Not only had she boldly claimed that statement, which ticked me off even more. Twilight manages to calm me down, she then turned to the rainbow maned Pegasus. “Well if you boldly claimed to be capable of doing such feat, then I would like you to prove it.”

“Fine then!” She took up to the sky, hovering a few feet off the ground. “Prepare to be amazed.” With a blur she took off, clearing the skies way faster than I anticipated. I underestimated her, but if she still on that arrogant side then she is anywhere but good at my first impression.

She flew past me as soon as she was done with the sky, which results in my mane being a mess. She hovered above ground before slowly descending, “See, what do I tell you. Ten. Seconds. Flat.”

“That is impressive, but does flying past Twivine necessary?” Spike asked, sounding exactly not too happy.

“Well, that is just a reminder for her not to mess with the fastest flier in Equestria if she ever decides to take over Ponyville in my watch.” Okay, that’s it, I’ve had it.

Where everyone least expected it, my vines immediately grow out of the grounds and immediately wrapped her full with only her head sticking without giving her any chance to react nor counter-act it by flying away. I could feel my eyes glowing as I glared at her. She cowered as the vines moved her wrapped body closer to me until we meet face to face.

“Not only you boldly claimed to be the fastest which I perhaps can tolerate, but accusing me of doing something I would NEVER DO!?”I said all but shout at the last one, my eyes glowed brighter green and I felt my mane flows like a wild current all over which makes the cyan Pegasus whimpered.

“Twivine, please calm down!” Twilight shouts pleadingly. Hearing my sister plea, I quickly dropped Rainbow Dash to the ground which then my vines slowly retracted to the ground alongside me returning to normal although my mane is still a mess, but I don’t care. Twilight sighed in relief as I calmed down but I was not done with her.

“If you just assume and keep your thoughts to your head, this wouldn’t happen. Instead, you immediately confront me and accuse me of doing something I would never intend of doing.” I scowled. “And for the record, that wasn’t an ordinary magic that you shouldn’t be messing with. Period.”

I ‘humphed as I left both Twilight and the arrogant-bitch called Rainbow Dash alone, muttering some curses along the way, Spike, however, waddled after me. “Stupid, sonnofa- Oh hi Spike,” I said nonchalantly.

“Twivine, I know you’re mad right now-“ I cut him off.

“Oh, I’m not mad, I’m furious!”

“Yeaaah, but do you have to go that far?”

I took a deep breath and exhaled, putting the earlier events in the back of my mind. “Look, let’s not talk about it. Whose next we should meet?”

Spike looked at the scroll, “The next one in charge of the decoration would be Rarity.”

Just as we about to head to where the pony in charge, Twilight galloped towards us to catch up. We stopped for her to reach us.

“She says *huff* that she’s extremely sorry about that *huff* she want to do anything to make it up,” Twilight said between her heavy breathing when she finally reached us.

I scowled, that incident suddenly reignited from the back of my mind. I huffed, “As long she keeps up with that arrogance of her, she can kiss my flank!”

Twilight glared at the usage of the swear words I used, especially this close to Spike, but he thankfully understands the situation and set it aside. The two of my siblings finally remembers why you shouldn’t piss me off.

I guess I can say that was cleared. Onto the next one then.

“Well here it is, the Carousel Boutique,” Spike said as we stood in front of what it seems like closely resembled a circus tent, of course, you don’t judge a book by its cover.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Twilight walked up and knocked on the door. I reluctantly walked up beside her with Spike riding on my back.

“Just a moment darling~” comes a sing-song voice from the inside.

Moments later, the door was opened revealing a white unicorn with a curled mane. I raised an eyebrow at her, Have I seen her before?

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique where-“She gasped as she looked at me. “-What in Equestria happen to your mane!”

“Oh, this? Earlier I encountered something unpleasant which I don’t want to talk about it.” I replied nonchalantly, she just gasped again.

“I can’t simply ignore a crime of beauty goes unanswered,” She immediately dragged me inside.

For about twenty minutes the fashionasta drags me into whatever she was doing, there was a lot of quick movement and before I know it, I was standing in front of a mirror. I wore a very much elegant light bluish dress with a star pattern all over it, and also my mane was styled.

I heard a snicker from beside me thus I turned to see both Twilight and Spike trying to hold off a laugh. They failed miserably.

“Oh my Celestia, that just suits you perfectly.” Rarity, I assumed, walked up beside me as she looked at me.

“Yeah, as much as I love what you did to me, can I get off from this?” I asked rather annoyed.

“Of course darling, I apologize for dragging you into my… sprees as you may say.” Rarity smiled sheepishly and teleported (?) the dress somewhere.

“So,” she began. “Whom do I have the pleasure of becoming an acquaintance with?”

Twilight trotted over us, introducing each one of us. “Ah, my name is Twilight Sparkle, this is Spike and the one you’re dressing up is my sister, Twivine.”

“Wait, did you say, Twilight?” Rarity asked curiously.

Twilight nods then continued. “Yes, that is true. We came from Canterlot to supervise the preparation for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

And again Rarity gasped, “Wait, you are the Twilight Sparkle do you?”

Both Twilight and I blinked, how did she know Twilight?

“Yeaaah? W-why do you ask?” Twilight asked nervously.

“Oooh, the Princess best protégé, not only capable to hatch a dragon while simultaneously created an exact copy of herself, she also well renowned for her beauty and even my Prince Charming tried to court her only to be stopped by her new sister. How could I not know Twilight Sparkle?” Rarity replied with the most dramatic fashion ever.

I raised an eyebrow, this is sorta creepy and wait… did she just say her Prince Charming? I decide to ask her, “Wait, did you mean Prince Blueblood?”

“Well of course darling,” Rarity nods and continued again. “He is not only the eligible bachelor of all of Equestria, he is the most charming, handsomest and-“ I stopped Rarity’s rambling because this is getting ridiculous.

“Ooookay, as much as I like to hear you fantasizing about your Prince Charming, but we’re kinda in a hurry, so how’s the decoration going?”

As much as she didn’t like getting cut off like that, she answered nonetheless. “Well, the decoration is doing well and I suspect it’ll finish early.”

“Great, if that’s the case we’re going to check on the other preparation, good day miss Rarity,” I said as I pushed both Twilight and Spike out of the Boutique without them having the chance to respond.

“You know Twivine, that was rather rude of you,” Twilight chided as we finally exited the building.

“Well, why don’t you try to get yourself dragged and being dressed as a doll?” I snarked.

“Touché, but I still am flattered that she knows of me and also about our date.” Twilight rolled her eyes, she then turned to Spike. “Who’s next then Spike?”

Spike… strangely in a daze or something, he immediately shook his head and looked at the scroll. “Next up is Fluttershy, she’s in charge of the music.”

“Alright, let’s get this over with,” I say quickly, taking on the lead.

I just hope the next one won’t go as bad. I didn’t invoke Murphy, did I?

After a few asking here and there and also a quick visit to the Mayor to get the key for the library, we headed to the outskirts of Ponyville, just at the edge of the notorious forest of the Everfree.

“Sheesh, what kind of pony would be making music near the edge of Everfree, aren’t it will attract any unwanted predators?” Spike shuddered at the thought.

“Well, why don’t you ask her?” I said as we neared just enough to hear somepony humming alongside the chirping of the birds.

“Umm, Mr. Cooth, could you please focus on the tone? You are a tiny bit went too high there.” The kind butter-yellow Pegasus said at the birds. She has pink mane and also a cutiemark of butterflies, and if I’m right, this should be the one called Fluttershy. And by her name alone, I’m kinda hoping her not that exactly shy, but depending on my past event, names could be the one to determined one’s personality.

“Excuse me,” Twilight stepped forward suddenly, I resisted the urge to facehoof but I stick it at my mind. The poor Pegasus jumped, turned around and immediately looks as if she just saw a ghost. She tried to hide behind her mane and sinks lower to the ground as Twilight walked closer, oblivious of her reaction.

“Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle,” She gestured for us to walk closer. I reluctantly stepped forward. “This is my sister, Twivine Sparkle.”

I don’t know if it was my eye that disturb her or she’s just really, really awkward when meeting somepony new. Kinda reminds me of Twilight without her confidence and her list of things to prepare.

“And your name would be?” Twilight asked.

“I’m…fluttershy,” the Pegasus whispered. Of course, she would be shy. It’s already marked on her name. I was kinda hoping it wouldn’t the case but eehh, I’ve seen way worse so far.

“I’m sorry, but could you repeat that?” Twilight obliviously asked again. I rolled my eyes as I stepped in.

“I apologize for our sudden intrusion Miss Fluttershy, I see that the music is coming along well thus we’ll leave you alone.” I turned around, “Let’s go everypony.”

However, an audible gasp from behind stops me, “A baby dragon!” I craned my neck to see Fluttershy suddenly petting Spike who was riding me the whole time. He purred, yes he purred like a cat as Fluttershy keep on cooing at him. “Who’s a good baby dragon, oh yes you are.”

The three of us giggled at Spike as he seems to be enjoying himself and as much as I love the adorable sight we must continue on our task.

“Hello, Miss Fluttershy, it seems you have taken an interest on Spike, my brother,” I said formally, smiling.

She glanced towards me. Her eyes immediately went wide as she looked at me more clearly, more precisely at my draconic eye. Twilight was quick to calm her down. “It’s okay, she’s just my sister and yes she has the same eye as a dragon but I assure you that she’s fine.”

“Thank you, Twilight. As I was saying,” by this point Fluttershy relaxed although slightly worried but she kept herself busy with Spike. “We’ve come to check on the music for the Summer Sun Celebration,”

She suddenly lit up as she heard it. “O-oh yes, the music is coming along just fine, but I’m afraid we have to do a couple of adjustments for every bird to synched perfectly.”

Both Twilight and I raised an eyebrow, she used birds? Twilight was the first to ask regarding the matter. “Excuse me, but did you say birds?”

“Oh yes,” she answered. “They were nice enough to help me organize a song for the celebration.”

“So, you can talk to animals?” Spike asked, genuinely curious.

“Oh, n-not exactly, they can understand me but I can’t understand them without any sort of body language, well, I can still make up what are they trying to say although vague.”

“Welp, I guess I can say that we have done our job well,” I said as I levitate Spike’s scroll and ticked the last box. “Let’s go back to the library and sort our things.”

“How many animals do you have to look after?”

“Well, there are too many animals to count and most of them never stayed long, but the one that stayed… I’ll say around two hundred, but I can’t say for sure.”

Spike and Fluttershy’s conversation stretch on throughout the journey with Twilight occasionally commented on some topic, I too joined in for quite a while but stayed out most of the time. Spike’s interest and curiosity about something is a sight to behold, for whatever reason I expect him to behave…different than what I’m seeing as we grow up. It was no wonder he picked up Shining’s love for comics and the game ‘Ogres & Oubliettes’.

Eventually, we’ve reached the Golden Oaks Library and… our stuff is nowhere. Maybe they already put it inside, but why it’s so dark? I looked at the sky, the sun’s setting in but it can’t be that dark. When Twilight about to open the door with the key, there’s something comes to mind.

“Wait, Fluttershy, do you know anypony that had poofy pink mare on this town?”

“Umm, the only pink poofy pony I know is Pinkie Pie, why?” As soon as she said that, her eyes widened. “Wait, don’t tell me you met her already?”

I shrugged, “If you count gasping in mid-air while defying gravity and then immediately ran off somewhere, then yes, I’ve met her.”

Fluttershy cringed, making me somewhat know about what happens next. “Well, let’s just say that she’s overly enthusiastic to the point she’ll throw you a party.”

“Well, that’s overly nice of her to throw us a party, but I think it’s time for us to-WAAAAAH!” Twilight jumped as a chorus of ‘Surprise’ mixed with balloons and streamer burst our ears simultaneously. I merely rolled my eyes as I glance up to Fluttershy.

“That is a nice foreshadowing there, Fluttershy.”

“Sorry,” She squeaked timidly.

The expected pink party pony finally appears before us. “Hey, my name is Pinkie Pie and I just thrown you a ‘welcome to Ponyville’ surprise party at first I have this feeling that somepony had arrived to Ponyville and I start looking for them and when I see you I was *GAAASSP* and I immediately planned a party just only to welcome the both of you, so, so were you surprise, huh huh?”

Twilight, getting overwhelmed of how fast Pinkie can talk, couldn’t get her head around her thus her mind grinds a little bit more to process it, oh nevermind, Twilight.exe has stopped working guess I’ll go and help her reboot.

“While it is very nice of you to-“ Pinkie cut me short before I got the chance to finish.

“And you must be Twivine, Twilight’s twin little sister, well sister after she manages to magically create you out of thin air and somehow enlarged Spike here and also manage to turn her Parents to a cactus after a magical surge because of the sonic Rainboom ~which we all get our cutiemark afterward ~ but then the Princess stops it and so here you are as Twilight’s evil twin sister!”

I don’t know if my jaw-dropping is a sign of awe because Pinkie somehow knew my origin or is it because I’m too stunned to say anything because this is Pinkie we’re talking about. There is an unspoken rule which dictates that ‘if all methods of proving something failed from either logical or scientific means, then it’s because of magic, you just don’t question it’. In this case, Pinkie both magical and un-logical to able to explain things she’d done, this will save me from the headache I’ll get because of her.

Shaking my head, I finally regained my composure. “I’m not going to ask of how you knew but I’ll pretend I just told you my story.” I looked at Twilight who stills trying to reboot and all attempts failed. Walking over, I shook her body rapidly and slapped her, lightly mind you. That’ll it takes as Twilight blinked and looked at me. “Are you awake now?” I manage to ask.

Twilight looked back and forth between me and the pink demon, “How did she?”

“Rule number six Twilight, remember that and you’ll be okay,” I said as I turned to enjoy the party.

Just as I headed to the table where the punch was, Pinkie suddenly appeared above me. “Hey, Viney, what’s rule six?”

I flinched at the unexpected appearance but I manage to regain composure and answered, “It’s a little rule when both Twilight and I doing a study about something and Rule six is a rule when all else fails, its magical elements are too unpredictable and chaotic to the point it can’t be explained through normal means.”

“And that applies to me?” Pinkie curiously asked.

“Yes,” I said plainly.

Pinkie then makes ‘hmm’ sound, her face was all serious, and then she was smiling again. “Okie dokie lokey!” She disappeared to…I don’t know do I have to ask?

We’re at the Townhall, waiting for the Princess to begin the celebration. Twilight had runoff… somewhere and Spike are with the foals and happily chatting with them. The Mayor does the opening act and yada-yada, I’m not paying attention. I glanced up to the window and saw the moon and I immediately frowned in confusion. That is strange, since when the moon didn’t-

My thoughts were cut short as I heard a collective gasp from the crowd when Rarity said: “She’s gone!”

Looking back to the stage where the Princess should’ve been, I trotted to the nearest guard who was also equally confused as everypony. “Hey, what’s going on, I thought the Princess should be here.”

The guard flinched as he looked at me, he said something incoherent and I groaned as I realized who this is. “Goddess damnit Silver, this is not the time!”

Silver Sky cleared his throat, his guard training finally returning him to his senses. Is he sick or something, his cheeks were all red and sweating. “I’m sorry earlier, but uhh, this never happened before.”

I rolled my eyes, “Well, of course, this never happened genius, but what happened? Does the Princess say something before her disappearance?”

“Well that just it, she never said anything,” Silver said plainly.

Groaning, I turned back to look at the stage just in time as purple mist started to emerged from who knows where. From the mist, an Alicorn walked out of it and smiled wickedly.

“Oh my little subjects, it has been so long since I saw your sun-loving faces.”

Rainbow Dash flies up and pointed her forelegs at the black Alicorn, “What have you done to the Princess?”

The Alicorn had that dejected mocking smile of her that gives me the creeps. “Am I truly that forgotten? Pity, here I thought many will recognize me as royalty as I have been imprisoned for a thousand years.”

Twilight suddenly spoke up, “I know who you are, you’re Nightmare Moon! I have seen the signs of your return.”

The Alicorn turned to my sister, smiling. “Ah, so I am not truly forgotten, then you know why I am here?”

This time, Twilight hesitated. “Y-you’re here to… bring an eternal night.”

The Alicorn chuckled, “You all will remember this day, as it was the last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!” The Alicorn laughed which resulted in many of the crowd whimpering, frightened.

“Not if I can kick your flank first!” Rainbow Dash suddenly said, flying straight at her and my reaction was to immediately facehooved.

“Well, a hero appeared, but you are far too late to rescue everypony as you will die.” The Alicorn’s summoned what appeared to be a solidified form of the mist and bashed Rainbow Dash across the Town Hall but before she could even hit the wall, vines sprouted catching her midair.

Everypony inside was utterly confused safe from Spike, Twilight and Silver Sky as they know what my power is. I walked out to the open as my vines slowly descend the unconscious cyan mare and Fluttershy immediately flew over to check on her. “Well, as much is that really-really intriguing, but I’m afraid your plan will fail in three to four months.”

The Alicorn raised its eyebrows, “And who is this, another pony who dares to defy me?”

I shook my head, “No, not defying… I’m stating facts. If you manage to make the night eternal, then surely the plants will wither and die because they have no sunlight to grow and please for the love of harmony, enough with the ignorance, every creature knows that we need sunlight to survive. You need at least a hundred years or so for the creature to adapt and evolve of your precious night and by this point, the land is already frozen over because of this stupid plan.

I have the reason that you haven’t counsel this with your advisor or somepony to help you managing a nation, plus I’m sure the Royal Guards will attempt to resist because they have an oath to follow and a guard does not simply break them. I’m seeing no army to take the Royal Guards on, so this plan is already doomed from the start, so, well done.”

I clapped my hooves sarcastically as I finished my speech.

Everyone stared at me which makes me nervous, “What?” I finally said. “It’ll make sense if you think about it.”

The Alicorn eyes twitched, anger and hatred seems to be directed right at me for spoiling her plan. “How dare you question me, you will pay for your insolence!”

My eyes widened as the mist solidified to a spear-like and then it was launched at me. For a moment… I saw blood. Strangely enough, however, I didn’t feel anything but a wince from my face, I could only hear a muffled scream and shouts.

I opened my eyes, and my first sight was at the solidified mist that turned into spear, its tip is stained with blood, I don’t know who but I don't think it was mine. Strangely. I soon realized that something was on top of me, turning my snout was face to face to a white Pegasus snout that I recognized.

It took me a moment to realize what had transpired, my eyes widening. “SILVER!”

Said Pegasus guard merely grinned goofily, but behind that grin was a pained expression. I looked at his forelegs, and I was horrified to see his injured foreleg, his injury was severe as something just tore through his skin effortlessly, but thankfully it was just a scratch on his leg not through.

I just stared with my mouth agape, too shocked to say anything. Silver Sky simply wave with his wing, “Don’t worry, it’s just a flesh wound I’ll live.”

“FLESH WOUND?!” I roared as he gets off me because of my sudden outcry. I stood up with rage boiling steam, “YOU JUST GOT YOUR LEGS ALMOST TORN APART!”

“It wasn’t that bad,” He squeaked.

“IT WAS THAT BAD! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?” I felt my horn shimmered and my magical aura began enveloping his injured leg, sending a wave of healing spell. This kind of spell is dangerous if you don’t know the anatomy and nerve system on a pony, but thankfully the lesson in biology comes in handy on this kind of situation cause I know what I’m doing…probably.

“Twivine, are you okay!?” Twilight comes barging in trying to slip through the panicked crowd.

I nodded as I wiped the sweat off my forehead, spell-like that is quite taxing on my concentration but at least I manage to stop most of the bleeding. “Yeah, but this idiot almost got himself killed.” I summoned a bandage out of my pocket void and starts wrapping his wound. You know the kinda pocket you can teleport stuff in it and can be summoned whenever and wherever you like? Called aether or something, couldn’t recall.

“I’m fine geez, I think you should worry more about Nightmare Moon,” Silver Sky said with a roll of his eyes and attempt to stand back on all four.

“Exactly, we have to hurry and try to find a way to stop her. I’ll meet you back in the library!” Twilight immediately ran off, soon afterward, the five ponies we met earlier followed after. I merely nodded and continue bandaging Silver’s wound.

“There,” I said as I’m done wrapping his injury. “Don’t strain yourself and for the love of Celestia, do something with this crowd.” I gestured at the screaming masses of pony, running around the Town Hall while the guards tried desperately to calm them.

“I’ll take care of it, you go after your sister, now go!” Silver Sky commanded, I nodded and make my way out this blob of ponies but before I even took a step, Silver called out my name, I’d turn to see him smiling.

“Good luck.”

With his word, I galloped off to catch up with Twilight and the five ponies.

I panted as the Library finally on view, I switch from full-on gallop to a slow canter, Celestia know that both of us physical exercise is almost non-existent and four-minute of full gallop is enough to feel like I was walking for five miles without water.

I’ve regained my breath as I approached the Library’s door and just in time to hear the five ponies shouts, “The Everfree Forest!?”

Wrapping the handle with my magic, I opened the door to see Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Fluttershy and somehow I feel that ‘de ja vu’ vibe. I know that I’ve seen this before but where?

“Twivine, great timing, c’mon we’re going to chase after Nightmare Moon!” Twilight starts to drag me out of the Library. Just yank me off from the front door with her levitation.

“Whoa whoa, wait on a minute, can you brief me of what in the buck is going on?” I asked while upside down due to her levitation focused more on my rear, like come on my kink is not into that.

“Remember the letter I’ve sent the Princess and about the-“ I put a hoof on her mouth.

“I know that, but what’s with we going to the spooky forest?”

Twilight moved my hooves off her mouth with a simple levitation, “The Elements of Harmony! We need to find the Elements to defeat Nightmare Moon and bring back Princess Celestia.”

“Okay, do you have any idea where should we look then?” I asked, not too happy at her plan as I felt like it’ll go wrong somewhere along the way.

“In an old castle deep within the forest, now come on!” Twilight starts to drag me again, still in her levitation.

“Fine fine, hold your horses… and will you put me down already!”

Twilight chuckled sheepishly as she put me down not too subtly, I grumbled as I stood back in all four and starts following her.

The two of us followed along the path, walking cautiously for any traps or dangers that could put our lives at stake, except timber-wolves, they’ll just a piece of nuisance and stood no chance against my vines. Two dared to reveal themselves baring their teeth only to get wrecked by my vines that sprouted below their legs and wrapped them before crushing them to bits.

Twilight could stare with mouth hanging open as the vine retracted back to the ground, I maaaayy smiled too innocently there.

We continued deeper into the forest, my ears perked up at a sudden noise of a broken branch. With a roar, manticore leaped out of the bush in front of us baring its teeth. We both screamed and huddled in together as the manticore swept its claw at us.

“YEEEHAAW!” Comes the familiar voice of Applejack, she throws her lasso right at the Manticore’s neck and pulled it back. The manticore roared as the claw barely scratch us, a sudden cyan blur hit the manticore right at the back of its head resulting it roared in anger.

“Come and get some you overgrown cat!” Rainbow Dash taunted with her hoof up.

The manticore growled at the newcomer and attempt to yank Rainbow off the sky but unable too since the combined effort of Applejack, Rarity, and strangely Pinkie pulling the manticore. Wait a second, did they want to fricking suffocate the manticore to death?! The manticore’s limb flailed in the sky as it tried to overpower the group of mares that tries to strangle him. Luckily enough for the manticore, it manage to released itself from the attempted strangling as it succeed at overpowering them, launching them to the sky before dropping down to the ground while taking Rainbow with them as well.

Before the manticore even thinks of swinging its claw or impaling the group of mares with its stinger, Twilight fired a bolt at the back of its head and once again the manticore roared. The manticore turned to face the two of us, growled maliciously as it stared at us.

“WAAAAIIT!!” Fluttershy suddenly cried out, launching herself between the manticore and the two of us.

All of us sans Pinkie ~whom the latter just giggled~ have our mouths agape when Fluttershy talked to it, then pulled out a branch out of its feet before being licked. Fluttershy then patted the manticore who in returned nuzzled at the yellow Pegasus before it ran off somewhere, vanishing amidst the trees.

Twilight has the widest among all of us as she asks Fluttershy, “HOW!?”

Fluttershy just smiled weakly, “Oh, it doesn’t hurt if we show a little kindness.”

All seven of us continued on our journey, much to Twilight displeasure. The five mares insisted to help us tackle whatever Nightmare Moon might throw at us just to stop us down. At first, Twilight was stubborn and refused any help from the five, but then relented when I stepped in and side with them.

Grudges aside, I can’t help but to feel like…being avoided. Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow were chatting among themselves with Twilight yet again occasionally chimed in. Fluttershy just being Fluttershy and avoided any sort of interaction, Applejack, however, she’s just obviously avoiding me. She kept her distance, avoiding all eye contact, and seemingly worried over something.

I really didn’t like that at all, with all the stuff that happened in the past, I can’t help but to ask her directly. Maybe if I talk to her and ask what was the problem with me then she might be more accepting.

“Hey, Applejack, you’re alright?” I asked suddenly.

Applejack flinched, “W-what do ya mean sugarcube?”

“Well,” I started. “The fact that you tried to avoid me for no exact reason, I can’t help but to ask.” Applejack winced as soon as I finish.

Applejack sighed, “Look sugarcube, Ah know that Ah don’t have any reason ta avoid ya but Ah feel like to fer some reason.”

“You worried about nothing but avoid me anyway?” I repeated, raising a brow.

“Didn’t mean it like that, jus’…” She sighed. “Look, Ah’m sorry fer makin’ ya feel a bit out ta place, but Ah really didn’t mean it, it jus’ that feelin’ of danger especially that eye of yers.”

I rolled my eyes as I heard her statement, at this point, it was already normal for ponies to think that I’m a ‘danger’ and how many times do I’ve heard it? Too b*cking much…

“It’s alright, AJ, thanks for being honest about it,” I smiled.

“Yer too kind, Twivine,” Applejack returned the smile.

“Hey, isn’t that a good friend would do?”

“Eeyup, yer very much right.”

The seven of us walked through the forest after a session of laugh from Pinkie when the forest somehow turned scary for some reason or another, I blame Nightmare Moon. But we’ve got past on that and returned to our journey, and not long until we have to stop because the River can’t be crossed due to the raging current.

“Now what do we do?” Twilight exclaimed. Rainbow Dash then flew up in front of her, clearing her throat. “Oh, right,” She smiled sheepishly.

“Alright, everypony gather around, I’m going to fly each of you.” Rainbow Dash commanded and immediately the others went into a line. “Flutters, why are you in the line, you can fly for Celestia's sake.”

The yellow Pegasus timidly walked out of the line saying “Sorry” over and over. Just as Rainbow Dash lifted the first pony, Steven Magnet comes out the river crying. Whoa whoa, wait, where did that come from? Shaking my head from the incoming headache, I decide not to voice out this eerie feeling of familiarity, like I feel like having known of this somewhere but I couldn’t get my hooves on it.

Rarity stepped in asking what seems to be the problem for the Sea Serpent and turns out his mustache had been cut from a passing purple mist, talk about Nightmare Moon trying to stop us but failed.

Rainbow Dash frowned, “Seriously, that was the problem?”

“Tah be honest though, Ah don’t see what’s wrong with ya’ll look like, it’s fine by me.” Applejack shrugged.

“Oh please darling don’t be so inconsiderate, just look at him, he’s hideous without his mustache when his scale, his mane and his manicure seemingly outdo those around him.” Rarity said, pointing out the following by order.

Steven Magnet sniffed as he wailed dramatically, “Oh please tell me about it, I can’t stand how hideous I am.”

“I cannot let this crime of fabulosity go unanswered.” Rarity trotted to the Sea Serpent and proceeds to tear off one of the Serpent’s scale.

“Ouch, why did you do that for?” It was soon answered by Rarity cutting her tail, then levitating it to where the cut was and attach it to the Serpent’s mustache. “Ohohoh, how wonderful!” Steven gleefully exclaimed at his new mustache.

Twilight trotted to Rarity, concerned, “Oh Rarity, your tail…”

“It’s alright darling, short tails are in season. Besides they’ll grow back to their original sizes,” Rarity said with a reassuring smile.

“And so did the mustache,” Rainbow Dash grumbled but her complaint fell in deaf ears.

And just like that, the river was no longer uncrossable as the current slowed down and calm once more. “Look, girls, we can cross the river now,” Twilight exclaimed, immediately crossing the river but stopped by Steven.

“Allow me,” He lets himself to be a temporary bridge to the other side. We excitedly use the scaly bridge and crossed to the other side.

Just as we said our goodbyes to the kind Serpent, a thought crossed my mind and then my eyes widened as I’ve come to a realization. This is where Twilight and the others will get the elements and defeat Nightmare Moon and turning her back to Luna, but this where it comes complicated; what will happen if I was in there, does the Element suddenly come up with the seventh element? I started to panic but immediately calm myself. Even if it does happen, I reckon nothing would change because the more they change the more they stay the same or so as they say. Right? I mean, what would I represent as?

My internal struggle was cut short when Twilight was suddenly in front of me. I let out a yelp as I almost hit her muzzle. Twilight looked at me with a worry on her face, “Twivine, are you okay, you’ve just spaced out for at least three and a half minute. What happened?”

I just grinned nervously, “N-nothing, I just remembered something.” Twilight merely looked at me, unconvinced. Come on, find something to distract her. “Oh look, the bridge is out!” I pointed out to the bridge that had been cut off up ahead and it worked. Twilight snapped towards that direction and trotted there, with the six of us in tow.

All seven of us approached the broken-down bridge that supposedly connects between the castle and the forest. “That is a looooong way down!” Pinkie remarked as she casually look down to the bottom that is obstructed by a thick fog.

“Well either we could transport everypony there, or somepony get down there and attach the bridge back,” I say, half commanding. half suggesting.

“Don’t worry, I got this,” Rainbow Dash flew to the fog. Moments later, she reappeared with the remnant of the bridge on her mouth and after a brief wave at us, she flew towards the other side. However, the fog seemingly thickens to the point we couldn’t see the brash rainbow Pegasus.

“Oh I hope Dash’s okay,” Fluttershy muttered timidly.

Rarity pats Fluttershy’s shoulder, “Oh don’t worry darling, I’m sure Rainbow Dash is just going to be-“ The bridge suddenly went down without a single trace of the Rainbow mane Pegasus, “-fine.”

We all blinked of what just happened and Applejack is the first to spoke up. “Uuh, what just happen?”

“DASH!” Fluttershy tried to fly after Rainbow Dash into the fog but was held by both Rarity and Twilight magic.

Fluttershy could only sob as her best friend's fate went unknown, then suddenly a thought occurred that make me want to facehooved from not thinking about it earlier. I summoned my vines to create a makeshift bridge just beside the bridge itself, I make sure the thorns wouldn’t be in the way by making some sort of a platform for us to walk on.

“Why didn’t I think of this earlier?” I loudly mused, ignoring all of shocked stares and mouth agape and started to cross the bridge to the other side.

Okay, to be frank, I didn’t expect Rainbow Dash being restrained by Nightmare Moon after Dash beat up the Shadow Bolt. Moreover, I also didn’t expect to be foalnapped by Nightmare Moon and guess who’s right beside me? Yes, Friking, Princess Celestia herself and currently we watched the event playing out from somewhere in a pocket dimension or other shit that Nightmare Moon put us into.

“So uh,” I coughed, trying to get some kind of conversation to pass the time. “How’s the plan coming along by the way?”

Wow, that sounded close to sarcasm. I swear it played out differently in my head.

10 Minutes earlier…

“Ah, so Celestia protégé finally comes, at last, tell me little filly. Where is the rest of your friend?” Nightmare Moon said coldly, firming her magic on Dash’s restrains on which made her grunt in pain.

I tilt my head, deadpanning. “The latter is on the other side with their mouth wide from my vine’s capabilities, but if you haven’t yet realized that I am nowhere near the same coloration of my twin, and also the fact that I had the same dragon slit eye like you. Then I guess you’re just either blind or worst.”

Of course, I have might be too snarky there but come on! Everypony knows twin could always be distinguished based on their coloration and/or personality, but I think I might be exaggerating on that.

Nightmare Moon blinked then frowned, “Our utmost of apology, but I really can’t tell nor distinguish between the two of you.”

I facehooved, “Really, out of all ponies to…” I groaned as I put up a fighting stance, you know, that one stance that looks like a mage or a spellcaster casting up spells like the one in Harry Potter? Except instead of hands, you got yourselves a horn pointing at the- Okay I think you get the picture.

Nightmare, surprisingly, trotted to me till she leaned her head down to an eye level of me. I had to resist the urge to bite the horse and threw her off the cliff and be done with it, but then I yeet that out of the window since I know Nightmare Moon can turn into purple dust and flew off.

“My little pony, tell me, why a nightmare force such as yourself sided with these sun-loving ponies when you can rule Equestria alongside my stead?” Nightmare Moon asked calmly, not a single trace of hostility is found on the tone. Of course, that made me wary but I stand firm and play her game for now.

“Because, one, it’s boring to rule an empire and lastly, it is because my friend you’re dealing with!” Nightmare Moon stepped back as my eye turned white as I channel my magic to my horn and also at the same time, summoning my vines that seemed ready to back me up.

“Say hello to my little frie-“

I suddenly found myself somewhere in a starry filled void. At first, I thought that I was teleported straight to the fricking Milky Way Galaxy, but then I noticed Celestia staring at me with some sort of a displaying view at the side.

I merely waved my hooves nervously.

Present time…

“To be honest, I do not expect you to follow along Twilight alongside the bearer to the forest in search of the Elements, but it seems that no matter where Twilight goes, you followed.” Princess Celestia calmly sips on her tea that somehow appeared out of nowhere while still watching through the viewing display.

“Well, I know Twilight could get a lot of trouble –and that includes me as well– but seriously why are you so calm about this, I know that you went into some kind of a fight with your sister that results in you being severely drained or exhausted. Why though?” I asked, clearly confused by all this. Not mentioning my knowledge on some fanfiction regarding how Celestia gets captured and/or imprisoned in the first place.

“Well, certainly I can’t deny how much that you know about me and my sister,” Celestia calmly said. Even so, it’s enough for me to freeze completely at the statement. She then glances at me with a neutral expression, “Ah, so I was right then?”

Umm…whoops?

I nervously rubbed the back of my neck, “It is kinda obvious really. The story said that when the two sisters ruled, the younger one blah-blah things like that, we know the story. And since you’re the only Alicorn besides Cadence who lived long enough, I got this feeling that you two might be related.”

Smooth Twivine, very smooth indeed.

The Solar Princess thought for a moment before finally speaking up, “That does... kind of obvious. Sharp as always I see,” Princess Celestia mused, half teasing.

I blushed at her praise. I cleared my throat in an attempt to focus the topic elsewhere, “Well, if you ignore the slightest of detail in history, you might interpret them wrong.”

The Princess nodded sagely on my wisdom-filled words, “Indeed, but I have my reasons for that part of history left falsely interpreted.”

Suddenly, I have the urge to just smack some sense into the solar Princess, her self-doubt irritate me. I sighed, “Whatever happens in the past, stays in the past.”

And that remark left us with an absolute silence as the two of us watched the events played out.

After the bright flash, Twilight and the others woke up with a pained groan after unleashing the Elements at Nightmare Moon. Twilight's first instinct was to find her sister and so she did. Twilight frantically looked around the damaged throne room where she and Nightmare Moon went into a little skirmish. Even so, Twilight couldn’t find a trace of where Nightmare Moon would put her prisoner. The five companions looked at each other with concern as Twilight continued her futile effort of finding her sister.

Twilight, realizing that she couldn’t find anything starts to slow down and finally, her dam burst and her tears flow freely out of her cheeks. The Throne room was silence but the sobbing of the lavender unicorn, the five ponies trotted next to Twilight and start comforting her.

“Ah’m mighty sorry fer yer loss, Twilight…” Applejack said, hugging the sobbing unicorn.

Rainbow Dash launched her hooves in the sky, shouting, “It’s entirely my fault!”

“But Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy tries to interject but Rainbow Dash was stubborn and shook her head at Fluttershy.

“No, it was all my fault, if I was fast on defeating those guys and put the bridge up, maybe Twivine would be here.”

“It is not your fault, Bearer of Loyalty,” the voice interrupted, making itself known with a brilliant light as the moon was lowered at the same time as the sun being raised. Every single pony in the room had to shield their eyes from the bright light, Twilight manages to make out two forms coming out from the light. The Light dissipated revealing the Princess of the Sun and

“TWIVINE!” Twilight shouted, lunging towards her LSBFF and hugged her.

Twivine merely smiled as she returns the embrace, stroking her BSBFF mane. “Hey, Twilight, I’m back.”

Twilight broke the hug, “Don’t you ever disappear like that again.” She then returns to her little sister warm embrace.

“It is great to see you once again my students.” Princess Celestia makes herself known to Twilight which the latter immediately broke the hug and stared up at the Princess, smiling.

“It’s good to see you again, Princess.”

“Yer Highness,” Applejack was the first one to bow to their monarch, the rest followed suit soon after.

Princess Celestia turned towards the five bearers with her usual serene smile, “Raise, bearer of the Elements. You all had done well.” She then turned towards the twin sisters, “As of for the two of you, I cannot tell how proud I am. I just knew you two are the key to unlock the power of the Elements and defeat Nightmare Moon.”

“B-but, didn’t you said in your letters that Nightmare Moon was just an old tale?” Twilight asked.

“I only write to go and make some friends, and you accomplish more than just that,” Princess Celestia said with her motherly smile. She turned to Twivine, but with an unreadable expression that Twilight nor did the rest of the five ponies could get a hold for. It is somewhere along curiosity or something else. She continued nonetheless.

“Despite so, it seems that your sister here that perhaps pushed you on letting the magic of friendship to finally unlock you the key to eventually defeat Nightmare Moon.” There was a pregnant pause before the wreckage where Nightmare Moon once stood shook.

“If some also let one through the hatred and anger of their heart,” Princess Celestia finally said as she trotted over to the wreckage.

All of the mares excluding Twivine let out a collective gasp, in the wreckage, it wasn’t Nightmare Moon but instead a midnight bluish Alicorn with a light blue mane trapped in a large block of stone. The Alicorn gasped, as her conscious finally returning, her eyes whirled towards the towering Solar Princess, widening as she saw Princess Celestia lift the stone block with her magic and walked up to her.

“It has been a millennia sister and I know anything that had happened between us cannot be forgotten, but will you accept my friendship and return to where we supposed to be?” Princess Celestia offered her hooves to the smaller Alicorn.

“You know it sort of had a double meaning if you put it that way, yes?” Twinvine suddenly said which earns her another collective gasp from the six mares.

“Twivine, you can’t say that!” Twilight said, a little bit of shouting on her part. She turned towards her mentor and grinned nervously, “Ehehe, you know how Twivine goes, Princess, she can throw her remark casually without even thinking.”

“Twivine does quite right on that one Twilight,” Princess Celestia said, helping the smaller Alicorn back on her hooves albeit struggling to do so.

Twilight turned pale, she then glanced back and forth between her mentor and Twivine, who unusually calm regarding the matter. “B-but-“ Twilight tried to make a counter-argument but having none, left her stuttering.

The older Alicorn turned to the younger Alicorn, her head sunk low almost up level to the midnight Alicorn. “It is foolish of me to think that we may reconcile that easily but after what you have gone through, a simple hug wouldn’t make up of what I’ve done in the past. It is also foolish of me to even beg for your forgiveness, I know what I’ve done cannot be forgiven in your part, and-“

Whatever the Solar Princess was about to say, it was cut short by the midnight Alicorn hugging her. This left her stunned as the two hugged in absolute silence, the others haven’t had a clue of what to do with the Royals in front of them.

“Okay, as much as I don’t like ruining the moment, but don’t we have a celebration to attend to?” Twivine finally broke the awkward silence.

The two Alicorns reluctantly let go of their embrace, Celestia realized that her coat was slightly damped and a glance towards the younger Alicorn is enough for her to see how much her little sister was hurting and Celestia hated her past-self for letting herself blinded by the praise of others.

What happens in the past, stays in the past. That word swirled around the Princess’s mind repeatedly. Twivine is right, I shouldn’t stay in the past any longer, Princess Celestia takes a deep breath to calm herself, completely unaware of the stares from all eight ponies in the room. Upon realizing it, Celestia cleared her throat as she returns to her usual calm mask.

“Yes, we do have a celebration to attend.”

Author's Note

EDITS[3/11/2019]:
-Grammatical error fixes (Minor)
-Scene transition to 2nd Part (Major)

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Ticket Trouble

I opened my eyes to stare at the wooden ceiling of the tree library with a searing headache. I grunted as I sat up, feeling my mouth dry and my eyes struggling to stay up. Overall, I feel like shit... I don’t remember much of the celebration except when Princess Celestia decided that the two of us can stay in Ponyville and continue on our study with Spike as our message carrier. And after that, all I remember is having lots of fruit punch. Or maybe cider, hell, I don’t know anymore.

I yawned loudly, scooting out of the bed and head to the door. And, strangely enough, no scent of food or something that Spike usually make. A glance at the clock revealed that it was five o’clock in the morning. Well, yesterday is hectic and if I remember correctly, it was somewhere in the afternoon after the return of Princess Luna. Speaking of Luna, she coped up quite well with the Ponyville populace, and in fact, she was happy to be accepted again.

I head out to the bathroom downstairs, and one thing that I forgot about the tree library was it wasn’t small as I expected. Probably because I haven’t gone inside yet since I got yanked by Twilight before I got a chance to.

After doing the morning routine, and walking around on the library on the first floor, checking out the books contained in the shelves. Some of them I already read alongside Twilight or I was uninterested at it. So here I am, awake at four o’clock in the morning with nothing to do. Oh and also with this headache. What a start of a very lovely day indeed.

I walked back to my room, the headache still pounding my head but at least its dulled somewhat. I scrunched my muzzle in an attempt to remember what happened yesterday after the group teleported back to Ponyville – thanks to the Princess – and I know for certain that Pinkie manages to pull a party afterward. The only problem is that I don’t remember anything after that, the memory was blurry and any attempt to try to pry out the memory only increases my headache.

With nothing to do, I head out back to the library, onto Section D, first column, third row of the shelves and grabbed a Daring Do book to pass the time. Of course, I did read it a bunch of times myself or with Twilight, but hey, one’s need to pass time right?

Once I’ve opened the first page of the chapter, I was soon lost in my world.

Twilight woke up with a yawn, stretching all of her limbs like a cat would. The events that happened yesterday are enough to make Twilight exhausted enough. Briefly looking towards the clock, Twilight had to wonder why Twivine hadn’t woke her up yet as it was already past nine o’clock and her LSBFF didn’t even bother to wake her up. But Twilight isn’t complaining. Maybe Twivine is still asleep therefore doesn’t have time to wake her up, Twivine may have a different personality than Twilight, but she almost in every way similar in terms of habits.

Hopping off the bed, Twilight made her way out of the door when she smelt something burning. Twilight eyes widened as she quickly opened the door and rushed downstairs into the kitchen. Upon arriving there, she blinked and unsure of herself on what’s happening there in the kitchen. There was smoke coming out of the stove with a disheveled Twivine in front of it. Twivine’s coat was a little bit charred, and there are a few ashes on the floor but nothing major, a plate filled with ash and smokes were held by Twivine’s magic.

“Twivine…what are you doing?” Twilight finally asked after a few moments.

“Making breakfast?” Twivine answered with a nervous grin.

Twilight sighed, facehooving, “Okay, what exactly are you doing specifically?”

“I’m making pancakes, but I was too cope up with reading that I didn’t realize it was half-past nine already, and with Spike’s still asleep, I decide to try to make one.” Twivine then levitates a cookbook. “Followed the recipe and everything, but I think I may have overcompensated.”

“And that is?”

“I set the heat at 220 degrees Celsius, but then compensate it by setting it to 400 degrees so I can serve it before any of you woke up. But I suppose that was not the case.”

“Let me see the recipe,” Twilight approached, picking the cookbook out of Twivine’s grasp and proceed to read it. Twilight frowned before looking up from the book, “Twivine, you should’ve multiply it by two and then adjust the temperature accordingly to have an optimal servings condition!”

“I did just that! I may have probably overcompensated somewhere.”

“Alright, let’s go back to the beginning and work our way towards-“

The sound of Spike clearing his throat broke them out of their debate, the two turned to see the little green dragon staring at them with his arms crossed, unamused. “This is why I’m cooking in the first place.”

With breakfast done, Twilight and I decide to rearrange the library while Spike cleans up the kitchen. Whoever organized the library before doesn’t know systematical arrangement by alphabets, so the two of us reorganized almost everything in the library. Of course, they were no match against the Twin book-nerds, and soon the books are all organized back to where they supposed too.

Twilight levitate the list she was making and ticked the very first box, I looked around to see if there is any books I may have missed. I nodded to myself, satisfied. We’ve done our chores quite earlier than I thought, of course, this library wasn’t exactly as big as we had back in Canterlot, but it is a nice set of pace for a new environment.

“Okay that’s everything,” Twilight said as she’d ticked the second and the third box on the scroll. “What else should we do, hmm..?” She placed a hoof on her chin, pondering.

“Twilight, I’m heading out!” I shouted, heading to the door.

Twilight whirled her head towards me with a confused frown, “Huh, where are you going?”

“I’m going to check out what’s in the town; you can come if you want to. Besides, there isn’t exactly anything to do other than that magical research you’ve been going on about.”

“Hey Twivine, can I come with you?” Spike called out. Moments later, he walked out of the kitchen. He has this hopeful and pleading look of his as he stare up to me, and I just can’t say no when he’s like that. I suppose I’ll have Spike to mark out the landmarks the town had to offer.

“Okay yeah, sure Spike, you can come with me,” I replied with a smile.

“But I need Spike to-“

Whatever Twilight was about to say, it was abruptly cut off by me loudly slamming the door with Spike on my magic. “Thanks, Twivine,” Spike said, smiling.

“You helped us a lot,” I said with a smile. “Don’t you think it’s the time for you to have a little break?”

Spike shrugs, “To be honest, I’m just curious about the town that’s all.”

“And so do I,” I replied.

The two of us trot/walk towards the town center because it’ll be easier for us to pinpoint places from there and other landmarks, basically getting to know the road first before heading anywhere else. We passed through Sugarcube Corner and I still haven’t got used to how literal the place is. It probably because of their unique way of telling out ‘Hey, we bake pastries and cakes here’, and of course that if the cupcake sign isn’t of any indication whatsoever.

“Hey, what’s that? It looked delicious,” Spike said, drooling at the sight of the ginger-house.

“I believe that’s Sugarcube Corner, I think they made pastries and stuff,” I explained, refraining myself to state that it was one particular hyperactive pink party pony.

“Do you think they sell with gem sprinkles on?” Spike asked with a hopeful look.

I chuckled, patting his head, “No Spike, I don’t think so, but we can grab a bite or two on our way back to the library.”

Spike looked a little saddened for a moment, but quickly cheered after the mention of food, “Really? Okay then.”

The two of us continue our way towards the town center, exchanging greeting and wave from the local ponies. I already seen them from the earlier welcome party and the celebration, but I didn’t catch their names, unfortunately. Approaching the town center, I saw a lot of activity; it seems like the town center acted as a market area too. I saw Applejack’s stand selling apples, as to be expected though. I think I saw Fluttershy flying out with a bag of some sort, probably food bags for her pets.

“Well, howdy-do there, Twivine!” Applejack called out, waving towards us. Spike waved back as the two of us approach her stand.

“Hey there Applejack, how are you,” I greeted casually.

“Mite fine mahself, and hello ta ya too, Spike.”

“Hey there Applejack, what are you selling?” Spike said as he leaned forward to see what Applejack stand has in store.

While Applejack is left explaining to Spike what type of Apple she had, I looked around the market, just observing what other ponies have in their stalls. I heard a gust of wind above me, looking up I saw a rainbow trail and of course, I know the only Pegasus with a rainbow trail around here.

“Heya Twivy!” Pinkie suddenly popped in front of me, which of course had me jumped out of fright.

“Pinkie!” I scolded after I manage to compose myself, which thankfully my vines aren’t coming out or that will cause a lot of problems.

Pinkie playfully sticks out her tongue, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof while apologizing. “Sorry Twivy, I’m just excited that you go out to town instead of staying in the library for the whole day!”

I’m just going to disregard what Pinkie had just said because she had no reason why of how she knows all that. Applejack trots over me and pat me on the back, “Dun worry sugarcube, its just Pinkie bein’ Pinkie.”

“And if that doesn’t make enough sense already,” I snarked, rolling my eyes.

Then Rainbow Dash decides to fly in and chimes in, “Hey, its Pinkie Pie, what do you expect. Everything around her is completely random.”

“Its best not ta question what Pinkie does sugarcube, and ya’ll spare yerself a headache,” Applejack added.

“Yepperonie!” Pinkie clarified. She then perked up as if something had her attention, “Oooh~ somepony’s forgot to water their plants.”

“Wha-“ There was a scream, all of us turned towards a trio of earth pony mares their coat colors in order are pale magenta, pale yellow and pale raspberry. The second one is looking down on a group of flowers that seems to be withered, the other two wonders what’s going on.

“Noooo, rosy!” She wailed.

“What is it?” The first one asked, trotting over the second one. She took a quick look at the withered flowers and cracked up tears of her own.

“No! The horror!” The third one chimes in, wailing with the two before they all faint simultaneously.

“Wuh?” I manage to speak out.

Spike frowned as he looked back and forth between the trio and Applejack, “What just happened to them?” Spike asks, clearly confused.

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash rolled their respective eyes, “Nah, dun worry ‘bout them, they’re jus’ bein’ dramatic,” Applejack said with a wave of her hoof.

“Over little things too,” Rainbow Dash added.

“Ooookay then…” I spoke out, didn’t have anything to say about these three.

“Ah Twivine, darling, it’s good to see you again,” I heard a posh accent behind me, turning around to see Rarity trotting over us.

“Hey, Rares!” The three ponies called out at the same time.

“Oh darlings, what’s going on, anything I miss out on?” She asked, but was answered with the three shaking their heads.

“Ya, dun have anythin’ missed out ‘cept that the trio’s being dramatic again.”

“Oh really, is it over a stallion they’re fawning on?” Rarity said with a playful smile.

Rainbow Dash burst out chuckling, “Heheh, yeah, there they are.” She gestured over to the withered flowers in front of the unconscious trio.

“Oh har har, Rainbow Dash, very funny,” Rarity said, unamused but then joined in with the three giggling.

Spike suddenly belch out a scroll, I quickly grabbed it with my magic and unfurled it. It was the last thing I want to do because four golden tickets dropped down to the ground as soon as I open the scroll. The four ponies present gasped as I blinked, staring at the golden tickets and then shifting towards what was written on the scroll, and no doubt it was Celestia. Well I expect them to be written by her, but instead, it was written in the following:

Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st Day of May 1001 ANM.

You are amongst one of the luckiest selected individuals the Royal Highness has chosen to participate in the Grand Galloping Gala. Her Royal Highness herself cordially extends two invitations to Twilight and Twivine Sparkle plus one guest, to be given the ‘Golden Ticket’ for the Grand Galloping Gala.

We are honored to have you and your guest to be present on the Gala.

Signed
-Chancellor White Dawn

Footnotes:
Please do not lose the Ticket as it is imperative to be shown upon attending the Gala.

I blinked again, and then levitate the four tickets with my magic. It was a mistake, however, as every SINGLE pony in the area looked towards us with a wide-eyed expression. There were a few gasp, but who cares, I JUST SHOWED TO EVERYPONY THAT I HAVE FOUR TICKETS FOR THE GALA.

And we all know what happened when someone had the ticket to the Gala, especially in a lovely little town like these.

“Aw, great…” I manage to spoke out before every single pony in the market decides to swarm us, asking me if that what they think it is. I turned towards the four ponies I knew in town, and they have the same hopeful and dreamy expression the crowd had. I just know that I had to get out of there.

“Spike, come here for a second,” I called out and said baby dragon comes waddling over.

“Y-yes Twivine?” He asked, slightly disoriented by the amount of ponies swarming all over us.

“Let’s get the hell out of here shall we?” I said smiling while grabbing him with my magic and immediately teleported out of there. I can faintly hear somepony -probably Pinkie- shouting “She’s getting away!”

Good thing I was out of there.

Twilight is not a happy pony. Why? Because all of her schedules are late by fifteen minutes each, without Spike, she did not have the optimal time to complete said task. If her little sister doesn’t just yank off Spike like that, this wouldn’t happen. Still grumbling, Twilight was startled by somepony suddenly teleporting right in front of her. Twilight shrieked from the abrupt teleport from none other but Twivine and Spike.

“Twivine!” Twilight shouted, a bit annoyed.

“Oh hey, sis! Look, no time to explain. Grab a plank and form a three times three size barrier over at the balcony on top, hurry!” Twivine insisted, worried expression written on her face.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Twilight’s frustration from earlier disappeared as she asked with a concerned look.

“No time! I make a mistake and now they’re coming for this!” Twivine levitates four golden tickets on her magic, showing it to Twilight. “Spike, are the second floor all boarded up?” Twivine called out.

“Yes ma’am,” Come the answer from the baby dragon.

Twivine put the golden ticket to a nearby table and grabbing a plank out of nowhere and started to barricade the doors and windows. Spike comes down from the second floor, also with a few planks on his embrace as he make his way to Twivine to help her.

Twilight, however, simply asks with the most innocent face Twivine ever seen.

“What’s wrong with it?”

Twilight questions were answered with a respective facehoof/claw.

Author's Note

EDIT[3/11/2019]:
-Grammatical error fixes (Minor)

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Canterlot...

After explaining how much of a trouble the Golden Ticket to Twilight, I continued on barricading the wooden plank Spike gave me, and by the time I glance back at her, she was still frowning.

“I still don’t get it why is it such a bad thing. I mean, wouldn’t that be great to attend one of the BIGGEST party of the year?” Twilight exclaimed, I once again facehooved.

“Twilight, I told you. The party is not what you expected them to be,” I reaffirm my argument. I’m certain that there is a better way to say it, but eh whatever. “Besides, you have to meet the stuck up nobles in there, and trust me on this one Twilight. You don’t want to meet them.”

“Maybe, but I don’t want to spend my night with the nobles but with the Princess! There can be so much we can talk about!” Twilight is giddy of having the thought of spending the time with our Mentor, Princess Celestia.

Spike passes by with more wooden plank and a box of nails, most likely finishing where I left at, ignoring Spike a bit, I continued. “I’m telling you Twilight, but that most likely isn’t going to happen.”

“Why not?” Twilight tilted her head, a confused frown adorned her face and my heart, for whatever reason, decides to skip a beat.

I sighed, my hoof covering my face, unprepared on the unexpected adorkable face she sometimes makes. I’ll admit I have a fair share of my adorkable moments –or terrifying one if you decide to look at the slit eyes and other things– but I am determined to convince my sister not to go to the Gala, not because of the stuck up nobles –even though it was one of the reasons– but for some reason that I think it’ll be…uhh...chaotic. Yes, that’s one way to put it.

“Twilight, please keep in mind that the Princess have duty like, greeting guest and a bunch of other stuff that I rather not talk about.”

Then Twilight’s eyes started to water, her lips quivered as she looked at me pleadingly, “A-are you saying that I can’t go?”

Hrk. The sight is too much! I can’t handle it!

“Fiiineeee…” I finally conceded. “Just, stop doing that please!” I plead with her desperately.

Twilight eyes lost all of its sadness and replaced with starry and hopeful eyes, “Okay! Thanks, Twivy!” She then hugged me. I reluctantly hugged back. I know how much strength that move is and fighting it proven futile. We do it all the time to both Mom and Dad, sometimes Shining and Cadence too, and rarely Celestia.

Now though, now I know what they are feeling. I can’t imagine facing two of those faces at the same time. Now I feel bad for anypony that got caught on our adorableness.

Oh well, worth it.

Just as Twilight made her way upstairs, there were loud murmurs coming from the outside. Edging close to the nearby window confirms my suspicion, everypony, no EVERYPONY gathered around the Library, presumably for a chance on getting the Golden Ticket.

“Everypony please, we should know that Twivine and Twilight wouldn’t appreciate a large crowd surrounding them.” Mayor Mare stepped up to a nearby rock, gaining the attention from everypony present.

At least Mayor Mare is kind enough to handle this situation. I should give her something for-

“Therefore, I volunteered as the representative of Ponyville to go to the Grand Galloping Gala.”

…

Nevermind.

I sighed as I turn back towards the kitchen, I saw Spike humming a tune as he worked on sealing the window, crude but doable. I summoned the Golden Ticket from my pocket dimension, and I pondered what should I do with it. It’s obvious that Twilight going to take one, me and Spike probably aren’t going to the Gala thus that left Twilight with three tickets to give.

I turned and head upstairs, carrying the ticket on my magic. I opened the door to Twilight’s room; she’s in the middle of reshelving her books.

I called out to her, “Twilight.” She then turned her head towards me.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“I’ve been thinking,” I begin. “Since Spike and I probably aren’t going to the Gala. I’ll be giving the rest of the ticket to you, so you can choose two more ponies to come with you.”

“Wait, you really aren’t going?” Twilight asked, somewhat surprised.

“Yeah, I’m not really looking forward to it. So, I’ll be giving it to you,” I answered simply. “I’m sure whoever you pick would appreciate it,” I finish with a smile, a smile of relief knowing that the burden would be off my shoulders.

“You really are serious aren’t you? Well alright then, but you’ll be missing out the best night ever!”

I giggled in response, “I may be missing out, but you can tell me about what’s happening in the Gala afterward.” My ears flicked up as I remembered something, “Oh yeah, I’m heading back to Canterlot.”

Twilight frowned, her ears flattened. She isn’t happy that I’m leaving her is she? “Oh, why is that? Isn’t Princess Celestia said that we should continue our study in Ponyville?”

I rolled my eyes; out of all the things I remembered about the party yesterday was Princess Celestia's speech. Of course, I’m not exactly happy with that since I just left Moondancer and the others like that, I’m not too certain if Twilight is happy or not though. Knowing Twilight, however, I’m pretty sure she’ll follow what the Princess says anyway, she probably would go up to the Frozen North to prove herself to our mentor.

I mentally laugh at that, surely she wouldn’t. She may be loyal, but not suicidal.

“I know that it’ll be a quick visit to the tower, grabbed things I forgot, then say goodbye to our friend, afterward I’ll go visit Mom and Dad. At best, I’ll be back before the last train.”

Twilight sighed dejectedly but then she smiled, “Alright then Twivine, tell Mom and Dad I said hello.”

I smiled and nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll send them your regard.” I turned back to the door, but before I left I turned back to Twilight, “I’ll be back somewhere before dinner, don’t let Spike go eat up all the leftovers.”

“I’ll be sure to tell him, but be quick though. I don’t know how much I can hold Spike off.”

I chuckled, after a final wave I head downstairs. Hopefully, Spike is still in the kitchen, I had to tell the Princess ahead of time. Grabbing an empty scroll on my way down, I head back to the kitchen and thankfully Spike is still working on barricading the place.

“Spike,” I called out. “Can you stop for a minute?”

Spike turned his head at me and replied, “Sure, just give me a sec.” Spike hammered the last nail on the plank before putting it down on the floor. I unrolled the scroll and write the Princess a quick letter about my arrival to Canterlot. After I’m done, I gave Spike the letter for him to send.

“What was that all about?” Spike asked after sending the scroll.

“I was just telling Princess Celestia that I’ll be coming over to the castle to pick up something. I’ll be back though,” I finish with a pat on Spike’s head.

“Alright then, be back before dinner you hear?”

I rolled my eyes at him, “Yeah yeah, just don't go ahead of yourself and eat up the rest of the leftover.”

“Hey, no promises!” He simply grinned.

I shook my head at him before heading over to the door where the crowd still murmuring to themselves. I took the barricade off and opened the door, and before long I was assaulted with questions of who do I pick to go to the Gala.

“Please, everypony settle down,” After I said that, the crowd goes quiet. They really anticipating this, aren’t they? “Okay so, I have decided that-“ Dramatic pause, aaaannnnd reveal. “-Twilight will be the one picking the one that goes with her, as I myself aren’t going to the Gala, and therefore she is the one you should be asking about it. Good day!”

And with that, I teleported to the train station, I still could hear the crowd disappointed ‘aww’ from here.

I stretch out my limbs like a cat as the train whistled to a stop at Canterlot station. I hopped off from my seat and head out of the car and immediately went for the street. Once I’m on the street of Canterlot, I quickly make my way towards the Palace, passing by various shops along the way. I took a scenic route towards my old High School, which is located not far from Princess Celestia School for Gifted Unicorns, about two blocks away.

It may be strange since I did as a matter of fact, under tutelage from Princess Celestia, however, I never was accepted by the school since I didn’t exactly attend their entrance exam. So, after some paperwork’s done by my parents, I manage to enroll at the local school while at the same time gaining lessons from the Princess, and it just goes on until I graduated on Canterlot High School when I’m 16 which then I enrolled at School for Gifted Unicorn for real.

I chuckled to myself, remembering all the stuff that happened at CHS before enrolling to SfGU. I made friends here and there, and I still kept contact on a few of them. Unlike SfGU however, that place is filled with rivalry.

“Twivine?” I heard somepony called my name, so I turned my head to see one of my old friends back at CHS.

“Blaze!” I exclaimed, smiling as I approached the light red Pegasus mare. She too returned the smile. We both embraced each other before finally departing from the hug.

“It’s so good to see you, Twivine! Still studying under the Princess I suppose?” Blaze asked, chuckling.

“You know it, hey where’s Lightning? Thought the two of you are together by now,” I say with curiosity.

“Ah, Lightning went with his family to Los Pegasus to celebrate his brother’s wedding, he’ll be back before Hearts and Hooves day though.” Blaze explained, she then looked away hiding her blush.

I grinned mischievously, “He promised you something isn’t he?”

“Umm, maybe…?” She nervously laughs.

I bumped her shoulder with my hoof, “Ahaha, don’t be embarrassed, he proposed to you isn’t he?”

Blaze looked down, still trying to hide her embarrassment but she answered nonetheless, “Y-yeah, he promised me when he gets back.”

I giddily hugged her, barely holding the scream of excitement that threatened to burst, “Ahh I’m so happy for you, congrats!”

“Thanks, Twivine, I’m really looking forward to it.” She simply smiles, I let go of the hug.

“Well, now I gotta go, good luck with Lightning!”

“It’s good to see you again, Twivine, oh and thank you.” Blaze waved at me, which I replied with a wave of my own as I turn back.

Trotting back towards the direction of the Palace, I chuckled to myself.

‘If only Celestia’s School have something like that.’

After running into a few more old friends and exchanging greetings, I finally arrived at the Palace gate. They expected me so when they spotted me, they opened the gate. I simply wave at the Guards up at the Gatehouse as token of thanks before heading straight to the tower where Twilight, Spike and I live before all that Nightmare Moon stuff.

Passing through the courtyard, I spotted my brother distinguishable armor and the only pink Alicorn that I know off. Without hesitation I just gallop towards them, calling out their name.

“Heeey, Shiny! Cadence!”

The two of them looked at me with a wide-eyed expression, and without Shining’s consent, I lunge at him, tackling him on the ground.

“Hey, Twivy, good to see you!” Shining said, ruffling my hair. I got up to him and onto the smiling pink Alicorn.

“Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake
Clap your hooves and do a little shake!”

We chanted our usual greetings and laughed afterward, and then the two of us exchanged hugs.

“It’s great to see you again, Twivine!” Cadence said after departing from the hugs.

“It’s good to see you too, Cadence,” I replied.

“So, Twivy, what’s brings you here all of a sudden?” Shining asked, standing up on all four again.

“Yeah, it is unusual of you to go back so soon without your sister,” Cadence added. “Speaking of Twilight, is she okay? She didn’t do any of those late nights studying again is she?”

“Twilight’s okay, she still studying late night but I always had the means to wake her up,” I replied with a grin before turning to Shining. “What, you don’t like me being around?” I frowned.

“Don’t get me on the wrong here sis, I like having you around just as much with Cadence here. It’s just unusual to see the two of you separated that’s all,” Shining explained.

Cadence nods at his statement, “Yeah, is everything alright?”

I dismiss their worry with a wave of my hoof, “Everything’s great, don’t worry about it. Besides, Ponyville is kinda crowded for a moment after I showed them that I have spare tickets for the Gala.”

The couple would look at each other worryingly before turning back at me, “Then what happened?” Shining asked.

I shrugged, “Long story short, I gave the rest of the ticket to Twilight so I don’t have to deal with the crowd.” I finished lamely. “Besides, it’s about time Twilight actually had to make some kind of decision on her own.”

Both Shining and Cadence rolled their respective eyes, “You and me both sis.” Shining simply says.

“Hey, isn’t it a little bit mean for you to leave her like that?” Cadence asked with raised brows. “I admit Twilight isn’t the best for solving social problems but to leave her?”

“Relax Cadence, I’m certain Twily are capable of solving them, why would Twivy left her for?” Shining nudged his fillyfriend, reassuring her.

“Actually, I’m here just to grab something I left back at the tower. But knowing Twilight, she probably ask Princess Celestia for advice or straight up refuse the ticket,” I simply said.

Shining and Cadence looks at me as if I’ve grown additional head for a moment, then Cadence decide to ask, “Why do you think she refused the ticket for? Everypony will do anything to get their hooves on the ticket.”

“Well, she had five close friends and she had four tickets, thus she can only choose three out of five. I believe she would send the ticket back to Princess Celestia knowing that all of her friends couldn’t be in the Gala with her.

Besides, I don’t think she would just give out the ticket to a random pony, therefore the possibility of her rejecting the ticket is three to one, although I won’t dismiss the fact that she may give the ticket to another group of pony completely.” I finally finish explaining.

“Wow, Twivine that is… umm.” Cadence had a hard time processing what I just said.

“That’s…uhh, very thorough of you, Twivy,” Shining said lamely.

“Thank you,” I smiled, tilting my head while I’m at it. “Anyway, I should head to the tower now. It’s great to see the two of you, bye!” I waved and turned over to the tower, leaving the dumbfounded couple on the courtyard.

After trotting for a while, I finally spotted my tower not far, but the door was opened strangely enough. Approaching the door, I barely hear a faint hoofsteps inside; somepony is definitely inside snooping around.

Slowly opening the door, I entered the tower. I noticed that nothing really changed from where we left off. I followed where the faint hoofsteps are coming from. I stopped in front of my bedroom door, I could something being moved. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I decide to barge in shouting.

“Hey, what are you doing in…my…room…” My voice trailed off as the culprit in the armor turned his head at me. I immediately recognize the face of Silver Sky, and he was holding a small Twilight plushie on his hoof.

The two of us looked at each other in awkward silence. After a while, he finally broke the awkward silence.

“Uhh…I can explain?”

Author's Note

EDIT[3/11/2019]:
-Grammatical error fixes

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

A Piece of the Past

“Look, t-this isn’t what you think!” Silver Sky quickly says a sheer panic on his voice, his eyes darted around the room possibly trying to find something that he could use as an excuse. I gave him a deadpan stare, unconvinced.

“Oh, I suppose you care to elaborate?” Raising my eyebrow a bit, Silver Sky chuckles nervously.

“It’s…uhh,” Silver stammered, unable to come up with a reason and knowing this he sighed. “I admit, I have no reason really,” He looked down, staring at the Twilight plushie on his hoof. I followed his gaze, connecting the dots together for a moment before grinning at him.

“Aaaah I get it,” I said. Silver looks up from the plushie, confused. “It’s okay to talk about it Silver, I don’t know why I didn’t see it after all this time, but you are kind of obvious.”

A faint blush appeared on Silver’s cheeks from his otherwise white pristine coat. Silver decides to play dumb, averting his gaze, “I-I don’t know what are you talking about.”

I trot up to him and patted his shoulder, “You’re just too shy to tell her, but you gain my full support.” I smiled reassuringly, Silver turn back at me with a bewildered expression trying to process what I just said.

“Umm, what?”

I playfully punched his shoulder, “Come on, I know you had a crush on Twilight. This is the reason you’re here because you miss her!”

Silver lets out a long “Uhh”, and before he could form any replies I continued on.

“Well, I can only say good luck to you, as you may know, she too invested in her books. But you’re a determined guy, so I know that wouldn’t really get in the way.”

Silver was speechless, that means I hit home on the mark! Haha, nice try on hiding it but a sibling always knows when somepony got their eyes on one of their own.

“Anyway, I’m here just to pick up something that I left, feel free to look around as I’m sure you get a memento or something,” I eyed the plushie one last time before turning back to the door. “I’ll see you around Silver!”

I could faintly hear Silver muttering something as I closed the door behind me, but it’s probably nothing to worry about. The only thing to worry about right now is whether or not ‘it’ still there or not.

I head upstairs onto the second story library (even though the tower itselfcould be called a library). Approaching small wooden desk placed at the edge of the mezzanine. I walked around the table and opened its drawers. I rummaged each drawer until I found what I’m looking for.

“There you are!” I exclaimed, smiling down at a plain purple trinket shaped like a diamond with arches of the trinket colored indigo. I levitate it and draped the trinket around my neck. Once I’m sure it was there, I head back downstairs.

I noticed the door to my bedroom were still closed, I trot over to the door and pushing it gently to peek inside. Silver Sky is nowhere to be found, maybe he already left. I noticed Twilight’s plushie are placed on my study desk, back to where it originally was. Closing the doors, I sighed before continuing to the exit.

I looked back, it clearly had been cleaned recently but otherwise, it remained the same where we left off. I smiled at the fond memories that are flooding back to my mind as I head out, closing the door behind me as I make my way to exit the palace.

“Thanks, gentlecolts!” I waved goodbye from the guards at the gatehouse, they replied back with a simple nod. I head over to the upper district with the intention of surprising Mom and Dad, with my saddlebag firmly placed on my flank, I continued on.

The upper district is far more maintained and clean, white porcelain color of each building showing off their elegance. Passing by a few of the shops, I pondered for a moment before bumping into somepony, letting out a quiet yelp as I fell on my haunches.

Rubbing my muzzle, I took a moment to recognize who I bumped into. Looking up onto a white unicorn stallion with a neatly combed blond mane, wearing the usual black vest of typical noble-ponies, one thing that I recognize the most is his compass cutiemark.

“Watch where you—“ Blueblood stopped mid-sentence as he looked at me, blinking once or twice before sneering at me with his usual attitude. “Ah, isn’t it Princess Celestia's personal protégé.”

I stood up on all fours with a calm, neutral expression, “Greetings to you, Prince Blueblood, I did not expect to bump into you here.” I forced a smile, just like how Princess Celestia absentmindedly does on the ridiculous offer the nobility sometimes proposed.

“And so am I, dear. However, if I may indulge in the rumors, I heard that you moved to that filthy little town called Ponyville, are these true?” He asked using the same demanding and arrogant tone all I too familiar with.

The way Blueblood bluntly said filthy is making my blood boils, but after months of practice, I tend to ignore it most of the time. He really is a royal tender of the flank.

I avoid answering directly by redirecting the conversation, “Well I do not know where these rumors came from, but looking for a new outfit I presume?” I answered with my best ‘noble’ speech.

“Why yes!” Blueblood exclaimed rather dramatically, “I was hoping for somepony that would notice, but as you can see, my suit no longer fit the standard of a Prince.”

I tried my hardest not to roll my eyes, “If you try to look for an opinion, Prince, perhaps I can be of assistance?” I offered with the same forced smile, it is after all the matter on the game of intrigue nobles usually played.

“I’m afraid I must decline my dear, I prefer my own style of suits that I myself deemed suitable. I thank you for the offer, however.” Blueblood smiled proudly which in all honesty, made me want to puke out of disgust.

“Ah, very well then, I suppose a Prince such as you do not need my opinion,” I said simply. “However, I must cut our conversation short as I need to visit my parents, good day to you Prince Blueblood.” I bowed my head just slightly.

“Of course M’lady,” Blueblood unexpectedly took my right hoof and lightly kisses it. “I shall be always looking forward to meeting you again.”

I reeled my hoof away as soon as he let go, forcing yet another smile, “That you do not need to do.” I mentally added ‘ever’ while at the same time wondering since when he started making a move on me.

After a brief exchange of goodbyes, I quickly made my way to the local fountain in the middle district, taking quite a wide berth towards the Sparkle manor. I immediately wash my right hoof, chanting ‘nope’ repeatedly at the fountain.

My mood of buying my parent a gift all ruined thanks to that guy. I know Blueblood since I moved to the tower to live with Twilight after taking the entrance exam and he is already known for his arrogance and cocky attitude of his. Heck, at one time, he even fired three of his maids in a single month. I know Twilight and I got privileges to all because we have a direct connection to Princess Celestia, but I barely even use it, even so, to force my will on somepony. Blueblood, however, uses it to his full extends to gain anything he wants at any time he wishes.

I myself have a fair share of encountering him, most predominantly at the Gala in the previous years, and heavens above I do not want to think about it or to even remember it. Blueblood, a Royal-flankhole if one wishes to put it bluntly.

Putting aside that line though, I simply head on towards the Sparkle manor and before I knew it, I was already in front of it. Iron bar fences stretched across the front yards with the two-story manor behind it. At the center of the front gate, the symbols of the Sparkle household are proudly shown. I sighed as I stared at the gate for a moment before opening it, entering the yard and heading over to the porch. Knocking on the door, I pondered myself I really need to bring them gifts but my thoughts were stopped when I heard the door clicks and swung open.

I leaped at Dad just as he opened the door, “Surprise!” I giggled as Dad suddenly being embraced out of nowhere.

“Twivine?” He asked, shocked and confused on his voice.

I nodded, “I’m back. It’s been awhile Dad since I last saw you.” I hugged him tighter, which all he soon returned lovingly.

“I missed you too, Twivine,” Dad replied.

“Honey, who is it?” I hear Mom says, she soon came to view from the living room. The two of us broke our hugs as I trot over to Mom, she too has the same expression Dad had earlier.

“Hey Mom,” I smiled at her, bracing myself for what’s to come.

“My baby!” Mom quickly hugs me with her notorious bear hug. I could feel her tears staining my coat, “It’s so good to see you.”

“It’s great to see you to Mom,” I replied with a smile.

Mom lets me go and lead me to the living room with Dad following closely. Mom looked over to me, “Twivine dear, how your sister is doing? Spike hadn’t yet done too much trouble, has he?”

I chuckled, “Oh you know how Twilight is Mom, always had her head on a book. Spike though, he’s been a great assistant on multiple occasions.” The three of us sat down on the couch once we arrived at the living room. The place is a mess, books stacked high and papers scattered all around.

Mom notices my wandering gaze, realizing of how messy the place is, “Oh my goodness, if we know you’re coming then we would’ve cleaned way earlier.”

“It’s fine, besides both Twilight and I are used to it,” I dismissed it with a simple wave.

“Are you staying for the night? We received a letter from the Princess herself that she had moved the two of you to Ponyville,” Dad says as he levitates a set of tea on the coffee table.

“As much as I wanted to but I have to go back before dinner, I can’t leave Spike and Twilight quite yet.”

“We see,” Mom simply said, slightly disappointed. “Anyway, how is Ponyville? I’ve heard it is a quiet little place.”

I nodded, “Yeah, Ponyville so far is great, the people there are nice, while it is a bit weird for a town built so close to the Everfree, so I would expect many interesting things to come.” I sipped on the tea that Dad poured us, savoring the taste of jasmine I liked so much. “You should come down there sometimes, we both lived at the town local Library.”

Both Mom and Dad chuckled at the mention of both Twilight and living in a library. The three of us then went silent, simply just enjoying the company with the occasional sips from our tea. The crackle of fire from the fireplace accompanied us in the otherwise silence.

Glancing over to the nearest clock, I placed the teacup back on its tray, “I should get going before I missed the train.” I stood up, Mom and Dad following soon after.

“Couldn’t you stay for dinner?” Mom asked a glint of hope in her eyes, it turned to sadness as I slowly shook my head.

“No, I made a promise to be back before dinner, but next time when Ponyville is too crazy,” I assured her on which her eyes returned to a hopeful look.

The three of us made our way to the front porch, and as I’m about to leave, Mom called out to me. I turned back to see both Mom and Dad smiling at me.

“Just remember that we are always here for you, Twivine,” Dad said.

“Don’t forget to write us letters from time to time, I know you two always forgets sometimes,” Mom added.

I smiled at them as I replied, “Yeah, I will!”

I exited the train onto the streets of Ponyville, ponies are still doing daily task but only a few of them. Looking up to the sky, I noticed that it was almost time for the sun to set hence why the reduced number of activities.

I head over to the general direction of the library, exchanging hello with other ponies. I passed through Sugar Cube Corner, the giant gingerbread house has a closed sign which really pertaining to the end of the day.

I look up to the clear sky, clearly, the weather ponies had done what they can for the day. The town started to get quiet, it is, after all, a small town. Unlike Canterlot or any other big cities, the feeling of peacefulness is... relaxing.

Just the occasional breeze of the wind and quiet made my mind wanders, glancing down over to the purple trinket that hangs on my neck. I ran a hoof on the trinket, my expression darkened as I held the small jewelry. I let out a sigh as I continue towards the Golden Oaks Library, it stands out from most of the buildings around as it is the only house made of literal tree.

I opened the door to the library and I could hear the smells of food freshly being made in the kitchen, I immediately walked over there. I saw Twilight, looking up from her book, staring at me with her dinner left untouched. Spike in the other hoof, is in the middle of eating one, stopping just to avert his eyes to me.

“Hey everypony, I’m home.”

Author's Note

EDIT[3/11/2019]:
-Grammatical error fixes

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Average Day in Ponyville

I yawned, staring the cloudless blue sky. I used my hooves as pillows, thinking back how much that had happened for the past weeks in Ponyville, I don’t expect it to be so hectic. If you’re from a city and looking for a vacation, somewhere nice and quiet like Ponyville, then you have a lot of things coming at you. And I stand corrected.

Not only that, the common occurrence of weird things happening here probably made the entire population of Ponyville to have a safe bunker somewhere in their house. I can probably safe to assume that the Everfree forest is the one that causing all these weird things due to the town's close proximity to the forest edge.

I recalled when Applejack doing all the applebucking while Macintosh was injured. Knowing Sweet Apple Acres vast apple trees, Applejack insisted that she can harvest all of them alone. Applejack is stubborn however, outrightly refusing our help on helping her despite her exhaustion and sleep deprivation. This also causes a few problems in the town, such as causing town-scale diseases, invasion from a rabbit and other things.

We got her to stop after Twilight put her to sleep, afterward we helped Applejack on harvesting all that apples, took us a couple of days but we finally harvested all of them.

I also recalled that griffon Gilda, I didn’t know what happened between Dash and her in the past but they were once good pals. I guess Gilda just doesn’t like Rainbow Dash having another friend, I know griffon culture is quite harsh when a griffon is ‘coming of age’.

It’s just my assumptions, but I think Gilda just wanted to hang out with Dash and relieve some of their past while at the same time forgetting that she needed to do what griffon had to do in their teenage years.

I know she’s a predator by nature, sharp claws, and everything, but roaring at Fluttershy is uncool.

A few days ago, a show mare showed up to Town and create quite the spectacle. The show mare called herself, ‘Great and Powerful’ Trixie while showing off a medium-tier up to high-tier illusion with a minimum amount of equipment.

I must say that I’m impressed myself, but I can’t say the same for Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash though. They thought the show mare was too boastful, and arrogant. I don’t know, but that’s kind of what a show mare does. Thankfully, I can stop them from embarrassing themselves, explaining to them that it is their job to show off. Spike’s still unhappy though, calling both Twilight and I far greater and powerful than the show mare.

Still, somepony had to do something dumb. Snips and Snail actually brought an angry Ursa Minor to town. The rampage not only damages a few properties, but it destroyed Trixie’s wagon as well as a few things she had inside that wagon. Twilight manages to make the Ursa Minor asleep by using a spell that turns the wind into a calming tune, once it fell asleep, she took the large star-like creature back to their caves in the Everfree.

I still don’t know why there isn’t any angry Ursa Major coming to town, but I guess that’s good news.

Long story short, Trixie’s homeless and low in bits and currently residing on Cloudchaser’s house. Snips and Snails got the punishment they deserved, they were on the blacklist on every sweet-shop for six months, for leading the Ursa Minor to the town, indirectly involved in destroying the town’s property; I think that’s an appropriate punishment.

“Twivine?” I heard somepony calls out softly on my right. “Are you okay?” I glanced over and saw Fluttershy looking at me concern with her hooves holding a teacup.

“Yeah, just remembering all the hectic week here in Ponyville,” I said lazily. I forgot that I was having a picnic with Fluttershy.

Fluttershy lets out a soft “Oh” and stared at her teacup before looking up again, “I hope your time here is pleasant,” Fluttershy smiled which I return gladly.

“Of course, Ponyville’s great. Not only that, the ponies here are friendlier than that of Canterlot.”

Fluttershy’s ear perked up, “Oh, how so?”

“I wouldn’t go into details, but Canterlot has less…pleasant company in the presence of other pony than their respective nobles,” I explained bitterly.

Fluttershy frowned, “That isn’t very nice of them.”

“Perhaps,” I got up to a sitting position. “It’s been nice spending time with you Fluttershy, but I gotta check on Twi, and making sure Spike isn’t tied up in the closet. Again…”

Fluttershy giggled, “Spike is persistent isn’t he?”

I merely shrugged as I got up to all fours, “Usually it’s my job on reminding her to eat or do anything besides reading. Spike can really be annoying though, but that’s what I like from my little brother to do if one of us is too engrossed in something.”

Fluttershy puts her teacup down, “Should we do this again next week with Spike?”

“I’ll think about it,” My eyes glance over to a thick pile of black cloud that came from a nearby mountain. “And what in the world is that?”

Fluttershy stood up, her face was etched into a worried one, “S-should we do something?”
I narrowed my eyes and pointed over to the direction of Canterlot, “That smoke could be seen from Canterlot, and if I’m correct, Princess Celestia has already sent a letter through Spike.”
The two of us looked at each other, nodding in silent understanding before heading over to the town’s only library.

A paired set of blue eyes gaze down over the clearings of the Everfree. It had curved horn, black wings, black fur with a few green marks on its face running along the length of its neck, green splotches on its hooves with a few of the same markings on its face, and lastly, green fiery mane and tail whips. It passed through the unpredictable weather of the forest. It slowly descent down but its gaze never faltered for any sort of danger that may lurk in the dangerous forest.

As its hooves touched the ground, it makes sure that nothing is currently up close to see what it’s about to do. Green flame engulfs its entire body, its appearance didn’t change significantly with the exception of the horn and the splotches around its hooves.

It took a double take around before sighing, relieved that nopony is there to see it changed.
For a changeling like Zepher himself, it is crucial to have one transform as discreet as possible or risk being discovered before hunted down. To some changeling, it may be taxing to stay in one form for an extended period of time, Zepher however, is not. He is a Hybrid, and he based his disguise on his original form, thus less magic needed to change.

He is much more comfortable on concealing the horn than the wing as he is, after all, a part of Pegasus. Admittedly, he didn’t like taking somepony’s else form, hence why he created his own, to begin with.

He walked deeper into the forest until he found a pathway on which he gladly follows. He then soon found what he was looking for, a tree with a wooden door amidst a vast array of trees of the Everfree. He walked over to the door, raising a hoof to knock, but then he hesitated.

‘Should I really seek her? What if she isn’t home?’ Zepher’s mind racked through every possibility, including his first impression. What if she saw him through the disguise and outrightly called out that he was a changeling? Zepher shook his head, ‘There is no way that she could know. It is best for me to play it out as best as I can.’

He knocked on the door and waited for an answer. Silence greeted him, Zepher is adamant that whoever inside must be busy so he waited, yet no answer came. Zepher knock on the door again, slightly harder this time, yet no answers.

Zepher is starting to get frustrated, he knocks on the door again, a little bit harder this time in hope of whomever inside answered. Zepher sighed as he was greeted with another silence, as he was about to turn back, there was a click then the door opens revealing bloodshot eyes on a very irritated zebra.

“Who dare ventured far to disturb me from my nap, if one were to show themselves then I may forgive them for this mishaps,” The Zebra tiredly said.

“That would be me, Miss Zecora.” Zepher raises his hoof. “I was told that you are capable of creating a potion to see the past.”

THAT could’ve gone better, but I’m more or less proud of the results. Fluttershy manages to intimidate a full-grown dragon and gets away with it! The look on the dragon’s face is utterly priceless thanks to Fluttershy’s Stare. Man, I did not expect that at all. The dragon left a considerable amount of its hoard, perhaps only taking a clawful of them as much as he can before flying off from the mountain.

I admit that I am impressed. Fluttershy is capable of actually doing something whenever her friend is in need, in this case, that they were hurt by far larger foe. I wouldn’t say hurt, since the dragon only swipe Rainbow Dash with its tail, knocking her out of the cave barreling outside. This somehow triggers the inner bravery within Fluttershy and scolds the dragon on leaving the cave.

If you are to forget that she has quite the self-doubt and can be scared of the littlest of things. But, I digress.

“Well I’m glad that’s over with, but what do we do with the hoard it left?” Twilight asked, earning quite confused expression from the others.

“Ah don’t know about ya’ll, but Ah ain’t gunna take somethin’ that valuable,” Applejack truthfully said.

“Maybe we could bring them back to town to give it out to everypony?” Rarity suggested, quite reasonable but it’ll take time for us to take everything down to town.

I spotted a glint of gold in the distance from the direction of Canterlot, narrowing my eyes just to make out a group of Pegasi Royal Guard before turning to the girls pointing at their direction.
“Don’t worry girls. I don’t think it would be our problem anymore.”

The girls whipped their heads towards where I’m pointing, and with those, eight Royal Guards all touched down near us. One I can recognize among the almost exact same identical Royal Guard is that of Silver Sky. He landed in front of both me and Twilight.

“Miss Twivine, Miss Twilight,” He nods at us respectively. “Princess Celestia had sent us to overview of your progress in case of…unwanted casualties,” He trailed off but he was quick to compose himself. ”I assume everything went well?”

The both of us nodded, I opened my mouth to speak but Twilight beat me up to it. “It went smooth unexpectedly, albeit rather shaky at first. But that is the least of your concern, the dragon left the majority of its hoard here and we don’t know what to do with it.”

Silver Sky turned his head at one of the guards, flattening one of his ears and points the other towards the cave. Said guard nodded and quickly went to check on the caves. Turning back at me, Silver Sky says, “Is everypony hurt?”

I shook my head, “We aren’t injured in any way, but Rainbow Dash perhaps has a minor bruise.”
I swear I saw Silver’s mouth curled to a faint smile before turning back to other guards, I don’t know if that was my imagination or not.

“Kriegsler, Avalon, return back and request two sky-chariots for transporting valuables. Most preferably the wagon variants,” Silver Sky ordered which quickly earned him a quick salute from them before they took off the skies once again.

Silver Sky sighed, turning back to the seven of us, “We have this under control, and therefore it is best for the seven of you to return back home before nightfall.”

All of us nodded and quickly headed back on the same path we climb the mountain. At that point, I felt something or somepony watching me. I ignored it of course, but midway, I had that same exact feeling of being watched. No, stalked probably a more correct term.

“Girls, do you feel like something’s watching you?” I asked the group, earning a confused look from everypony as they looked at each other.

“Not me,” Said Rainbow Dash.

Applejack simply shook her head, Pinkie and Fluttershy doing the same.

Rarity quickly follows suit, “Neither do I, dear. Are you sure that you’re just imagining it?”

I looked around me, narrowing my eyes at the surroundings. Subconsciously, I could feel my vines trying to seek whoever stalking me right now. I felt a tug on my brain, indicating something had been found by my vines. I frowned, usually if my vines found something; it will relay the details that it found.

This time, however, I found nothing. The vine’s only description was that it was a shadow, and once it spotted my vines it disappeared off completely without a trace. I found it strange however, my vines also sensitive to magical output near them, but they didn’t.

Whatever it is, it knows about my abilities, and most likely wouldn’t try to show their presence anytime soon. All I could do was to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

“Twivine?” Twilight called out, now concerned as I seemed like spaced out just like that. “Are you okay, it’s something isn’t it?”

I simply smiled, “No, it was nothing. Let’s just go back shall we?”

Nightclaw shook his head, stopping his projection just in time before he was spotted. Well, he thought he is anyway.

“Whoo~ an unfortunate timing to have her found me that swiftly…” Nightclaw stated, wiping the sweat on his forehead. The black coated Unicorn stood up from his lying on belly position, rubbing his silver armored boots on his silver breastplate.

He trots through the white porcelain halls, passing by carpets and curtains made out of purple silk with starry constellation. Two lavender clad armored ponies with leathery wings stood in front of the silver door.

“I’ve come to address an important matter with the Royal Highness, hence you may perhaps let me enter?” Nightclaw asked, earning a questioning look from both guards. The ear of the guard on the right perked up, then nodding at him.

“You are the Highness proxy, correct?” He earned a nod from the Unicorn. “You may proceed. The Princess is expecting you.”

The doors opened, Nightclaw stepping inside with the door closing behind him. He walked up a few paces before kneeling down, “Your Highness, I’ve come to report you of my findings.”

“Good work Nightclaw,” Nightclaw felt a hoof on his right shoulder. He stared up to see a pair of cyan eyes staring at him, “Tis better for Us to remain cautious as we doth not knoweth what she is capable of.”

Author's Note

EDIT[3/11/2019]:
-Grammatical error fixes

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Another Day in Ponyville

I yawned loudly, rubbing a few tears on my eyes, glancing towards the owl-clock hanging on the wall. It already half-past eight, and knowing this I sat upright, stretching my forehooves as I let out another yawn. I threw the blanket that covered me, hopping off the bed tiredly as I stumble my way towards the bathroom.

It took me a couple of minutes to refreshed up and took a quick shower, I stared at my own reflection, a pale lavender unicorn with a black mane and tail with two stripes of teal and purple streak at the center. The reflection stared back with its dark purplish slit eye and teal sclera.

I sighed, the clear difference between Twilight and I is as bright as day, but it didn’t deter me in the slightest.

I felt something soft touching my cheek, I didn’t notice the vines were there and it was seemingly comforting me. Smiling, I rubbed the vines as a token of gratitude for the attempts. The vines quickly retreated back to a part of the tree, I didn’t notice it before but it looked like it came out from the tree itself.

I walked out of the bathroom, heading downstairs to the kitchen but then halted halfway down. Quickly turning around, I head towards Twilight’s room. I gently opened the door, peeking inside I found Twilight still asleep with a book on her face.

I smiled mischievously, and with it, my horn illuminates with the usual pale magenta colors. Once I’m sure that my magic enveloping the mattress, I flipped it causing Twilight to tumble off the bed with a loud yelp.

“Wake up Twilight, time for breakfast!” I yelled out. Twilight in return groans and levitates up a pillow to cover her face.

“Just five more minutes,” came the muffled reply.

“Alright then, I’ll have Spike know that he can finish off your part of breakfast,” I answered nonchalantly, walking out of the room. Mentally, I counted to three before hearing Twilight’s frustrated shout.

“TWIVIIIINEE!!”

Yep, I really like to mess with Twilight in the morning. Habits are hard to break it seems.

Walking onto the dining room, I saw Spike already finishing up on preparing us breakfast, the smell of freshly cooked pancakes assaulted my nostrils and I found myself drooling a bit. Spike looked up, noticing me and greeted me with a smile.

“Morning, Twivine.”

“Good Morning, Spike,” I replied, taking a seat.

“Is Twilight up yet?” Spike asked, placing the last batch of pancakes near his plate.

I nodded, picking up a few slices onto my plate. “Yep, I could hear her grumbling on the bathroom,” I smeared my pancakes with syrup on top and started eating.

Spike chuckled as he climbs to his chair, grabbing a forkful of pancakes and ate it. For a moment, the two of us ate in silence, only the sound of our utensils clanking on the plates that breaks the total silence that no doubt falls once we started eating. Twilight and I rarely talk when eating, and Spikes seems to pick it up after a while.

Twilight finally came downstairs, slightly irritated from my earlier quirks but didn’t complain. She sat down beside me, levitating a slice or two before eating in silence.

We eventually finished breakfast, Spike cleaned up the table while I levitate the empty dishes on the kitchen sink, Twilight already left to organize the library. It was our usual routine at this point; Spike would get up early and prepare breakfast, the one who wakes up afterward would wake up the other and so on.

Interesting things only happened in a single day, so most of the time, I am bored to death with the only thing to pass time were the books that I’ve read for too many times. That’s why I usually wander around Ponyville if the library became too boring.

After helping Spike with his chores, we both head over to the library, Twilight already waiting for us. Spike already with a quill and scroll ready on his hand, ready to write the list Twilight has in store.

Twilight opened her mouth but closed it again. She looked around the library notice that the library isn’t that much of a mess anymore. The library looked very thoroughly cleaned; every shelf looked new and sparkly thanks to Spike waxing the wooden frame. Not much dust is left on the corners, even the books. Sure some of them looked old, but at least it wasn’t dusty.

“Well, I guess we’ve done so much in the past weeks that there isn’t much of a dust left…” Twilight trailed off. “I guess that only left on reorganizing the books.”

Spike raised a claw, “Uhh, Twi, we already done that yesterday.”

“Well, this should say the Golden Oaks Library is back for a Grand Reopening!” I exclaimed, my voice filled with pride.

“Yeah, we can get Pinkie to organize that, it’ll be a blast!” Spike added with his own enthusiasm.

Twilight chuckled, patting Spike’s head, “Let’s not go too far ahead, we’ll cross that bridge someday but not today.”

“Well, since there is nothing for us to do. Why don't we explore Ponyville more? It’ll be a fun experience.”

“Twivy already beat you to it,” Spike simply said which earns me a glare from my counterpart.

Twilight huffed, “Well I haven’t, but since you already went around Ponyville I guess you could show me what’s interesting and whatnot.”

“Okay then,” I answered with a shrug, smiling. “Besides, it’s about time for you to know the place you live.”

Twilight sighed, “There isn’t that much of a choice anyway, what’s so bad about today anyway?”

…

I think Twilight will soon learn that fate shouldn’t be tempted.

Ponyville is…quiet, for some reason or another. I looked around the empty street, not even the local vendors are open. I turned to Twilight. She looked concerned as I am. The two of us nodded, a silent understanding between us on figuring this out later as of, for now, we’ll have to find somepony to talk to and explained what’s going on.

“Where is everypony?” Spike asked, anxiously looking around for any sign of life.

“We don’t know, Spike. I hope everything is okay.” Twilight answered, looking at me for confirmation. I nodded firmly.

“We’ll get the bottom of this.”

We’ve finally reached Sugar Cube Corner, the ginger house generally has a cheerful atmosphere, but now it looked dull and empty. I motion Twilight to stay behind with Spike, she nodded and motioned for Spike to get closer. I took a deep breath and knock on the door.

Silence greeted us. My anxiety grew and knocked again, resulted in the sound of a lock being opened. Before any of us react, a pink blur quickly yanked us out of the front door and into the darkness of the building.

“What the hay is going on!?” I exclaimed in the dark, somepony shushed me. A candlelight, revealed Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle behind the counter.

“Why are you all hiding in the dark?” Twilight asked, only for Applejack to point out to the nearby window, more precisely a hooded figure of a pony outside.

“We’re hiding from her!” As if on cue, the hooded figure revealed herself, she has stripes and appears to be wearing golden rings on her neck, a piece each on her ear and striped Mohawk. Realization dawned on me and I really have to resist the urge to facehoof.

“Did ya see her?” Applebloom steps forward, only to be grabbed back by Applejack. Applebloom glares at her older sister but ends up getting shushed.

“Girls…it’s just a zebra,” I said flatly.

Everypony present except me, Twilight and Spike, all gasped. “A what?!”

“B-but look at her coat, so garish!” Rarity remarked with the same level of drama she usually had.

“Rarity, a zebra’s stripe isn’t a fashion choice because they were born that way,” explained Twilight. She really hoped to clear a misunderstanding from all of them, because don’t get me wrong, but it seems like many of Ponyvilians, errr… ill-informed about the existence of other species.

Rarity then lets out her dramatic faint, and I still to this day, I NEVER KNEW WHERE DID THAT COUCH CAME FROM!

Ah well, the only logical reason would be Rarity’s personal aether, not to undermine her ability but Rarity doesn’t look to be magically strong to have their own pocket dimension nor teleport an object from out of view. I can be wrong. I mean, she does have quite the focus on regards of doing her work.

“Born from where? We’ve never seen a pony like that before, ‘cept her!” Applejack exclaimed.

“Applejack,” I called out but drowned out as the orange pony continued.

“And most importantly, not only she lives inside the Everfree, Ah’ve also seen her with somepony suspicious near her home!”

“Applejack!” I finally shouted. “Can we all stop this nonsense, this is getting ridiculous.”

“You don’t get it, Twivine, but she’s mysterious!” Rainbow Dash piped in.

“And creepy…” Fluttershy added quietly.

“And spoooooky!” Pinkie adds with a horrible imitation of a ghost, but still frightened poor Fluttershy.

“Well, how exactly do you know if you never asked her about it,” I retorted. This is seriously getting ridiculous by the second. But knowing Rainbow Dash, it usually fell on deaf ear on her side.

“That just it, Twivine, she lives inside the Everfree!”

Applejack nodded, “Not only that, but the plant grows…”

“The animals all care for themselves…” Fluttershy added.

“And the clouds move…” Rainbow piped in.

“All on their own!” The three finished in unison. Rarity, who just woke up from her earlier faint, fainted again.

I stared at them blankly, “You’re all ridiculous.” I turned and head for the door only to be stopped by Pinkie hopping in front of me. “Pinkieee…what are you doing?”

“Stopping you before my song, silly!” She simply said.

“As much as I would like to, but you all are accusing her something that she may or may not do. In order to stop this nonsense, I’ve decided that I should go out there and ask her myself!” I stomped my hoof as confirmation of my intent.

Twilight nodded, backing me up. “Twivine is right, I think this is all a misunderstanding and it is best for us to go out there, and welcomed her like you all welcomed me and Twivine.”

All ponies present went silent, looking down.

“Umm, I hate to interrupt, but isn’t Applebloom supposed to be with me?” Sweetie Belle’s voice echoed from the silence. All of us then glance over to an opened door on the back.

“She went outside!” Rarity exclaimed.

Applejack grumbled to herself, “That silly filly! I've told her to stay put!”

Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack all rushed towards the door, only to be stopped by a familiar vine stopping them on the door. “Hey, what the hay!?” Rainbow Dash tried to get the vine moved out of the way, I could feel her attempts but it remained firm.

“I have to stop you there before you girls do something stupid,” I said, receiving a shocked stare from everypony.

“Spike,” I called out to him. “Stay here with them and can try to burn anypony with your fire if they decided to do something stupid.”

Spike saluted, “Ma’am, yes ma’am!”

“Twilight you’re with me,” After receiving a nod from her I turn to the rest of the girls. “And girls, for Celestia's sake, don’t do anything stupid…”

Twilight and I teleported, appearing at the empty street at the same time and for a good precaution, I ordered my vine to block the second door. Bad luck for us, the zebra had already left and that left us with the option of following her to the forest.

“I didn’t know you pay attention to Shiny,” Twilight suddenly said as we both galloped to the edge of the forest.

“Sometimes, I feel like it’ll be useful someday, and it does now,” I smiled cheekily.

“I’ve noticed,” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Right, you go look for the zebra and I’ll look for Applebloom.”

“Wait,” I halted just outside of the forest edge. “Why are we going into a forest on which said forest is full of creatures and other stuff that could potentially kill us if we’re not careful? And why are we separating, we don’t even know the path around the forest.”

Twilight skidded to a halt. She looked at me with a sheepish smile, “Ehehe, I-I guess I didn’t think of that.”

I sighed, “I think I regret locking up the girls, Applejack may know the way.”

“Twiviiiinnneee!”

I heard Pinkie shouts from the distance, I look over to confirm that it is indeed five ponies are coming right at us, and with one particular drake that is riding along. Rainbow Dash, for whatever reason, is flying right towards me. In response, I erect a barrier around myself and Rainbow Dash slammed right on it. Rainbow Dash bounced off backward and landed with an ‘oomph’.

“What the hay is that, Twivine!?”

I had to give it to her, I flinched at the impact. I shook my head as I lowered the barrier, just in time as the others catch up. “What, you expect me to just grab you again in mid-air?”

“No! The freaky eye thing!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. I raised a brow, not understanding what she meant by that.

“What Rainbow’s tryin’ to say, is that your eye glow when ya did that.” Applejack explained, I turned to her with the same confused expression.

“Did what?”

Pinkie gasped loudly as she is suddenly in my face somehow, “You mean you don’t know!?”

“What are you guys talking about? And how did you guys escape?!” I turned to Spike who was eating a cupcake on Pinkie’s back. “Spike…”

Spike looked up to me, shrugging. “Hey, it’s either that I don’t get to eat Pinkie’s cupcake ever or I could let them do whatever they had to do. Besides, not ever having Pinkie’s cupcake is just the same as you throw away a birthday gift.”

I groaned, “Okay then, how did you get yourself out if I blocked the door with my vine?”

“You didn’t block the window silly!” Pinkie answered cheerfully. I suddenly have to urge to facehoof. Before any other words were spoken, Applejack reminds us of why we’re here in the first place.

“But now that isn't the problem, the problem is that my sister is in there somewhere followin’ that Zebra. We hav’ta find her!”

Twilight nodded, “Applejack is right, we have to find Applebloom before anything happen to her.” She turned to Applejack, “Applejack do you perhaps have an idea where this zebra lived?”

Applejack nodded, taking on the lead. “Eeyup, Ah know the way, everypony follow me!”

“Come on everypony, nothing bad is going to happen if we stick together.”

That is the second time Twilight tempts fate today…

“Now, it should be around here somewhere,” Applejack looks around for… I don’t know a landmark or something? To be honest, I can’t really find anything in particular except that the whole forest looked the same. And I had the feeling of being watched again, not only one but two now. Things just get even creepier by the second.

My ears flicked up as the bush couple of meters behind me rustled. I’d look behind me, frowning for a bit. I’m sure that I just saw a cloak of sorts, but it’s rather safe than sorry, I’ve sent out my vines underground to check it out.

I waited for a moment, once I’m sure that my vine suddenly grabbed onto something, I galloped to the bush. My horn glowed, yanking out the bush with my magic to reveal a cloaked pony. It flinched and quickly turned around to escape, only to trip as my vine had a firm grip on one of its legs.

“Gotcha!” I pulled off its hood, revealing a black-furred Pegasus with weird marks on its face and hooves, a visible white splotch on its muzzle. He almost looked like a half zebra or some sort. Based on its feature alone, I quickly concluded that it was a male.

“Please don’t hurt me!” He pleaded, attempting to crawl away but with my vine firmly restricting his movement, he wouldn’t go anywhere.

“Now why are you spying on me? Who are you?” I stared at him, tightening the grip on the vine and simultaneously summoning two additional vines for added intimidation.

“M-my name is Zepher, I-I swear that I didn’t mean to spy on you!” He stammered for a bit, clearly scared as my gaze seemingly bore through his skull.

I frowned at him, my gaze softening but kept my guard up. “Okay then, Zepher, what are you doing in this part?”

“I-I was heading to Zecora, and saw you and your group, I-I was curious of why there are ponies in this forest since Zecora never really had visitors,” Zepher answered quickly. I loosened the grip, letting the vines to sink back to the ground.

“Alright then, I thought I was being spied on for a moment…” I trailed off. I shook my head, narrowing my eyes at him. “Well then, can I trust you?”

“W-well, I don’t expect you to trust me since I’m not exactly ‘trustable’ on a place like this.” He replied nervously. I sighed, apologizing.

“I’m sorry for scaring you, Zepher; this just forest gives me the creeps so forgive my paranoia. Okay let’s start over, my name is Twivine, it’s nice to meet you.”

I lent him my hoof which he took gladly, “Nice to meet you, Twivine. I’m sorry for spying on you earlier.”

I waved dismissively, “Nah, it’s alright, I really don’t like this forest anyway…”

“So, what exactly are you doing in the Everfree?” He asked.

I explained to him briefly about what happened in the town, he is not really all that surprised about what happened. “Well, I can’t really say I blame the ponies for acting that way but isn’t a bit careless of you ponies for letting a foal go out like that?”

“Well, we’re in the middle of an argument and I thought somepony already watched over her,” I sighed. “I hope she’s okay.”

“Is it by any chance that said foal is a light olive filly with a large red ribbon on her head?” He inquired, my ear perked up as precisely describe Applebloom’s appearance.

“Yeah, that’s the one, where did you see her?”

Zepher placed a hoof on his chin, “Well, I saw her near Zecora’s hut before you ponies arrived.”

I sighed in relief, turning around. “Well that’s good enough for me, I guess. I should head back to the others now, thanks for the help Zepher!” I waved at him.

“I don’t exactly do much help, but you’re welcome anyway.” He waved back.

I made my way back towards the girls were, I just realized that I left the group and nopony noticed. Lovely... After walking a few meters I saw the girls, Spike and Applebloom is heading back towards me. I waved at them as they went near.

“Hey girls!”

“Twivine? I thought you-“ Twilight stopped herself, shaking her head rapidly. “You know what, I won’t ask. There is so much going on I rather not have another headache.”

I nodded absentmindedly, joining the group back to Ponyville. “So, anything happen going on when I’m gone?”

“Oh, nothin’, just that Zecora seems to curse us or somethin’ and that all thanks to somepony.” Applejack said, annoyed. Her irritated tone is more or less directed towards her sister who was following along behind her.

“I told you already, curse isn’t a thing!” Twilight interjected, but it seems to fall on deaf ears.

“So, everything’s fine?” I asked Spike who was riding on the back of Twilight.

He nodded, “Seems so, that blue flower is weird though…”

“Blue Flower?” I asked with a raised brow.

“Yeah, we were standing on it earlier, I don’t know why but I feel weird when I’m around it. Don’t worry though, it's gone.” He reassured me. “Oh, and Zecora seems to be warning about it too if we could get the fact that she rhymes about it too.”

“I see,” I replied thoughtfully. Blue flower and it was on Everfree. I seem to know about it but I can’t, I know it’s on the tip of my tongue. Oh well, at least Applebloom is safe and we’re about to get out of this creepy forest.

I really hope Twilight didn’t jinx fate too badly.

“Twilight calm down, it’ll be fine.”

“FINE? HOW CAN IT BE FINE WHEN MY HORN IS LIKE THIS!?”

Yeah, when we woke up, Twilight’s horn just…flopped like a rubber. I know for certain that this isn’t a curse, I ran a spell-test on her and it showed up fine. As if her horn were like that in the first place. Strangely enough, I’ve had this feeling of familiarity. Somehow.

“Twilight, calm down, we may have something in this library that could explain this sort of thing.”

That does the trick, Twilight immediately do the calming technique Cadence taught us. “You’re right, Twivine, there has to be something on the books that can cure this…SPIKE!”

“Way ahead of you!” Spike called out.

Twilight sighed in relief, just before I turned to help Spike looking for a book regarding Twilight’s condition, the door slammed open and five familiar ponies rushed inside. Pinkie with her swollen tongue, Rainbow Dash with an inverted wing, Rarity with an overflowing mane and tail, Fluttershy looks…normal, and so does Applebloom.

Wait…Applebloom? Where’s Applejack, I thought she-

“Ah told ya that curses are the real thing!” I heard a very high pitched voice of Applejack. I look over to Applebloom where the voice came from, and soon enough Applejack came out of her hair.

“Yeah, that Zecora pony-zebra-whatever, she curse us! I mean look at my wings, I can barely fly with these.” Rainbow Dash chimed in. Pinkie tries to say something, but everything just came out a spit. Twilight shook her head in resolution.

“No, there is no such thing as a curse! I mean look at Fluttershy, she’s all fine.”

Fluttershy replied in a very...manly, deep voice, “Actually, I’m… not exactly fine…”

“I’m afraid I have to go with everypony here, Twilight,” Rarity added, I really want to say that her hair looked ridiculous but I think she already gets it.

Twilight’s eyes twitched. Oh oh, major breakdown is imminent; protocol ‘calm-the-magic-storm-before-we’ve-gone-to-shit-paste’ has been initiated. All emotions please stand by for possible fallout.

“Everypony, settle down, we don’t know what exactly happened. Spike, Twilight and I are looking for a possible cure for all of you,” I calmed everypony down. “Besides, Spike is fine, he was with you girls at that time.”

“Spike ain’t cursed cuz that Zecora said it only to ponies!” Applejack insisted stubbornly.

“For the last time, curses are not a thing!” Twilight shouted in frustration. I calmed her down as much as best as I can.

“Calm down, Twilight. Do you remember that Spike is a dragon?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t he be?” Twilight said with a roll of her eyes.

“No, you don’t get it, Dragon is naturally known for their high resistant to magic. If he isn’t affected, then this is surely a magic effect.” I explained, Twilight looked at me, frowning.

“But, curses aren’t magic…”

I shook my head, “No, they are a lower form of magic, but these effects, all seem to be linked as a magical transformation, which somehow applied as if they were a part of you from the beginning. And that is a very high tiered magic if you ask me.”

“If your scans say that I am fine, then that means…”

I smirked, “Precisely…what we’re dealing with is magic created by something else entirely and strong enough to affect ponies in general but not strong enough for a dragon.”

I swear I saw a glint of sparkling star on her eyes when I said that. She turned around, smiling proudly to the girls who standing there with utmost confusion. Twilight’s smile fade as realization dawns on her, “Oh, you girls don’t understand, do you?”

“Not a thing…”

“Twivineeee!” Spike called out, I went ahead to approach him. “I didn’t find a book for this sort of thing, but this one maybe could help,” Spike handed me a book titled ‘Supernaturals’. Without hesitation, I opened it and skimmed through the pages.

“But how does that explain that curses or hexes aren’t a thing? Doesn’t that basically the same thing?” I heard Rainbow’s confused exclamation. I quickly head back to salvage this stupid thing curse/hex thing.

“There is a difference between hex, curse, and magic.” I began, gaining the attention of everypony in the room. “Indeed that they are the same, which includes some sort of magical properties, but curses or hexes can be easily identified and/or detected as they are a lower form of magic. This type of magic is undetectable and very powerful, therefore I can only assume two things.”

“One, Zecora’s is very powerful with magic to cast that type of magic, but I don’t see her being as powerful as Princess Celestia or an ancient being with great magical abilities. Number two is simple and it all because something that you tripped, or touched did that to you.”

There was silence for a moment… then Rainbow spoke up.

“Yeaaah, I lost you on that one…”

Twilight sighed, “Basically what my sister trying to say is, something that near us must have caused the problem.”

“B-but what about-“ I quickly interrupts Applejack.

“Applejack, she is a zebra, and if I remember my lessons in foreign culture, it is kind of a tradition for a zebra to speak in rhymes. And here is our cure!” I showed the pages that I found, it was about a blue flower that glows and only lived on Everfree.

“Poison joke?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yep, poison joke is basically a plant that emits magical effect that could do something to somepony as a form of a joke, oh and it was made during Discord’s era by the way,” I explained cheerfully. “And here, look, there is a cure how to undo the effects.”

“A bubble bath?” Everypony said in unison.

“Wait, so this whole thing is a joke?” Rainbow Dash looked at me.

“Apparently, you know Discord is known as a trickster during ancient times, a literal one too…” I said with a roll of my eyes.

“Twivine, how do you know all of that? And regarding Spike too, I didn’t know Dragon is highly resistant to magic!” Twilight exclaim with utter confusion.

“Sometimes, if you’re not burying your head on one specific type of books, then you would’ve known,” I answered simply.

“B-but how could you possibly know about that? It could be false information.”

I shook my head, chuckling, “Twilight, I asked Princess Celestia.”

Silence for a moment, before Twilight loudly exclaimed. “HOW?”

“Eh, it’s easy, I just ask for confirmation if Dragon is susceptible to magic or not.”

“B-but, she doesn't always tell us the answer,” Twilight replied timidly.

I put a hoof on her shoulder, “Twilight, here’s some advice when asking Princess Celestia, always asks for an indirect answer than a direct one.”

“Well, I suppose we should all head to the spa and have this ridiculous ‘joke’ off us, ooohhh Fluttershy, didn’t we miss our weekly spa visit, maybe this is a good time to catch up?”

Fluttershy smiled, “Yeah, let’s do that.”

“And maybe, after that, ya could apologize to Zecora for all the trouble ya’ll cause!” Applebloom cheerfully exclaimed.

Pinkie tries to speak but once again, only spits that came out, but hey she sounded happy otherwise. Spike came with a quill and scroll, ready to write.

“So, do you have a report to send, Twilight?” Spike mouthed an ‘Oh’ when he realized that the girls had already left. “Well, would you like to write it then, Twivine?”

I shook my head, “Nah, Twilight should do it, since she is the one that learns a valuable lesson after all…” I slightly glance over to the nearest window, barely spotting a figure that slips away at the last moment.

“Maybe I have to write other things with the Princess…”

Princess Celestia hold the urge to yawn openly, it was court session and the pony before her proposing things that she already forgot, considering that it had almost been three hours since he first came in. Thankfully, she has Raven to rely on writing every key point that the stallion makes. Her posture may look like she was listening in, but her mind wandered elsewhere. It is a trick that she picks over the course of her rule, and it does its job flawlessly.

Suddenly, a familiar trail of green flame comes by her and almost immediately as the fire dissipated a scroll appeared. Before it could hit the ground, she picked it up with her magic, smiling due to the fact that she had an excuse to hold the stallion’s speech for a moment.

She held one of her wings to the stallion, signifying that he should stop for a moment. However, the stallion continued on blabbing about the importance of how Stalliongrad industrial potential.

She sighed as she lowered her wing and opened the letter.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I apologize if this wasn’t the friendship report that you would usually wait for, and I also apologize if I’m interrupting your court. I know how important court is to somepony, but if it was noble complaining again, then my hooves are crossed.

Anyway, for the past few weeks here in Ponyville, it seems somepony is stalking and/or spying on me. I don’t know who or what they want, but I feel that you should know of this. Ignoring them would be unwise and so does confronting them directly. Therefore, I seek your guidance regarding this matter as I have no idea what course should I take.

For now, though, they didn’t really do anything that’s really threatening the life of me or others, but I really hope that you could do something to put an end to this stalker-y.

I shall wait for your response.

Sincerely, your faithful Student
Twivine Sparkle.

Princess Celestia stared at the letter, reading it twice to confirm the content of the letter. She frowned, tapping her chin as if she was in deep thought. A concerned call from the stallion that made her realize that she was in the middle of court.

“I apologize, my little pony, but it seems that an important matter has come to my attention, your proposals will be further discussed with the Council.”

“But-“ The stallion tried to give an excuse only for Princess Celestia to raise her wings.

“Court is adjourned for today,” Princess Celestia declared, turning to Raven. “Raven, please tell the other attendees that they should return tomorrow.”

Raven nodded, “Right away Princess.”

“Oh, and Raven,” she called out, Raven turned to her. “Please inform the Intelligence High Command as I wish to have a word with them. Tell them that it is priority Alpha-One, codename ‘Nightmare’.”

Author's Note

EDIT[3/11/2019]:
-Grammatical error fixes

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Visions...?

Two blades clashed, the enchanted crystalline blade sparked as it intertwined with each other, one colored red while the other was colored blue. Two pairs of eyes met, each glaring daggers at their foe, one looked purplish with a dragon-like eyes, the other was a normal magenta. The two blades separated for a moment before interlocking with each other again, it was then followed with the two blades consecutively swing at one another, trying to find a gap in one's defenses.

“Why have you strayed from your original path? Have I not taught you enough?” The white one said, separating her blue light-blade with her golden aura, swinging low at her opponent's leg. It missed as the foe raised their hooves and swung their own light-blade at her. She almost had her neck cut off, but she manages to break away.

“Tell me, why is it that you find in her that I do not have? Knowledge, power, what is it that you find so endearing?” She placed her light-blade at her side, glaring daggers at her opponent.

The pale lavender unicorn smirked, and then outright laughed at her. The white Alicorn raised her light-blade ever so slightly as her opponent laugh subsides.

“Oh, that was rich coming from you…” The unicorn mare said, grinning maniacally. But then it vanishes as soon as it appeared, her teal sclera faintly let off a green aura as her expression turns into one of anger. “You had given me everything…but, you used me, you used my sister!”

“What manner that I used the two of you? I’ve always tried to help as best as I can!” The white Alicorn blocks the incoming swing from the unicorn.

“YOU DON’T TRY HARD ENOUGH!” The unicorn roared in anger, delivering a swift swing one after another. The defense of the white alicorn quickly faltered from the aggressive form, the red light-blade manages to pass her guard but she teleported before it could hit.

The alicorn tears poured to her cheeks, her voice shakes as she speaks. “I’m sorry… I cannot be there for you when you’re on your weakest.” Another swing directed to her but, as it always proven time after time, were quickly intercepted by her own light-blade.

“SHUT UP! This time with her passing and you follow suit soon after, I’ll be the strongest of them all!” She proclaimed teleporting behind the alicorn and delivers another swing, but the alicorn is faster, just teleported in time before her swing, appearing in an elevated position.

“Please, stop this at once! You know you cannot win, Twivine, I have the high ground.” The alicorn warned her, but it fell on deaf ears.

“You underestimate my ability, Celestia…” She growled, and with a cry, she lunged above her.

BZZNT BZZNT

With a loud thud, the unicorn fell and her body rolled to the ground below, her limbs severed leaving only one. Her vision blurred and slowly darkened, the last thing she saw was the white blur that soon left her as darkness consumes her vision. Then, a soft but cold tone, almost down to a whisper, greeted her.

“You will always be…weak.”

I wake up with a cold sweat, my breath ragged and shallow, and my ears ringing deafeningly. I quickly raised my forehooves to check on them, and then checked my hind hooves, they were still there. I looked around my bedroom, spotting a clock showing that the time was still around six, still quite early than my liking. I swept the sweat on my forehead, feeling a little light-headed.

‘What was that dream?’ I thought to myself, trying to calm my ragged breathing. Why was it so… real? I…what the hell kind of dream was that? Was it lucid, I don’t feel like one, it just feels…off for some reason. I took a moment to catch on my breathing, once I’m sure that I was calm, I hopped off the bed and head over to the bathroom for the usual routine.

I shook my head as I made my way back after finishing up with my morning routine, I still feel light-headed for some reason, perhaps a side-effect from that dream. It was strange because I didn’t have one over the course of three months since I last had a nightmare. And that was before the stuff that happens on Summer Sun Celebration.

I don’t know, maybe Ponyville really are just giving my mind a lot more stress. The deal with Rarity’s dresses, Winter-Wrap up, the fricking parasprite swarm, Rainbow Dash finally able to do a Sonic Rainboom on Best Young Flier competition, almost being turned to stone and quite a lot more of other stuff that happens around here is on every day to day basis and it was considered normal for anypony living here.

Today is just a nice one, the weather all good for a stroll around town, no weirdness or Cutie Mark Crusaders filled chaos. It’s all just a normal, quiet day for once.

…

Or maybe not since I just tempt fate now, goddamnit, it was going so well. Oh, screw it, might enjoy it while it lasted.

“Hey, Twilight,” I called out. “Is there anything on our schedule today?”

“Hang on let me check,” Twilight pull out a scroll from under her desk, she shook her head. “Nope, we don’t have anything besides looking out the library.”

“Alright. I’m heading out for a stroll, I’ll be back before lunch,” I simply said, opening the door and walked out.

“Don’t be late or you’ll lose your food!” Came Twilight muffled replies behind the door. I groaned.

Spike seriously has no consent regarding leftover food. I know he’s a dragon and all, and he also nearing ‘that’ age, it’s a surprise that he didn’t get chubbier or lazier and instead grows a bit taller and quite… ‘Active’ one would say. I might have to send Princess Celestia a letter regarding Spike’s diet and his behavior. Knowing the Solar Princess, however, she might provide cryptic answer as usual.

Exchanging greetings with the passing ponies, I continued towards the clearing on the outskirts of Ponyville. My ear twitched when I faintly heard somepony accuse me of ‘Nightmare’s Moon prodigy’. I simply ignored it and quicken my pace.

Finally, I arrived, the wind breezes by and blow my mane lightly. I enjoyed the feeling while I sat on my haunches.

I don’t know how long I sat there, but it was very peaceful, just enough to relax from earlier tensions from that dream. It was weird, to be honest. Nightmares or dreams do not specifically show us a certain event, they don’t work that way and usually showed us cryptically. Well, according to my knowledge anyway. Is that a vision? I don’t know for certain, it could be a vision, but… that last voice, it’s just too… specific.

It referred to me directly, well, I think so anyway.

A familiar ‘boink’ approached, I turned around and saw Pinkie, her hair slightly deflated and she greeted me somewhat anxiously. She even lost her usual cheery voice for some reason, something is definitely up.

“Heyy, Twivine, have you seen the girls lately?”

I shook my head, “No, I haven’t seen them in a while, why about it?”

Pinkie fidgets her hoof on the ground, her eyes went elsewhere, “Weeeeeell, it’s just that, for the past days, the girls seem to be avoiding me and worst of all, I don’t know why!”

I tilted my head and frowned, concerned on Pinkie’s wellbeing “Pinkie, are you okay?”

Pinkie deflated, “The truth is, I’m not okay, Twivy. The girls have been avoiding me for some reason and I’ve been trying to know why it’s just frustrating.”

I patted Pinkie’s shoulder for reassurance, “Pinks, you’re overthinking this, the girls probably have some surprise for you and are afraid that isn’t ready to be shown yet.”

Pinkie looked up to me, her hopeful eye staring back at me as she beams at me with a smile, “Really? Do you really think so?”

“Pinkie promise,” I did the Pinkie promise, smiling afterward
.
“Thanks, Twivy!” She hugged me tightly, took me by surprise but I welcomed it nonetheless.

“You’re welcome Pinkie.” We both then let go, Pinkie feeling a bit better as her hair no longer as down as it was before. I put my hoof on my chin, “Alright, where do you think a good place to hide a surprise under your nose?”

Pinkie in return crossed her eyes towards her nose, “I don’t know, I don’t see them here.”

I chuckled, “Maybe not directly under your nose, but maybe somewhere quiet, like Sweet Apple Acres!”

“Oooh~ do you think they put their surprises there?”

I shrugged, “I don’t know, but we won’t know for sure.”

“Onto Sweet Apple Acres we go!” Pinkie cheerfully proclaimed, bouncing towards the direction of where the orchards should be. I followed behind her.

Just by a few paces ahead, Pinkie abruptly halted in mid-air, a feat that she always able to break no matter how many laws of physics dictates otherwise. She turned to me, “Oh, Twivine, do you by any chance did a Pinkie Promise several years ago?”

My eyes went wide as my only response was a long stretch of, “Uuuuhhh.”

“Surprise!”

Streams of confetti all blared right in my face just as I opened the barn door. I yelped backward out of surprise and fell on my haunches.

“Oh, hehe, sorry Twivine, I thought Pinkie was the one opening the doors,” Rainbow said as she helped me up. I merely rolled my eyes as a muted reply. Standing up, I saw a banner that says ‘Happy Birthday Pinkie!’ I look over to see Pinkie’s reaction. She looked surprised with a bit of disbelief, but otherwise beaming with happiness.

“Wow, you guys did all this for me?”

“We sure did, if ya throw us a party all the time, it’s about time we throw ya one.” Applejack said, approaching Pinkie to hug her.

“Aww, thanks AJ,” Pinkie hugged back, looking all to her friends. “No, I shall say, thank you to all of you. I didn’t even remember my birthday.”

“It’s all Twilight’s idea,” Rainbow pointed out. “She accidentally saw your id card lying around and saw that your birthday is coming soon, so we all decided to throw you a surprise one, Pinks!”

“Is that why you all avoiding me?” Pinkie asked.

“We can’t help it,” Twilight chuckled nervously. “We were just so excited, but it is a surprise and we don’t want it to be spoiled before the time comes.”

Rarity nodded, “Yes darling, it is a very horrible thing for us to keep you away from all of this, but it is all necessary. I sure hope that you’re not offended.”

“Are you kidding?” Pinkie exclaimed, her face grinning with full of happiness. “This is the bestest of surprise in the history of surprise party, EVER!!!”

Rainbow Dash decides to join in, “Yeah, are we done with all the sappy stuff, cause we need to PARTAAY!”

“YEAAH, LET’S GO TO PARTAYYY!!” With that exclamation, the place suddenly burst with streamers and balloons alike. I don’t know where that came from but hey, it’s Pinkie, you don’t get a headache if you don’t ask.

And helloooooo Sweet Apples Cider.

Princess Celestia walked on a dark hallway, dimly lit with torches. She approached a figure, a hooded one. Princess Celestia nodded to the hooded pony, walking past and heading over to an old wooden door at the far side of the hall.

“Has you notify your agents, Lucerina?” She asked the hooded pony, a dark greyish unicorn named Lucerina.

“Yes, your Highness, one of our agents wandered far too close the other day and was being reprimanded, we still continuing our surveillance within the new boundaries as per your request,” Lucerina stated.

“Good. Is there anything else? A development of sorts, no matter how small it may seem to be.”

Lucerina shook her head, “That would be a negative, your Highness, however, if you count interacting with the elements and other ponies, then perhaps.”

Celestia rolled her eyes as Lucerina grins, “Just be mindful of your agents, Lucerina. If a day on battling Discord taught me anything; is to always look for a certain horizon.”

“Understood.”

The two arrived at the door. Celestia wrapped the iron handle with her magic and pulled, opening the door to reveal none other than her younger sister.

“Now that thou hast seen here, it is imperative for thou too-“ Luna stopped and looked over to the door, a black unicorn stallion soon followed her gaze.

“Luna, what are you doing in my war room?” Celestia asked.

“Oh, thou war room? Our apologies, but We thought this is an unused part that and we quote ‘I don’t need anymore, feel free to use it.’” Luna said mockingly, her face rather annoyed.

Celestia sighed, “Luna, I do indeed say that, but I thought you were referring to the room on the left!”

Luna huffed, “We did, but when we saw this room already filled with the things that we needed, why wouldn’t we use it?”

Celestia’s gaze then turned towards the unicorn stallion, “Who is he, if I may ask?”

The stallion in question answered before Luna does, “Greetings your Highness, my name is Nightclaw. I have been employed by your Highness Princess Luna to spy on somepony.”

Celestia then turned her attention to the blackboard on the room, it was sprawled with photos, a familiar lavender unicorn with five other familiar ponies being lined up on each other. Celestia nodded in acknowledgment, “It seems that we both have the same goal, Luna.”

Luna walked up beside her and shook her head, “Nay, we may forsooth have the same goal in mind, but I assure thee, whatever it is thine intention, it will not be the same of us.”

The two looked at each other intensely, before looking over at the same time towards the photo that was circled with red. It was a particular pale lavender unicorn with teal sclera and slitted eyes.

For once, the two Royal Sister nodded at each other in silent understanding.

Author's Note

EDIT[3/11/2019]:
-Grammatical error fixes

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Tale in the Library

The Grand Galloping Gala is coming soon in the coming month, and I’m the only pony who’s not expecting it alongside with a certain purple drake. We both went to the previous Gala and it was boring, and to make matters even more unpleasant, Blueblood's attempts’ to court me. If I could fling somepony with my vine that day, you’ll know one noble that will experience that.

I don’t know why he tried to do so, but I’m not going to find out why. I am NOT going to deal with nobles and their petty problems.

I greeted Spike at the kitchen and vice versa, continuing along with our usual morning routine. The breakfast alone is fairly simple, just a couple of daisy sandwich and hay bacon. I poured coffee on my mug as Spike equally divided the meal on three sides of the table.

After setting up the utensils and other dining-related stuff, we finally sit down on our usual side of the table, Spike on the opposite of me while Twilight either on my right or left depending which way she stumbles her way too. Shortly thereafter, Twilight came into the room while yawning, we both exchanged ‘mornings’ as Twilight went to sit down beside me, pouring milk on her mug.

We ate in silence as per our routine, no one attempts at a conversation unless something interesting happened, and for the past few days, I think getting swarmed by Parasprites, the CMC somehow covered the whole town in tree sap is anything but interesting, in the terms of Ponyville. Fluttershy getting herself a career in modeling, however, now that is an interesting development.

Of course, we don’t talk about it because honestly, the three of us wouldn’t understand fashion. I mean, for god sake, Twilight still had that dress she wore during Student Fall Assembly, and that was three years ago!

Nonetheless, we finished our breakfast and we both head on our duty, it’s my turn taking care of the library for today and I already knew this is just one of those boring days. At the upside, however, I usually miss things that happened around town unless a big ‘boom’ is involved. I don’t know if that was a good thing or bad thing, either way, the downside is consistent; it’s boring as hell.

After reshuffling the books that went out of order and/or unceremoniously placed properly, I overheard Twilight talking with Spike in the kitchen. My interest is piqued and perks my ear up as I quietly made my way closer.

“-just it, Spike, I still haven’t pick which one of my friends that are going to come to the Gala with me!” I heard Twilight muffled voice, faintly I heard Spike sighing.

“Twilight, let us based things on which one should go with you first,” I heard something wheely rolled in there. “Now, from these charts, you know all the girls' intention on why do they want to go to the Gala.”

“Wow, I didn’t know you put this much, Spike,” Twilight complimented. I think whatever is going in there Spike is doing a very good job.

‘Pfft, where did that photo came from?” I etched closer to the wall, planting my ear as my interest really piqued.

“I don’t know, to be honest, Pinkie gave it to me and when I asked her about it, she said she didn’t know but gave it anyway because she feels doing it.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“You tell me, I’m not a Ph.D. on Ponyville weirdness stuff.”

That’s it! I need to satisfy my curiosity or I’ll be damned on missing things like this. I walked into the room and saw Spike and Twilight with a blackboard in the middle. “Hey, guys, what’s going on?”

“Just Twilight deciding which one should she take on the Gala,” Spike answered nonchalantly.

“Wait, you still haven’t decided?” I asked, somewhat surprised that she didn’t figure this out yet.

“No!” Twilight exclaimed. ”Whenever I want to take somepony to the Gala, I know the others would be upset because they didn’t get picked, and I’m afraid our friendship is ruined forever!”

Yeah, I think Rarity is rubbing off on her, she’s gone dramatic. I sighed, “Twilight, let’s look on the charts, shall we? Speaking of which, how did a blackboard get in here anyway?”

Spike and Twilight suddenly went to make a face that basically says ‘why are you asking this, you know it already.’ I groaned, “You know what, forget I asked.”

“Okay, so,” Spike began. “From these charts here, we know Applejack wanted to sell things on the Gala, Rainbow Dash wanted with the Wonderbolt, Fluttershy wanted to see the Castle Gardens, Rarity wanted to be with somepony and Pinkie wanted…to…do stuff.”

I noticed that when Spike said Rarity is going to be with somepony, he said it with spite. I swear him muttering something about burning somepony’s mane later on. I placed a hoof on my chin, staring at the charts, I almost burst out laughing when I saw the photo of Rarity with her dress, gets a face full of pie taken so perfectly at moment of impact.

“Hppmh, Spike, why is that photo there?” I pointed at the photo of Rarity getting pied on the face. His reply was a simple shrug, took me a moment to compose myself.

“All of these are great! I just don’t know which one I should choose!”

“Maybe you should pick somepony instead?” I said jokingly, that earned me a Stun-Flash to the face. I quickly shook my head in an attempt to get myself oriented.

“Maybe you should be more serious instead,” Twilight said with a roll of her eyes, a mischievous smirk crept to my face. My horn glowed as I charged up the very same spell that she cast on me, Spike wisely backed up upon noticing my predatory gaze.

“If I choose Applejack, Rainbow, and Fluttershy, that would-“ Twilight was interrupted by the Stun-Flash spell that disoriented me earlier. That took her by surprise, she shook her head and the effect soon wears off.

“Please tell me we’re not doing this,” she said with a deadpan as she turned to me. Upon noticing my smirk, however, she returned it as if accepting my challenge.

Oh. It. Is. On!

Queen Twilight Sparkle, the overthrower of the Monarch alongside her trusted General, Smarty Pants. My trusted Lieutenant, Captain Shade at my side.

We both stared at each other for a moment… then it began.

I was first on the offensive, casting a (Stun-Flash) magic beam at her, scrambling over to the nearest (bookshelves) resources. Twilight quickly deflected and also scrambled to nearby (bookshelves) resources. With precise accuracy, I created my (book) fort in the shortest amount of time possible and began my assault on her (book) fortress before the fight even began.

I summoned a barrage of (Stun-Flash) beam at her, but she put up a (small) purple dome over her land, rendering the spell ineffective while simultaneously building her (book) fortress uninterrupted. I scoffed at this, assembling all available (papers) soldiers at my side of the (book) fort and quickly made a (miniature) army, a familiar Royal Guard (plushie) come up to me and saluted.

“Captain Shade, status report!”

“Twenty Regiments of 800 units is ready to be mobilized, and more soon to come to our aid. We also have a platoon of Tanks necessary to assault their fortress, Councilor.”

I nodded at this as I oversaw my (miniature) army, four tanks plus a command vehicle at the center of the 1st Infantry Regiment banner. I look over to the no pony’s land ahead of me, five networks of trench in front of my base, but as I looked over further my eyes widened. 10 heavily armed Legion of 1200 are marching in columns.

“Everyone, to Battlestations! Enemy assault incoming!”

The 8th onwards to the 18th Regiments took up position on the walls and trenches I created earlier, their weapons aiming at the marching army columns.

“Captain, we need air support immediately!”

He saluted and scrambled (stumbled) his way to the communication center, as I glance over back to the no pony’s land, I saw Queen Twilight marching just at the center of her Legions.

She smiled at me wickedly (gleefully), “Give it up, Councilor Twivine, your army is no match against my Legions.”

“Yeah! We’ll see about that!” I taunted as I turned to the nearest Artillery position, “Fire mission, Foxtrot-Uniform!”

With a deafening (quiet) salvo of two Artillery battery, the shells landed and scarred the no pony’s land with (paper pellets) explosive shells. One of the shells manage to land on one of their columns, breaking and shredding their formation as it impacted and then scream (chitters) of agony came.

Queen Twilight gritted her teeth in anger, “Rrh, Dragons, march forth and consumed those who defy you!”

Dozens of very large (A4 paper) dragons suddenly appeared behind her (book) fortress, in panic, I shout at my Captain who haven’t yet leave the communication center. “Captain, where is that air support!”

The Dragons roared as it approached my (book) fort, the Regiments tried to fire their small-arms weapon at them, but their thick hides prevent for any sort of damage. The heavy Anti-Air gun tried it’s best to shut each one out of the sky, but there is just too many before the Dragons finally right up on our air-space.

By this point, the Legions have already marched up closer to my trenches where the 16th - 18th Regiment was. Our ranged firearms are useful against them, but 3 regiments against a whole Legion aren’t going to be enough.

I diverted 4 Regiments at the back of the trenches to assist the frontline. However, the Dragons kept the pressure by snatching groups of soldiers from their platoon thus decreasing their combat effectiveness.

Then a large (small) boom, the very largest dragon screams (chitters) in full agony as its hide was pierced with thermobaric missile, consuming it in flame before vanishing in grey ashes alongside with the fire. I quickly look over to the left side of the no pony’s land and I smiled as the cavalry arrived.

More than twenty Assault Helicopters has arrived, complete with an escort of ten Fighter Squadrons. I finally cheered on as my Air support tattered many of the dragons that have been a nuisance to my forces in both the trenches and the (book) fort.

“Send in every single available flying creature we have! We must not let the enemy have Air superiority or everything will be in ruin!” She barked in frustration, and as soon as she said that, large swarms of every flying creature imagine charged up to my Helicopters and Fighters.

“Captain, if you can, send in every available Air assets we have and send them now! It’s crucial for our success in this operation!” I shout out, glancing over at the engagement in the sky.

Many of Twilight’s flying army was shredded to pieces in the ground on its initial charge, but half of my Helicopters lay tattered in the ground with at least three squadrons shut down. Now, either one can be victorious, my Air support, or Twilight’s flying creatures, they all fight for survival and the dominance of the sky.

Back in the ground, the Legions have captured the first two trenches with the cost of three legions, I focused and directed my Infantry forces to fully reinforce the third trench, pillboxes are made and machinegun nest ready to tether through the Legions reinforce shields.

All was well before the war-drums started to beat, I looked over to Twilight’s fortress and my eyes widened; about dozens of a behemoth sized Mammoth, along with other varieties of large creature such as Rhinos, Elephants, etc, they all marching towards me.

“Captain Shade, we need a heavier firepower!” I shouted as panic fills my voice because if they get to the trenches, it’s all over. Air Support is still dealing with the problem in the skies and slowly overcoming the numbers as Squadrons after Squadrons arrived to assist.

“Give it up Councilor Twivine, you cannot win this!” Twilight shouted, her tone grows frustrated as the battle continued longer and longer, it seems her superiority in numbers doesn’t work against superior technological qualities.

“NEVER!” I shouted back as I turned to my Artillery battery. “Fire mission, November-Oscar-Uniform!”

More shells battered the land, more specifically targetting the large creatures that slowly made its way in no pony’s land, hitting them either directly with Piercing rounds or indirectly with Explosive rounds.

“Ma’am, two legions coming on our right flank!” A soldier loudly exclaims. I glance where he was directing and my eyes once again went wide that day as another column of two heavily armored legions marching towards the unprotected flank.

“1st Regiment, 2nd Regiment, and Tank platoon take care of that flanking force!”

Then another soldier ran up to me, “Ma’am, two more legions approaching on the left flank!” As I look over, the legions are lightly armored than the others but they are charging straight unorganized and I fear my Regiments may have to resort close quarters.

With no other choice, I reluctantly ordered my soldiers. “Buck, divert 3rd Regiment and 7th to protect that flank, we’re spread thin as it is!”

I turned to stare the Queen, grinning as for sure that she would win this, and then I glance up to the skies. My hopes filled up as I stared the situation in the skies, curiously, Twilight followed my gaze and her eyes widened, about two dozen of Flying Gunships flew overhead the no pony’s land, the guns at the side of the aircraft belly all targeted the large creatures and fired.

The effect is instantaneous; the large creatures are no more but a pile of ash.

“Agghh, that’s it!” Before I could react, Twilight fired a (Stun-Flash) beam at the center of the frontline, dispersing her forces and mine alike. She charged straight up to me, I, of course, replied it with a charge of my own.

The two of us fired a stun-flash spell at the same time and it impacted at the center, momentarily disorienting the both of us, but I lunged at her as I let out my battlecry. The two of us became an entangled mess as we both rolled in the ground and came into what one would consider a ‘catfight’.

Eventually, we both stopped rolling in the ground with me standing over her, I smiled at my victory. “I win, Twilight.”

Twilight scoffed at this, “No way, I definitely win that with 89% chance of success, but you just have to cheat, huh?”

“Supposedly,” I corrected her about the numbers. “And what do you mean I cheated? Don’t you know ‘superior firepower’ means?”

She shook her head, “You cheated because you know all of that sci-fi stuff that I don’t, that means it counted!”

“No, it isn’t!” I insisted stubbornly. “You just never imagine things like that, because you are so ‘ooh~ Twivine, you should read this book about quantum metaphysics, oooh and also books about Starswirl’s spell.’”

That mock imitation of Twilight clearly pissed her off, but when she was about to explode into a rant, Spike broke our little argument.

“Girls, are you done yet? Can I go and fix the library now?” He said within the safety of his own book forts at the far corner of the library, soon after, he poked his head and stared at us with a concerned look.

I sighed as I step aside, letting Twilight stood up. Spike gets out of his book fort and all three of us all looked at the damage as the effect of ‘Come-to-Life’ spell vanishes, all animated papers lifelessly fell to the ground with a small thud. There were a few scorch marks here and there, but Twilight’s fireproof spell does wonder to not let any of the books get damaged by the fire we occasionally throw at each other.

“Yeah, we need to clean up the library again, because that’s a lot of unused papers…”

Author's Note

EDIT[3/11/2019]:
-Grammatical error fixes

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Grand Galloping Gala...

“How am I looking, Twivy? No loose tie or anything right?”

“Spike, for the last time you’re fine,” I said with a roll of my eyes. “Twilight, you ready?”

“Almost!” Twilight called out upstairs.

Tonight is the big night. Tonight either will become the greatest night ever or the worst one there is. I pray to whatever deity above to have mercy on the innocents or god forbid Fate and Murphy himself.

Spike adjusted his bowtie and straightened his tuxedo for the sixth time as we wait for Twilight. The girls are chatting with each other, all wearing their respective gowns that Rarity made a few months back. The gown she made was already good as it is, but for some reason or another, the girls wanted to wear…well. Let’s just say they don’t quite understand fashion as good as Rarity does and we’ll leave it at that.

And if Ponyville has taught me anything, I will not say a single thing about tonight. Anything could happen, and at the very least, this year’s Gala will be the most interesting one in history. How did we get ourselves extra tickets for the Gala if previously we only have four? Asking the Princess herself solves that problem, it turns out. Talk about privilege for the Princess’s own pupil.

After a few minutes of waiting Twilight finally came down with a giddy excitement, “Alright, girls, tonight is the big night, Applejack you’ve got what I asked?”

Applejack nodded as she brings out a pumpkin, “Ah sure does, but what are ya going to do with it?”

Twilight only smiled as she said, “You’ll see it in just a second.”

All of us followed Twilight outside where she put the pumpkin on the road. I already have a feeling of where this is going. I watched as Twilight slowly turned the pumpkin into one big chariot with the same shape of the fruit. The girls all watched in awe as Twilight finished her spell, she turned to us.

“So, what do you girls think?”

Barrage of cheers and compliments all rang out simultaneously from the girls to Twilight, however, for whatever reason I just felt the spell only lasted till midnight. I brushed that thought aside as Twilight ushered the girls inside after Rarity convinced two stallions to get us to Canterlot, Spike’s in front acting as the chauffeur.

All the way to Canterlot, I fell in and out of a trance, completely oblivious to everything. I could make out the song the girls were singing, something about how they planned their nights and everything.

For whatever reason, I don’t know how, but I can feel the air around Canterlot is both lively and extraordinary, and not too far off the mark, a jumbled mess of chaos. I slumped in my seat, growing anxious and restless as Canterlot’s palace grows closer as the song came to an end.

We arrived at Canterlot’s palace, the girls excitedly leave out the chariot and all awed at the splendor of the palace, everything is just so grand and lavish. The floor’s all polished and seems to sparkle with the light. The curtains, ceilings, everything, all of which are decorated lavishly, especially the pillars. It was wrapped in smooth red velvet linen with streaks of gold and purple on the outline. A bit grander than the Gala Spike and I attended previously.

I took a deep breath and sighed, I could tell the first hour will be a complete pain in the flank. Spike came up with an expression almost come close to a mix of anxiety, and annoyance.

“Alright, as long as we stick together, tonight wouldn’t be as boring, right girls?” Spike blinked as everypony save me all scattered and went on their separate ways. I pat Spike’s back in an attempt of reassurance, even though I am in doubt myself.

“It’s okay, Spike, let’s just find Princess Celestia first and hopefully Twilight would be there.”

Spike nodded, a bit disappointed. It didn’t take long for us to find my sister amongst this crowd of nobles, she’s in the middle of talking with the Solar Princess and by the looks of it, the two are enjoying it. However, it came to an end as soon as it is started as the Princess turned back and continue on her task, which is greeting all the nobles that came to the Gala.

Twilight attempts to talk with Princess Celestia is all but futile efforts as more and more nobles came to have a moment with the Princess. I approached with a manner befitting a typical noble, Spike doing the same.

Princess Celestia smiled as she noticed our approach, “Good evening, Princess.” Spike and I bowed our heads slightly.

“Good evening to you as well, Twivine and Spike, I hope you find the Gala most entertaining.” Princess Celestia replied.

“Most certainly,” I lied. “However, I shall take my sister elsewhere if you do not mind.”

She nodded and smiled warmly, “I hope you three have a pleasant evening tonight.”

“And you as well, Princess,” I bowed my head again as I grabbed a slack-jawed Twilight out of there with Spike following short.

“What was that?” Twilight exclamation, thankfully didn’t attract any attention.

“Getting you out of trouble,” I replied. “Honestly, Twilight, Princess Celestia only have so much time with you before moving to another guest.”

“B-but-” Twilight tried to form a rebuke but her words died down on her throat. I decided to give her a little bit of info about the Gala.

“Twilight, I know you’re upset, but talking with the Princess is just downright impossible as early as this, there’s a lot of nobles that wanted some attention to the Princess, therefore she can only have so little time in order to welcome all of them.”

Twilight sighed dejectedly, “Can tonight go any worse than this?”

I patted her shoulder, “Don’t worry about it, the night is still young, in the meantime let’s check out the music shall we?”

And so, the three of us wandered the ballroom, Twilight clearly have no idea how to behave in this type of social gathering, thankfully, my act as noblemare manage to weave off some of the nobles off from our backs.

The classical music that had become the ambiance and general atmosphere of the Gala suddenly come to an end, I glance over at the band playing as the lead violinist stood up and referred the audience nearby.

I took interest at this, approaching the band with both Twilight and Spike following soon after.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts, we apologize for the sudden cut in the music, however, a guest is willing to fill in the role as tonight’s vocalist. Therefore, without further ado, please welcome, Sweet Melody.”

With that announcement, a light pink unicorn mare almost closely resembled the supermodel Fleur de Lis, entered the stage. Unlike most unicorns, she had a curved horn, which in turn gains a few questioning looks from the nobles but otherwise ignored. She wore a black gown that touched the floor, a butterfly tie graced her chest as she walked down the stage full of confidence.

With a nod from the lead violinist, she started her song in sync with the music, and by the heavens, her voice is so beautiful, her soft voice delivered the otherwise mundane atmosphere of the Gala into something akin of hearing an angel sings in a quiet valley. It just flows...right. Even Pinkie, which somehow appeared at the back of the stage, seemed lost at her voice. I had to admit, this is significantly better than the last Gala. The singer definitely captured the audience's heart with that performance.

Of course, all good things have to come to an end as the last of the song faded away, Sweet Melody proceeds to bow to the audience’s and bid farewell, of course, there is a loud clapping of hooves as she did so. The band, alongside the crowd, continued as if nothing had happened, returning to its usual mundane atmosphere.

“Wow, I didn’t know somepony have that sort of emotion conveyed into a song,” Twilight commented.

I agreed with a nod, “Mhm, the emotion is just right on that one, shame nopony really bothered to recognize it.”

“Whoaa, I don’t know what happened, but I feel like I was apart of the song,” Spike added.

A giggle interrupted us as Sweet Melody make herself known, “I appreciate what you said, but that is nothing to be praised for.”

Twilight stared in disbelief, “Are you kidding!? That is exceptional, I don’t think anypony could do that sort of thing.”

Sweet Melody, however, once again giggled in response, “You flatter me, but anypony are capable of conveying their emotions as much as I am.”

“You must be Sweet Melody, my name is Twivine Sparkle, it is a pleasure to be your acquaintance.” I offered my hoof, which she took it eagerly.

“The pleasure is mine,” she smiled as she turned to Spike. “And who is this wittle~little baby dragon~.”

Spike puffed his cheeks as he was being prodded by the eager mare as much of a baby would be treated, I mean, he is technically still a baby in dragon standards, so...

“This is Spike, my adopted brother, and this is my elder sister, Twilight,” I introduced the two, Twilight can only squeak a ‘hello’ as Sweet Melody turned to her.

“Ah, I’ve heard of about you two, you’ve made quite the reputation here in Canterlot.”

“Umm, what reputation are you talking about?” Twilight naively asked.

Sweet Melody looked around before leaning forward to whisper at us, “Do not get me wrong, but you two are the talk of the noble when you became the Princess protege.”

I frowned at this, I know nobles tend to exaggerate things, but knowing how much trouble we get ourselves into when we’re little, I’m not surprised. What I am surprised though, is that Sweet Melody is rather… uncomfortable speaking about it. As if afraid that she offend us.

“What do they talk about?” Twilight inquired, and Sweet Melody gladly satisfy her curiosity.

“You see, the two of you are well known within the noble circles, upon knowing of your affiliation with the Princess directly, they would try to get close to your family in order to gain influence and perhaps bolster their position.”

Melody then sighed as she turned to regard me, “However, this is the opposite for you, you are regarded as a spawn of Tartarus due to your appearance. Some nobles even petition for your banishment.”

My blood boils upon hearing that, further increasing my hate to the general nobility of Canterlot. Before I could ask, Melody continued on.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if somepony is trying to get your attention, Twilight, but knowing that they have to face ‘the spawn of Tartarus’ -no offense to you by the way- almost everypony immediately backed away.”

“Well, thank god, they didn’t because they have to answer to my vine if they did,” I stated with a growl.

“So, are you saying that somepony is maybe after Twilight’s attention?” Spike asked, genuinely confused with the whole ordeal.

“This is just a rumor, but, I heard Prince Blueblood showed some kind of courtship with you, Twivine.”

“What!?” I exclaimed, horrified that I was courted by none other than the royal arse. “Where in Equestria did you have that idea?”

Melody shrugs, “I have no idea, some say that the Prince had gone mad or even bewitched by you, of course, nopony has proof of this.”

I groaned, my distaste with nobles had increased tenfold.

Twilight turned to me, “Is this why you refused to go to the Gala in the first place?”

“Pretty much, yeah,” I replied lamely.

“Though, I’m kind of surprised,” Spike suddenly spoke out. “Last time, Prince Blueblood bothered you like, all the time, but now he isn’t here to do that.”

“I was wondering the same thing, it is quite unusual for him,” Melody chimed, letting out a thoughtful hum.

Briefly, I saw Prince Blueblood tried to get away from Rarity as fast as he can walk with grace and dignity. He is clearly avoiding her attempt at courtship if one would really hazard a guess.

Oh well, at least he won’t bother us for the rest of the night. Erm, I mean I hope so...

As I glanced around the massive ballroom, I’ve noticed something, particularly, a stallion with dark grey fur with a noticeable splotch of white on his muzzle, wearing the same tuxedo-like all other stallions. I swear I saw him before, but where? Both of our eyes met, his eyes widening slightly, and quickly looks away in avoidance. Perhaps an approach is required and I did just that.

“Hello there,” I greeted him. He only nods in acknowledgment, not really facing me, this might be considered rude to somepony, but not me. His nervousness is apparent and so damn obvious.

I move in front of him to view his face better, it took me a moment to realize that the nervous mess of a stallion in front of me was Zepher. I don’t know how or why he’s here, I assume something to do with Zecora being invited, however, that seems very unlikely the case.

“Zepher?” I said with a confused frown, he finally turns at me and grinned nervously.

“Ahaha, hello, Miss Twivine, we’ve meet again.”

“Zepher, I won’t ask how, but instead, I’ll ask why?”

He took a moment to come up with an answer, and it was the most overused excuse in the history of excuses. “Because I wanted to be in the Gala?”

I resist the urge to facepalm, “Okay, forget it, let’s start with how did you get in here?”

“I walk through the front gate?” That innocent look he was giving me, I don’t know whether or not it was intentional, but I swear, I want to pinch it badly.

I sighed in defeat, “You know what, I... I don’t even care anymore...”

“Hey, Twivine!” I heard somepony called out to me, I turned to where it came from. Two pegasus walked up to two of us, one was a familiar pegasus stallion bearing a friendly grin and the other was a cobalt pegasus mare with a neutral expression.

“Hey, Silver, I didn’t know you attend the Gala this year,” I said with a smile.

Silver Sky scratch the back of his neck, “Well, I’m a sergeant now, so I-“

“So you’re Twivine Sparkle?” she suddenly interrupted. “My little brother had told me much about you.”

“Oh, really, I hope everything that he says is a good thing,” I replied, forcing a smile. By this point, I don’t care if my mouth ached.

Silver Sky let out a nervous laugh, “Twivine, I wish you to meet my elder sister, her name is Wi-“

“Blue Wind,” she offered her hoof, once again interrupting Silver before he could finish. Reluctantly, I accepted her hoof.

“A pleasure to be your acquaintance.”

She only nods, eyeing me like a hawk studying its prey before going in for the kill. Usually, I’m not bothered with that kind of glare especially from the nobles, but she was different. I found myself gulping at her gaze as she continued her observation, thankfully Silver Sky came in for the rescue.

“Alright sis, that’s enough,” He stepped in front of me, bearing the same glare as she was.

“Fine,” she scoffed, turning at me, “If you don’t count that eye, I’ll say my little brother had gotten himself a pretty good catch.”

I felt my cheeks burning up, with a brief glance I noticed that Silver had the same expression as I, flustered.

“Sis, don’t be ridiculous! Didn’t you told me you wanted to meet somepony?” Silver Sky was quick to change the subject but it didn’t really derail it that much, thankfully, Blue Wind didn’t pursue it further.

“Oh alright then, I’ll leave you lovebirds alone.” She said with a coy smile, walking away.

He sighed as his sister went out of sight, he turned at me, cheeks lightish pink from earlier embarrassment. “So uh, that was my sister. Don’t get too worked up, she just like messing around.”

“Err...right.”

The two of us stood there, staring at each other awkwardly, then subsequently saved by Zepher as he made himself known. “Hey, you two okay?”

Realizing that we both have been staring, quickly looks away, avoiding eye contact. “We’re fine,” said the two of us in unison and we both quickly realize our mistake, Silver Sky, however, attempt to hide it by sputtering incoherent words like a fish out of water. Although it was counter-productive since his face basically turns crimson red.

“I think I’ll go and find my sister,” I said, trying to leave the cringe-worthy awkwardness of a conversation.

“Y-yeah, you’ll do that,” he said rather quickly, then we both separated with Zepher following after me.

Then the music stopped, the abrupt halt of the song made me wonder what just happened. ‘Does Melody wanted to do another song or-‘ my thoughts come to an end as the song turns into a happy and cheerful beat. A nice change of pace for once, but these beat seems familiar.

The beats were just like in Pinkie’s party...

‘Just like in Pinkie’s party.’

...

...Oh, no...

My eyes went wide in realization, whirling my attention to where the band were, replaced with a hyper-enthusiastic pink pony along with a DJ-table. “Come on everypony, let’s get this party started!” Pinkie’s declaration was met with a confused stare from the nobles alike.

I facehooved, groaning miserably, “Noo, Pinkie...”

I heard a giggle behind me, turning my head to see Sweet Melody followed along by Twilight and Spike.

“I like your friend enthusiasm,” Melody said, watching Pinkie tried to push the nobles on ‘partying’.

“Well, I kinda like the change in the atmosphere,” Spike chimed in, bobbing his head along with the beat.

“Stage juuuuumppp!” Pinkie suddenly exclaimed, jumping into a crowd, which said crowd immediately dispersed instead of catching her.

That, however, lead to Pinkie slamming in front of Applejack’s cart filled with cake, on which said cake flew up to the air and were about to land on Blueblood, only then he used Rarity to shield himself. This infuriates Rarity, slamming a piece of the cake at Blueblood, which he got himself knock towards Princess Celestia’s golden statue, making the statue stumbling and about to fall to the crowd of nobles nearby and said crowd quickly scattered from the falling statue.

Of course, Rainbow Dash had to make the ‘rescue’ and caught the massive golden statue, because of the weight, she accidentally knocked over one of the pillars, on which said pillar are lined perfectly to make a domino effect on all of the pillars nearby.

Before anypony could make up what in the actual buck that just happened, there was a loud rumble and loud scream.

“YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE MEEEEEE!”

After that declaration, all of hell’s broke loose...

“Well, I’ll say that is a very interesting Gala I’ve ever attended.”

We managed to get out of that mess, thanks to teleportation spell. We reappeared just outside the palace’s entrance just in time to see how much damage the girls had done, the animals that rampaging on the Gala make an absolute hell over those poor souls that got stuck in there, the Pegasus noble even resorting to ditch out the party by slamming themselves at the window and flew away.

Some of the ground-based nobles actually made it out, only for the group of animals to pour out of the entrance, creating another mass panic. I pity the guard’s that got themselves the Gala shift.

“Twivine, are you kidding? It's like the best Gala to ever happened!” Spike exclaimed cheerfully. It was met with a collective groan from the six weary mares.

“More like, the worst one there is,” they said in unison. Of course, the statement went over the oblivious drake’s head.

“I most certainly disagree, this is one most exciting night I ever had!” Sweet Melody -- luckily enough to be nearby when chaos set itself loose – giddily bring out her opinion about tonight.

Zepher meanwhile, looked way out of place, awkwardly pawing at the wooden floor of Donut’s Joe. This place is a long-time favorite of the Sparkle family. Both Twilight and I recommend this place as our rendezvous point as it not only was close to the Palace, but it was also the place that has the best donut in all Canterlot.

“Here’s your order girls,” Joe gave us a couple of plates with our order of donuts with Spike being with the most donut.

“Well, at least the night isn’t so bad after all,” Twilight said.

“Indeed it wasn’t,” the most serene and motherly uttered voice made us glance over at the door, there was Princess Celestia smiling as she approached us. You can call me dramatic, but Twilight isn’t the only one that was affected by Rarity’s influence.

“Princess Celestia!” All of us chorused simultaneously, ducking our heads down.

“Please, do not bow your heads, I already had enough of that at the Gala.” We all did so, but before any of us could say anything, she continued. “I must say, what you girls had done for tonight Gala is astounding!”

“Um, pardon me, Princess, but uhh... tonight is just awful.” Applejack looked back to us, receiving a nod from all of the girls sans me and Sweet Melody before turning back.

The Solar Princess let out an amused chuckle, “Oh dear Applejack, the Gala is always awful.”

“Huh?” was the response from all six girls, before they can ask, the Princess elaborates at their confusion.

“The Gala is always mundane and dull, and for once, something actually happened. That is why I was hoping for all of you to liven it up a little, and while it may not go according to what you’ve planned. At the very least, you all could agree that in the end, it didn’t turn out that bad.”

The girls looked at each other, before finally bursting out in laughter, both Spike and Sweet Melody joining afterward, Zepher meanwhile... he is nowhere to be seen, that’s weird, I’ve sworn he was just here.

A changeling with a fiery green mane and zebra-like markings lies on the ground with his back, groaning as he rubbed his stomach. “Too...much...emotions...”

His groans continue to echo in the dark forest of the Everfree.

Oh well, at the very least, everypony is happy. And I actually got a contact whenever I need to have the latest info about the nobility here in Canterlot. And nothing can ruin tonight’s moo- Wait, is that Princess Luna that just flew off?

As the night grew longer, and the sound of laughter muffled. For once, I found myself a bit unnerved by how that cyan eyes was looking at me.

ACT 1: Revelations
END

Author's Note

Hello all, Desperate Dawn here and with a guest! Say hello, 'DeeDee'!
I'm not saying anything

And he went out...great...
Anyway, sorry if this took so GOD FRIKING LONG! Anyway, yeah, I enlisted help for my awful grammar. A good shout out to my Big Brother for helping out on editing earlier chapters and this one, and from now on he's going to be referred to as 'DeeDee'.

Oh, and he's back, say a bit 'DeeDee'.
Even though he argued that we should write our conversation to make it 'interesting' for the audience, but what the hell. Anyway, I hope you all have a good day and enjoyed the latest chapter on this story. Cheers.

Oh well, this marked the end of ACT 1. Part of me wanted to continue the original path that I planned, but, there are just some 'things' that were just too good to pass up because it was built up at the earlier chapters. Probably, some of you at this probably have already figured it out, but those who don't, I'll give you a hint by the name on the upcoming act.

ACT 2: Resurgence

Shout out to Judoon_Warrior for giving out their OC 'Sweet Melody' for this chapter!

Just like my brother said earlier, enjoy the latest chapter of We're both twins, yes! Now buzz off...

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Chaos Element

ACT 2:
Resurgence

Princess Luna stifled a yawn as she made her way back to her tower, after such a long night, and handling the mess that is the Gala. One thing that always baffles the Lunar Princess was how trusting her elder sister towards Twivine Sparkle.

One could say that she was paranoid about her return, but that is not entirely the case. While Twivine Sparkle had shown nothing but herself, Luna realized why was Celestia had given Twilight’s twin a chance in the first place.

But still…

She opened the door to her chambers. The chambers itself was empty, the only thing occupying it was the presence of a white Alicorn with a frown on her face.

“Hello, sister, what do we owe thee for thine visit?” Luna asked. Celestia tried to get her out of her habits with the ancient dialect, Luna, however, was quite fond of it still.

“You know full well why I am here, Luna,” the Solar Princess said dryly, earning a frown from Luna.

“Ah, thou mean regarding fair Twivine Sparkle, hath not We told thee already, our plan is not the same nor do our end goals.” She said evenly.

“And why if I may ask?” Luna raised her eyebrows at Celestia’s reply. “Why do you treat her as if she could turn into Nightmare the moment you turn your back on her.”

Luna stiffened, she looked down on the ground, sighing as Luna look up the much larger Alicorn. “It is because I am afraid.”

Celestia expression softened, draping her wing at her sister, “Luna, that parasite is gone. You’ve not need to bother yourself with-“

“But I must!” Luna interjected. “I will not stand idle when that parasite takes hold of her mind,” before Celestia made any counter-points, Luna continued, “No Celestia, I will not go on that path. I know how you handle your problems. You’ve witnessed how it turned me, and our only option was to confront it while it was on its weakest.”

“By spying on her directly!?” Celestia shouted, making the smaller Alicorn nervously rub her hooves.

“I shall admit your student perception is outstanding, and that led us to my second argument.” Luna drawn long enough for her words to sink in, before continuing. “That vine, it reminded us of something even greater threat.”

Celestia’s eyes widened as Luna glance over to a peculiar garden ornaments that Celestia had kept at the center of the garden.

“One must think how much chaos it could create when both powers combined.”

Walking around town is much comforting than I thought it would. It was much better than the library most definitely. Still, I’m uneased by how Princess Luna was watching me back then. Walking around town and enjoying the calm morning helps it considerably.

I come across groups of foal from Ponyville Elementary School, all lined up behind Miss Cheerilee, the school teacher. I could faintly hear about a trip to Canterlot, for some reason, I feel... Nope, not going to say nor even think about it.

Continuing my way around town, I looked up to the clear blue skies, spotting a single cloud in the distance slowly drifting. One familiar cyan Pegasus with a rainbow mane is occupying it. Not that I care, but why do I think a certain griffon is going to come out of nowhere and whack her?

I shook my head rapidly. Whatever Gilda are doing now, I could care less, as long as she doesn’t harm others.

“Hey, you! The one with the weird eye,” somepony shout out loud. Whirling around, I find Trixie sitting on a bench as if she owned the place. I would call her rude, but Trixie is a special one. One thing I remember about Trixie is that she often afraid to show herself until she speaks in third-person.

“Oh, hey, Trixie,” I walked over to her as she beckons me closer. She looked hesitant, unsure of herself, and when I’m about to ask, she finally spoke.

“Tri- I wanted to say thank you for helping me.” I raised an eyebrow, wondering what the hell just happened because Trixie changed into first-person.

“I’m sorry?” I asked with a confused frown.

Now it was Trixie’s turn to raise her eyebrows, “What, the fact that I changed still left you speechless?” Trixie shook her head, chuckling. “Please, Twivine, I’m a confident show mare now. I’m not the nervous filly anymore.”

I chuckled, remembering her stuttering when the teacher asked her to show the class about her potion that one time at chemistry. “Yeah, well, sorry for getting used to how you speak.”

“Unnecessary,” Trixie waved her hoof, beckoning for me to sit beside her as she changed her posture. “So, how are you and your twin sister? I’ve heard rumors that you two helped bring back a Princess.”

I chuckled, sitting beside her, “Honestly, we’re both doing fine even although it can be a bit hectic from time to time.”

“And so I’ve heard,” Trixie mused. “Did you truly make the whole town chased after you because of the golden ticket? I heard about it from Cloudchaser for the fourth time by now.”

I rolled my eyes, unhappy at that particular memory, “Yes, even though the whole Gala thing is a disaster.”

Trixie stifled a laugh, hiding it with a grin, “Must be quite the night.”

Remembering the events that transpired is enough to make me bury my head on my hooves, groaning. “You don’t want to know.”

What happens in the gala, is the talk of the town and most likely the hot topic for all-around Equestria. Yes, many saw it as a disaster, but it wasn’t all that bad, knowing that the Princess hopes for something to happen. You know, besides the formal gathering of Nobles, that is.

But, that made me remember about Princess Luna, and in an instant, my mood soured. I don’t want to remember that one glare the Lunar Princess was giving me. I mean, yeah, sure, my eyes do remind her of Nightmare Moon. I hope that would be the last of her suspicion. The last thing I need is to ask Princess Celestia again.

“Hey, are you alright?” Trixie asked with concern. “Trixie notices that you spaced out, and Trixie wanted to make sure that you are fine.”

“Oh goddess-fricking damn it, Trixie, make up your mind!” I shouted in exasperation, starting to get annoyed by her switch on perspective.

Trixie meanwhile, chuckled in amusement, “Still the short temper that you are, huh?”

I rolled my eyes, “Anyway, I have to bail. I have a knack feeling something is about to happen.”

Trixie tilted her head, deadpanning, “This is Ponyville, you know something is always about to happen, only say when.”

I chuckled lightly, “True, anyway, I’ll see you around Trix.” We both waved our goodbyes as I head towards the direction of Golden Oaks Library.

Despite all the things that occasionally happen from time to time, Ponyville shrouded with mystery that is left unanswered, shrugging at each disastrous event as a normality. Probably because of the Everfree, or its fate/destiny alone. I mean, the amount of something that happens in just one week, particularly Tuesday, always baffles me.

I’m not complaining, just curious.

I looked over to the sun, determining its current position before finally concluding that it was sometime before lunch. I’m not in a rush since Spike probably preparing for today’s lunch right now, so I’m not worried if he start to eat more than his fair share.

Then, of course, as usual, something had to happen as things should be in Ponyville. A random pink cloud, slowly drifting in the sky while raining chocolate. I blinked, because something as the impossibility of it is just a new level of weirdness, I guessed that it was time for me to get to the library as soon as possible.

Once I arrived, I threw open the door, shouting as loud as I could. “TWILIGHT, SPIKE, WE GOT A PROBLEM!” Fortunately for me, both of them are in the dining room, unfortunately for them, their lunch were no longer in their plates and instead was planted on the ceiling when I threw the door open.

“Ugh, this better be a world-ending threat, or you would have to buy us a replacement lunch,” grumbled Spike, Twilight meanwhile has much calmer reaction.

“What is it, Twivine? You didn’t usually get this worked up,” Twilight inquired.

I pointed at the nearest window as the earlier bubbly pink cloud raining chocolate milk went by, “That, that is the problem.”

Spike mouth watered as he watched how edible the clouds looked like, “Whoa, do you think it’s edible?”

Of course, Spike would ask about that, why wouldn’t he be? Both Twilight and I rolled our respective eyes. “When you have wings, Spike, then you can find out yourself,” said Twilight.

“Aww…” the young drake whined adorably.

I chuckled, turning to Twilight, “Come on, we have to find what the hell’s going on this time around.”

“Get over here, you little!” I heard Rainbow Dash frustrated cry, and soon enough, Rainbow Dash went over us as she chased the pink-chocolate-raining cloud. As it turns out, there are a lot more than I expected.

“Rainbow, what the hay’s happenin’. I mean, chocolate rain? Chocolate milk rain?” Applejack shouted, just as confused as everypony around town.

Rainbow Dash then hovered above us, giving us a quick rundown on what was happening. “There’s crazy weather all around Equestria! Even Cloudsdale are getting soaked by a cola storm, don’t worry though, I’m not leaving Ponyville behind until all this mess is sorted out.”

“I’ll be more inclined to help if it didn’t make me wet, or dirty, or out of my umbrella,” Rarity said as she walked with an umbrella.

“Aw come on Rarity, this is way more fun!” Pinkie said, bouncing on top of the cloud, even though she’s an Earth pony that- Why did I ask this for goddess sake? She is Pinkie!

“Umm, Angel, you shouldn’t- um, no Ms. Rin, please don’t eat that,” Fluttershy helplessly tried to get her animals under control, but to no avail, as they continue to eat whatever that cloud was sprouting.

“Don’t worry, everypony, I have a fail-safe spell in case of an incident like this.” Twilight channeled magic onto her horn, only for my hoof blocking it.

“Rainbow, can you group up all that cloud into one spot?” I took charge of the situation, much to Twilight’s displeasure.

“Of course!” With that Rainbow Dash flew off. I turned to Applejack a second later.

“Applejack, when all the clouds packed up together, pull it down to the ground.”

“Ah’m not sure where ya goin’ with this, but sure.”

Twilight came up in front of me, both annoyed and irritated. “Twivine, let me handle this, just let me do my spell, it’ll be a lot quicker.”

“Okay fine,” I relented, grumbling as I step aside for Twilight to do her spell. As her magic channeled up, Rainbow Dash managed to gather all the clouds in one spot, Applejack soon pulling it to the ground with her lasso.

Then she cast out her spell.

…only for nothing to happen.

“WHAT!? That’s not possible, that should-“ I placed a hoof on Twilight’s muzzle, cutting her off before she breaks off into a rant.

“Let it be, Twilight,” I patted Twilight’s shoulder as she let out a frustrated cry. At this point, Fluttershy’s animals were eating off the cotton-candy cloud, I don’t know if that thing is good or not. But, if they don’t have a side-effect, then maybe it’s not that bad after all.

And of course, Spike had joined in with them.

“This is great!” Pinkie said as she grouped up a portion of the cloud into one cone and start eating them. Then one animal snatched her sugar-induced snack, “Wha- Hey, that was mine!”

All five of us shared a chuckle as Pinkie chased the animals, Fluttershy meanwhile, was maintaining how much the animals were eating.

“Well, guess that’ll do fer now,” Applejack remarked.

It is either because Fate or Murphy taking offend to this, Spike burped out a scroll. Blinking for a moment, Spike took the scroll and gave it to Twilight, and, as you may have guessed it, continued on EATING! Seriously, that drake needs to stop eating so much else he’ll turn into a big dragon in no time.

Twilight opened the scroll, reading through before she gasps loudly. “Girls, Princess Celestia needed us at Canterlot now!”

I frowned, taking the letter from her as I read through the whole thing.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

You and your friends are needed at Canterlot post-haste. An ancient evil has returned, and we are in dire need of the Elements once again. Make your travel quickly.

No doubt whatever absurd events have happened in Ponyville, all of Equestria are having the same issue. But please, leave your sister out of this as it is a dangerous situation and are only to be handled by the Elements. The fate of Equestria rest in your hooves, Element Bearers.

Your Mentor,
Princess Celestia

“WHAT?!” I cried out, the sheer volume and shock on my tone alone is enough to make everypony to look at me. “Spike, come here!”

“Uh, what is it, Twivine?” said drake asks in confusion.

“Write a letter. I want to complain to Princess Celestia for-“

Unexpectedly, Spike burped out another scroll. I took the scroll as it flies out of his mouth. Opening the scroll, my eyes twitched as I read the content.

Dear Twivine Sparkle.

Please do not bother yourself. This problem, only the Element Bearers are capable of handling it, and I am confident on your sister’s abilities and the bond she shared with her friends. You, however, are not an Element Bearers, I am concerned with your safety if you were to join with them.

Please, let Twilight and the others sort this one, you in the other hoof would need to help the Mayor to calm everypony down.

Do not take this the wrong way, Twivine, as I am very concerned about the wellbeing of both you and Spike.

Your Mentor,
Princess Celestia

“Come on! It’s not fair,” I whined angrily. I can’t believe Princess Celestia would- I rapidly shook my head, if I think about it, it does make sense for Twilight to be sent to sort whatever this mess was. She had a powerful artifact for goddess-sake, I’m sure fixing this mess would be easy as you can blast it directly on something, and somehow it’ll fix everything.

“Let it be, Twivine,” Spike patted my shoulder.

I groaned in defeat, “Fine…”

So, all of us bid our farewells, Spike and I head over to the Townhall, and on our way, things kept getting weirder by the second. I mean, the houses started to float, the birds flying upside down and palm trees sprouting banana-shaped vanilla. I mean, what in the actual buck?

We approached Mayor mare, calling out to her, but as she turned around, what baffles us was that her mouth was one of a duck instead. She quacked in panic, seemingly unaware of her changes.

“Uhh, Mayor mare?”

“Quack?”

“You do realize you have a mouth of a duck, right?”

There was an awkward silence between us, and immediately she panicked even more. She latched onto my hooves as if begging me to fix her, I mean, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? This magnitude of weirdness is far too much I can handle. I channeled my magic as I grabbed onto Spike, we soon find ourselves on the confinement of our safe home minus the Mayor.

I can only hope for Twilight’s return as Spike starts to barricade the windows.

Okay, I sort of expect Twilight and the girls to return, but I didn’t expect them to be this…gray. And where the buck is Rainbow?

“Twilight, what the hay happened?” I asked in bewilderment.

“Discord happened,” she answered as she walked past me, looking over at the shelf on E section and pulled out the book about Elements of Harmony. “Aha, there it is!” She levitates the jewelry that is the Elements out of the book, why is it there I have no idea.

Wait, did she just said Discord? As if, the Discord?

…Ah shit.

“Spike, get your scaly butt here now!” She shouted, said drake soon walked down the stairs with a hammer on his claw.

“What is it, Twilight? And umm, why is the girls like that?”

As if to further reinforce his question, the girls start to act up.

“Nothin’ happened, we all go to this world where everythin’ is perfect and we ponies could walk on the clouds,” said Gray-Applejack.

Gray-Fluttershy huffed, “As if you ponies could walk on clouds, there is nothing but those with wings that could walk on clouds.”

“Hmph, I still can’t believe you expect me to replace Tom with him,” Gray-Rarity added as she held onto a small rock.

Pinkie remained silent with her hooves crossed, her hair flat, and flat-haired Pinkie is never a good thing.

Twilight groaned, her voice long-suffering. “Look, it doesn’t matter, now put this on!” Spike yelped as Twilight forcefully put the golden necklace that bears the Element of Loyalty on his neck. “We have to stop Discord, and this is our only chance!”

“Twilight, stop!” I shouted, and immediately the whole room’s attention are onto me. “Just, stop, it’ll won’t work against Discord if you all are in this state.”

“B-but, the Elements,” Twilight stammered, I walked up to her and shook her body excessively.

“Do you think it’ll work when you all in this state!?” Twilight hesitates, she opened her mouth to retort, but she couldn’t put the words out of her. “That’s what I thought…”

I turned to Spike, and then towards the girls who were now arguing amongst themselves, I sighed and turned back, but what I saw made my eyes widened. Twilight’s color slowly fades to gray, a few strains of tears flowing across her cheeks.

“My friends are jerks, and now even my sister doesn’t believe me anymore,” Twilight sniffed.

“No, no, no, no, no!” I walked up to her in panic, trying to assure her, “Twilight, I do believe you, please don’t be like this!”

Seeing Twilight didn’t even budge as the last of her color faded in front of my very own eyes, I felt something snapped inside me, both my anger and hatred swirled deep inside me like a raging maelstrom. I gritted my teeth, feeling them hardened as every part of me wanted, no, wishing for Discord’s death.

I let out a voice much darker in tone than I usually was, “Spike, stay here and watch over Twilight.”

Before Spike could say anything, I already stormed out of the library with a goal in mind, which is to maim a certain Draconequus.

Discord was having fun in a lifetime! How could he not, he tricked the Element Bearers and made Celestia have that look on her face. Oh, he misses times like this, unlike that time when he spent most of his life pondering and slowly growing restless at his stone prison.

He needs to thank the three fillies for cracking the stone, even though it was an accident, it is enough to weaken the spell that holds him there. He had so much plan for Equestria, and it will all start here in Ponyville.

“DISCORD!” All too familiar voice of Twilight Sparkle rang out over the town with such malice, and it was enough to make him shudder. It reminded him of a certain somepony with anger issues.

He turned around to see Twilight Sparkle in all of her glory, even though her color faded a little bit. Discord couldn’t help but smile seeing her changed like this.

“Ah, Twilight Sparkle, here to blast me with that Element of yours? Where is your friend by the way,” Discord looked around, yet no sign of the rest of the elements. “Wait, where is your friend anyway?”

She didn’t answer and instead gave him a cold glare filled with utmost hatred Discord had ever seen. He was confused, to say the least, he didn’t expect this kind of behavior at all! She came alone? Why would she-

“I’ve come not to put you back to your Prison, Discord.” She said coldly, for a reason or another, Discord felt his spine shuddering from her tone alone. What he did aren’t that bad, sure the rest of the elements are the opposite of themselves, but why does she become like this?

For once, he felt something he didn’t even think ever feeling again; fear.

“A-and why is that, if I may politely ask?” he said with a cheeky smile, hiding his fear from her.

She walks closer with her eyes closed as vines sprouted just behind her, vines that he unknowingly planted all that centuries ago. It was supposed to find that tree, but why is it on her hooves and in her control, no less? That, however, would be left unanswered.

Just as Discord racked his tiny little brain for answers, she finally spoke again with her eyes trailing a sickly green glow. “I’ve found a much better solution, which is…” she paused, looking up. " ...your DEATH!”

Her vines, shaped into a deadly lance, was launched towards Discord, he instinctively flicked his claw to change whatever object he was attacked by, only that he can’t. He soon finds out that the vines are made with far more sinister chaotic energy, not the usual chaotic energy or even magic in general that he could manipulate. No, this is something darker, far more powerful.

Discord barely dodged the incoming lance-like vines with a yelp as the vines crossed out on each other as if trying to entrap him in one place. But then the Unicorn’s horn shimmered, Discord immediately slithered away just in time for another vine to burst out of the ground to impale him if he were not to move.

“J-just what are you?” He soon realized that this Twilight has slitted eyes, and the white of her eyes are actually teal colored.

“Me?” She laughs much like of the Dark King, and Discord didn’t like it one bit. “You can call me, TwiVINE Sparkle, and you just made my sister cry,” her tone then drastically changed into one of utter malice.

“No one, absolutely no one, make my sister cry.”

Twilight did not like this magical energy at all, even Rarity felt it too. It was magic that she isn’t familiar with, but many of its magical signatures are almost so closely resemble hers, and the only thing that closely resembled to her is her little sister, Twivine herself. Most importantly, however, the magic she sensed is almost akin to Nightmare Moon.

She didn’t like it one bit.

After Spike burped out a lot of scroll that is her friendship report, she began to remember why her friendship was something as valuable as her family. She began putting back her friends together, getting back all of their memories spent with each other, and soon they all remembered too.

All of them were galloping as fast as their hooves can carry them (excluding Rainbow) and all heading over to center of town where massive vines sprouted out of the ground, and most shaped like spears.

She doesn’t want to know what happens, all that she wanted was to stop it before anypony could get hurt.

“COME BACK HERE YOU SLIPPERY SNAKE!” Twilight heard her yell, her voice was unlike her little sister at all, and it scared her.

Discord came rushing on foot, much to the surprise of the others. His Mismatched body covered in bruise and cuts, most likely the result on avoiding the deadly vines.

“Please, get me away from her!” Discord pleads, shrinking himself as he hid behind Fluttershy’s mane. He wasn’t the focus right now, no, it was Twivine that left their mouth agape.

Her eyes trailed green with dark layers around it, three sharp points of her vines reigning above her for added intimidation. Her eyes traced around for any sight of the Draconequus, then her eyes fell on the girls, and all at once everypony froze, including Twivine herself.

Twilight couldn’t believe her eyes. How could she not? What she saw right now is not her sister, and to make sure that was, in fact, still Twivine, Twilight took a hesitant step forward.

“Twivine?” She asked weakly. Twivine’s eyes widened as her voice was no longer that of hatred she shown earlier, but instead of utter disbelief.

“Twi…light?” Twivine called back with a course whisper, as soon as she did so, the massive vines that sprouted all around them started to retract back to the ground. The vines above her also changed, gradually returns to its usual appearance. Just as Twilight taking another step forward, Twivine lost her consciousness as soon as her hooves took a step. Twilight immediately teleported beside her to hold her up, unexpectedly, the vines also helped her to stop Twivine’s fall.

Twilight blinked as the vines slowly detracts itself as soon as she held her little sister safely around her hooves. She looked down at her sister.

A content smile appeared on Twivine's feature as she knew everything will be fine now that her sister's back.

Author's Note

"And, so it begins..."

Again, another thank you for 'DeeDee' on helping me edit this chapter.
Not much I can say though, but expect 'Dark' tags coming soon.
Anyway, I'll see you guys later!

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Nightmare...

I woke up with a scream, sitting up as I glanced over to the window, dreading for an unbelievable amount of absurdness that could happen outside. However, my fears are unfounded as everything, as far as I can see, looked normal. I breathed out a sigh of relief, knowing that the Discord threat have already passed, I must’ve slept through the whole thing, or that is just some creepy dream vision.

I shook my head, getting out of bed and head over to the bathroom. What I saw on the mirror made me scream in pure terror as I fall backward, the reflection showing not me, but a demon version of myself. Her wings, pitch-black as the void itself with a streak teal, her teal horn are jagged, almost crystal-like, her mane trailed all over in pure magic like a fiery inferno.

I tried to crawl away from the mirror, but then, it moved as the demon’s eyes pierced right through my soul. It attempted to get out of the mirror, I found myself screaming, shouting for help as the mirror cracked and the demon stepped out with all of its might.

I stared at it, unable to move, paralyzed at the sight as the demon smirked at me and opened her mouth to speak.

“Do you like what you’re seeing?”

I wanted to move and get as far away from her. The demon reared its head so close to my face I could feel her burning hot breath.

“You wanted it, do you?”

I wanted to say no, but nothing came out of my mouth. My head was then slammed to the floor as the demon’s hoof grasped my neck, choking me out of oxygen. As I grunted in pain, struggling to get out of her hold, she spoke again as the bathroom changed to a familiar Throneroom.

“I had to wonder why you’ve never bothered to show them, me,” the scene changed again to depict the demon battling against all known creatures known to ponykind. “You could’ve protect them all, and no one will ever defy you.” The scene once again changed to show both Celestia and Luna, bowing their heads with a massive crowd of ponies doing the same. The two offered the demon their crown.

As I watched the scene in horror, it again changed, this time, it showed the smiling form of Twilight. She wasn’t alone, behind her, Spike, Mom, Dad, Shining, and even Cadence, all doing the same. “And, most important of them all, they will love you.”

“NO!” I shouted, surprised that I found my voice, “They always loved me and always will!”

The demon looked at me quizzically and said what I dreaded to hear, “Do they?”

“O-Of course they are! Why wouldn’t they-“

“LIES!” The demon roared as her trailing mane lashed violently. “They never loved you, and will always treat you like a spawn of Tartarus!”

I shook my head rapidly, not even believing a single word from that demon. The Sparkles always loved and treat me just like Twilight was. I found the courage to talk back, “How can you say that I am a spawn of Tartarus while you, yourself, are one!”

The demon smirked and laughed, and as her maniacal laughter subsides, she grinned. “Unlike you, weakling, I have the power to do anything. Even the power to save her.”

The world darkened as the demon disappeared, and what was in front of me left me frozen in shock as Twilight jumped only to be impaled by a dark object.

Twilight and Spike were left alone on the couch, holding the sleeping form of Twivine, stroking her mane in worry. It has been an hour since Discord surrendered willingly, fifty minutes since the Princesses arrival and dragged Discord to discuss his fate. Her friends anxiously waits at the door, occasionally glancing towards the trio with concern.

“DON’T YOU FEEL HER POWER? SURELY YOU DO!”

Everypony’s ear presence flattened when they heard Discord frightened shouts. It was obvious who he was referring to, they all know what they’ve seen, but they refused to believe in themselves, and that includes the Sparkles siblings.

Twilight was startled when Twivine start to whimper on her sleep, the two siblings looked at each other in worry as her whimper became a grunt of pain, and then a sob. It seemed like Twivine was having a Nightmare again, but the two never seen her so…helpless.

Her limbs flailed weakly as she called on Twilight’s name, saying sorry over and over. The girls gathered around her, attempting to comfort the sleeping mare, but it kept getting worse as Twivine’s miserable cries become more and more uncontrollable, and her whimpers becomes clearer.

Just as they desperately attempt to comfort Twivine, the Princesses finally came out with Discord in tow. And with it, Twilight’s call for help.

“Princess Luna, please do something!”

Immediately, the Princesses feature turns into worried as they trot over to the trio, the girls clearing the way for the two royals to check up on Twivine. Discord went over to the corner of the ceiling, staying away as far away as possible.

“What’s going on, Twilight?” Princess Celestia asked as she bent to her knees, nuzzling the crying, sleeping mare.

“I don’t know, she started whimpering, and then, and then-“ Twilight was hushed as Princess Luna placed her hoof on her mouth.

“Shh, be calm, young Twilight Sparkle, We shall help thine sister.” Princess Luna’s horn shimmered in brilliant royal cobalt blue as it washed Twivine’s forehead. In an instant, her whimpering stops.

Twilight looked at Princess Celestia, “Princess, can you tell me what’s going on?”

The solar diarch shook her head, “Unfortunately, only Luna who had the most experience in this field.”

Twilight turned to the Lunar Princess, who was concentrating greatly. “Princess?”

“She is fine if that was thine question,” she said as she continued concentrating. After a long, agonizing two minutes, Princess Luna finally relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Just what is going on, Princess Luna?” Twilight asked.

“Thine sister, apparently having the greatest Nightmare she ever dreamt of, but alas, what We can help are only temporary solution as her dream can return whenever fair Twivine would close her eyes.” Princess Luna explained.

Spike clutched Twivine’s little purple trinket, “J-just, what are those dreams?”

Princess Luna turned towards the purple drake, raising an eyebrow at the small trinket. She walked up closer, “Just what art those trinkets thou held in thine arms?”

Spike looked at Twilight in concern, she only nod sadly, beckoning him to give it to her. Strangely, Princess Celestia also looked a bit downcast. Luna, who had no idea what are they on about, grasp the trinket with her magic, not noticing anything in particular.

The girls, curiously walked closer to see what’s with the trinket the Lunar Princess was holding. Princess Luna opened the trinket to reveal an old photo of filly Twilight and Twivine, barely even twelve, smiling alongside Princess Celestia just behind them with a slight smile of her own. What made the girls and the Lunar Princess gasps, however, was the dried blood that stains the bottom left corner of the picture.

Princess Luna looked at her sister for answers, and she received one.

“The picture that trinket resides, is one of the darkest memories I rather not remember.”

“Just, what happened?” Applejack asked, Twilight answering mere seconds later.

“That picture was taken an hour before our field-trip to Whitetail woods, and it was a tragedy that scarred Twivine for the rest of her life.”

Princess Celestia took charge of explaining as Twilight no longer wish to continue. “You see, it was supposed to be a fun little field-trip, but like you can all guess. It did not. Little Twilight and Twivine strayed far from the group just to have an adventure of their own,” the solar Princess chuckled dryly.

“I regret leaving them alone because when the group ventured out, both of them continued deeper. I was so worried when I’ve lost track of their magical signature, and when I found them back…”

Princess Celestia drew her words longer and longer, increasing the already thick tension around all of them. Only Rainbow Dash, who had the audacity to ask the dreaded question.

“Then, what happened?”

Princess Celestia was silent, Twilight holding back tears that threatened to burst as Spike buried his face on Twivine’s coat. At long last, the Princess continued.

“…they were covered in blood.”

Another gasp, but the Solar Princess didn’t stop there. “There were many remnants of branches and leaves around them, indicating the presence of Timberwolves, still to this day, I do not know why they traveled that far. But, the fact is clear, they’ve attacked the twins.

In all honesty, they wouldn’t be here if Twivine didn’t use her vines to crush them. But, that was when Twilight was bitten on her neck when they were running away.”

The usually calm, and stoic mask of Princess Celestia, crumbled as her tears streamed openly for all to see, “Poor Twivine kept crying, shouting for help as she tried to keep Twilight alive by holding on her wounds with her vines. Interestingly enough, it did help, and I was able to bring them to the hospital.”

The Solar Princess took a deep breath, taking a moment to compose herself before continuing. “Twivine never forgives herself from that day, and by sheer luck alone, Twilight recovered fully without having a lasting trauma.”

By this time, everypony present all cried, hearing such a horrible past, even Discord having a hard time showing his emotion as he continuously looked in between the ceilings and the walls.

Princess Luna sniffed, wiping her tears as she composed herself. “I see, it is no wonder why she was so protective over her older sister.” She took a deep breath, “I understand why she had her nightmares.”

Spike looked hopeful as he stared up at Princess Luna, “You do?”

“Yes,” she nodded, turning to Twilight. “Twivine had dreamt of your death, Twilight.”

Twilight wiped her tears as she nuzzled Twivine, wrapping her hooves around her, not letting her go anywhere. Luna wanted to say more, but she wanted to spare them of the actual story.

The two suffered enough as it is.

I woke up with a searing headache, the world was spinning as I sat up on the couch. Wait, couch!? I looked around me as I hopped off the couch. Everything looked normal, so far, I trotted to the door and opened it, revealing a normal view of the town.

After a brief look and making sure that I was indeed awake, and that includes me pinching my self multiple times, I trot back to the library.

“Twivine!” I heard Twilight called out to me as I walked in. Before I could say anything, she tackle-hugged me to the ground. “Please don’t leave me like that!”

I patted Twilight’s head, “Hey, I’m not going anywhere, besides, I know you solved the problem with Discord. He deserves to be put back in stone anyway.”

Twilight nervously laugh, “Aha, about that.”

“Why hello there, the Twins Sparkle, I sure hope I didn’t interrupt anything.” Discord popped into reality. My blood boils upon seeing him up and running, I shout as loud as my voice can muster.

“DISCORD!” Immediately, vines sprouted of the walls of the library and wrapped Discord in place. “What are you doing here!?”

“At ease, Twivine Sparkle, he is not a threat.” That voice, my eyes widened as I whirled around to see both Princess Celestia and Luna walked up from the entrance.

“Princess!” I immediately went into a bow, stopped a second later by Princess Celestia.

“Please, Twivine, you’ve known me long enough not to bow,” she said with her usual motherly smile.

“Princess, I have to ask,” I said, pointing to Discord accusingly. “Why is he here, shouldn’t he be a statue by now?”

“On normal circumstances, yes, but that is no longer the case,” Princess Luna said. I quirk an eyebrow, as I asked them again.

“Okay, why?”

“It is because he surrendered willfully.” Princess Celestia said nonchalantly. “After witnessing the capabilities of your vines, Discord thought that he’ll stood no chance against you, and, so here he is.”

“But, here’s the thing, I’m not exactly comfortable on being released right now, I prefer to be a statue anytime.” Discord said, still wrapped with my vines. I begrudgingly released him, only that because the Princess told me to.

“Seriously, I’ll rather be in stone than around you, but since the bearers don’t want to put me back as a statue, so here I am doing community services.” Discord explained with a shrug, and before I could say anything, he popped out of reality to goddess knows where.

I sighed, “Okay, any more surprises?”

“Well, there is something that I wanted to talk to you about,” Princess Luna said. The two Royal Sister glanced at each other, nodding. “So, if you please?”

“Uhh, okay?” I hesitantly said.

Princess Celestia clapped her hooves, “Okay, Twilight, come now, you must show me your kitchen, and we can have a cookout!”

“Umm, Princess, I’m not sure this is a good idea.”

“Oh, nonsense, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

There the two goes, I guess, that left me with Princess Luna. “So um,” I cleared my throat, the awkwardness becoming palpable.

“Right,” Princess Luna cleared her throat. “I wanted to apologize.”

“Um, what for?” I asked in confusion.

“Do you remember being stalked recently?” She fearfully inquired, and that was enough to make me shout in disbelief.

“That was you!?”

Princess Luna raised her hoof, “I assure you, I have my reasons.”

I fell to my haunches, crossing my hooves, “Oh yeah, and that is?”

For once, I saw the Lunar Princess nervously rub her hooves like a school-filly getting caught stealing a cookie-jar. It is surreal enough to make me question my sanity, but knowing that weirder things happened, my sanity is the least of my concern.

“Do be mindful, Twivine Sparkle, we just got out of our banishment and had that parasite exorcised. Forgive us that we may harbor suspicion to thee, with how alike the two of you are, we cannot help but to suspect you.”

I took a deep breath and sighed, I already over this, by this point. “I guess, but please promise me that you wouldn’t do that again.”

Princess Luna smiled, chanting Pinkie’s Promise alongside with the gesture. “Crossed our heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake into our eyes.”

“Wait, how do you know that?”

“Dear Pinkie Pie had told us, breaking a promise is the fastest way to lose a friend.”

Three, two, one.

“FOREVER!”

And there goes. Never change Pinkie.

“I still do not know how she can appear on multiple places at once,” Princess Luna murmured.

“Trust me, Princess, you don’t want to know.” I looked over at the kitchen, who is starting to smell something was burning. “Anyway, let’s check on these two at the kitchen and see who’s the worst at cooking.”

Princess Luna snorted, “We bet thee ten bits that my sister is still the worst one out there!”

“Heh, you’re on, Princess.”

Author's Note

Desperate Dawn here, and oh by Harmony, I am on a ROLL!

I just had this sudden inspiration to write the next chapter after I uploaded the last chapter(Sorry brother xD). But anyway, as promised, 'Dark' tags are now added as we uncovered Twivine's past.

For those of you that were wondering 'What's the deal with the small trinket?' Well, there you have it. Oh, and also, I slipped in some foreshadowing on this chapter, heck, I put a few on earlier chapters as well! You might have an idea on what to come next. :raritywink:

See you guys later!

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

PS:
Btw, here's the link to that awesome image
Brother's note:
The foreshadowing is so blatantly obvious, that without being addressed, no one would think about it.

Silver Sky

Silver Sky opened his eyes, feeling a little dizzy and nauseous, most likely on the aftermath of what happened yesterday. Looking to his side, he found his roommate still asleep with his legs sprayed all around his messy bed, Avalon, the poor bloke, he took more drinks than any other within his platoon. Silver had to carry him back to bed, seeing the poor S.O.B couldn’t even walk straight nor speak comprehensibly.

He glances towards the wall-clock, the time pointing twenty before seven.

Letting out a loud yawn, Silver hopped off his bed, neatly folding the covers before heading off to the washroom. At first, he considered getting his wing preened, but with the state of his roommate currently on, he opted to do it later.

Finishing his morning routine, Silver left the washroom feeling refreshed and unusually energetic, he did a couple of stretches before donning his Royal Golden Armour.

His armor looked the same as the others, but with a slight difference, he had a silver horizontal insignia, an officer insignia. He hasn’t yet transferred to the Officer Quarters, it was still a month off, until then, he’s stuck with his shared quarters ever since he graduated Bootcamp.

Silver Sky wondered why he advances through the ranks so rapidly.

“Look out!”

Silver Sky pushed his commanding officer out of the way in time for the loud screech coming above rained down on the squadron.

“GARUDA!!” Avalon exclaimed as the large eagle-like creature flapped its mighty wings near them, stumbling the squadron out of the sky due to the sheer amount of wind it blows.

"Bloody hell, it’s an adult one, we can’t take it without sufficient gear,” Kriegsler said, banking to the right to regroup with the others after recovering from the massive shift on the wind.

“Damn, the blasted beast will outspeed us, no matter what.” The Officer looks around, “We need to draw its attention away.”

“I’ll do it, sir!” Silver Sky volunteered.

“What, are you insane?!” The Officer barked. “I will not let my men sacrifice themselves, I’ll be the one to-“

"Sir!" Silver Sky intruded. "I know a pass not far from here if I can lead it away from the squad. Then you guys had a much better chance of survival."

The ear-piercing screech of the Garuda once again rang out in the air, making the squadron to head for shelter below a narrow cliff. Everypony but the officer backed Silver’s suggestion, thus with heavy heart, the officer agrees.

“You better get your wings back on the outpost, you hear?” the Officer threatened, pointing his hoof at him.

Silver Sky merely grinned as he replied. “I’ll be back before you know it, sir.”

The wind above rattled as the creature flew past them. Silver Sky made his move, flying below its gigantic shadow as long as possible. However, with the ear-piercing screech and the sudden disappearance of its shadow made Silver Sky aware that he got the Garuda’s attention. He beat his wings as fast as he can, attempting to hear the sudden shift on the wind around him. Then he felt it from above, banking hard to the right, Silver manage to avoid the deadly claws of the Garuda.

‘That was a close one, but I’m still far away.’ As Silver Sky looked behind him, one massive golden bird flapped its mighty wing behind him in an attempt to catch up. 'Yeah, that's a big bird.'

The Garuda let out another ear-piercing screech, moving ever closer with its beak open. Silver maneuvered to the side, avoiding the beak and kept continuing to outmaneuver it. The Garuda, tired of its prey evading its beak, lifts higher to use its sharp claw. Even then, the Garuda couldn’t even touch a single feather.

‘Almost there, I just need to-’ Silver Sky flattened his ear as the Garuda let out another frustrated screech and flew off beyond the cloud, ‘Ah, heaven all mighty.’

At once, Silver Sky dived down towards a small ravine perfectly fit for a Pegasus his size. Another screech, the Garuda dived down, quickly coming down to close in the gap between the two. It opened its beak, and then-

CRASH!

Silver Sky went through the entrance at the exact moment the Garuda slammed headfirst into the entrance. Its head was stuck, it struggled for a moment before it finally pulled away, screeching in rage.

Silver Sky let out a relieved sigh, but then immediately turns into a grunt of pain, he glance over to his wings, sprained, most likely due to his rough landing earlier.

'Well, at the very least, I didn't rip it off,' he thought jokingly.

He then reaches up for his pouch, grabbing a flare and opened the tube.

He laid on the ground, staring at the skies as the smoke bellow of the flare went up.

Silver Sky heard a knock on his office, pushing away his paperwork aside, the door opened as a familiar Pegasus entered. “Ah, Avalon, what can I do for you?”

“Umm, the Captain wants to see you,” he said, worried.

Silver frowned, “Its unusual for Captain Hawk to-“

Avalon interrupted him, “No, the Captain wanted to see you. He’s coming to the outpost as we speak.”

Silver’s eyes widened, scrambling to clean up the mess that is his office. Avalon watched silently as the Second Lieutenant frantic, yet disciplined induced panic as he cleans his office as fast as he can. He even noticed that the purple unicorn plushie that Silver usually kept was neatly stacked and hid behind his pile of paperwork.

“Alright, all finished,” Silver murmured, turning over to Avalon. “When he would arrive?”

Avalon sighed, “He’ll be coming in just an hour.” After hearing such news, Silver let out a breath of relief. “Seriously, you’ll have plenty of time before the Captain arrives, why are you getting worked out?”

Silver blushed, his eyes not meeting the pony in front, ”I-I thought he’s coming soon, so…”

“No excuse,” Avalon deadpanned. “Ever since we’re back from hauling that dragon treasure, you have this happy face you put for the entire week.” Avalon imitated Silver’s happy expression, pointing at it as if emphasizing his statement.

Silver’s reaction is the usual Pegasus reaction whenever they were flustered, which is fluffing his cheeks. “T-that was our first mission out of routine. You can’t blame me from getting happy over it.”

Avalon has the expression that said, ‘Like I’m going to believe that,’ nonchalantly nodding. Avalon sighed as he turned to the door, “You better tell her before its too late.”

“Huh?” Silver turned his head, but Avalon was already out of the door, leaving him in the silence that followed soon after. After a moment, he let out a sigh as he leaned back at his chair. His gaze then shifts towards the purple plushie.

“Do you want to be friends?”

The pale lavender filly offered him her hooves, yet he can only stare at her in confusion. They were on recess, while most other foals would rush out of the class to play in the yard, Silver stayed behind and opted to read a book. However, the new filly didn’t, and now here she was, asking him if he wanted to be friends.

“Um, maybe?” He said hesitantly, uneased by her dragon-like pupil and teal sclera. Many asked her why she had those creepy eyes, but her answers were unsatisfactory, saying that she was born with it.

“What are you reading?” The filly he knows by the name of Twivine asked as she comes closer.

Silver, in respond, pulled the book away and wrapped it around his hooves, “N-nothing!”

Twivine scrunched her face, suddenly the book he held glows pale purple and then yanked out of his grasp. In surprise, Silver shouted, “Wha- Hey, give it back!”

“History of the Royal Legion…?” Twivine read out loud, frowning as she examined the book closer. Silver manages to grab his book out of her magic and held it even closer.

“Y-you wouldn’t understand this kind of book,” he simply said, looking away in shame.

Twivine meanwhile, shook her head, giggling, “No, I understand clearly. My big brother also wanted to join the Royal Guard you must be too, aren’t you?”

Silver didn’t know what to say, only letting out an ‘Umm’ as the two stared at each other. Suddenly, the filly clapped her hooves, “Oh yeah, I haven’t got your name.”

“It’s Silver Sky,” he mumbled quietly, but unfortunately, the filly didn’t hear it as she asks him again.

“What was that?”

“It’s Silver Sky,” he repeated, a bit louder than before.

The filly smiled as she took his hoof without his consent and shook it, "Nice to meet you, Silver. I'm Twivine, but you already know that."

“N-nice to meet you too, um, Twivine.”

“Hey, why don’t we go out and play?!” Twivine suddenly burst in energy as she pull his hoof, Silver reluctantly put his book away and was dragged to the yard.

The two arrived at the yard. Many foals are playing around, be it on the playground, sandbox, or the field. Twivine, however, dragged him away from that. They were heading towards a lone tree by the distance, a bit further off from the school, but still apart of the school limits.

“Why did you drag me all the way here?” Silver asked, but ignored as Twivine looked around to find something or somepony.

Then, Silver found that should be remotely impossible. No, he doesn't look at the fact that there was another pony that looked like Twivine. No, he was looking at the large white pony that was trudging along behind the other Twivine with a motherly smile.

“Hey, Twilight!” Twivine waved her hooves towards her twin counterpart.

Twilight wave back, running as fast as her little hooves can carry her and hugged her. Twilight grins as the two broke away, “Hey, Twivine, guess whos letting somepony finish early?”

Princess Celestia let out a chuckle as Twivine’s face brightened upon seeing her, “Hello Twivine, it’s good to see you as well.”

Twivine ran up to the Princess, nuzzling her hoof. The Princess soon lowered herself to nuzzle the little filly. The two breakaway as Twivine looked up to Princess Celestia, "Princess Celestia, I thought court would make you busy."

“Well, I am. However, spending time with my students is far more important.” She said, smiling. Then she turned her head over to Silver, who seemingly froze upon her noticing. “Well, who is this colt?”

“He’s my new friend!” Twivine energetically exclaim. “I was going to introduce him to Twilight, but I guess I’ll have to introduce him to you, too.”

Twivine then ran up to the shell-shocked colt. “Silver, I want you to meet both my sister Twilight Sparkle and my mentor, Princess Celestia.” She turned to the Princess and Twilight, “Twilight, Princess, meet Silver Sky.”

Princess Celestia lowered her head an eye level to Silver, still with her motherly smile. “Well hello there, Silver Sky, I do hope that your friendship became strong in the future.”

Silver gulped as he nods, “O-of course, y-your Highness.”

“Oh, Twilight, should we show him that?” Twivine suddenly said, and at once, Twilight gasped.

“We should do exactly that!” She exclaimed rather energetically.

As the two fillies dragged him away to whatever they were going to show him, from that moment onwards, Silver knew they were special.

There was a knock on his door. Silver steeled himself on what to come next. He let out a sigh as he addressed the pony behind the door, ”Come in.”

The door handle turned, and the pony he expected appeared. The white unicorn stallion wore the Royal Purple armor, adorned with coat-of-arms similar to those of his cutiemark. He was taller than the average unicorn and was well-muscled as far an earth ponies goes. Silver saluted the Captain as he strides into his office.

“Captain Armor, sir!” Silver addressed, standing up from his seat.

“At ease, Lieutenant,” he said, halting in front of Silver’s desk before he looked around the unusually clean office room. “If my intuition was correct, you’ve just cleaned your office a little over an hour ago.”

Silver stiffened, but he composed himself shortly. “I was informed of your arrival exactly one hour ago, sir.”

Shining Armor nodded thoughtfully, “I can’t blame you if you were to impress your superior through first impression.” He turned to face Silver with a stern expression, “However, I would always expect you to be just that!”

Silver Sky cringed, didn’t expect the sudden outburst. Shining Armor then sighed, “But, I’m not here just for a visit.” Shining Armor horn light up, pulling out a scroll and placed them on the Officer’s desk.

“As you can see, my wedding is not too far off. I needed a capable second-in-command to handle unit garrisons and their organization.”

Silver picked up the scroll and opened it, his eyes widening as he then stared at the Captain with disbelief. “Y-you wanted me to organize Canterlot’s garrison!?”

“Not only that,” Shining Armor said. “You’ll be organizing some battalions from the other regiments as well. They were pulled to Canterlot to increase the security for the wedding.”

Silver Sky can only stared with his mouth agape, speechless. It took him a while to form coherent words, even though stuttering, “S-sir, s-shouldn’t you put this on other officer’s shoulder?”

Shining Armor smirked, “I could, however, amongst all other candidates I have, you-“ Shining point his hoof at him. “-are the most promising one.”

“I…” Silver then dipped his head, “I am honored, Guard Captain Armor.”

“So, you are up to it?” Shining asked with a raised brow.

“Sir, yes, sir!” Silver reconfirmed.

“Good, don’t let me down.”

Author's Note

THIS TOOK ME FOREVER!!! I BLAME ON MY SEMESTER FINALS FOR PUTTING ME THROUGH THIS! :flutterrage:

*sigh*

At the very least, my exams are done and I'm finally able to continue writing. It took me quite a while to get back on tracks, but I did it at long last. And, yeah, I'm going on a bit of a different route here, putting some flashbacks and other things.

If this feels a bit...I don't know... off, for some reason, you guys let me know, kay?

Once again, thank you for my Bro for editing this chapter, and we hope that you keep enjoying this story.

-Desperate & 'DeeDee' out

Big Bro's note:
The earlier draft for this chapter is horrifyingly bad, Despy had to rewrite some of the scenes. At least it wasn't as bad as earlier chapters ;P

Nightmare Night

It was that time of the year again, where everypony decides to go on for the night, either hunting candies or pranking others. Yep, its Nightmare Night, and I'm very excited for tonight's festivities. Because this is our first Nightmare Night on Ponyville, we expect a little more traditional games at the town center than stalls that capitalize on prizes and the likes.

"Twilight, you ready?" I shout out upstairs. Something shuffles upstairs, and Twilight soon responded.

"Almost!"

"Would you bet Twilight getting a new costume than Starswirl?" Spike asked, walking up beside me. He wore a four-legged dragon costume, and he looked adorable!

I chuckled as I pat his head, "Come on, Spike, you know better than that. Of course, she wouldn't."

Speaking of the devil, Twilight came downstairs with, as expected, Starswirl the Bearded costume. Seriously, she never once change it, not since she bought it three years ago. Three years ago! I always dynamically changed it based on my mood on said year. Right now, I'm dressing up as one of the leading mages during the pre-unity era, Majesty.

My costume design undergoes a little effort in creating it. Fun fact, I looked almost exactly like Rarity. I did contemplate whether or not getting mixed up with Rarity would be worth it, so I threw up an illusion spells on my eyes and coat, then styled my mane similar to hers. To top it off, I put a cape on my back and a fake fang. Now I exactly looked like Rarity dressing up as a Vampony.

Twilight frowned at my choice of costume, "Seriously, Twivine, couldn't you find a better option?"

"Just wait, Twily, it'll be an amazing costume I've ever put on," I replied with a smirk on my face.

Spike rolled his eyes when the doorbell suddenly rang out. "I'll get it," he says, walking over to the door.

"Nightmare Night, Nightmare Night, give us something sweet to bite!" Came a chorus of foals handing out their bags as Spike opened the door.

He noticed Granny Smith accompanying the group. "Hello everypony, happy Nightmare Night, you too, Granny Smith," Spike greeted.

"I should've been asleep five hours ago," came the reply from the ancient mare.

As Spike handing out the treats, the two of us decided to show ourselves and welcomed the group.

Twilight was the first one to welcome the group, "Hello everypony, I hope you all have a fun night!"

Pinkie, dressing up as a chicken, appeared out of nowhere and squawked at her face, resulting in Twilight's yelp. "Hey, Twilight, happy Nightmare Night," Pinkie said happily.

Twilight sighed, rubbing her chest from the abrupt entrance of Pinkie, but she smiled nonetheless to the enigmatic party pony. "Hello, Pinkie," she frowned. "Aren't you a little bit too old on trick and treating?"

Pinkie's only response was a gasp, "And missed out on a lot of free candy?! NEVER!"

I smiled, walking past Twilight to show myself to the crowd, "Of course, darling, since when have you not gorge yourself in sweets?"

My Rarity's impression needed some work, and I might need Trixie's help on perfecting it. She knew a lot of things about illusion better than any other unicorn I know, but still, I was surprised that it did its work well enough to fool them.

Pinkie waved at me, oblivious to my scheme. "Oh, hi Rares, I thought you were still on the boutique finishing your costume."

"As it turns out, I cannot finish it in time for this evening, so this costume should suffice for tonight," I said calmly. I was so ready to burst out laughing out loud in the middle of the act, but I kept myself together long enough.

Pinkie let out a thoughtful hum but stopped after the foals called out to her on continuing their quest for candy. She squawked happily, chasing after them.

After she left, I burst out laughing. "Ahaha, I can't believe that worked!"

Twilight stared at me with a dumbfounded expression, Spike meanwhile, was somewhat impressed. "How in the world did you manage that?!" Twilight asked in utter disbelief.

I shrugged nonchalantly, "Canterlot taught me a lot of things regarding actings and behaviors."

Twilight can only stare blankly, trying to process what I say as we closed the Library for the night and head over to the town hall. As I expected, many thought I was Rarity dressing up as a Vampony. I didn't expect my acting to be so believable. I expect Trixie to be able to see through my disguise, but even she fell for it!

I can't believe how much fun I'm having for this very night.

"I can't believe you're getting away with all that," Twilight said with a sigh. My response? Giggling like a maniac.

I yelped as I felt lightning struck the ground just behind me, whirling around, I saw Rainbow Dash laughing on a storm cloud above us. She wore a Wonderbolt uniform, but I think that was their darker counterpart, the Shadowbolt. I growled but caught myself when I'm about to get back on her with a small whip from my vines as an idea presented itself to me. Oh, this would be good.

"Rainbow Dash," I shout out with my best Rarity impression. "You uncultured good for nothing flier, you would've ruined my cape and my mane!"

Rainbow chuckled, waving off her hoof, "Oh relax, Rarity, it's just a prank."

"A prank that would lead me combing my mane and straightening my cape for hours!" I replied with a growl. Inside, I was dying of laughter.

"Pfft, what is so bad with combing your mane anyway?" Rainbow said nonchalantly. Yeah, I think she hasn't had a bad-mane-day once in her life.

I huffed, "Certainly, a mare without style like yours wouldn't understand."

"Hey, I have you know that I have lots of style for my awesomeness," she replied with a smug grin, blowing her rainbow-colored mane out of her face.

I smirked, "Oh, very well then. Next morning, come to my boutique with the best mane-style you have, and we shall see which mane-style is the most awesome."

Twilight looked at me in bewilderment, and then glance over to Rainbow, hoping for her to see through my slip up in the end. It is unlike Rarity to use the word 'awesome' but, then again, that is Rainbow's trigger word.

"Hah, is that a challenge?" She inquired.

"Why yes, indeed it was. Are you a chicken, Rainbow Dash?" I asked with a smug grin. She won't know what hit her.

Rainbow huffed, puffing out her cheeks, "You kidding me? I'll show you who has the best awesome hair around. Just watch me, Rares." With that, Rainbow flies away with her storm cloud, off to prank another unsuspecting victim.

I can only grin as she flew away, "Oh, I am so seeing myself getting pranked hard somewhere in the future."

Twilight let out a deep sigh, "I still wonder whether or not Princess Celestia personally train you in the art of pranks, Twivy."

"That's still in the realm of possibility," Spike added.

"Hey, we won the first prank war on our own!"

"That is because the Princess yielded to our best weapon," Twilight shot back with a frown.

We stopped at Applejack's stand, as we approached, she waved her hoof at us. "Why hello there, Twi, Rares."

"Hey, Applejack, happy Nightmare Night," We both chanted at the same time.

She smiled, "Well, ain't that a nice costume, a country singer of sort, Twi? Where's yer sister anyway, haven't seen her in a while."

Spike looked at Twilight, suppressing a peal of laughter as she grunts, annoyed that her costume was misidentified. When she was about to blow my disguise, I put my acting skill to the test again.

"I think she is some kind of court mages, but a scarecrow, darling?" I asked with Rarity's posh accent. I haven't yet dropped my acting, and I have yet to see who could break and call out my acts.

"Its the only thing Ah can come up with a short amount of time," she says with a shrug.

I nodded sagely, "Understandable, but still, you need to explore your creative mind a little bit more darling."

She waved a hoof, "When Ah got time, sure."

"Fillies and gentlecolts!" the Mayor called out from the stage wearing a clown outfit, colorful wigs, and even the red nose. "I welcome you all to Ponyville annual celebration of Nightmare Night, if you're careful, then perhaps Nightmare Moon aren't so keen to gobble you up!" Then she laughs.

Spike walked up to the both of us and whispered, "You know that is the worst costume to put on if you're trying to be creepy."

The two of us giggled to each other as the Mayor introduced Zecora. I wondered if she can see through my disguise because no one hasn't yet called me out, which is surprising. Where is Rarity anyway? I haven't seen her anywhere.

With Zecora's off with Pinkie's group to Diety's above knows where. The three of us decided to hang around the center, just watching ponies playing on the variety of games Ponyville has to offer. Spike and I got a try on a few of them, and it was quite enjoyable, not intensely enjoyable like our time on Manehattan with Cadence a few years ago. Too bad Twilight passed on the games.

Suddenly, I felt the wind shifted in direction. I felt a cold shudder down to my spine as I look up to see the fogs blurred the moon, and three shapes appeared, zipping past through. I look on around, seeing that nopony even noticed the sudden change of temperature, maybe it was just me.

"Hey, Rarity!" a cheerful voice caught me off guard as I let out a startled yelp. Turning around, I saw Bon Bon in Werepony costume and Lyra in Vampony costume, kind of fitting for a 'suspected' couple.

"Oh, it was just you two," I sighed, accidentally breaking character. Bon Bon eyed me for a moment, and so does Lyra, it took them a second to catch on, and I'm afraid my streaks of good fortune ends here.

"Waaaiiit a minute, you're not Rarity, you're Twivine!" Lyra shouts, pointing her hoof in accusing manner. I swiftly clamp her mouth shut, hoping to salvage the situation.

"Shh, shut up Lyra, you're breaking the best prank ever pulled in Ponyville," I whispered to her, she nods her head in response.

"I would think the prank would be over if the other pony realizes the other," Bon Bon said, looking around for Rarity, I assume.

I winked at Bon Bon, "That's the thing. if the other pony didn't realize..." Pulling off from Lyra, I gestured for them to stay quiet, and they answered with a nod. Satisfied that my 'prank' hasn't yet foiled, I returned to my sister side just in time for a chariot landing at the center of town. Based solely on the chariot design and the appearance of the one pulling it, you can guess who had just arrived.

"FAIR PEASANTRY OF PONYVILLE, WE, PRINCESS LUNA, HAVE GRACED YOUR LITTLE TOWN WITH OUR PRESENCE!" Of course, its Princess Luna, sheesh, who would've thought? No one did, but goddamnit, I should've seen this coming.

All the ponies presence cowered in fear, or was it because of her sheer volume? I can't tell for sure. The only pony standing was both my sister and I, while Twilight smiled at her, I dropped to my knee.

"Princess Luna, it is an honor to grace your presence to this humble little town," I've certainly didn't mean to act all suck up, but hell, somepony got too. Besides, I had to stay in character.

To say Princess Luna was mildly surprised -and so does my sister- it was putting it lightly, but she was flattered nonetheless. "WE THANK THEE, FAIR TWIVINE SPARKLE OF CANTERLOT, FOR THINE WELCOME." I'm happy that somepony finally saw through my disguise, but do you have to declare it in public so loudly? There goes the prank, I guess.

"Uhh, I wish to welcome you too, Princess Luna," Twilight said with her characteristic nervous grin. "Welcome to Ponyville, Princess." She added with a dip of her head.

Princess Luna's response? As you expect, another Royal Canterlot Voice. "WE THANK THEE AS WELL, FAIR TWILIGHT SPARKLE OF CANTERLOT."

It seems our exchange didn't do much for the cowering townfolks, and even the foals seem scared of Princess Luna in general. I stand up and canter over to her, "Princess Luna, no offense given, but, you must restrain yourself on using the Royal Canterlot Voice."

Princess Luna frowned and whispered, and when I said whispered, I meant she talked like a natural pony would. "But is this not how you converse with the townsfolk?"

I shook my head, "Not in this time of age, Princess."

"Well, that doth put a hamper on my plan," Princess Luna then levitated a scroll from the saddlebags she carried. Twilight and I looked at each other, unsure of what the Princess of the Night has in her plan. She scrunched her muzzle, muttering, "Oh well, improvise it is."

"Umm, Princess?" Before Twilight could ask, the Lunar Princess once again declared her intention. Thankfully, less loud than before, but it still was a shout.

"Citizens of Ponyville, I Princess Luna, has arrived to join you for tonight's celebration of Nightmare Night!" She smiled, and her confident, energetic tone seems enough to soothe the masses, albeit reluctantly. Some remained fearful of her, but some, the smile Princess Luna give was enough to garner their attention.

Then a loud gasp with an exclamation from Pinkie, "Its Nightmare Moon! RUN!"

"Wait, I am not-" It was too late, the foals on her group shrieks and went on to a random direction with Pinkie lunging into barrel-filled water to hide. Of course, thanks to them, the whole crowd went into an uproar again as screams of terror filled the night.

"SILENCE!"

All at once, every sound or ponies stopped to look at the Princess fearfully. I opened my mouth to say something, but no matter what, no voices were coming out of my mouth. I felt a slight magical distortion in the air, looking at Twilight for answer. She too tried to speak, but she realized that she couldn't hear her voice as well.

"What the heck is going on?" I mouthed to Twilight.

"I don't know. It seems whatever magic permeating in the air blocked every sound," was her reply.

"Wow, this is cool! I don't know Princess Luna could do this sort of power, do you think Princess Celestia can do this as well?" Spike joined in the silent conversation.

"But this doesn't make any sense, this kind of magic is unheard of!" Twilight exclaimed soundlessly.

I looked around, everypony seems to realize they couldn't produce any sound whatsoever, even Pinkie tried squawking desperately.

"Now that I have your attention," Princess Luna's working voice cord attracted the crowd like moths to a light, everypony stared at her, waiting with bated breath. "I assure all of you that I am NOT Nightmare Moon, no longer I am that insane Alicorn who wishes Eternal Night."

The Princess stepped forward. Many recoiled from her advance and immediately cowered before her cold, thousand-yard gaze. She sighed sadly as her expression softened, "I only wish that all of you would not judge what I am previously, but it seems I was mistaken."

She closed her eyes, then with the same volume as before, shouted the word, "REVERSIO!"

A happy squawk from Pinkie was enough of an indicator that whatever spell it was, had been lifted.

"I wish you all happy Nightmare Night, as it shall be the last time." Everypony present looked at each other in confusion from Princess Luna's declaration. Twilight cantered over to her as she started to walk away. Spike and I follow suit.

"Princess Luna, wait!" she manages to place herself in front of the Princess. "What's going on, what do you mean Nightmare Night would be the last?"

"Well, twas simple affairs, I would ask my sister to abolish this holiday forever." Princess Luna plainly said, but even then, I could feel the sadness in her voice.

Twilight could only gape at her reply, "But why?"

The Princess of the Night huffed, "Can you not see their reaction, fairest Twilight Sparkle? They feared me just as it was a thousand years ago."

"But, that doesn't mean you can just cancel Nightmare Night altogether!" Spike exclaimed.

Princess Luna chuckled dryly, "Oh, I certainly could, Spike, Drake of Canterlot. Tell me, what was the reason behind this celebration?"

Silence. None of us dared to answer her question. The three of us knew the dark truth behind Nightmare Night. It all began after Princess Luna's banishment. Where it first originated or whom the first to initiate such an idea was debatable. However, one thing is evident. Nightmare Night first began as an offering to Nightmare Moon to please her, at first offering living foals before it devolving into crops, and overtime, the original intention was lost and now replaced to the tradition most ponies knew today.

"Princess Luna, just please, give them a chance," Twilight pleaded.

Princess Luna opened her mouth, but then a pinto colored colt dressed as a pirate galloped over to her, calling out her name. "Princess Luna, Princess Luna."

He stopped in front of us, his eyes on the verge of tears. "A-are you really going to cancel Nightmare Night forever?"

The sight alone was enough for Princess Luna to reconsider. She sighed as she looked at us, "Mayhaps, I have been a little too...quick on my judgment."

"So, Nightmare Night is not canceled?" He asked, hopefully.

Princess Luna lowered her head up level to the colt, "Tell me, little colt, why are you not afraid of me?"

"Well," the colt fidgets under Princess Luna's gaze. "You can be scary, but I don't mind being scared."

"You, like being scared?" Princess Luna asked.

The colt nodded enthusiastically, "Uh-huh, it's actually fun when nopony meant you any danger!"

"Fun being scared, hm?" Princess Luna muttered, then she looked over to us. "Well, I think I should give them a chance."

Twilight and I looked at each other and smiled knowingly. The two of us looked at her and in a synchronized fashion, says, "We'll support you all the way, Princess!"

"Is this mean what I think it meant?" The colt earlier asked with an eager look, his eyes practically beaming with joy.

"Indeed," Luna smiled, earning her a hug from the colt.

"Thank you! You're officially my favorite Princess, ever!" He released the hug and ran to the town center as fast as his little hooves can carry him.

"Hey guys, Nightmare Night isn't canceled, Princess Luna is back!"

A chorus of cheer is enough for us to trail after the colt. And as soon as we arrived, the Princess was bombarded with hundreds of apology from the townfolks. Princess Luna instead told the ponies to enjoy Nightmare Night and have fun.

Before we even know it, the Princess had her fun in games Ponyville had to offer. And fortunately enough, I can stay in character since nopony could hear through her declaration earlier. Horray for me!

A flash of light with a majestic laugh is enough for me to understand who came barging in out of nowhere. I turned and there it was, Discord in the flesh, and surprisingly with a costume. Discord wore a clown costume with green hair, complete with makeup plus a creepy red paint that resembles a smile on his mouth.

"What a time of the year to go around to scare ponies or dressing up as ridiculously as possible!"

I narrowed my eyes dangerously at him as everypony looked at him with fear. I was about to say something, but Princess Luna beat me up to it.

"What are you doing here, Discord?" She said, her tone cautious but friendly nonetheless.

He slithered his way towards Luna with that damned creepy makeup, "Ah, Little Lulu, do you want to know how I got these scars?" He gestured over to the stitches that suddenly appear on his feature. Luna, however, remains stoic and impassive.

"While I appreciate that you've enjoyed yourself for once, but I do believe you still have work to do." She says, earning a grumble from Discord.

"Can you give me some slack, just a fair bit?" He asked, then glanced at me, noticing my glare. "Well, nevermind, I've certainly had fun on Fillydelphia anyway, ta ta."

With a flick of his claw, he disappeared. Everypony all sighed in unison as if they held their breath the moment he arrived. I couldn't blame them. Unlike Luna, however, Discord is still a wild card that could blow up randomly at any time.

And his costume, have I seen that before?

"The Princess is not here at the moment. You could wait in her chambers."

"Thank you," Lucerina thanked the guards and entered Princess Celestia's private chamber.

The moment she set her hooves inside, she could understand why anypony entering her room would exit feeling relaxed and calm. Two couches and a coffee table sat in front of the warm fireplace, and bookshelves decorates most of the walls. A desk sat at one corner, piled with scrolls and books on top. A century-old painting hanged just above the fireplace, surrounded by the bookshelves. It depicted a rising sun with a unicorn pony at the top left, painted as if the pony raises the sun from a distance.

Lucerina looked around for a moment, before finally trotting to the couch and sat down, still admiring the room. Then her eyes spotted something, a parchment bearing the royal seal stick out amongst hundreds of books on one of the bookshelves.

Curiosity urged her to levitate the parchment for further examination. There, on top, written in bold letters, reads Royal Adoption Letter.

Lucerina raised an eyebrow. It seemed strange to her that the Princess would adopt a foal, but the date on the parchment showed that it was about fifteen years ago. The moment she opened it, her eyes immediately picked on a name in the first paragraph.

Sunset Shimmer.

"Princess Celestia, the Intelligence Director is waiting for you," Came a muffled voice behind the door. Lucerina quickly folds the parchment and place it back where it was before, just in time as the door opens, revealing Princess Celestia herself.

"I apologize for my tardiness, Lucerina, I hope you did not wait long."

"It was fine, Princess, I don't mind even mind waiting an hour if I must," Lucerina said with a small smile.

Princess Celestia laughed lightly, "I see that you made yourself comfortable. Ah, would you mind for some tea?"

"That would be lovely, Princess, thank you."

The Solar Princess then levitates a tray along with the necessary items she required and poured tea for herself and her associate, sweet aroma filling the room.

"Do you have my report?" Princess Celestia started, sipping her tea as she made herself comfortable.

Lucerina nodded. "Indeed I have, Princess," she floats a scroll to the Princess from her saddlebag.

She took the scroll and unrolled it, reading the scroll's content, nodding to herself as she read further.

"Princess, do you mind a question?" Lucerina asked.

Celestia looked up from the scroll and smiled, "Well, what do you wish to ask?"

"Have you ever had another gifted student before these two?"

Lucerina noticed the Princess went stiff momentarily before shifting back to her earlier postures.

"I do, actually," the Princess says with a restrained sadness on her tone. Lucerina decides to push further.

"What do they look like?"

A pleasant smile crept onto the Princess' feature as her mind wandered to the past. "Well, she was ambitious, energetic, and very enthusiastic about whatever I tasked her to do," her smile faltered. "Unfortunately, her ambitions get the best of her, and she left for her dreams."

Lucerina was silent, letting the Princess to continue on her own, occasionally sipping her tea.

"She was an orphan, and I'll be lying if I occasionally did not think like she was like my own. If circumstances were not to be that way, then perhaps her ambitions would be guided elsewhere, and we will not have this conversation, Lucerina.

Sometimes, I'd like to think about what would happen if she were to have a loving family, siblings she would care for," she smiled as she looks down on the parchment. "The reflections are certainly present in this situation."

Lucerina's eyes widened as realization dawned upon her. But, the Princess couldn't likely meant that, it-

A brief look at the Princess's expression released all doubts plaguing her mind as certainty filled the gap. Yes, that situation is certainly plausible.

The next day, a cry of anguish and despair rang out in Ponyville from a certain cyan pegasus, trying their best to get away from a particular unicorn about the worst mane style she'd ever seen.

Author's Note

And I am back...about time anyway...

I particularly didn't feel like writing for the past couple of weeks, so I'm sorry. This took a couple of revision and rewrites, but I finally manage to get through that sorry excuse sack of shaite called Writer's Block.

So, what do you think? As usual, tell me in the comments if there were any errors missed out by 'DeeDee', he's starting to get a bit busy nowadays.

-Desperate Dawn & 'DeeDee'

Exploration

I yawned, occasionally glancing the clock as I spent the time mulling about in the library. Things have started to dwindle in Ponyville, not that I'm saying Ponyville had gotten peace lately. Ohoho, no, not in the slightest. It just, most of the stuff that happened, all marked as any other usual average day. Nopony glances at each disaster with analytical questions whatsoever, saying that it was part of the everyday life of those living in Ponyville.

I didn't even know that Cutiepox could occur. After all, this kind of illness rather rare nowadays, I mean, sure, there are a couple of records stating that it irregularly happened a couple of centuries back. Applebloom had to deal with all of it, that poor filly.

After some digging, asking how it all happened, Zecora explained that Applebloom's obsession with having her cutiemark causes all the ruckus. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see it since I switched out Wednesday to Tuesday on my library duty, it conveniently helped me on some occasion, although not as much.

On another note, Spike's growth increases by at least five percent, he had another Fire Ruby as his birthday gift a couple of days back, which marks the date of my birthday as well. It seems my initial assumptions were correct as the more Spike ate a Fire Ruby as part of his diet, the more he had some dragon-like tendency at some point, like amassing a hoard which clearly shown during his birthday. Thankfully, both Twilight and I hold onto most of his gifts, lest he'll get what a Dragon calls 'Greed Growth.'

It may seem insignificant at the moment, but perhaps Dragon's had a different life cycle than us ponies. He may as well reach the teenage years later than ponies usually are.

I glance up to the clock, the day almost reaching noon, and I'm already yearning for a meal. I got up from the counter after putting up a sign before heading out. The Golden Oaks Library that is our home had no one in it, which is why today is a bit boring.

But fate had to intervene as a familiar cry from a certain daring cyan Pegasus steadily growing louder...and louder. And then, like an instinct, my vines opened up the window in time for Rainbow Dash barging in and crash-landed on the library floor. Skidding on the ground before eventually crashing to the bookshelves, ruining at least a day worth of organizing, at least I took on the brighter note, I actually got things to do.

Rainbow Dash peaked her head out the pile that she was in, looking at me with a sheepish smile as I gave her my most greatest poker-face, courtesy of Princess Celestia.

"Ehehe, sorry, Vinny, I'll help you clean this up," Dashie said.

"No need," I replied, closing my eyes as I summoned forth my vines. I heard Dash's amazement as I felt each vine picked up a book and reshelved them accordingly. It was no easy feat by any means. Every vine I summoned, it was like stretching out my life energy, everything the vine touches, I could feel it. The closest analogy I could refer to was that of a Unicorn levitating multiple different things at the same time.

I am, by no means, the only one in the family that had such focus. I'm more likely to believe that it was a trait inherited by every member our family had. Take a look at Twilight, or Shining or, heck, even Spike has that focus. Of course, any unicorn would do if they had sufficient exercise. Rarity is the prime example due to her being a seamstress.

"I'm surprised that you haven't learned how to do stuff with that power of yours," I heard Dash said. I promptly opened my eyes, staring at the neatly reorganize shelves, still a few mixed books here and there, but overall a good work.

I sighed as I turned to Dash, now hovering a few feet off the ground. "I can't see why I should, seeing as these things weren't needed as much."

"Well, you totally should, cause that thing can kick some serious flank!" Dash exclaims with her hooves jabbing the air.

I groaned, "Dash, I got that a lot from Spike, I don't need another, especially from you."

"Come ooooonnn, Vinny, it won't hurt by practicing. Sides, how can you be as impressive as Twilight if you always stay in the sideline the whole time."

"It is unnecessary, and I rather not spook the populace," I answered flatly.

Dash rolled her eyes, "How can you know it's unnecessary? As I said, exploring your powers can benefit the town or even us! I mean, Flutters maybe a Pegasus, but she's too afraid exploring her abilities and look where she is now!"

"That is a very mean thing to say about her, Rainbow Dash," I said with a frown.

"I know!" She exclaims, throwing her hooves in the air, "But I can't help to know that Fluttershy could do it in a jiffy!"

"What do you mean by that?" I raised a brow, my curiosity piqued.

"Fluttershy may look like a weak flier, but if she had the drive to improve like I am, I'm betting you that Flutters will fly circles around me."

"Honestly, I had a hard time believing you, Dash."

Dash once again rolled her eyes, "Don't think this is weird, Vinny, but Fluttershy had the ideal wings of a racer! Not too big, or long either, perfectly balanced out with the right amount of fat."

"What an, awfully...precise observation, RD," I said with a growing smile of amusement.

Dash noticed how I looked at her and immediately looked away, her cheeks flushing, "Damn it, Vinny, I told you to not think it as weird!"

I chuckled, "Okay, okay, I'll stop." Rainbow Dash huffed as she dropped to the floor softly.

"Anyway, I'm not here to dandle around, do you had the next volume of Daring Do?"

"Which one?" I asked, my vine already searching for any relevant book.

"Um, after the Quest for the Sapphire Statue, because I just got into the series," Dash said awkwardly.

I remembered Dash's accident, on which she manages to sneak in the hospital to continue reading without being called an 'egghead,' even though it is perfectly fine for her to enjoy a good story without being named one. It is a silly thing on her part.

"Here you go," I smiled, giving her the book that no doubt would intrigue her, Daring Do and the Griffon Goblet.

"Thanks, Twivine, but seriously. Think about all the cool stuff you're holding onto," she said, before waving goodbyes, through the door this time.

As the rainbow-maned Pegasus disappeared behind the door, it left me alone with my thoughts. Will it be worth it?

I don't deny Twilight's prominence. I could see her road paved towards greatness. Heck, it may as well be, destined since the very beginning. It wasn't because of coincidences that Elements of Harmony chose her as Bearer of Magic. I believed it to my very core.

Me, I'm just a construct, for all things mattered. Just a throwaway? Maybe, it didn't stop Mom and Dad to love me, though.

Taking a deep breath, I exhaled to relax my mind from these dark thoughts. It keeps happening lately, whenever Twilight and the girls do something great together, and I was there to see it.

I'm proud of her, yet at the same time, I don't know how to feel about it. This nagging feeling that I don't know how to convey keeps plaguing my mind. Maybe Dash's right, I might need to explore my abilities further. I need to shine alongside my siblings, or else, I'd fall behind them as they continue to do great deeds.

Yeah, it won't hurt anypony if I remained inconspicuous, and I know the place hidden away from the crowd to do so.

It's about time for me to stop hiding behind the shade and outshine them all.

The Castle of the Royal Sisters remained in its broken-down state just as we left them the first time around. There wasn't much dust as it originally had been, indicating that somepony had been here on some occasion.

I'm wouldn't be surprised if Twilight occasionally came here to study the ancient books this castle had.

The eerie silence as I entered gave me involuntary chills down to my spine, centuries-old magic persist on these walls and its surroundings, no doubt the remnants of the fight between the two sisters.

Still, out of all the places in the world, this one seemingly calling me forth, like a soft yet daunting whisper. Honestly, the whisper grew frequent the more I stalk the crumbled remains of this once magnificent halls.

I found myself not of any part that seems reasonable to visit. It was like a dungeon complex of some sort, the basement perhaps? The whispers came behind a cave covered in thick moss and other vegetation. I frowned, why do I felt a familiar magic in the air?

Quickly testing my theory, I summoned my vines, and surprisingly, they came behind the very same cave, beckoning me to come closer. I obeyed, my curiosity driving every motion. Now, my rational part of myself told me to turn tail and get the heck out of dodge, but it was left ignored.

As I trimmed the moss to make an entrance, I once more involuntarily shivered, the ambient magic that covered the castle upstairs grew tenfold when I entered. The inkling feelings of familiarity urge me to investigate further.

I blinked as I spotted a crystal tree of sort, each branch resembling a distinct similarity to that one pillar which holds the original Elements of Harmony.

"Am I suppose to be here?" I asked out loud, not expecting an answer.

"It depended on one's intention."

To say that I was shocked was an understatement, I look around in a panic to find the source of the speaker as it comes in a whisper. In doing so, urged me to summon my vines in preparation for an attack. "Who are you? Show yourself!"

"Hm, We seemeth to know why," it whispered again in an old dialect, similar to those of Luna.

I stopped myself and stared at the tree, my panic replaced with confusion as the cave itself seemingly illuminates with the crystal tree shining brightly.

"Calm thyself, and We shalt answer."

It took me a moment to regain some semblance of composure, but I finally manage to say, "W-what is this place?"

"Thou found where We resides for a thousand years after We first planted here," the whisper replied. What does that even mean?

"We understand thine confusion, but tis is the best answer We shalt give thee. In due time, realizes thou of thine magic, which art similar to Ours. We cannot explain why. Shrouded, thou art in strings of fate, one even We cannot influence. Tread lightly, or melancholy thou shalt received."

"I...what?" Honestly, I was beyond confused. I opened my mouth to say something but was interrupted as the tree(?) whispered again.

"Our guidance limited, but despair not. The seeds of chaos controlled, one that thou behold. The powers they gained were Ours to begin. Twas the time for thee to reach back the living."

I snapped my eyes open with a gasp. I've heard a sigh of relief all around me. It didn't take long to find seven familiar heads hovering above me with a relieved smile.

"Thank Celestia you're awake," Fluttershy said, pulling away her head to give some space for me, the rest soon followed.

"W-what happened?" I asked blearily, sitting up. I was back in the library, rested on the couch.

Twilight was the first to respond, "Zecora found you unconscious in the Everfree Forest, surrounded by your vines. Dash was fortunate to be nearby to inform all of us."

I stared at her numbly, feeling exhausted, both physically and mentally. An overwhelming hug from both Spike and Twilight interrupted me from speaking up. "We thought we lost you, Twivine, you weren't breathing when we pull you out of your vine."

I can feel her tears staining my coat. Spike opted to bury his face on to mine, not saying anything.

"I...I'm sorry, Twilight," I rasped, "for making you worried." I glance about in the room, noticing the others I add, "All of you."

The group smiled warmly, letting us on our moment. Eventually, we broke the hug, erasing all traces of tears on us. Rainbow Dash was the first to question me, followed by a barrage of questions by the rest.

"Everypony, calm down for a second, let me answer it one by one, alright?" I say, calming the frenzied crowd around me.

"Okay, I'm first, what happened back there, Vinny?" Dash asked.

I opened my mouth, they all looked at me with expectation, yet I've found no words leaving out of my cords. "I don't know," I finally say dejectedly.

"Twivine, talk to me," Twilight said as her face reared up to mine. "What do you remember? Anything!"

I grimaced, her voice full of concern and slightly distressed. "I have no memory of what happened I swore to you, Twilight. I most likely exhausted myself when I'm practicing."

"Practicing?"

"Yeah, I've been practicing my vines, because, you know..." I trailed off. The others looked on each other as I hopped off the couch.

"Well, if you're sure you're alright," Twilight blinked as her worry was washed away by excitement and fascination. "Wait, did you say you were practicing your vines abilities!?"

It certainly is a mistake revealing what I'm doing, since Twilight would invariably pester me about it now. Then again, I don't remember much what happened, so I'll use the excuse of 'training' as best as I can. What I did remember, however, was that I'm inside the Royal Sister's Castle at some point.

After a few exchanging a few reassuring words to the girls, life pretty much returned to normalcy, well, at least on Ponyville.

I wonder if that old castle still holds a few precious artifact, I'll try to persuade Twilight to go with me there next time.

Author's Note

I'm not happy with this chapter if I'm being honest, however, I understand that sometimes, a Chapter just needed to be uploaded no matter the circumstances to advance the plot else I'll be stuck on a limbo. Like the great Monika once told me, "When the ink flows down into a dark puddle, just move your hand, write the way, into his heart."

Onto uhh, even dire news...

The circumstances of never updating my stories ever again almost came up, and honestly...I was scared when they says that I'm positive of the virus. I never felt so afraid in my entire life. Imagine my relief (and to my family) that I finally was discharge out of the hospital free from the virus after spending oh-so-few weeks in there.

And by Tartarus, it is buzzing with activity in there, I don't think I've ever seen an exhausted nurse before.

But anyway, I live and isolating! I'm not taking another chances, and so does my family. I hope you guys safe wherever you guys are!

-Desperate Dawn

Trouble Brewing

Zepher watched curiously at the pot as Zecora blended in the various liquids and ingredients, stirring them as delicately as a fragile vase. The water within turned lightish blue and then to reddish-orange the more she mixed the large pot. Only the crackle of the fire below accompanying the two silent individuals.

"And with it, this potion brewed, I do understand if you find it somewhat crude," said Zecora, putting the large spoon away.

"No, no, it has been highly fascinating. I thank you for providing me with such knowledge." Zepher smiled at her, Zecora returning the favour seconds later.

Zecora shook her head. "No, I thank you for being considerate as most would no doubt find it illegitimate."

Zepher placed a hoof on his chin, "Well, it is unquestionably abnormal practice according to the ponies."

Zecora took a bottle on her muzzle, carefully scooping some of the liquid before closing it shut. "Here, the potion you required, I hope it comes not the situation where it was needed."

"I can only hope it will not go that way either. Thank you, Zecora, you have been a great help."

Zecora nods as she escorted him to the door, waving her goodbyes as Zepher disappeared amongst the trees, heading deeper into the forest. Out of sight, Zepher released his forms and took in the appearance of his true nature. A changeling Hybrid.

It has been at least a few months, Zecora finally found all the ingredients he needed for this particular occasion. However, there is a slight problem. He needs someone powerful enough to contain the devastating side-effect it may occur. One such instance would be those equal to a Changeling Queen, but there is no Changeling Queen in Equestria. The only thing he can think of would be Princess Celestia herself, but even he knows that it would be impossible to even approach her, so much so to even execute his plans.

The potion in and of itself, according to Zecora, was a powerful concoction no normal beings can withstand. While it will grant the drinker the ability to foresee the future as well as a boost to their magical abilities. The potion comes at a great cost, much like every powerful artefact of old, it degrades the drinker's mental state. Zepher planned to have someone drink the potion, and with his hybrid status, he'll suck on the drinker's life force directly to gain said power. Zepher was no vampony, but he is capable of such feats he realized due to his hybrid nature. As far as he knew, he's the only hybrid changeling out there so he's not all too certain if hybrid changelings are capable of such things by default.

His plans, although detestable at worst, or selfish at best. It is for the good of the hive. Risky, it would seem, but it involves Changeling kind as a whole and he'll do anything to help.

As Zepher idly organizing his thoughts, he suddenly smelt a familiar scent that raises his awareness to the top. A distinctive odour of a Changeling Proto-Queen. His eyes contracted to a slit as his fight or flight instinct kicked in, ready for battle as he took his stance. He looked around for the Proto-Queen whereabouts, trying to distinguish the area around him.

Like prey to a predator, he knew these feelings all too well. She's assessing him, determining the threat he poses.

"Show yourself!" Zepher bellowed. He noticed the area around him had gone quiet, no sign of life whatsoever. He turned and shouted once more. "Will you rather hide than showing your true face? Come out, coward!"

He heard a hiss behind him. Zepher immediately turned to face his foe, and as expected, a Changeling Proto-Queen walked out from the bushes to meet him face to face. She was taller, slimmer than Zepher. Her crown showed the signs of almost full maturity. It won't be long until she makes her very own hive.

"And so, the blighted spawn of Niarvana challenges my authority. How pathetic." The Proto-Queen seethed, showing her fangs.
"What are you doing here?" Zepher boldly asks, knowing full well that the wrath of an almost matured Queen can be the death of him.

"What a foolish ploy, have you not realized where you stand, whelp?" Her head raised high as if her very grace was insulted by his very own presence. With every step she took, Zepher found himself backing each time until her breath breezes through his face. "You truly are lucky to meet me, and not my mother. I can assure you of your demise if she is present."

The Proto-Queen pulled her head away from him as Zepher released the breath he unknowingly held, "But still, I suppose I should at least explain as to why I am here."
She turned her head towards Ponyville, "As you can see, that town held, if not all of the Bearers of Harmony, the greatest weapon Equestria had ever wielded. They were used time after time, repelling many that threatened her existence." She turned back at him with a sinister smile, "My task was to eliminate at least one, preferably all of them, before they can tamper with my mother's plans."

"Wha- What!? What are you planning here?" Zepher, his voice wavered as the Proto-Queen's cold gaze penetrated his soul.

"If you think that I would tell you, then you are mistaken, whelp." She strongly asserted. "Leave now, before I consider your slow and painful death."

Zepher wishes to stand his ground but finds himself unable to. The information that he received will not be welcomed well by any of the hive nor the Equestrian. He must do something, or chaos will inevitably descend upon these lands.

There was one pony that he can count on bearing these responsibilities.

"Oh, before you go," called out the Proto-Queen just as he turned to leave. Zepher looked back at him, his face defiant, but he knew deep down he was scared. "If I find you inform anyone, rest assured that death will come upon you."

Zepher tries not to think much of her warnings and flies off.

As Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's finest students, explained her plans for the umpteenth time to her group of friends only to find herself growing even more frustrated as her friends didn't understand what she was talking about.

It didn't help that Twivine Sparkle, the twin sister of Twilight, only watches in amusement at her attempts of explaining. She understands what Twilight was trying to tell the other girls, but decides not to help her because it's really funny seeing her struggle according to Twivine.

"Darling, I hate to say this to you, and I dread to say that you've become a broken record, but we still don't understand how this has anything to do with teaching Rainbow Dash a lesson about humility." Rarity said.

"Mhm, I lost you about procure-something," Applejack added.

Twilight sighed. "It's the procurement of an internalized bodysuit that will mask our identity as well as granting the wielder a sufficient amount of strength and agility to make it work."

"And this has something to do with teaching Dashie to be more modest? Why don't we just tell her that she's being over her head and not being like a super sneaky secret agent who intends to catch a bad guy!" That comment alone earned Pinkie a few stares. "What? I've read detective novels too you know!"

"Firstly, I'm surprised you read detective novels, Pinkie. Secondly, what Twilight was trying to say here is that she needed a costume that can do anything at a moment's notice." Twivine explained, earning a collective "ooh" from the girls. "Honestly, I don't see any plans working, we just had to suck it up and deal with it, it's not like Dash has been doing this most of the time."

"That's the reason why, Twivy, we need to do something about Rainbow Dash's growing self-centred view, it won't be good for her, nor any of us," Twilight argued.

"Speaking of costumes, I don't think I'm capable of doing so, darling. The very best I can do is to make a costume so lightweight, there is nothing that limits your movement."

At Rarity's suggestion, Twilight jumped on it. "Then we go with that, if we can't have one suit that does everything, we just have each of us wear it! From there, each of us fit brilliantly depending on the circumstances."

"Except, that's still not going to work," Twivine says. "Firstly, how would you know which of the ponies are suited for those circumstances? Secondly, we have to watch Rainbow Dash and can only hope trouble comes along, which either is going to happen or we're just wasting our time."

"I-I think I have to agree with Twivine, Twilight," Fluttershy affirmed herself, which earned her a sincere smile from Twivine.

"But-"

"I have to agree, I have a farm to take care of, so I can't play that much in the role." Applejack looked at Twilight with her ears flattened. "Sorry Twi, I can't do much, but if yer still wants this plan, I'll try to be there."

Twilight sighed once more. "It's okay AJ, I understand."

"Well, darling, I can still make that costume if needed." Rarity offered.

Twivine raises her brows, concern written on her face. "Wouldn't it tamper with your time from making all that suit that was commissioned to you?"

"Don't worry about that, darling," Rarity said with a smile. "For a friend, I'll have the commissions that I have to put at a later date, I'm sure my clients would understand."

"I can help too!" Pinkie chimed in. "My Pinkie sense tells me something big is about to happen!"

Twivine had a terrified look on her face when Pinkie said that, and knowing Pinkie, it was a justified reaction. "Big in what sort?" Pinkie Pie only shrugs with a sorry look on her face. "I guess we have to wait and see then." Twivine sighed.

The problem with Pinkie Sense is that no pony knew what it is, only that it will happen sooner or later. Both Twivine and Twilight classified the Pinkie Sense as a conundrum of all known laws and physics and even named these often unbelievable situations as The Pinkie Phenomenon. What is that one may ask? Simple, it's Pinkie being Pinkie. The last time Twilight tries to understand Pinkie, it only yields more questions than answers.

"Well, uh, anyway, how about you Fluttershy?" Twilight turned towards the butter-yellow Pegasus, causing the others to look over to her as well.

The unexpected attention gave the timid Pegasus slightly on edge, but she managed to answer. "Uh, I'd like to help too. As long as it's not something dangerous…" She whispered.

"Good enough for me," Twilight happily exclaimed.

And with a plan seemingly forming, it was time for Twivine to leave. "Well, you girls go and have fun then," she says as she heads over to the door, stopping only for a moment when Twilight asks.

"Where are you going?"

"To the Everfree Castle?" Twivine replied hesitantly.

Twilight sighed. "Take Spike with you then, he'll watch over you. I don't want a repeat of what happened before."

"Alright alright," Twivine waved her hoof dismissively. "I'll bring Spike with me, don't worry so much, Twily."

"But that's the thing, I'm worried about you. Take it easy okay? Don't push yourself too much!"

Twilight's voice muffled when Twivine exited the Boutique, rolling her eyes. See, Twilight says that but oftentimes she also pushed herself beyond. She assumed it's integrated into their mind to push and solve any hurdle in front of them.

Ah well, a twin sister like no other.

Twivine made her way back to the Golden Oak Library, exchanging smiles and greetings to the ponies she met along the way.

"Twivine Sparkle?" She heard someone say, his voice was familiar but she's unable to recognize it. She turned her head to face a brown earth pony, and his facial features seemed so recognizable yet not. Have I met this pony before? Twivine thought to herself.

"Yes, can I help you?" The pony looked around before he closed in the distance, whispering onto her ears.

"It's me, Zepher, and I need your help."

Author's Note

I AM SORRY!

Sorry for not being active for so long and sorry that it took me such a long time to update this story ;w;

Worry not, dear readers! Life has been cruel but I bounced back. Depression reared its ugly head and I was on the lowest, but thankfully, in these past months, my friends online and my parents had been supporting me through these difficult time. I also blame Discord (the social app Discord, not Discord the- you know who) but I can't because majority of my friend was there to help, so instead I have to thank them!

This has been my fourth rewrites and this chapter still has a lot more to it but I feel I need to update as soon as possible.

ALSO, I'm also sorry that the story turned into Third Person instead of First Person whenever the focus is on Twivine, but I feel more smoothly writing in Third Person so from now on, it'll be a fully Third Person narrative story! I'm sorry again for this changes though, I'm sure some of you favours the First Person POV. ;w;

But anyways, that's all for today, I'll see you folks later in the next update!

-DesperateDawn

PS: I have been very active on Discord, and I think I still in Fimfiction Discord Server, so if you want to say hi or something, ping me on that server or dm me, I'm open.

My user is DesperateDawn#7696