"Miss Twilight!" The mare looked at the door as a figure lumbered in. "You should take a break. Even great minds such as yours need rest." His voice sounded like a raspy owl. She sighed, her shoulders slumping.

"I haven't even managed to decode the frequency yet!" she exclaimed, then groaned, letting her head fall to the wooden surface with a 'thonk'. The wet footsteps of the figure came up behind her and patted her on the back.

"When you began this research, you knew the low, low chances of success." He assured her, rubbing her back to calm the stressed mare down.

"I suppose you're right. I just can't believe literally no progress has been made!" She threw her hooves up in the air as if to say 'why?!'. "Grrrr....ugh, you're right. Perhaps a...*yawn* nap would help...clear my mind." He patted her back a few more times before retreating and walking beside her as they left the room.

"There we go! I'll cook something up for when you wake!" He said excitedly.

Twilight looked back as she walked down one of the dark crystal halls."Remember to disinfect it! I don't want to get infected!" She reminded him.

"Don't worry, Miss Twilight! It will be of amazing quality, as usual!" He waved her off, and lumbered towards the kitchen. Twilight entered her room, and after shutting the door, allowed her posture to slump. She trudged towards the dresser, and looked at the last picture of Celestia. She was still her regal self, with the tiara, chest piece, and shoes in this picture.

"Five years...five years of this horseshit." She mumbled, sighing deeply.

"-And four years of horrifying mutations, Doctor." Twilight jumped 3 feet into the air and squealed. She backed up quickly and spun around. Beside the door, a bipedal figure was leaning against her wall, dressed in a black leather trenchcoat, actually buttoned up, a white mask that resembled a gas mask, and black leather pants that looked a bit loose. One of his arms was resting on a long weapon known as a 'Boltgun'. It was a Magnum-Class, and was therefor about 3.5 feet long. It had a side-barrel grenade launcher. He was holding a scroll in his other arm. "Good afternoon, Dr. Sparkle. I have a message from Princess Celestia." Twilight blinked a few times, scowled, and snatched the scroll in her magic. "You could show a teensy bit more respect, Doctor." Twilight snorted at that.

"Who's the one that broke into my caste and scared me half to death?" She unfurled the scroll.

"I'm Crusader Knight, I can go where I want, and two, I didn't scare you half to death. I'd say...two sixths, Doctor."

Twilight rolled her eyes and began to read out loud.

Dear Twilight,

How has your work been going? Although I do not hold any hope, I would still like to know, and so would Luna. Please come to Canterlot as soon as possible.

Kindest regards,
Princess Celestia.

Twilight rolled the scroll back up and tossed it into her scroll drawer before flopping onto her bed.

"What did it say, Doctor?" Twilight pulled her blanket over her and didn't answer. He began whistling, and after a few minutes, Twilight, annoyed and angry, told him.

"She wants me to go to Canterlot to meet her! Christ, go away! Please!" He stood up and opened the door, slinging his Boltgun behind his back.

"Fine. Perhaps you should get a stallion, you seem to be in heat, Doctor." Twilight snorted as he left, closing the door behind him.

"Damn Crusaders and their stupid privileges." She pouted before falling asleep. Tomorrow would be busy.

Author's Note

This is probably my last story. I'm trying to write this differently, so PLEASE tell me any problems with the writing that you have. Thank you, and have a nice day!