Twin Oddities

“Well, Applejack—“ Twilight began. The Princess was suddenly interrupted by a pink pony who darted over to the bipedal creatures, starting to bombard the two with questions while a wide smile appeared on her face.

“Are you two Twilight’s new friends? Why didn’t she tell me about you so I could throw a Welcome to Ponyville party like I did for her when she first arrived? Are you two from the Badlands? Anyways, my name’s—“

“I think that’s enough, Pinkie.” The purple-maned unicorn interjected after she looked up from filling one of her forehooves. “Now, who are you?” She asked curiously.

“Well...I-I’m Artemis.” The deer chimera began quietly before pointing to her brother. “And this is Apollo, my twin brother.”

“As Rarity said earlier, I’m Pinkie Pie!” The pink earth pony replied before immediately zooming over to the rainbow-maned pegasus. “This is Rainbow Dash, she’s one of my good friends and she’s an awesome flyer! She wants to join the Wonderbolts someday, so she can become even more awesome at flying.”

“Sup.” Rainbow Dash greeted as she gave a slight wave to Artemis and Apollo.

“And this is my other friend Rarity.” Pinkie Pie said as she moved over to Rarity and put an arm around her. “She’s amazing at designing dresses and costumes and outfits and—“

“I think they...get the point.” Rarity said, her eyes widening once she noticed the sky blue scales that covered Artemis’ forearms and long tail, which current had scattered splotches of pale green. “Ooo, I really love your scales!” She said, quickly continuing before the chimera could say anything. “Is it ok if I use them as a form of inspiration for my next line of clothing? Maybe I could use some gemstones or new fabric for it? Do you think you could help me with—“

“I think that’s enough pesterin’ sugarcube.” The orange mare said in a southern accent as she looked over at the two.

“Oh...I’m very sorry about my improper behavior, I just got excited there.” Rarity apologized after letting out a sheepish chuckle.

“It’s fine.” Artemis replied.

“Anyways, the name’s Applejack.” Applejack said just before Pinkie was about to introduce her to Artemis and Apollo, resulting in a slightly disappointed look appearing on the pink mare’s face before it was replaced with a grin. “I take care of Sweet Apple Acres with Granny Smith, my brother Big Mac, and my little sister Apple Bloom.”

“So, where are you two from?” Pinkie asked curiously. “You two don’t look like you’re from here.”

“Well, we aren’t really from the Badlands, or Equestria either.” Apollo explained. “I know it might sound crazy, but it’s the honest truth.”

“Oh really?” Rainbow Dash asked, taking to the air before flying over to Apollo and landing near the ram hybrid as she looked up at him with a skeptical look. “How do we know you two aren’t spies?”

“Rainbow, are you out of your mind?” Applejack said, her green eyes glaring daggers at the blue pegasus. “Can’t you see that Apollo’s telling the truth? And what would they even be spyin’ for?”

The blue pegasus narrowed her eyes at Apollo for a second before flying back to her seat. Twilight cleared her throat before she spoke up. “Anyways...as I was going to say earlier, Artemis and Apollo aren’t from Equestria, and we need to work on finding a way to return these two back to their home before—.”

“What happens if we...don’t do that?” Rainbow Dash interjected. “Besides, it’s not like they’re causing anything bad to happen by being here.”

“I’m..not entirely sure.” Apollo answered before Twilight could do so. “We don’t know if anyone back home has noticed we’re gone, or even if anyone else here knows of our existence.”

“Right..” The lavender alicorn said as she turned her head towards the two hybrids. “That reminds me! I have something I want to talk to you two after—“

“Excuse me!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she raised her hoof. “Quick question, what’s your favorite flavor of cake?”

“Chocolate.” Artemis answered. “I think my brother prefers either strawberry, carrot or red velvet.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie said as a grin appeared on her face.

“Anyways.” Twilight said after letting out a sigh. “Let’s get back to what I was saying. I need some help with finding a way to send Artemis and Apollo back to their home. In the meantime, they will stay here in the Castle of Friendship. I want you girls to make sure that Artemis and Apollo are comfortable and feel at home here in Ponyville.”

“So Artemis, right?” Rainbow Dash asked before the deer chimera nodded silently. “Not to be rude, but what’s up with your...wing?”

Artemis’ irises seemed to shrink as she glanced over at her left wing. She took a deep breath before speaking. “I...I don’t want to—“

“It’s a long story and she doesn’t feel like talking about it right now.” Apollo interrupted. “It brings back memories that she would rather forget.”

“Oh my...that’s terrible.” Fluttershy said, her ears lowering as a worried look appeared on her face.

“But—“ Rainbow Dash began before interrupting herself. “Alright, I won’t ask about it again. I was just wondering why she seemed to only have one wing.”

“Which is...fine.” Artemis mumbled, her voice somehow loud enough so the pegasus could hear her. “But you heard what my brother said.”

Twilight Sparkle turned her head towards one of the windows, noticing the dark and star covered sky before she turned back towards the others.

“Goodness!” She exclaimed. “We’ve really been at it all day? Everypony should go home and get some rest, we have a lot of things to work out tomorrow. Artemis and Apollo, I’ll show you two to your rooms.”

After everyone had said goodnight to each other, Twilight led Artemis and Apollo to a hallway that had many connected rooms. The twins looked at each other before turning towards her.

“Goodnight Twilight.” Artemis and Apollo said in unison, laughing shortly after they spoke.

Twilight let out a slight giggle before speaking. “Goodnight Artemis and Apollo, sweet dreams!”

The three went their separate ways into each of their rooms to go to bed for the night. As Twilight curled up and got under the sheets, she couldn’t help but wonder if the two hybrids would like living in Ponyville. Her head turned towards Spike once he had opened the door.

“So Twilight, how did the meeting go?” He asked curiously.

“It went well,” She answered. “I was going to ask Artemis and Apollo about telling Princess Celestia and Luna about them, but I didn’t realize it had gotten so late.”

“Maybe you could ask them tomorrow?” Spike suggested as he got into his own bed. “I think they might be asleep by now.”

“Good idea!” The princess replied. “Maybe—“
She noticed that the purple dragon was now fast asleep, snoring softly in his sleep. A smile formed on her face before she closed her eyes and silently slept for the night.