“Help!”

The cry was heard. Twilight’s ears perked, and she quickly stood up, looking in the direction of the voice. It echoed around her, but its origin was clear, it had come through the crystal wall behind her.

“Hello?” She called back, running over to the wall to inspect its surface, “Is somepony there?”

There was no reply.

She tapped the crystal with her hoof, and it sounded like there was space on the other side.

“Who’s there?!” She tried again, louder,

Looking back and forth, the cave extended off to her right, disappearing around a corner in the direction of the next room over. Turning the corner, she was rewarded with a larger room along with another tunnel further down in the voice's general direction. She followed it, lighting up her horn in the darkness as the tunnel started to curve away.

“I’m here!” She stopped, shouted, then waited,

Nothing.

With a huff she continued down the tunnel as it led away from the voice, coming into another room with large crystals lining the walls. A small amount of light filtered through one surface, but Twilight wasn’t able to make out anything on the other side. A tunnel to her side curved in the same direction, but entering it quickly saw it folding back around. Backtracking, she stared at the crystal wall before simply blasting it with magic.

It cracked and crumbled to pieces, and she jumped through the hole into the next room.

“Hello?!”

She was greeted with the slight ringing of her own voice and an empty space. She continued running forwards, blasting through the next wall and the next. She only stopped as the cave trembled around her, and looking back there were rocks falling from the ceiling. After a few moments of waiting they didn’t stop, and only seemed to increase in intensity.

A chunk of crystal smashed down next to Twilight, causing her to jump back. She looked up, where a number of crystals grew out of the ceiling, just waiting to fall. Another one fell, shattering across the stone nearby, and she stepped away from it.

Then the trembles stopped, and a single shockwave shot throughout the ground. The crystal wall behind her cracked, screaming as it sheared apart. Turning around to look at it, a flash of pain lit up the back of her head.

Her vision flickered, and the next moment she was on the floor, head throbbing.

Twilight blinked, there were more crystals on the floor surrounding her than before. She slowly got up, the constant shaking of the ground making it hard to do so. She stumbled around for a moment, then took a deep breath and enveloped herself in a protective barrier, just in time for a falling crystal to bounce off.

Blinking more, she shook her head to clear her vision when the crystal wall behind her shattered, showering her shield with shards. Twilight then turned to the wall she came through and moved to go back.

The trembles stopped.

Another large tremor rocked the cave system, and stone and crystal rubble piled down to block her. Turning back around, another crystal pinged off her shield, and Twilight looked through the other hole in the wall. There was dust and gravel falling from the ceiling, but no large crystals.

Without a second thought she jumped through, landing squarely on the crystal floor as it cracked. She then slipped on the smooth surface, falling down and sliding until she got caught on one of the cracks, scraping the underside of her leg badly.

Twilight hissed, but then the floor rumbled beneath her, and she scrambled to get back up. The ceiling exploded above her. Rock, stone, and crystal shards rained down onto her, and she instinctively shielded her eyes, only for her shield to block them. Lowering her hooves, she caught a glimpse of something else moving above.

A large, purple, spiny body.

It forced its way further through the earth, the walls cracking from the pressure. A single drop of thick, purple liquid splashed across Twilight’s shield, and the floor gave way beneath her.

“Gah!” She flailed in her sheets,

They restricted her movement, but she kept thrashing until she slid off her bed and onto the hardwood floor. She continued wriggling around and gasping like a fish for a moment before finally stopping and groaning. Once still on the floor, Twilight began the slow process of untangling herself from her blanket. She got her hoof free, then pulled it away from her face, and finally twisted and unwrapped it from her wings.

Standing up, she winced as her joints popped, an uncomfortable reminder of what happened after she fell. Draping the blanket back over her bed, she picked up all the loose feathers on it with her magic and dropped them in a bin off to the side with a sigh. She then wiped the sweat off her forehead.

“Bad dream?” Spike asked from across the room, a stack of books in his hands.

“Yeah,”

“The cave one again?”

“Yeah…”

“With the worm?”

“...Yeah…” Twilight muttered, looking down,

Spike set the stack of books down and leaned against them, “You wanna talk about it?”

Twilight shook her head, “Not right now,” she looked at the clock on the wall. “I should get ready for today.”

“Why not just go as you are now? I’m sure Princess Cadance would be fine with you being all unkempt and sweaty.”

“Very funny, Spike,” Twilight flapped her wings and folded them, “But I’m also sending off Fluttershy today with the rest of the girls, I should at least look presentable.”

“You thought about it though,” Spike said with a grin,

Twilight rolled her eyes, “I’m going to take a shower,” She stepped towards the bathroom,

“You should talk to Cadance about them though.”

“Huh?”

“About your dreams I mean, she should at least know about them.” Spike said,

Twilight bit her lip, “Later, I don’t want to ruin our day together with my problems.”

“But you will tell her?”

“Eventually…” Twilight nodded,

“You mean today, right?”

Twilight froze.

Spike raised an eyebrow.

“Maybe not today…”

“Oh come on Twilight, you’re alone with Cadance all day today, it’s the perfect chance to tell her about your scoleciphobia.”

“My what?”

“I looked it up recently,” Spike shrugged, “It’s the fear of worms.”

“Spike, that is something completely different. I am not afraid of worms.”

“But you are afraid of the worm,”

“I-” Twilight abruptly shut her mouth,

“It’ll help to talk about it,” Spike pressed, “Heck, you could even bring up your turophobia while you’re at it.”

“I don’t have that either!”

“Say that next time we have quesadillas for dinner.”

Twilight grumbled, then shut the bathroom door.

“Will you at least tell her about it?” Spike pleaded through it,

Twilight sighed, “I will,”

“Here’s a wrap, in case it gets cold.” Rarity said, tucking the cloth into Fluttershy’s bag,

“And I packed you a basket of nice, fresh apples in case you get hungry.” Applejack slid it over,

“I hope you have a great time,” Twilight finished,

Fluttershy nodded, “Oh, I will. And I hope you have fun with Cadance.”

The train whistled, and its bell started ringing.

“All aboard!” The conductor announced,

“Oh!” Fluttershy exclaimed, and she carefully picked up all her bags and the basket of apples, “Good-” she spat out the basket, “Goodbye everypony.”

They all waved as she shuffled onto the train.

“I’ll never forget you, Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie called out, jumping up and down from the back of the group.

She smiled and waved as the doors closed, then she appeared on the caboose as the train began to leave the station.

“Goodbye!”

“Never forget!” Pinkie Pie repeated, “Oh hey! A balloon!”

She quickly wandered off to follow it, leaving the rest of her friends to smile and laugh.

“So, now we wait for Princess Cadance to get here?” Rarity asked.

“Yup, though I’m a bit nervous about it.” Twilight answered,

“What could you be nervous about, Twilight? Cadance just loves you to pieces!”

She smiled, “I know, but I really want her visit to go without a hitch.”

“Well why wouldn’t it?” Pinkie Pie asked, coming out of nowhere.

“Well… the last three times we’ve seen each other haven’t exactly been… worry free.”

“The fate of Equestria has hung in the balance during most of your visits with her.” Rarity said,

“Exactly. As fun as that is, we haven’t really had the chance to just enjoy being friends again. Which is why it is so important that this visit be about the two of us having some real quality time together.”

“You sound like you’ve got a plan that’ll keep it that way.”

Twilight smiled wider, “The timing couldn’t be more perfect. For one day only, right here in Ponyville, the Star Swirl the Bearded Traveling Museum!” She gestured to the flier on the train station wall. “Cadance and I can spend the whole day looking at Star Swirl the Bearded artifacts!”

“That sounds like a perfect, drama free way to spend the day with her.”

“Not counting the drama surrounding which of the bells of his cloak they’ve chosen to put on display. Spoiler alert: it’s this one!” She pointed to one of the bells on the poster, “There’s rumors that each one was enchanted for a different purpose, from light to sound to-”

Rainbow Dash choked and coughed.

“Sorry, something in my throat… like a big ball of lame!”

“Well I think it sounds delightful,” Rarity said,

“Yup, definitely sounds like you two will have some real quality time together.”

“Exactly. Just quiet, quality time together.”

A train whistle sounded in the distance, soon followed by the squealing of brakes as it screeched down the track. They all covered their ears as a crystalline train came to a stop at the station, steam hissing from the wheels.

“Ooo-”

Pinkie Pie was interrupted by several trumpets playing, and the doors to the nearest train car opened, a carpet flowing out. Two guards stepped out to flank the opening, and a moment later Cadance walked through the doors.

“Your highness.” She bowed,

“Uh…” Twilight also bowed, “Your highness.”

Cadance giggled, “I’m only teasing, Twilight. We don’t have to be so formal, we’re sisters in law.”

She turned and nodded to the guards, they saluted, pulled the carpet back in, closed the doors, and a moment later the train sped down the tracks.

“Knowing you, you’ve made some plans for today,”

“Boy have I.” Twilight then frowned, “Hang on just one second.” She turned to the rest of her friends,

“Now, now,” Rarity held up a hoof, “Don’t you worry about a thing. We will make sure that nothing, but nothing! Interferes with your visit.”

“Go on, have a hootenanny with yer kinfolk.” Applejack said,

Twilight smiled, “You really are the best friends a pony could ever have. Coming, Cadance!” She quickly walked back to where she was standing,

“Well alright then, do you not want your friends to tag along?”

Twilight shook her head, “Not this time, it should just be you and me for the entire day.”

“Sounds fun, now care to tell me what you have planned? Or is it going to be a surprise?”

“No surprises here, the Star Swirl the Bearded Travelling Museum is here in Ponyville for today only. I was planning on going there first.”

“Ooh, now that sounds like something we can both enjoy.”

“Exactly, the stars have aligned for us today.” Twilight made a motion with her hooves,

Cadance laughed, “Let’s not keep them waiting then, come on.”

“Right behind you!” Twilight said, smiling.

Yet she hesitated as Cadance stepped off the platform, her smile soon faltering. She watched Cadance continue down the path for a few seconds before shaking her head and running after her.

“So, where is this travelling museum?” Cadance asked,

“Oh, it’s on the other side of town.” Twilight answered, “We can fly if you want,”

“No, it's fine. I don’t mind a walk,” Cadance breathed in deeply and sighed, “and I’d like to enjoy the scenery.”

“How so?”

“Well, look at the trees, aren’t they pretty?”

Twilight looked across the landscape, “They’re pretty orange, yeah.”

Cadance laughed, “You’ll have to understand, there aren’t exactly a lot of trees in the Crystal Empire.”

“Oh, then feel free to look at as many as you want.”

“It’s not just trees,” Cadance shook her head, “It’s Autumn, the cool breeze, the changing of the leaves, the holidays, the food, the ponies.” She took another deep breath, “It’s just nice to see it all.”

“I didn’t realize you liked the Fall so much.”

“Not more than the other seasons,” Cadance smiled, “But when your only choices are permanent Summer or permanent Winter, you start to miss them.”

Twilight nodded, “You could always come by in the Spring too, Winter Wrap Up gets pretty crazy here.”

“Ooo, I’d like that,” Cadance said, “And I’ve been wanting to see the rest of Ponyville as well. I haven’t been here in… gosh… ten or so years.”

“Wow, what was the reason?”

“It was for my princess training, I was expected to understand the differences between Equestria’s cities and towns, and not only how they are represented, but how to represent them as well. Since Ponyville is the closest town to Canterlot, it was the first one I visited, but I ended up going to half the towns in Equestria.”

“Was it fun?”

“Yeah, it was.” Cadance paused, “Speaking of, when are you starting your training?”

“My training?” Twilight repeated, “This is the first I’ve heard of it, but I’m hoping I already know enough to avoid going to school again. Rarity will definitely help me with presentation.”

“Being a princess is so much more than presentation though,” Cadance wrapped a wing around Twilight, “You get to learn about royalty…”

Twilight nodded,

“History,”

Twilight nodded,

“Economics,”

Twilight nodded,

“Culture,”

Twilight grimaced,

“And most importantly, politics.” Cadance finished,

Twilight puckered her lips.

“It’ll be like getting a degree in princess-ics.”

“Like my bachelor’s in magic?”

“It definitely won’t take that long though, my training lasted just under a year, and there was plenty of time for other stuff in between. The rest of it comes from hooves on experience, and that comes…” Cadance trailed off, slowing to a stop, “Is that building made of candy?”

Twilight followed her gaze, “Oh, that’s Sugarcube corner, and…” She paused to think, “I don’t actually know. It’s a bakery, and Pinkie both lives and works there. So my guess is at any given point in time, some part of the main structure may or may not be made up of candy, pastry, or some other confection.”

“Wow.” Cadance said, walking forward, “How does it compare to Donut Joe’s?”

“Well, they don’t sell donuts, but they have some pretty good cupcakes.”

“Oooh, let’s go there after the museum.”

“Sure, we can even get lunch there, though there are a few other places we can go to as well.”

“You’ll have to show me what’s good around here.”

“There’s a Hayburger down the street.”

Cadance shook her head, “Something that’s good, Twilight,” She reiterated, “I don’t like their food,”

Twilight pouted, “I like it,” she said quietly,

“I know you do,” Cadance smiled, “I still remember you asking me to go there all the time when you were younger. You used to get the kid’s meal and try to collect all the toys that came with, and then we would play with them.”

Twilight blushed and looked away, “I still have some of them.”

“We’ll figure it out after we go to the museum, because I think it’s just up ahead.”

Twilight looked forward, where several carts were parked in a semicircle. Dark blue banners and streamers lined the area, and a multitude of pedestals were situated nearby. Several ponies wandered throughout the museum, most of which wearing a familiar hat and cloak. It was then that Twilight gasped.

“I forgot my costume!”

“You have a costume?”

“Yeah!” Twilight stopped to take a deep breath, “Yeah, it’s free admission if you have one.”

Cadance blinked, “Shoot, can you go back and get it?”

“Uh… Sure, be right back,” Twilight lit up her horn,

“Wait!” Cadance interrupted,

“What?”

“Do you have a spare?”

“Oh, no sorry,”

“Okay, that’s fine, I have money.”

Twilight just nodded, then disappeared in a flash of purple light. She reappeared in the middle of the library, causing Spike to jump back in surprise, launching another stack of books into the air. Twilight quickly caught them in the air and set them back on the ground next to Spike.

“Back already?” He asked, a claw on his chest, “What’d you forget something?”

“Yes actually, do you know where my Star Swirl the Bearded costume is?”

“It’s probably in the closet, why?”

“‘Kay thanks! Bye!” Twilight said before running up the stairs.

“Don’t forget!” Spike called after her.

She paused in her steps, then hurried into the bedroom. Throwing open the closet, Twilight rifled through her outfits until she found her costume. She pulled it off the hanger, threw it over her back, and teleported back.

“That was quick,” Cadance commented, unmoved from where she last stood.

“I found it fast,” Twilight replied,

She put on the hat and set the beard in place, then pulled the cloak around her shoulders and clipped it together.

“Okay, we’re good.”

“How much is admission anyways?”

“I think like five bits.”

“Oh. It’s not even that much,”

“I know, but it’s fun to show appreciation as well.”

Cadance nodded, “Yeah, it can be. Now let’s go see how authentic their displays are.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” Twilight announced,

They both giggled, then walked into the museum, paid the admission fee, and got colored bracelets to prove it. The next few minutes were spent wandering around, looking at the various artifacts, and taking in the dense history.

“A whole day to celebrate Star Swirl the Bearded. What could be better?”

“Absolutely nothing.” Cadance answered, “Look at all this stuff! Clothing,” She pointed to a piece of folded blue cloth, “Items,” an embroidered satchel, “Relics,” a gilded tuning fork, “and the bell…”

“The bell…” Twilight repeated,

They both pressed up against the display case, staring at the magical wonder inside.

“Amazing.”

Cadance gasped, “Is that the candlestick he used to light the way when he was exploring the caverns of Maretania?”

“It sure is!” Twilight confirmed,

“I can’t believe I’m getting to see it in real life!”

As soon as she said that, it moved, rattling in its case. It quickly spun into a blur before popping into a small, blue-

“Discord!” Twilight exclaimed, “What are you doing here?!”

He looked up at them, lower lip quivering and rubbing his claws together.

“Well, I- I- I- ah- ah- Achoo!” He sneezed, and exploded into goo.

It coated the inside of the case, which clicked open as it pulsated, letting the mass flow out and onto the ground, reforming back into a regular sized, blue Discord.

“Oh, dear, dear Princesses, I’m sorry to say that I’m sick.” He coughed loudly into his fist, “Blue Flu.”

“Blue Flu?” Cadance asked,

Discord nodded sluggishly, “I fear I’ve already given it to poor Applejack and Rarity.” He sniffled,

Twilight and Cadance looked at each other, and Discord sniffled louder, rearing back and taking a deep breath.

“Achoo!” He announced,

Slimy mucus splattered across a newly apparated light blue dome. It dripped down to the ground and fizzled away. Twilight lowered her hoof from her face, and Cadance grimaced.

“I think a magic health bubble would work better than a shield spell.” She said, her shield faded away, letting the rest of the snot drop to the ground as well.

“Good thinking,” Twilight said, and she quickly cast the spell, enveloping the both of them in a lavender barrier.

“Indeed.” Discord pressed up against the shimmering field, “How else would Twilight nurse me back to health if she were sick too?”

They shared a look again,

“You will be letting me stay at your place until I’m all better, won’t you?” Discord asked,

“Stay? With me? Uh, now is not really the best time, though I’m sure you already knew that…”

Discord slumped down onto the ground, “But taking in the sick and desperate, isn’t that something Fluttershy would do? Isn’t helping something that friends do for friends? Unless of course, you’re really saying that you’re not my friend.”

Twilight looked around and clenched her teeth, “No, that is not what I’m saying.”

“Oh, how elated I am to hear that. Shall the three of us head back to your place then? I don’t want to get anypony else sick.” Discord said, he dropped his arms and legs as he slithered around the health bubble.

Twilight sighed, “I guess we don’t have much choice.”

She gestured with her head, and both Cadance and her started walking out of the museum area, causing Discord to slip off into a pile.

“Carry me?” He asked, his wings breaking off.

“I think you can manage.” Cadance turned back,

“Oh poo.” Discord said, dragging himself behind them, his face dragging in the dirt.

Together they walked to the Golden Oaks Library, quite a few onlookers staring at the two princesses, one in costume, followed by what looked like a giant blue snake. Twilight looked back every so often, but found herself glancing at Cadance more instead. She didn’t seem to take notice during their trip, and by the time they got to the front door, she abruptly threw it open.

“Okay mister,” Cadance said, lifting Discord up in her magic, “Let’s get you to bed.”

“Whoa!” He wriggled in her grip, “What gives?”

“Oh, so now you don’t want to be carried?” Twilight asked,

Discord shut his mouth and crossed his arms, “Just be careful with the goods, princess.”

Cadance rolled her eyes, then unceremoniously coiled him up and slotted him through the door.

“Oomph!” Discord exclaimed as he rolled across the floor, “You’re surprisingly good at this.”

“I’ve got experience,” Cadance replied, carrying him up the stairs.

Twilight just followed loosely behind, watching as Cadance practically manhandled Discord’s lithe form. His long, slithering body. Serpentine, worm-like. Blue, not purple. Mismatched horns, not jagged mandibles. Fur and scales, not spines and chitin.

“Twilight?” Cadance asked from the top of the stairs, breaking her out of her trance, “Do you have any spare beds?”

She shook her head, “No, just…” She realized, “Ugh, mine. It’s the first door on the right.”

“You sure?”

Twilight just nodded, lips pressed tightly together and eyes wide. She then quickly set her costume off to the side and made her way up the stairs as Cadance entered her bedroom. Once inside herself, she saw Discord being laid down on her bed, her pillow and blanket arranging themselves around him.

“Thank you, my dear friends.” Discord said, pulling the blanket up to his chin.

“Need anything else?” Twilight asked,

Discord smiled, “Just knowing that I have a good friend like you to take care of me has made me feel better already.” He pulled the covers down a bit to begin rifling through her bedside table. “I’ll be fine here on my own.”

Twilight sighed in relief, “Good,” She nodded to Cadance, and they both began walking towards the door.

“Oh, just before you go, just a little small request.”

She groaned.

“It’ll be fine,” Cadance whispered to her, “We’ll just get him what he wants and be back to the exhibit in no time.” She turned, “What was it that you needed?”

“A little glass of water please…”

Twilight blew upwards to clear her vision, then pulled some of the spaghetti off of her face.

“...The tea though…” Cadance muttered,

Out of the corner of her vision, Twilight saw Spike appear in the doorway with a laundry basket. He looked around at the mess of things before making eye contact with Twilight. He set the basket down, pointed to her, then Cadance, made a talking motion with his hand, then used his arm to mimic a slither.

Twilight winced and shook her head, noodles flopping wildly.

‘When?’ Spike mouthed,

‘Later.’ She replied, pointing towards Discord as he danced around in the air.

Spike looked up at him, then just shrugged and nodded, taking the laundry basket back downstairs.

Twilight held up a hoof to stop him when a pair of red glasses manifested over her eyes, and she suddenly found herself wearing a waitress’ uniform.

“Here we go again.” She complained.

Hiss

Click

Beep

Hiss

Beep

Click

Beep

Hiss

Click

Twilight shut her eyes tight at the noise, the offbeat beeps clashing hard with the rhythmic hissing.

Her head ached, and her entire body felt hot, yet she didn’t feel sick. She went to remove her covers, but found her limbs bound, her arms held back by something. She frowned, and tried to open her eyes, only to wince from the intake of light. She ran her tongue around her dry mouth and found more than she was expecting, a mess of wires and springs threatening to catch her tongue with every movement.

Beep
Hiss
Beep
Click

The noise was getting faster, prompting Twilight to flick her ears. They moved, but were restricted by something, it was cool, smooth, and solid. Something metal.

There was a small gasp in front of her.

“Twilight?” Somepony whispered,

She could not open her mouth to respond, instead resorting to a low moan. Trying once more to open her eyes, the harsh light kept them shut. Moving her head was unsuccessful as well, as she quickly met resistance, along with a wall of pain.

She winced, and grunted.

“Oh, the lights. I’ll get them,” the voice said,

A switch was flipped, and the intense light assaulting her eyes dimmed, allowing Twilight to finally open them. A blurry world met her vision, a mass of pink standing out in a sea of white. She blinked, and slowly her vision cleared, she gained more color, depth, and detail, and the pink blur in front of her sharpened into a figure.

It was Cadance.

She was crying.

Twilight gave a confused mumble and shifted, quickly growing frustrated with her lack of movement.

“No no, don’t try to move.” Cadance moved closer, “You’re still healing.”

Twilight paused, glancing around at her surroundings again. A plain white room, a sterile smell, the sounds of medical equipment.

Hiss

Click

Beep

She looked down, bandages wrapped her muzzle, a metal cage present in her peripherals, her limbs encased in casts.

“Mmm!” Twilight groaned, she tried to move again, only for a flash of pain to shoot up her shoulder.

Cadance got even closer, just barely leaning over her bed, “It’s okay! It’s okay. You’re okay. You’re safe now.” She sighed, “Oh, Twilight, I’m so sorry.”

Sorry for what?

What happened?

Twilight closed her eyes and breathed in. Something must have happened, but what? The last thing she remembered was going to Canterlot with her friends under invitation to her brother’s wedding. He was getting married to Cadance, except she wasn’t Cadance, she didn’t recognize her, acted strangely, why?

She inhaled sharply and opened her eyes, the heart monitor to her side going wild.

She was an imposter!

Twilight tried to move again, managing to jostle herself under her covers. Her body felt stiff, and every movement burned, but she continued to fight against her restraints.

‘Cadance’ moved back, surprised, “It’s me, Twilight! It’s me!”

She gave up on trying to move, and instead started charging her horn.

“It’s me!” ‘Cadance’ shielded her face with bandaged hooves.

Twilight paused, and looked closer, she was in a wheelchair with bandages along her arms and legs. Her mane was frazzled, her movements were shaky, and she looked to have been crying recently. It all looked so real, but then again, so did the imposter.

‘Cadance’ opened her eyes and looked at Twilight through her arms. “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake.”

Twilight’s breath caught in her throat, and a burning sensation filled her eyes as she began to cry.

“I’m sorry,” Cadance repeated, fresh tears appearing on her face, “I’m sorry.”

The door clicked open behind her, and an unfamiliar pony walked in.

“Oh…” She stopped mid stride, “Is everything okay in here? We got a warning on the monitor.”

Cadance sniffled, and looked up to swallow. “Yeah, everything’s okay. We’re fine.”

“I’ll leave you to it then.” The pony quickly ducked back out,

“Actually, could you go get the rest of her friends? I think they’re waiting in the lobby.”

“Sure, dearie.”

Twilight inhaled deeply, then blinked to clear her vision. She grunted lightly, causing Cadance to look back at her. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hoof, then winced at the motion.

“Still getting used to that.” She muttered,

Twilight grunted again,

“What is it?” Cadance asked, “Oh, right.” she realized, “You’re probably confused,”

“Mm-hm.”

“Well, I’m okay, you’re okay, your brother is okay, Princess Celestia is okay, your friends are okay, everypony is okay.”

“Mm,”

“You’ve been out for almost a week now, but repairs are already well underway.”

“Mm mm!”

“Oh? Do you need something?”

“Mm-mm, mm.”

“Do you want something?”

“Mm-mm.”

Cadance furrowed her brow, “Do you want… to know something?”

“Mm-hm.”

“What happened?”

“Mm-hm.”

“Okay,” Cadance nodded, then paused to think for a moment, “You were caught in a cave in.”

“Mm-mm,” Twilight grunted, “Mm.”

“Do you want to know what happened before that?”

“Mm-hm,”

“Alright, so I was replaced by a changeling.”

Twilight gave a confused grunt.

Cadance tilted her head, “Oh! Well they are… were a race of shapeshifters. They feed… fed off of love. The one that replaced me was their queen I think, and she planned to take over Equestria with the power of love.” She frowned, “That doesn’t sound as bad as it actually was.” She shook her head, “They didn’t have good intentions.”

Twilight grunted,

“Right, I was trapped in the crystal caves, but I got out with the help of a…” Cadance trailed off. “...worm…”

Twilight would’ve tilted her head if she could’ve, a sense of unease descending over her.

“I stopped the wedding just in time, but the changelings were already invading.”

Twilight gave a worried grunt.

“But we managed to…” Cadance stopped again, “...defeat… them, and now things are currently going back to normal.”

“Mmm,”

“You haven’t missed much, the changelings were um… defeated, Canterlot was saved, I’m still getting married to your brother, and your friends are sorry.”

“Mm!” Twilight mumbled,

“What?!” Cadance asked, “Your friends?”

“Mm-hm, mm.”

“And your brother?”

“Mm-hm.”

Cadance nodded, “They’re all fine. Shining Armor was cleared of any mind control, and your friends are extremely sorry for how they treated you.”

“Mm?”

“I know I shouldn’t say this, but I also know how much you hate surprises. Look, your friends are planning to throw you an apology party, I’m assuming they’re coming up to do it right now, so don’t tell them I said anything.”

“Mmm,” Twilight smiled,

“Though, before they get here,” Cadance turned away, “There is someone I’d like you to meet first, who is also very sorry.”

“Mm?”

Cadance just wheeled herself to the door and opened it, then peered around the corner, “Could you come in please?”

“Ca-dance.”

Twilight shivered,

“Twilight,” Cadance continued, “This is the worm I was talking about.”

She moved out of the way, allowing a large, purple, spiny figure in. Twilight froze, watching as the monster of a pony walked across the floor with long, slow steps. Shiny, bulky skin, segmented along its entire body. Sharp spines jutted out of every recess, moving, flexing. A fleshy tail dragged behind, leaving scores in the tiled floor, the faintest hint of electricity crackling at the tip. Large mandibles dominated the head, chittering and clicking, rows upon rows of sharp teeth waiting further in. Piercing teal eyes, pupiless but focused. A mess of a mane coming out the back, dirty and scraggled.

Twilight immediately recognized it. She started shaking, minor flashes of pain lighting up through her body.

Cadance didn’t notice, “This is… the worm, and it’s very sorry. Can you say sorry please?”

The creature’s almost wall eyed gaze soon pointed to Twilight, and it exhaled, clicking its mandibles together.

“Sor-ry.”

“Mm!” Twilight jolted back, the heart monitor to her side picking up again.

She couldn’t move, but that didn’t stop her from trying. She jerked and twitched, ignoring the searing pain lighting up her limbs and back. She clenched her jaw, bending the wires and stabbing her gums. The cast along her arm cracked, and with newfound freedom Twilight wrenched her arm free. White hot pain traveled throughout her body, originating in her shoulder, yet she continued.

“Twilight?!” Cadance gaped, she frantically looked back and forth between her and the worm, “It’s okay! It’s not a changeling!”

She ignored her, a fracture appearing on her other cast. She wriggled, trying to break free from that one as well.

“Stop!” Cadance pleaded, “You’re hurting yourself!”

The plaster crumbled, and she regained movement. Bringing both hooves up to her head, she clasped the cage surrounding it and pulled. Metal prongs dug into the side of her head and neck, but she continued, turning it from side to side. It came free in the back, but pulled at the wires in her mouth, cutting her lips and straining her teeth.

“Stop!” Cadance glanced back to the worm, “Get out now!”

It chirped, backing out of the room and standing just outside the doorway.

“Down the hall!” Cadance commanded,

It disappeared from view, yet Twilight continued, leaning forward to try and get out of bed.

“Twilight! Please!” Cadance moved in front of her, she placed her hooves on her chest.

She smacked them away, causing her to yell out in pain. That finally made her pause for a moment, and she stared as Cadance reeled, holding her hooves close to her body.

“You have to stop,” She gasped out,

Twilight just kept staring, breathing rapidly and leaning forward. She finally looked down, watching as blood poured from her mouth and onto her bedsheets. What remained of the plaster casts around her shoulders was stained red, which slowly grew downwards with every second. The pain finally caught up to her, and she screamed, muffled by her mouth brace before trying to ease back into the bed.

Cadance looked at her, even more tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Who’s ready for an apology party?!”

Twilight ran her tongue through her mouth as she huffed, the shape of her bite had been permanently altered thanks to the brace. It took a while to get used to it, but at least it didn’t affect her outward appearance. Nor her speech very much, save for a slight lisp that she easily got around. She opened and closed her mouth and puffed, pulling against the harness and flapping harder. Her wings were starting to get sore.

Ignoring the strain, she watched the arid landscape pass underneath her. It was a far cry from the area around Ponyville, yellowed grass sat atop gentle hills, only to be broken up by chasms and ravines. Spires of rock and hoodoos stood in for trees, and a barren path winded around the landscape, just barely going in the same direction they were.

The sun was setting, casting the clouds around them in pink and orange. It was also glinting heavily off of the golden chariot behind them, preventing her from looking back for too long.

“How are you holding up?” Twilight finally looked up, feeling the sweat drip down her brow.

“Not too bad,” Cadance replied, breathing evenly, “Though I’m not very used carrying heavy loads.”

“Well, then lucky for you. We’re here.” Discord pointed ahead from his cushy seat.

Twilight and Cadance glanced at each other for a moment before descending, bringing Discord’s chariot all the way to the ground and setting it down with a thud. Looking back, he was draped haphazardly over the seat.

“It’s just at the top of that hill.” He pointed behind them,

Turning back around, the path from before continued upwards into a foggy peak, obscuring what was at the top.

“Alright,” Cadance unhooked herself from the chariot,

“Let’s get this over with.” Twilight did the same,

They began trekking up the path, following its curves higher and higher.

“I’m really sorry about all this. All I wanted was to have some peaceful quality time together.

“I know,” Cadance replied, “I was looking forward to it too, but at least we can talk.”

“Yeah…” Twilight trailed off, “Talk.”

“Is there anything you want to talk about?” Cadance asked,

“Uh,” Twilight looked away, “Yes, there is something.”

“Well we still have a hill to climb, care to share?”

Twilight took a deep breath, “I um… There is… It’s just that…”

“It doesn't sound like you want to talk.” Cadance said,

“I don’t.” Twilight sighed, “But I need to.”

“It must be important then,”

“It is.”

“Then go on, I’m listening.” Cadance gave a small smile,

Twilight tried to return it, “The thing is… I am…” She paused to breathe, “It’s about the worm.”

Cadance’s face fell, “What about him?”

“It’s just… I am… sca-” Twilight shut her eyes tight, “I am… a-afraid. Of him.”

“Oh dear,” Cadance sighed, “So it’s true?”

Twilight blinked and looked up at her, “You knew?”

“I had a feeling. I was hoping it wasn’t the case, but after talking to your friends and seeing you around him…”

“I haven’t told my friends about it.” Twilight said, confused,

“Yes, well, you aren’t exactly the best at hiding your fears.”

Twilight looked down,

“I was actually going to bring it up with you today as well, but then Discord got in the way and then…” Cadance shook her head, “Thank you for coming to me about it.”

“What should I do about it?”

“We,” Cadance corrected, “Are going to work through it.”

“Right now?”

“We’ll start right now. So, what about him makes him scary? Besides the obvious. Unless it is the obvious, is it?”

“Sort of,” Twilight answered, “I know he looks scary, but it…” She trailed off again, “It’s just that he’s so violent. He kills, he maims, he mutilates, he consumes, he fights, and…”

“Twilight,” Cadance interrupted, “It’s perfectly rational to be wary of something like that. I was scared of him at first too.”

“It’s just that! It’s irrational! I know for a fact that the worm won’t hurt me. I know he listens to you, and I know that you don’t want to hurt me either! That’s what makes it so infuriating! Against all my rational thought! Everything telling me that I shouldn’t be afraid! Every time I look at him, I know deep down, that he could, and would, kill me without a second thought. Every time I’ve seen him, at the empire, over Canterlot, in Canterlot, in the hospital, even in the caves…”

Cadance’s eyes went wide. “You saw him in the caves?”

Twilight sniffled, “Mm-hm. It’s why I know, because if what you told me was true, if my friends hadn’t found me, then I would be gone, and the worm wouldn’t even have cared.”

Cadance wrapped a wing around her, pulling her close. “Again, that’s a perfectly rational line of thinking. And you’re right, he would’ve killed you without a second thought.”

Twilight looked at her strangely,

“Note the past tense. He’s learning, changing for the better. I get why you’re afraid, I was too, but then he changed, and so did I, and I know you can too.”

Twilight nodded slightly.

“Now I know just saying that won’t fix your fears, but it’s a start, and just knowing you can change is instrumental in dealing with trauma.”

“Trauma?”

Cadance nodded, “I have it too, and while I don’t have the same fears you do…” She paused to take a breath, “I still can’t eat green jello, and thanks to some more recent developments, I’m finding myself staying away fire, or anything that burns.” She shuddered,

“I-” Twilight sniffled again, “Thank you.”

“Just know that I, your family, and all of your friends are here for you.” Cadance finished, “When you stressed that you only wanted to spend time with me in your letter, I figured you didn’t want your brother to get in the way, but now that I know for sure, I’m glad I chose to travel by train.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, I’m sure you know the worm is very fast, and because of that he is very good at getting from place to place…”

“Oh, I think I see where this is going.”

Cadance nodded again, “He’s much faster than any train ride, even compared to what the crystal ponies have made. Celestia said he was even comparable to teleportation.”

Twilight’s jaw dropped,

“In fact, well, I don’t want to worry you, but he could have come at almost any point in the day.”

“Wouldn’t he have to find you first?”

“He’s kind of got a knack for that, but yes.” Cadance answered,

“Even here, at the edge of Equestria?”

“He could probably get here within the hour,”

Twilight stared blankly ahead,

“But,” Cadance continued, “I made sure to keep him busy today, he shouldn’t be a problem, unless you want to confront your fears right now.”

“I don’t think I’m quite ready for that yet.” Twilight admitted,

“I wouldn’t expect you to. Small steps.”

They pushed through the last bit of fog, coming to a flat peak with an excellent view of the sunset. Other than a large tree in the center though, it was empty, barren of all other life. Twilight gave a quick look around.

“This is the top, but where is that flower?”

Something akin to a bedsheet fell over her, nearly dragging her to the ground. She struggled against the weight, only for it to disappear in a light blue glow. Looking up, they realized the trunk of the tree in the center was actually the stem of a giant flower.

“Oh.” Twilight said, she then flared her wings and took off. “Come on, if we hurry we can still have some time together.”

Cadance nodded, flew up as well, and together they enveloped the flower in their magic. Now glowing purple and blue, the flower shifted and tilted as it was lifted upwards. Its roots pulled taught, and the ground held strong. They pulled harder, causing cracks to form in the packed dirt.

“Just… a little… more!” Cadance strained,

The ground trembled, and in one quick motion the flower was uprooted, taking a good chunk of earth with it. Twilight exhaled, flying over to Cadance as they held the flower aloft.

“Good, now let’s get Discord and this flower back home, then-”

The ground trembled more, the loose dirt and gravel around the new hole in the ground quickly falling in. A low growling emanated from it, and something shifted inside.

“What in Equestria?” Cadance asked,

Rock and stone exploded outward, and a gigantic pink head rose into the sky soon followed by a purple scaled body. They both stared as the creature surfaced, three pairs of eyes locking onto them, each separated by its tripartite jaw. It leaned down and stared back at them before roaring, its high pitched screech accompanied by black tendrils writhing in its mouth.

They both screamed.

The tatzlwurm snapped at them, Cadance dove out of the way, Twilight dropped like a rock. She fell for a moment, then remembered to flap her wings, only to crash into the ground a second later. The tatzlwurm tracked her movements, and dove downwards to strike. Twilight scrambled up and started running away, but she wasn’t fast enough.

Before the tatzlwurm could close its jaws around her though, Cadance flew by and pushed her out of the way. Twilight tumbled down the hill, and as Cadance rose back up, a tendril wrapped around her leg, restraining her.

She grunted, quickly summoning a magic dagger and slashing it. Dark blue blood spurted out of the cut, and the tatzlwurm screeched, the rest of its tentacles coming around to ensnare her.

“Twilight!” She called out, “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of this worm too!”

Twilight just stared as Cadance slashed another tendril, paralyzed. The third tendril then wrapped around Cadance’s body, and she was pulled closer to the tatzlwurm’s maw.

“A little help would be nice!”

Shaking her head, Twilight leapt into the air, firing a beam at one of the tendrils, searing it. Another screech, and the tatzlwurm turned towards her, mouth wide open. It lunged, only to be blasted in the side of the head by Cadance, causing it to slam into the ground. It rolled down the slope a bit before slithering back up, shooting its tendrils back out and grabbing her again.

“Let go of my sister in law!” Twilight shouted, blasting it as well,

Only one let go, the other two continuing to reel Cadance in. The tatzlwurm then surged forwards, snapping its jaws around her. Twilight gasped, then shot again, flying up and around it, scorching the base of its head. It grumbled, but refused to open its mouth again. Its cheeks then bulged out, and it jerked to the side, then back, and then it lifted up and slammed its head onto the ground.

Cadance was spit back out, now smeared with blue blood. She tumbled across the ground, still wrapped in a now dismembered tendril that leaked blood out the end. The tatzlwurm hissed, whipping its remaining tendrils back and forth as it reared up. It dove back down to strike, and Cadance quickly rolled out of the way, sending a few magic bolts its way.

They impacted, causing it to turn its vision to Twilight instead. She froze, again, watching as the tatzlwurm stared her down. It lunged forward again, mouth agape. She moved too late, and she was caught by its tentacles, its jaws then closing around her.

It was tight, uncomfortably so, and Twilight struggled against the tendrils wrapping around her. They just kept coiling and coiling, wrapping around her again and again, restricting her movements. The jaws closed further, sharp teeth moving just inches away from her. It got warm and slimy fast, though it quickly gave way to just a thick liquid as the tatzlwurm’s mouth filled with blood.

There were muffled sounds outside, from the high pitched whine of magic beams to the impacts of bolts. Every so often the tatzlwurm would jolt to the side, taking Twilight with it, and she quickly became disoriented as it twisted and moved. Eventually there was a large impact on its head, so much so that its teeth grazed Twilight’s side. She grunted, but didn’t open her mouth.

A sliver of light then illuminated the inside of the tatzlwurm, and a crack appeared along one of its mouth lines. A pink hoof then jutted in before searching around frantically. Twilight wriggled around some more, getting her own hoof free and grabbing ahold of Cadance’s. She pulled, slipping through one of the tendrils before getting stuck on the second.

With a blast of her own magic, it let go, letting Cadance pull Twilight to the edge of the tatzlwurm’s mouth before bringing her out completely. Once free, they jumped away, gliding down back to the top of the hill.

“Thanks,” Twilight coughed, flicking a mixture of saliva and blood off her hooves.

“Don’t thank me yet.” Cadance said,

They both looked over, where the tatzlwurm was getting ready for another go at them. A screech then came from behind them, and with a crack of thunder the worm shot overhead, slamming into the tatzlwurm and sending both of them off the hill, over the cliff face, and into the ravine below.

“Ah yeah!” Cadance cheered,

Twilight just sat agape.

The ground shook as the fight continued out of view, a few spires of rock raising above the chasm falling into it.

“Take that!” Cadance continued, “That’s what you get for messing with us princesses!”

She glanced at Twilight for a moment, and her smile dropped,

“Oh, sorry, that must have been pretty uh, scary. Are you okay?”

“It’s f-fine. I’m fine.” Twilight replied, wiping the excess blood off her face and wringing her mane. “I should have expected something like that to happen.”

Cadance gave her an unsure look, “I don’t think the fight’s going to last much longer, do you want to… talk to him maybe?”

“No!” Twilight exclaimed, she shook her head, “No. I’m not ready for that yet. Let’s just get back to Ponyville, make the elixir, get cleaned up, and finally get a chance to spend some quality time together.”

“Okay, small steps,” Cadance repeated, “Let’s go then, help me with this flower.”

They both heaved, raising the giant plant back into the air before flying back down the hill, watching as more rock pillars collapsed into the ravine, an occasional arc of lightning shooting out.

Once at the bottom, they found a mysteriously empty chariot, and the faint sound of cheering.

“To the ends of Equestria! To face such great danger! And she did it for me! She did it all for me, for me, for me!” Discord chanted, doing a little dance, and more importantly no longer blue.

Twilight dropped the flower right in front of him, catching his attention. “You were faking?!”

He looked at the flower for a moment before looking up at them, “Whoa, you two look like you had fun.”

Cadance raised an eyebrow.

“Okay, I was faking, but I had a very good reason.”

“We’re listening.”

“Well,” Discord began, a mauve tree rising up beneath him, “I was in my thinking tree, that’s where I do most of my really deep thinking. I was there, and I said to myself, I said, ‘Discord, your friend Twilight says that she’s your pal, but she never writes and she never pops in for a visit.”

Twilight tilted her head, “I don’t even know where you live.”

“Now that she’s a princess, maybe she’s decided that she’s too good for you.” Discord continued, ignoring her.

“I have never considered myself too-”

“But how was I supposed to know, for sure, that I’m truly still friends with one of the most important ponies around?”

“I’m not more important-”

Discord waved his hand, a gigantic handkerchief dropping in front of Twilight, “By seeing if you would go to the ends of Equestria for me, of course. Which you did, literally.”

Twilight lifted up a corner of the cloth and used it to wipe a bit more blood from her face.

“Congratulations Twilight, you passed my friendship test!” Discord wrapped a necklace around her head,

She looked down at it, then looked up with a frown.

“Why the angry eyes? You love passing tests. It’s not because my little exam put a damper on your visit with Princess Cadance, is it? Made it so that there was no time for you two to focus on your friendship? Or maybe it’s because you got covered in whatever that is.”

“It’s blood,” Cadance answered,

“Oh.” Discord grimaced,

“And you didn’t put a damper on our visit at all.”

“I didn’t?!”

“He didn’t?!”

“No,” Cadance continued, “Spending the day at the Star Swirl the Bearded exhibit would’ve been more relaxing, but doing anything together is just as fun.”

“It is?” Twilight asked,

“Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of things that I don’t want to do, but a little action now and then is a great way to get your blood pumping. Getting to do everything today with you made me realize even more how lucky I am to have somepony like you as a sister. We may not be able to see each other very often, but I know you’ll always be there when I need you. Just like she was there for you, Discord.”

He pouted, “Yes, she’s a real sweetheart. We’re all so lucky to have her in our lives.”

The ground trembled, and a gigantic purple form shot out of the ravine, arcing into the air and stopping just above them. The worm then clicked, blue blood dripping from its mouth and body, several clumps of red hair sticking to it.

“Woah,” Cadance called out, “Easy there.”

Every muscle in Twilight’s body tensed, and she slowly began backing away.

“Hey…” Discord squinted at the worm, “You seem familiar.”

Twilight hazarded a glance in his direction, the worm also turning to look at him.

“Yeah,” He nodded, “I know you, you were a statue, like me. Good to see that we’re getting on in the world. Say,” he rubbed his chin, “You seem pretty fun. Do you want to do something with me?”

“Uh, Discord,” Cadance said,

The worm leaned down closer, clicking its mandibles in his face.

“Us reformies gotta stick together,” He extended a claw, “Why don’t we ditch these princesses and go do something else?”

“You really shouldn’t-”

Twilight finally gained control of her breathing, and she held up a hoof in front of Cadance, “Let him find out.”

Cadance gave her a look, but otherwise stayed silent. The worm inched closer, arcs of electricity crackling around it.

“They really aren’t as cracked up to be as they seem,” Discord waved them off, “There are so many better things to do. Oh, we could prank Celestia, make nachos, play poker, heck, even eating dirt would be better than hanging out with these two.”

“Hey!” Twilight exclaimed,

“We could even for a secret club, only allow serpents to join, we’ll call it… The Serpenteam!” Discord said, he opened his eyes, looking up at the worm as it stopped just in front of him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

It rushed forward, slamming Discord into the dirt and dragging him down the path. They stopped once they hit a large rock, and the worm started coiling up as it thrashed around, kicking up a cloud of dust. Both Twilight and Cadance winced as the sound of snapping and cracking filled the air, and they recoiled even further as lightning struck.

Something was flung out of the dust cloud, a trail of smoke following it as it landed at their hooves.

“You could’ve warned me y’know,” Discord’s disembodied head said,

“I tried too!” Cadance replied,

Twilight cracked a small smile, but she still watched the worm intently as it thoroughly obliterated Discord’s body.

To Be Continued…

Author's Note

To post, or not to post. That is the dilemma I have whenever I finish a chapter. Of course I'm going to post regardless, but then you may not get the best writing I have to offer. Once I've finished a chapter, I get tired of writing, and I look to post immediately, but that means I can't review it.

Hopefully this one is good enough, because it's the last intermediate chapter. That is all I'll say, look forward to the next one.

The end is nigh.