A Twilight Christmas Carol

by Aether Spark

Rating: teen
Tags: Spike (EqG), Comedy, Equestria Girls, Main 7 (EqG), Discord, Violence, Twilight Sparkle (EqG), Dark, Alternate Universe, Human, Drama
Length: 8204

Twilight has become a Scrooge as of late, three ghosts will fix that.

Twilight has always been obsessive about her hobbies, but when she discovers that magic is real she let's it take over her life, and the bonds she formed are slowly fading.

But when a mysterious being warns her of impeding ghosts that will come to teach her a lesson, it's up to Twilight to get out of her own head.

Will she remember the true meaning of Friendship?

[My third writing binge, look forward to the next one coming soon after I finish this one, a requested story by JBlaser]

Published 2023-12-29 00:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2023-12-31 23:22:56 UTC

Twilight the Scrooge

Christmas, a time for family, friends and the gift of giving.

And this year, a soul, once joyful and bright, has gone dim, perhaps a miracle will save her future…

“Twilight!” AJ shouted in Twilight’s ear and she jumped a little.

“AH! Geeze, what do you want AJ?” Twilight asked.

“That’s what ya say after ya’ll have been ignoring yer friends for weeks? Twilight ah’m worried about ya, everyone’s worried,” Applejack said.

“I get that, in fact I have heard via text countless times, when will you guys understand I have work to do!?” Twilight said before returning to her tomes.

“This ‘work’ has been goin on fer months Twi, ah’m starting to wonder if you care about those books Princess Twilight sent you more than us,” AJ said.

“Well at least my books listen when I talk,” Twilight said.

“...Ah get it… well, ah’ll leave ya to yer new obsession, come find us when yer ready to snap out of it,” Applejack said.

“Thanks,” Twilight said as AJ shook her head and left.

Applejack walked out of Twilight’s apartment and walked to her other friends who were waiting.

“Any luck?” Fluttershy asked.

“Same as usual,” Applejack said dissapointedly.

“I don’t get it, ever since she discovered the possibilities of magic in this world it’s like the only thing that matters to her anymore,” Rainbow said crossing her arms.

“P-Perhaps when she finishes-” Fluttershy said.

“She’s been at it for months, and it’ll be the end of her life by the time she snaps out of it.” Rainbow growled before she started marching towards her door.

“Rainbow? What are you doing?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m going to take those books away and burn them,” Rainbow said.

“No!” Fluttershy and Pinkie got in front of her.

“Get out of the way guys,” Rainbow said.

“We can’t let you do that, she’ll hate us for sure if you do that,” Fluttershy said remembering when Rarity tried to take away Twilight’s magic books and she got violent.

“Girls, I want the Twi we know back, and If I have to deal with a few nasty looks then so be it,” Rainbow said.

“No Rainbow, violence isn’t the answer,” Pinkie said “b-besides, she Pinkie Promised she’d be done soon…” Pinkie said.

“She’s not the Twilight we remember,” RD said begrudgingly “You’ll do it sooner or later,” Rainbow said marching away.

“Let’s get moving,” Rarity said as the others left.

“...” Fluttershy looked back at the window and saw Twilight still glued to her books.

“Please come back to us Twilight,” Fluttershy said before trudging through the snow back to her friends.

“I’m just saying Twilight, you need to consider their feelings too,” Spike said from his doggy bed.

“Not you too Spike, I thought you had my back on this,” Twilight said.

“I did, three weeks ago, but now your just obsessed with this stuff, maybe pony magic isn’t as possible in this world,” Spike said.

“I will prove that wrong, even if have to sit in this chair for the rest of my life!” Twilight said.

“But what about your friends?!” Spike barked.

“Spike, if your not going to help me then give me some quiet time,” Twilight said, not looking at him.

“...I’m worried Twilight…” Spike whimpered.

“...” Twilight turned the page and Spike sighed before laying down and going to sleep.

Three days before Christmas Eve

Twilight threw a book at a wall making Spike wake with a yelp.

“Darnit! Why isn’t this working?! I gathered the right ingredients!” Twilight sighed sounding stressed.

Spike opened his mouth but decided against it, not wanting to get her mad at him.

As Twilight resumed her work a note slid under her doorway and footsteps walked away from her door.

“Huh?” Spike said before he walked over and picked the message up in his mouth and brought it to Twilight.

“Spike, not now,” Twilight sighed.

“Itsh from Sunshet” Spike said through the envelope.

“Ugh…” Twilight grabbed the message wondering what it was this time and she opened it and saw a picture of her and her friends along with a note.

Twilight’s face softened when she saw her friends briefly but she just set it aside and read the message.

“What does it say?” Spike asked.

“...it’s an invite to a class party on Christmas,” Twilight wrote something and slid it back in the envelope and handed it back to Spike.

Curious Spike pulled the note out… and saw a ‘No thanks’ on it.

“Twilight! They invited you, can’t you take a break from your books long enough to-”

“No Spike, I’m near a breakthrough, I know it, I can’t afford any unnecessary distractions,” Twilight said.

“Do you realize you just called your friends an ‘unnecessary distraction’? What’s wrong with you?” Spike asked.

“What’s wrong with me? I’m going to revolutionize the concept of magic in this world just like the Twilight of the Pony world and EVERYBODY keeps getting in my way! This is my dream!” Twilight said firmly.

“Friends used to be your dream…” Spike sniffled.

“...You can go, but I’m sure they’ll understand,” Twilight said returning to her work.

“Take this to heart Twilight, one of these days you’ll find yourself all alone… and you’ll have nobody to blame but yourself,” Spike said bitterly before turning to leave.

“I’m going to improve everyone's lives with this discovery, you’ll see!” Twilight said before returning to her work muttering angrily.

Christmas Eve

Twilight was walking home from the coffee shop, muttering.

“Stupid clerk, kept speaking on and on, some of us have discoveries to make,” Twilight said.

Twilight heard voices and she turned and spotted Sunset and Rarity walking and talking.

A part of her wanted to go see them, her study nights have been lonely ever since she drove Spike away… but her desire to be the first to discover real magic in the human world quashed it and she continued home.

Then she heard a whisper behind her.

“Huh?” Twilight turned and saw… nothing “Hmm…” She continued walking home.

Twilight entered her empty apartment, Spike having been picked up by Fluttershy the other day.

“I’m a good person, Spike hardly ever get’s to go to parties, this will be an opportunity for him,” Twilight said.

“But you won’t be there,” The whisper came again and Twilight spun to see nothing.

“Ok, if someone is pranking me I’m demanding they stop, not in the mood,” Twilight said.

No response…

“....” Twilight finished making herself some lunch and she took it and her mocha upstairs.

She reentered her room and locked the door before resuming her studies.

“Ok, the studies of non-magical beings and how they utilize their own form of magic,” Twilight read aloud on her computer.

Repent

“Huh?” Twilight turned to see her empty room “Spike if your the one messing with me i swear i’m cutting off your bacon kibble,” Twilight said getting up and she poked her head through the door… nothing.

Twilight sighed and returned to her chair…

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Twilight stiffened as she heard the knock at the door, she ran to the door and opened it.

Nobody…

“Alright, I’m putting my foot down, whoever’s messing with me, just know I have a taser!” Twilight shouted before slamming her door and locking it again.

She returned to her seat and got out her taser, feeling admittedly a little nervous.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“Oh for pete’s sake, GO AWAY!” Twilight shouted.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“I said go AWAY!” Twilight said.

…KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Twilight began to get scared and grabbed her taser.

“I-i’m warning you whoever you are, I’m armed!” Twilight said making her taser crackle.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“GO AWAY!” Twilight shivered out.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“I’LL CALL THE POLICE!” Twilight said reaching for her phone.

CRASH

Her door exploded and she took cover and peeked out at her would be assailant.

“H-hello?...” Twilight whispered.

“Whoo! Bout time,” A strange voice said and when the dust cleared… a certain unusual creature was standing there…

“Wh-who…what-” Twilight shivered out.

“Oh hello human version of a certain purple princess, I don’t know if you ever heard of me but my name is Discord,” Discord said with a smile.

“D-Discord?... as in the strange anomalous creature in Eq-Equ-Equestria?” Twilight stuttered out.

“Indeed, I get this may come as shocking, but I suppose you’ve never seen a Draconequus before, let alone one as handsome as me.” Discord said.

“...Was there something in that mocha?...” Twilight wondered.

“No my dear Twilight, i’m here and present, and I do believe it is time to get down to the brass tacks, shall we?” Discord said.

“Stay back!” Twilight shivered out pointing the taser at him.

“Hmm… i’ve heard of these devices, let me try,” Discord said before walking into the taser and letting himself get electrocuted… except he didn’t seem to be in pain.

“Ah, I see, well if we’re done,” Discord grabbed the taser.

“Hey!” Twilight complained as he ate it.

“Quite the tingle,” Discord chuckled.

“My brother gave me that!” Twilight complained.

“Yeah, speaking of your brother, when’s the last time you chatted with him?” Discord asked.

“....What does that have to do with anything?” Twilight asked with her arms crossed.

“Oooh… it’s worse than I thought, listen here tiny human, I am here to warn you,” Discord said.

“Of?” Twilight asked.

“The Three Ghosts of Christmas,” Discord said leaning in on her.

“The three ghost’s of Christmas? Do you mean the Christmas Carol? That’s just a story, a fairy tale,” Twilight said looking annoyed.

“Their not, and their coming for you Twilight Sparkle, expect the first one soon,” Discord said.

“...I get it now…” She said.

“Really?” Discord said.

“I’m dreaming, that’s the only explanation, or maybe I slipped on ice on the way here and hit my head, and i’m in a coma,” Twilight said.

Discord facepalmed and smacked her.

“OW! What was that for?!” She asked.

“That hurt? Guess it isn’t a dream,” Discord said looking annoyed.

“Uncalled for, look, can you repair my door and get out of here, I have work to do,” Twilight said.

“That’s the thing with you isn’t it, you’ve become obsessed with magic, more than the Princess Twilight, to the point your friends are just minor annoyances to you now,” Discord said.

“Ugh, can you stop, I will go back to my friends when I have my answer,” Twilight sighed.

“I thought that way once too you know, that I didn’t need a friend, but then Fluttershy taught me otherwise, she taught me that friendship is magic, you lost your perception of it, but now you can get it back, or you can drown yourself in your work until your all alone with nopony to be by your side,” Discord said.

“...I got that speech already from Spike, now can I get back to work or are we going to waste more time here-” Twilight was shoved back into her chair.

“I’m not kidding around Twilight, this isn’t a joke, it’s your last chance! Don’t waste your life alone as I did, go to your friends!” Discord said.

“And if I say no?” Twilight defiantly said.

“Then, I have no choice but to do… this,” Discord said before he grabbed her by her shirt and held her out the window.

“Aaah!” Twilight looked down and saw the steep three-story drop, bad time to mention she lives in an apartment right now…

“STOP STOP! I’LL DIE!” Twilight cried.

“You wanna be saved, ask your books to save you!” Discord laughed before he began to loosen his grip.

“DON’T! DON’T LET GO!” Twilight yelled.

“You can still be saved Twilight, don’t forget that!” Discord said before letting her go and she fell.

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!” Twilight fell towards the ground…

And landed in her chair…

“Huh?!” Twilight looked around and saw she was back in her room, the door wasn’t destroyed and the weird snake thing was gone.

“....What the?...” Twilight said.

Author's Note

As you can all tell I had some inspiration from the movie Scrooged.

This is also my first attempt at an Equestria Girls fanfic, and a Christmas Carol type story as well.

Look forward to updates, very soon. :pinkiesmile:

Past

Twilight exited her house and walked through the snow.

“I don’t know what that clerk put in that mocha, but I am not going to take it lying down, first, I’m going to the library, then I’m going to give him a piece of my mind,” Twilight huffed.

As she walked to the library, since it was closer, and one of the reasons she moved down here she entered the library and gathered several more books and read them, enjoying the quiet open space to read, after spending a few hours there she made her way outside with her purchased books, some more books to keep her busy during her breaks while she was studying magic.

As she was going to make her way to the coffee shop on foot to accost the clerk who gave her that likely spiked mocha, seeing as it’s only two blocks away she saw that the sidewalk was covered in ice for some reason.

“Odd… it wasn’t the last time I was here…” Twilight was confused, she tried to go through the snow but found it too cumbersome with her books, giving in she decided to hail a taxi.

A taxi was coming down the road and she was thinking she’d use that one, when suddenly another one cut that one off and parked in front of her.

The window rolled down slightly and a raspy voice called from within.

“Taxi service! Free of charge,” The voice said.

“Well… that’s convenient… and a little suspicious… but oh well,” Twilight said before getting in.

“The great brew, it’s only two blocks away,” Twilight said.

“Ya got it,” The taxi driver said, Twilight hadn’t even buckled in when the driver floored it.

“WHOA!” Twilight nearly fell over as the car raced down the road and nearly hit several other cars on its way.

“Stop the car!” Twilight demanded.

“Not happenin,” The driver said.

“I said let me out!” Twilight said trying to open the door only for them to lock themselves.

“What’s going on?! Am I being kidnapped?!” Twilight said fearfully.

“Hahaha! Nope! It’s time ta learn yer lesson Twilight!” The driver said.

“What lesson- wait… how do you know my name?!” Twilight said wishing she had her taser.

“Well Twilight, you see,” The driver finally looked back at her past the blurry window, and Twilight nearly freaked out at what she saw.

Rainbow mane, blue coat, pony-like body, this was pony Rainbow Dash!?

“Rainbow Dash?!” Twilight gasped.

“Well, not exactly,” She laughed in her raspy male-like voice.

“Th-then who are you?” Twilight asked.

“Who else could I be? I’m the Ghost of Christmas past! But you can just call me Past” She laughed billowing out cigar smoke.

“Huh? Wait! So that wasn’t a dream?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Course not!” Past said with a laugh “Btw, you don’t mind me smokin do ya?” Past asked.

“Yeah yeah fine! Watch the road!”Twilight panicked.

“Thanks!” Past said before going back to driving and taking Twilight down several blocks and they were going into a smoke cloud.

“L-LOOK OUT!” Twilight cried.

“Ah fuggedaboutit,” Past laughed and they entered the cloud and Twilight screamed thinking they were going to crash.

But then they exited the cloud and she found herself in a whole different neighborhood.

And heading for another car.

“LOOK OUT!” Twilight screamed, the two cars collided… and one phased right through the other.

“Get lost, chump!” Past laughed.

“T-take me home… NOW!” Twilight breathed fearfully.

“On it,” Past said and she parked by a house.

“Huh? Wait a minute…” Twilight looked out the window and suddenly the door opened.

Wasting no time Twilight hopped out and tried to run for it but she ran into a barrier and fell down.

“Ow…” Twilight groaned as she got up out of the snow.

“Ah ah ah, not lettin you get away that easy,” Past trotted up to her.

“Let me go…” Twilight said standing over her.

“Not happenin, you’ve got yer own lesson to learn,” Past said.

“Why? What did I do that was so bad?” Twilight demanded.

“Are ya serious? I shouldn’t have to answer that, yer here for being a lousy friend!” Past snapped at her making her flinch.

“I’m pursuing my new dream, is that a crime?” Twilight said.

“It is when you hurt others to get there,” Past said.

“...Ok… fine then, why are you a pony? Better yet, why are you Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Trust me, you don’t want to see what I actually look like, this, makes it easier for you mortals to comprehend,” Past said.

“A small talking horse is easy to comprehend?” Twilight said.

“For you at least, seeing as you know ponies, and we always take the form of friends, better than accidentally making humans go insane,” Past said “Enough about that though, look where we’re at,” Past said gesturing to the house.

“Huh?” Twilight said, seeing her old old house “Wait… I thought this place went under the wrecking ball years ago,” Twilight said.

“It was years ago, and that’s where we’re at, years ago,” Past said.

“Wait… we’ve literally time traveled?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, it’s kind of our thing, c’mon,” Past trotted ahead, and looked back when she saw Twilight staring defiantly.

“We can sit here for eternity until you do ya know, I got all the time in the world,” Past said with a deadpan.

“Oh fiiine…” Twilight said and she followed her, she walked through the door and when Twilight made to follow she bumped into the door.

“Your very funny…” Twilight sighed rubbing her nose.

“I love it when that happens!” Past chortled and she opened the door and Twilight saw people in the living room.

“See that? That’s you at five,” Past said.

“Shh! What if they hear us?” Twilight said.

“Oh relax, they can’t see or hear us,” Past said.

Twilight was laughing as she ran around in circles with a fairy princess doll while her grandmother Twilight Luster watched with a camera.

“Grandma?” Twilight said looking surprised.

“Yeah, the only friend ya had at the time besides yer brother and parents,” Past said.

“...I see what you're doing, you want me to get all choked up just because I’m seeing my now-deceased grandmother and realize something important, well forget it,” Twilight said.

“Exactly what they all say,” Past said.

“Gramma, look!” Little Twilight did swoops and dives with her doll.

“Oh very good Twiley! Can she do tricks?” Luster asked.

“Yea!” Little Twilight cheered throwing her and catching her.

Suddenly the door opened behind the two watching and Grandpa Light Fizzle came in with presents.

“Granpa!” Twiley cheered.

“Hey hey!” Fizzle said giving her gifts.

“See that Twiley, you were so carefree back then, what happened to make you an obsessive jerk?” Past said.

“I’m not a jerk!” Twilight said before seeing her grandparents hug her younger self.

“Your family were your friends, and now, that ya lost your grandparents, you became too focused on your own needs,” Past said.

“I…” Twilight couldn’t deny that and when she heard the phone ring she saw Twilight Luster leave to go answer it.

“Goodbye for now my little angel,” Luster said before walking off.

Hearing what her grandmother used to call her struck a cord in Twilight and she felt a tear come down her cheek.

“Happens every time, ya see Twiley?” Past said with a smirk.

The two went outside and Twilight had to dry her eyes.

“Shut up, I get it, so yes, I do miss my grandparents, but even Princess Twilight can’t resurrect the dead,” Twilight said.

“Nor should she, you made good memories, now the only memories you make these days are calculations and fractions,” Past said.

“Not true, there’s more to it than that,” Twilight said.

“Well, let’s see about that,” Past said.

They arrived at an elementary school.

“What are we doing here?” Twilight asked.

“To show you what you’re still like,” Past said.

They walked and trotted up to the playground and saw a seven-year-old Twilight sitting on a bench reading.

“What’s this supposed to teach me?” Twilight asked.

“Wait for it,” Past said.

A ball bounced up to her and she glanced at the kid coming up to her.

“Hi wanna play?” The yellow and pink girl asked.

“No, I’m reading,” Twilight replied.

“I wanna play though and nobody will play with me,” She said.

“Well I’m sorry, but I’m reading,” Twilight replied.

“Ok…” The girl walked away.

“So selfish,” Past said.

“I was seven, and just discovered the joys of reading, what’s to learn here?” Twilight asked.

“That you never changed,” Past said.

“What?” Twilight said.

“You valued your books more than friendship, and you grew up a social pariah as a result,” Past said.

“That’s a little uncalled for,” Twilight said angrily

“But accurate, there’s more to life than what you can read on a book, maybe instead of reading about Mount Everest, climb it!” Past barked.

“...” Twilight looked away.

“Can’t even deny it, c’mon, there’s something else you need to see,” Past said.

Twilight got out of the taxi and saw an all too familiar sight.

Midnight Sparkle…

Battling Sunset…

“Why bring me back here?” Twilight demanded.

“This is where your shell finally broke, you accepted Sunset’s hand in friendship and you moved to Canterlot High, and you gained so many new friends! As a result, you weren’t a social pariah anymore,” Past said.

“...I get it okay, I get that I’ve become distant but my work is important,” Twilight said.

“There you go, making excuses again, work this work that, what about living? Breathing? Being free? Doesn’t that matter to you anymore?!” Past shouted.

“It does! But I have other things besides friends! I need my future!” Twilight said.

“And your friends need you… especially the one you’ve neglected the most,” Past said and suddenly Twilight found herself sitting in the taxi again and they arrived at a pet shop.

“Huh?” Twilight saw her child self entering the shop.

“Wait is this-”

“The place you met your best friend,” Past said and they went in, and they saw Twilight looking at various dogs and stopping at a tiny purple puppy who looked excited to see her.

“I want this one!” Younger Twilight said.

“You sure?” Twilight Velvet asked.

“Yeah!” Younger Twilight cheered.

Twilight watched her younger self picking the small puppy up and nuzzling him and he licked her with his tiny tongue.

“Ahahaha, I wanna call you… Spike!” Young Twilight said.

“Spike?.... I neglected him?...” Twilight said.

“Neglected him? You flat out made him feel like he didn’t matter anymore, you don’t got an abundance of years with him, make them count or give him to Fluttershy, y’know, so you can ‘work in peace’” Past said with disgust.

“...I…guess I did make him feel like that did I… Look Past, I get it, I just- Past?” Twilight looked around when she couldn’t find the pony and she suddenly found herself in front of her apartment, with the taxi in front of her.

“You’ve got a good future ahead of you Twilight, don’t spoil it because of selfishness, see ya never! Hahahaha!” The pony hit the gas and took off into the distance.

“Wait!” Twilight said but the taxi disappeared into the distance “I’m…. not selfish…” Twilight said.

She looked at her watch and saw only a few minutes had passed.

“Ooook… let’s just… take some time here…” Twilight said turning to walk back to her home.

Author's Note

A taxi ride from hell, looks like Twilight's in for a ride, but she's still stuck in her own head, can the next ghost snap her out of it?

Present

Twilight walked towards her home and entered, sitting down with the books she brought on that horrid taxi ride.

“Maybe if I am lucky, the ghosts will just stop at Past,” Twilight said sitting down, honestly thinking about what Past said, crudely said, she did have some points… maybe apologies are in order next time she sees Spike…

“I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with taking the occasional break, besides, I had some new theories I wanted to try out,” Twilight said.

She went on to do another few hours of work before her stomach rumbled.

“Ugh… stupid hunger… I suppose a burger could help me,” Twilight decided to take a break and she donned her jacket again and made her way to the nearest burger joint, a McDonald's.

As she made her way outside her room she noticed that the sun was already setting.

“Wow, time flies when you're busy,” Twilight chuckled as she took a step and she stepped on something.

“Huh?” Twilight looked down and saw another envelope “,,,” Twilight picked it up and opened it.

And in it was a picture of her and her friends along with a message saying…

Dear Twilight

It’s very unfortunate that you couldn’t pry yourself from your work long enough to visit, but we’ll deliver your presents to your doorstep tomorrow, even if you’re alone, don’t think we’ve given up on you, your our friend, and we hope you have a Merry Christmas.

Love Sunset Shimmer

“...I’m sorry girls…” Twilight said honestly wanting to consider Past’s words… but she just shook her head “There’s always next time, I’m sure they would understand,” Twilight said before walking on…

Not noticing a pair of hoof steps behind her.

“How disappointing…”

“Huh?” Twilight turned and saw no sign someone was behind her, this time she was suspicious and she hurried ahead.

Twilight was walking home having just had her Quarter Pounder and she’s ready to resume work.

“Now if I regulate the theory of magic to fractions I get…” Twilight mumbled… not noticing the street lights turning off, one after another until the one she was under turned off.

“Huh?” Twilight said looking around at the suddenly pitch-black neighborhood “Hello?....” Twilight said nervously.

“Heeeelllllloooo!” Twilight hears a cheery female voice and spins to see… Pinkie Pie?

Also as a pony?

“Not again…” Twilight said backing up as she bounced up to her.

“No need to fear Twilight! I am the ghost of Christmas present, but you can call me Present! I like that name because it makes me sound like a gift,” Present cheered.

“Gee look at the time, I should get going,” Twilight tried to walk away but when she turned she was face to face with a floating Present.

“Ooooohnonononononononononononoooo, you can’t leave, not when we have work to do,” She said sweetly, with a hint of aggression…

“Look lady, I’ve had a bad day, can we-”

“YOUR COMING OR ELSE!” Presents voice warped all of a sudden.

“Ok…” Twilight meeped.

“Yay! Follow meee!” Present bounced away.

“Weird…” Twilight reluctantly followed her.

Present led Twilight to a tree.

“Ok dearie, go behind it,” Present said.

“What? What’s behind it?” Twilight asked.

“What fun is there in telling, go see!” Present said.

“No, you tell me what it is,” Twilight said.

“See!” Present said.

“Tell!” Twilight rebutted.

“See!” Present said.

“Tell!” Twilight rebutted.

“See!” Present said.

“Tell!” Twilight rebutted.

“See!” Present said.

“Tell!” Twilight rebutted.

“Tell!” Present said.

“See!” Twilight rebutted.

“Tell!” Present said.

“See!” Twilight rebutted.

“Tell!” Present said.

“See!” Twilight rebutted.

“Tell!” Present said.

“See!” Twilight rebutted.

“Tell!” Present said.

“SEE!” Twilight rebutted loudly.

“Alright then go see!” Present said.

“Fine!” Twilight said walking behind the tree… and getting kicked by Present who swung from the upper branches.

“Surprise!” Present giggled.

“Ooof!” Twilight groaned as she laid on a… carpet? Getting up she muttered “How did I fall for that…?” Twilight asked.

Present popped up next to her.

“Because silly, I’m more clever than you are!” Present giggled.

“You!” Twilight tried to grab her but she bounced away.

“Now now, don’t be a testy Twiley,” Present said before stepping out of the way of Shining Armor who walked in.

“Shiny?” Twilight stood but he ignored her “Shiny, speak to me,” Twilight said.

“He can’t hear or see you Twilight, remember?” Present said.

“Oh yeah…” Twilight said before Cadance walked in and she saw her carrying Flurry Heart.

“Ok everyone, let’s get this show on the road,” Cadence said, looking around Twilight could see some people she knew and some she didn’t.

“They live all the way in Seattle, how did we get there?” Twilight asked.

“Time travel is Past and Future’s thing, teleporting is mine,” Present said.

“Pwesents!” Flurry cheered.

“Not yet sweetie, we should get game night out of the way,” Cadence said before turning on a quiz game on her phone.

“Alright, the topic is animals,” Cadence said putting the phone to her head so she wouldn’t see.

“Alright, their a small critter,” An older man said.

“Their names quite uncommon,” A woman said.

“Their name rhymes with small fart,” Shining said with a chuckle.

“Aardvark,” Cadence said.

“Shining! That was too big of a hint,” Twilight’s cousin said.

“Next next!” Cadence said and the phone screen said duck.

“Oh come on this is easy,” Twilight said.

“Water fowl!” Shining said.

“There’s a season named after them,”

“Goose?” Cadence said.

“Oh come on Cadance,” Twilight said exasperatedly.

“Look at the fun they're having, they don’t know many people here but they invite others to have fun, you could learn from them,” Present said.

“I get that, but this is there, I can’t be in two places at once,” Twilight said.

“Maybe not, but listen,” Present said.

“For wha-”

“I heard Twilight’s cooped up again,” Shining said as the game was put away.

“Huh?” Twilight said.

“She really has let herself fall down the rabbit hole with her studies on ‘magic’” An older man said.

“I know, but I’m worried, she can’t waste her life on the study of something like this,” Shining said.

“Shining’s worried about me now? Oh come on, I can’t help my curiosities,” Twilight said.

“Sure you can, like this!” Present suddenly bucked Twilight and she fell back.

Twilight landed against the wall of a charity center.

“Ow! Why?” Twilight asked.

“Because,” Present said looking around at the various dresses.

“Why are we in this place now?” Twilight demanded.

“This is the charity place your friends donated to this year, and they did it out of the kindness of their hearts… you on the other hand had your head in a book the whole time, now someone goes without a fuzzy sweater,” Present said as the workers arranged things.

“It’s my decision to donate, right?” Twilight said.

“Not the point, your friends donated because they felt kind, you didn’t because you seem to only care about your studies into finding a way to integrate magic into this world, which proves that your refusing to see the bigger picture here,” Present said.

“Let me guess, I need to ‘donate’ my time a little more to my friends?” Twilight asked.

“More than a little, your choice to spend everyday reading and writing out research over being with friends, even once in a while shows that you won’t see their side of it, tell me, what if it was reversed, and none of your friends had any time for you anymore? You’d be depressed, wouldn’t you?” Present said.

“I… guess,” Twilight said before she was grabbed by her shoulder and pulled down.

“Then do it!” Present then pushed her down.

“Ow!” Twilight grunted as she landed at the bottom of the stairs and Present trotted down them.

“Why did you do that?” Twilight asked.

“Sometimes a foolish person needs a slap to wake up,” Present said doing just that.

“Touch me again… see what happens,” Twilight threatened getting up.

“You don’t scare me, Future does,” Present said before trotting away.

“What?” Twilight said following her into the room and seeing her friends, including Sunset and Spike.

“Alright, guess this one,” Sunset said doing a pantomime of hopping around.

“Is it… a rabbit?” Fluttershy asked.

“No a kangaroo!” Pinkie said.

“I’m thinking a frog,” Spike said before his ears perked.

“Nope, it’s a three-legged race,” Sunset said.

“How could we get that?” AJ said.

“Think you can do-”

“Bark bark bark bark!” Spike barked.

“Huh? Spike? What is it?” Fluttershy asked.

“Somethings, off… it might just be nerves though,” Spike said sitting down.

“Forgot that dogs can sense me,” Present said with a hum.

“Why are we here?” Twilight asked.

“To see what your missing,” Present said.

“I brought cocoa guys!” Flash Sentry said walking in with cocoa.

“He’s here too?” Twilight asked.

“Uh yeah, he’s Sunset’s boyfriend these days,” Present said.

“I don’t-”

“Twilight would have loved this game…” Spike said suddenly.

“Huh?” Twilight said seeing Spike looking glum again.

“Remember Spike, it’ll be only a matter of time before she comes out of this and remembers she has friends,” RD said.

“I know, I just miss her, ever since magic came into her life, it’s all she thinks about, I miss her…” Spike said.

“Spike…” Twilight said.

“Spike, you don’t have to worry, someway somehow we’ll snap her out of it,” Pinkie said.

“I know, but… I may have made things worse…” Spike said.

“How?” Sunset asked.

“I told her if she continues, she’ll be all alone one day, I think she’s mad at me now,” Spike said.

“If she is, than ah’ll be mad at her fer not seein the point you were trying to make,” AJ said.

“I just miss her, the way we used to play, she’d bring me to school, she’d treat me like I exist, now it just seems I’m there to be an annoyance, i’m sorry to bring down the mood girls, but… i miss her,” Spike said.

“Oh Spike,” Fluttershy said hugging him.

“Don’t worry girls, I’ll bet she’ll be done soon,” Pinkie said.

“Don’t count on it…” Spike said.

“Spike…” Twilight said.

“You see how miserable he is? He misses you and you’ve done nothing to prove he still matters to you,” Present said.

“...Spike…” Twilight said wanting to go to him.

“And yet…” Present grabbed her ear and pulled her close.

“Ow!” Twilight said.

“You have a chance to make it right, so get moving!” Present said before shoving Twilight down.

“Ooof!” Twilight landed in the snow, as she got up she looked around and saw herself back at her home.

“Ugh… ENOUGH!” Twilight said standing up “I get it ok!? I’m a selfish person! I love magic, it makes me feel happy, why do I have to be vilified for it?” Twilight shouted as someone walked past and hurried along as the seemingly crazy lady shouted at nobody in particular.

After Twilight had exhausted her rage she just looked upset.

“I get it… my studies are ruining my friendships… I’ll… go see them after I test a theory on my work and pack my things… is that good enough?” Twilight asked.

No response from nothing…

“Figured…” Twilight said going back to her apartment… not noticing her shadow was that of a pony…

Author's Note

The bipolar present...

Next chapter gets a bit dark, just a heads up.

Future

Author's Note

Quick warning this chapter is dark, sad and scary in some areas.

Just giving a heads-up.

Future

Twilight walked over to the local bench and sat down.

“I… I’m not selfish…. I just… have a dream…” She looked around “Well Future! It’s your turn to mess with me, so get it over with!” Twilight challenged.

Nothing.

“Just know that I’m not changing my ideas, magic is needed in this world and I will be the one who discovers it, maybe you're all right, maybe I need to be more sensitive about my friends, but you need to mind me too!” Twilight said.

Nada

“And I for one am sick…. Sick and tired of failing…. I get it, I made friends and now I’m losing them… I’ll apologize, maybe take some breaks here and there, will that satisfy you all?!” Twilight called.

Nope…

“....I won't-”

‘Will ya quiet down out there!” A disgruntled neighbor shouted at Twilight.

“You quiet! I’ve had a rotten day filled with judgment, pain, and ghosts harassing me,” Twilight said and the guy waved her off and went back inside muttering ‘What a nutjob,’

After waiting for a few minutes for a response Twilight just sighed and walked over to the elevator, not feeling like taking the stairs…

Not noticing the shadow of a pony was following her… and when she entered the elevator she laid back against the wall and pulled out her phone.

She scrolled through the contacts and felt a wave of sadness… she just wanted today to be over…

Not noticing her shadow transforming into a pony shape… but something was different this time… the shape was tall and bone thin.

“I… guess I should call….” Twilight decided to call Fluttershy since she’d be the most understanding….

Before her phone cut out.

“What? Oh, come on, stupid cell service!” Twilight said frustratedly.

“You need another lesson before you're ready…” something said, the weirdest part was that there was no voice, yet she knew what was said….

“AAAHH!” Twilight screamed and she spun and screamed again when she saw a tall Grim Reaper-like being.

“Oh no… LET ME OUT!” Twilight ran to force the door open but when she did she found the elevator led to nothing.

“Wh-what?” Twilight shivered.

“It’s time to see, what horrible future awaits…” Future said looking at her and Twilight gasped.

It was Fluttershy but… different… she was of course a pony but she was tall, spindly and bone thin, and her eyes were black.

“What are you…?” Twilight wanted to puke.

“I need not tell, what you already know…” Future said, noticeably her mouth moved but no words came out, like she was whispering too quietly to hear, and yet the words appeared as if they were thoughts in her mind.

“So… there’s no getting out of this… great… Let’s just get it over with…” Twilight said and the elevator door closed and the elevator began moving.

When it arrived, it opened and Twilight exited.

And what she saw confused her.

Applejack was sitting in front of an urn with Rainbow Dash there next to her.

And AJ had a few tears on her face.

“It’s alright AJ, Granny is somewhere better now,” RD said.

“Ah know… ah’ve come to accept that… what gets me is how insensitive Twilight is…” AJ said.

“Insensitive?” Twilight muttered.

“C’mon, she got held up,” RD said unsurely.

“Don’t lie fer her sake, it was that stupid research an you know it! She cares more about being known for something big than those who helped her get there…” AJ said.

“I… get that, but we-”

“Know what… no… ah can forgive but not this much…” AJ said standing up.

“Where are you going?” Rainbow said.

“Ah’m goin to go tell off Twilight once an fer all, ah’m done waiting fer that selfish ingrate!” AJ said.

“Applejack, you’ll only make it worse,” RD said but AJ just shoved her aside.

“Ah’m not as forgiving as you Rainbow…. Not after what she did to Spike,” AJ said before storming off.

“What… What I did… to Spike?” Twilight’s eyes widened.

Twilight stood in the descending elevator.

“What did I do to Spike…?” Twilight asked… no response “TELL ME!” Twilight said loudly.

“I’ll show you,” Future said and they arrived, when the door opened, Twilight wanted to cry at what she saw.

Spike, as an old and depressed-looking dog, sitting in a kitchen as Fluttershy tries to get him to eat.

“Eat Spike… you haven’t touched your food in days,” Fluttershy said worriedly.

“...I’m good….” Spike muttered.

“No you're not Spike, you’re depressed, I know you miss Twilight, but when she did nothing after hearing about that coyote attack… I think it’s time to move on,” Fluttershy said.

“Coyote attack?... No…” Twilight said when she saw Spike turn his head and she saw a big scratch on his face.

“I’ll wait for her… I’ll always wait…” Spike said.

Fluttershy just burst into tears and hugged Spike.

“N-no… I wouldn’t do this…. I’m…. I-I…” Twilight staggered back.

“Curse you Twilight…” Fluttershy said quietly.

“Huh?” Twilight said she’d never heard Fluttershy curse someone's name before.

“How could you leave him to rot?…. I’ll never forgive you…” Fluttershy sobbed.

Twilight ran back into the elevator and broke down crying.

After Twilight regained herself she sat beside Future.

“I…I hurt him… I made him lose his will to go on… what kind of monster am I?...” Twilight asked.

“One that still has a chance to correct everything…” Future said, the elevator arrived at its next destination and Twilight saw a birthday party.

Held by Sunset, Pinkie, Rarity, and Rainbow.

For her…

“C’mon Pinkie, she’s not coming… again…” Sunset boredly said.

“No, she’ll be right here, through that door, any second now, I mean, it’s her birthday and I sent her at least a dozen invitations,” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie, we need to come to terms with the fact, human Twilight isn’t the person we thought she was,” Sunset said.

“You're giving up too easily!” Pinkie snapped.

“...I’m ready to leave,” Twilight said and the door closed.

“Where too next?...” Twilight asked.

“The final destination,” Future said.

As the elevator arrived Twilight exited it, this time with Future and she saw they were in…

A graveyard…

“No…” Twilight said, seeing her friends and Shining Armor gathered by a tombstone.

“Understand?” Future asked.

“Whose…. Whose grave is that?... Spike’s?... wait where is he?!” Twilight ran over to the grave and her friends.

Spike wasn’t there…

“No… not Spike…” Twilight said, she also noticed AJ wasn’t present, and neither was Fluttershy.

“I… broke it all…” Twilight said… before something walked past her and she saw Fluttershy with Spike.

“Wait? Spike?!” Twilight gasped, he looked really old, like as old as a dog can get.

“Spike… say something… now!” Twilight begged but he couldn’t hear her.

“Even if he heard, he’s gone completely senile, he’s not going to talk to you,” Future said approaching from behind.

“No… he- wait… if Spike’s here… then whose grave is-” Twilight turned… and saw her name on the gravestone “No…” Twilight said in horror.

“Why didn’t she listen to us?” Pinkie sobbed catching Twilight’s attention and she turned to see her friends, minus AJ, looking sad.

“Applejack sends her regards Twilight, even though she wanted nothing to do with you anymore…” Sunset said with tears in her eyes.

“I knew I should have just broken in and taken away those accursed books…” Rainbow Dash said.

“...” Fluttershy had an empty expression looking at the gravestone and Rarity put some flowers on it.

Shining Armor put his own flowers there as well.

“I failed you Twiley… I should have tried harder…” Shining sobbed.

“No… NO! NONONO! Your lying, I can’t die, not now!” Twilight said standing up… only for the ground next to the grave to crumble inwards and she yelped, clinging onto the edge of the grave.

“AAAAAHHHHH! HELP! Girls! Spike! Someone! HELP!” Twilight cried, but they continued to stand there, crying.

“I don’t wanna die!” Twilight said, Future approached the edge of the grave and looked down at her.

“Please…” Twilight said.

The entity leaned down and spoke with a cold finality.

“Then go live,” With a stamp the edge of the grave broke and Twilight screamed as she fell.

“I can change! I can put others first! I CAN BE A GOOD PERSON, just please give me the chaaaance!” Twilight screamed as she plummeted into darkness.

DING

And Twilight fell out of the elevator still screaming.

As she hit the ground she laid there panting before getting up and looking around.

“Hey mam?” Twilight jumped a little and she turned to see an old lady “Are you alright? I heard screaming,” She said.

Twilight panted and looked at herself before looking back at the elevator… and she smiled.

“Yeah… I’m fine now…” Twilight said before turning and walking away.

She made her way into her apartment and entered her room, but instead of sitting she gathered all her materials and books and she left.

Afterwards, she somehow managed to squeeze it all into one backpack and she took off.

She ran down the streets. Until she found where she needed to go.

Sunset’s house.

“Time to make everything right…” Twilight said with a smile.

Merry Christmas Twilight

“Well, we’ve gotten through every gift so far, it’s time to pack it in,” AJ said.

“I agree, I’ll go get Twilight’s presents, to her,” Sunset said.

“What for… she didn’t come,” RD said bitterly.

“I know, but it’s too early to give up on helping Twilight remember who she is, let’s get moving,” Sunset said

“I’ll help,” Flash said as he picked up some of Twilight’s gifts and headed to the door with Sunset.

“Alright guys, I’ll be back, don’t have too much fun without-” Sunset paused when she opened the door and saw Twilight standing there.

“T-Twilight?” Sunset said in shock.

“Huh?” Spike perked up seeing Twilight at the door.

“Huh?” Everyone turned to see her.

“...Hi guys…” Twilight said.

“Y-your here,...” Sunset was honestly speechless.

“C-can I come in?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, sure you can,” Sunset said noticing Twilight had a stuffed backpack, she walked in and approached her friends who looked at her in shock.

“Twilight? Why are you here?” Rainbow asked.

“I-i came to see you guys and show you what I’ve learned,” Twilight said, unzipping the backpack.

“Oh… so that’s it?...” RD said with a scowl.

“...” Twilight didn’t respond as Rainbow got up and walked up to her.

“You leave us behind in favor of your ‘precious studies’ for months! You treat us like garbage, and when you finally come out of the cave of yours for something more than food you just came to show off your research-” Rainbow shouted and the others looked ready to intervene when Twilight did something that surprised them.

She turned, walked into the kitchen and without a word, she dumped out its contents into a trash bin.

“Huh?” Everybody was silent at what happened, she just threw away all her research and work…

She turned back to her friends with a smile.

“I learned that there are more important things in my life than my obsessions, you guys,” Twilight said dropping the backpack.

“Twilight?” Spike said as Twilight knelt and held out her arms.

“Come here Spike,” Twilight asked.

“TWILIGHT!” Spike jumped off the couch and into her arms and she held him as he licked her face, she then hugged him tightly.

“I’m so sorry Spike, I’ll never abandon you again,” Twilight said.

“Thank you…” Spike cried.

“Twilight, do you mean it? You're done with your research?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes, I… want to say I’m sorry for how I acted these past few months, the way I treated you guys, the way I never visited or called, I’m… sorry,” Twilight said.

Everybody looked at each other and nodded, they got up and walked over to Twilight.

“I understand if you guys don’t forgive me,” Twilight said, preparing for another scolding.

But the group hugged her instead.

“Thank you Twilight,” Pinkie sobbed.

“We missed you,” Fluttershy said.

“Ah’m glad you came to yer senses,” AJ said.

Twilight was surprised but she hugged back all the same, after they stopped hugging her they backed off.

“Well, don’t we have presents to open?” Twilight said with a smile.

“Yes, we still do!” Pinkie cheered and ran back to the tree, the others following.

Sunset approached Twilight.

“I’m proud of you Twilight, you finally came through for them,” Sunset said.

“Don’t be proud of me… I acted like a first-rate self-centered person, I know better now,” Twilight said.

“I’m glad, let’s get moving,” Sunset said taking Twilight’s hand and they walked to the tree, as they moved towards the tree, Twilight saw something outside the window that made her smile.

Discord and the three ghosts, watching proudly and waving.

“Thanks,” She mouthed.

“Who are you looking at Twilight?” Spike asked.

“Nobody, let’s go, Spike,” Twilight said as she sat down with the others to enjoy the party.

Together.

FIN

Author's Note

Merry Christmas everybody and Happy New Year! :ajsmug::yay::pinkiehappy::rainbowdetermined2::raritystarry::twilightsmile::moustache: