Twilight was walking along with Starlight through the castle's corridors, the look of concern on both of their faces as they made their way to the recently refurbished castle's infirmary.
Starlight looked listless and tired, as if she hadn't slept in several days, she walked unevenly seeming to stumble with each step.

“How is she Starlight?” asked Twilight as she looked cautiously at her friend, as if ready to catch her in case she lost her balance.

“She's not well Twilight...” Started the unicorn “No matter what healing spell or medicine I use the wound doesn't get better, it may stop the bleeding but the wound doesn't heal, it doesn't close.”

Starlight's words made the alicorn shudder, she knew that Fluttershy had never been subjected to physical stress like that, yet she also knew that she was a young and healthy mare, she didn't understand how she couldn't be recovering, even with the medical treatment.

Finally they both arrived in the large room, there were multiple beds on both sides of the room separated by white curtains. Nursing ponies were coming and going tending to some students, who had scraped knees, headaches or some minor ailment.
Walking to the back of the room, to the last bed on the left side, which was completely surrounded by curtains, Twilight stepped inside to find an image that made her cringe with anguish.

Fluttershy was lying on the bed, her body, completely soaked in sweat, her fur, gray and dull, her wound, fresh and rubbery as the first day, Starlight was right, it looked as if it had just been bitten.

The pegasus was writhing slightly with her eyes closed, between asleep and awake her distress left everyone frozen.
Twilight approached cautiously towards her friend, trying to wake her up calmly and intrigued.

“Fluttershy...”

The pegasus weakly opened her eyes.

“Twi...Twilight...” she began to say in a raspy voice ‘...Hu....It hurts...’ she uttered with her mouth dry and tears streaming down her face.

Twilight couldn't help but hug her friend, shedding tears of despair as well, in an instant Fluttershy went back to sleep and Twilight turned around cautiously.

“Didn't you give her anything for the pain?” she asked Starlight with an accusing tone.

“Yes I did, but just like with the medicine to treat her wound it doesn't seem to have any effect” replied the unicorn with airs of resignation.

Twilight looked at her friend tired and worried, lost in her thoughts trying to find a clear answer, in a moment Starlight's voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Twilight what if it's not the wound itself, but the thing that caused it...?” the unicorn began to speculate ”What if the thing that hurt her has some sort of poison or toxin that we can't treat?”

“It could even be a curse, if we're going to speculate...” interrupted Twilight thoughtfully.

“We need to find out what it is so we can cure it...” Starlight hesitated for a second, before speaking again “...Maybe...She, can enlighten us...”

The alicorn looked somewhat surprised at her student, making a suggestion that, in fact, wasn't so bad, if anyone could know what that creature did to Fluttershy, it was the pony who, apparently, had lived in a world full of such monsters.

“I'll go see her immediately...” answered Twilight.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The alicorn was now walking along the convoluted paths of the Everfree Forest, her head lost in a flood of thoughts, now she had to add Fluttershy's discomfort to the endless list of pending issues that had to be solved before she could even think about what to do. She had agreed with all her friends that, until they were sure of their next move, they would keep a low profile and pretend nothing happened, waiting for the princesses to take the next step.

After a while walking hurriedly, Twilight finally spotted Zecora's hut hidden among the trees, heading towards it with determination, she found that the zebra was in her garden doing a check up.
Zecora's expression was serious and worried, for a moment Twilight thought something was wrong, quickening her pace a little at last out of the bushes she emerged, surprising the zebra a little who quickly looked at her.

“Oh Twilight Sparkle I didn't know you were coming, I thought you told me that for a while you were going to pretend...”

Twilight didn't answer right away, searching with her gaze inside Zecora's house through her open door.

“Yes, I'm sorry Zecora that was the intention, but an emergency has arisen and I must speak with her as a precaution.”

The zebra immediately understood who she was referring to, letting out a sigh and exclaiming wryly.

“The mare you're looking for left home very early, something about training and foraging I remember her mentioning...”

Twilight was a bit taken aback by the comment.

“Wait, didn't you offer her your food?” the alicorn asked accusingly.

“Of course I offered it to her, but she said she didn't want to be rude and to leave it at that.”

“And do you know where she went?” asked Twilight with concern.

“A water source, that was her mission, so I kindly gave her the direction” Zecora pointed in a direction behind her hut.

Twilight started to walk but was stopped instantly.

“Twilight Sparkle...” exclaimed the zebra behind her back ”That pony you brought is full of anger and pain, care and caution with her I beg you please.”

The alicorn could only nod as she walked back into the trees.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The walk did not last long, the river from which Zecora took her water was not far away, almost immediately after her departure Twilight heard the running of the water in the distance, from then on following it was not difficult, coming face to face with the one she was looking for.

The unicorn stood beside the river, standing only on her two front legs while her hind legs stretched backwards, keeping her balance.
Her eyes were closed and her expression was serene, breathing deeply, seemingly impassive.
Her body was damp and her mane fell heavily over her face the exposed skin of her scars glistened in a strange way from the water that still trickled down creating a uniform, stocky silhouette that contrasted with the river behind her.

Twilight couldn't help but swallow saliva and blush slightly at the image, pausing for a moment to preserve the silence, but it was broken by the unicorn herself.

“I thought you said you'd keep a low profile...” Bek began to say as she opened her eyes and landed her four hooves on the ground again, Twilight shook her head as she noticed the mare looking at her as she began to gather her mane into a bun.

“Uh...oh..sorry yes, I know what I said but, I came because I need your help...” the alicorn began to say resuming her march towards her.

“Has your princess figured them out yet?” asked Bek coldly as he walked towards a small thicket by the river, Twilight was confused for a moment.

“Eh?...no, no no no no, it's about one of my friends Fluttershy...”

“I don't know who that is...” the unicorn brought her face close to the scrub and began to chew it noisily, tearing off large chunks and swallowing.

Again Twilight was confused at the mare's strange behavior, her current calmness was in stark contrast to the angry and out of control side the alicorn had seen , still she continued.

“No me, I know you don't know her but, she is very hurt and we wanted to know if you could help us...”

“I'm not a doctor” he said with his mouth full ”I told you, I'm a soldier...”

“That's not why, she...” It took Twilight a little effort to complete the sentence “Well she was attacked by the thing under the castle.”

At that moment the unicorn stopped chewing, turned to Twilight and gave her a serious look.

“How long ago did it happen?” asked Bek as she started walking towards Twilight.

The alicorn was impressed with Bek's sudden interest, which at the same time gave her a sense of panic, it couldn't be a good thing if the mare was interested.

“Her..it happened three days ago” Twilight replied.

“And she's not dead yet?” asked Bek intrigued.

The question chilled the unicorn's blood, it was asked so matter-of-factly and like a random surprise that it sent a shiver down the alicorn's spine.

“Uh...no, she's not dead yet...” she answered with a dry throat.

“That's not common...” the unicorn made a thoughtful face ‘Maybe the poison lost potency from disuse, maybe it wasn't such a serious wound...how deep is the wound?’ the mare suddenly asked making Twilight startle.

“Her...” Twilight swallowed saliva before continuing “She's missing half of her Left hind leg...”

The unicorn's expression went from intrigue to bewilderment.

“Is she an alicorn like you?”

“No, she's a pegasus...”

The unicorn had started pacing back and forth with her gaze lost on the ground.

“And you say she was attacked three days ago?”

“And you say she was attacked three days ago?”

“Yes. What is it? Why is it so important?

“Because a wound like that, caused by that thing, should have killed her in less than thirty-six minutes...”

Twilight went cold again at the resolution, she knew that thing was dangerous, but it hadn't dawned on her how much.

“You...You know what that was..?” she finally asked.

“Yes” she answered without thinking ”It's a chilopoda polysomorphic arachnopetrea...”

The answer left Twilight with her mouth hanging open.

“A...what?”

Bek noticing that the alicorn didn't understand what she was referring to decided to simplify it.

“It's a giant memory eating insect.”

Despite what she now said if it had been understandable Twilight was left with her surprised expression, at this the unicorn continued.

“It is a creature that inhabited the deepest caves and caverns, they made their nests polishing the rocky walls and then going out hunting, they used to catch at least two dozen ponies in a single night, once they caught them they took them to their nests and released them in the depths of their caves, The insect took advantage of this to induce paranoia and discomfort through the gases expelled from its body, causing confusion and delirium that made the ponies get lost trying to find a way out, weakening until they could no longer, at that moment they would finally pounce on them and begin to devour them piece by piece, the venom that coats its claws and fangs is able to reduce the metabolism to minimum levels, ensuring that its victim, despite the loss of blood, stays alive as long as possible, just at that moment, the creature will begin to feed on the memories of the pony, one by one starting with its happiest memories.... ”

The explanation had caused Twilight's paws to shake again, to the point where she must have sat down while Bek continued, still pacing back and forth.

“..And once the Pony can no longer remember even its own name and all of its limbs, eyes, tongue, tail, wings or horn, are torn off and consumed, or when the poison finishes killing the victim, the creature finally devours it completely by finally killing it and vomiting up its bones afterwards.”

Twilight could feel the nausea building up again but resisted, shaking her head and responding.

“So that's what happens to Fluttershy?”

“Yes, the poison invades her systems slowly killing her, but like I told you, without the creature keeping your friend awake with more pain and with the extraction of her memories, she should have died right out of the castle...” the unicorn finally stopped and looked at Twilight ”That's what I don't understand, if your friend doesn't have any magical powers of her own how come she's still alive?”

Twilight pondered for a second about what made Fluttershy so special, anything that made that pegasus more than everyone else, she finally figured it out.

“Maybe it's because Fluttershy is an element of harmony...” she said to herself.

“And what is that...?” asked Bek.

The alicorn was confused for a second at the nonsensical question only to later remember that the mare before her had missed the last three and a half thousand years of pony history.

“The elements of harmony are the most powerful magic known to Equestria, they are six aspects that make it up and vary depending on the time in which they arise, these are embodied by six ponies that represent the aspect and become the bridge between that magic and the world, united the different generations of elements have protected equestria for the last thousand years and, currently, me and my friends are those ponies...”

Bek tried to process the information as best she could, she had never heard anything like this, yes she had seen very powerful magic, but nothing like what the alicorn described.

“So these elements...endowed them with some special power?”

“Not exactly, it's more like, they are part of us and we are part of them, however that's the only reason I can think of...” Twilight pondered for a moment “In that case maybe we have nothing to worry about, Fluttershy's body will probably expel the poison on its own...” the alicorn started to say with an enthusiastic tone.

“I'm not sure...” began Bek making Twilight look at her ” She's been like this for three days and from what you tell me, she hasn't improved one bit, most likely her body is just delaying the poison...”

Twilight thought about debating the point to the unicorn, but, if there was one thing she had been able to prove in these last few days, it was that the most optimistic reasoning had no place, she quickly started to think of a way to solve it but was interrupted by Bek.

“The only thing that could help your friend is some very powerful healing spell, and as old as that thing, although, if I'm honest, even in my time that wasn't an option...” the unicorn couldn't help recalling some of her most terrifying memories bordering on chilopod injuries ”Another option would be to make an antidote with the creature's venom but, I don't have the knowledge to do it...”

Both mares looked at each other, Twilight with simmering concern and Bek with an expression that reflected pity for the alicorn, all possible options seemed to have been exhausted when a melodious voice called from the bushes.

“For that dilemma you need not fear, for it seems to me that I can solve it...” Zecora emerged from the branches, walking steadily towards the mares who looked at her with a look of consternation on their faces.

“Zecora!...” exclaimed Twilight with panic in her voice ‘Uh...this...me, I, I can explain...’ she tried to excuse herself.

“Oh come on Twilight I'm not brute, to reveal secrets to hide you don't have to be very cunning” Zecora approached, giving a serious look to Bek as she replied with an equal one ”This pony and the monster you just described, from a very old and bad time come I must say.”

The unicorn raised an eyebrow inspecting the zebra, which remained unmoved.

“Wow...” said Bek finally ”It seems that despite everything in this kingdom there are still competent people...”

“As a cunplido what you said I'll take it, however in you I still won't be able to trust.”

“Sounds fair...” replied the unicorn before Zecora resumed.

“As I was saying if an antidote you need I can help, however the monster's poison you are going to have to find.”

Twilight and Bek looked at each other, the alicorn's look reflected utter fear at the very thought of having to go near that place again, while Bek's look was simple and pure resignation at having to fight again.

“I can go” Bek said bluntly, Twilight and Zecora watched her in disbelief.

“By yourself? Back there?!"Twilight said almost as a shout.

“With my friend Twilight Sparkle I must reiterate, going back into the jaws of that beast I will not recommend it, dark and dangerous it certainly is to go back and that creature I barely got to see!”

Both seemed shocked at Bek's decision but the latter barely showed any emotion about returning.

“It's not the first time in my life that I've fought something like it”.

Twilight was about to say something but was interrupted by Bek.

“If you want me to save your friend you must let me come back.”

“But..but, what if...you die down there?” it was hard for Twilight to say the word ‘die’ it was as if it was something she should never say ”Everything we have planned to do would be lost, without you we have no way to prove the lie...”

“You needn't worry, that's why I'm not going to die...” said the unicorn without waiting ”If anything is to kill me I assure you it won't be a filthy dastardly monster.”

Twilight was about to protest further but Zecora's voice interrupted her.

“For her well being Twilight you need not fear, I will go along with her to ensure she returns safely.”

The alicorn looked at the zebra impressed, she hadn't expected her to be so bold.

“Are you...are you sure Zecora?” asked Twilight dumbfounded.

“A dastardly and horrible place no doubt is where we are going, but for good Fluttershy I would certainly go to the end” Zecora's face denoted determination, there was nothing more to say.

They agreed that Zecora would bring the antidote to her by nightfall, in case not Twilight was to assume that they had achieved nothing but perishing.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Zecora and Bek were making their way through the undergrowth, the unicorn was in front while the zebra was a few steps behind.

Zecora analyzed Bek very closely, each one of her scars, her posture and her gait, she could notice the slight limp that the mare had in her left hind leg and the apparent lack of mobility of her right foreleg, she could also notice how from time to time the unicorn seemed to let out little whimpers of pain in conjunction with how she seemed to have trouble distinguishing things in the distance.

“Forgive me for breaking our silence but I must ask how such an injured pony can even walk?” Zecora asked nonchalantly, the unicorn didn't seem to be one to refuse to answer intrusive questions let alone tasteless ones.

“I'm very tough,” Bek replied without turning to look at the zebra.

“That I can certainly see, but I'm a little worried that the toughness you boast about will start to fade...” the comment made Bek grit her teeth ”I must say I thought you seemed like an impressive pony before, but I'm starting to notice a lot of things like for example that prevailing limp”

The unicorn didn't respond.

“Many discomforts in you I can see, if it's pains you feel I'm sure I can make them go away.”

“No thank you” Bek replied in an irritated voice.

“I am serious, I am a healer, my potions and remedies are like none that ever existed before”

“I said no!” Bek's voice was beginning to rise in volume.

“I don't understand why your attitude is so shameless, you should be more grateful for the kindness extended...”

“And what the fuck does that mean!” the mare stopped dead in her tracks and turned to look at the zebra who remained silent.

“Don't you think I'm being thankful enough!!! I'm about to go into a monster's nest filled with the corpses of my old companions to get the poison of a creature unspeakable to modern ponies! I'm going in there of my own free will to save one of the friends, who I don't even know, of the pony who saved me! I think that's thanks enough...” the mare turned around again and walked steadily forward.

Zecora stood still for a second, for a moment she thought about abandoning the pony to her fate, she was someone rude, impertinent and, apparently, very stubborn, she didn't even understand why Twilight had taken the trouble to rescue someone like that, but those thoughts dissipated when she remembered the look of the unicorn, yes it was full of anger and doubtful rancor, but the skilled zebra could also denote deep down, that this pony was full of pain and sadness, she decided not to judge first hand, she decided to give her the benefit of the doubt, just as, long ago, the ponies of Ponyville did with her.

Approaching again, this time placing herself beside the mare, Zecora spoke again.

“My intention was not to judge your actions, I only want to know what drives you to fulfill such bargains.”

The unicorn kept quiet with an angry expression for a moment, then let out a deep sigh relaxing her face and responding.

“I...I'm sorry, I know it's not malicious intent, it's just...I'm in a lot of pain...”

The zebra listened quietly to what the unicorn had to say.

“I can feel it, my whole body trembles and shudders at the reminder of my old wounds, my bones are cracking again, my skin is tearing again, it's so agonizingly slow I almost wish it would happen all at once for it to end, there's nothing to reverse it and there's definitely nothing to slow it down, right now, I already have my days numbered...”

They both moved forward in silence for several minutes until Zecora spoke calmly again.

“I have always presumed to be able to put an end to any bitterness, but I would be lying to you if I told you that the evil you describe has a cure..”

The unicorn let out a sigh again as she thought about what to answer her, before she could even the zebra exclaimed triumphantly.

“But, as I told you, I may not be able to eliminate what ails you, but with all my skills I'm sure I'll find something that will at least stump you.”

The unicorn looked at the zebra with a look of doubt, meeting her with a full smile that reflected compassion and helpfulness.
At this the unicorn couldn't help but smile slightly, this kind zebra seemed to be someone very pertinent.

Finally they both arrived at the castle grounds of the two sisters, they took a moment to admire the gloomy place, until Zecora asked about the plan.

“Tell me then what you need me to do, I can assure you that I will not leave you disappointed” the zebra said as they walked in the direction of the bridge going to the entrance.....

“The only thing I need you to do is to stay at the gate, to make sure you close it if the creature tries to get out.”

“What?!” exclaimed Zecora ” What do you mean, are you crazy? Or do you happen to have a rock for a brain?”

“You don't understand...” started to say the unicorn ”The power of my magic will only keep the door open for a while, once it runs out the door will close on its own, unless there is someone standing right on the threshold...”

Zecora paid attention, intrigued by where the conversation was going.

“I need you to stand right at the entrance so you don't get trapped and, in case the monster defeats me, you can close it immediately” the unicorn paused to look at Zecora ‘This is the most important thing, if this creature escapes it will unleash a wave of death and fear that will endanger everyone's lives Do you understand now why I'm asking you?’ the unicorn's gaze is determined.

It took Zecora a moment to consider her request, after all, she had promised to bring the pony back and without complication, but deep down she knew she was more aware of the danger the creature posed, so rather than argue he freed himself of all doubt.

“What you have asked of me I will fulfill bravely, protect the gate or block the exit.”

Bek gave Zecora a smile and then they both walked deeper into the castle.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twilight had spent the whole day outside the castle, she simply felt too exhausted to be in those corridors, she had gone to tell all her friends about Fluttershy's situation and how Zecora and Bek had left to make the antidote, by the time she managed to spot the castle in the distance the sun was already on its descent towards the horizon, filling the sky with a bright orange tone that, Twilight felt, contrasted terribly with the situation between her hooves.

Her walk was slow and downcast, the violet alicorn felt very dejected, she was really grateful that Celestia had not yet told her anything about her coronation, she didn't know if she could keep calm in this situation.

When she reached the door Twilight gave a big sigh, a hot bath and a book was what she would have wanted most, unfortunately her relative calmness collapsed, when she opened the door she was greeted by Starlight and a white alicorn.

Princess Celestia gave her a big smile, while Starlight's face was caught between fear and laughter.

“Oh Twilight you've finally arrived!” exclaimed the lilac unicorn nervously ”You'll never guess who came to pay us a surprise visit...”

“Oh dear Twilight it's a pleasure to see you again” Celestia advanced to the violet alicorn and gave her a tight hug, one that Twilight for a moment felt was too tight ”I'm so sorry I couldn't come sooner, but I was too busy solving the little inconvenience of your coronation.”

Celestia continued to hug Twilight for a long moment until she finally managed to swallow her fear and reply, returning the hug.

“Pri...princess, wow this really is a surprise but...I thought you'd let me know when everything was settled so we could go back to Canterlot” Twilight let out a nervous giggle.

“Oh jojo, that's true, but, as I was telling Starlight, I felt it was too important news not to come and give it to you myself in person” Celestia finally let go of Twilight, standing up and backing away a couple of steps.

“But, imagine my surprise, when I arrive and the first thing I discover is that poor, tender Fluttershy suffered a terrible accident that left her bedridden and maimed...”

Twilight gave a look between confusion and fear to Starlight who could only respond by returning a look that said “I'm sorry”.

“Ahhh yes...” began Starlight ”I was just telling the princess how Fluttershy ended up alone in the forest late at night and how she was attacked by timber wolves...” Twilight understood what her friend was trying to do and quickly continued with the lie.

“Ehh..yeah, she, she was escorting some little animals but she lost track of time and well, she was unlucky...”

“But, I'm surprised...” started Celestia ”I thought the pegasus was an expert in dealing with wild animals, but well, I guess everyone's skills have a limit...” The comment was made in an odd tone of voice, causing an awkward silence that Celestia broke again.

“Oh but what are we doing here? Twilight I asked Starlight to make us some tea and cookies, there are some matters we need to discuss and I would like to do so in a more private place.”

It took Twilight a moment to react to her mentor's words.

“Oh..yes, yes of course princess, you tell me where you would like to...”

“How about...the library?”

“Sure!” exclaimed Twilight as she made her way.

The walk was silent, the princess didn't ask any other questions and neither Twilight nor Starlight attempted to start a conversation, they just walked down the halls until they reached what used to be Twilight's library, inside were still the empty shelves but now in the center, there was placed a small tea table with two chairs, on the table was a beautiful ornate teapot with two small cups and a plate full of chocolate chip cookies.
Twilight admired the picturesque scene for a second before being startled again by Celestia's voice.

“Do you like it, I thought I'd bring you a gift for the shock you had to go through on your special day, I would have waited to give it to you when you finally moved out but I thought it might cheer you up a bit during this difficult time.”

“It's...very pretty princess” Twilight said forcing a smile.

“Oh! I knew you'd love it What are you waiting for? Let's go debut it” Celestia walked over to the table gracefully and sat down in one of the chairs, gesturing for Twilight to do the same.

“Alright I guess I...I'll leave you two alone...” began Starlight as she turned away ”Call me if you need me...”

“Thank you so much Starlight!” exclaimed Celestia with a big smile as the unicorn left the room and closed the door.

Twilight then walked silently across the room to finally sit in the other chair and look sideways at the princess, who kept her smile calm.

“So Two Sugar Twilight?”

The mare was slow to react.

“Uh...what?” she replied absently.

“For your tea Two sugar cubes?” the princess asked with a giggle as she lifted the teapot with her magic and began pouring the tea.

“Oh..oh yes, yes yes yes, two sugars please” she finally replied.

The princess calmly placed the sugar into the cups and stirred carefully, making a small clinking sound with the spoon, the sound made Twilight nervous who could already feel the sweat starting to build up on her forehead.

“So, tell me Twilight have you made any new friends lately?”

The question took Twilight by surprise who was about to lose her nerves, she looked at Celestia looking for something on her face but only met with the calm and comforting look she was already used to, the question was so natural that it only seemed like the beginning of a casual conversation, so Twilight calmed her nerves, swallowed her growing fear and answered in the calmest way she could.

“A new friend? no princess, I haven't made any new friends lately, with all this trying to conquer Equestria, the coronation and my growing duties as princess I haven't had time, and in fact, as wrong as it is for me to say it, I think I'm friends with everyone already” Twilight let out a giggle to which Celestia responded with an equal one, they both laughed meekly as the princess finished preparing the tea.

“Oh Twilight how funny, though it is true, after what you and your friends accomplished I don't think there is a creature, big or small, in Equestria that wouldn't consider themselves to some extent, your friend.”

Twilight relaxed, it seemed that the princess had no idea what had been going on, it seemed that it was indeed just a simple visit, she was about to sigh with relief but a change of tone in the princess' voice froze her.

“Still, one would think that, as princess of friendship, not a day would go by without you making a great new friend wouldn't you think so...?” the princess' tone was now cold and distant, almost as if she was talking to herself, still Twilight responded.

“That...sounds like a bit of an old fashioned standard don't you think so princess?”

“Yes maybe you're right, still, I'm very curious to know what ponies you've met lately...any interesting or particular ones you want to tell me about?”

The questions made Twilight as uncomfortable as they made her worried, now if her mind was going a mile a minute, trying to guess if this was another casual question or if this had indeed turned into an interrogation, before she could come to a conclusion and so as not to appear suspicious Twilight answered.

“No princess, not really, but I have been spending a lot of time with Zecora.”

“Zecora? Zecora...? hmmm...” the princess looked thoughtful for a moment ”Ahh Zecora! your forest zebra friend..” Celestia smiled again “And how is that old zebra eh? What has she been doing lately?”

“Well she's been helping us with remedies for Fluttershy, to ease her pains.”

“I see, you know, you should take me to visit her sometime, I've never seen her and it would be nice if you could introduce us, oh we could even go now...”

“NO!!!” Twilight shouted without thinking, the princess looked at her with a quizzical face.

“No?” Celestia's brow furrowed slightly.

“I mean, we can't visit her now, she just...left! Yes, she told me that she would leave for a couple of days in search of a remedy that maybe will help Fluttershy more, she's really worried about her...”

Celestia gave Twilight a serious look for a moment before smiling again.

“Oh well And who wouldn't be? She is one of the bearers of the elements of harmony after all, if something were to happen to her, it would be a tragedy for Equestria...” The princess took one of the cookies with her magic and ate it slowly making a crunching noise with her teeth that filled the room and strangely made Twilight more nervous.

“So...” said Celestia as she finished ‘No new friends, no preparations for your coronation what have you been up to lately Twilight?’ the princess's tone was stern again, only now with a hint of meanness.

Twilight took a breath and repeated to herself that she had to remain calm, whatever Celestia was accusing her of, she was sure she had no proof, with that in mind she stood her ground and continued.

“Well the truth princess, if I am honest, I have been very shocked by what happened at my coronation, the image of that emaciated pony attacking the guards and hurting them did not let me.... I never saw anything like that myself, I didn't believe that in Equestria there could be such...ruthless ponies” Although it was just a technique to divert attention, it wasn't entirely a lie, Twilight still didn't recover from the first impression that Bek made on her, making her still look at her with an air of fear.

Celestia seemed convinced by her performance, relaxing her stern expression and replacing it with one of understanding and pity for her grieving pupil.

“Oh my dearest Twilight, you don't know how sorry I am, of all the ponies I have known throughout my life, you are the one I would never have wished to have to witness something like that, what that pony made you see ugh I can't even begin to describe how infamous it was...” the princess looked away for a moment with apparent indignation ”Can you believe, she even dared to infiltrate the castle.”

“Really?” Twilight feigned surprise.

“Yes! And not only that, he dared to attack my dear sister the very night of your coronation, poor Luna, she was so frightened.”

“And Princess Luna is she alright?”

“Os yes Twilight she is fine, luckily I arrived just in time to succor her and we captured the pony...”

Twilight now decided to turn Celestia's questioning around, taking a risk to find out how far she was willing to take her lie.

“So did they capture her?”

“Of course they did, poor pony, so disturbed and disconnected from reality, it almost made me feel sorry for her as the guards took her away.”

“And where did they take her?” asked Twilight too hastily, causing Celestia to raise an eyebrow, quickly clearing her throat ”I mean where in Equestria can you take a pony like that?”

Celestia took a moment to answer.

“Well, in Canterlot we have some of the best mental health institutions in the entire kingdom, I'm sure she'll be able to get the help she needs and, who knows, maybe one day she can reintegrate into our society...”

Silence reigned again, Celestia took another cookie while Twilight remained thoughtful, she evaluated if it was safe to probe a little more considering the circumstances, seeing that the princess seemed to have let her guard down Twilight thought it was a good opportunity to put a little more pressure, in her mind she said to herself, that if she managed to get even a small confession, it would be enough to crumble the lie.

“So...where did they take her...?” asked Twilight out of nowhere surprising Celestia.

“Um...what?”

“Where exactly did they take her, what's the name of the mental institution she's in?”

The question seemed to throw Celestia off who opened her mouth slightly not knowing what to answer, taking too long to elaborate on what she would say.

“And you Why do you want to know that Twilight?” she finally said.

“Well because I'd like to talk to her” the answer was direct, concise, Twilight feeling emboldened at the princess' apparent bewilderment.

“Uh...ummm..really?” replied Celestia nervously clearing her throat ‘Why would you want to do that Twilight? She's a dangerous pony’.

“Well the truth is that if I was really intrigued by what I said, it didn't sound like the speech of a common madwoman, to a certain extent...it seemed to carry some sense.”

Celestia laughed, a shrill, deep laugh, so artificial it seemed timed, Twilight couldn't help but wince at it, she had never heard Celestia laugh like that.

“Oh Jojojojojojo Twilight, how funny, I didn't know you had such a dark sense of humor, talking like that about the ravings of a madwoman oh jojojojojojo...”

Twilight was not to be outdone and quickly reiterated.

“I'm serious Princess Celestia, I wish I could talk to you directly.”

Celestia's laughter died down slowly and even at a steady pace, Twilight couldn't help but think that seemed timed as well.

“Oh Really?...” said the princess taking another cookie ”And may I know the particular reason why you would want to engage in conversation with a pony who suffers from her faculties?”

“It's just...” Twilight started to say “..I really got to thinking, the things she said Why would she say something like that?”

“Because she's crazy Twilight isn't that reason enough for you?” said Celestia curtly.

“Forgive me princess but if there is one thing I have learned over the years and it has been proven to me time and time again, it is that very rarely, someone's reasons for acting can be justified by madness alone, there is always a reason behind it, a why and honestly, I would like to find out...” Twilight's tone radiated confidence, in her eyes she seemed to have control over the situation.

“Jmmm I see...” replied Celestia intrigued ”And could I know what kind of things you would ask her to find out that...truth?”

“For starters... “Twilight began to say ”I would ask her what drove her to commit that act of violence, I would ask her about her to find out her story, I would also ask her why she even thought of going that far just to get to you...” At that moment Twilight's voice cracked, the sweat broke out again, and though she couldn't be sure, she knew she had gone pale.

As she turned her gaze to face the princess again the expression on Twilight's face reflected the fear within her, the benevolent and kind face of the regent of Equestria had warped into a grimace of fullness, her gaze no longer held any hint of doubt and a smile of pure satisfaction shone on her face.
Twilight tried to correct herself. give an explanation, but her teacher's serene voice again interrupted her.

“Get to me...?” the princess let the question float away, making evident the big mistake Twilight had made ”Last time I checked, that pony had tried to attack all three of us Twilight What made you believe that she solely and exclusively, went for mir?”

“Well...I...it...no...I mean...I didn't...” Twilight didn't know what else to say, in a moment the game she thought she had mastered turned against her and now she was the one against the wall, and she had nothing to defend herself with.

“Did i...” Celestia continued “Did I do anything or did you see anything or did anyone say anything to you that might make you think I had anything to do with anything in that altercation?”

Twilight was mute, she was trying to articulate words but they wouldn't come out, suddenly she could feel the room become darker and gloomy she could have even sworn the air had become warmer, making it hard to breathe.

“Twilight? Are you okay?” asked Celestia, her tone remaining exactly the same, untainted by her student friend's apparent panic attack.

Twilight could feel her heart thudding, her ears ringing, the poor mare was about to go into a nervous breakdown when the sound of the door interrupted them.

“Twilight! Twilight! Are you all right?”

Just inside the library entrance, panting and with a tone that reflected shock stood Spike, the little dragon looked as if he had travelled a great distance in a short time, sweating profusely and leaning against the door.
At the sight of Celestia the little dragon couldn't help but cough as he choked on his saliva, his attempt to catch his breath was diminished by the presence of the regent in the room.

Twilight on the other hand was dumbfounded, she was trying to recover from her shock to warn Spike somehow but the air around her seemed to press her down, forcing her to concentrate only on her breathing, at least until Celestia spoke.

“Oh Spike, you little dragon, it's been a while, come in come in.”

Spike cautiously looked around for some nod of approval from Twilight, but, before his eyes, the violet alicorn was lost in thought.

“What are you waiting for little buddy, there isn't a cup for you to drink tea but I'm sure Twilight wouldn't mind sharing these cookies” the princess let out a giggle, her tone too effusive and her smile too big.

Sensing something was wrong, Spike sought to subtly extricate himself.

“Oh I'd love to, really, but I don't think there aren't enough chairs and I wouldn't want to make any of you get up so...”

“Oh but you don't have to worry about that dear Spike, you can sit with me.”

The comment was too strange even for the situation, Spike looked quizzically at the princess and then back at Twilight who was still frozen in her seat. The little dragon looked at the regent once more and then looked at the small chair under her, looking for a way he could get out of there.

“Well I, I don't think it would work, that chair is too small, but it will still lo....”

“Oh but who said you sat in the chair” Celestial exclaimed again with glee.

“Emm, well then I don't understand how...”

“Hay don't be shy Spike, just come and sit on my lap” The princess gestured over her lap indicating the small space between her hind legs.

The dragon swallowed saliva and blushed slightly at the strange proposition, it was at that moment that he finally noticed it, for his dragon's calorific senses the gradual change in the temperature of the room did not go unnoticed, it was as if little by little this was wrapped in a warm fire, appropriate for the winter seasons no doubt, but at that moment it only made breathing there extremely difficult.
Belatedly the dragon realized he had been quiet too long when Celestia spoke again.

“What are you waiting for Spike? Have a seat” the princess's tone shifted to authoritative, almost as if she was giving an order.

The dragon was intimidated and without much thought, he walked into the room, closing the door behind him.
The walk from the door to the chair was silent, Spike was breathing heavily as he had his gaze fixed on Celestia's eyes, who didn't blink and didn't go a second without smiling.

When he had finally arrived the dragon stood still for a moment thinking about how to climb up, he had almost worked out a way to keep as far away from Celestia as possible when she exclaimed.

“Oh come on, don't be shy come!” and in an instant, the princess lifted the little dragon with her magic and placed him between her hind legs, then held him firmly with her forelegs.

Spike felt instantly uncomfortable, the heat emanating from the princess was even more than his own, he could feel his sweat starting to build up, as he looked up he met Celestia's steady gaze which held her smile that, at this point, almost looked painted on.
The exchange of glances lasted a few seconds before Celestia levitated several cookies and placed them right in front of Spike's face.

“Come on Spike, eat a cookie” Celestia kept her gaze on the dragon who nodded slightly nervously and tried to move his arms to take them, quickly realizing that he couldn't move at all due to Celestia's pressure on his body.

“Oh no no no no no no, you don't need to take them, I can give them to you...” the princess moved one of the cookies closer to Spike's mouth ‘Say ah!’ the dragon obeyed, opening his mouth slowly and, the moment there was enough space, Celestia threw the cookie nonchalantly into the back of Spike's mouth, making the dragon almost choke, managing to stop the cookie with her tongue and starting to chew.

“That's right, what a good boy...” said the princess before looking up and back at Twilight who remained still.

“Twilight...” called Celestia softly.

The violet alicorn was barely breathing, her fur was completely drenched in sweat and a tear had welled up and was now trickling down the side of her right eye, hearing her teacher's voice only made her shiver even more, trembling uncontrollably.

“Twilight look at me..” the princess said again in her authoritative tone.

It took almost all of Twilight's willpower but she finally managed to break free from her paralysis, rolling her eyes to their limit to look directly into the face of the princess who, couldn't help but widen her smile.

“Twilight, you and I Are we friends right?” the question almost made her scream, Twilight fought her instinct to flee as the heat in the room seemed to rise and rise, in a moment and out of the corner of her eye, Twilight could notice how Celestia lifted one of her front hooves to start stroking Spike's head which was still eating cookies, Twilight lost control of her breathing again when the princess caught her attention again.

“Twilight Are we or aren't we?” her tone became a little more threatening.

Twilight had no choice but to respond.

“Y...yy....yes...” she finally said breathlessly.

“Perfect and so, among your friends, you would say I'm one of your best friends?” the tone in her voice was carefree but firm as she still absently stroked the dragon's head.

Twilight, again, had to muster all the strength she had to force herself to answer.

“Yes....si princess, we are the...best...friends...”

“Wonderful Twilight very good!” It was as if the princess was going back in time, to when she and Twilight had private lessons and she was questioning the little filly about what she had learned during that day of study.

“And so, if we're best friends, that means we should tell each other everything right?” Twilight didn't answer, she didn't like where this was going at all, it only took a second before Twilight heard a small gasp coming from her dragon brother.

It took her a moment to realize what had happened, but as she looked over to where her friend Twilight was standing she could see how one of Celestia's caresses had torn off a couple of him scales, causing a small trickle of blood to spurt from him head.

“S....Sp....Spike...” began Twilight before Celestia interrupted her.

“Twilight!” this time the princess' voice echoed throughout the room, startling Twilight and forcing her to turn around ”Please answer the question, if you and I are best friends shouldn't we tell each other everything?”

Twilight was slow to answer gathering her courage, but finally did.

“Yes...that's right princess...best friends tell each other everything...”

“Right” the princess replied dryly, at which point her caresses on Spike stopped, instead Celestia began to press firmly on the dragon's head, tightening the rest of her grip and trapping him even more.

Spike suddenly found himself unable to breathe properly, suddenly fresh air into his lungs was denied him and he could feel the force on his head and chest increasing by the second.
The little dragon found it necessary to start gasping pitifully for air, the whimper soon reached Twilight's ears who looked at the terrified baby dragon and, in an incredible show of willpower, Twilight was about to get up from the chair, but this flame was instantly extinguished when a shrill scream filled the room.

“Sit down!” the shout was firm, clean, in such an authoritative tone that it almost made Twilight fall backwards from how quickly she landed back on the chair, suddenly the heat in the room increased dramatically, steaming Twilight's sweat and taking what little air she still had left, soon the purple alicorn was suffocating as well.

“Twilight...” came again in a cheerful, melodious but clearly feigned voice.

Twilight did her best to look away from Spike and look back at Celestia, finding a face that seemed to glow, with deep orange eyes and a pupil dilated in a straight line like a feline's, the whites of her eyes had been replaced with a deep black and yet despite all this on her face there was still a smile that called for stillness.

“Easy, one last question and we're done here” she said in a not at all reassuring tone ‘Since you and I are best friends and best friends tell each other everything...’ the princess spoke ridiculously slow as she slowly increased the pressure on Spike's head ” If you or any of your friends had talked or met someone you shouldn't have, someone bad and who could be a threat to our people...You would tell me right?”

Twilight couldn't help but look at her little brother, who seemed to be slowly becoming lifeless, almost disappearing completely behind the white fur of the princess when Twilight barely managed to hear.

“Twi...Twilight...help...” the dragon was trying to cry but her tears were instantly evaporated due to the heat and in a moment she seemed to be about to faint.

“So Twilight, would you tell me?” the alicorn heard again, this time said in a tone that seemed to be on the verge of impatience.

Twilight knew what she wanted, knew that she wanted her to tell her, for a moment, Twilight considered it.
She thought deeply about it, she assessed the situation as best she could, there it was, in front of her, the ultimate proof of Celestia's evil, threatening none other than her number one assistant, her brother and first great friend, she was about to murder him without mercy, she could do it, she could end this, she just had to tell her where she was, she just had to tell her and everything would go back to normal, wouldn't it?
She recalled everything she had discovered, everything she had seen in these last days that she had never believed could ever exist and compared them. Was it really worth giving up everything she knew, all the life she had lived, all the happiness she had experienced, all the friends she had made, just for the truth, just for the life of a pony she had just met? finally, she made a decision.

“Yes princess...” he said heavily ”If I told you....but right now, there is nothing to say...” Twilight looked straight into Celestia's eyes, eyes she no longer recognized, she looked deep and with an expression full of determination and bravery, without a hint of fear in the future.

Celestia scrutinized the face of her student, her most faithful and loyal subject and did not find a hint of doubt, maybe she had gone too far with her interrogation, maybe she had only tormented her student for nothing, but she knew she was hiding something, Fluttershy's wound proved it, she had seen many of that kind and she had not seen one in a long time, but that was only circumstantial, it did not guarantee anything, she had to meditate things, think about her next move, for now, everything here was over.

Suddenly the air in the room flowed again and the heat dissipated, Twilight took a big breath of air while Celestia let go of the dragon who fell to the floor exalted, panting and trembling with terror.
Twilight wanted to jump immediately to help him but again her teacher interrupted her.

“Oh excellent Twilight I knew I could trust you” Celestia's face had returned to normal, no glow, no look and no terrifying eyes, she was the same princess as always, even Twilight herself doubted for a moment if what she had seen had been a hallucination.
It took Twilight a moment to realize that the princess had risen from the chair and was now heading for the door quickly, she could only stand still as she watched her open the door and prepare to leave.

Just before Celestia crossed the threshold she looked over her shoulder in Twilight's direction.

“By the way I'm taking your friend Fluttershy to Canterlot for proper treatment...”

The words made Twilight lose her breath again, opening her eyes wide and barely managing to respond.

“Wa...Wait princess! You can't take her away, she...she...”

“Oh you don't have to thank me, it's the least I can do, my guards have already taken her away, I assure you she'll feel better very soon.”

Twilight was speechless, she had been taken by surprise and was now at a disadvantage.
Celestia receiving no response finished leaving the room and started to close the door, just as she was about to close it completely she caught Twilight's attention again.

“Oh and Twilight, regarding your coronation, maybe you should stay a little longer in Ponyville, we may have to postpone...a little longer” and without further ado, she left.

It took Twilight a moment longer to come back to herself, hearing Spike's irregular gasps, she threw herself on the ground to hug him, checking him closely to make sure he didn't have any broken bones, the little dragon just lay there, sore and exhausted, breathing heavily, at the heartbreaking image Twilight couldn't help but start crying uncontrollably, hugging Spike tightly while repeating over and over again.

“I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry....”.

Author's Note

Again an apology for Zecora's rhymes.