Twilight moved about the undercroft of her castle with a slow, unhurried pace. The basement area was already decorated with a suitable amount of cheap plastic crap and the table was about half covered in beverages. The fake cobwebs, paper bats, and floating candles actually made the area look rather spooky, Twilight thought to herself. However, that was probably more due to the fact that the basement had high, dome-like ceilings interspersed with thick pillars that held up the vast structure above her. This ill-used area of the castle was fairly large, though nearly every square inch of it was occupied in some manner.
Boxes of stuff Twilight had forgotten she owned, spare books, broken furniture that would definitely get fixed one day, and more littered the area. Her friends had contributed their own fair amount of junk to the vast sea as well, with sections being cordoned off for their use. Wonderbolts memorabilia Rainbow Dash swore up and down was going to appreciate in value was stacked next to barrels of apple products that wouldn't be done fermenting for another decade. Rarity had added a number of dresses, bolts of fabric, and vast quantities of gems while Pinkie Pie had used her space to store supplies for odd kinds of parties.
Twilight wasn't sure why the pink mare needed to be ready for a wedding celebration to be held at the top of the Canterhorn but the alicorn didn't question it. Just like how she didn't question all the animal care items that Fluttershy had piled in her section of the basement. Everything from unused birdhouses to tiny homes that looked barely large enough to serve as a rat’s domicile. Twilight didn't question any of it.
After all, she had all this space, so why not let her friends use it?
In the end, there was just enough space for a small living room-like area where the six mares could escape the world. Tonight was one such night where they desired to get away from it all, as Nightmare Night was always busy. Parties, events, accompanying children as they begged for candy, there never seemed to be an end to it all.
Thus the sanctuary had been created.
It was little more than a couple of couches, a coffee table, and a fridge but that was really all it needed to be. Privacy was the goal after all, and down here no one would seek them out. Here they could simply relax, and reminisce amongst their closest friends, far from the prying eyes of the public.
“So many memories,” Twilight muttered to herself.
The alicorn stopped, and reached down, plucking a dust-covered tome from amidst a pile of forgotten library books. She recognized the battered old thing immediately, and eagerly opened it up, flipping to a random section. A group photo taken nearly a decade ago stared back at her, the six smiling faces peering right into the camera.
“Hey Twi I-”
“Ahh!” Twilight yelped, nearly tossing the book in the air. “What…”
Twilight blinked and looked over to find that Spike was standing there with an amused expression on his face and a bottle of wine in his clawed hand. The teenager was older now, though he had yet to reach full adulthood he had at least grown wings and was no longer quite so short.
“Oh Spike,” Twilight muttered. “It's just you.”
“Uh yeah. Last I checked anyway,” Spike retorted with a smirk.
“What are you doing down here?” Twilight asked, the mare pausing to close the book and tuck it away.
“Just bringing you your wine,” Spike replied. “I know how you girls like to have a drink on your special night.”
“That we do,” Twilight admitted, accepting the bottle only to pause. “Did you drink any?”
“I uh… might have. How did you know?” Spike murmured guiltily.
“The bottle has already been opened,” Twilight replied, tapping the top. “Good job putting the cork back in though.”
“Darnit,” Spike muttered. “And I went through all the effort of stuffing it back in too.”
“You know you could have just asked. You’re old enough to try a little,” Twilight prodded.
“What, really? You’re not mad?” Spike asked, eyes wide.
“I’m a little annoyed that you didn't think to ask but no I’m not mad. What did you think?” Twilight asked, grabbing a Wonderbolt cup from amidst the pile of junk and pouring herself a glass. “Not bad, isn't it?”
“I don't know it tasted kind of sour,” Spike murmured absently.
“Really? But this brand is so sweet,” Twilight replied.
“You just say that because you have old people's taste buds,” Spike shot back.
“Heh, that is possible,” Twilight muttered, taking a sip and smiling faintly. “Going to go hang out with your buddies?”
“Yeah Pip and Button rented a bunch of horror movies so we’re gonna pull an allnighter and watch every single one,” Spike claimed, grinning in preemptive triumph.
“Alright then make sure you drink plenty of water and don't forget your blanket. I know you aren't planning on sleeping but that doesn't mean you can't be snuggly,” Twilight softly ordered, her tone taking on a gentle, motherly tone.
“Augh, fine,” Spike muttered, rolling his eyes.
The young dragon turned and strode away, his arms crossed over his chest. Twilight meanwhile just chuckled to herself, watching him go until he was out of sight and then turning back to her book of memories. Flipping through its confines, she sipped her wine and mused idly about all the adventures she and her friends had been on together.
She couldn't help but take note that nearly every villain they had faced off against had become a friend. Either that or were permanently locked up in some manner of pocket dimension or other superprison, never to be seen again.
“All except for you,” Twilight whispered to herself.
Twilight peered into the unmoving, unblinking eyes of Chrysalis. In the picture she was sitting behind bars, grinning cockily and staring right into the camera. Twilight recalled that a guard had taken the picture to mock the contained queen but for once the changeling didn't yell obscenities or promise some future reprisal. She had even been reserved. A change that had made Twilight hope that she was finally ready to turn over a new leaf. That was until two weeks later when she had escaped anyway. Then it had been back to their normal antagonism.
“I wonder what you’ll try next,” Twilight asked the image.
The sound of approaching hooves prompted Twilight to close the book and turn to the newcomer. The rainbow-maned mare wasn't usually the first to arrive, but then again Rainbow Dash had very little in the way of responsibilities. She had no sisters to take care of, a job that never went late, and an ever-eager desire to partake in alcohol so long as it was sweet.
“Sup Twi?” Rainbow Dash greeted, strutting over to the small sitting area and plunking down on a couch. “How ya been?”
“Oh not bad,” Twilight muttered. “And yourself?”
“Ahh can't complain,” Rainbow Dash dismissed. “No Starlight tonight?”
“Nah,” Twilight replied, sitting down across from her friend. “Trixie and her were camping in the Everfree tonight. Starlight mentioned a small meteor shower was going to be visible but only if you got away from Ponyville.”
“Makes sense. The town is getting kinda big these days. Not quite as easy to star gaze as it used to be,” Rainbow Dash remarked.
“You sound like an old mare,” Twilight prodded. “Complaining about kids these days and talking about how it used to be better in the old times.”
“Eh, it has its ups and downs,” Rainbow Dash muttered.
“You know,” Twilight began, leaning forward slightly. “I’ve been thinking about our old adventures a bunch recently.”
“Now who sounds like an old mare?” Rainbow Dash shot back.
“Yeah, well… I got no excuse. Anyway, I was wondering what the names of those bullies were that we ran into back in Cloudsdale,” Twilight exclaimed. “They were all monosyllabic, or at least I think so anyway.”
“Pfft, what does it matter?” Rainbow Dash declared, kicking up her hooves and leaning back. “Even back then they were just losers and we were heroes.”
“That's a little callous don't you think? I mean have you ever caught back up with them after all these years?” Twilight questioned. “They might have turned their lives around. Ended up saints or something.”
“I mean possible, sure. But likely? I don't think so,” Rainbow Dash dismissed.
“So… you do know their names, right?” Twilight pressed.
“Nope,” Rainbow Dash admitted with a shrug.
“How many of them were there then?” Twilight continued, her eyes narrowing. “Surely you remember that much at least… right?”
“Two?” Rainbow Dash half stated half asked. “Why does it matter anyway? This was like, over a decade ago.”
“Now who sounds like the old mare,” Twilight quipped back.
“Yeah yeah,” Rainbow Dash muttered, waving a dismissive hoof in the air. “They were barely relevant then and they are even less so now.”
“I mean still. They bullied you for years. Surely you’d remember their names right?” Twilight stated.
“Hey you know I’m not good with names,” Rainbow Dash proclaimed, sitting back up and leaning forward. “What's this all about anyway? Don't tell me you are still convinced I’ve got brain damage after all those falls.”
“No, no. The doctor cleared you of that,” Twilight exclaimed. “I’m just curious is all.”
“Yeah well, you can be curious by yourself. I’m gonna go find something better to drink before the others show up,” Rainbow Dash declared.
The mare then hopped off the couch and trotted away. Twilight leaned over and watched her go, observing as a small, bitter frown formed on Rainbow Dash’s face. Then she was gone, and Twilight was alone with her wine and the piles of dusty boxes.
“Hmm,” Twilight hummed to herself.
Pouring herself a glass of the dark liquid, she sipped at it hesitantly, as if it were going to bite her. When it turned out to be every bit as fruity and delicious as she remembered from last year, Twilight took a bigger mouth full. After rolling it around from cheek to cheek for a few seconds, she swallowed hard, and leaned back, letting her mind wander and the seconds tick by.
The sound of clopping hooves drew Twilight back to reality, to where Applejack was approaching at a steady pace, saddle bags stuffed full. The mare looked tired, and bits of straw were sticking out of her mane, but despite that, she wore a wide smile on her face.
“Evenin’,” Applejack greeted, dropping the bags on the coffee table and revealing that they were full of small bottles of cider. “How's things round here?”
“Not bad,” Twilight replied. “And yourself? How was the haunted hay ride?”
“Got a little wild after one of the younguns decided to try and escape,” Applejack remarked, chuckling to herself as she sat down to Twilight's right, bottle in hoof. “It wouldn't a been so bad had we not been right close to the old dead horse creek.”
“That explains all the straw,” Twilight exclaimed, gesturing to Applejack’s head.
“Stars and sun,” cursed the apple farmer. “I thought I got all of it.”
Applejack took off her hat and began running her hooves through her mane, pulling out bits of straw and chucking them aside.
“Ya see Rainbow Dash on the way down here?” Twilight questioned.
“I saw her but I don't think she saw me,” Applejack answered, popping the top and taking a swig. “She blew right past me without so much as a howdy.”
“Rude,” Twilight added.
“Ahh, you know how she gets,” Applejack dismissed, taking another long drink and relaxing on the couch. “You two have an argument or something?”
“Nah she just forgot to bring her own drink. Not sure why she cares considering just how many options she has here, but whatever,” Twilight answered, gesturing to the table.
“Makes sense. She always was a bit particular,” Applejack murmured.
The pair fell into a brief silence where they quietly sipped their drinks and stared off into space. Until Twilight inevitably spoke up, her curiosity demanding she speak.
“Say, I’ve been thinking about our old adventures recently,” Twilight began.
“Oh? Feelin' sentimental?” Applejack remarked.
“You could say that. I’ve been giving the idea of writing a memoir of sorts more thought,” Twilight continued. “To that end, I was hoping to iron out a few small details that I can't quite remember.”
“Well, shoot. I don't have as good a memory as you but if I can help then go ahead and ask,” Applejack chuckled. “Just don't forget to add me as a co-writer, capiche?”
“For sure,” Twilight dismissed. “I don't know if this would make it into any book but I was thinking about that story that Granny Smith told during the family appreciation day event.”
“Wait, you mean that thing we had to do back in school way back when?” Applejack murmured in confusion.
“The details around it aren't really relevant,” Twilight brushed aside. “It was the tale Granny Smith spun that interested me. She said that back in the day when Ponyville was first being founded, she planted the first zap apple tree. I assume you’ve heard the story, right?”
“Err yeah. Course,” Applejack declared. “She tells us all that one. Constantly, I might add now that she's gettin' on in years.”
“That's fascinating. When did she first tell you that story?” Twilight pressed.
“I was young. Real young,” Applejack murmured, rubbing her chin. “I’d like to say ten or so.”
“Interesting,” Twilight muttered.
“I’m not misrememberin' something am I?” Applejack questioned. “Cus that look on your face is the same one I’ve seen on Cheerilee more than a few times.”
“Oh no, nothing like that,” Twilight assured. “Just making a mental note to add that to my history of Ponyville book I’ll be writing… eventually.”
“So ya never did start that one, did ya?” Applejack questioned, chuckling to herself. “You got too much on your plate there princess. You should take a break sometime. Relax.”
“Maybe I’ll take Celestia up on her offer and go to the boiling isles for a week,” Twilight muttered.
The sound of hooves drew both sets of eyes over to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy as they emerged from behind a pile of boxes. This time Rainbow Dash had a saddle bag thrown across her back, one stuffed full of either bottles of booze, or bags of candy.
“Look who I found during my little candy run,” Rainbow Dash declared with a smirk. “She was lurking around outside so I figured I’d invite her over.”
“Har har Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy murmured, rolling her eyes. “Very funny.”
Fluttershy sat down next to Applejack while Rainbow Dash sat across from Twilight, seating herself in the same spot she had used only a few minutes earlier. Rainbow Dash’s bags were dumped out onto the table in a rough pile. The speedster gathered up an armload of the stuff, as well as one of the beverages she had brought with her before falling back into the couch with a thump.
“So, you end up giving Applejack a quiz as well?” Rainbow Dash chided, flashing Twilight a wide smirk.
“It wasn't a quiz,” Twilight dismissed.
“Sure felt like it,” Applejack declared.
“What's this about?” Fluttershy inquired.
“I’ve just been thinking about our adventures and was asking about some details that I couldn't quite remember,” Twilight stated.
“Are you going to quiz me?” Fluttershy whispered. “Oh, I sure hope not. I’m so bad at these kinds of things.”
“It's not a quiz,” Twilight repeated, firmer this time. “I’m just interested in some clarification is all.”
“What kind of clarification?” Fluttershy pressed.
“I uh…” Twilight sighed. “I was going to ask what your wing power was after you trained.”
“For that storm right?” Rainbow Dash questioned. “I remember that. Your wing power was like, five or so.”
“That sounds right but I think it was a bit lower. Like… four, maybe?” Fluttershy muttered.
“Oh wait. It was four! Now I remember,” Twilight exclaimed. “It almost slipped my mind.”
“You're really sounding like an old mare now,” Rainbow Dash prodded with a smirk. “What happened to that idiotic memory of yours?”
“Eidetic,” Twilight corrected. “And it's still mostly correct. It's just those small details ya know? You can't remember someone saying something if you never heard them say it in the first place.”
“I suppose,” Applejack muttered.
“Oh wow that sounds really useful,” Fluttershy declared. “So do you remember everything?”
“From the age of two onwards,” Twilight replied.
“I wish I had that kinda memory,” Applejack remarked to herself. “It sure would make remembering all of Granny Smith’s recipes easier what on account of her refusin’ to write any of them down.”
“I’d be able to remember all my animal friends' birthdays,” Fluttershy proclaimed.
“I thought you did that already,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
“Oh I’m not good enough to remember all of them,” Fluttershy admitted. “Thankfully Pinkie Pie let me borrow one of her filling cabinets so I have them all written down.”
“Pinkie Pie, now that would be one mare who has as good a memory as you Twi,” Rainbow Dash declared.
“My ears are burning,” exclaimed a familiar voice in a sing-songy tone from nearby. “Is someone talking about moi?”
“Pinkie Pie,” Twilight declared mirthlessly. “Good of you to join us.”
“Sorry I’m late,” Pinkie Pie apologized, snatching up one of the drinks and pulling a bucket of popcorn from her fluffy mane. “The cake twins got caught egging a house so I had to watch them until their parents got done scrubbing that poor stallion’s porch. What did I miss?”
“Twilight’s quizzing us,” Rainbow Dash remarked.
“I am not. I’m just-” Twilight sighed. “I suppose I kind of am.”
“She totally is,” Applejack added.
“Cool, so what's the test on? Cus I gotta warn you. I haven't brushed up on my molecular chemistry in months,” Pinkie Pie inquired, plunking down next to Rainbow Dash and munching on a hoof full of popcorn.
“Wing power,” Fluttershy answered.
“Oh, that's easy. The amount of wing power I got is equal to the number of wings on my back. Zero!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed.
“That's not…” Twilight began, only to pause and frown. “I’m asking about specific details that I’m not sure about.”
“She's writing a book,” Applejack declared. “A memoir, like she talked about.”
“Ooh neat! How can I help?” Pinkie Pie offered.
“Just give me a second. I need to think of something…” Twilight murmured, pausing to sip her wine and think.
“So how was Nightmare Night at the bakery?” Fluttershy asked.
“It was so booring,” Pinkie Pie whined. “I had to stay behind and hand out candy all night.”
“The foals sure seemed to like it,” Applejack remarked. “There ain't one of them tykes that came through the hay ride who didn't have something nice to say about the cookies y'all made.”
“That totally makes up for missing out on all that free candy,” Pinkie Pie declared.
“Does it though?” Rainbow Dash pressed.
“It's nice to hear at least,” Pinkie Pie muttered, shrugging.
“Ahh I’ve got one,” Twilight exclaimed.
“Alright. Lay it on me!” Pinkie Pie proudly offered, extending her forehooves as if expecting a hug.
“Pinkie Pie has a perfect memory for two things. Names, and birthdays,” Twilight began.
“That she does,” Applejack agreed.
“And recipes,” Pinkie Pie added.
“And recipes,” Twilight murmured, pausing to clear her throat. “But onto my question. When you went to Yakyakistan to make friends and avoid that war you traveled with Prince Rutherford and his two guards, right?”
“Yupper doodle. They were surprisingly nice too,” Pinkie Pie declared.
“Ahh, this should be easy then. What were their names?” Twilight asked.
“I uh…. What?” Pinkie Pie murmured.
“Their names Pinkie Pie. What are their names?” Twilight pressed.
“Woah this got really intense all of a sudden,” Applejack murmured.
“No kidding,” added Rainbow Dash.
“Well go on Pinkie Pie. Tell Twilight their names,” Fluttershy encouraged.
“I… I don't remember,” Pinkie Pie muttered, grabbing at her head. “I traveled with them the whole way there! I hung out with them like, a bunch of times but I can't remember.”
“Well then what's their birthdays then?” Twilight pressed, her gaze narrowing. “Surely you remember that at least. You did say they were your friends, right?”
“They are my friends! I just… can't seem to remember their names. Or their birthdays…” Pinkie Pie whispered.
“It's okay Pinkie Pie,” Fluttershy placated, rubbing a hoof down the other mare’s side. “I’m sure you just… forgot.”
“But it's a name and a birthday! I don't forget those things. I’m Pinkie Pie!” Proclaimed the pink mare weakly, the words barely spilling past her lips.
“Okay, Twi. This whole find the changeling thing has gone on long enough. Poor Pinkie Pie is on the edge of a nervous breakdown,” Rainbow Dash stated, glaring nakedly at Twilight.
“Why mention changelings? I didn't say anything about a changeling,” Twilight retorted.
“How did I forget a birthday? I never do that,” Pinkie Pie whined, her hair falling straight while tears fell down her cheeks.
“Um, girls. I don't think that matters right now,” Fluttershy warned.
“Wait hold on. Does this mean you think we’re all changelings?” Applejack asked.
“I never said that. Why are you just assuming that everyone here is a changeling?” Twilight retorted.
“I didn't-”
“Goodness gracious,” exclaimed Rarity. “What is going on here?”
“I’m a changeling!” Cried Pinkie Pie, throwing her hooves up in the air before crumpling into a heap and sobbing quietly.
“You are not… augh. Twilight, tell Pinks she ain't a changeling,” Applejack tiredly exclaimed.
“No. Ask Rarity your question. You’re going to do it anyway. Let's squash this thing right here, right now,” Rainbow Dash retorted, cutting between the two.
“What question?” Rarity pressed, glancing expectantly at Twilight.
“Rarity,” Twilight began, rising from her couch and placing her glass of wine on the coffee table. “I’ll cut right to the chase and ask you a simple question which you should know the answer to.”
“Well go on then,” Rarity proclaimed. “If it would calm the mood then I will happily participate in this surprise quiz of yours.”
“What was the incantation for the inspiration manifestation spell?” Twilight asked.
“The what?” Rarity muttered.
“The incantation for the inspiration manifestation spell,” Twilight repeated. “Remember? You found that strange spell book in the castle of the two sisters?”
“I remember. I remember,” Rarity retorted. “It was… It was…”
“It was what… Rarity?” Twilight pressed.
“Back up,” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “Give the girl some space already.”
“I’m sure Rarity knows this. Right Rarity?” Fluttershy added, smiling nervously.
“I… I don't,” Rarity muttered after a long pause. “I can't remember a single word.”
“You aren't the only one not to remember something important,” Twilight began. “Their names were Hoops, Dumbbell, and Score by the way.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Applejack demanded.
“Those are the names of the three bullies who bothered us during that big trip to Canterlot,” Rainbow Dash answered. “That was the time when Rarity got butterfly wings and almost died.”
“Yes well. We avoided that fate, obviously,” Rarity murmured.
“I’m not sure we did,” Twilight stated.
“What you think we’re zombies or something?” Rainbow Dash demanded.
“I don't know what you all are,” Twilight replied.
“Well hold on now. Didn't the rest of us remember that stuff?” Applejack asked, glancing about the room. “I was able to recall that story like ya asked.”
“Granny Smith never planted any zap apple trees. She found them,” Twilight retorted.
“Well… but you…” Applejack paused and frowned. “That was just a bit of tricky shenanigans that don't mean nothing.”
“And Fluttershy. You had two point three wing power after your little workout,” Twilight continued.
“I knew that felt wrong,” Fluttershy murmured.
“The yak’s name was Yakatar,” Twilight pressed. “And the spell incantation is; From in the head to out in the world, every thought to action. Hold close this book and through its spell, you’ll start a chain reaction. Projecting forth whatever beauty you see. Only when true words are spoken will you finally be set free."
“Yes, that was his name!” Pinkie Pie cried. “Finally I know his name!”
“Look just because I didn't remember some silly incantation doesn't mean I’m a changeling,” Rarity stated, flipping her mane out of her face.
“I never once suggested you guys were changelings. You did that yourself,” Twilight shot back.
“Did something happen down here?” Spike asked, suddenly appearing from between two large boxes.
“Wait. Spike? You went out earlier but that means…” Twilight stopped, and stared down at the open bottle of wine Spike had handed to her only a few minutes ago. “No, not you too.”
Suddenly the lights went out and there was a crash. Followed by silence.
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