Pretty. Odd.

by Neko-sama

Rating: mature
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Shining Armor, Sex, Queen Chrysalis, Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Human
Length: 7785

What if Twilight fell in love with one love-sucking Changeling queen?

Twilight has been feeling lonely lately. With her brother off with his wife ruling an empire, and Spike missing with Krystal, she's all alone. Her friends have tried to help her, but their relationships only hurt Twilight even more. She starts to seclude herself, but when Celestia warns of Chrysalis' return, she can't think of a better person to fill the void in her heart. A demon that feeds on her love.

A/N: Humanized. I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE MUSIC, ALL RIGHTS GO TO THEIR OWNERS BLAH BLAH BLAH

Published 2013-01-21 19:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-12-08 16:27:44 UTC

I'm Not Okay (I Promise).

I'M NOT OKAY (I PROMISE)

Alone. It was an odd thing to feel. You have your entire family and plethora of friends, so a normal human grows up thinking, "Loneliness is nothing I'll have to deal with." That was a lie. Loneliness is a thing that can overtake the mightiest of them all. I knew this best. My name, Twilight Sparkle, and I was alone.

I had lost the whole feeling of having company long ago. It started with my brother going to rule an entire empire with his wife. It didn't bother me much, for I still had Spike. He was my assistant and my life-long friend. Sure, I was like his surrogate mother, but still, I knew we had some forum of feeling for each other. But even incestuously odd feelings die like the rest.

Spike was missing. He apparently ran off with some girl named Krystal. They've been looking for him, but nothing has come up.

My friends, five girls who I hold close, are also a cause of my problems. I loved them, but they all are in some forum of relationship or another. Applejack went and got laid in her barn by some Canterlot outcast named Lucky, Rainbow Dash hooked up with Rarity, Fluttershy and Big Macintosh, and Pinkie......well I really didn't know about Pinkie. She started offering something called "Pinkie Pie's Ultra Super Duper Mega-Sweet Ultimate Special Cupcakes!" ever since then, customers have been spending extensive times at Sugarcube Corner, and they've been having a lot of repeat customers.

I sighed at my friends' luck. Nobody wanted the librarian. She just sits there, alone, surrounded by literature and dust. Her pet owl had died, and her family was all off living their lives. She was a hermit. A recluse. A weirdo. A creep. I'd heard it all. I removed my glasses, and stared at the unkempt piles of books around my house. I took a deep, dust-filled, breath, and flung my wide-rimmed glasses across the room. I felt an ever-familiar wave of remorse wash over me.

"I just want to be happy!", I said to the walls, "Is that too much to ask?" I let my tears fall onto the wooden floor, but who would see them?

A knocking on my door snapped me from my floor. "Twilight? You in there? It' Rarity and Rainbow.", an English voice called. I looked to the spot where I flung my glasses, and went to retrieve them. They had landed by a pile of dust-covered books, but upon retrieving them, I was one of the lenses had broken. I put them back on the floor, and went to the door.

"Hey Twilight! How's it going?", Rainbow asked. I muttered something like "good", and invited them inside. Rarity gave a panicked shriek as she walked into the library. Rainbow and I looked at her, fearing that she had hurt herself in some forum. "Good heavens Twilight! This place looks dirtier than last time!", she whined. Rainbow walked over to her, and grabbed her hand. "Uh, babe? That's because it is messier than last time.", she said matter-of-factly.

I slumped onto the age-tortured couch, and threw my hand up. "Yeah! My house is the epitome of horrendous. Please, remind me again!", I shouted. Rarity and Dash were taken aback by my outburst. "Oh Twilight! We didn't mean it like that. In fact, that's the reason why we're here.", Rarity said. "To clean my house?", I asked. "Well, we should wait for the others.", Rainbow replied.

{(x)}

I waited for the rest of my friends to arrive. Apparently they had an intervention of some sorts planned for me. Rainbow was looking around the library, until a loud crunch stopped her weaving around the piles of books. She looked down, and saw my glasses crushed under her blue converse. "Oh my gosh! Twilight! I'm so sorry!", she exclaimed. "Save it. They were already broken.", I said. Rainbow only looked sadly at the glasses. "I still feel bad.", she muttered. Rainbow withdrew her cell phone, and called someone.

The first of the guests didn't arrive for another hour. A loud knock reverberated around the library, and Rarity went to answer it. "Ah! Fluttershy! Big Mac! How ever are you doing?", she happily said. The two looked at each other, not really deciding to talk. "Um, we're fine....", Fluttershy whispered. "Eeyup.", Big Mac Followed.

Fluttershy walked in with a white paper bag in her hands. "Oh, right.", she said to me. She gave me the bag. I opened it, and looked inside. There was a black case sitting under some papers. I withdrew the case, and opened it. There were a pair of red-rimmed glasses sitting on black fabric. "Uh, we had to get the cheapest pair, because Rainbow called us last minute so we didn't really prepare. I hope that's okay with you.", she said.

I placed them on my nose, and managed a week smile. "They're fine. Thank you Fluttershy.", I said. "So Rainbow?" She turned to look at me. "Who else are we waiting on?", I asked. "Pinkie, Applejack, and Lucky.", she responded, turning back around to stare at Rarity's butt as she picked up some old books.

Another rapid succession of knocks drew our attention back to the library's door. Mac went and opened it, and looked at an empty porch. "Uh, hello?", he said to the air. Suddenly, a pink-haired physical manifestation of ADHD popped her head down from the top of the door frame. "HELLO EVERYBODY!", she shouted. Big Mac jumped back a little at her sudden appearance.

"Did somebody call for an intervention? 'Cause I never leave home without my Intervention Cannon!", she shouted, as she presented a large, dangerous-looking, scoped rifle. "Uh, Pinkie, there wasn't a really good reason to bring a gun to this.", Rainbow remarked. Pinkie pouted as he flipped off of the door fame. "Aw man! This thing is heavy!", she said. She threw it aside, and a loud bang came from the destination of impact. "Whoops! Thought I took the real bullets out of it!" Pinkie happily skipped inside, and proceded to sit next to me on the couch.

She looked around the library, and folded her arms like she was stumped. "Where's Applejack and Lucky?", she asked, "I expected them to beat me here." Rainbow rolled her eyes, and crossed her arms. "If I know those two, they're probably busy fucking in the barn as usual.", she remarked. Big Mac stiffened up, and Rarity went over and pinched her cheek grandma-style. "Ow! Ow! Ow! Okay, okay! I'm sorry!", she screamed in pain. Rarity let go of her, and kissed the pinched area.

The atmosphere lighted up a little, and everybody shared in an awkward laugh. The laugh was cut short by yet anoter knock on the door. "Ah! That must be them.", Rarity said. She went to open the door. Standing outside was the final couple that we were waiting for. They were hunched over and panting. The smell of their body odour permeated inside the house, and they couldn't speak.

"We......were......I....we...", Applejack panted. "We slept in.", Lucky croaked. Rarity only stepped back, and let the two in. "Hey Twi!", Applejack said. I only looked at them in worry. "Do you two need a drink or something?", I asked. "Water sounds nice!", Lucky exclaimed through pants.

I went into the kitchen, and took two cups out of the sink. They had little grime on them, so they would suffice. I went to the refrigerator, and tried to use the automatic water dispenser. Much to my shock, no water came out. "That's odd.", I said to the fridge. I went to the sink to see if any water would come out of the tap. Then I lifted the handle, no water spewed forth. I put the cups back in the sink, and walked back to the living room, head hanging in shame.

"Well?", Rainbow asked when she noticed my empty hands. "They....they cut off my water.", I said to the crowd. They all looked at me in sympathy, and Rarity went up and hugged me. "Now now, darling. It's okay. This is why we're here in the first place.", she said in a hushed voice.

"Yeah", Rainbow added, "You can't keep living like this!"

"Piles of books lying around, no water, dirty dishes, and no job?", Pinkie chimed in.

"It hurts to see you like this!", Applejack exclaimed.

"So, um, that's why we want you to stay with one of us for a while.", Fluttershy mumbled.

I looked up at my five friends. I didn't know what to say; what to feel. "Uh, wow guys. That's really sweet and all, but I just don't know.", I said to my five expectant friends. Rainbow let off an angry sigh. "Bullshit Twilight! You can't live in a house with no water! You ARE living with me and Rares for a while. No question, no buts, no complaining!", she shouted, "Go pack your things!"

I only nodded, and walked up to my room.

{(x)}

The crowd of people only cast a mix of glances on Rainbow. She shifted under the sudden pressure. "What? What's so interesting all of a sudden?", she asked the staring crowd. "Well, let's see. You just yelled at a broken girl who we're trying to help with no hesitation, and invited her to stay with Little Miss Perfect and Little Miss Libido.", Applejack said to Rainbow. Rainbow rubbed her head in defeat. "Oh yeah, sorry.", she apologized.

I came downstairs with a small bag of necessities. "I'm ready to go, Rainbow.", I said looking at my floor. Rainbow came up and hugged my shoulders, and guided me to the door. "Cool! Let's get going!"

We walked out of the library as a group, and I took a final glance back at it. The oak tree that it was built into was rotting. All of it's leaves have long since abandon its branches. The windows were dirt-filled, and broken in some spots. The balcony was drooping dangerously low, and the door was filled with termites. It was in sad, sad shape, and I never wanted to go back to that place again.

"Come on, Twi. You're gonna be okay now. I swear.", Rainbow whispered in my ear. I couldn't help but not believe her. "Rainbow Dash, I'm not okay. I promise. And I'm not sure that there's much you can do to help."

Author's Note

For those of you who don't know (or who haven't played Modern Warfare 2), the gun pictured is a Cheytech M200 Intervention sniper rifle.

I will try to make every chapter title to be a song name. You know...just cause.

Hysteria

The dirt paths that carved through Ponyville were the only route to anywhere in town. As a usual path of transportation, it should be crowded with the bustling inhabitants trying to get around. SHOULD.

Today, today of all days, it was barren. The paths were completely devoid of anything living. It seemed as if I was being avoided.

The walls began their metamorphosis from safe, warm, protecting brick stacks into the cruel bars of my cage. The shock slowly set in. My breathing became more ragged, and my heart began to race inside my small chest.

I did my best to contain my panic attack. They struck on and off since I was left alone, but I had a good hold over their visible symptoms.

Okay Twilight, breathe. You can do this. In....out....in...ou-

“Twi? Are you alright?”, a voice called out in the urban desert.

‘W-w-what?”, I managed.

It was Rainbow Dash. She had a legitimate concerned look on her face. Her cerise eyes searched mine, looking for any indication of my status. I could my heart rate quicken, and my breaths became more rapid.

“Whoa! Twi!”, she exclaimed. She bolted over to me, and pulled me into a hug.

“Wha? Rainbow? I’m...fine.”, I lied.

“Shh.”, her soft voice whispered, “Look I know what’s up. You just need to breathe. We’re almost home, so let’s try to last until then.”

My eyes watered at my friend’s sudden knowledge. Someone, for once, could understand me.

“But, how long have you known?”, I asked her in the same hushed tone.

“Please, you know how stressful Wonderbolt try-outs are? Especially in front of that Lieutenant Leg Sweep. Oooh! He makes my legs feel like jelly, but that’s our secret.”

“Thanks Rainbow. It really does mean a lot to me.”

She removed her arms from around me, and gave me a reassuring rub on the head.

“Ahem! Ladies? Am I interrupting something?”, an extremely jealous Rarity intervened.

Rainbow turned to face her girlfriend with crossed arms and the dumbest grin ever.

“Oh baby, I love it when you get all jealous!”, she said.

Rarity’s normal pale complexion was dusted with a bright shade of crimson.

“What? I-I have no idea what you’re talking about!’, she protested.

“Mmmh, I just love the anger you give off when you get like this. It just sends...chills down my spine.”

Rainbow got close to Rarity, and moved a lock of hair out of her face.

“No don’t pretend that angry sex isn’t the best kind of sex.”, she whispered.

Just hearing this little talk gave me chills. As far as I was concerned, Rainbow was the queen of sexy. She could have anybody, any way she wanted, and nobody was dumb enough to deny her.

“Oooh, Rarity, keep getting mad for me.”, she whispered again.

Rainbow moved her head in, and planted a kiss on Rarity’s lips. Rarity’s eyes shot open, but soon fluttered down. A few small moans came from the kissing couple, but soon Rainbow turned around swiftly, and began to giggle.

“See Twi? That’s how you get your way! Now all we have to do is work on your sex appeal!”, she laughed.

I blushed feverishly, and turned my head to look at one of the walls on the street.

“I-I have sex appeal!”, I bitterly protested. Rainbow elicited another amused laugh.

“Right! The whole ‘introvert, hermit librarian chick with nobody keeping her company’ thing definitely leaves lady stains in my panties!”

She walked over to me, and wrapped one of her arms around my shoulders.

“Come on, we’ll work on it at home!”

And Rainbow laughed the whole way there........

Carousel Boutique was, of course, spotless as usual. It’s bleached exterior and purple trim was practically glowing in the dim sunlight. The windows were crystal-clear, exposing the intricate designs within the store.

“Ah! Home sweet home!”, Rarity exclaimed as she walked up to her home. She went into her expensive-looking purse, and withdrew an equally gaudy key. She unlocked the door, and gestured us in.

“You can put your bag down in the guest room.”, Rainbow said as she entered the store, “It’s upstairs, second room on the right.”

I marched up the stairs, suitcase in hand, and looked for the indicated room. True to her word, I found my new room with ease. I opened the door, and admired the sight.

More like a prison., I mentally jested.

A small sliver of sunlight peaked between the closed lace drapes, white as well. I pulled them open, and two identical golden hooks, shaped like ivy branches, were nailed to the sides of the window to hold the drapes in place.

Whatever sun could peek through the cloud cover entered the room, brightening the violet walls.

“Much better.”, I said to the empty room.

“Knock, knock!”, a voice called from behind the closed door.

“Come in.”

Rainbow entered the room, looking around the place.

“Man, it’s been awhile since I’ve been in here.”, she said, “Say! I wonder if they’re still here!”

She moved over to the closet, and pushed to the back wall. She put her hand to the wall, and a small square of it pushed in. The square retracted up, and revealed a small compartment.

“Whoa, what’s that for?”, I asked.

“It’s from when Rarity’s parents lived here. Sweetie Belle was just a baby, and Rarity was making a real name for herself, so her dad got all paranoid. He bought a gun, and stored it here.”, she explained.

“When they moved out, they took the gun with them, and just left the space here. I used it to hide-These!”

Rainbow removed a 1” black binder, and put it on the bed. She lifted the cover, and revealed an impressive collection of photos.....all of Wonderbolt members.

“Cool, I guess. But why hide them?”, I asked.

“‘Cause they don’t know these exist.”, Rainbow stated bluntly.

I nodded my head in complete disbelief, and dropped the subject. Rainbow took the binder under her arm, and looked back at me.

“Dinner’s ready if you’re hungry. See you downstairs.”, she said, and left the room.

“Ah Twilight! Come, join us! I hope you don’t mind pizza. Someone forgot that it was her turn for dinner duty.”, Rarity said, glaring at Rainbow.

Rainbow rubbed her head in embarrassment, and took a seat. I sat across from Rarity at the square table.

“You like Meat Lovers’, right?”, Rainbow asked with a smirk.

“It’s fine.”, I reassured the not-concerned Rainbow, and took a piece of the pizza.

I went through four slices, before the somewhat weird silence was broken.

“Okay, now that you ate some my food, I think it’s time we set up some ground rules.”, Rarity said.

I nodded, and waited for the law to be laid.

“Don’t worry, they’re pretty mundane in my opinion.”, she said, “Rule 1: Do not bother me during a consultation. Those are the framework of my career, having a roommate or a lewd girlfriend interrupting one could ruin me.”

“Okay, that’s fine.” I said.

“Number two, please inform me if you....have a ‘friend stay the night’......actually, just tell Rainbow, I have no desire to know.”

I nodded in confirmation.

“Three............

“Number 107, please never wear the colour-”

“OKAY ALREADY!”, Rainbow snapped, “I think she gets it.”

Rarity looked hurt, and shot Rainbow a mean look.

“Fine Rainbow, if you want to make rules, please, go ahead!”, she said, turning her nose away from Rainbow.

“Okay, rule 1, don’t be an ass. There, all covered!”, Rainbow said with a childishly accomplished grin on her face.

“Um, it’s getting kinda late.”, I piped up, “I think I’ll be off to bed now.”

I left the two at the table, and returned to my room, hoping to escape whatever wrath may occur in that small dining room.

I put on some basic sleepwear, and rummaged around in the swamp of clothes. After a nice session of deep-sea diving, I found what I was looking for. A small purple picture album.

The ends were starting to wear, and the star on the cover, the Sparkle family symbol, was faded to near invisibility. I’ve had possession of it since my birth, and nothing will separate me from it.

I lifted the cover, and began to leaf through the 21 years of memories that were within.

The first few were of my mother holding me as a young infant, shortly after my birth. She looked so happy, having a daughter of her own. If only she could see me now.

I continued my dark journey down memory lane, flipping through more of the book.

A few of the pictures were of my and Shining doing all sorts of things, playing in the park, eating at restaurants, blowing out birthday candles, and the occasional group photo of him, me, and Cadence.

My stomach began to feel sick as I looked at the memories came back to me.

I just wish I could go back to this. The good times., I thought.

Further on, I found some pictures of Spike and I, young as ever. I can still remember the day I got him.

{<^/>}

It was my entrance exam to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The sick administrators stole a dormant new-born Drakon, and ordered me to rouse him. Of course back then, I had no idea what they did.

I tried my best to wake the small child. I pushed myself to my limits, but no matter how hard I tried, no magic would spring from my hands. After another minute of trying, my head began to ache, and I just.....quit.

The administrators were writing down my failure, but as if by divine chance, an explosion sounded throughout Canterlot. My parents panicked, and the guards primed their rifles, awaiting an attack. Instead of hiding in dread, I looked out the window.

A beautiful, shockwave-shaped rainbow spread throughout the sky. Then I felt it. A strange electricity spread throughout me, and beams of magic flew out in every directions. I turned the Drakon child into a more terrifying form, suspended the administrators in the air, turned my parents into plants (which for a child my age was pretty funny), and the guards’ rifles flew off.

This strange magical phenomenon was only good for a second. Spike began to rampage, headed for the unarmed guards, and cracks opened in the walls. I feared the destruction of the school, until a hand rested on my shoulder.

It was none other than Princess Celestia. Just seeing her shocked me out of whatever form of hell I had created. Spike turned back into a child, now awake, and my parents were back to their usual forms.

“I’m so sorry.”, I whispered.

“Sorry for what? Performing some of the most advanced magic in existence, or getting your cutie mark?”, Princess Celestia said.

I gave her a quizzical look. I pulled back my waistband, and sure enough, a six-pointed star was burned on my bum. I cheered loudly, and enjoyed my new accomplishment.

“Now.”, Celestia spoke up, “What to do about the Drakon?”

Spike looked up at her, and began to crawl over to me. I knelt down to look at him. He put out one of his hands, and I took it in my much bigger one.

A searing pain spread through my arm, and an odd crest was burned onto my hand.

“Ow! What was that for!”, I said with small tears in my eyes.

“He’s chosen you as his guardian.”, Celestia explained, “He is a part of your family now, the Noble Drakon Code decrees it. But that won’t be a problem the caretakers here can help you.”

“Wha?”, I said in disbelief. There’s no way I could have....

“Welcome to Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns Twilight Sparkle.”

{<^/>}

Tears began to spill at the memories swirling in my head. I looked at my left hand, and could see the scar of the crest, still white as it was when I was eight. It was my constant reminder of my responsibility as Spike's surrogate mother.

I closed the book, blocking the loving pain of the photos. My head hit the pillow, and my tears washed me to sleep.

I slowly aroused to the pitch black of Luna’s night. I looked around the room for any indication of the time. On the nightstand next to me, a small digital clock was sitting resolute, displaying the time in green numbers.

It read 3:23. I groaned in frustration, and tried to fall back asleep, but my bladder had other plans.

I put my feet on the carpet, and moved to the bathroom. The last time I was here, I remembered that the bathroom being the first door on the left. I did my best to get to the bathroom, and opened the door. However, there was no porcelain bowl and sink in the room, only a bed.

A bed on which two women were making love. The two were completely naked, and from what I could tell, Rarity was buried in Rainbow’s crotch.

There was moaning, panting, and a whole lot of sweat.

“Oooh, Rarity! Just like that!”, Rainbow moaned.

I couldn’t tell you why I just stood there and watched. Maybe I was shocked, or maybe I was embarrassed, but I knew both were untrue.

I was aroused.

A heat began to form in my gut, and spread down to my thighs. I started to shiver, and my hand traced down my body.

No! What are you doing! These are your best friends! They’re like your sisters! How could you....touch yourself to them!

The answer was obvious, it was because I liked it.

I feared the worse, but thank Celestia someone stopped me.

“Twilight is that you?”, Rainbow piped up.

Rarity shot up, and a strand of saliva or something else snapped from the distance.

“Oh gosh! I’m so sorry!”, I exclaimed with a heavy blush.

“You’re welcome to join in!”, Rainbow said with a sultry glance.

“What?!”, Rarity and I said in tandem.

“I.....I think I’m gonna stay with Applejack for a while.”, I said.

With that, I turned out of the room, grabbed my bags, and marched to Sweet Apple Acres.

I knocked several times on the farmhouse door, waiting for someone to answer. I gave a few more knocks, and the door swung open.

But no person greeted me, only the barrel of a revolver.

“Oh! Twi, is that you?”, a southern voice asked.

“Y-yeah. Would you mind...?”, I replied.

“Ah, sorry.”, Applejack said, lowering the gun, “Ahm not used ta’ late guests. So what brings ya out here?”

“I.....saw too much?”, I tried.

“Ah understand.”, Applejack said bluntly, “Come on in, ya can crash with me.”

At the breakfast table, I explained my whole situation to Applejack.

“Ah gotcha’, Twi. Ya’ can stay as long ah ya like, just as long as ya pull yer own weight.”

I nodded, and accepted my new home.

As I was clearing my place, a knock sounded on the door.

“Ah got it!”, Aj announced.

I looked to the door to see the guest.

“Uh, Twi? It’s for ya.”

I walked up to the living room, and saw a royal guard, clad in golden officer’s armour, standing there.

“Are you Twilight Sparkle?”, he asked.

I nodded, fear pooling in my stomach.

“Princess Celestia requests your presence on an urgent matter, regarding your brother

and Queen Chrysalis.”

My jaw dropped, and I ran out the door to gather everyone.

Author's Note

I'M BACK BITCHES!

Today's song: Hysteria by Muse off of their album: Absolution

Sorry this took so long, I had to re-do the entire chapter due to ultimate suckiness.

{<^/>} = Flashback

The Beast and The Harlot

THE BEAST AND THE HARLOT

Dedicated to DeamoN67, your help will not be in vain my friend...

“But I don’t get it,” Pinkie burst out. “I thought your brother and Cadence whipped that meanie Chrysalis’ butt all the way to the Badlands!”

“I don’t understand either,” I replied. “But what’s most important is that we make sure everyone is okay. If it’s nothing, we leave.”

I leaned back into my seat in the train car, and glanced out at the passing countryside. The ride to the Crystal Empire was a long one, but at least the seats were comfortable. The green fields rolled by at a rapid pace. Watching the scenery on long trips usually staved off the insanity of boredom on long travels, but today it wasn't a good option.

I looked back at the girls. They all had some way to occupy themselves as the train trundled on to the snow-covered Northern Reach.

Rainbow Dash was resting her head on Rarity’s shoulder, muttering something softly to her as Rarity ran her fingers through her hair. Fluttershy was immersed in a book about advanced animal breeding, for Celestia knows why. She had mentioned something about Angel when she checked it out, but something in my gut told me that this went deeper than that.

Applejack shook her head as the train passed the FlimFlamCo’s orchards. Their Cider Processing Plants billowed thick black smoke into the open air, casting a grey haze over the once majestic countryside.

“Can you believe this Twi?” Applejack said, anger riding on her words. “Those two bozos come in, take some poor fool’s land, and build their damn factories ta poison the air. Is that not just a load of horse shit?”

I looked back at her, and saw the fury in her eyes. I couldn't help but take her side in the fight. Flim and Flam were only in Ponyville for a few days, and in that short time, they tried to kick The Apples out of town.

“I guess, but I can’t really take sides here. I don’t know much about agriculture,” I confessed.

“Psh, I guess you’re right. Ah was stupid for thinking that you’d get what I’m talking about,” she said.

She had an air of self-pity around her, and she looked back at the passing plains. I felt bad for her, but I guess it’s hard to understand another’s pain when you knew nothing about it. A feeling I knew too well. I dropped the conversation, not wanting to coax any anger from Applejack.

I searched around the car to see what Pinkie was up to, but found no sign of her. I leaned over to Fluttershy, and tore her from her book.

“Have you seen Pinkie around?,” I asked her.

Her once concentrated face contorted into an expression of worry.

“Oh no, Twilight,” she said in her usual quiet voice. “I can’t say I have.”

I allowed her to return to her book, and I went to search for Pinkie. I wandered around our train car, only to lead to the door to the rest of the train. The next train car was full of passengers and tourists alike, all wishing to reach their destination at their earliest convenience. For a large collection of impatient people, the silence was the most shocking part. Nobody seemed interested in each other. The children were either asleep or playing travel games. The adults huffed in frustration while their kids got too loud or rude, scolding them when this happened.

A stewardess was standing near the entrance of the car with a plastic smile molded on her face. Her back was inhumanly straight, and her eyes seemed to have glazed over.

“Um, excuse me, Ms.,” I said with a small voice. “Have you seen my friend? She’s about yay tall, pink hair, ADHD, among other odd characteristics.”

“Oh, ma’am,” she said in one of the most rehearsed voices that’s ever hit my ears “I have seen your....colorful friend! She’s moved back to the food car, and she mentioned something about the chefs. Is there anything I can help you with?”

You can get a personality, that’s a start, I thought.

“No, thank you,” I replied, hurrying away from that...thing.

True to the stewardess-thing’s word, the food car was all the way at the end of the line of train cars. As the food car came within view, I could already hear the clamor coming from the other side of the metal door. If there was one way to describe the noise, it was like if a train hit a raging bull.

“No, no, no, no, no, NO!” something from the other side shouted. “You’re doing it all wrong!”

I threw open the door, only to see an enraged Pinkie looming over a trio of traumatized bakers.

“P-p-p-please Ms. Pinkie!” one of the three men shouted. “W-we’ll try harder! Just don’t hurt us!”

“What in Equestria is going on in here?” I shouted, grabbing Pinkie’s attention.

“Oh! Hi Twilight, what’s up?” she said. All traces of anger were gone from her words, and she now was wearing her typical Pinkie Pie smile.

“Well for one, why are you holding bakers hostage?” I asked.

“Oh! It’s because,” she turned to face the bakers, “These fools can’t bake worth two bits! I mean, ten bits for this!”

She threw down one of the cupcakes for sale. It hit the floor, and splattered like any other baked good would.

“Uh, Pinkie? What am I missing here?” I said with a heavy amount of confusion.

“Silly Twilight, what aren't you missing? Can’t you see? It’s got too much sugar and it’s WAY too moist. Those guys think they can call themselves bakers when they can’t even make a simple cupcake? I mean who does that ‘cause I don’t and honestly I can’t name anyone who does except maybe little baby Pumpkin. Oh! She’s sooooooo cute when she bakes even though she-”

“I understand!” I snapped. “Uh, I mean, I get what you’re saying. I’ll leave you to this...work.”

“Okie dokie lokie Twilight!” she said with glee. “And you three! Get back to work!”

I slipped out of the car before any of the yelling got too severe.

This is going to be a long ride, I thought.

The warming light of the Crystal Empire came within view after a LONG four hours after Pinkie’s baking incident. But there was something off about the light. The usual blue glow of the barrier was darker, and more foreboding. It was muddy in colour, and no longer looked safe to cross through.

“What’s going on Twilight?” Rainbow asked.

“I have no idea, Rainbow. I've never sensed such...power in a spell before,” I said, “But I know that this isn’t my brother’s power alone.”

The train car passed through the barrier, and I felt chills run over my entire body, almost like they were looking for something. My gut and hands also began to burn a little, more than likely from the strong concentration of magic in the shield. I could feel many different sources of magic contribution got the barrier around the Empire.

“I think there may be something really wrong girls,” I said to the other five, “But I’m sure if we remain calm and listen to instructions, everyth-”

“WE’RE ALL GONNA GET KILLED BY CHANGELINGS! RUN!”, Pinkie shouted to the entire train.

The people on board began to all run and scream, all now fearing for their lives.

“What’s going on in here?!”, a very authoritative voice shouted, “Everybody STOP!”

The people stopped their stampede, and looked at the owner of the voice. His golden armor and helmet all reflected their shock at the sudden outburst.

“I need you all to calm down! My name is Commander Ironsides, and I’m looking for the following people!”, he shouted above the murmuring.

He removed a scroll from his waist, and unrolled it.

“I will need the following people to exit the train immediately and report to The Princess’s castle!”, he boomed, “Ms. Applejack, Ms. Rarity, Ms. Rainbow Dash, Ms. Fluttershy, Ms. Pinkie Pie, and Ms. Twilight Sparkle. That is all!”

We all looked at each other before exiting the train. I had a sick feeling brewing in my stomach.

Whatever this is, it can’t be good.

I walked through the crystal hallways of the castle, following the escort of guards to our destination. The guards of the palace all seemed on edge, looking for even the slightest excuse to attack an offender.

“If you don’t mind me asking, where are we going?”, I asked one of the guards.

“I’m sorry Ms. Sparkle, but I am not at liberty to answer that question.”, he replied.

“Can you tell me who needs us?”

“No”

“Why there’s a magic shield around the city?”

“N-”

“Or why my brother sent me a distress letter? Or why the guard is up so much? Or why-”

“Ms Sparkle!”, Commander Ironsides snapped, “All will be revealed in due time. So please keep you questioning at a bearable minimum!”

He continued his brisk pace to our destination, not even missing a step due to yelling. While he wasn’t looking, I stuck my tongue out at the back of his head.

“I’m sorry,” one of the guards whispered to me, “That’s just old Ironsides. He’s like that to everybody!”

I turned to look at him. All I could really see was his eyes, but they had some of the most beautiful I had ever seen. They were a swirling sea of royal blue that could woo even Rarity.

“It’s okay, I’m just a little nervous is all,” I replied.

“Don’t be, I heard that it’s just a small disturbance, so what ever The Captain needs can-”

“FLASH SENTRY!”, Ironsides boomed again, “Are you talking to the VIPs?!”

“I was, uh-”

“It’s a yes or no answer cadet!”

“Yessir.”

“And what would possess you to do such a thing?”

“She was-”

“WRONG ANSWER! Unsat fail boy! You’ll be sure to pay for that later!”

“Yessir”, Flash Sentry sighed, and then looked back ahead.

I leaned over to Applejack, not looking away from the commander.

“He could stand to be a little nicer,” I whispered.

“Ah know, but it’s better we keep our noses outta it”, she replied.

“Ms. Sparkle, even though you are a guest here, I also expect you to respect my position of command,” Ironsides said without looking back.

This got me to a point where my anger boiled over.

“Well then ‘mister commander sir!’, I think you should know that in the past day I was evicted from my house, had a meltdown in the town square, watched two of my best friends have sex, and NOW I’m being dragged to some war meeting I know nothing about! So, I expect YOU to respect my position on life right now, SIR!”

Flash Sentry flinched, and Ironsides stopped walking. He turned around to face me, and walked up to me. He leaned over, and put his face close enough to mine that I could feel the stench from his breath.

“Look here you pretentious little bi-”

“Commander Ironsides!”, a familiar voice called into the hallway, “I know you aren't kissing my sister, so care to explain why you need to be that close to her?”

I looked over the commanders shoulder, and saw my brother standing with his arms crossed at the end of the hallway. His expression didn't reflect it, but I knew from years of living with him, that he was livid.

“Well, Captain Armor, I was just informing Ms. Sparkle about the system of command we have around here, sir,” he said.

“So why did I hear you yelling?”

“Well, sir, Flash Sentry was breaking the regulations of this escort, sir.”

“And that requires my sister’s discipline, why?”

“She was questioning my authority in front of my squad sir.”

“Right, so let me get this straight. My sister was being so rambunctious and so snotty that you yelled at Flash and got in her face. Correct me if I’m wrong.”

“Well, sir, that’s not entirely accurate. Ms. Sparkle was in fact being quite rude th-”

“You liar!”, I shouted at him, “You were mad at me for whispering!”

“Oh-ho-ho!”, my brother shouted mockingly, “The truth is revealed! What was that you said to Flash? 'Unsat fail'? I like that! Unsat fail Lieutenant Ironsides. Please return to the barracks now. This is my escort.”

Ironsides knew better than to argue, and walked away as calmly as he could. My brother walked over to us, and patted Flash Sentry on the shoulder

“You can forget about anything he said, Sargent Sentry. You have to be the only one who can put up with him without wanting a transfer. You earned those chevrons soldier!”, my brother said proudly.

“Well, uh, thank you a whole lot sir! I’m glad someone appreciates me!’, Flash Sentry said proudly

“The rest of you are free to leave,” Shining said to them.

The guards all walked back down the hallway, patting Flash on the back and ruffling his hair.

“Sorry about Ironsides,” Shining said, “ He can be a real unlikable martinet sometimes. He didn't hurt you right?”

“He’s just lucky he didn't get the chance to say anymore! You little sister would have ripped him a new one!”, I said in my best bravado.

He chuckled lightly, and wrapped one of his muscular arms around my shoulder.

“Wouldn't want that now would we?”, he joked, “Come on, Cadence is dying to see you!”

Shining guided me into the throne room, where our meeting was going to take place. Sitting on the throne made up of gleaming blue crystals, was not only my sister, but one of my best friends: Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.

“Cadence!” I shouted in glee as I ran toward the throne to greet her.

“No! Twilight, wait!”, she shouted, but her effort was in vain.

My elated strides were interrupted by a wall of magical energy hitting me dead on. I was met by a strong electric shock, and flew back a couple of feet, landing hard on my butt.

“I’m so sorry Twilight!”, Cadence said, getting up from her throne, “Things have been a little...different around here recently.”

Cadence walked towards the now visible wall of magic energy, and as she passed through it, it lowly faded away.

“What’s going on?”, I asked her as she helped me up.

“Well Twilight, I think it’s better we discuss the matter in...private,” Cadence said softly.

“Right,” Shining said as the group waited outside of a magically sealed door, “I’m sure this doesn't have to be said, but anything you see in there must never leave the room. Is that understood?”

The group nodded in agreement...well, all but Pinkie. She had her arm raised like an impatient schoolkid. She was bouncing and making “ooh!” noises in an attempt to get my brother’s attention. Shining sighed like a defeated father, and pointed to her.

“Is it supplies for a surprise party?!”, Pinkie shouted gleefully.

“Party supp-”

“Because I can throw a super-mega-incredible-quickie surprise party in like no time flat, so if it’s party supplies I can toatlly-”

“Uh, Pinkie?”, Applejack interrupted, “Ah don’t think they’re hiding highly classified party supplies.”

Pinkie’s shoulders slouched, and she hung her head down by her knees.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right, “ she said glumly.

“Are you ever going the door, or are we all just gonna sit here and talk party supplies?!”, Rainbow Dash snapped.

She looked around alertly, and realized that her cranky thoughts had manifested themselves.

“Opps,” she said, a bright blush burning on her face.

Shining shrugged, and pointed one of his hands at the sealed door. A bright purple beam of magic hit the door, and a large lock, almost the size of the entire door, materialized. The keyhole on the lock shimmered brightly, until the whole lock released and it disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

Shining walked over to the door, and opened it cautiously. He peered inside, and stepped back.

“If you’d all step inside, we can begin,” he said, scanning the halls around us.

I walked in first, and looked around the room. It was much larger than what the door revealed. The light on the ceiling were removed, and instead large surgical lights were the only source of vision in the room. There were no windows, furniture, or even places to store a torch.

In the center of the room, a tone table sat flanked by a variety of medical supplies. I could hear the rhythmic beeps of the heartbeat monitor beginning to match the throbbing in my head. The tablet, however, wasn’t only occupied by machinery.

In the center of the tablet, a girl lied unmoving in the darkness of the room. Her clothes had been removed, and not even a hospital gown was spared to conceal her nudity.

I took a few careful steps toward her, hoping that what I was seeing wasn’t another nightmare come alive. With every step I took, the throbbing in my head intensified, and the drone of the monitor grew louder.

The girl’s hands twitched ever so slightly, and her eyes stared unblinking at the ceiling. Her irises were stained a glowing lime green, and her pupils were dilated to an almost unhealthy size.

Her lips were pale and were cracked with the arid air in the room. Out of the corner of her mouth, a small dry trickle of some unknown liquid had dried a dark green; an almost muddier shade than her eyes.

Looking down her body, my eyes locked on her neck. A large, blood-soaked bandage was sealed to the side of her neck, and desperately needed changing.

“W...what happened here?”, I asked in absolute dread, “Who is this girl?”

The others came and stood by me, and all had their own reactions of dread to the...corpse lying on the stone tablet.

“A maid,” Cadence said, her eyes reflecting a dire state of seriousness, “She was found like this two days ago.”

“Why is she all...well, dead?”, Rainbow asked, her eyes not leaving the nude maid.

“I can assure you she isn’t dead,” Shining chimed in, “She’s in what the doctors are claiming is an ‘intentionally induced coma’. Caused by this.”

Shining held up a clear medical vile. It was filled almost to the brim in a glowing green liquid.

“This was found in her room. Our best team of scientists couldn’t tell us what it was, but I have a good idea...”

“Love,” I finished, “It’s a liquid state of a person’s emotion of love.”

“Yep,” he said, and levitated the vile over towards me, “And with an unfortunate amount of personal experience, I know that the only creatures alive with the capability to draw it out are Changelings.”

The room chilled out at the mention of the stealthy parasites.

“We’ve labeled her Patient Zero of what I’m calling ‘Love Deficiency’. We caught a lucky one here. As far as I know...too much stolen from your body and...”

“You die,” I said, hollowness reaching my mind, “So what are we gonna do?”

“Well right now,” Cadence said clearing her throat, “We have no idea how many Changelings are hiding in the city, but we do know one thing.”

“An’ what’ll that be?”, Applejack asked.

“That Chrysalis is here, hiding in the city.”

“How can you be so sure?”, Rarity asked, “Surely it can’t be something that serious!”

“She left a note,” Shining said starkly.

Shining held out one of his hands, and a folded piece of blood-stained paper appeared in his hand. He levitated it over to me, and I unfolded it.

Hand over Twilight Sparkle and the rest of The Elements of Harmony to me, or your precious city will burn and you wife will suffer.

Much love, Chrysalis.

Author's Note

Today's song: The Beast and The Harlot by Avenged Sevenfold off of their album City of Evil.

You're gonna hate me, but I have to do this..

Why?

My Chemical Romance
2001-2013