The Orb of Revelation

Chapter 3: I Spy, Without My Eyes...

“Good morning my love,” Rarity purred as she stroked Twilight mane, the early morning sun flitting in to greet her.

Twilight groaned as she opened her eyes, though the light was not as bright as she would have thought. But the floor was still much too hard for her abused back. “A very good morning to you too my Rare Bear. Oh, ouch. My back...”

Rarity giggled, as she nudged Twilight. “Here my love, roll onto your tummy. I’ll take care of you.”

“I don’t see how this will-” Twilight began while Rarity put two hooves on her back, and pushed down hard on two specific spots, near the barrel and the hock. “Gah! Ouch!”

“Oh quit being such a little baby, Twilight.”

“That- that... feels amazing,” Twilight gasped, flexing her back. “Where did you learn that?”

“ I've been seeing a chiropractor for years actually. So many hours spent hunched over a sewing machine.” Rarity dutifully informed.

“I think I’ll have you do that once a week now. Oh wow,” Twilight purred, feeling like a foal again.

“I thought you would like that,” Rarity giggled, then finally stood up. “Come on love, I’ll cook you breakfast.”

“That sounds- Spike!” Twilight gasped, sitting up. “I forgot about Spike last night!”

“Oh dear,” Rarity gasped. “Go ahead Twilight. I’ll be over with breakfast in a little bit.”

“Thanks,” Twilight smiled as she stood up and kissed Rarity goodbye. But the lavender mare stopped dead seeing the state of Rarity’s shop. We did this, last night... We- we did it last night. How? I was in control of myself up until then. But Rarity just- she’s like an infection. She got into me, and now I've come down with Rarititus.

“Oh my!” Rarity gasped, seeing her shop torn up so. “If I didn't know better, I would think I had been robbed!”

“I’ll help you clean up,” Twilight offered.

“Why? So we can wreck it again? No no, I've gotten well versed at cleaning my shop after a visit from the Cutie Mark Crusaders. There’s no need to worry yourself Twilight.”

“I insist,” Twilight smiled. She felt like a new mare whenever Rarity was near, and now she knew why, she was in love. So Twilight stepped over the broken crystal vase as she made her way out, promising to come back later with Rarity. She made her way down the street, though soon enough she was stopped by a pounding headache, the sun growing about twice as bright.

“Oh, ouch,” Twilight laughed off her pain as she walked into a store and bought some cheap sunglasses to help her coupe. She made her way to the library, where she was relieved to see the light was much more forgiving than the outside. She took off her glasses, just in time to hear an angry dragon snort.

“You look pale,” Spike noted, nodding to Twilight.

“I feel pale. Sorry I left you here alone,” Twilight offered, and was happy to see Spike finally lighten up.

“Don’t be. Best night sleep I've had in awhile,” Spike waved off. “But I have to ask, did you tell Rarity the truth, that you don’t love her?”

“Actually, I did the opposite Spike,” Twilight smiled, sitting down at the table. “I told her I love her. I meant it too. I- I fell in love with her last night, Spike...”

“Twilight?”

“It’s- it’s complicated, Spike.”

“But you truly love her?” Spike asked, coming close to Twilight.

“I think so. I have no idea what love is, tell the truth, but I like how Rarity makes me feel. And how I can make her feel. All I know now is that I want to make Rarity happy.”

“I hate to say it Twilight, but your accident may be the best thing to ever happen to Rarity.” Spike grumbled, forcing himself to say it. “I don’t like it, but if you promise me to always treat Rarity with the grace and respect she deserves, I support you two.”

“Thank you Spike,” Twilight said hugging the small dragon. “That means a lot to me. And Rarity too, I’m sure.”

“Don’t go rubbing it in,” Spike groaned. “Do you need anything?”

“A shower.” Twilight laughed.

“Yeah, no kidding. Your fur is all matted and to be honest, you smell like sweat.”

“Yeah, long night,” Twilight grumbled. Twilight happily washed away the sins of last night, and took her time getting ready, trying to style her mane a bit like Rarity had yesterday.

“Oh, hey Pinkie,” Spike greeted. Twilight found it odd that she could hear him so well. The soundproofing charm I put up must be wearing down again. Shoot, Spike probably heard me singing ‘Don’t stop believing’ then.

“Hey Spike. Is Twilight around?”

“Yeah, she’s in the shower. I’ll call-”

“No. I actually wanted to talk to you Spike,” Pinkie softly said, as Twilight pressed her head up against the door to hear. She wished she could see them, but how? Ho- Wait, I have crystal earrings in my jewelry box...

Twilight floated out the pair of studs, sad they were so small, but able to use them regardless. She focused her magic and found the resonance. just hopping the spell worked backwards as well. Soon enough, her field of view exploded, as if she was now standing in the common room, but with no sound other than what she could hear through the door.

“I don’t understand,” Spike said as Pinkie swept him up into a hug.

“Spike, I know you don’t, and I’m afraid no pony is going to take the time to explain this too you properly. What do you understand of Twilight and Rarity?” Twilight felt her heart climb into her throat. Was this really happening?

“They love each other. I made peace with that recently, as Twilight assured me she really does love Rarity.” Bless you Spike!

“I know. But I understand if you feel hurt and sad. I know you had a huge crush on Rarity.”

“Yeah,” Spike nodded. “I did. I do. I don’t know...”

“Shh,” Pinkie said as she hugged Spike again, stroking his spines. “It’s alright Spike. I understand, all too well.”

“You do?” Spike sniffed, fighting back tears.

“Yeah. I had a little thing with for a colt back home years ago. I found out last month he was getting married, and I still loved him. I wanted to tell him, but I didn't, because I knew he didn't love me like that. Rarity is the same. She loves you like a little brother, but that’s not the way you love her.”

“I get that now. Thanks Pinkie. You’re really smart,” Spike nodded.

“Thanks. I have a way with kids. I’m actually so socially awkward with adults, I act all zany and kiddish to cope with my stress,” Pinkie sighed, and for the first time ever, Twilight could see years in Pinkie’s face. “Twilight! How long have you been standing there?!” Twilight freaked out, and threw the earrings as Pinkie caught her red hooved. Wait, that’s not right. I’m still in the bathroom...

Twilight quickly put away her earrings, and headed out, blushing enough for everypony. “Sorry about eavesdropping...”

“Twilight, you were in the bathroom?” Pinkie asked, looking like she had seen a ghost. “Are you doing time travel again?!”

“No. I didn’t realize I had managed a projection spell. I was just using some new crystal magic I learned...”

“Wow, that’s neato!” Pinkie sang, acting more like herself. “So how does it work?”

Twilight smiled, and opened her mouth before Spike jumped in. “It shares the light from one place to another.”

“No sound?” Pinkie asked the now angry Twilight. She would have been much more specific.

“Not that we have found at this time,” Twilight sighed.

“Huh, I’ll write to my friend Vinyl. She’s a wiz at sound magic,” Pinkie nodded. “Cause if you get this thingy to work, we can watch the Canterlot hoofball games like we’re actually there!”

“That’s just what I said!” Spike smiled happily.

“Great. Forget the educational value of it,” Twilight growled as she covered the orb with a blanket. Knowing it worked both ways suddenly made Twilight very security conscious. She would ask Cadence today for any more information that they may have.

“Knock knock,” A songbird voice called out, catching everypony’s attention. “Sorry, the door was open.”

“No, no... it’s okay Rarity,” Twilight blushed. She looked magnificent today.

“Are you alright Rarity? You look different?” Spike asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m only wearing light makeup today,” She blushed. “Am I not beautiful still, my little Spikey-Wikey?”

“I've just never seen you without any I guess,” Spike muttered, looking down. I loved the Show Rarity, not the real Rarity... How did it take me this long to figure that out?

“I think you look amazing,” Twilight said breathlessly.

“Thank you my love,” Rarity smiled.

“You look younger,” Pinkie smiled and nodded. “That has to be a special talent.”

“Thank you darling,” Rarity giggled. “I customized my makeup to pronounce my maturity. I've always had a very young face though.”

“You look like the real you,” Twilight said, “And I love the real you.” Wow Twilight? Cheesy much?

“Thank you Love. Here, I made breakfast, enough for Twilight, Spike, and myself,” Rarity frowned. “I’m sorry Pinkie, I was not expecting you here...”

“It’s okay, I already ate with the Cakes this morning anyways.”

“Oh wonderful. Would you like to stay and have something to drink?” Rarity offered, and Twilight nearly visibly swooned. I love her generous nature, her tact and poise with everypony. She’s amazing...

“Yeah, I’ll take a cup of coffee,” Pinkie smiled.

“No Pinkie. You’re still banned from coffee by the Ponyville PD,” Twilight corrected.

“That’s so rotten,” Pinkie pouted, “It was decaf too...”

With her marefriend and regular friend seen off, Twilight set to work trying to understand the orb again. Now she sought to see if she could lock the orb so no pony could access it without knowing the proper counterspell. An easy charm, normally, but today it failed Twilight as the orb just absorbed the magic.

“Damn you, you giant glass ball!” Twilight screamed in frustration.

“Damn what now?” Rainbow Dash asked from the window. Do I have a sign up to just come on in?... Oh, wait, I live in a public building, that’s right... “What is that thing?”

“I’m not 100% certain. What I do know is that it’s a crystal ball that transmits images from one crystalline structure to itself and vise versa.”

Rainbow blinked slowly as Twilight’s words ran straight into one ear and out the other. “Spike?”

“It shows pictures from one crystal to another,” Spike simplified.

“Pfft, like anypony needs that,” Rainbow laughed. “Wait, any crystal?”

“Yes,” Twilight growled. She knew right where this was heading, too.

“Let’s use it real fast to spy on Fluttershy,” Rainbow smiled as she hopped in the window and right next to Twilight. Oh, not quite what I thought... “Her birthday is coming up and I have no clue what to get her.”

“Well, I’d really hate to invade Fluttershy’s privacy...” Twilight resisted.

“Like you did Pinkie’s and mine?” Spike asked. “Or Rarity’s last night?”

“Twilight, you diamond dog,” Rainbow snickered.

“It’s not like that,” Twilight scoffed. “I just happened to see the dinner she was planning.”

“Mmhmm. I’ll keep quiet about it if you hook me up with a glimpse,” Rainbow offered.

“Blackmail, great,” Twilight snorted as she powered up the ball. “Do you know what crystal objects she might have?”

“Um... oh yeah. A crystal picture frame on her mantel. I think her grandma gave it to her,” Rainbow nodded. Soon enough, Twilight focused in on the mentioned piece, but found her view was obscured.

“I think it’s dirty...” Twilight said.

“That sucks. She loved her grandma,” Rainbow frowned. “Oh, that’s right, her grandma passed away around this time three years ago. Fluttershy must be so depressed.”

“Maybe that’s what she needs, a friend to come over and help her out,” Twilight nodded slowly. “I know she would appreciate the company. You could bring her some grapes too, she likes those to snack on.”

“Na, she really likes almonds. She was just being nice Twi.”

“Oh... see, you know her well enough,” Twilight smiled as she pulled out a box of records and a portable player. “Here, take my player and a few records too. I like to listen to music while I clean.”

“Thanks,” Rainbow smiled as she flipped through the offered box. “Hmm, got any Nat King Colt? Shy loves his music.”

“Twilight, what are you doing?” Spike asked later that afternoon, as he saw Twilight staring into the orb.

“Shh. I’m watching Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy,” Twilight shot back. Spike hurried over, as he grabbed a seat to watch.

“I don’t see anything...” Spike grumbled.

“You’re on the wrong side. I figured it out after Rainbow left,” Twilight giggled. “Who would have thought the direction of the orb played a part in the view from the crystal?”

“It’s a cool toy,” Spike nodded, though he was honest. He could see no greater purpose for the orb than that of a child’s toy, though he was raised around magic himself, so his stance was already a bit skewed. “So what are they doing?”

“Well, Rainbow and Fluttershy appear to be listening to the music and talking.”

“Really? Cool,” Spike nodded.

“Shy just put her head on Rainbow’s shoulder,” Twilight announced, giving a play by play.

“Oh?”

“I think they just... Oh my goodness,” Twilight gasped. “They just kissed.”

“What?” Spike shot up.

“Holy cow, they are really going at it...”

“Twilight, I think it’s time they had some privacy...”

“I never knew Fluttershy was a fillyfooler. Or Rainbow Dash for that matter. I guess I’m wrong, huh?”

“Twilight!”

“Huh, yes Spike,” Twilight asked, lifting her head from the orb.

“Stop it,” He said, throwing a blanket over the ball. “They’re obviously together now, give them some peace and privacy.”

“Oh my, you’re right Spike... I don’t know what came over me... I need some air,” Twilight said standing up and heading to the door. But she came right back, groaning in pain as she grabbed her new sunglasses. “Dang it’s bright out today.”

“Darling,” Rarity smiled. “What is with those awful sunglasses?”

“It’s bright, cut me some slack,” Twilight laughed. “I was actually just thinking about how much I wanted to see you...”

“Oh? Did you want to get lunch? I know this-” Rarity began, til Twilight cut her off with a kiss. A very heated kiss, that almost set Rarity’s hair on end. “Oh wow...”

“I was thinking of getting a little bite,” Twilight flirted, lightly biting the white mare on the neck. It was a shame really. Rarity had just gotten the shop cleaned up. But at least they made it off the floor, and all the way into the dressing room today. Rarity could not remember ever being treated so passionately, sought with such a hunger and lust that it redefined both words. No, Twilight made her feel like the only mare in the world.

“Um... Rarity?” Pinkie asked as she strode in the shop lobby. “Are you here? I need to place an order.”

“Oh My Stars! Yes! Right There, Right There. Oh Buck Yes. Yes, Oh Yes. Twi-TWI-TWILIGHT!” Rarity screamed.

“Oooo, that sounds like fun!” Pinkie sang, bouncing over and looking into the dressing room. “Hey girls!”

“I am so sorry about that Pinkie,” Twilight offered their friend, as they sat at Rarity’s table.

“Sorry for what?” Pinkie asked. “You two looked like you were having a lot of fun.”

“Yes, I rather guess we were...” Rarity blushed as she brought Pinkie a glass of crystal clear water. She wasn't thirsty, but Rarity still insisted, and also insisted on cleaning everything right now.

“Wow, what time is it?” Twilight asked as she squinted out the window. “It got dark fast...”

“Darling, it’s only Four o’clock,” Rarity corrected. “It looks rather bright out there to tell the truth.”

“Oh,” Twilight blushed, as she looked back to Pinkie. “Pinkie, you’re so dark and blurred?”

“I am?”

“Darling, are you alright?” Rarity asked.

“I’m fine Rare Bear,” Twilight said looking over her shoulder.

“I’m over here...”

Starting to hyperventilate, Twilight nodded. “Rarity, I don’t think I’m alright...”

“Oh my Twinkle! Pinkie, get a cab please.”

“Alright, what seems to be the issue?” The doctor, Horse M.D. asked. “And I do hope it’s nothing stupid.”

“I’m fine, I just lost vision for a second is all,” Twilight pleaded, sitting in the exam room at Ponyville hospital.

“Mmhmm. Yeah, ponies don’t really just up and lose vision,” The old stallion muttered. “That’s kinda a bad thing.”

“It was just for a second,” Twilight argued. “An acute loss of blood flow caused by overexertion.”

“Yeah, no. You don’t look like you work out hard enough to lose your bucking eyesight,” The jackass groaned in pain.

“Well, I wasn't working out,” Twilight squeaked.

“Then what the hay were you doing?” He asked as he took out a pill bottle and took a couple.

“I’m sure that’s not the safe dosage...”

“Oh shut up,” Horse corrected. “What. Were. You. Doing?”

“I had just finished having... you know... in-intercourse w-with my m-mare-friend,” Twilight whispered, looking downcast.

“Mmm. I think I need to see that happen to properly diagnose your condition.” Horse nodded. Twilight wasted no time in switching from shy and scared to pissed off, and slapped the asinine doctor.

“Twilly!” Shining greeted, as he and Twilight’s parents rushed to her, along with Spike and Rarity. Oh boy... At least I’m already in a hospital.

“Twilly!” Her mother, Twilight Velvet, cried and hugged Twilight tight. “I was so worried about you!”

“Are you okay pumpkin?” Nightlight, her dad, asked worriedly.

“Twilight, I’m so sorry! I should have been there for you. I’m sorry I've been acting like a sour puss...” Spike cried, hugging Twilight’s leg tight.

“It’s okay Spike, I understand. And don’t worry everypony, I’m fine. The doctor says it was just a sudden drop in blood pressure...” Twilight nodded. She was starting to sweating bullets though, and that could not be a good thing right now. Where is Pinkie when I need her and her hyperactivity!?

“Twilight darling, relax, they already know,” Rarity said as she rubbed Twilight’s back.

“Yeah, Rarity filled us in. I’m happy for you two,” Shining smiled.

“Yes, it’s okay honey. I just wish we could have found out under better circumstances,” Twilight senior nodded.

“I already knew,” Nightlight shrugged.

“How?” Twilight asked.

“All of your friends are young mares, you never date, and the only boy you have ever mentioned to us in your letters is Spike. It was not hard to figure out which one you’d fall for at that,” Nightlight chuckled.

“Really now?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah. The way you talk about her in your letters, it’s like you loved and hated her. That’s true love right there.”

“Really?” Both Twilight’s shot at the poor colt.

“No,” Nightlight deadpanned. “I was just joking. All a joke. I swear.”

“Smooth dad, real smooth,” Shining nodded.

“Mmhmm. So tell me all about it Twilly,” Twilight Velvet sang, clapping her hooves just like her daughter would.

“Well, I don’t know where to start...”

Twilights Velvet and Sparkle, along with Rarity, Nightlight, Spike, and Shining Armor all sat about the cafe, enjoying the evening. Except Spike, whom was nearly asleep in his chair, the poor young dragon.

“So no lie, there I am,” Shining regaled his family, laughing all the while. “Stuck at the top of the crystal tower, and I can’t remember the spell to open the door...” Twilight laughed and enjoyed her night with her family. It had been far too long since she had taken the time to see them, and today she almost lost the ability to, teaching her not to take her family and friends for granted.

“And as I ran around this room, I tripped. One basketball sized hole in the floor, and I step in it!”

“You’re a goof Shining,” Twilight chuckled. “If it wasn't for Cadence, who knows how you’d get by. By the way, where is Cadence? She sent me something the other day I wanted to talk to her about.”

“Oh right, she’s back in the empire. She’s not been feeling well the past couple of days...”

“And you left her there?” Both Twilight’s snorted.

“We think we know what it is, but I’m not supposed to tell...” Shining meekly offered. “Sorry.”

“Shining, you are surrounded by three mares. Do the math, and then tell us the secret?” Twilight Velvet spoke. Shining swallowed, and nodded his head.

“Alright. I think it’s morning sickness-”

“Ah! Best Day Ever!” Twilight senior cried. “My baby girl found a special somepony and my boy is gonna be a daddy!”

“We don’t know that yet mom, It’s hard to tell with Alicorns...”

“Well, I hope she is then. That would be just wonderful,” Twilight Velvet sang. “I do-”

“Twilight, there you are!” Rainbow Dash cried as she and the others ran in. “Sorry to interrupt...” She blushed.

“It’s alright. Glad to see you all again,” Twilight Velvet smiled.

“So Twilight, how are ya? Pinkie came round and got us all, told us y’all went to the hospital fer a spell?” Applejack asked, removing her own hat.

“No no, it wasn't caused by a spell, just a sudden drop in blood pressure,” Twilight smiled.

“Wha? Darn it Twilight, you know what I meant!” Applejack snorted happily. “Glad yer okay sugarcube.”

“Me too,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Yeah. Can’t have our town egghead laid up in a gross old hospital,” Rainbow smiled.

“So Rainbow, how did the cleaning spree go?” Twilight asked with a smile.

“Good,” Rainbow nodded. She was not keen on the idea of talking about Twilight’s new toy herself, seeing as she forced Twilight to use it against Fluttershy. “Really, really good.”

“Mmhmm,” Fluttershy nodded. “I was wondering where she got the portable player from...”

“Yeah,” Twilight smiled. “So Pinkie, I never asked, why were you over at Rarity’s today?”

“Oh yeah. I need a new dress for my sister’s wedding, and to order her dress as well,” Pinkie nodded.

“Oh my stars, a wedding,” Rarity sighed. She smiled, a bit lost in thought, before she frowned. “Oh, yes, of course darling. I’ll have you over tomorrow morning for a fitting? But I’m afraid I’ll need the actual ponies here to make any dresses. I need exact measurements.”

“Sure. I’ll write to my sisters tomorrow to get them here,” Pinkie nodded.

“Wonderful,” Rarity smiled, but Twilight had a feeling it was a forced one at that.

“You okay Rare Bear?” Twilight asked, taking Rarity’s hoof.

“Yes my love, I've just had a long day. I’m sure you understand.”

“Yeah. Come on everypony, it’s time to head home. Blood pressure mare needs her sleep.”

“Twilly, what’s under the blanket?” Shining asked as Twilight conjured up some beds for her family. Making two beds appear was a simple task for her normally, but tonight it took a lot of effort. Must be my low blood pressure...

“That’s the thing Cadence sent me. It’s a large crystal ball,” Twilight explained. But the truth was for some reason elusive as she continued. “I have no clue what it does.”

“Huh. Any guesses?” Nightlight asked.

“If I can’t figure it out, dragon jaw breaker,” Twilight joked.

“Spike must want this research to go no where then,” Twilight Velvet laughed.

“Yeah, he’s already been sizing it up,” Twilight laughed. “Well, I’ll see you all in the morning. I need my sleep now.”

“Of course pumpkin. Sleep well,” Nightlight offered as he threw the sheets onto the bed for him and his wife.

“I will daddy,” Twilight smiled. Her home was rather dim, as she nearly tripped walking up the stairs now. She felt ready to just pass out, and let the world of sleep spin away her woes. A few minutes later, Twilight Velvet made a quick check, and giggled as she tucked in her daughter.

“Sleep tight my little genius. You've grown up so much since you left home. But you’ll always be my little baby girl.”