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                   The Orb of Revelation                   
                       -by Sam Cole-                       
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                       You Did What?                       
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You Did What?
Chapter Two: You Did What?
“You what?!” Spike screamed, and nearly killed Twilight with guilt. “Twilight, when? How? Why? You know I love her!”
“I’m sorry Spike! It was an accident!” Twilight offered, crying a touch.
“How? How do you accidently date somepony?!”
“Sit down Spike, this will take a minute...”
After ten minutes, Spike had heard enough, and his anger was still boiling over. “So you just went with it?”
“What was I supposed to? She was trying to kill herself!” Twilight cried back.
“No she wasn't. Those were vitamins. You jumped to conclusions,” Spike snorted.
“What? Really?” Twilight recoiled. “Huh. But still, it made her so happy. How could I rob her of that, when it obviously means so much to her?!”
“But it’s not honest!” Spike protested. “Besides, how do I know that wasn't my window of fate, and you stole it!”
“How could I steal another ponies- er, dragons, fate. If anything, this would stand to prove that Rarity and I were supposed to end up together!” Twilight countered. “If, you know, I actually loved her...”
“It’s still a lie,” Spike huffed.
“Calm down lover boy,” Twilight chided. “If it’s a lie, Rarity will see it soon enough, and that will be that.”
“I hope so Twilight, for both of your sakes. Imagine how hurt she would be if she found out the only pony to ‘Love’ her was all a misunderstanding,” Spike hissed. “You better have not said too much to her to make her think you love her.”
Oh buck...
“Hey Twilight,” Applejack smiled as the mare approached her on the farm, “Just got yer invite fer today. Apparently, Rarity has something she needs to tell us.”
“Yeah, yeah she does,” Twilight nodded, lost in thought.
“Y’all okay sugarcube?”
“You’ll find out soon enough,” Twilight laughed, though it was forced, empty.
“Right,” Applejack said slowly. “Well, let’s get going, don’t wanna be late now.”
As the mares walked, Twilight fought her guilt, she could only imagine everypony’s reaction to her news, and Spike was for once not going to make anything better. If anything, he would make it worse...
“Twilight?” Applejack asked.
“Huh?”
“Ah asked if y’all had managed to talk to Rarity yesterday?”
“Oh, yeah, yeah we talked,” Twilight nodded, and her guilt flooded in.
“Well, it sounds like ya did the job, I can hear Rarity from here,” Applejack smiled. It was true, Rarity’s song could be heard all over the park, and the tone was much, much better than they had known of her of late.
“Ah, darling!” Rarity cried as Twilight and Applejack came into view. “Oh hello Applejack, how are you?”
“Ah’m good Rares, thank ya kindly.”
“Oh wonderful. Twilight, it is so wonderful to see you again,” Rarity smiled. To her credit, the white mare was kind and her smile was pretty. For a second, Twilight could see herself going through with plan. Heck, maybe it would be alright after all. Twilight carried this feeling till she saw Spike, and the dragon’s scowl he wore for her. Speaking of wearing...
“Rarity, I thought for sure you would have dressed up,” Twilight noticed, and instantly wished she hadn't.
“Why? Do I not look alright? Am I getting fat? Oh you must-”
“Whoa, calm down Rare Bear,” Twilight whispered as Applejack greeted the others. “I like you like this, the real you. It’s- refreshing.”
“Oh my Twinkle,” Rarity whispered, a tear coming to her eye. “I love you. You always know just what to say.”
“Yeah, I guess I do,” Twilight smiled as she mentally facehooved. She knew Rarity was delicate most of the time, and now even more. She had to watch what she said if she wanted to avoid hurting her marefriend’s feelings... Oh Sweet Apple Acres, I just thought of her as my marefriend...
“Hey Twi, Rares, c’mon!” Rainbow Dash yelled at the lingering pair. “Hey girls, do they look a little close to you?” Rainbow whispered to the group in general.
“No, they’re okay. I think you need glasses Dashie,” Pinkie smiled.
“That’s not what I- You really think I need glasses?”
“You’d look good with some sleek glasses,” Pinkie nodded.
“No bucking way,” Rainbow snorted.
“I think they would make you look really cute,” Fluttershy smiled.
“The answer is- Wait, you really think so?” Rainbow asked, blushing a bit. “Maybe then I could get a guy to notice me...”
“It couldn't hurt,” Applejack laughed as the two unicorns took their seats, with Rarity practically in Twilight lap. “Um, okay then...” Applejack said, just shrugging off her dramatic friend. She’s always doing something like this.
“Twilight darling, should I tell them or do you want to?” Rarity squealed, bouncing a bit and confusing her friends.
“I- ah-”
“Oh you are too much darling. Ahem. Ladies, last night, Twilight came over to my place, and proudly, without fear, announced her love!”
No pony reacted immediately, as only Rainbow Dash moved to pick up a drink, then spit it out for dramatic effect. “You did what!?”
“Twilight, y’all got some expalinin to do here,” Applejack snorted.
“Are you two loco in the coco!?” Pinkie asked.
“Really Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy scoffed, whipping apple juice off of her brow.
“I know this is shocking, but we are in love,” Rarity happily sang, doing a small dance of excitement. “I never knew how badly Twilight loved me, till last night she came over and pounded on my door at the late hours of the night.”
“Twilight, explain,” Applejack ordered.
“I-”
“Oh, really Applejack? You good friends try to share their good news with you, and you demand explanations of them?”
“Well Ah am cause Twilight has never once shown any interest in mares! Or anypony for that matter!”
“Well she obviously had eyes only for me all this time. Oh how I wish I could say the same, but alas, fate is cruel sometimes.
“Kiss her if you really love her, Twilight,” Spike snorted. Twilight glared at the dragon, as thankfully so did most of her friends.
“Now Spike, that’s takin things a bit far. Ah get it, yer hurt cause you had a crush and all that, and Ah do think Twilight should have had some level of respect for that, but these girls made up their minds,” Applejack corrected.
“Oh! Oh! Kiss please,” Pinkie sang, grabbing a camera out of a random tree. “I wanna document this kiss for a scrap book!”
“Oh for the love of Pete!” Applejack snorted, throwing down her hat.
“No no, I like the idea, and have nothing to hide. Our love is true, is it not darling?” Rarity asked, looking to Twilight as the poor lavender mare blushed.
“You betcha,” She offered with a forced grin.
“Oh darling, don’t be modest. Our friends will think nothing less of you for just being who you are,” Rarity smiled. Her words must be magic. They’re working, damn it!
“Yeah, you’re right Rarity,” Twilight smiled, as she pulled the white mare into a kiss for the first time. At least if I have to do this, it will be on my terms! I- Oh hello Rarity, Twilight mussed, humming a bit as Rarity returned her kiss with passion, making Twilight go weak, and fold into the white mare. She hadn't meant to enjoy the kiss, but if Rarity was going to put that much emotion into it, she-
“Whoa!” Rainbow cried, stopping the two mares. “We get it! Twilight, stop dry humping her.”
“Tehehe, um...” Twilight blushed.
“Wow,” Rarity finally managed. “Haha, mmm.”
“Oh great, the two lovers broke each other,” Applejack laughed. “Sorry Ah called yer love into question. Y’all are the real deal as far as Ah’m concerned. Right Spike?” Applejack asked, looking to the small, irate dragon.
“Yeah, I guess they do love each other,” Spike snorted a puff of smoke.
“No need to be a spoilsport, Spike,” Fluttershy chided, making the dragon blush. No pony or dragon could stand to disobey Fluttershy.
“No, I get it,” Twilight offered finally. “I’m sorry Spike, I betrayed your trust. But, Rarity and I, are in love.” Why the Everfree Forest did I just bucking say that?! You’re getting into this too far Twilight! Back out now, back-
“Yes, we are,” Rarity said as she took Twilight hoof into her own. “And I am so glad. To tell you all the truth, I was about to give up hope...”
“Rarity,” Everypony, including Spike and Twilight gasped. Probably Spike and Twilight the most, actually.
“I have been dealing with depression for years now, and after that fiasco at the Wonderbolt’s camp, when Thunderlane shot me down, it did me in. I was sure I was going to live the rest of my life alone. I was ready to quit looking for love altogether, and then, Twilight just shows up, and demands to see me, pounding on my door. She hugged me, and said I was wrong, and that she loved me.”
“Wow, Twilight,” Fluttershy nodded. “I always thought you and Rarity seemed perfect for each other.”
“It was- Really?” Twilight asked, derailed by her butter colored friend.
“Mmhmm. You two are so cute together.”
“Wow, thanks,” Twilight said. She grabbed an apple in her magic, and began to eat, as her nerves unwound.
“So why last night?”Pinkie asked. Buck! I knew I forgot something! Twilight was dead in the water, her mouth full of apple. Surely this would be the-
“I didn't want to say anything, but I think she had a few drinks in her,” Rarity sighed in contempt. Twilight was known for her favor of drink, and right now it was actually useful, though she would never get to rub her brother’s face in it. “She tasted like fresh toothpaste, obviously trying to hide her magical emboldening elixir.”
“Really Twilight? That’s just silly,” Rainbow scoffed. “Like a cheesy romance novel.”
“And how would you know what a cheesy romance novel is like if you have not been secretly reading them?” Rarity asked. Yes, I love you! Thank you! Wait, I just thought that I love you... Twilight mentally argued.
“Well, Ah think it’s cute. And just in time too. That’s fate right there,” Applejack smiled.
“Why does everypony keep saying it’s fate?” Twilight asked, then realized she had slipped up and said that aloud. “I don’t like to think that my life is out of my control, I mean...”
“Of course darling,” Rarity smiled. “Fate played its part, but alas, our love is the only thing that matters.”
“Yeah,” Twilight smiled, happy to be on the same page as Rarity now.
“Sooo,” Rainbow asked, “How about we all forget the thing about me and romance novels and just enjoy our lunch?”
“Yeah, no,” Applejack teased. “That’s gonna come back up some time, Ah’m sure.”
“Well, here we are darling,” Rarity smiled as Applejack and Twilight walked her home. “Coming in?”
“Umm, yeah, sure,” Twilight nodded, looking to Applejack. “Catch ya later, I gue-”
“Hold on sugarcube, Ah need ta have a quick word with ya, if’n ya don’t mind my stealin her, Rares?”
“No, it’s quite alright darling.”
As the pair walked away, Rarity felt an all too familiar tinge of pain in her chest, as she could only imagine the horrible things Applejack had to say about their dating. Applejack was a wonderful friend, and held no ill will to anypony for their lifestyle, but she always had a word to say about Twilight’s drinking, even more so as of late.
“Dating is different than just being friends Twilight. Are ya sure yer ready for this?”
“Too tell the truth, no. I have no idea what was going through my mind,” Twilight sighed.
“Booze. It does crazy things to ya,” Applejack nodded with a smile. “Tell ya a secret, bout a month ago Ah had a few too many also, and chewed Big Macintosh a new one fer sleeping with that damn dolly of his.”
“No, really?” Twilight gasped.
“Would Ah lie to you sugarcube? Ah hate myself fer letting my anger get the better of-”
“Big Mac sleeps with a dolly?”Twilight snorted.
“Ah horsefeathers. Twilight, please don’t tell anypony that,” Applejack blushed, rubbing the back of her head.
“You got it AJ,” Twilight smiled. She said her peace to the workhorse, and then trotted back to the boutique, though she found the odd little bounce in her step quite unnerving.
“Darling,” Rarity squeaked as the lavender mare entered her home, “W-What do you think?”
“About wha-” Twilight started till she laid eyes on what was probably the most exposed she had ever seen her friend. Rarity stood there without any makeup, or even a style to her mane. Just Rarity, as nature made her, and she looked fantastic. “Oh my...”
“Do- do you like?” Rarity asked, shaking a bit. “I love my makeup, but you had mentioned how you loved the real me, so I wanted to do something for you...”
“Rarity, you look amazing,” Twilight finally said, “But I don’t want you to go changing yourself just for me. How would that be fair to you?”
“Oh Twilight, you are too perfect,” Rarity smiled, walking over and kissing Twilight on the cheek. “Too tell the truth, I never really liked having all that eyeshadow on, but I do miss my stylized mane...”
“Of course Rarity,” Twilight smiled, though Rarity still had a frown on her face. She wanted something specific, so Twilight took a shot in the dark. “As a matter of fact Rare Bear, you can style my mane too, if you-”
“Oh yes! Thank you darling!” Rarity sang, hugging her love. “Let me just get my things!”
“Twilight,” Spike mumbled in greeting as the mare returned home. “How was- whoa...”
“Yeah, I've been getting that a lot,” Twilight grumbled as Spike took in her new look. Rarity had pulled out all the stops, and everypony in town noticed. Rarity had kept it simple, yet made it work, as only she could. Twilight was at the same time completely different and exactly the same.
Finally remembering his duties, or his anger, Spike huffed off again. Twilight was ready to just call it quits today, take a shower, and sleep off the rest of the week, but an odd glimmer caught her eye. The orb, and all of it’s potential. Twilight groaned thinking of it; that because of that sphere, she was now up to her ears in a lie that would destroy her best friend, if not just use her for Twilight’s own enjoyment. But it still had to be studied, lest Twilight never discover all the knowledge it might contain. It was hard, trying to figure which side of her should win this argument. Her noble side, that would do right by her word, or the scientist in her, that had to unlock the truth.
“No! Using the orb again is wrong! I will never-” Twilight stopped when she noticed she was already feeding magic into the crystal, as she swore under her breath. But still, she watched, as an image of a very happy Rarity swam into view. Twilight wanted to change the view point, but stopped, as she watched Rarity pull out a hidden book, and crack open the cover.
“Hey,” Spike greeted from next to Twilight, “I recognize that book. 50 dishes for love.”
“Yeah,” Twilight muttered. “I never knew Rarity practiced cooking in her free time.”
“I guess there’s a lot you don’t know about the mare you’re ‘dating,’” Spike laughed, taking joy in the fact that if anything, Twilight would fail soon enough, and he could try to rebound.
“You’re right, I don’t...” Twilight muttered, as she watched the mare read, and write down a list. Twilight started to realize her eyes effortlessly flowed with the pen, the simple grace that Rarity owned while she read, even something as simple as a cook book. She was- No brain! Stop it! I can’t love her! I need to come clean. I need to... Is she planning an apple and cranberry fritter? With a vintage Sierra Blanca? For two? I think I can wait a night to come clean...
That night, like clockwork, Rarity invited Twilight over, and promised it would be something magical. Twilight happily replied, and was ready to act like she had never acted before.
“Darling, I made you a special treat,” Rarity purred as she sat Twilight down at the table, the meal covered by silver.
“Rarity, you didn't have to,” Twilight smiled. “But thank you. I can tell you put a lot of work into this. It smells absolutely wonderful.”
“Thank you darling. I-” Rarity paused, unable to contain her giggle. “Twilight, you’re licking your lips.”
Twilight blushed, and try as she might was unable to stop herself blushing harder by the second. “I said it smells good-” Twilight began, til she noticed Rarity was still behind her, rubbing her shoulders, and lightly giggling in Twilight’s ear.
“I’m glad you like it then, my love.”
“I like all of it. Any of it,” Twilight tired, “I mean- Rarity, I love what you've done for me. How you make me feel, and how I make you feel.” Where the hay did that come from?
“You make me feel wonderful,” Rarity whispered as she hugged Twilight from behind, then happily took her seat. “Cheers, my love.”
“Cheers,” Twilight smiled, lifting her crystal glass to Rarity’s, as the world grew softer, and all that mattered anymore was the mare sitting across from her. They happily ate the meal Rarity had made with the utmost of her love, and drank the wine she had been saving for that special occasion. It was, all in all, a wonderful date by Twilight’s standards.
“Thank you Rare Bear,” Twilight giggled, playing with her empty glass, “I had... a most wonderful time.”
“My pleasure Darling,” Rarity smiled as she picked up Twilight’s plate and topped off her glass. Twilight just sat and enjoyed the feeling, her tipsy nature being not at all new to the mare. She welcomed the warm embrace of the wine, and all it entailed. Soon, the lavender mare felt a pair of hooves on her back, gently massaging her.
“Rarity,” Twilight murmured.
“Yes, my love?” Rarity whispered into Twilight’s ear.
“Please, don’t stop...” Twilight purred. She had not realized how bad her back felt from all those hours of reading.
“I had no intentions too,” Rarity cooed, and kissed Twilight’s neck. Twilight giggled, and turned her head to give Rarity the best possible reach. But a small thought cropped up in Twilight’s mind. I can’t. She needs somepony that loves her, not just uses her. I need to do what is Right by Rarity... Thankfully, fate spared her tonight, as a knock interrupted the pair, much to Rarity’s disapproval and Twilight’s shocking own.
“Heya Miss Rarity,” Derpy sang through gritted teeth as she held onto a package. “Got your mail here.”
“Miss Derpy, it’s 9 o’clock.”
“Yep,” Derpy smiled.
“At night,” Twilight chided, stepping in next to Rarity.
“Oops, my bad. I thought I was late for work. I was wondering why it was so dark out...”
“It’s fine darling,” Rarity giggled, taking the package offered. “Would you care for some tea?” What? Really? We were just getting to the good part! Where does Rarity- why am I upset that she’s stalling. I should be happy. Am I falling for her?
“No, I have to get back home apparently,” Derpy smiled. “If Time figures out he and Dinky are alone, he’ll spoil her rotten with ice cream.”
“Oh dear. At least he loves your daughter,” Rarity giggled. “Not many colts are like that nowadays, taking in another's foal as if they were their own.”
“Yeah, he’s great with Dinky. It’s like he has a second heart, full of love for kids.”
“Haha, that’s so wonderful. Take care darling. My offer stands for the next time you find yourself here,” Rarity smiled.
“Thanks Rarity,” Derpy smiled. “You’re a great friend.” Oh, that’s right. Rarity is the most generous of ponies... So much so that she’s losing profits. But the town always helps repay her for her help. Rarity is... amazing. How did I never look at her like this before?
With Derpy flying away, Rarity sighed, and closed the door. Was it the light, or did Rarity look younger tonight than Twilight was used to seeing her? “Darling?”
“What? Sorry, I was lost in thought,” Twilight smiled.
Rarity giggled and blushed, “You were staring at me.”
“I was, wasn't I?” Twilight nodded. “I just never seemed to realize how... how lucky I am...” Twilight said as it dawned on her. Despite all of her reservations, she was falling for Rarity, and Rarity for her. Maybe fate was real, because she could all of the sudden see herself loving this mare for years to come. “I better head home,” Twilight suddenly said, straightening up.
“So soon?” Rarity asked, a bit hurt.
“I love you, but I’m-” Twilight stalled. “I have no idea what’s happening. Everything has changed so fast. I was not prepared for this.”
“Prepared for what darling? You came over to me... Drunk...” Rarity recalled her version of the story. “By Celestia’s beard, you were. And now when you've had another drink, I’m trying to take advantage of you again!”
“No, Rarity, it’s-”
“Oh I am the worst pony ever!” Rarity cried, sinking to her flanks. “How could I-”
Twilight did the only thing she knew would stop the mare’s rant, as she just pulled the mare into a kiss. Rarity went rigid with shock, then melted like Twilight had that afternoon. “Just calm down Rare Bear. I’m new at this, and I don’t know what to do. I’m scared, I never thought you would actually love me- back!”
“You are truly amazing Twilight Sparkle,” Rarity chuckled. “You answered fates call.”
“I told you, I hate fate.”
“You hate the lack of control my love,” Rarity corrected. “But I love you as well. I’m not afraid of what there is between us, my love. I welcome it, with open forelegs.”
“I want to as well,” Twilight managed, hugging Rarity. “Help me. Be my rock.” Be my rock? Good heavens, I’m becoming as dumb as Rainbow Dash...
“Always, my love. I will always be there for you.”
“Me too then,” Twilight smiled as she pulled back. She leaned in for another kiss, wanting that feeling of strength that followed, but this time, it was different. It felt like her heart slowed down, to better match Rarity’s. They broke the kiss, but kept their heads touching, their breath mixing. Twilight was breathing heavy, just like the white mare. Rarity’s warmth was a drug to Twilight right now, one that she would never give up.
They kissed again, and again, and again, tearing a path to the bedroom, knocking over Rarity’s table here, or breaking the door on her dressing room, getting a little too heated. Twilight didn't stop when she felt her lip bleeding from Rarity’s eager kisses, nor did she stop when she tripped on the throw rug, pulling Rarity to the floor of the bedroom.
No, tonight, the floor would do just fine. It gave no complaints as Rarity feathered her kisses down Twilight’s neck. It said not a peep when Twilight nipped Rarity’s ear, then neck, then shoulder, trailing her soft yet pleasing love bites. It offered support when Rarity’s own dam broke, and she moaned and cried as Twilight went to town, just following instinct. The floor was the perfect place that night, where two ponies decided their passion had taken them, over, and over, and over again. The floor was never so romantic before, or likely again.

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                 I Spy, Without My Eyes...                 
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I Spy, Without My Eyes...
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.”

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       Staying Home                        
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Staying Home
Chapter 4: Staying Home.
“Twilight, what is the meaning of life, the universe and everything?” Celestia asked hotly.
“Friendship, love, and tolerance,” Twilight squeaked, sitting at a desk several times too small for her.
“Wrong. The correct answer is 42,” Celestia spoke dead evenly.
“You got me again, Princess,” Twilight laughed, and Celestia did as well. It was quite invigorating to laugh with her teacher again, after so many months separated. She spied Luna out the corner of her eye, and called her over.
“Hello Twilight Sparkle,” Luna nodded, and it suddenly became clear to Twilight something was off.
“Princess? What’s going on?”
“Thou art dreaming, Twilight,” Luna frowned. “I have come by to check on you. Celestia sends her regards, and wishes she could have come to see you today, but her royal duties prevented this. There is trouble with in the Crystal Empire, and Celestia feels it is tied to Princess Cadence.”
“Check on me?” Twilight asked.
”Yes, you were checked into Ponyville hospital today for a heart condition, remember?”
“Oh yeah,” Twilight mumbled as she felt her chest. “How can I ever sleep again, knowing I might die in my sleep?”
“I shall not allow this to happen, Twilight. You have my word. Now, I have heard tales that you once bested Celestia in chess? Care to prove your skills?”
“Twilly, wake up honey,” Nightlight said as he shook his daughter awake. “Mom made breakfast.”
“Five more minutes Dad. I’m winning...” Twilight groaned. But it was too late. She lazily got out of bed, and complained the while. “14 bucking games, and the only one I come close to winning is the one where my dad wakes me up.”
“Twilly, come down here,” Shining called, as his sister took too long.
“On my way,” Twilight growled, running her hairbrush through the mess she called a mane.
“Sometime today darling,” An unexpected voice called out. Twilight smiled, and fought the urge to go down there as is. She knew better than that, to go down with her-
“Darling, you look so cute with your mane like that,” Rarity sang as she came upstairs to Twilight.
“So much for that plan,” Twilight said under her breath. “Hey beautiful,” She happily greeted as Rarity drew near.
“Darling? Are you alright? Your eyes are dilated,” Rarity voiced her concern.
“I’m fine. Just very happy to see you.”
“Oh you,” Rarity blushed. She would never tell Twilight to stop.
“Come on. My mommy made breakfast,” Twilight said as she gave up brushing her mane as she smelled Fancy Toast. The two mares went down and enjoyed an excellent breakfast made by the master chef.
“Mmm. Mrs. Star, your cooking is divine,” Rarity giggled, though she felt as if she was about to pop.
“Mrs. Star? Oh honey, you can call me mommy too,” Twilight Velvet corrected.
“Keep cooking like this and I shall have too. Sorry my love, I’m only with you for your mother’s cooking now,” Rarity joked.
“I hear ya. Mommy, I think there’s a house for sale on 2nd St. if you want?” Twilight offered.
“And leave my kitchen in Canterlot?” Twilight Velvet rebuked.
“Please?” Spike asked, looking up from his plate.
“You can start a chain. We need a Star Cafe down here too,” Twilight begged.
“Baby girl, you know I- start a chain,” Twilight Velvet nodded. “I like the sounds of that...”
“So what do you plan on doing today pumpkin? Spike?” Nightlight asked, hoping to stop his wife before she bought a new restaurant.
“I have studies to do, things to research,” Twilight smiled. “Spike’s gonna help me, right lizard boy?”
“Maybe,” Spike joked. “I have to prank Snips and Snails sometime today.”
“Ah, foalhood... or hatchling-hood... Anyways, what about you Rarity?” Nightlight asked his new pseudo daughter.
“I have to do a fitting for Pinkie Pie,” Rarity sighed. “This is going to be one long day. She never stands still.”
“No kidding,” Shining laughed. “By the way, that reminds me. She’s banned from Flugel Horns up north.”
“And the list gets bigger,” Twilight groaned as she got up and helped her mom with the dishes. About an hour later, she saw off her family and lover, and fixed her mane. The parents had to go back to Canterlot, Rarity to her shop, and Shining to his wife. So Twilight and Spike set about their research, namely flinging rubber bands at the orb while they tried to think.
“Maybe sound just doesn’t work with it,” Twilight gave up. “The vibrations would counteract the resonance, distorting the picture.”
“I can’t buy that. It sends pictures through the air, like magic. It can do something about sound.”
“Well I just don’t know anymore,” Twilight groaned as she fired her last rubber band at the orb. “I wonder how it’s going at Rarity’s?”
“Twilight,” Spike chided, “You’re on doctor’s orders to stay home today.”
“I know. But I could just peak, couldn't I?” Twilight asked innocently, as if any part of her plan was itself innocent.
“Um, no.”
“Oh don’t be a spoilsport. If Rarity’s having a hard time, I want to send you over to help her. If not, I need some things from the market. Sound fair?” Twilight asked.
“I’ll just go to the market,” Spike sighed, firing his last band as well. “And no spying.”
“Spoilsport,” Twilight called after the dragon, fixing her seat as the dragon walked off. With her assistant gone, Twilight inched towards the ball, at first toying with Spike should he come back, but then her curiosity was overpowering as she wondered what her friends might be up to.
“Come on orb thingy, show me something,” Twilight pleaded, her boredom rising. “Let me see something fun at least...” Twilight was first greeted to an image of Pinkie and Rarity, and for once, Pinkie looked rather sad, and easy to manage. The two were talking, though Twilight could not hear a word of it. She guessed it was professional, judging by how short Pinkie’s replies were.
“Why can’t I hear them?” Twilight groaned. She shifted the crystal to Fluttershy’s place, but found it empty. Rainbow Dash didn't have any crystals in her home, so she was a bust too. But eventually, Twilight found a piece in Applejack’s home, and let the view grow. She was greeted to a view of Big Mac, and he was writing something. Twilight could just see it over his shoulder as a letter.
“That’s private and boring,” Twilight groaned, walking around the crystal to get a better look around. She spied Applejack in the kitchen, along with a crystal pitcher on the shelf, and switched to it instead. Applejack was actually with Apple Bloom, teaching her to make something. It looked like caramel actually, and this was confirmed when they dunked apples into it, then rolled them in crushed peanuts.
“Damn it AJ, why does your cooking have to look so delicious?” Twilight changed her view in an effort to stop the growling of her stomach. She was soon graced by an image at random, a small dragon in a shop actually, talking to Fluttershy. “That’s where you are. Wait, they have crystals at the market?” Twilight conceded defeat. There was nothing on the orb in the daytime to watch now that she was stuck at home.
“Hello?” The soft butter colored mare sang, poking her head into the library.
“Huh? Oh, hi Fluttershy,” Twilight smiled, looking up from her book.
“What are you working on Twilight?” Fluttershy softly asked, trotting over next to her friend. Twilight blushed, and held up the book for her friend to see the title. “Daring Doo and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Oh I love that one.”
“Thanks Shy, but I was actually researching something,” Twilight said. “The author poured months of research into Crystal artifacts. I was hoping something in here may give me a clue about this one,” Twilight said as she motioned to the orb. “So far, it looks like they believe Crystals absorb magic, but nothing else.”
“Huh...” Fluttershy shrugged. “Well, Spike said you were just sitting around today, so I thought I would stop by.”
“Thanks,” Twilight smiled.
“And also ask you about fillyfooler relationships?” Fluttershy begged with her smile. Twilight held her smile, but found her teeth were now grinding against each other. “See, um... Rainbow Dash and I are, um...”
“Wow, really?” Twilight asked through her teeth.
“Yeah. It was so sudden, but I just couldn't help myself. I took a page out of your book Twilight, and just told her how I've felt for years.”
“That’s great Sh- Wait wait wait wait. What?”
“I told Dashie I loved her, and at first she was scared, but then she got all quiet, and then she talked about how much I've always meant to her as well, and she decided that if what she felt wasn't love, then nothing was. It was so romantic,” Fluttershy cheered softly.
“So wait, Dash was or wasn't...?”
“She wasn't. But she decided I mean too much to her, and if I could find it in my heart to love her like that, she could love me like that too.”
“Wow...” Twilight blinked, trying to jump start her brain with her eyelids. “I- wow...”
“Yeah,” Fluttershy nodded. “So how are things here?”
“Boring,” Twilight laughed. “I wanna go visit Rarity.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea Twilight.” Fluttershy squeaked. “Last time you saw her, you lost your eyesight for ten minutes.”
“Two, and no. Last time I saw her, we had breakfast with my parents, and it was wonderful.”
“Well very nice for you then,” Fluttershy laughed. “So has anypony else been by?”
“No. Pinkie is at Rarity’s, and I have no clue about Rainbow Dash. I think Applejack is cooking back at her place, seeing as they just did a large harvest.”
“Mmm. So you've just been sitting around here bored?”
“How can anypony be bored in a library?” Twilight smiled, and asked honestly. “Well, besides me. I hate to admit it, but I've already read every single book in the library now.”
“Heya Twilight,” Spike greeted as he came back to the library.
“Where have you been?” Twilight asked lazily as she continued to read a book at random.
“I said I had to prank Snips and Snails,” Spike replied, looking to the covered orb and smiling. “What have you been up to?”
“Fluttershy stopped by. Said she ran into you at the market and you sent her over.”
“Yeah, I thought you might be lonely.” Spike nodded, pulling up a seat. “So, how’s th-”
“Twilight!” Rarity exclaimed, bursting in and scaring everypony and dragon. “Gossip, now.”
“Rarity, how good to see you. You look amazing. How about some lunch?” Twilight corrected her lover’s greeting.
“Yes yes. Of course,” Rarity dismissed. “I have shocking news.”
“Okay.... food first?” Twilight asked.
They sat down, and Twilight managed to get food on the table, though her magic was still oddly weak, and Rarity was not helping. But after ten minutes, Twilight was ready for some lunch. “Okay, now what’s the gossip?”
“It’s about Pinkie Pie and her sister’s wedding,” Rarity nearly shouted, and Twilight was only able to catch a few words.
“What about it?” Rarity gasped to speed through another conversation, but Twilight stopped her. “And go slow enough that I can actually understand you, or I’ll just blow through our next... playdate.”
“You wouldn't?” Rarity gasped.
“Try me.” Please don’t!
“Alright my love,” Rarity conceded, as she calmed down, and Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh you little cheater. Anyways, I do not know if you were made aware, but Pinkie is, or rather was, in love with somepony.”
“Yes, I heard her say that yesterday morning. But he’s getting married,” Twilight nodded.
“Yes. To Pinkie’s own sister,” Rarity supplied.
“What?” Twilight and Spike asked, wide eyed.
“I know. It’s too much, isn't it darling?” Rarity smiled.
“Oh my. That has to be the worst feeling ever,” Twilight muttered.
“Yes, it is,” Spike supplied.
“Oh. Oh man,” Twilight groaned.
“I’m so sorry Spike. I should have talked you down months ago,” Rarity added softly. “I just didn't want to hurt you Spike. I think of you like a brother, but-”
“I know,” Spike finished. “Pinkie explained it to me. She told me about when it happened to her, though I guess this is what she meant.”
“The only colt she ever loved,” Twilight whispered, shaking her head. “Is she alright?”
“She’s putting on a strong face, but she had a little breakdown today. Thank heavens for Fluttershy. She came by right afterwards and soothed Pinkie. They went off together, and I came here.”
“Poor Pinkie. We should do something to help cheer her up. Spike? Take her this...” Twilight said, trying to pull a book off the shelf, but found her magic was severely drained. “Ugh, stupid heart condition. Why does it have to throw my magic off?!”
“There there Twinkle,” Rarity cooed, sitting next to the lavender mare and rubbing her back. “It just gives me an excuse to pamper you for a night.”
“Ooo. I like the sounds of that,” Twilight giggled.
“Oh gross. I don’t wanna think about you two,” Spike groaned, as he got up and grabbed the book. “I’m heading to Pinkie’s. Don’t do anything in my room.”
“It’s our room,” Twilight shouted at the retreating dragon. She looked down to see Rarity was drawing small circles in her fur, and breathing on her neck. “Oh boy...”
“We have the library all to ourselves...” Rarity whispered, locking the door with her magic, and looking down Twilight’s body to her own hoof as it continued to draw it’s tiny circles.
“Rarity, as much as I want to, and trust me I really, really... want you... I think we should hold off,” Twilight struggled.
“Your blood pressure?” Rarity asked.
“I have not had ten minutes alone all day,” Twilight corrected. “And it would be a sin to pack everything into ten minutes...”
“Mmm, too true,” Rarity whined, licking the outside of Twilight’s ear. “But it’s a greater sin to do nothing.”
“Oh goddess,” Twilight groaned as she accepted that Rarity was going to get her caught by another friend. But at least they had time, and could maybe-
“I need it now!” Twilight screamed as Rarity drew circles on her belly. Twilight had a shameful secret concerning her and belly rubs. The pair would make due with a kitchen table, that not five minutes ago had hosted her ward and baby brother of a sense. They would put the table through it’s paces, and knock over glasses and mugs, and a plate or two as they had their fun.
“Howdy Twi-” Applejack began as she walked in, all smiles, till she laid eyes on the sight of the unicorn couple.
“Oh come on!” Two of the mares shouted as they made eye contact.
“About too!” Twilight screamed, unable to stop.
“I am sooo sorry AJ,” Twilight offered as she and the work pony sat around after the fact.
“Ah ain't talkin bout it,” Applejack snorted.
“How did you get in?” Twilight asked.
“Y’all gave me a key last year Twilight. Yer parents asked me to stop by and check on ya,” Applejack supplied.
“That’s actually the second time we've been walked in on,” Twilight offered, trying to help ease the awkward tension.
“Goin at it like that, Ah believe it,” Applejack cracked, and allowed herself to laugh.
“Yeah. Pinkie found us yesterday. Right before I lost my eyesight actually,” Twilight giggled.
“How ya feeling now sugarcube?” Applejack asked, now full of concern.
“Fine, I guess. My heart’s still going a mile a minute, but fine.”
“Alright,” Applejack worried. “Say now, what’s this thingy?”
“Oh, that’s the magical artifact I was telling you about,” Twilight swallowed, and pulled off the blanket. “It transmits visible light from one crystal structure to another.”
“Ah-”
“I know, that means nothing. Here, I’ll show you,” Twilight said as she fed the orb more magic, and let it spring to life. It was still showing the market, thankfully, but Applejack looked amazed.
“Well boy howdy, that’s something else!”
“Yeah,” Twilight gasped. Something was wrong, her vision was failing.
“Y’all can see everything clear as a bell!” Applejack marveled, getting closer to it.
“A-J...” Twilight wheezed, her vision completely black and her breath coming hard. Her head hit the table as the bookish mare passed out, and her senses failed.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
   The Distance We Traveled, Under the Ruse of Your Lie    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The Distance We Traveled, Under the Ruse of Your Lie
Chapter 5: The Distance We Traveled, Under the Ruse of Your Lie.
Applejack galloped through the streets, carrying the dead weight of a mare on her shoulders. She failed to notice the pegasi scrambling up above, or the rain starting to fall. She had a goal. Ponyville hospital was the other way, but there was somepony she needed. No, that the fool on her back needed.
“Rarity!” Applejack bellowed at her door. “Get the buck out here! It’s Twilight!” Rarity didn’t need any words as she threw the door open, and pulled Twilight onto her own back, taking off for the medical facility, Applejack close on her hooves.
Only once they had arrived did Rarity allow herself the second for air she desperately needed. But as the medics took the mare, Rarity found she was missing an important piece of information, what had actually happened. Thankfully, Applejack was there.
“Doc, Ah’m telling ya, she just up and passed out,” Applejack told the doctor. “She was here yesterday fer low blood pressure.”
“Got it!” The doctor yelled as they transferred Twilight to a gurney, and drew an IV.
“Oh my love!” Rarity wept, fighting against Applejack to be next to her love. But Applejack held her at bay as the lavender mare was wheeled into the ICU. “No! Let me be with her!”
“Ah can’t Rarity!” Applejack struggled, holding the white mare around her shoulder and barrel. Rarity caught Applejack in the snout, but the orange mare did not let go. “Ya would only get in their buckin way Rares!”
“She needs me!” Rarity spat, and this time it was no accident when her hoof met the orange snout.
“Ya fool! Yer the reason she’s in here!” Applejack spat back at her, specks of blood flying from her busted nose and mouth. Three medics ran over to subdue Rarity while they took Applejack back. But Rarity put up no more fight, as she sat on the cold floor, unmoving.
“It’s all my fault...” Rarity slowly spoke, and shook as she began to cry. Not her loud, dramatic cries for attention, but quiet tears, that fell only for the lavender mare she loved, and hurt. “I knew about her heart condition, but I still made her do it. I pushed her too far. I- I hurt her.”
The staff worked around her, all they needed to see was the color drain from her coat. The now gray mare wept, and blamed herself for her lovers pain.
“Applejack!” Rainbow cried as she ran up with Fluttershy not far behind. “I saw you as we scrambled. What happened?”
“Twilight collapsed. Anypony seen Spike and Pinkie?” Applejack asked, looking between the two.
“Her place, both of them,” Fluttershy answered. Applejack tried to run off, but a cyan hoof stopped her.
“Whoa there farmer. You’re not running around town with that busted up snout. You’ll suffocate. I got ‘em.” So Rainbow lived up to her name, and dashed off to fetch the last two friends. This left Fluttershy and Applejack behind, as they walked over to the neigh unrecognizable Rarity.
“Rarity, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked.
Rarity just sat there, staring at the floor, crying. “Rarity?” Applejack barked. “Fluttershy’s talkin to ya. Be nice and at least acknowledge her.”
“Why? So I can hurt another of my friends?”
“What?” Fluttershy asked.
“Rarity and Twilight did it again, and look what happened to Twilight,” Applejack snorted, though the act caused her pain. “Ouch.”
“Serves you right,” Fluttershy said turning on the orange mare. “You know full well that Twilight was equally involved. Rarity didn't force Twilight, she merely offered.”
“But still, I should have known,” Rarity cried.
“How could you have?” Fluttershy asked, putting a leg around Rarity’s shoulders. “You are only guilty of loving Twilight too much.”
“I- thank you Fluttershy,” Rarity sniffed, a touch of color returning to her.
“Not a problem,” Fluttershy smiled.
“Well shoot, Ah’m sorry Rares. Ah was just angry and scared. Ah shouldn't a said those things.”
“No, you were right too Applejack. I should have exercised some control. Or at least stuck around. I should have been there for her,” Rarity nodded. “And so I will be. From this day forth, whatever Twilight needs, are my needs.”
“We’re here!” Pinkie exclaimed, as she slid into the room with Spike on her back. Her mane was heavy with rain. “Rainbow Dash got pulled up for Cloudbusting duty. They have no clue where this storm is coming from.”
“Oh dear? Do you think this storm has anything to do with Twilight? She passed out right as it began,” Fluttershy asked.
“That may be Shy,” Applejack nodded. “Granny’s knee’s ache when one’s a comin. Maybe Twilight’s heart did, er somethin...”
“Oh that’s absolutely ridiculous,” Horse M.D. spat. “Would you all like to know the medical reasoning?”
“Doc, how is she?” Applejack asked.
“Please...” Rarity begged.
“She’s tapped out,” Horse nodded. “She’s almost completely out of magic. And for a unicorn, no magic means no life.”
“Magic?” Applejack recoiled. “Then it ain't her heart?”
“Did I bucking stutter? You, yellow one, you look smart, translate to the stupid one-”
“Hey!” Applejack yelled.
“-Twilight’s magic has been siphoned by a parasite. If we don’t stabilize her fast, she’s done for.” Horse finished, looking even more cross with the group.
“Oh my? A parasite!” Fluttershy cowered, not liking the stern pony’s gaze. “Wait, what kind of parasite steals magic?”
“Well, seeing as I’m not a flipping unicorn, I have no idea,” Horse sang. “Try poking around her home. See if you can find it th-” He was cut off again, as Spike belched a letter into existence. “Oh great, now the scaly one is putting in it’s two bits.”
“Hey, be nice to Spike,” Pinkie growled, coming nose to nose with the doctor as Rarity read the letter.
“Dear Twilight Sparkle, I have urgent news from the Crystal Empire. Cadence just sent you a dangerous magical artifact. We need it back here to restore the Empire, maybe all of Equestria! Hurry, many lives are in your hooves. Celestia. P.S. Don’t use the damn thing... What the hay does this mean?”
“The orb!” Spike exclaimed, and tore off out the door, heading to the library.
“Spike! Wait!” Rarity, cried, getting to her hooves and trying to follow Spike, til a hoof stopped him.
“Whoa little lady, we need you!” Horse corrected. “You’re going to Jump start Twilight.”
“What? Me!?” Rarity asked. “I shall not let her down!”
“Spike?” Pinkie yelled, bursting into the library.
“Over here!” Spike hollered back, hefting the orb out of the stand.
“What are you-”
“This thing! It’s the artifact Cadence sent! We have to get it out of here!” Spike growled, waddling with orb as he got it outside. “Come on Pinkie! We can do this! To the train!”
“Spike, that’s the long way,” Pinkie softly said, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “Here, I have a better plan. Rainbow Dash!”
“What?!” Rainbow yelled from above as she fought the wind. “Little busy here!”
“This thing is the cause!” Pinkie yelled. “It has to go back to the Crystal empire!”
“What? That’s Twilight’s crystal ball thingy?!” Rainbow yelled back, unable to hear.
“Oh for the love of,” Pinkie swore. She reached into a knot in the Library’s bark and pulled out a giant megaphone, and repeated her last order. And that it was, as Rainbow came down and took the ball, having Pinkie strap it down real fast, and taking off again, flying north as fast as she could.
“There we go,” Pinkie smiled, though she noticed Spike looked miserable. “Hey, you’re my hero Spike.”
“Thanks,” Spike nodded, looking gloomy.
“You acted bravely to protect Twilight, and were more than ready to make any sacrifice needed to help her get better. I’m proud of you.”
“I know," Spike said, though he looked no better.
“Then what’s the matter?”
“You’re standing on my tail...”
“Oh, I’m sorry Spike,” Pinkie blushed, and pulled away her offending hoof. “Here, hope this makes up for it.” She said as she leaned in and kissed the dragon on the cheek. He instantly perked up, though the cold water pouring over them didn't help any.
“You got it?” Horse asked as he connected Rarity’s horn to Twilight’s.
“Yes. No. I don’t know!” Rarity stammered. “But Twilight needs me, so I cannot fail!”
Horse watched in his usual way while Rarity’s horn began to glow. He took out a bag of sunflower seeds, and began watching as if he was at a show. Till one mare tried to talk to him. “Ya know, I got mah Masters from Canterlot U in agriculture.”
“Great, you’re almost impressive,” Horse chided.
“Top of mah class. Summa Cum Laude,” Applejack added, trying to act nonchalant.
“Ooo. Am I supposed to be impressed?” Horse snapped at her.
“No. Yer supposed to be thankin me,” Applejack smirked.
“What the buck for?”
“Fer them seeds y’all are eatin. Ah’m the one that got Sunny Days fields growin again after that over fertilization mix up.”
“You mean when the sewers backed up?”
“Same thing now,” Applejack nodded.
“Really? Are you that arrogant that you think anypony freaking cares that you made seeds grow?” Horse asked, rounding on the mare.
“Everypony does care, cause without me, there’s no food. But Ah ain't bein arrogant, just honest.”
“Your full of yourself” Horse laughed dryly, shaking with rage, or coming down, it was hard to tell.
“Darn tootin.” Applejack smiled
“You’re nuts,” Horse sighed, “Why do you care if I think you’re stupid, which I still believe you are?”
“Now that’s the fun part. Ya see, Ah’m real hard headed too. Been that way fer as long as Ah can remember, and Ah refuse to let some old jackass push me around.” Applejack smiled again.
“You- I,” Horse stammered. He had one last card up his sleeve, the fact that every pony to ever date him ended up hating his guts, and usually trying to kill him. “Wanna go out sometime?”
“Love too,” Applejack smiled. She was going to make this fool regret challenging her.
“I’m old enough to be your bucking dad,” Horse growled, losing ground.
“Ah know. Ah like em older. They’re happy with a kiss on the cheek,” Applejack smiled.
“Saturday it is then,” Horse growled, shaking Applejack’s hoof angrily. He was not about to be outdone in stubbornness by this damn mare.
“Gah!” Rarity screamed in pain, her body unable to produce the needed charge. “No! I cannot fail!” Rarity screamed as her magic neared its peak. “With Celestia as my witness, I Shall Not Let You Die My Love!” What happened afterwards is still the stuff of legend. Some say Rarity’s eyes glowed pure white as her love powered her magic to new heights. Some say it was Celestia entering the room, Spike having just written back to her to tell of Twilight’s condition. But either way, the spark worked, and Twilight’s life was saved.
“So what exactly happened Princess?” Twilight winced as she tried to drink some water.
“Well my student, it appears Cadence sent you a vital piece of the Crystal Empire. The regulation crystal for the tower.”
“The one with the crystal heart at the base, right? Where all the magic of the crystal ponies is sent all over-”
“Yes my student,” Celestia laughed, “That tower. As it turns out, that crystal regulates the amount of magic that flows through the city, and thus to the rest of Equestria. As long as it was in the city, there were no problems, because of its ability to resonate with any other crystal, and absorb the magic that way.”
“Oh wow. I had no idea I had something so important,” Twilight softly revealed. “So how did it allow images to be seen from one crystal to the next?”
“We’re still working on that one. You may have discovered a new invention for getting information out in a visual format,” Celestia smiled.
“Wow. So what happened with the crystal anyways?”
“Rainbow Dash carried it most of the way back, and Spike wrote to me to tell me that it was on the way, and that you had fallen ill trying to use the device. I had the Wonderbolts meet her halfway, and together they were all able to get the orb back to the Empire, and back in its seat at the top of the tower. Turns out your brother knew just where is was supposed to go, having stepped in that hole a few times.”
“Ah. So Rainbow Dash is a hero again, huh?” Twilight groaned.
“Yes. She’s resting in the Empire, and should be heading back shortly. I heard from Pinkie Pie that Miss Dash and Miss Fluttershy are dating?”
“Yeah, that was... unexpected,” Twilight laughed.
“And you and Rarity as well?” Celestia asked with her eyebrow raised.
“I can-” Twilight began, till Celetia stopped her.
“The device you used drained your magic every time you were near crystals Twilight. This affected your heart, your body, and your judgement. Rarity’s house is full of crystals.”
Twilight wanted to say how incorrect this was, but then she realized. She let Rarity talk her into a relationship while standing next to the vase. She had fallen for Rarity while watching her in the orb. She had sex with Rarity after a dinner surrounded by crystal ware and the vase again. And it was that same tableware that was present when Twilight’s vision failed. And she was using the orb when she fainted, and nearly died. Almost every room of Rarity’s house had crystals, except one.
“The orb used you because you gave it it’s first touch of magic. It thought you were the empire, and was trying to increase the output. That’s why your magic got weaker around the orb,” Celestia explained. “It pushed so much magic it made a light based copy of you even.”
But Twilight was focused on one thing. “So are you saying I never loved Rarity?”
“Yes. We knew this would be hard for you to explain, so we took the privilege to tell Rarity,” Celestia whispered as she sat on Twilight’s bed. “She’s an amazing girl. She understood that you were affected by the magic parasite, and says she would still like to be your friend, if you can forgive her. She’s just down the hall, checked in after nearly killing herself to save you”
“I need to see her Princess,” Twilight begged, looking up at last.
“Of course my student. I’ll call your-”
“And could I get some daisies to take to her?” Twilight asked.
“Heya Rarity,” Twilight said with a smile as she was pushed into Rarity’s room.
“H-Hello Twilight,” Rarity smiled in return. “I guess the princess told you about the magic parasite. I understand, it was powerful magic, that nopony could have ever predicted. I don’t blame you darling.”
“Thanks. Nurse, could you leave me by her bed?” Twilight asked her care giver.
“Of course deary. I’ll leave you two alone. Sounds like you have a lot to talk about.” So Twilight was left against the white mare’s bed, as she laid her hooves on the soft bedding.
“I brought you these,” Twilight said, holding up the flowers.
“Oh thank you Twink- Twilight,” Rarity forced a smile.
“So you really loved me, huh?” Twilight asked, setting the flowers in Rarity’s lap.
“Twilight, please, don’t,” Rarity began to cry. “It’s hard enough already, and now-”
“Read the card,” Twilight asked of her friend. Rarity began to cry as she took the card off the flowers, and opened it slowly, shaking a tad.
“Rarity,” The white mare read aloud, “I know I was under attack by the crystal, but there is something I need to tell you... That’s it, the card is blank after-” Rarity began, lowering the card to see Twilight looking into her eyes, a smile on her face.
“There was no crystal in your bedroom, my little Rare Bear,” Twilight said as she pulled herself over to Rarity to sit nose to nose with her. “I still love you if you still lov-” Twilight never got to finish her speech, as Rarity dove right in for a kiss, one so wonderful, it made Rarity’s mane and tail poof out like Pinkie’s. But Twilight would never bring that up, lest she embarrass her love.
“So Rare Bear,” Twilight asked when the nurse knocked on the door, “Wanna be roommates for the night?”
“I would love that Twinkle.”
The two laid next to each other, their beds as close together as the hospital would allow. Twilight was drifting in and out of sleep, though she finally noticed what sounded like Rarity crying.
“Rarity?” Twilight slowly asked, opening her eyes but too drained to sit up. She could see a sketch pad in Rarity’s lap, that showed a beautiful wedding dress design. “Is that for Pinkie’s sister?”
“No my love,” Rarity smiled, knowing she had been caught. “It’s for me. I drew this years ago, and touch it up every so often.”
“Oh. It looks amazing,” Twilight smiled.
“Thank you my love. But it was all a waste now.”
“Why do you say that Rare Bear?”
“Because my love,” Rarity began to cry. “You can’t have two mare’s in wedding dresses! They would clash! Neither bride could feel like that most spectacular mare she is on her wedding day!”
“Really?” Twilight asked.
“Really!”
“Rare Bear, I’m not going to say I’m ready for marriage, that’s still a huge step for us. But I’m sure when the time comes, if anypony can design two gorgeous wedding dresses for one wedding, it’s you.”
“I know, but that’s not the real issue!” Rarity sobbed.
“Then what is?”
Rarity flipped the page, frowning as it revealed another beautiful wedding dress, this time more suited for... Oh... “How long ago did you design my wedding dress?”
“Three months ago,” Rarity cried. “They are both design perfection! I cannot change them!”
“Really? I think that if anypony can make that work, it’s you beautiful.”
“Darling, you are too much,” Rarity smiled as she whipped her eyes with her free hoof.
“You too good looking,” Twilight muttered as she drifted off to sleep again, followed closely by her love.
“I love you Twinkle Twinkle, my little Star,” Rarity giggled as she rolled with Twilight in the field.
“I love you, my Rare Bear... I got nothing...” Twilight admitted, giggling softly. “You fill me with too much happiness to think straight.”
“Well good,” Rarity laughed, kissing Twilight’s nose.
“Ah there you are Twilight!” Luna called, sprinting towards them. “I have been most excited to play thee again! Shall we play chess tonight? Or my favorite, Mareo Party 7!? Or Mareo Kart racing!? Super Smash Ponies?! Starcraft?! Magic the Gathering?! Oh I have so many choices, why not all of them?!”
“Your majesty, I do believe you are in the wrong dream,” Rarity corrected to Twilight’s surprise.
“No she’s not! Her and I played last night. How would I forget something like that unless...” Twilight gasped as she looked to Rarity, the reality dawning on her as well.
“Twilight, I think we’re both real here...”
“I think we are. I thought I was just dreaming...”
“How can this be?” Both mares asked, looking to the Princess of the Night.
“Rarity, didn't you save Twilight’s life this evening with your magic?” Luna asked, knitting her brow. “I assume that you two now share a weak psychic connection, that you two can only access whilst you slumber,” Luna shrugged. It wasn't the craziest thing she had ever heard, but still new to her.
“Oh,” Both mares nodded.
“So we have our own little world here, where no pony can interrupt us, present company excluded,” Twilight smiled. “Please, I really need this right now.”
“Need what, Lady Twilight. I shall fetch it for you,” Luna offered.
“No Princess, that would be my job,” Rarity giggled as she pulled Twilight on top of her, grinning madly. “And then maybe we’ll switch.”
“Oh? Oh. OH!” Luna conceded. She had taken a minute, but she finally understood what these two meant. She blushed, as she hurried away. “I live for the night, but respect my right of dream watching. There are some things, beautiful as they may be, that require the respect such beauty holds.” The mare of the night returned to the real world, where she would find a friend to play her games with. “Maybe Miss Derpy and Time are off their sleep cycle again, they are the best at Mareo Party. And Miss Derpy always has tasty snacks.”

//-------------------------------------------------------//
            Epilogue: The Race of the Century              
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Epilogue: The Race of the Century
Epilogue: The Race of the Century.
A year had passed, and it was a year like none other. Twilight and the famous DJ Pon3, or Vinyl Scratch as she was known more formally, had finally figured out how to get sound to work with the crystal image magic, and had revolutionized the world. Everypony wanted a new CrystalVision, only from Sparkle Tech Inc. Today saw rise to Rainbow Dash’s new legacy, a world wide endurance flight, inspired by her flight with the orb a year ago.
“Twilight, Rarity!” Rainbow Dash cried as she came in for a landing. “Thanks for coming girls, you all didn’t need to be here for the opening ceremony.”
“Of course darling,” Rarity hissed.
“Uh oh, what’s wrong?” Rainbow asked.
“You never said this race was outside Las Pegasus! I was ready to spend the day relaxing by the pool, Twilight laying with me, and reading a nice book!”
“Wait, that’s an option?” Twilight asked. “Why are we here again?”
“Oh ha ha. It means alot to me that you girls are here. Heck, we got the whole team here. Thanks for the sponsorship Twilight,” Rainbow smiled.
“Not a problem, RD,” Twilight smiled.
“Shy and the others are already over there. That green tent, that’s us,” Rainbow pointed to Rarity’s eternal joy. As the mares crossed the plateau though, a random stallion stopped them, and from the looks of his suit, he thought he was somebody.
“Hey, I know you,” He sang, walking over to Twilight. “Miss Sparkle! Inventor of the CrystalVision!”
“Lady Sparkle, and I'm just a co-inventor. I’m sorry, but who are you?” Twilight asked.
“Big Show, lead sports announcer for Equestrian Sport Pony Network, or ESPN for short. I have got to thank you! Your invention changed my life.”
“Oh, no problem,” Twilight smiled.
“Could I get your autograph, and maybe an interview with you and the pony your company is sponsoring in today’s race?”
“Sure, I can do an autograph.” Twilight awkwardly smiled, picking up the quill in her light blue aura. Rarity smiled seeing that. Over a year now, and Twilight’s magic was still the same color as Rarity’s, and probably would be for the rest of her life.
In memory, Cadence had blessed off on their love, saying it was as real as anypony could ever hope for. Their love had indirectly sparked two others to fall in love, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, and caused two others to fall into a constant state of angry bitter hate that oddly enough worked for them, Dr. Grey Horse and Applejack. Even Spike had a new crush, and to her credit, Pinkie didn't mind the added affection at all.
“Hey Rares, Twi!” Pinkie sang out as she trotted around the tents. “How’s it goin?”
“Great darling. Thank you,” Rarity smiled as she pushed past the stallion looking for an exclusive. “Tell him no Twinkle!”
“Already planning on it,” Twilight called back. “Sorry Mr Show, our competitor does not wish to be interviewed before the race.”
“Come-”
“No, I’m sorry,” Twilight smiled. “If you have an issue with this, you are more than welcome to talk to my teacher.”
“Your teacher?” Big Show recoiled. Managers are one thing, security another. But a teacher?
“Yes, my teacher, Princess Celestia,” Twilight smirked, then walked away.
“Teachers pet!” Big yelled after her, angry and wanting to strike a low blow.
“Ooo, so scary, for a foal!” Twilight called back, embarrassing the fool. Back in her tent, Twilight relaxed, and helped Rarity unpack the new flight suit they had made for Rainbow Dash, along with the pit crew uniforms for the rest of them. The words Sparkle Tech Inc. gleamed brightly on Rainbow’s flank, where her cutie mark was also embroidered.
“Twilight, um, there is something I wanted to asked you for...” Spike mumbled, looking down and around. Twilight sighed and smiled, as she focused her magic on his nose, giving the dragon a number 25. For some reason, the mustache and racing environment just seemed to go together.
“Alright everypony, the ceremony will begin in 5 minutes. All teams to positions!” The announcer called on the megaphone. As the gang walked out, they were shocked to see they were among the few professional looking teams there, but laughed it off, when the racers reached the colder climates and high altitudes later on, they will wish they had a nice warm flightsuit.
“So Applejack darling, how go things with that- wonderful doctor?” Rarity asked as she walked, choosing her words wisely.
“Took me a year, but Ah finally broke him,” Applejack smiled. “He’s in rehab now fer his addiction to pain meds.”
“Oh my,” Rarity gasped. They had all seen a touch more of the jerk than they had wanted, but it was still shocking to hear nonetheless. Applejack had finally broken him. “Pinkie, you win the pool. It did take her a year.”
Soon the teams stood in their spots, under the baking Neighvada sun to Rarity’s disgust, as the race master detailed the route and rules for them all. Every team had a week to get ready now while their team members got into position around the world. They would all be taking off tomorrow morning, but this was probably going to be their last time together as a group, and they needed to say their goodbyes for the time being.
“Write to me every day Twinkle,” Rarity sobbed.
“Rarity,” Twilight chided.
“Oh don’t give me that! I love you and want to-”
“I put a special two way CV in your pack Love, we don’t have to write,” Twilight whispered. “Just don’t tell Fluttershy, okay?”
“Darling, you really did think of everything,” Rarity sobbed joyfully, hugging her lover tight.
“Buck it! We have tonight, and we’re in Las Pegasus!” Rainbow suddenly screamed. Twilight groaned as she knew just what was coming up, and the argument it would cause her, and the hangover from the party tonight. She really was not looking forward to any of that really. “Let’s find AJ a new coltfriend!”
“Oh,” Twilight giggled, “I wasn't expecting that.”
“What were you expecting my love?”
“A marriage proposal,” Twilight smiled. But a small part of her brain told her too little too late she had just blundered.
“Oh My Yes! Yes of course my darling! I Will! I Do! I- I don’t know what to say! Darling of course I’ll marry you!” Rarity screamed loud enough for the ponies in the actual town to hear her.
“Wait what?!”
“We gotta stop taking them places,” Applejack groaned to Pinkie and Spike, shaking her head.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   What do we have here?                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
What do we have here?
The Orb of Revelation  
By Sam Cole  
Chapter 1: What do we have here?
“Princess,” The royal librarian smiled, bowing low for the ruler of the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadence. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“Of course my friend. What seems to be the trouble?” Cadence smiled.
“We found something, deep in the library. I don’t know what it is, no pony does.” The librarian frowned. “After Sombra, we thought all of our memories had returned, but we know nothing of this. That- that scared me, your highness.”
“It’s alright my dear,” Cadence softly spoke, calming her worried friend. “These things tend to happen. Why don’t we look at this together?”
Twenty minutes later, the Princess’s former enthusiasm was gone, replaced with confusion. “Maybe it’s a bowling ball?”
“No holes,” The librarian noted. “A snow globe?”
“Too big and it’s solid. A crystal basketball?”
“That would shatter the first time anyone used it,” The librarian again noted. “I give up. No pony could ever hope to figure this out. You would need a complete recluse, one with no life.”
Those words sparked an idea in Cadence, as she smiled, and turned to the mare. “I happen to have just the pony in mind.”
“So what is this thing?” Spike asked as he unpacked the box from the Crystal Empire, and marveled at the giant crystal globe.
“That’s what Cadence has asked us to discover. She says it’s stumped their best minds and that I’m the only pony she could think of with the knowledge needed to unlock the secrets of this object,” Twilight proudly said.
“Maybe it’s like a giant jawbreaker...” Spike said, licking his lips.
“No Spike!” Twilight scolded, pulling the sphere away magically. “At least not yet. If we can’t figure it out then sure.”
“Twilight, I hope you never solve this mystery,” Spike said as his eyes followed the ball.
“Spike. Stop it. If I find one scratch on this thing,” Twilight warned.
“Okay. You can count on me Twilight,” Spike saluted sharply. “So what are you thinking of doing with it?”
“Well, it’s the same magic amplifying crystals as up north, so I think it’s a magical artifact,” Twilight guessed. “Cadence is one of two ponies up there that have any magic to speak of. That’s probably why they never thought of trying to put magic into it.”
“That sounds hard,” Spike mumbled.
“Not really. It shouldn't be any worse that charging up Tank’s flight pack,” Twilight mussed, setting the orb in a stand on her table. She focused her magic into a fine beam, and began to pour it into the orb, which began to dance and shine with several colors, swirling about as Twilight gave it more power.
“Oh wow!” Spike cried in glee, watching the rays of rainbow light dance across the ceiling. “Twilight, that’s amazing!”
“I haven’t even done anything with it though. That’s just the magic mixing inside of it...” Twilight recoiled. Magical artifacts that took no effort were a bad thing if Twilight was correct. But it seemed to just be sitting still.
“It kinda looks like a fortune tellers crystal ball, doesn't it?”
“I don’t think this can tell the future,” Twilight giggled. “But it is calling out. Listen.” When Spike did, he heard a ring of glass, so low pitched it was almost non existent, but it was a call true enough. The orb was calling to something, and the thought scared Twilight. What if this was one of Sombra’s evil inventions? What if this orb was calling him back to life? Or-
“Hey look, it’s the bedroom,” Spike said staring into the ball. Sure enough, the magic inside had stopped mixing and swirling to show Twilight’s bedroom, as it looked right now. The image was so clear, Twilight could read the title of the book on her nightstand actually.
“I have to check something,” Twilight mussed, running upstairs. Spike momentarily saw Twilight as she came into the bedroom, until she grabbed his view. When she lifted whatever it was, the picture went out, and Twilight returned moments later carrying a crystal vase.
“I saw you in the orb Twilight! Till you grabbed that thing,” Spike noted to his ward.
“Yeah, I figured it out. The crystals resonate together, and allow the image from one to be shown in the other. I could see you in the vase upstairs.”
“Huh, so what do you think this thing was used for?” Spike mussed.
“If I had to guess, it allowed the royal member’s of the Crystal Empire to put out information to all the citizens,” Twilight shrugged.
“That’s pretty cool!” Spike said. “I could see the Canterlot Spurtans Hoofball games then, every week!”
“Well, yeah... I guess it could be used for that...” Twilight thought. She had not considered the object having entertainment value. “But I don’t think this will work all too well. It was an accident that it worked with my vase. I have to run some tests, see if I can make it communicate with other crystal objects.”
“Yeah... What?” Spike asked.
“It’s nothing Spike. Now I need to go talk to the girls about this, see if they’re willing to help me.”
“Okay, I’ll just-”
“You’re coming to Spike,” Twilight called as she opened the door, and Spike grumbled.
“Thanks for meeting up with me girls,” Twilight said to Rainbow, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Pinkie and Rarity had been unable to come, and the latter of those worried everypony. She seemed rather down in the dumps for about a week now, and no pony could get through to her.
“Yeah, sure thing Twilight,” Rainbow half heartedly replied.
“Anytime sugarcube,” Applejack chimed in, to the same extent as her multi colored friend.
“You’re all worried about Rarity, aren't you?” Twilight guessed, noticing her friends unease.
“I’m sorry Twilight,” Rainbow sighed. “It’s just not right, ya know.”
“Pinkie’s working up a huge surprise for her. Ah don’t think it’ll work though,” Applejack frowned.
“I really wish she would feel better,” Fluttershy sighed. “If only she would open up to one of us, we could help her.”
“I know,” Twilight nodded solemnly. “I really wish I could help her. I would give anything to see her happy again.”
“I’m sorry Twilight,” Rainbow said shaking her head. “You asked for some help, and here we are talking about Rarity. What’s up?”
“Oh,” Twilight said as Rainbow shifted her mind back to the topic at hoof. “It’s nothing major. I really wanted some help with this magic artifact I got from Cadence, but I don’t know anymore. It just seems wrong to work on this while Rarity is so...”
“Yeah, Ah hear ya Twi. That doohickey will wait a day er two, let’s go talk to Pinkie. Maybe all of us can lift her spirits together.”
“Oh that’s a great idea,” Fluttershy smiled. She walked over and grabbed a picnic basket, then had a thought that gave her pause. “Um, do any of you have any wine? She really likes a red chardonnay or zinfandel.”
“Yeah, I have a few bottles at home,” Twilight smiled, liking this idea more already.
“Heya Rarity!” Pinkie sang as Rarity opened the door for her six friends. They all wore festive hats that Rarity had made for them last year, and held up a small basket of fruit and wine. “How about a pick -me-up-picnic?”
Rarity’s hair looks horrible. She’s not wearing any make up either, though I must admit, she looks better without, Twilight thought to herself. Everypony was thinking similar things, though none would ever say it. “Here Rarity, I brought you some daisy's. Roseluck said they help to cheer ponies up.” Twilight offered with a smile.
“Thank you, darling,” Rarity said flatly, taking the flowers and setting them in a vase by her door. “They look great.” She lied. She sounded so cold, so lifeless. Pinkie’s usual smile faltered as she looked to the defeated mare. “I don’t feel like a picnic right now girls. Maybe... maybe later.”
“Sure thing Rarity,” Twilight nodded, “I’ll see you again soon, okay?”
“Sure,” Rarity calmly replied, as if Twilight had just asked her for the time.
“Spike, I’m really worried about Rarity,” Twilight said as they walked back into the library together. “She seems so hurt. I can’t stand to see her like this.” She set down the dragon and went straight to making lunch for them, seeing as the picnic fell through.
“Yeah,” The small dragon muttered as he poked around the sandwich Twilight had made. “I feel bad cause she feels bad...”
“Yeah,” Twilight muttered, sitting down next to Spike. A glimmer caught her eye, as she looked over to the orb, shining brightly for some reason. Twilight remember the fated words of her friend right then and there.
‘If only she would tell one of us how she feels.’ Fluttershy’s words echoed in her mind. She thought back, and was pretty sure Rarity was using a crystal vase exactly like hers too... No! That’s so wrong of me! Rarity is my friend! I have no right to snoop into her private life!
The thought stuck with Twilight though, all day and all night, despite her works with the orb or helping Spike off to sleep. As the lavender mare stood that night in her steam filled bathroom, the thought nagged at her. And nagged. And na-
“That’s it! I can’t take it anymore,” Twilight growled, throwing down her tooth brush. She walked out, and focused her magic into the orb, finding the song it had to play for her. Had she never used crystal magic before, she would have never been able to augment the frequency, or know how to direct it. Though the first two times she tried, she was greeted to some unusual sights, like Mrs Cake enjoying a back rub from her husband...Oops! That’s not a back rub... Her next volley fared no better, as she came face to face with a very surprised goldfish.
“Who the hay uses a crystal bowl for a fish tank?” Twilight giggled as she tried again, and this time, she hit home.
Though Twilight could not hear, she could tell Rarity was crying. Her diary lay open on the floor, and though it was stained by tears, Twilight could make out some writing. ‘-No pony cares about me. No pony wants to be around me. My friends only tolerate me. They don’t love me. No pony loves me-’
“Oh Rarity,” Twilight cried. It was so sad. Rarity thinks our help is just pity... She doesn't think we love her... Twilight watched Rarity, as the mare magically pulled over a bottle of pills, and a large glass of wine. “No! Rarity!” Twilight cried, bolting out the door. As she left and the magic faded, it became clear Rarity was just taking her vitamins, though Twilight never saw that. Spike saw that, as he sadly watched the image fade.
“Twilight, you didn't,” The small dragon groaned. “I’ll start the letter about jumping to conclusions and respecting one’s privacy then?” He asked Owlowiscious, who hooted his support.
“Rarity!” Twilight screamed, pounding on the mare’s door. “Open up! It’s me, Twilight! Please! I-” Twilight was cut off as Rarity, surprised by the sudden show, opened the door for her friend, who rushed in and hugged the mare tight.
“Twilight! Whatever is the meaning of all of this?” Rarity asked. “It’s 11:30 at night.”
“I know, and I’m sorry, but what I have to say, it can’t wait,” Twilight whispered, stroking Rarity’s mane. “I wanted to tell you how much you mean to me. How I think you’re wrong, because somepony does care. I care. I love you, Rarity.”
“Twilight,” Rarity shakily said. Her understanding, her patience, her willingness to do anything for me at the drop of a hat. She brought me flowers today for crying out loud... She... She does love me... Rarity thought to herself, feeling the warmth of Twilight pressed against her. Could it be? She would not have said anything because of Spike’s feelings for me, but what if she just couldn’t take it any longer... Oh, I am such a fool. I...
Rarity returned her hug now, and began to cry. “I love you too Twilight! I love you.” Twilight pulled back, a smile on her face as she prepared to tell Rarity how much she meant to everypony, when the white mare did something Twilight never saw coming. Rarity quickly closed the distance, and kissed the lavender mare. It was unlike anything Twilight had ever felt before, but that was not to say it was entirely welcome, or unwelcome. It just was, and Rarity really seemed to enjoy it - Is that her tongue? In my mouth? Oh horsefeathers, I never finished brushing my teeth...
Rarity gasped, pulling back for air, and for a second, Twilight realized that she was still moving her own lips as if in a kiss, making Rarity giggle. “I’m sorry my love, I don’t think you were expecting that, were you?”
“Um, no. No I was most certainly not...” Twilight nodded.
“I’ve been such a fool my love. Of course you love me, and I was a blind mare to not see it sooner,” Rarity lamented.
“Um...”
“Oh how gloriously wrong I was! You were so kind, so polite to wait, but thank you Twilight. Thank you for working up the courage tonight, of all nights. You have no idea how much this means to me,” Rarity smiled.
“A-”
“I love you, my little Twinkle! I love you, and I want the world to know. Tomorrow, we’ll tell all of our friends we’re dating!” Rarity squealed, hugging Twilight tight again.
“Dating?” Twilight stammered.
“I know, you never saw this coming my love, but yes. I love you as well darling! I know. I know how you feel, and it is so wonderful. And I have you to thank for this, Twilight,” Rarity smiled, letting go of her hug. “I love you.”
“I- I love you too, Rarity-”
“Oh yes, I know. But it does the heart so many rich wonders to hear it,” Rarity smiled. She leaned in again, as Twilight realized another kiss was coming. At least this time she got to avoid having Rarity smash her lip into her own teeth again, but she was being kissed. Again. By her best friend.
And it felt so... wet? I don’t think I care for wine tasting second hoof, Twilight mused. But, I kinda like this... This must be why Shining likes to kiss Cadence so much, it feels really good actually, Twilight thought as Rarity bit her lip a tad, sending shivers up her spine in a wholly pleasant way. Twilight was really getting into this idea, and was starting to play with Rarity’s tongue inside her mouth, when the white mare pulled back for air again, and Twilight only just realized how badly her lungs hurt from the lack of fresh air.
“Oh my! Twilight! You are a marvelous kisser!” Rarity laughed, playing with her mane.
“Just a natural, I guess,” Twilight laughed back nervously.
“I wonder, what else are you a natural at?” Rarity asked with lidded eyes, as she stood and tried to pull Twilight along.
“What?! Whoa, slow down Rarity!” Twilight stammered. She was willing to kiss a bit, that was harmless, but That?!
“Oh my stars! I’m so sorry,” Rarity apologized, seeing the error of her idea. “Oh dear, you must have the worst impression of me. We only just moments ago decided to start dating, and now I’m trying to drag you off to my bed. Oh my gosh, I am so terrible at this.”
“No, it’s just- This is all so sudden...” Twilight stammered. She didn't want to hurt Rarity’s feelings, and she did enjoy the kiss, but this was going too far now.
“Yes, yes I agree. We should both get some sleep,” Rarity nodded. “We’ll take this as it comes my love. Tomorrow, we’ll tell the girls. We can even have that little picnic you wanted too earlier,” Rarity smiled, nodding.
“Yeah, that- that sounds great...” Twilight thought. “Tomorrow at one?”
“It’s a date my love. Oh my stars, our first date,” Rarity squealed, tapping her hooves in joy.
“Yeah. I’ll- I’ll see you there, lo-love...” Twilight managed.
“Oh you are too cute darling, be bashful about saying it. It’s alright. I love you, and whatever pet name you want to give me,” Rarity smiled.
“Okay, b-beautiful,” Twilight ventured, and if Rarity was happy before, she was off the charts now.
“Oh why did I never think of this?” Rarity asked, hugging Twilight again.
“Just fate I guess.” Twilight was happy that right now, her nervousness was not visible to Rarity.
“Yes, glorious fate. Thank you my love. I can’t wait till tomorrow afternoon.”
“Hehehe, same here my- Beautiful Rare Bear?”
“Ah, Rare Bear,” Rarity squealed, crushing Twilight in a hug. “My daddy calls me that. It’s so special to me. Of all the things that could have happened tonight, this is the Best Possible Thing!”
As Twilight closed the door to the library, she was just about ready to pass out. But a small laugh caught her attention, as she looked up the stairs to Spike as he giggled and laughed at Twilight.
“So how silly did you feel when you saw Rarity was fine and you jumped to conclusions?” Spike asked, pointing to the crystal orb.
“Oh horseshoes, I forgot about you,” Twilight muttered. “Spike, we need to have a little talk...”
“Is everything okay? You were gone a bit? Is Rarity alright?” Spike worried, as he hurried down.
“Yeah, she’s great. But um... how do I say this? Spike, I think I’m dating Rarity now...”