Twilight entered the store and the friendly stallion who owned it greeted her with his usual “Hello Twilight! That time of the week again?” making her laugh as she got a shopping basket with her magic whilst bringing out a list from her saddle bags.
“Time flies when you are having fun!” she said with a giggle as she took several scrolls and put them in her basket.
He scratched his head. “I can’t think of anypony else who gets through as much paper as you, what’s your secret?” he asked as Twilight got more ink; she wasn’t fully paying attention as she was reading through her list.
“Hmm? Well I write letters quite often, plus my study sessions have started again so I have to be prepared!” she explained whilst using her magic to collect the last of what she needed, and gave the now bulging basket to the shop stallion.
“Is that everything?” asked the stallion as he started costing up the items Twilight had chosen. Twilight checked her list again. Twice.
“Nope, that is everything thank you!” she said as the shop stallion finished and showed her the price making her eyes go wide. “Oh my...”
The stallion laughed,“Yeah, well you have chosen a lot of items!” he said, “Tell you what, as you’re such a regular customer, I’ll give you a discount!”
The First Phase
Twilight Sparkle loved Ponyville at night; the skies were always clear and the stars shone brighter compared to Canterlot. She enjoyed her evenings by studying the movement of the stars through her telescope. She used her magic to write about what she saw as she viewed, so whilst she looked through her telescope she hardly ever needed to look at the paper.
“That is so weird...” commented Spike as he moved the last stack of books.
Twilight pulled herself away from her telescope. “What was that Spike?” she asked.
Spike put down the books and gestured to the quill that was still writing on a piece of paper.
“Talk about multitasking, but hey! Your magic has really progressed since moving to Ponyville, but I still find it a bit weird to see it in action,” Spike said, making Twilight giggle.
She waved a hoof. “Oh Spike, its only simple levitation! Anyway, is that the last stack of books?” she queried.
Spike picked the stack up again and gave a large yawn. “This is the last one, good job too as I’m really tired! I’ll sort this out and then I’m hitting the hay. Don’t you stay up too late, night Twilight!” he said as he left Twilight to her studies.
“Goodnight Spike,” Twilight called with her eye to her telescope.
It wasn’t until sometime later that Twilight yawned and decided to call it a night, but before bed she decided to read over her notes. Her writing was really small and neat, and she smiled as she scanned through her detailed work.
“Huh?” she said aloud as she found a word that didn’t fit into the sentence. She picked up her quill and circled the word ‘Rain’, and Twilight racked her mind. “Why did I write that? It makes no sense...” she muttered as she decided to read her notes through in depth. To her surprise, there were more words, and she circled them all as she said each one aloud. “...Wing...Tree...Recovery...Break...Long...Hospital...Strike...Dash...Tomorrow...Bow...Dislocation! What in the wide wide world of Equestria is that all about?” she said, confused.
Spike walked up to her whilst rubbing his eyes, he saw her frantically going through pages and pages of notes with a wild look in her eyes. “Twilight, are you talking to... yourself?” he asked sleepily.
Twilight looked to Spike, and looked down apologetically. “Sorry for waking you Spike, it’s just my notes, they are full of mistakes!” she said, distressed.
Spike smiled. “Then maybe that is a good hint to go to bed? Honestly Twilight, you have to be careful, you are no use to anypony if you are all worked up and tired. Get to bed Twilight, we’ll figure it out tomorrow,” he said.
Twilight rather reluctantly put her papers on the desk and sighed. “You’re right Spike, there is no point getting all worked up over this,” she said as she headed to bed, and Spike went to his.
Twilight’s mind still raced as she tried to sleep.
Twilight awoke early the next day, and made a large pot of strong tea. She had hardly slept and spent the night tossing and turning. She gave a big yawn and slowly enjoyed her tea in peace.
Spike came down stairs as Twilight finished her cup of tea. He saw her staring intently out of the window, deep in thought.
“Twilight, have you had breakfast yet?” he asked with concern.
Twilight looked to him and hummed, bringing her back to the library. “No I haven’t Spike, I’d love some toast!” she said with a smile, he gave a nod and went to work in the kitchen.
When he brought the toast out, he found her already at work on her notes.
Twilight decided to go over all her notes from the very beginning of her observations. To Spike it looked like a mountain of paperwork with the the finest, smallest writing he had ever seen on. Twilight scanned through whilst eating her toast.
“Well, have you found anything?” asked Spike, as Twilight looked more and more frustrated as she pored over her work.
Twilight was just confused. “I’ve looked through my work, and it doesn’t make any sense!” She said, showing Spike the most recent set of notes. “Look, this is the only one that has mistakes, why now? Why only this one? What has changed?” she questioned, and Spike shrugged, not knowing what to say.
Spike stacked her notes and put them neatly away. “Maybe some fresh air will help, why don’t we take a walk?” Spike suggested.
Twilight smiled. “I think that is the best idea. Otherwise this stuff is going to drive me crazy!” she said with a laugh.
“Right!” Spike agreed, as he went to the door to go outside, he held it open as Twilight followed him out.
It was nearing midday when Spike and Twilight returned to the library. “That was a nice suggestion Spike, Ponyville looks so wonderful today!” Twilight said cheerfully, she opened the door to the library and found a very anxious Pinkie Pie pacing the floor of the library.
“Oh Twilight, thank goodness!” Pinkie said with tears in her eyes as she hugged Twilight tight.
Twilight wasn’t sure what was going on, but she could tell Pinkie was upset. “Relax Pinkie, I’m here now, what has got you worked up so much?” Twilight asked as Pinkie pulled away to blow her nose on a hanky.
“It’s Rainbow Dash; she’s in hospital!” Pinkie Pie wailed, distraught. Twilight gasped.
“Is she okay?” asked Spike.
Pinkie Pie sniffled. “The doctor said she’ll be okay, but she is going to have a long recovery.”
“Did she dislocate her wing by hitting a tree?” added Twilight, making both Spike and Pinkie look at her.
“That’s... right Twilight, how’d you guess that?” Pinkie questioned.
Twilight used her magic to bring her notes to her. “I didn’t see it until now, how could I miss this? I could have prevented this!” she said, showing Pinkie her work.
“I don’t get it...” Pinkie said, confused, as Twilight got another bit of paper and wrote out the words she circled last night, this time in a new order. “Rain. Bow. Dash. Strike. Tree. Wing. Break. Dislocation. Tomorrow. Long. Hospital. Recovery,” Twilight said aloud.
A long silence filled the library. They all looked at each other. “Does that mean... what I think it means?” Spike said, looking considerably pale.
Twilight was in tears as she nodded. “Last night, what I thought was mistakes were clues to what would happen today...” she said, horrified.
Pinkie Pie, oddly enough, giggled. “Oh Twilight that’s a good one! Stargazing can’t tell the future silly, come on let’s go wish her a swift recovery!” she said, bouncing over to the bookshelves.
“Now, which Daring Do hasn’t she read?” Pinkie sang as she plucked one at random. “Do you think she’ll like this one?” Pinkie asked showing Twilight the book.
Twilight nodded. “She’s read them all, but I remember she particularly liked that one,” she said with a frown.
Pinkie grinned “Oh goodie! I’ve got such good choice in books, Rainbow Dash will love this to keep her occupied as she recovers. Come on Twilight, turn that frown upside down and let’s go cheer Rainbow Dash up!” she sang as she bounced outside the library, and hopped around waiting for Twilight.
Spike looked to a teary Twilight. “Twilight, this isn’t your fault,” he said.
“But... I have to go and apologize, I could have done something!” said Twilight, distressed, and Spike gave her a big hug.
“Look, don’t let this get you down, let’s go visit Rainbow Dash, at least we can hear what really happened,” Spike suggested, and Twilight gave a faint smile.
“And that is why you are my number one assistant! Of course we have to get the facts before drawing any conclusions!” she said with determination. Spike was happy, and with that, they left.
Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy were already beside Rainbow Dash’s bedside as Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Spike joined them. “Hey Rainbow Dash! I brought you this!” said Pinkie Pie, giving Rainbow Dash the Daring Do book.
“Awesome! This one’s my favourite!” said Rainbow Dash, grinning. Twilight was frozen at the sight of Rainbow Dash’s completely limp wing.
“Does it... hurt?” asked Twilight, unable to look away from Rainbow Dash’s wing.
Rainbow Dash put the Daring Doo book to one side. “Nah, it’s not painful now, but I still can’t fly. Don’t sweat it Twilight, doctors are going to fix it, I’ll be out flying in no time!” she said.
Fluttershy peeped, “Now everypony is here, are you going to tell us what happened? I’ve been so worried.”
Rarity nodded and comforted the shaking Fluttershy. “Please do darling, we’re all waiting to hear what happened.” Rarity said politely.
Rainbow Dash gave a sheepish grin. “Well you see, I’ve been practicing some pretty difficult moves, some told me that they were even impossible, and you know what that meant. I had to do them! So after a few warm up moves I gave the first one a try. I guess I got a little close to that tree at high speed!” she said.
Applejack looked shocked. “Ah little close? Yer should see what’s left of the tree! There’s hardly anythin’ there, when ah saw that smoking crater ah thought a shootin star landed on mah farm!”
Rainbow Dash laughed. “I am a star, at least you got that right!” she said, making Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie and Spike laugh.
Nurse Redheart came over to Rainbow Dash’s bedside, and greeted everypony there.
“We’ll be relocate your wing as soon as possible, however we need a doctor who is used to pegasus patients, and it’s been difficult locating one to come to Ponyville on a short notice. Also, your wing is completely broken too; it’ll be a long road of recovery and wing strengthening before you’re out in the skies I’m sorry to say. At least you have your friends to keep you company,” she explained, making Rainbow dash gawp, and both Fluttershy and Twilight go pale.
Nurse Redheart looked at the Daring Do book at Rainbow Dash’s side. “I’d think you may need a bit more reading material, Miss,” she said with a smile.
Rainbow Dash grinned. “No problem there, Twilight lives in Ponyville Library, she has the whole set! No offense though, but I’m a quick healer, I’ll be up in the skies in no time!” she said with determination.
Applejack smiled. “Boy howdy, yer one heck of a fighter ah’ll give yah that!” she said and high hoofed Rainbow Dash, unfortunately this caused Rainbow Dash to twist badly. “Ouch!” she yelped in pain.
Nurse Redheart looked annoyed “We don’t want to be making her any worse now. Visiting time is over, but as Rainbow Dash will be here for a long time I’ll give you all extended time, just sign your names at reception as you leave so we know who you are,” she said gesturing to the door.
“Oh kay, ah get the hint, sorry ‘bout that Rainbow,” said Applejack, walking to the door.
Rainbow rubbed her body. “I’ve had worse AJ. You know it,” she said.
Rarity nodded farewell. “I’ll come by with one of my finest silk pillows, with you here for a while you may as well rest well in comfort and style,” she said dramatically, making Rainbow Dash roll her eyes.
“Thank you Rarity, I wouldn’t mind that actually, I miss the super fluffy clouds!” said Rainbow Dash.
Rarity then said “Aha! Idea! I shall make you a super fluffy silk pillow shaped like a cloud, oh it’ll be just perfect!”
Pinkie Pie giggled. “Oh that’ll be amazing, why you’re so generous Rarity! Could you make me a cloud pillow too?” she asked.
Rarity flicked her mane idly “Well of course darling! And same goes to the rest of you if you’d like one.” She looked to the clock on the wall. “Oh my, I best get a move on if I want to make these...” she said and joined Applejack who was waiting in the hallway.
Pinkie Pie jumped for joy. “Oh I gotta come back with the other Daring Do’s, don’t I? And maybe some cupcakes!” she said laughing. “I’ll be seeing you in two shakes of a pony’s tail!” she gave Rainbow Dash a quick small hug and joined Rarity and Applejack.
Fluttershy held Rainbow Dash’s hoof. “Erm, just get better, okay?” she whispered.
Rainbow Dash smiled. “I’m okay Fluttershy, why don’t you bring some games over next time you come, I promise I’ll actually play this time!” she said.
Fluttershy nodded and muttered “Okay,” and left into the hallway, hiding behind her mane.
Rainbow Dash looked to Twilight. “No lecture? No snarky comment on me crashing into trees? What’s up Twilight, I can tell something is bothering you,” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
Twilight was on the verge of tears. “I...I...” she said welling up.
“Twilight?” queried Rainbow Dash, concerned.
Twilight began to weep. “I’m sorry Rainbow, I’m so, so sorry!” she cried and ran out into the hall.
“Twilight, wait!” called Spike, running after her as Twilight went past her other friends.
Applejack almost got knocked over. “What the? Twilight what’s wrong?” she called out, but Twilight didn’t stop. She ran all the way home and buried her face in her pillows.
Spike entered the library with hesitation. “Twilight?” he called out. Spike heard crying from upstairs. “I tried to explain to the rest of the group, and they are really worried and confused!” he said, letting in the others behind him, motioning for them to stay downstairs.
“Twilight we’re here for yah, jus’ can yah please explain what the hay is going on?” said a very confused Applejack.
They heard some sniffling, and then Twilight appeared with red eyes wiping tears away with a tissue.
“Sorry girls, I just feel awful! Please take a look at my notes Applejack,” Twilight said, gesturing to the notes on the library table. Applejack picked them up and read them.
“Ah don’t get it,” she said.
Pinkie Pie nodded. “That’s what I said! But lookie here, lookie here! See the words circled, they say what happened today before it happened!” she explained.
Twilight nodded. “That’s the basics of it yes, thank you Pinkie. This is the first time it’s happened, it makes no sense, and I could have done something!” she said, distraught.
Rarity comforted Twilight. “There there, it’s alright, you thought you had made mistakes, you had no idea it would turn out this way,” she said, calming Twilight down.
“How terrible...” said Fluttershy as she read the notes. “Do you think it’ll happen... again?”
Twilight looked blank. “Happen again? You think the next time I take notes from stargazing this will happen again?” she said, disbelieving her own words.
Fluttershy hid behind her mane. “Oh goodness no that would be awful...” she whispered.
Spike was very concerned. “But now I’m worried, what happens next?”
Twilight thought. “I think I’ll observe the stars again, and see what comes up in my notes, only
this time, I’ll be taking it very seriously,” she said.
Spike nodded. “But we’ll only know if it happens again when it is night, until then we can only wait.”
Rarity agreed. “That is true, but what if it is a cloudy night?” she asked.
“Well I’ll do my best, I’m certainly no Rainbow Dash but I can clear the skies for you,” Fluttershy whispered.
Twilight smiled. “Thank you Fluttershy, that means a lot.” Fluttershy squeaked. Several thuds came from behind Twilight, and she turned to see Pinkie Pie covered in Daring Do books.
“Sorry but I did promise Rainbow Dash I’d bring her the collection!” she said with a giggle, making the rest of them smile. “I’m gonna go right now!” she said, and became a pink blur disappearing out of the library.
“Which we reminds me, I best make a start on these cloud pillows, good luck Twilight, I hope this horribleness doesn't continue. Tah tah for now,” Rarity said, taking her leave.
Applejack saw how distressed Fluttershy was. “Would you like to come over to the farm sugarcube?” she asked.
Fluttershy nodded, and they both left together.
Second Phase
Night had fallen, and Twilight took a deep breath. “It’s okay, you can do this, just another average night observing the stars. Not going to get some random words telling me about the future...” she said in an attempt to reassure herself, but didn’t sound very convincing.
She began as normal and took notes as she stargazed. Some time later Spike came up. “I made you a cup of tea, how is it going?” he asked.
Twilight yawned and took a long drink of the tea Spike offered. “Like normal, maybe it was all just some crazy coincidence...” she said, and decided to go through her notes so far. She scanned through the notes whilst drinking her tea. Suddenly she sprayed tea in shock and coughed terribly, Spike did his best to pat her on the back as she coughed.
“What? What’s wrong!” Spike asked, fearing the answer. Twilight circled four words on the one sheet of notes that she had managed. She re-arranged them like last time and read aloud what it said. “Sweetie. Belle. Breaks. Leg.” Twilight gulped.
“No way!” Spike cried aloud, “That can’t be it, there has to be something else, please Twilight, check again?” he pleaded, and Twilight did, but she looked even worse than before.
“That’s all there is...” she muttered. She now looked suddenly determined. “Spike. Take a letter.” She ordered. Spike knew that tone of voice and quickly got himself all the necessary items to write a letter to the Princess.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Rainbow Dash hurt herself today, however I predicted it would happen from my simple observations of the stars at night. I ask you if this has ever happened before, as now on my second night of studying the stars I have predicted what will happen tomorrow.
Rarity’s sister Sweetie Belle will break her leg. With what happened with Rainbow Dash, I’m afraid that the prediction will come true, and I’m scared to observe the stars further. Princess I seek your guidance - what should I do?
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle.
“Send it,” Twilight said. Spike looked outside the window, it was the middle of the night.
“Right now?” he asked, and Twilight gave him a firm look, making him instantly belch fire over the scroll he wrote. “Sorry, sorry. It’s on it’s way,” he said apologetically, and Twilight looked calmer.
“Good. The Princess will help, I know she will! Any time now...” said Twilight with a faint twitch of her eye.
Spike looked at her, concerned. “Uh, Twilight? Isn’t it possible that Celestia is asleep?” he asked, and Twilight looked annoyed.
“I didn’t think of that, my mind still going over how to stop this happening...” she said, referring to the papers once more.
“Think about it Spike,” she said aloud, “Sweetie Belle will hate me forever, and Rarity will no longer be my friend! There is simply too much on the line, I have to do something!” she said confidently, and began pacing back and forth across the library.
Spike was about to speak when he belched out a scroll. “Princess Luna’s royal seal?” he said, looking at Twilight confused, seeing she was as interested as he was, so he unrolled it and read the following aloud;
Twilight Sparkle,
As I take over my sister’s duties for the night, this includes royal mail, so I read your letter to my sister. Thankfully so, as I know precisely what has occurred and can help.
The Stars have awoken, and whilst they are in my jurisdiction, I myself do not control their actions. Their knowledge and wisdom includes what has been, what is, and what is to come. They have chosen you to share this wisdom, specifically: the future.
After I write this letter I will wake Celestia and discuss what has happened, but for now heed my words; the wisdom of the Stars combined is the most powerful knowledge we know of, use it wisely.
The path ahead is a hard one, from the past we have learnt that normally a high level student, such as yourself, is chosen and then follows six phases of the stars predicting future events, one has passed so we are now on the second phase, four will follow.
I see you have the second phase already, you can do this Twilight. You, and only you can prevent this from happening, I wish you all the best of luck, and that my heart goes out to you. I am deeply sorry that you are being put through this, but the stars choose their messengers wisely. Their last was Starswirl the Bearded, who twice had the stars show him the future, it is an honour and privilege as much as a burden this gift they have allowed you. Celestia and I are very proud, no matter what may happen.
Your Friend,
Princess Luna.
Spike and Twilight looked at each other for a long time before Twilight dashed downstairs.
“Twilight! Where are you going?” asked Spike as Twilight opened the door to the library.
Twilight looked to Spike. “Isn’t it obvious? We have to stop this from happening!” she said, and went out running into the night. Spike watched from the window as Twilight ran through the night towards Carousel Boutique.”Well... this will end in tears,” he said as he decided to crawl into his bed.
Rarity dreamed heavily. “...Oh Fancy Pants you are amazing, mhmm... giant hats? Of course giant hats...” she mumbled. Ferocious banging brought her out of her dream. She pulled off her sleep mask. “What in Equestria?” she said with a ladylike yawn, putting on her fluffy dressing gown and she slowly went down stairs as the knocking became more intense.
Rarity opened the door to find Twilight standing there, looking frantic and worried. “Twilight darling, what is the matter?” Rarity enquired.
“Where is Sweetie Belle? Is she okay, please tell me she is okay!” Twilight said quickly,
“Hum? Twilight it’s the middle of the night...” Rarity said, stifling a yawn.
“Sweetie Belle is upstairs, in the guest room. Mum and Dad are in Canterlot so I’m taking care of her. Aw you should have seen her, she fell fast asleep, and at dinner she could hardly keep her head up! Honestly I don’t know what she gets up to with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo sometimes...” Rarity said with a smile, rolling her eyes, but she saw that Twilight was still really worried.
“Does this have something to do with what happened to Rainbow Dash?” enquired Rarity and Twilight nodded before her head sunk low.
“Something is going to happen to Sweetie Belle...” Twilight said trying to hold tears back.
Rarity smiled and hugged her friend tight. “Twilight, I appreciate your concern darling but nothing is going to happen to her now she’s sleeping...” she said.
They heard hoofsteps down the stairs and they both turned to see a sleepy Sweetie Belle.
“Mmm...who is it?” Sweetie Belle asked, half asleep.
Rarity cried out to her, “Sweetie Belle, don’t worry it’s only Twilight! It’s the middle of the night, go back to bed darling!”
Sweetie Belle grumbled, “With pleasure...” and turned around and went back to her room.
Rarity yawned. “Come for breakfast tomorrow Twilight, and don’t you worry your head about any of this. Everything is going to be fine. Good night...” Rarity said then looked up to the sky. “Well morning now, I guess,” she said with a smile as Twilight said night as well, and went home to bed feeling very tired herself.
Rarity was up early making breakfast when there was a heavy knocking on the Carousel Boutique main door. “Coming!” she sang as she finished pouring a perfect cup of orange juice.
Rarity opened the door to find Twilight Sparkle with an incredibly messy mane.
“I didn’t sleep a wink...” Twilight admitted as she came in, and Rarity smiled and nodded sympathetically.
“Twilight you look so stressed darling! You simply must come to the spa this afternoon!” Rarity decided, and when Twilight tried to argue, she insisted.
“I know you are worried for Sweetie Belle’s sake, but trust me; nothing is going to happen!” Rarity said in an attempt to calm her friend, who was anxiously looking upstairs. Twilight was given a drink of orange juice and accepted it graciously. Rarity looked to the clock. “Oh my, Sweetie Belle is going to be late if she stays in bed anymore...” she said and cleared her throat delicately. “Oh Sweetie Belle!” she called, getting no response she then yelled “BREAKFAST IS READY!”
A dull thud was heard, followed by some movement and Twilight heard a door open followed by grumbling. “I made your favourite dear!” sang Rarity up the stairs with a smile as she heard Sweetie Belle say “Ooh!” and rush towards the stairs.
Twilight spluttered over her orange juice. “Sweetie Belle! Don’t run!” she cried up the stairs.
Sweetie Belle heard Twilight and said “Huh?” in confusion and tripped over her own hooves, falling down the stairs. To Twilight, it was as if it was happening all in slow motion, Rarity gasped as she dropped a cup of tea, watching as Sweetie Belle bounced on every single stair.
Twilight could only watch as Sweetie Belle was suddenly airborne for a long period of time, and she landed heavily on her leg making a horrifyingly loud snap! Time seemed to return to normal as Sweetie Belle rolled down the final steps and reached the ground floor. Silence filled the Carousel Boutique. Twilight looked back and forth between the horrified Rarity and the now weeping Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity yelled in distress as Sweetie Belle began to cry loudly.
Later, at Ponyville Hospital.
The Doctor puzzled over an X-ray of Sweetie Belle’s leg before putting it on a light up display board. “Yep. It’s broken!” he said to the crowd of ponies behind him, and he gave an awkward grin from all the annoyed looks he was getting.
Sweetie Belle sniffled, and Rarity held her hoof. “There there dear, don’t worry, you’re in safe hooves now...” Rarity comforted her sister, still giving a look that would kill to the doctor who slowly back out of the room.
“Hey! At least she got a room with me, she’ll have a friendly face she knows after you ponies go home. don’t worry we’ll keep each other good company!” said Rainbow Dash with a grin, who was in the bed next to Sweetie Belle.
Applejack and Pinkie nodded reassuringly, but Rarity didn’t hear as all her attention was on her little sister. Rarity hugged Sweetie Belle whilst quietly sobbing until Sweetie Belle flinched and squeaked “Ow!”
Rarity pulled away quickly. “I didn’t touch your leg did I? Oh sorry, terribly sorry!” she apologized quickly. But Sweetie Belle smiled, making Rarity confused.
“No not my leg, it’s just you hugged me so tight I almost couldn’t breathe...” Sweetie Belle said, wincing as she shifted to a better position, and Rarity breathed a sigh of relief.
“If there is anything I can do for you darling, anything at all! Don’t hesitate to ask,” Rarity said. “Oh why didn’t I listen to Twilight...”
Now Sweetie Belle looked confused. “But Rarity, this had nothing to do with Twilight, I fell down the stairs by accident!” she said.
Twilight came up to the filly in the hospital bed. “Remember I came over in the middle of the night? And in the morning, if I hadn’t distracted you this would not have happened, this is all my fault, please don’t hate me!” Twilight said sadly.
“Hate you? I don’t hate you silly!” Sweetie Belle said. Twilight looked exasperated.
“But...but I could have done so much to prevent this! I tried to stop this but I failed, just like with Rainbow Dash!” Twilight said, now sobbing.
Third Phase
That night, at the Library.
“Ah yer sure this is a good idea Pinkie?” asked Applejack as they arrived at the Library, and Pinkie bounced up to the door nodding.
“Yes indeed! Twilight’s got herself all worked up and keeps blaming herself, which is no fun for any pony! So I said to myself ‘Hey Pinkie! Why not help her out?’ and I knew it was such a super good idea that I told you too!” Pinkie blurted out and banged on the library door. With her nose.
Spike opened the door. “Oh, hey girls! Twilight’s up in her own observatory, I wouldn’t distract her just yet, she’s vowed to take double the amount of notes tonight!” Spike explained as he let them in.
Applejack looked up the stairs “She really believes its all her fault?” she asked.
Spike decided to show Applejack and Pinkie the letter from Princess Luna. After a quick read Pinkie smiled a lot less. “Whoa this is a doozy! I wonder why my Pinkie Sense didn’t pick this up?” she thought aloud.
Applejack rolled her eyes. “That’s not important Pinkie, everything Twilight has been sayin’ makes sense now, we gotta try and help her!” Applejack said and Pinkie nodded in agreement, however Spike now looked awkward.
“Thing is, since coming back to the library Twilight has been acting worse than earlier, just be warned you two...” he said, and then called upstairs. “Twilight! AJ and Pinkie are here!”
It was a moment before movement was heard.
Twilight came downstairs, her eye was twitching and was muttering to herself, she took a long sweeping look down the stairs, and wide eyed she said “Hi girls!” making Applejack instantly worry at Twilight’s slightly crazy grin.
“Yah feelin’ okay Twi?” Applejack asked as Twilight came into the main room and began searching all the drawers.
“Oh I’m great, just great. Absolutely. Fine,” Twilight said, grabbing a load of blank paper before heading back upstairs.
Pinkie Pie was confused.
“Are we invisible?” she asked, and pulled funny faces at Spike, who snorted.
“You’re not invisible,” said Spike grinning, making Pinkie pout. “She’s been zoned into studying the stars, there is no getting to her until she’s finished making notes,” he explained, so Applejack and Pinkie decided to wait.
By the time Twilight surfaced, Pinkie had fallen asleep, and as Twilight came down the stairs with a massive load of notes. “Pinkie, AJ? You girls still here, oh my I’m so so sorry I just got caught up in my studies!” Twilight apologized and yawned whilst rubbing her eyes, and she put all her notes on a table with a depressed sigh. “I’m going to make a large strong pot of tea,” she said as she went into the kitchen. Applejack woke Pinkie up.
Pinkie yawned and stretched. “That was the best party...” she mumbled, making Applejack smile.
“Yah even dream of parties? Can’t say ah’m surprised...” Applejack said. Twilight came back with a big pot of tea and poured four cups of tea and passed them around.
“That’s a lot of notes!” said Pinkie happily after taking a sip, and Twilight nodded.
“It’s more than twice the amount of notes I would normally take, I’m hoping that this way I will get more clues about the future, and I’ll be properly prepared!” she said.
Applejack nodded “That sounds a plan, and Twi, we’re here to help in any way!” she said and Pinkie agreed. Spike meanwhile was flicking through the massive stack of notes with concern.
“How long is it going to take to work out the message?” he asked, and Twilight shook her head.
“I don’t know Spike, but I hope the message we receive is worth the time I invested in making them,” she said matter-of-factly and picked up the first of the notes.
Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Spike tried to help where they could, and Twilight felt triumph when halfway through her notes they had worked out that Time Turner, a brown stallion who lived in a small blue house on the hill just outside Ponyville, would drown upriver. However this triumph was crushed when in the other half they learnt that Derpy Hooves, a blonde-maned grey pegasus who normally delivered mail would drown downriver at the same time.
“But this makes no sense!” Twilight said. “How can I be in two places at once? Don’t tell me I have to choose who will be saved!” She was hyperventilating badly, until Applejack gave her a friendly hug.
“Easy there, don’t get yerself all worked up now, we’re here to help, and that’s what we’ll do. Now Rainbow Dash told me that most pegasi can’t swim, silly ah know but coz they can fly they don’t see the point, so ah think if me and Pinkie work together down river you can stay upriver to save Time Turner!” Applejack explained with a smile. “Nopony is gonna get hurt anymore all right? Not whilst we work together!”
“Yeah, Don’t worry Twilight, we’ll be there to save the day! Oooh can we wear our Mysterious Mare Do Well costumes?” Pinkie asked grinning and bouncing, causing Applejack to sigh.
“Pinkie that’s a loaded question, ah know yer gonna wear yours whatever we say!” she said, annoyed.
Spike decided to step in. “I don’t know about you girls, but I’m super tired, and if we’re performing any heroics I’d prefer to do it awake and alert! Good night you three!” he said and made his way upstairs.
Twilight nodded. “Thanks AJ, that’s a good plan, this whole thing is tearing me up... Spike is right, we need to get our rest,” she agreed and said goodnight to her friends. Applejack and Pinkie Pike gave a cheerful goodbye and left together.
“You think she’s gonna be okay?” Pinkie asked Applejack, and Applejack thought hard. Pinkie smiled. “What ya thinking Applejack?” Applejack stopped and looked to the ground.
“Honestly I don’t know, Twilight is not taking this too good, and ah know its just gonna keep getting worse...” she said and looked back to the library.
Twilight and Spike were standing by the river, and Twilight yawned. Spike poked her. “Come on Twilight, it’s almost time, you gotta keep alert!” he said.
She was annoyed, but smiled anyway. “What a perfect day Spike!” she said watching a few birds fly through the clear sky.
“If somepony told me that this was going to happen today, with exception to Pinkie I’d call them crazy!” Twilight said rolling her eyes. “I mean how could a fairly active stallion drown today, it’s not even stormy weather!” she continued, getting frustrated.
Spike could tell she was cranky. “How do you know he is an active stallion?” he asked with an eyebrow raised.
Twilight shot him a look. “Have you not seen him running about Ponyville? He’s always running! I don’t think I’ve ever seen him. Ever. Walk.” she said, annoyed. Spike gave a sheepish grin, and then noticed suddenly the water was running extremely quickly. Twilight noticed too, and said “I didn’t know this river was tidal? Anypony who isn’t aware would be swept away!” she concluded.
On cue, they both turned as they heard a stallion shout “Help!”
Twilight looked to Spike, who knew what she was thinking and said “I’m ready!” with determination, and ran to her saddle bags which she set aside earlier. Spike took out a large net.
“This going to work?” he asked and Twilight smirked as she levitated it out of his claws and opened it all out, and positioned it across the river.
“Of course it will, I’ve magically strengthened this netting, it wouldn’t break even Celestia herself landed in it!” she said triumphantly.
Spike scratched his head. “Why, Twilight? That sounded very... specifically made...” he said awkwardly, but Twilight wasn’t paying attention to him, as a brown blur hit the net and Twilight shouted triumphantly. She pulled out the net and within it was a very shook up Time Turner, spluttering out water.
“Oh my goodness! Are you alright?” Twilight asked anxiously, helping untangle the poor stallion trapped in the net.
Time Turner was freed and coughed up more water. “Fine my dear, nothing hurt, perhaps my pride... but that old wooden bridge just broke apart beneath my hooves, why if it wasn’t for you I’d be a goner!” he said with a warm friendly smile.
He was surprised as Twilight hugged him tight. “I’m so glad you’re okay...” she said, making Time Turner feel slightly awkward, Spike then said “We better get down river quickly and see the others!” Twilight kept hugging Time Turner, making Spike think he wasn’t heard.
Twilight pulled out from her hug with a deep sigh. “You keep safe now okay?” she said to Time Turner, who simply nodded as he was still confused. Twilight turned to Spike. “Come and hop on Spike, we need to get down river as soon as possible!”
Spike said “Right!” and hopped on, he had to hold on tight as Twilight galloped off. “Don’t be a stranger!” she shouted to Time Turner, and Spike waved as they went.
Spike clung on all the way, and he was surprised at Twilight’s endurance. “You certainly got a lot fitter since coming to Ponyville!” he said, ducking to avoid branches of low trees. Twilight didn’t respond, her face was set in grim determination. Spike saw the tell tale pink of Pinkie Pie by the river, he smiled in hope, however as they neared he could tell something had gone wrong.
Pinkie Pie was lying on the grass panting heavily, and by the river bed was Applejack’s hat. It was incredibly muddy and looked like it had been torn slightly. “What happened? What happened!” Twilight asked, panic clear in her voice, Pinkie groaned and slightly looked up which looked to Twilight and Spike like it took all her energy to do so.
“I tried to hold on the best I could... but the current was too strong, Applejack and Derpy were swept away...” Pinkie Pie whispered before collapsing. Twilight looked around in panic.
“Okay Spike, you look after Pinkie, I’m going further downriver and see what happened. Applejack is a strong swimmer but it’s a lot harder whilst holding a pony!” she decided and galloped off before Spike could say anything to her, so he decided to try and help Pinkie the best he could.
Twilight ran faster than she had ever had before, searching the water and the banks for any sign of her friend or the grey pegasus. She had high hopes; several tree branches were across the river, and she could tell by the way some were broken that Applejack had tried to hold on before they broke or she lost grip.
Finally she came up to a thick bramble bush, where Twilight found Applejack dragging Derpy away from the river, and she came to Applejack’s aid. “Is she breathing?” was her first question, before she noticed both were scratched all over and still had many thorns all over their bodies.
Applejack was breathing heavily and had a bad limp. “Just about... fer a moment I weren’t too certain we would make it...” she said, breathing a huge sigh of relief, now free of brambles.
Applejack hugged Twilight. “Trust you had better luck with Time Turner?” Applejack asked, and Twilight nodded with tears in her eyes. Applejack pulled out from the hug abruptly and went to Derpy, and Applejack checked that Derpy was still breathing before pulling thorns from her.
“This is sick and twisted...” said Twilight as Applejack carried on until all the thorns were out of Derpy, before focusing on her own thorns. She winced as one long one came out. Twilight meanwhile was muttering to herself. “We had a great plan, and look what happened, Pinkie Pie is worn out, that I was sure was something that would be impossible! Not to mention you being taken downriver by the fast current, and still both ponies did drown!” She was now ranting, causing Derpy to open her eyes.
“Wha... what happened?” she asked with a shaky voice, Applejack smiled and put a comforting hoof on Derpy’s shoulder.
“Don’ worry sugarcube, yer safe now!” Applejack said smiling warmly, but the tiredness showing in her voice. “Come alon’ now, let’s go to the hospital, ah don’t know about you but mah whole body is killin me!” Despite everything, both Derpy and Applejack laughed, making Twilight look at both of them with extreme confusion.
After being wide mouthed, Twilight shouted “But.. but... what! You two almost died!” Twilight was beginning to hyperventilate.
Applejack gave her a concerned look. “Twilight, calm down! We’re alright, a bit shook up yeah but overall it’s jus’ fine. Ah know this ain’t the nicest of time so far but we gotta roll with the bucks and keep our heads down and keep goin’, alrigh’ sugarcube?” she said smiling. “Come along now, let’s go get Pinkie and head to the hospital.”
Fourth Phase
Night had fallen in Ponyville.
Twilight was attempting to brush her mane, but was failing to make it look calmer, her eyes were bloodshot and had great bags under them as she kept brushing the same bit of hair, over and over again. “Twilight careful! You’re pulling your hair out from the roots!” Spike shouted, making Twilight refocus, she stared for a long time at her brush that now had a hunk of hair in. Spike took the brush from her. “I’ll take that, I can already hear Rarity crying over what you’ve done to your mane...” he said, attempting to make light of the situation, he shook his head as he threw away the clumps of hair.
Twilight stared at her reflection. “I look awful...” she sadly said, looking at how bad the bags under her eyes were. She then took her supplies and headed to the telescope.
“Seriously?” asked Spike “This is destroying you Twilight, can’t you see that?”
Twilight sighed, she knew Spike was right, however she explained to him. “Re-reading Princess Luna’s letter, she does make it clear that it is only I can prevent these terrible tragedies. Even if I feel awful, it’s like Applejack said I got to keep going...”
Twilight began stargazing through her telescope and taking notes. Whilst she did, Spike wrote a letter to Princess Luna.
Dear Princess Luna,
Spike here, Twilight is busy observing the stars and taking notes at her telescope, I dare not disturb her as she really wants to crack these clues. Anyway, I write out of concern, Twilight is taking this all so badly, she keeps blaming herself, and I cannot see this ending well. Today Applejack and Pinkie helped, but that made things worse as Twilight felt responsible for their injuries too!
Is there nothing that can be done at all? I don’t want to see Twilight completely lose it... If there is anything you can do, please lend a helping hoof.
Your friend,
Spike.
He smiled as he sent it on his way in his flame breath away from the telescope. He grinned as he remembered when Twilight batted him with a rolled up scroll for almost blinding her due to his flames ruining her night vision. He looked up to the frantic Twilight scrubbing away.
“Oh Twilight, this isn’t good for you at all...” he said, and decided to bake some cookies for Twilight in an attempt to cheer her up.
Later, he headed upstairs with a steaming hot cup of tea and fresh cookies. “Twilight, I made you some tea, just the way you like it,” he said, setting it on a table beside where Twilight was working.
Twilight mumbled an “Uhuh,” as she carried on. Spike still marveled at her skill to multi task, writing notes at the same time as looking through her telescope.
He had a wicked grin as he picked up a cookie and waved it under her nose. “And some chocolate cookies...” he said with a tempting tone.
Twilight mumbled “Uhuh,” again before quickly eating the cookie, making Spike zip his hand back quickly.
He went back downstairs, shaking his head. It still seemed he was non-existent as she continued to work, now magically sipping tea and eating a cookie now as well. “Well... I suppose she likes them...” Spike said to himself before heading in for the night.
Before he crawled in he belched green flame, and suddenly in his claws was a Royal letter! He quickly unraveled it and read.
Dear Spike,
Thank you for your letter, and I appreciate your concern. You are a good friend of Twilight’s! It is good to know she has someone there to watch out for her when times are challenging. I cannot stress how tough this will be for Twilight, in my first letter I mentioned that Starswirl the Bearded was a messenger of The Stars.
What I failed to mention, mainly to not destroy Twilight’s hopes for I know she sees Starswirl as an icon, however I must confess, even though according to all official records Starswirl died peacefully in his sleep, this is a complete fabrication. The last series of messages for Starswirl were too great a burden, he found everything hopeless, and so he committed suicide. When the guards found him, they also found his message from The Stars: Nightmare Moon will rise.
Spike I must ask you, make sure the same fate does not happen to Twilight, I hope for all of us that history doesn't repeat itself.
Your friend,
Princess Luna.
The next morning, Spike went downstairs and found Twilight with her notes, she looked tired and sad as she pushed her notes towards Spike without saying anything.
“Braeburn’s going to lose an eye,” Spike read from the stack of notes. He was confused, and went through the massive pile in front of him. “Wait, that’s it? But you took as many notes as last time... how comes we got such little information?” he asked.
Twilight shrugged “I. Don’t. Know!” she admitted dramatically. “I did everything I was supposed to do... with such a lack of information it’s going to be almost impossible to protect him!”
Spike tried to slow Twilight down. “But don’t you remember, Applejack said last week that Braeburn was coming to visit Ponyville? Well that’s today, you can be beside him all day and make sure nothing happens!”
Twilight facehoofed. “Why didn’t I think of that, Spike you’re a genius! I’ll go to the train station and meet up with Applejack there, we can be his official welcoming committee!” There was something about the way Twilight said it, and the unnerving grin on her face, that made Spike feel very uncomfortable.
Braeburn got off at the train station. “Welcome to Ponyville!” cried Applejack, waving to get his attention.
“Hey, that’s my line!” he said, laughing and walking over to Applejack and giving her a big hug. “Good to see you Applejack, it’s been a while...”
“It sure has!” said another voice, making both Applejack and Braeburn turn. It was Twilight. “Hey Braeburn, long time no see! How’s Appleloosa?” Twilight asked.
Braeburn wasn’t sure what to make of Twilight. She had bloodshot eyes that had great bags under them and her mane was chaotic. He waved to her too. “Yeah, just fine thank you... erm are you alright?” he asked politely.
Applejack grinned and said “She’s fine, just lack of sleep that’s all, let me just talk to mah friend Braeburn, an then ah’ll show yah all of Ponyville!” She pulled Twilight to one side and gave her a serious look.
“Seriously Twilight, yah look a mess! What in wide wide world of Equestria is going on? Yah better tell me now an fast, ah don’t want to scare Braeburn, is this anything to do with what Stars ‘av been sayin?” Applejack asked.
Twilight nodded, making Applejack give an anxious glance to Braeburn. “Ah don’t wanna know, but ah’m guessin it to do with Braeburn here. Let’s make a deal, you go get yourself more, er, presentable, an we’ll meet up in town okay sugarcube?” Applejack said fairly seriously.
“But what if anything happens!” Twilight said anxiously, making Applejack shush her.
“Don’ worry Braeburn! Twilight’s gonna meet up with us later!” she said to him, and then whispered “Ah’ll take good care of him, don’ you worry about anythin’...”
Twilight sighed. “Okay...” she said, catching her reflection in a puddle. “Whoa... heh, I do look a bit of a mess, that explains why Braeburn was giving me a odd look. Okay AJ I’ll see you later, I think I may go to the spa...” she said, and waved farewell to both of them.
Applejack went back to Braeburn with a slightly forced smile. “Everything okay there?” he asked.
Applejack waved it off. “Don’t worry, she’s alright, just a bit shook up, that’s all. She’ll be alright don’t worry, although ah do appreciate yer concern Braeburn. Now... where do yah wanna go first?”
Braeburn thought, but his stomach spoke for him. “I wouldn’t mind some food, didn’t you say your friend had a cake shop?” he asked. Applejack nodded, and lead the way.
Twilight awoke in the jacuzzi tub. “Bwah!” she cried, making the staff jump.
“Goodness, you were fast asleep there, I’ve never seen a pony so relaxed!” said Aloe, bringing over a towel to Twilight.
“How long was I asleep for?” Twilight asked as she got out, graciously accepting the nice warm towel from Aloe, who replied “Maybe forty minutes, maybe a bit longer. Would you like a massage now, you look very tense?”
Twilight gasped. “Over forty minutes? Oh no, I have to go! I completely forgot about my friends...” she explained, drying herself off and then getting her things.
Aloe said in a sad voice “Oh it looked like you were enjoying yourself, shame. Who you rushing to see?” She headed over to reception as Twilight pulled her purse from her saddle bag.
Twilight paid and said “Just a stallion I know, he came all the way from Appleloosa today.”
Aloe smiled a knowing smile and gave Twilight her change.
Before leaving Twilight saw her own reflection in the mirror behind the reception desk. “Oh wow, I look a world of difference don’t I? Thanks once again, I really needed this after all!” she said and waved goodbye. As soon as she left, Aloe found Vera and said “Have I got gossip for you! You know you always said that Ponyville Librarian would never get a stallion as she was such a bookish pony? Guess who just left to meet a stallion from Appleloosa, I heard they’re real tough from those parts...”
Braeburn had just finished eating a big plate of cakes at Sugar Cube Corner when Twilight entered. “You weren’t kiddin’ when you said you were hungry!” Applejack said with a laugh, and she turned to see Twilight. “Howdy there sugarcube! Boy you sure look healthier now Twilight, come join us!”
Twilight sat between Braeburn and Applejack. Mrs Cake came around with a massive, rich, chocolate cake. “Who’d like a slice? It’s today’s special!” she asked, cutting very healthy slices with a large pointed sharp knife. Twilight caught the smell of the cake “Ooh that smells great...” she said, licking her lips.
“Here, allow me,” said Braeburn getting up too quickly, tripping up and falling to the floor.
Applejack face hoofed. “Braeburn, you’re one clumsy stallion sometimes!”
Mrs Cake saw what happened and went over to see what the commotion was about, but tripped over a table leg, and the knife went from her grip, and flew across the room.
Everything happened fast, yet Twilight was adept enough in levitation magic to stop the knife a hair’s breadth from Braeburn’s eye. There were gasps from all the ponies in Sugar Cube Corner and no one dared move.
“Oh my, I am so sorry, I just wasn’t looking where I was going!” said Mrs Cake, sighing with relief along with several of the customers.
“I did it... I stopped you from losing an eye!” said Twilight triumphantly, levitating the knife safely onto the table.
“Phew! Close call, thank you Twilight, I could have easily been blinded then!” said Braeburn happily, giving her a hug.
“Twilight, ah never seen you move so fast in mah life!” Applejack exclaimed, she then whispered to Twilight. “Was this what you were warning me about?” and felt a huge surge of relief as Twilight nodded.
Twilight was in an elated mood for the rest of the day, she spent it with Applejack and Braeburn just to make sure nothing else was going to happen; much to Twilight’s relief it didn’t. It was when the sun was setting and came time to say farewell as Braeburn caught last train back to Appleoosa. After saying farewells, Twilight and Applejack waved as the train disappeared over the horizon.
Twilight sighed. “Today was a good day,” she said as she turned to head home to the library. “Well, better get to it...” Applejack stopped her, but Twilight tried to pull away but Applejack held on.
“Now hold yer horses sugarcube, yer were very close to losin’ it today, if yer hadn’t taken that spa trip ah think yer would have gone crazy ahm sure!” Applejack said honestly, giving Twilight a big hug. “I’m scared fer you Twilight. Ah really am!” she admitted and began crying into Twilight’s shoulder.
Twilight embraced her friend, and Applejack slowly stopped weeping. “Ah’m sorry, ah been worryin’ ‘bout yah. I mean, I worry about all our friends that have been affected by the messages from the stars. But, you especially Twilight, this just ain’t fair at all...” Applejack said.
Twilight smiled. “I appreciate it Applejack, this has all been just getting to me, to be honest it has felt like a great weight upon my shoulders!” she said.
Twilight hugged some more. “I must, I must continue studying the stars. Oh dear, I really do fear the worst...” she said with a sad sigh. “Promise you’ll visit in the morning, please?”
Applejack looked into Twilight’s sad, pleading eyes. “Of course ah will! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in mah eye!” said Applejack.
With that both friends parted ways. Applejack happily trotted home to Sweet Apple Acres, and was surprised to find the whole house still up. “What’s goin on?” she asked, seeing Granny Smith comforting Apple Bloom. Big Mac passed Applejack a letter and she read to herself;
Dear Apple family,
To whoever it may concern, Braeburn was admitted in the late hours of the night after suffering a tragic accident upon the train between Ponyville and Appleloosa. Accounts are quite vague of what exactly happened however what I can say is that due to what has happened, it is most likely he will not see out of his left eye again. I apologize that this is the way you find out about this tragedy. I only hope that you come visit him whilst he recovers at my house.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Good Health M.D. of Appleloosa.
Fith Phase
Early next morning Applejack slowly walked to the library, with the letter she received the night before still on her mind. She kept thinking over whether or not to tell Twilight what happened to Braeburn. She was driven to tell the truth, but knowing that this news would wreck Twilight, Applejack was torn. As she knocked on the door, Applejack sighed, knowing the white lie she was going to tell Twilight.
Spike opened the door to the Library and greeted Applejack warmly. “Morning, good job you came Applejack, Twilight’s getting real twitchy...” he said as she came in and climbed over the piles of books, papers, and scrolls that were on the floor. “Sorry about all the mess, we’ve been working out how to save so many ponies...” he explained and handed Twilight’s notes to Applejack.
Applejack was shocked when she read what the notes predicted. “Twilight, is this right? Tha’s quite a few ponies in trouble today...” she asked when Twilight surfaced from being hidden from view due to the piles of books everywhere.
“I’m researching spells that will prevent spread of fire and more importantly stop smoke inhalation. I’ve already worked out the layout of the Town Hall with all its escape routes, drawn out series of blueprints for you and Spike, and a planned route for the three of us to cover as much ground as possible during what I call our ‘window of opportunity’. We don’t want to mess up with this many lives on the line, but I feel optimistic!” Twilight said, passing several things to Applejack.
“Alright, sounds like a plan Twilight. You sure have put a lot into this, how yah feelin today sugar cube?” Applejack tentatively asked with a small smile, forcing herself to pretend everything was okay.
Twilight didn’t notice in the slightest. Applejack cringed as Twilight came over to her, as Twilight looked even worse than before. Nonetheless she still tightly embraced her best friend.
“Great. Just great! Yesterday gave me such a boost, I know I can help these ponies now!” Twilight said grinning wide and rubbing her eyes ferociously.
“Oh whoa I’ve pulled one heck of a crazy study session last night, but all the clues just slot into place. I felt great, so I haven’t slept a wink!” Twilight continued as Spike served her a strong, piping hot cup of tea. “Thanks Spike, you’re a really good assistant. You know just when I need things!” she said with a short, sharp giggle before drinking the tea.
Applejack looked to Spike. “Does she normally drink tea that quick?” she whispered and Spike shook his head.
Spike whispered back “That was full strength, straight off the boil...” and both watched in awe as Twilight drained the tea in swift gulps.
“What?” she said at the looks she was getting from her friends, but shrugged it off. “We better head to the Town Hall, I hope if I call the alarm early enough that everypony is out before the fire. Well what are you waiting for you two? Let’s go!” and with that she went out of the library.
Spike grabbed all her bags and said to Applejack “Come on, let’s just go and get this done with before Twilight gets any stranger...” He headed to the door, but Applejack hadn’t moved. “What’s wrong?” he asked her, seeing she looked downcast.
Applejack sighed. “At least she’s gone, ah have to tell someone... Braeburn did lose an eye yesterday,” she admitted, and Spike looked shocked.
“We gotta tell Twilight!” he said, but then realised what was wrong. “Oh... you think Twilight will break down if she knew she failed?” he asked and Applejack nodded.
“It’s like what she said, she needed a success, so ah think its best if she thinks she was successful. So ah hope yah understand why ah lied, it’s for Twilight’s sake, honest,” she said, and Spike hugged her.
“I respect that, you are right Applejack, this is real tough on Twilight. But right now let’s not worry about that, we need to help the ponies at Town Hall. Maybe after all this we can all go visit Braeburn?” He asked, and Applejack nodded and headed to the door.
“Ah’d like that. Okay come on, Twilight will not wait, knowing her she’s probably already commanding some poor pony to evacuate Town Hall!” she said and left with Spike.
Just as Applejack said, Twilight had already pulled out every pony from the Town Hall and was already in a full blown argument with Mayor Mare as Spike and Applejack arrived. Mayor Mare pointed a hoof at the Town Hall. “Young lady, you can’t go calling a fire alarm when there is no fire! There isn’t even any sign of any smoke at all!” Mayor Mare was saying to an annoyed Twilight.
“But there is going to be a fire! That’s why I called every pony out of the Town Hall, this isn’t a joke!” Twilight shot back, before being pulled away by Applejack, who tried her best to calm her.
“Whoa, calm down sugarcube! Shouting down ponies won’t get yer point across, ah’m sure Mayor Mare will appreciate yer concern Twilight,” she said, smiling to Mayor Mare, who humphed.
“Applejack, are you honestly saying that Twilight is correct?” Mayor Mare asked with an eyebrow raised, and Applejack thought about how best to answer.
“Ah know it may be hard to understand, seein’ as there ain’t no fire an’ all. But yah gotta listen to Twilight!” Applejack said fairly. “See, you’re probably not gonna believe a word of this but this has been happening through the week... so please, for every pony’s sake, trust Twilight’s judgment?”
Mayor Mare thought for a long while. “Okay Applejack, consider it done. Fillies and gentlecolts! The Town Hall for today is out of bounds! Everypony that were having meetings today, they will now take place in the bandstand!” Mayor Mare announced aloud, making a few ponies talk between themselves. “I understand this may seem a little... odd however my word is final. No pony is to enter the Town Hall today!” she said in a very serious tone.
Mayor Mare turned to Twilight. “I hope this isn’t some prank...” she said, making Twilight gulp at how annoyed Mayor Mare was.
“I’m not joking around...” said Twilight as Mayor Mare stormed off, leaving Twilight confused. Applejack put a friendly hoof on Twilight’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry, ah believe yah! But anyway, it does look like no pony will be in the town hall today, and that’s good news!” said Applejack with a smile.
Meanwhile around the back of the Town Hall, Diamond Tiara watched Mayor Mare say something to all the town’s ponies and watched them leave. Silver Spoon asked “What’s going on?” making Diamond Tiara grin.
“Well well looks like the whole place is ours today, that silly mayor sent all the ponyies away so we have the entire Town Hall as our own clubhouse!” Diamond Tiara said.
Twist looked unsure as Diamond Tiara forced the window open and climbed in. “Are you thure about thith?” she asked as Silver Spoon followed Diamond Tiara in, getting a helping hoof over the windowsill.
Diamond Tiara groaned. “Oh you are as bad as those Cutie Mark crybabies, I thought you were cool Twist, but obviously you’re just lame!” she said before laughing, and Silver Spoon laughed too.
“Okay okay, I’m in!” said Twist rather reluctantly, and both her friends helped her into the town hall.
“See? Not that hard was it?” said Diamond Tiara. “Now let’s go explore, I heard from Daddy that the mayor has the fanciest office.” She continued walking down the corridor, with both her friends following her.
Snips and Snails were magically throwing and catching a ball when suddenly Snails sneezed, causing the ball to rocket into the air and smash through a high window of the Town Hall. “Oopsie...” he said slowly, and Snips gawped.
“Oopsie? Oopsie! That was the Mayor’s office window! She’s gonna kill us unless we do something!” said Snips, panicking. Snails however stared up to the window with a blank look on his face.
“She can’t kill us if she’s not in her office,” Snails said, pointing to the Mayor who was currently leading several ponies in sharp suits to the bandstand. “Why don’t we just go get the ball back and fix the window with our magic? She’ll never notice,” he continued at a slow pace, but Snips was elated at the idea.
“Snails my friend, you’re a genius!” Snips said bouncing around his friend, making Snails slowly smile. Snails ran off to the Town Hall and called back to his friend “Well, come on! She’s not going to be out here all day is she!” making Snails catch up with Snips, who had just found an open window on the ground floor at the back of the Town Hall.
Twilight happily took Applejack up on the offer of a lunch out. Twilight enjoyed the chatter of the other ponies as she ate a daisy sandwich and poured a cup of tea with her magic for herself. Applejack had got a cinnamon bun and an apple fritter and watched her friend closely, unable to really figure how Twilight was truly okay.
Applejack cringed as she forced herself not to say a word about Braeburn.
Twilight watched as the Mayor talked in the bandstand to various smartly dressed ponies who looked rather annoyed not to be sitting around a nice desk.
“Oh dear, they certainly don’t look happy, I hope I haven’t jeopardized a critical financial meeting. Ponyville has been lucky not to have been struck by recession you know...” Twilight said, making Applejack look extremely confused.
“Ah think ah understood some of those words...” Applejack said rubbing her temple. “Twilight, don’t worry about it! The amount of hot air those hoity toity economic ponies they should probably be better off outside in the fresh air!” She continued with a laugh, and Twilight twitched as Applejack has pronounced economics as ‘echo - genomics’, but still laughed along too as her friend had a point.
Applejack insisting on paying, and after leaving a tip, Twilight looked up and noticed the black smoke in the sky. Suddenly the weather team sped through the smoke, lead by Cloud Kicker.
“Okay all pegasi on me! We got a fire to put out now!” she shouted as she pushed a rain cloud towards the Town Hall.
Twilight watched and then galloped after the pegasus. “A fire? Where? can I help?” Even as she shouted the question, she knew the answer already.
Cloud Kicker quickly looked down to see Twilight running after her, and she smiled. “Twilight, perfect! You can use your magic to draw water from the lake; once it’s airborne the Weather Team can make it rain heavily over the Town Hall!” Cloud Kicker shouted down and zoomed on.
Twilight nodded and teleported to the lake and quickly levitated what she had earlier calculated tp be the precise amount of water needed to thoroughly soak the Town Hall and put out any fire. She had to trot back to keep control of such a volume of water floating in mid air, and as she neared the Town Hall she could already feel the heat in the air. Then she saw it. The whole thing was ablaze.
Twilight hardly noticed as the Weather Ponies took smoke clouds, reshaped them to hold water, and began a heavy rainstorm on the Town Hall. She was too taken back at the sight of the towering inferno right in front of her. “Dear Celestia... I’ve witnessed Hell in Equestria...” she muttered.
Twilight hardly flinched as the Town Hall suddenly exploded and a fireball flew towards her. She was flung out of the way just in time by Mayor Mare.
“Twilight I’m sorry, I should have listened to your warning!” the Mayor said tearfully, her face blackened by smoke, she looked back to where they once were standing and her eyes went wide at the realisation of what it was. “That’s my writing desk! The only way that could have happened is if somepony’s bucking it out the window, that means... there are ponies inside!”
Mayor Mare ran off, shouting for help from the pegasi, and Applejack joined Twilight. “Whoa that was close, yah almost got hit if it weren’t for the Mayor! That was real lucky, ah guess she really does look out for other ponies,” she said with a smile. However Applejack saw that Twilight wasn’t noticing, she was simply glazed over watching the Town Hall burn.
Twilight said coldly “We did nothing. Ponies are in there, and look at that place burn, they stand no chance...”
Applejack didn’t know what to say, and watched the Weather Pegasus fly in and pull out several bodies from the burning Town Hall.
“Oh Celestia...” said Mayor Mare as she realised they were all children. Twilight saw too, and only managed a small squeak at the terribly burnt bodies of unrecognisable fillies and colts. Applejack tried not to be sick and averted her eyes.
Mayor Mare was in control of the situation, just, and ordered various ponies to gather stretchers for the injured and get them quickly to hospital. Twilight did not follow, she saw the large groups caring for the fillies and colts and saw it was unnecessary. Applejack went after her. “Twilight where yah going? We gotta see if those li’l fillies and colts are okay!” she said, but Twilight kept going. Applejack stood there and watched her friend go.
Sixth Phase
The next day, Princess Celestia came to visit and found Applejack waiting outside the library. Princess Celestia went to knock when Applejack said “Yer majesty, ah wouldn’t if yer don’t mind me sayin’, ah tried earlier and she screamed at me. Spike got kicked out the Library after midnight and stayed at mah farm, he ain’t said much, but I’m guessin’ whatever the stars said, it ain’t good.”
Princess Celestia sighed deeply. “I know, this is the reason for my visit to Ponyville.”
“But not alone,” said Princess Luna as she landed. Luna smiled to Applejack before saying “It is why we have both come, for you see the last message concerns the very life of Twilight Sparkle. I believe if we gather her best friends together we may save her yet. We already have you, Applejack, but we need to gather the others as soon as possible. I will assist and in the meantime my sister will try and reach out to Twilight.”
Applejack nodded and said “Ah understand Princess. Rainbow Dash and Rarity are at the hospital, Fluttershy has been trying to keep the local animals under control after that fire, and Pinkie had just been tryin’ to keep the locals in good spirits. Shouldn’t be hard to locate them all.”
Applejack was right; Princess Celestia stayed at the library attempting to talk to Twilight whilst Princess Luna found and told both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie that Twilight needed them both.
Meanwhile, Applejack went to the hospital, Rainbow Dash was nearly recovered, and Sweetie Belle was a lot more cheerful so Rarity was no longer consistently at her sister's bedside.
What Applejack didn’t realise was that she would pass the Fillies and Colts ward, where she saw the most horrible scene of five little bandaged pony bodies. Applejack had nightmares just from glimpsing their burnt away skin, leaving the muscle open to the elements. Their swelled red raw flesh woke Applejack many a night afterwards.
Before Applejack found her friends, she had asked a nurse about the conditions of those little ponies. The nurse’s answer made her pale. “They’ve suffered greatly, we’re extremely lucky. They were barely alive when we received them yesterday... they’re all breathing better now but that’s really the only good news, who knows how much muscle and skin will regrow. I’ve seen burn wounds last a lifetime.”
The words replayed in her mind as she walked down the corridor, and Applejack slightly choked up. When she met Rainbow Dash and Rarity her eyes were red from crying.
“Why darling, whatever is the matter?” enquired Rarity on seeing Applejack.
Applejack looked away. “It’s just that... oh that’s not why ah’m here right now, we need to go to the library, Twilight need us now!” she said, rather more forcibly than necessary, making both Dash and Rarity look at each other in concern.
Rainbow Dash made to move, but winced as she did so. “Well if Twilight needs us, we’ll be there, the doctor said I could move about a bit and library’s not that far...” she said, ignoring the sharp stabs of pain every move gave her.
“Are you alright there Rainbow? I could help,” said Rarity, but Rainbow Dash waved her off. Rarity gave Sweetie Belle, who was sleeping at the time, a short kiss goodbye, and joined her friends.
They all met outside the library, and what was most concerning was that the door to the library was no longer there. Before anypony went in, Spike came from inside the library. “Celestia told me everything, I stayed here trying to help get to Twilight, but then we heard her begin a teleport spell, that’s when Celestia blasted down the door in an attempt to prevent the spell... but when we got in. Twilight was gone....” he said, brimming with tears.
Celesta came out of the library with an open scroll. “Twilight is going to die,” she said, and her words hung in the air. Nopony dared say anything. Celestia looked to the ground. “I cannot track her magic,” she said sadly.
Princess Luna hugged her sister. “Alone you cannot, however with the power of two....” she said with a smile, her horn already illuminating. Celestia smiled too and her horn illuminated too, and both concentrated hard.
Everypony held their breath, until both sisters looked up towards a certain tall mountain. Fluttershy gasped. “Is she up there? That’s where that meanie Dragon was snoring!” she said with a whimper.
“Looks like it sugarcube, we better get up there fast!” said Applejack, once again hiding tears.
Twilight stood overlooking all of Ponyville and sighed, and held one hoof over the cliff edge.
“Wait!” cried Rainbow Dash, who was ahead of the group, but at the cost that her bandages around her wing were now bloodied, and she was breathing heavily.
Twilight came away from the cliff edge to watch the group arrive. “Don’t come any closer, you can’t stop me,” she said, and instantly this stopped everypony in their tracks.
The group looked to Princess Celestia, who nodded and said “Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student...” but Twilight Sparkle went back to the cliff again and put one hoof right over the edge, making everypony gasp.
Twilight looked back to Princess Celestia, and said “You could stop me, but I’ll hate you forever.” Time then ran at a trickle, no pony moved, and there was not a sound. Twilight closed her eyes and fell over the edge.
The End
