//------------------------------// // The Secrets We Keep and the Regrets We Make // Story: In the Hour of Twilight // by Blue Dragon //------------------------------// Fluttershy continued to brush her hoof through Twilight’s mane long after the unicorn had fallen into a fitful sleep. She’d cried for so long, and tears were still coming out. It really hurt the pegasus to see Twilight like this. Fluttershy had never seen her so defeated, so crushed—Twilight Sparkle always had a plan. There was always a way through. But not this time. Fluttershy pressed her muzzle onto Twilight’s forehead, nuzzling her gently. If the circumstances weren’t so bad, the pegasus was sure she’d have enjoyed being so close to her. But over the course of the last few weeks when her precious unicorn had been unconscious… Fluttershy had never cried that much in that short of a time span before. She’d been so afraid that Twilight wouldn’t wake up—and after the doctor had finally told her what was wrong with the unicorn, she felt even worse. After all, what was a unicorn without magic? There was a knock at the door, but the stranger didn’t wait for an answer before coming in. Rainbow Dash closed the entrance behind her before trotting over to the bed. She sat down on the chair Fluttershy had been using earlier, unusually quiet. “Did she get worse when we left?” Dash slumped over in the chair. Fluttershy wasn’t used to seeing her fellow pegasus like this, but everypony was affected by the situation in their own way. “…A little,” she admitted, “But we were expecting that, remember?” “Yeah, I know… It’s just…” Rainbow pressed both hooves over her face, “I’ve never seen Twilight like this before. Yeah, she’s an egghead, but magic is her thing. That’s what she learns from the Princess, and it’s almost everything she reads! How will she move on if it’s always there, reminding her of what she used to have?” Fluttershy remained silent. She knew that Dash needed to get this out of her system. Unlike the rest of them, Rainbow had a hard time dealing with her emotions, and if she didn’t let it all out she wouldn’t be able to think straight. The cyan pegasus sighed. “…Isn’t there something I can do? Twilight’s always helped us out when we asked, but when she needs us the most… I feel so useless! Even back during the fight I didn’t do anything!” “Rainbow…” Fluttershy felt conflicted. She wanted to comfort Dash, but the mare in her forelegs needed it most. Plus, if she moved, it’d probably wake her up. “No, it is my fault! Out of all of us, I should’ve been able to dash to her rescue…! Speed is my thing, being a hero is my thing, saving ponies is my thing!” “Rainbow, please calm down. You might wake Twilight… And it’s as much my fault as it is yours. If I was as brave as you, I could’ve stopped the Sphinx and…” The unicorn squirmed, burying her muzzle deeper into Fluttershy’s fur. The blue mare watched as the yellow one blushed. She let out a breath and calmed down. “…She really does like you. The first thing she asked when she woke up was, ‘Where’s Fluttershy?’” Rainbow had a small smile now that they were on a better subject. “Really?” Fluttershy looked down at the lavender mare in her hooves. “Yeah. And look at how hard she’s hugging you. Must be warm, huh?” Slightly amused, Dash rested her head on a hoof. Fluttershy blushed more, but didn’t say anything. Twilight began growing more and more restless in Fluttershy’s arms. The pegasus tried to get her to stay still, but she kept moving. “Hey, is she okay?” Rainbow asked after a while. “I… I don’t know,” The yellow pony tried harder to stop her, but it only increased resistance. Twilight’s horn was lighting up. “She’s using magic!” Rainbow Dash jumped up, “I-I’ll go get the doctor!” Fluttershy didn’t reply, too busy with the unicorn. The other pegasus dashed out of the room for the doctor. A magic spell erupted from the unicorn’s horn, hitting the ceiling. Fluttershy was getting nervous now. Twilight was squirming around with a pained look on her face, breathing hard, and she was sweating like crazy. “T-Twilight!” The cover was kicked off in the commotion. It was getting worse. Fluttershy had to pin Twilight down to the bed, but she didn’t use any force. Her magic was going off like a fire hydrant had been knocked off. Twilight’s spasm knocked Fluttershy onto the floor. It didn’t hurt, but without even the small restraint the unicorn was thrashing around in the bed. Dr. Sweetheart and Rainbow Dash came rushing in a second later. “She’s having a magical surge! Hold the patient down!” Rainbow didn’t hold back like Fluttershy had. She pressed down on Twilight as hard as possible, and now the bed was only shaking slightly. The doctor moved so she was beside Twilight’s horn. “I’m going to have to cast a spell on her! She may react negatively, but don’t let her go!” Dr. Sweetheart’s horn lit up. She placed it on Twilight’s own and the magic fused into her forehead. The distressed unicorn howled in pain, and the longer the spell went on, the less magic escaped Twilight’s horn. Her spasm started to die down until she was completely still. Fluttershy couldn’t stand watching it. When the doctor pulled away, she was panting from the spell’s exertion. Rainbow slowly got herself up, and Fluttershy was immediately making sure Twilight was okay. “W…What just happened?” Rainbow was breathing hard, too. The professional took a few seconds to get her breathing under control. “She had a magical surge. I was afraid of this…” “What? Doctor, tell us!!!” Rainbow was in Sweetheart’s face with a worried expression of her own. “Sometimes, a horn will control the magic flow on its own. These occurrences mostly happen when the unicorn is a foal, when he or she has yet to master magic. Because Twilight Sparkle’s horn had locked up magic after she’d used too much, the stored energy soon built up until it had to be released. It happened much faster than I’d anticipated…” Dr. Sweetheart shook her head woefully. Fluttershy wiped the sweat from Twilight’s brow, her heart still beating fast from the adrenaline. “What… What was the spell you cast?” “I was able to reproduce the block on her magic, but it won’t last long, especially if she tries to use any spells. It was this exact reason I suggested removing her horn. But now Twilight Sparkle won’t have a choice in the matter, unless she wants to die young.” The pegasi gasped in response. Dr. Sweetheart looked at them apologetically. “I’m sorry, I usually speak much more professionally. This case is just… a lot more emotional than most…” Fluttershy’s head was spinning and her vision got blurry again. She never wanted to hear “Twilight” and “die young” in the same sentence. It made her heart hurt. “She won’t… She won’t want to get rid of her horn. It’s really important.” “What if… a stronger somepony cast that spell? The one that blocked her magic. Or… maybe the Princesses know how to get rid of this whole mess!” Rainbow exclaimed with new-found hope. “But Princess Celestia hasn’t come to—“ Fluttershy began, but Rainbow interrupted her. “What about Princess Luna? She could probably—“ “No.” The doctor said firmly, surprising both pegasi. “The Princesses need all of their magic to raise the sun and moon every day, and the amount of magic this would take would drain that supply. Like I said, this is a very complicated matter.” “I have to try.” Rainbow wiped a foreleg over her eyes. “I’m going to the castle now, Fluttershy.” “Are you sure, Rainbow?” Fluttershy barely looked away from Twilight to give Dash a glance. “Yeah. It’s still day-time, so I’ll at least get to know why Princess Celestia hasn’t been coming. See ya,” she flew off before anypony else could get a word in edgewise. Rainbow Dash navigated out a window as soon as she could, headed straight to the castle. She was hopeful that Princess Celestia could do something about Twilight, especially since she’d probably seen this exact condition a long time ago. The Princess was the most powerful alicorn in all of Equestria, after all. Instead of going through the gates like a normal pony, Rainbow flew up to the balcony she knew the Princess would be on. Some guards were shouting at her and tried to follow her, but Rainbow Dash was faster. Just as she’d predicted, Princess Celestia was standing atop the balcony, staring out into the distance. The Princess seemed surprised. “…Rainbow Dash…?” “I need to talk to you, Princess,” Rainbow made out before two male pegasi grabbed her from behind. Another one flew up and saluted to the Princess. “We’re sorry, Your Highness, for letting this trespasser reach you when you’ve specified wanting to be alone. What should we do with her?” Princess Celestia glanced at the guards, sighing. “You may let her go. I wish to speak with her.” The pegasi let go as soon as they were ordered to, returning to their posts. Rainbow let out a sigh of relief; they were practically choking her. “You wanted to speak with me?” Princess Celestia asked simply. “Yes, Princess…” Rainbow suddenly lost her flame. She wasn’t sure what to say at all. For a few moments, she remained motionless in the air, thinking. “…Twilight woke up.” Princess Celestia stared at her blankly, but her eyes betrayed her. “She has? Well, shouldn’t you be there with her?” “With all due respect, Your Highness,” Rainbow landed on the balcony, keeping her cool, “Shouldn’t you be there with her?” The alicorn’s brow furrowed slightly, but she said nothing. Her eyes held the same deepness they always did, and the sadness she’d once kept hidden from the world revealed itself. Years of depression and loved ones lost showed its mark on her. Rainbow had never seen the Princess quite like this. Dash hesitantly put a hoof on Princess Celestia’s shoulder. “She needs you more than ever, Princess. The doctor said that she can’t use magic anymore, and that her horn was going to be removed! Can you do something, Princess Celestia?” Princess Celestia looked into the cyan pegasus’ eyes. “I’m sorry, but I mustn’t see her.” “But…” “I can’t.” She said firmly, looking away. Hurt was visible in her expression, and it was obvious she wasn’t going to come around. Rainbow was going to try harder, but even she wasn’t dense enough to not notice how differently Princess Celestia was acting. “…Okay.” Rainbow Dash sighed, flapping her wings. “I understand, Princess, and I also know you’ll regret not trying.” Princess Celestia said nothing. Rainbow Dash feigned flying towards the hospital, but when she was far enough away she changed direction back towards the castle’s opposite side. The pegasus stayed close to the outer wall, avoiding the wandering eyes of the guards. Eventually she found an open window, and she dove inside. Rainbow Dash hadn’t been in the castle very much in the past. However, she did know where the Princess of the Night’s chamber would be. The rainbow-maned mare snuck through the shadows until she saw Princess Luna’s room. Unfortunately, it was being watched by her guards. Their eyes stared unblinkingly straight, and Rainbow couldn’t help but wonder just how bored they were. The pegasus wasn’t sure what she should do next, so didn’t do anything. Rainbow Dash floated up to the ceiling and held her tail between her hooves. She crawled upside down towards her destination until she was right above the officers. Rainbow looked around, but saw no other way in. She then saw the Night Princess’ cutie mark on a shield right above the door. The pegasus smirked at the sudden idea she had, and grabbed hold of the shield. The floating mare threw the shield a ways off, where it hit the ceiling and fell down. “Who’s there?!” One of the guards exclaimed, chasing after the sound. The second followed without a word. Rainbow drifted down and entered Luna’s chambers silently. It was dark. The pegasus groped for anything in the shadows, but she didn’t know where she was going. When it was clear she wasn’t going to find the Princess this way, Rainbow decided to try another tactic. “Princess Luna?” There was no response. Rainbow tried again. “Princess Luna, are you in here?” Rainbow heard the sound of rustling sheets, and as her eyes adjusted, could see a pony sitting up in the bed. “We are waiting for an explanation, Rainbow Dash.” A voice resonated sleepily. The mare on the bed wiped her eyes with her hooves. “It’s… It’s Twilight.” “What is wrong with my sister’s student, Twilight Sparkle?” Princess Luna sounded more alert already. Did she really not know? “Hasn’t somepony told you about what happened?” Rainbow approached the Night Princess cautiously. “News does not reach my ears as quickly as it does my sister. Please, explain to me what has happened to Twilight Sparkle.” “You girls sure you want to hear this?” AJ sighed, sitting back on her haunches. Pinkie pulled Rarity away from Applejack to speak to her privately. “Rarity, can you take care of Applejack? I just had an idea!” She said it so seriously that Rarity had to blink. “Of course I can, darling, but what are you talking about?” Pinkie smiled, but didn’t say anything. She trotted down towards Twilight’s room, only intriguing Rarity further. She shook her head before turning back to Applejack; this was more important. AJ gave her a strange look, but didn’t say anything about what’d just happened. Rarity smiled apologetically, putting a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. “Please, tell me what happened between you and Rainbow Dash.” Applejack looked into Rarity's eyes. "Ah trust you, Rarity. I'm willin' to tell you everything..." It happened a while ago. Me and Rainbow were happy together--real happy. We didn't keep no secrets from each other, and we met everyday. Nopony could have been as happy as I was. But then things started happenin'. It was a good day, as usual, I was on mah way to see Rainbow Dash. I knew she was goin' to be getting another book from that series she likes so much at Twilight's library, so that's where I went. There was this scrawny stallion just standin' there. His name was Flim--one of them brothers who tried to take over Sweet Apple Acres. As you might've guessed, Ah marched right on up to him and was about to give him a piece of my mind, when I saw the look on his face. He looked like a young colt in love. And you know who he was lookin' at? Fluttershy getting groceries in the market. At the time I didn't know 'bout how she felt about Twilight, and was only thinkin' about helping him out. Ah talked to him for awhile, and he seemed like a nice enough stallion. I told him about Fluttershy, and decided to help him out even more. 'Course I didn't notice the way Fluttershy blushed 'round Twilight, and I also didn't notice the way Rainbow was gettin' suspicious of where I was goin'. One day, I was going out to meet Flim and was plannin' on introducing him to Fluttershy for the first time, but... I didn't know Rainbow was following me. As soon as she saw who Ah was with, she attacked him. He was a skinny pony, definitely not no Big Mac, so she was beating him senseless. I was surprised at first, but when I finally moved, Ah got her off of him. She... She thought I was cheatin' on her. Ah ain't no cheater and I ain't never told a lie without a good reason! Everypony knows that. But that didn't stop Rainbow. She was cryin' more than I'd ever seen her in all mah life, and she yelled at me. Ah don't know where that Flim guy went, and Ah feel bad for him. I don't think he's gone back to Ponyville since he got beat. Anyway... Rainbow called me names and said I didn't love her. And... I yelled right on back. The things she said really hurt me, but she didn't stop. We both said stuff we shouldn't have, but she wouldn't let me explain. She flew off to somewhere, and... Ah... Ah cried. She wouldn't talk to me, but she also wouldn't talk to nopony. None of our friends knew, either, the reason she was so upset, but I did. I finally explained... And she said she understood. I don't think she really does, but she knows she hurt me badly. We couldn't get back together--it wouldn't be the same. I-I don't think Rainbow's ever really gotten over what happened, neither... Applejack collapsed onto the floor, sobbing openly.