CHAPTER 5: THE END OF MIDNIGHT

Twilight Sparkle sighed, as she attempted to process the situation in her mind. Well perhaps she should've expected such a thing when coming from Pinkie Pie. Twilight ran her hoof against her forehead, in a obvious sense of distress as she kept her eyes closed. She tried to make sense of what Pinkie was saying, but nothing seemed to connect. She looked at the mare tiredly, as Pinkie was situated near the front door, remaining silent and observant for Twilight. "Pinkie....So you're telling me you saw me earlier with a scar on my face, and I really wanted cupcakes?"

Pinkie Pie cheered as she nodded hurriedly, "Yep!"

Twilight's eyes widened as she just looked at Pinkie almost in tragic disbelief, due to the fact the mare was serious. Pinkie was seriously attempting to tell her that she'd been at Sugarcube Corner earlier attempting to buy cupcakes. But as unbelievable as it all was, it didn't come off as a joke either. Twilight rested her head on her hoof as she remained close to her study, still questioning the whole situation. She sighed eventually, "Ugh......" and for a moment she actually looked as if she were taking this seriously herself, before rolling her eyes and letting off a light groan. "Pinkie, are you sure you just haven't been getting enough sleep lately? This sounds absolutely crazy..." But Twilight glanced to the lower left curiously, there was also that mysterious light earlier, what could that have been? That was certainly no ordinary occurrence, and feeling a sense of obligation to protect Ponyville, she did have some mixed feelings. As much as she wanted to ignore this whole story, as much as it didn't make sense, she couldn't deny her awry feelings. Besides Pinkie being Pinkie, there really was no reason she'd need to come in here like this, and Twilight trusted Pinkie, there was no reason for her to lie. This didn't feel like Pinkie's common prank. Twilight sighed once again, just sitting in silence.

Pinkie objected in her defense, "Yes! I pinkie swear! Definitely Twilight, you were definitely there!" At this point Pinkie looked somewhat worried about the judgement of her friend. She nervously glanced to the left and right before gulping a bit, and then thinking on the situation much like Twilight. Suddenly a relieved smile swept across her face as Pinkie burst up on her hooves, "Rarity!" She chuckled, "Rarity is out looking for you right now as well! Rarity saw you being funny to!"

Twilight's eyes widened as she cocked a brow, thrown off even more. "Rarity's a part of this to?"

Pinkie nodded hurriedly once again, "Mhm mhm! She's the one who sent me here!"

Twilight at this point only looked baffled as she turned around, and slammed her head atop her desk, crossing her forehooves and letting off another frustrated groan. "Uuuuuugh, how hard is it to have one ordinary week?....."

Spike soon emerged from the kitchen, "Here you go Twilight," the dragon was holding two cups. He placed one on Twilight's desk as he proceeded to take the other cup to Pinkie. Spike then stopped, taking a moment to just stare at Pinkie, before looking down at the sugary cocoa questioningly, and shaking his head and proceeding to the staircase, taking a sip from the cocoa himself. "Yeeeea, probably not a very good idea."

Twilight flashed Spike a caring smile, obviously happy with his kind service. "Thanks Spike."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Pinkie cheered, "OH OH! I'LL GET IT!" She then turned on her hooves rushing to the door as she flung it open.

Twilight took a sip from her hot cocoa closing her eyes for a second, to relieve some stress. Can this night get any weirder?

"Pinkie! Have you found Twilight!?"

Twilight's eyes snapped wide at recognition of Rarity's voice. She turned on impulse, because if Rarity was here, that could only mean one thing. This was confirmation, but Twilight couldn't believe it. Twilight felt as if she were at a loss for breath, before muttering, "W-What?...What's going on?" Standing in the doorway wasn't only Rarity, but also a very exhausted looking Applejack as she had bags beneath her eyes. Even Fluttershy was there with them, the only absent one being Rainbow Dash. "Guys!?" Twilight burst to all fours, "You involved everypony in this?"

Rarity was focused on Pinkie at first, never taking her eyes off the mare worriedly. Until she'd heard that familiar tone, that voice, that precious voice. Rarity looked to Twilight behind Pinkie, before the mare looked as if she were going to begin crying. Such happiness overwhelmed her as she looked to be relieved beyond measure. She let off whaling sobs as she spread her hooves and cried out, "Twilight! You're okay!" Rarity made her way into the home, as she rushed over to Twilight, embracing the alicorn in an extremely tight hug. She backed away some, but still kept close to Twilight. "I...I was so worried darling, I thought you'd gone off the deep end!" She ran her hoof down Twilight's face affectionately, inspecting her closely, even tugging at her wings at one point. "Your face, your wings, EVERYTHING, everything is back to normal! You're absolutely fine now!" Rarity immediately looked back at Pinkie, "Pinkie! How'd you do it!?"

Pinkie shrugged with a giggle, "Beats me!"

Twilight was blushing, obviously happy her friend cared about her so much, but this was still so confusing. "She didn't do anything! I've been me the whole time! Sheesh guys, just what's with all this?!" At this point Twilight couldn't help but feel flustered, as she just wanted answers, but even those answers only bore more questions.

Applejack was pretty much in the same predicament, as she yawned, still with bags beneath her eyes before proceeding further into the home. "Shucks ya'll...uhm, I don't mean to break up the family reunion but....what the hay is going on? Rarity, Pinkie, ya'll do realize it's only been a few hours since we'd last seen Twilight. She looks pretty fine ta me."

Fluttershy was twiddling her hooves as she was also wearing a pair of pink pajamas, before nodding. "Y-Yes...I..I have to agree. It doesn't look like Twilight is any different...."

Rarity was now on the defensive as she shook her head. "N-No! I swear to you all that Pinkie and I are not making this up. Twilight was certainly acting very very strange earlier, I can promise you this!" Rarity reflected back on when she'd let Violet into her home, as she recalled Violet attempting to defend who she was. Another theory then made its way into the mare's head. But there was no way that could've actually been the case right? Violet did endlessly proclaim she wasn't Twilight. Rarity glanced back at the real Twilight, who still looked fairly serious and frustrated, as Rarity then focused back on the ground. Could that mare have actually been somepony entirely different all along? A completely separate Twilight Sparkle? One who looked exactly like Twilight? Could this all really just have been one huge misunderstanding?

Rarity looked to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, dear, where's Rainbow Dash?"

Fluttershy looked at Rarity in surprise, before continuing to twiddle her hooves as she thought about it. She blinked a bit, before shaking her head, "I-I think Rainbow Dash was sleeping, she didn't open her door. Well,..I didn't knock long, but there was never any answer. I guess s-she might be outside somewhere."

Applejack cocked a brow at Fluttershy at that point, "Outside, outside where?"

Rarity blinked a bit, "So, Rainbow Dash might be absent, or she could just be sleeping." Rarity then looked to Twilight worriedly, a little frightened to even mention this idea. "Uhm, T-Twilight, this may sound a little weird but..."

Twilight raised a brow once again at her friend.

Before Rarity continued, "Is it possible,...you have a long lost twin sister?"

The silence in the room seemed foreboding, as they all just looked at one another.

Applejack couldn't help but break out into soft chuckles, "Aha...Bahahahahahahaha!"

Pinkie waved a hoof, "Wait, but wouldn't that mean Twilight's mom did-" She stopped herself, and gasped.

Rarity stomped a hoof angrily at Pinkie, "Pinkie! T-That's not what I was getting at!"

Twilight surprisingly, was silent, as she just looked down at the ground.

Everypony in the room soon looked to her, as Spike, who'd just been half awake this entire time on the staircase attempted to stay focused on what was happening. He honestly just wanted to go back to bed, talk of double Twilight's and Pinkie Pie being a ninja, this night was becoming a little too much at this point.

Twilight though now looked more serious than she had since this whole mess began, as if she were actually considering a certain possibility. "There was one instance, one, although very brief, where I'd run into a double of myself."

Applejack just sighed before placing a hoof over her face and glancing tiredly at Twilight. "Say what now?"

Twilight continued, "It was awhile ago, but, at this point in time it didn't seem like anything worth mentioning." Twilight went over to a series of books on a particular shelf, before levitating one out and flipping through the pages observantly. "It has to do with time magic, a very vague and obviously not well known field of magic. The only known unicorn in recorded history to have mastered this school was Starswirl the Bearded. But practically all knowledge relating to his studies have been locked away in Canterlot by Princess Celestia." Twilight paused before glancing to the lower left. "Although the circumstances I won't mention, there was one time I dabbled in his studies, and ended up meeting myself from the future,...well...uhm, yea, if I think about it right. It could be possible in the near future, I will attempt something like this again, and that is what you saw." Twilight placed a hoof on her lower lip, pondering the idea.

Rarity shook her head, approaching Twilight once again. She opened her mouth, as if about to say something before just cutting herself off, looking towards the ground, then back at Twilight again with a look of defiance. "N-No! Twilight, as crazy as that already sounds, there's just no way it'd make any sense anyhow. This you, I'm telling you darling...she was, well,...she was...different." She sighed, "Everything about her was strange. She wore your face, but she was definitely no alicorn, and she certainly lacked your charm. Plus her face was scarred. Is there any drawbacks to using these time spells you speak of? Because if so, I suggest you NEVER dabble with them again."

Twilight just groaned as she ruffled her own mane. "AAAAH! Well, I don't know what it could be Rarity! It could've been anypony for all I know! Are you sure it wasn't just somepony who looked like me?"

Applejack took a few trots forward, between the two as she raised a hoof. "Listen ya'll, I think we can all agree this has been one crazy night. How bout this, how bout we all just head back home, and forget any of this ever happened. I mean, shucks, what're we getting all worked up for anyhow? Rarity, you said this other Twilight went missin right? Well perhaps she just went about her business, being a whole different pony and all. Twilight's obviously here and just fine ain't she? Then why don't we leave it at that? No need to be goin around lookin for answers we don't need, or causin any trouble for anypony. And I'm sure if something crazy like that were goin on with Twilight, Princess Celestia would be the first to know. She'd definitely tell Twilight, shucks, she tells Twilight everything."

Fluttershy nodded once again, with a soft smile. "Oh yes, I agree. There's no way Princess Celestia would just ignore Twilight if she ended up harming herself, or ended up playing around with dangerous magics."

Rarity and Twilight fell silent as they looked at one another, before letting off unified sighs.

Pinkie puckered her lower lip, as she whined a bit, "Does that mean the game is over?"

Rarity cut in once again, "B-But that still doesn't explain the light! Isn't it all just too weird, to all be happening in the same night? Twilight, I'm sure something funny is going on here. Just ignoring it, j-just doesn't sit right with me!"

Twilight appeared conflicted about the whole scenario, as her eyes shifted to the staircase, where she saw Spike sleeping on one of the steps. She then looked back to Rarity and Pinkie Pie, then to Applejack and Fluttershy. Twilight huffed slightly before giving Rarity a tired look. "Rarity, did you tell anypony else about this?"

Rarity's eyes widened as she gulped a bit, looking to the upper left. "Well, erhm, yeeeea, maybe."

Twilight sighed, covering her face with a hoof. "Well, could you please tell them all to head back home after you guys leave? I don't want everypony running around worrying about me, and 'possibly' chasing after ghosts." But she gave Rarity a warm smile, as she nodded to her. "But that doesn't mean I'm just going to let this slide. I'm a Princess now, and you're obviously worried about me, I'm not just going to ignore you. But it's late, can't we continue this tomorrow? I promise tomorrow, we'll look further into this. Plus I'll ask Princess Celestia if she knows anything." She frowned slightly, "I'm sorry about all the trouble I've caused you Rarity, I just can't concentrate on all of this so late."

Rarity looked as if she were about to object once again, but then she took the time to look over at Spike. Spike was already practically dead on the stairway, snoring. While Applejack and Fluttershy seemed awfully tired as well, the only one who didn't look tired was Pinkie Pie and her. Yet Rarity also had a bunch of ponies staying up in Ponyville worrying over what appeared to be, nothing. Rarity was persistent, skeptical about that mare who'd entered her shop, but she didn't want to burden her friends either. So, she reluctantly agreed with them. "Y-Yea, I guess you guys are right."

Twilight gave a relieved smile before nodding, "Thanks Rarity, I promise we'll figure this out."

Rarity nodded, "Oh! D-Don't worry about it darling, I'm just happy you're fine." She chuckled a bit before looking to Pinkie Pie and the others. "Well shall we get going everypony? I'm sure we're all very eager to get back to our beds!"

Applejack yawned, patting her mouth with a hoof before nodding. "Whew, you said it Rarity." She then made her way towards the door, looking forward to finally making it back to the farm and into her bed.

Rarity followed close behind Applejack, as Fluttershy basically did the same with a cheery smile.

Pinkie Pie however looked to Twilight then back to her group of departing friends in dread and disbelief. "B-But guys! We haven't found Twilight's long lost twin sister yet! She could be anywhere!"

As the four of them were leaving the house, Applejack rolled her house exclaiming, "There is no long lost sister Pinkie!" Before the door shut behind each of them as they'd exited back out into Ponyville.

As they'd all left the library, Twilight stood in place for some time still reflecting on Rarity and Pinkie's story. That mysterious light which she'd refused to investigate, as well as this idea of a second Twilight. Surely if there was something weird at play then something would've happened by now that she couldn't just ignore. Surely Princess Celestia or Luna wouldn't have missed something so obvious if it were dangerous. Twilight scowled, before grabbing the book she'd referred to only a few minutes earlier and flipping through the pages. She then looked at the sleeping Spike as she regarded him with a caring smile, before looking back to the text of the pages. "Just how much were you capable of Starswirl?"

Silence, Violet didn't seem to care for anything else besides it. She'd just spoken to Rainbow Dash, but not another word after that. She was too lost in her own shame in order to concentrate on anything else. A few seconds was all they needed, but they wouldn't be getting a second chance. "You know, I thought you two were beyond the capability of actually agreeing on a sync strategy with one another. As petty as your methods were, I understand them." A light smirk crept onto Violet's face as she looked into Princess Luna in the eyes. "But you won't be getting a second chance, you've underestimated my own magical capabilities, Princess Luna, Celestia." Violet bowed her head in a sign of respect, "I thank you for the interesting encounter. It's a shame." She paused, "I almost had you Princess Luna. Your defenses are severely lacking."

Princess Luna gasped for breath as she glanced down at her wound. At this point she to fell silent, as she just gave Violet a glare of personal discern, before sighing heavily. She then closed her eyes, before her horn started to glow faintly, a flash of blue light circling around her wound, as her magic slowly began to heal her. Afterwords she looked up towards Princess Celestia, who'd been glancing back down at her worriedly, before Luna reassured her with a simple nod. Princess Luna's eyes now represented a look of faint pity, as she noticed Violet picked her words carefully, and the princess could read the girl perfectly. It wasn't that she was planning to end this encounter between them and ensure Celestia and her did not follow, she was planning a retreat. Princess Luna could see why, there were no external wounds yet somehow, Violet had become horribly wounded in her escape process. "Stop this, your own magic is beyond you, and you know it."

Princess Luna also noticed Violet's sudden change of opinion of her. The fact she was actually referring to her as Princess Luna instead of Nightmare Moon, did such a quick encounter really convince her to do this that much? It actually saddened the Princess in some ways. Were they truly that despicable in her world, to the point where she herself couldn't even agree on something with Celestia that didn't involve decimating the competition? Although, even such methods would probably be more preferable with one who had the powers to manipulate time itself. Were they truly at that much of a disadvantage? For Violet to have been able to escape their banishment spell in the mere fraction of a second? But when?

And perhaps the answer would reveal itself, as Princess Luna noticed Violet sway from side to side, losing balance.

Violet's vision started to blur before she frowned. "I, have no idea what you're talking about."

"JUST WHAT IS GOING ON!?"

Violet and Princess Luna glanced over in the same direction, at the obviously distraught Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash just looked at the two ponies conversing with a speechless expression. Her eyes moist with tears as she continued to attempt wrapping her mind around what was happening. Everything felt so fast, the fact Twilight had been attacked in mere moments, and the ones responsible being the very Princesses themselves, and now Twilight was still talking crazy. Rainbow had a overwhelming sense of relief yet dread at the same time, relief in the fact that Twilight appeared safe, although hurt, and in dread due to the overwhelming amount of force being used against her. "WHY'RE YOU TWO FIGHTING EACH OTHER!? TWILIGHT!? WHY'RE YOU ACTING LIKE THIS!?" Rainbow Dash spread her hooves, attempting to get through to her friend, as well as focusing on Princess Luna. "Why're you all acting crazy!? What is this!?"

Violet looked wide eyed at Rainbow Dash before easing into a faint chuckle. "Hmmhmhmhm....."

Rainbow suddenly looked dumbfounded as she noticed Twilight's reaction.

Violet burst into wild laughter, "Ahahahahahaha!! Have you not realized it yet Rainbow Dash!?"

Princess Luna looked ahead once again, back towards Violet. "Look closely Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow Dash looked to Princess Luna at this point, raising a brow, before hurriedly wiping her eyes. "Huh?"

Princess Luna continued. "This isn't the Twilight Sparkle you know and love. Pay attention, and you'll see."

Rainbow Dash then looked back to Violet, before squinting for some time, slowly coming to realize the meaning behind Princess Luna's words. But the more Rainbow looked upon the familiar mare, the more she didn't understand. She'd noticed something was weird but, this was a little too weird even for her. Rainbow was silent as she felt a bit stunned by the revelation before her, and unsure how to react anymore to this new Twilight. In actuality Rainbow began to feel angry with this fake, as she'd gritted her teeth, realizing it must've been some poser trying to give Twilight a bad name, manipulate her. "Why yoooou, who do you think you are!? Why're you posing as Twilight! I knew Twilight would never say those things, and the Princesses would never attack the real Twilight so suddenly!"

Violet flashed Rainbow an amused smile, closing her eyes somewhat, "Sorry to disappoint you Rainbow Dash."

How could Rainbow not have noticed before? When she thought about it, there were so many things that pointed out this fact. She bore no wings, had a scar, and was significantly smaller than Twilight. She did notice in some ways, but she never took the time to actually consider the possibility. Rainbow couldn't cease her annoyance as she knew she'd been made the fool in some ways, she stomped a hoof angrily. But she held herself back before looking back at Princess Luna. "Then who is this Princess Luna!? Where's the real Twilight?! Is this fake just some changeling or something!?"

Princess Luna replied hastily, "The real Twilight is fine Rainbow Dash. But we still need to ensure this one doesn't escape."

Violet turned towards the opposite direction with a bored look, before glancing back at Princess Luna. "You say those words as if any of you still have the slightest chance of ensuring my capture. You don't have the knowledge or capabilities of subduing me, nor do you hold my favor Princesses. You had your chance and you blew it, and I won't be playing head games with either of you again. I shall be taking my leave now if you don't-" Violet heard what sounded like surging flames in the distance, but this time overhead. She looked up as her eyes widened a bit, before her bored look returned to her. "Oh..."

SLAM, SLAM, SLAM, SLAM!

Four consecutive crushing noises boomed around her on all sides, some distance away. Violet of course looked at each of these areas observantly, noticing what appeared to be four golden pillars. She sighed as her body wobbled, before she looked up towards the skies again, seeing Princess Celestia still wasn't giving up on the idea of rendering her harmless. Violet smirked; going through all this trouble of capturing her was flattering to say the least, but if they truly wanted to fix their problems, why not attempt reducing her to ash? Of course this wasn't the world she knew so it was expected.

Violet's expression worsened as although she was confident in her abilities to escape once again, there was a certain criteria she had to fit in order for things to run smoothly. She recalled the blood covering her head and torso, realizing she likely wouldn't make it through another hasty attempt like she'd done earlier. Her horn started to glow faintly. "Sorry, it's really the end this time." Then immediately, the world began to slow as another portal appeared before her. Her present reality was now beyond them, time was on her side, there was nothing they could do.

Princess Celestia shook her head with a look of desperation. "N-No! Twilight wait! PLEASE!" She burst forth with a mighty flap of her wings, as her guards attempted the same, remaining by the Princess's side. Princess Celestia gritted her teeth as she kept her focus on the duplicate Twilight, attempting to reach her before she knew the child would cast another of her spells which would ensure her getaway, and possibly her own demise if she were in too much of a hurry. Then in that next second, the Princess herself disappeared in an instant in the form of a relocation spell.

"TWILIGHT!" Princess Luna shouted ferociously.

Violet glanced back at Princess Luna, "......Hm?"

Princess Luna continued as her own horn started to glow once again, before she lowered her tone. "I will find your vulnerabilities, here and now." And in that moment, Princess Luna's eyes bore a similar appearance to that of Nightmare Moon's, with eyes similar to those of a serpent. She just kept her alluring gaze focused on the unicorn. Her horn let off yet another flash of light, which'd caused her surrounding guards and Rainbow Dash to cover their heads.

Violet's eyes widened once again as her and Princess Luna's eyes met.

In that moment, Princess Luna awoke in a place far different from where she'd previously been. She didn't appear surprised by this however, more as if she'd expected it to happen, although she also appeared to be in somewhat of a hurry. She took a second to take in her surroundings, and glanced around what appeared to be a filly's room. The lights were off, and the posters on the wall were torn. Everything in the room was worn, from the small bed posted in the corner, to the dressers and the dust covered plushies. The only source of light being that of a small lamp, and what she saw beside that lamp is what intrigued her the most. It was a small filly, and one that was all too familiar to her at this point. "Twilight Sparkle..."

The filly immediately turned her head with wide eyes, looking upon Princess Luna with curious eyes. "Huh?...Oh, hello there. Welcome to my room." She immediately went back to writing on a piece of paper beside her lamp, remaining concentrated.

Princess Luna approached the filly, before lowering her frame slightly to look over her. "What is it that you're writing Twilight Sparkle, and why're you here in this broken down home? What possible value could this place hold?"

Twilight Sparkle paused, as her eyes widened again. She looked unsure, before continuing to write. "I'm preparing for my entrance exam." She thought about the second half of Princess Luna's question. "I don't know why it's like this."

Princess Luna fell silent as she looked upon Twilight Sparkle with her brow raised slightly. She then turned, making her way to one of the walls and leaving the filly Twilight Sparkle to continue going about her business. As she got closer to one of the cracked walls, there was the faint sound of sizzling which'd caught her attention. She raised her hoof a bit, before tapping the wall. It was in that moment the wall began to crack even more, spreading about the entire room like a chain reaction, before everything started to crumble down and turn to ash slowly before them.

Princess Luna's eyes widened as after the very walls of the room itself fell around them, she found that she was standing in yet another chamber. This chamber however had six doors, each with their own symbol upon them. One had the symbol of the sun, while another had the moon. Princess Luna frowned a bit, as she felt she was able to make sense of them. The other four symbols however, left her feeling clueless. She glanced back to find that Twilight Sparkle was still focused on finishing her task related to this entrance exam. Princess Luna felt hesitant. "Twilight Sparkle....may I ask you something?"

Twilight Sparkle remained focused, but still answered. "Mhm!...Ask anything you want!"

Princess Luna turned away from the six doors, facing Twilight once again. "Why must you pass this exam?"

Twilight paused, ceasing her writing for a moment. She then continued, "To prove my value."

Princess Luna's eyes saddened as her tone lowered a bit, "And......where is your family?"

Twilight Sparkle stopped writing again. "They passed a long time ago."

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she felt a little distraught over Twilight's answer. "B-But where are they?"

Twilight Sparkle looked confused as she'd glanced back at Princess Luna. "I told you,....They passed a long time ago."

With that, the world surrounding Princess Luna cracked much like the walls she herself caused to crumble, mere moments ago. As everything she looked upon soon shattered like glass, leaving nothing but black.

Princess Luna opened her eyes once again, to see she'd returned to the scene of the present. Yet she found that things hadn't gone exactly as planned, as she looked upon Twilight Sparkle a second time. As she stood there in the open fields, she realized that it had only been about a second since what she'd seen transpired compared to real time, to the others it'd be as if no time had passed at all. So many thoughts streamed through her mind at that moment, and she knew the only reason she casted such a spell in the first place was to find something she could use. Anything to keep Twilight Sparkle still only for another second longer, one that'd thrown her off guard despite how focused she was now. Princess Luna's heart ached at the thought, as she herself now didn't feel compelled to go against this girl, realizing what she'd seen, was more than likely a cause of her counter-part self in another reality. Yet she still continued, she still looked upon this second Twilight but this time with a look of sorrow and pity, before asking her a question. "Twilight Sparkle! Did you pass?"

Violet's expression sunk, as she'd looked lost, out of place, and overall, utterly distracted. "What?" She was frozen in place before her portal. Violet turned back towards the Princess, "How do you know about that?"

And in that moment, Princess Celestia herself reappeared mere feet from Violet Autumn in a poof of crimson smoke, as she'd given the unicorn a determined glare which'd only lasted a second before she charged her.

Violet's dumbfounded expression never left her, even when she'd looked at Princess Celestia, "Eh?"

Princess Celestia pinned the unicorn down quickly, remaining on top of her. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE! You are far too young, too immature, too ignorant of the consequences of using time magic so conveniently! Just look at your own condition! WE ARE NOT YOUR ENEMIES!" Her eyes saddened as she looked upon this broken form of her student. "Deep down, despite the circumstances even you realize it don't you? Why must you avoid us so? What is it that you fear!?"

Violet's expression became one of absolute disgust as she'd realized she was actually in the grasp of Princess Celestia! "TCH!!" She gritted her teeth. "When will you understand that I don't care!" She closed her eyes, snapping at the alicorn. "I want nothing to do with you! Either of you! You may act different, but deep down inside you're all just the same! In the end you will do what you have to! You're nothing more than a pair of manipulative, heartless, tyrants! This kindness, it's all simply a boundary you've created to protect yourselves! I will never fall prey to it, not again!"

Princess Celestia irked as she'd felt a sting in her heart, a sharp pain as she'd heard those words from Violet. She leaned in closer to Violet's face, before asking with an almost psychotic longing, "Why? Why must you mistake kindness for weakness?" At this point even Princess Celestia appeared annoyed with the unicorn, eyes wide as she sought to understand this student of her's.

Violet continued, "I'm capable of dealing with everything on my own! I don't need the help of monsters like you!" She shoved Princess Celestia off her with a mighty rear buck. This caught the princess of guard, shocked due to the fact even in her current condition, that Twilight was willing to expend such physical energy simply to get away from her.

Princess Celestia's guards immediately touched upon the ground themselves, as the four golden pillars surrounding Violet's perimeter began to form transparent golden barriers between each one, boxing her in. Yet at this point the guards cared little for capturing Twilight as on impulse they'd each unsheathed their weapons, a fierce passion in each of their eyes to protect their dear princess, angered by the fact this enemy had actually managed to assault her.

Princess Celestia who'd been laying on her side immediately leaned up, crying out. "WAIT!! HOLD YOUR BLADES THIS INSTANT!!"

The guards however, didn't cease in that moment, as they'd swarmed the unicorn, and lunged their blades straight towards her torso.

Violet in that moment smiled softly as she muttered, "That's more like it." As a stream of purple light expanded in an instant, and in Violet's perception of the situation, the blades which were mere inches from her, ceased to move. Violet then propelled herself upwards as she'd landed on her two hind legs, staggering a bit upon landing. Violet glanced around tiredly as she'd soon looked ahead, ignoring the presence of the surrounding guards who appeared frozen in time, with a fierce determined glare. "Show me something familiar."

In the next instant, which felt like only a fraction of a second since she'd seen them assault Twilight, Princess Celestia watched as her entire guard was flung back as if they'd been dispatched in one inconceivable moment. It was then the princess realized just how reliant Twilight was on this form of magic. She herself felt stunned by the sheer impossibility of it all, yet it was here before her eyes. A forced prodigy in a forbidden school.

Even Princess Luna and her guard couldn't comprehend it. How was it possible for anypony, let alone one as young as this Twilight, in order to be so invulnerable? What did it take to house such knowledge behind arguably the strongest magic school there was? Princess Luna tried to gather her thoughts, but not even she could muster up a reliable plan in mere seconds. Twilight's advantage was infinite compared to their's, just at what cost did this Twilight make in order to be able to use such magic? And as the seconds drew on and on, the princess felt her own conviction starting to break. What were they supposed to do? They didn't know Twilight's plans, her goals, and most importantly, if they'd ever see her again and what answers she held. If she'd escaped, there likely would never be another chance such as this. They had to succeed!

And in that next moment, Rainbow Dash burst forth angrily, as she'd flapped her wings, charging the unicorn herself. "What're you all just moping around for!? If we're short on time then just go with it!!! We need to stop this fake Twilight from escaping don't we!? Then let's hurry up and get her!" Rainbow was confident in her speed, and she had reason to be. In that single moment, she'd already closed majority of the distance between herself and this second Twilight. She snarled as she'd glared at the second unicorn. She wouldn't let this Twilight get away! Especially after being led along this long!

Violet seemed bored with the mare however, simply looking Rainbow in the eyes as she'd rapidly closed in.

Princess Luna called out to Rainbow desperately however, "STOP RAINBOW DASH!"

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as something didn't sit right with her either, as she'd reached Twilight. "Huh?" Violet's expression never changed, and she looked at Rainbow without a sense of worry. Why? How could this Twilight be so confident? Even though Rainbow was so close, how could she just look at her like that? It was over, there was no way Twilight could've anticipated Rainbow's speed. But before Rainbow could even think of another thought, she'd felt a sharp pain in her right cheek. What'd just happened? She didn't even know. Yet somehow she was even facing an entirely different direction, away from Twilight. How was she now looking at Princess Celestia? And when did she get thrown off balance? Rainbow's mind went blank as she'd skidded against the dirt and grass and tumbled and slammed into one of the guards. Rainbow slumped up as she'd rubbed her right cheek, absolutely confused. "W-What!?" She immediately glared back at Twilight, noticing the mare had her right hoof raised, and stretched out in the direction Rainbow had been knocked to. Rainbow couldn't make sense of it, "But when did she-"

With that Violet proceeded to the front of her portal as it didn't take her long at all to reach it, she soon spoke in regards to both princesses. "Just give up and make the logical decision." She looked back at Princess Celestia, "There are still things I must find out princess, so I will continue pursuing my own goals in my own way. There's no point in trying to get in my way." She took a step into her portal, "Especially if you can't muster up the courage to eliminate one troublesome pony."

Princess Celestia herself snapped in that moment, "TWILIGHT, WAIT THIS INSTANT!"

Violet ignored her of course, rolling her eyes as she'd proceeded into her portal. She stopped for a moment before her face turned a faint shade of crimson and her eyes saddened before she'd glanced back at Princess Luna hesitantly. She looked somewhat ashamed before muttering in a barely audible tone, "No." She lowered her head and with that, the portal closed itself off once again, disappearing along with Violet to yet another, uncertain location.

Princess Celestia looked upon the spot where Violet once stood with wide eyes, before she looked overcome with desperation, fear, and anger in herself. "T-Twilight!.....UGH!!!" She immediately climbed to all fours, sneering angrily as she'd glanced towards the ground. "We should've been more careful! Now who knows where she could've run off to. She obviously isn't in the state of mind to be making just decisions related to her well-being! She abuses time magic as if it were a common school, did any of you see her condition!?" Princess Celestia began trotting back and forth. "And it's not as if this encounter made our relationship with her any better. I told you to hold your blades!"

Princess Celestia exhaled, attempting to calm herself as she rubbed her forehead. "Twilight is bound to be more recluse from now on. But she likely won't listen to reason either, and more importantly, what is she planning to do in this world?" Princess Celestia was obviously displeased with their empty outcome, seeing as Twilight simply escaped again. She lowered her hind legs with a sigh before covering her face with a hoof, as her guards surrounded her worriedly. She then looked over at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow, what you've seen here tonight, Twilight mustn't know about it."

Rainbow then stood to her hooves angrily. "What why!? Princess, Twilight could help us find her! Our Twilight has a right to know if there's a second version of herself running around ruining her good name! Especially if that second Twilight can pose a threat to other ponies, Twilight would get the blame! None of that would be fair to Twilight!" Rainbow was having trouble getting used to the idea of going against Twilight yet defending her at the same time, it was awkward to say the least.

Princess Celestia sighed. "I understand your concerns Rainbow Dash, but there's more at risk here than simply Twilight's feelings and reputation. You've just seen yourself what this second Twilight is capable of, in many ways, she could be considered invulnerable. I'd rather not involve Twilight in something such as this so hastily, knowing her double is out there, planning whatever it may be. In all reality the only advantage we may have is the fact this is our world and we know more of it. But to involve Twilight in this, still with possible threats looming out there, and her baring such responsibility as it is, I'd rather give her that peace of mind for now."

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth but remained silent, still feeling conflicted about this entire thing.

Princess Celestia raised a brow at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, also, did our second Twilight mention to you why she was so concerned about this area? What was it that urged her to come out here so quickly?"

Rainbow sighed as she glanced to her lower right. "Something about the weather. What does it matter anymore?"

Princess Celestia looked down upon the mare with a hint of intrigue. "The weather? Hm...."

Soon Princess Luna approached with her own guards, but she seemed more uneasy. She just looked at Princess Celestia with the gloomy look she had ever since she'd peered into Violet's mind for that short period of time. She spoke softly, "Sister....there's something I must discuss with you, and perhaps, you as well Rainbow Dash."

Princess Celestia and Rainbow Dash then looked to Luna, both with their brows raised.

Princess Luna continued, "I believe I may know of a way to certainly bring our second Twilight back to us."

Violet exited her portal, immediately gasping for breath as she did so. She laid on her side, deep bags underlining her eyes as she felt as if she were about to throw up. Her world blurred and she wasn't certain if she'd be able to stay conscious for much longer. Her eyes were now also a bloodshot red. Her breathing was raspy to say the least, as if her throat were charred, she knew she overexerted herself. She staggered to her hooves again, before falling back to her side, and just laying there for a moment. She took this time, to look around the area she was in now.

It was her room, well, not her room in particular but the real Twilight's room. The similarities in appearance, yet difference in character, astonished Violet when it came to this world. It was as if in some ways, she'd arrived in a dream, even if she were still having troubles in this new world. Troubles she couldn't simply ignore. She had to move. But at least now she knew that in some ways, this worlds locations were nearly the same, but....did that mean even the Crystal Empire-..she cut off the thought. She paused, realizing now was not the time for this.

Violet noticed how tidy it was, how clean it was. It all felt so unfamiliar, the positioning of the bed, the study material, and even the small dolls which laid about the room. Violet however wasn't here to reminisce, she climbed to her hooves again, this time grabbing hold of the edge of the desk before rising completely. But as she did that, she caught sight of something that made her freeze for a second. It was a picture, a picture of Twilight and Shining Armor. Violet spent some time looking at that picture, first at her other self, so happily standing beside her brother. Then at Shining Armor.

Violet's eyes were wide as she just continued to stare for a good long while, and eventually, her expression worsened. She looked furious, absolutely disgusted by it! Her horn glowed as the picture levitated and she smashed it to pieces against the wall. Violet then continued to stagger about the room, as she sought something in particular. She dug through Twilight's drawers, and then through stacks of paper before pausing again, as if she'd found what she was looking for. But she continued to look at that particular piece of paper, seeming quite confused. She looked at a particular name, which was Ponyville. So, that entire time, they were even in the same location, how amusing. Violet's eyes were half closed as her expression eased into one of more calm, and she made her way to Twilight's bedroom window.

It was about time to bring an end to this long, tedious, midnight. But not before one final task was completed.

But suddenly bursting into the room would be two particular ponies. "WHOSE IN HERE!?" There standing in the open doorway would be Night Light and Twilight Velvet, Night Light wielding a baseball bat with telekinetic magic, while Twilight Velvet hid behind her husband, yet with a look of defiance. But as they stood there, their angered expressions turned into those more representative of absolute confusion, soon to be worry.

Twilight Velvet made her way forward slowly, "Wait.....T-Twilight? Is that you?! Sweetie what happened to you!?"

Violet's expression didn't change much as she simply glanced back at them. She didn't appear to care for them, as her eyes were still half closed and she had a slight frown upon her face. Yet for a moment, her eyes saddened, before she disappeared before their eyes in a poof of smoke, only leaving a trail of chaos in the room she'd stood in previously.

Night Light leaned down worriedly before he called out, "H-Honey, come look a this."

Twilight Velvet looked where Twilight once stood, still a bit in shock from what she'd seen. "W-Was that Twilight?...."

Night Light continued, as he seemed more preoccupied with something else. "Honey...."

Twilight Velvet glanced back towards her husband, as her eyes widened at the same thing he was looking at.

Night Light was knelt down before the pieces of the broken frame and torn picture which laid on the floor. She then looked towards the scattered papers atop Twilight's desk, as she made her way over to them slowly. Her eyes scanned over the papers which were on top, as she'd raised a brow, still feeling confused. She couldn't make sense of why any robber or Twilight herself would pull out these papers from so long ago. They were letters she kept, describing how she'd often missed being at home back in Canterlot, but didn't regret spending time at Golden Oak's with Spike. Why would Twilight be going over things she already knew? Twilight Velvet couldn't make sense of it. And what value would it hold to a thief?

Was there any particular value Golden Oak's had, besides the fact Twilight now lived there?

And Violet had finally arrived.

In a swirl of purple mist and smoke, which dispersed the moment her spell had completed. Violet stood before a particular location, in silence as she looked as if she'd been through hell and back. Her mane was raggedy as her coat had dried crimson blotches upon it, and she reeked of dirt, blood, and sweat. Obviously she was worse for wear. But she couldn't rest, not until she knew, not until she knew why and how all these problems could've been avoided. Not until she knew the truth behind her greatest enemy, and greatest fear itself. Violet's eyes widened as a shiver ran down her spine, and she looked upon the individual in front of her with wide fascinated eyes, unable to speak at the moment. Her trembling began to worsen as she just stood there, unsure of how to react but, realizing this was something she needed to do at this point. Realizing she probably wouldn't get another chance, before deciding to disappear herself.

She stood, at the doorway from within Golden Oak's Library, and only feet from her, sitting at her study with her back facing the unicorn, would be the alicorn princess, Twilight Sparkle. With her nose in a book.

Twilight Sparkle's eyes widened as she looked as if she'd just come across some sort of revelation in her book. A wide fascinated smile appeared on her face, still ignorant of the fact she was being watched. "No, that couldn't be it." But as Twilight continued to look down at her book, she started to feel uneasy, as if something weren't right about the situation. Twilight leaned up, as her heart began to race. What was this feeling? She raised a brow, before slowly turning to look behind her, and as she did so, her eyes went wide as she caught sight of the particular figure standing near the door.

The two spent a long while looking at each other, as Princess Twilight broke the silence. "What in the-...."

Violet soon looked tired again, frowning as she appeared absolutely broken, "So it's true."

Princess Twilight was stunned, silent as she looked upon this double of herself.

Violet lowered her hind legs, sitting, as her horn started to shimmer and spark and she kept her head lowered, refusing to look this alternate version of herself in the eyes. "I must speak with you, Princess Twilight Sparkle." Violet's nose wrinkled in irritation, and although her expression was hidden from Twilight, she quivered as she struggled to continue to speak.

Twilight didn't know how to reply, as she was still attempting to make sense of this. She just yelled, "WHAT IS THIS!?"