The Passings of Twilight

Chapters

I. Prologue
II. Excitatio
III. Thieves & Gangs
IV. Pararetur

I. Prologue

"Twilight…it's you! Hehe, oh it's been a long time…" Applejack greeted

The room was dark, and dusty. The sun was peaking out of the window and showed all the dust particles passing the ray of light. In the room was a bed, and next to it were two drawers. Applejack was tucked in the bed, her eyes glowed with a green radiance. She was tired, but not from work. Applejack never gets tired from farm work. She was tired because age has reached her, Age was the true Iron Pony.

The ray of light coming out of the window touched Twilight's face. She wasn't wearing her Royal Cloths or crown. Her eyes spoke for themselves and showed a great deal of sadness. Twilight was standing next to the doorframe. She had a weak smile, but was still happy to see her old dear friend. But what made the moment more saddening was the fact that there was only one old mare.

"Hey Applejack…it's really great to see you." Twilight said as she got closer to Applejack's deathbed.

"You looked just as young as you were before!" Applejack complemented.

"Thank you, Applejack." thanked Twilight.

"It's really great to see you too. So, how have you been?" asked Applejack.

"I've been…alright." Twilight informed.

"Oh, Twilight. You know you can't keep all those emotions bottled up."

"I can if I try, Applejack."

"No pony can."

The two mares were silent for a moment.

"So, how long has it been? Forty, fifty years?" asked Applejack.

"Forty five…to be precise." replied Twilight.

"Hehe, it's been a long time, hasn't it?"

"Too long for me, Applejack."

"How did you get here sugarcube? I'm sure the guards wouldn't just let you leave without their permission…"

"Nothing could keep me from seeing my friend, Applejack."

"You snuck off, didn't you?"

"I had to Applejack."

"There was no need. I don't want you to feel any more pain as it is."

"But never seeing you is already as painful as it is…"

"…were you there when everypony else left?"

"Yes, I bring flowers to them every week."

"And now we're here…"

They stood in silence again, looking down at the wooden floor beneath them. Applejack broke the tension when she began to cough.

"…so I'm guessing you already know of my situation?"

"…"

"And by the looks of your eyes, I'm guessing you spend all night looking for a cure?"

At this point, Twilight broke down and began to tear up. "I–I just…I can't stand t–to lose y–you too!" she sobbed.

"I know Twi, I know." said Applejack calmly.

"I tried everything I–I know! I j–just…" Applejack lifted her weak hoof over Twilight's mouth and both hugged each other. Twilight began to sob more, she was shaking because of her sadness.

"I–I don't w–want to l–lose you!" sobbed Twilight.

"I know Twilight…I know." the two continued to hug each other as Twilight continued to sob.

"I tried e-everything! DNA modification, M-Medicine treatment, M–magic treatment! I did everything I could do!" cried Twilight.

"You try to much." replied Applejack.

"M–maybe I–I can c–cast a spell, o–o–or–"

"–Twilight–"

"–Ask C-celestia for h–help o–or-"

"-Twilight, look at me…"

Twilight stopped rambling and looked at Applejack. She had her arms on both of Twilight's shoulders. Tears kept falling from Twilight face, and her vision was blurry by her tears. Applejack just smiled at Twilight. She was perfectly calm and wiped some of her tears.

"I know that you want to help me, but we know you can't." Applejack said.

"M–maybe if…"

"Twilight, please. It ain't natural for ponies to live forever. It's not right, Twilight."

"…I miss everypony." sobbed Twilight.

"Me too…" replied Applejack.

"…I'm g–going to miss you Applejack, so m–much."

"I'm going to miss you too, Twilight."

"I–if y–you see Rarity, Rainbow Dash, F–fluttershy, and P–pinkie Pie, promise me that you'll say I miss them!" cried Twilight.

"Cross my heart, and hope to fly…"

"Stick a cupcake in my eye…" said Twilight.

"I promise, Twilight."

Twilight and Applejack hugged once again. Twilight's tears continued to fall, and drip on the ground.

"And one more thing Twilight…" Applejack continued.

"W–what?"

"Remember us, remember everything that lead to this point, and remember that we will always be with you. Even when you are at your lowest point, because that's what friends do. That's what we do…"

"I–I–I w–will, I promise I'll always remember!" sobbed Twilight.

"…"

"…Applejack?"

"…"

"Applejack?!"

Applejack didn't respond. Her breath was gone, and her skin was getting cold. Her eyes were closed, and the only thing left was a tear rolling down her cheek.

"APPLEJACK, PLEASE!" cried Twilight.

Applejack no longer had support of her own body. Twilight continued to cry out her name, again, again, and again as more tears continued to rolled down of her cheeks. She prayed to Celestia that this was all a joke. She prayed for her own salvation. She wished for her friends back. She wished that she never became a princess.

She wished she could go back home and wake up with her friends waiting for her at the door.

____________________

"She didn't need to die!" yelled Twilight.

"I'm sorry, Twilight. There was nothing I could do." replied Celestia dryly.

"I was up all night! For the past four years! Trying to help them, and you weren't there to help me!" sobbed Twilight.

"Twilight, there was nothing I could do. I'm also sadden by what happen to them, I also loved them."

"But not the way I loved them!"

"…Twilight, the natural order of things is that everypony dies at some point."

"But we don't!"

"That is because we are a reminder of what happens to immortals."

"Why couldn't they be like us? They deserve better!"

"That is because that would cause Chaos. Ponies would start noticing that we're granting ponies immortality. They too would also wish to be immortal, and if we refuse, peace in Equestria will fall."

"Not if we explain it to them!"

"They wouldn't listen, Twilight!"

"An all powerful goddess, able to raise both the sun and moon, and able to defeat demons, monsters, and other gods, can't prevent the death of five ponies!" mocked Twilight.

"I'm sorry Twilight. I know it's painful, but believe me I know the pain you're going through."

"You'll never understand what I'm going through!"

"Believe me, I do. I seen many of my friends die too. All the ponies I know died, and there was nothing I could do. I know your pain. It is why I stop making new friends, and it is why I could no longer wield the Elements."

"So you became an emotionless jerk!"

"Twilight please, just listen to me. No matter what you see or go through, it is important to forgive and forget."

"Forget? FORGET! I'm never going to forget about my friends! I'm never going forget Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy! They are my best friends! How can I just forget about them? How could I just forget about all the amazing moments and adventures we had?"

"…I don't know Twilight. You're going to have to figure that out…"

Twilight stood there in the center of the Great Hall for a moment, tears dripping onto the long red carpet. She couldn't believe what her mentor was saying! All the moments they had and she was going against all of that. Twilight ran out the door, sobbing, and in despair. Celestia was left alone until Princess Luna came into the Hall, annoyed by what her sister has said.

"She has a point you know…" Luna announced.

"What are you talking about?" questioned Celestia dryly.

"About her friends deserving better."

"What was I suppose to do? Take them to the spa everyday?"

"No, I mean that they deserve to be with Twilight."

"You know very well that I ca–"

"What I mean is that Twilight should have died with her friends!"

"What? You're crazy,"

"I'm crazy? I'm not the one who locked up her sister, instead of talking about her problems. I'm not the one who made Twilight an Alicorn just so I don't have be alone for the rest of my immortality. And I'm not the one, who is going to let Twilight suffer with us."

"…I don't know what what you're talking about…"

"You know perfectly well what I'm talking about, Tia!"

"…"

"She didn't need to be like us. In fact, I think the only reason you did this to her was so you don't have to suffer alone, I wasn't enough company, was I?"

"…"

"And now she is going to suffer like us, because of you,"

"What about Cadence? Isn't she apart of this?"

"No, because she choose to become immortal, and it was necessary for the Princess of Love to live on."

"You just don't understand,"

"Really? I was also alone for a thousand years, but you had everypony else. All I had was a stupid giant rock."

"…"

Celestia walked out to the balcony and so did Luna. The wind blew through their mane and gave them both relief. Both Luna and Celestia looked down at Equestria, both looking out towards Ponyville.

"Do you see what I see, Tia?" Luna asked.

"I see a peaceful world that I created." Celestia replied coldly.

"No, I see weak ponies. I also see peace but that's undefended. I see a land of weak ponies when if their peace is threaten, they would do nothing."

"What are you getting at? That we'll force everypony to learn how to fight? It will be just like the Griffin Kingdom,"

"The Griffin Kingdom is strong, but blind. And no, I don't want everypony to learn how to fight. I just want them all to be prepared when their lives or peace is threatened,"

"That's why we have the Royal Guard, and the Elements of Harmony,"

"The wielders of the Elements are dead. Twilight is the only one left. What, are you going to force her to make new friends?"

"N–no."

"And the Royal Guard still won't be enough. It wasn't enough when the Changelings attacked. They weren't enough when Discord was released from his prison, or when King Sombra returned from his cold grave! And they weren't enough to stop me from casting eternal night all over Equestria,"

Luna headed back to the Great Hall and took a moment to see all the glass paintings. Celestia turned to her sister and watched her walk towards the door. Luna stopped for a moment and looked back at her sister, Celestia was the first one to speak.

"So what was your point?" Celestia asked.

"My point was that Twilight should have died peacefully with her friends, and not carry the burden of her friend's death." Luna replied.

"…"

"And sooner or later, the peace you've brought will come crashing down. It's time to think about the future, instead of the present. Without the Element, Equestria is endangered to Corruption, and Chaos. And I hope you're ready to fight for that very peace you brought,"
"The funeral's tomorrow, I hope you have a speech ready. Twilight's right, you really have become an emotionless jerk…"

Luna opened the two giant marble doors with her magic and she slammed them both shut as she left the Great Hall! Celestia was alone but not just socially. Celestia was now left alone with her thoughts and in her mind she knew Luna was right. It didn't matter to her she was with Twilight now, Celestia thought. However, what Luna said still orbited her mind like a comet.

Celestia was now left to deal with the future.

II. Excitatio

Death, it's a beautiful thing…
For some it's a relief,
But for others, it's a punishment…
But the real punishment,
Is what rises out of the ashes…

••••• 13 years later •••••

Celestia awoke with the sound of guards marching about the castle. They seemed to be shouting orders but with anxiety in their voices. It was still night outside and it was nearly time for Luna to return. She regularly left off into the night ever since Twilight's friends passed away. Celestia never really knew where she went, Luna herself didn't even discuss about it.

Celestia began teaching Twilight about politics and other lessons about ruling over Equestria. Most of the time their lessons were really awkward. they both rarely had a normal conversation after their little fight. Over the years, Twilight had become more distant and she was right back to how she was before she met her friends. Some nights, when Celestia would walk near Twilight's chambers, she would hear her cry. Twilight would cry herself to sleep, every night since "their" passing.

The public helped Twilight deal with her sadness. It would remind Twilight why she still was a leader to her fellow ponies. Other times, however, they were not so supportive. Usually, Celestia would answer questions about Twilight that the public asked. For the press, it was an honour to have Twilight answer their questions in person.

Twilight had also become more close to Luna than any pony had ever expected. They became close friends over the years and would discuss their immortality together. Twilight no longer had any real bond with Celestia anymore. She also tried her best to avoided her friend's family affairs. The Apple Family was near bankruptcy, no pony knew what happen to Sweetie Belle, SugarCube Corner was out of business, and everypony else was gone. Twilight barely escaped her depression because of this.

It was about six in the morning and everypony was rising up. Celestia quickly got up to check what was all the ruckus about. Before she had a chance to open the door, a guard pony came barging in. His pupils were small, panic filled his eyes, he was taking in heavy breaths, and he was shaking from nervousness! Celestia knew something was wrong and she could feel the anxiety begin to flow through her veins.

"Is something wrong?" asked Celestia nervously.

"You're highness, she has gone missing!" he said with anxiety.

"W–what? Who, who is missing?" Celestia asked, but with more panic in her voice.

"The princess, she's missing!" he clarified.

"Luna! How?"

"No, Princess Luna isn't missing! It's Princess Twilight, she's gone!"

Celestia's chest grew heavy and her blood ran cold, her eyes filled with fear, her breath becoming heavier, and her mind quickly think about the proper course of action to take! though fear began clouding her mind. Questions ran through her mind but only made things worse for her! Princess Celestia took a deep breath, exhaled, and began calm down.

"Did you look in her chambers?" Celestia asked.

"Yes,"

"Her bedroom?"

"Yes, your highness,"

"The Royal Library?!"

"Princess, we search every room in this castle! We're already sending a search party to check Canterlot!"

"Find Princess Luna, and," Celestia was interrupted by the sound of flapping wings. From the balcony of her room arrived Luna, who was wearing her usual black cloak. Luna was greeted by Celestia running towards her and a gentle breeze.

"Luna, have you seen Twilight?!" Celestia asked nervously.

"No? why, Tia?" Luna said calmly.

"She hasn't been spotted in the castle, or anywhere else!"

"W–what!"

Celestia turned towards the guard standing at the door. "Ask any citizen if they seen Princess Twilight, report to me when you're done searching! Await for my final orders!" Celestia ordered.

"Yes your highness!" the guard replied as he raced off.

Celestia took another deep breath and trotted out to the balcony. Luna was looking out the balcony but turned back to her sister. Both Princesses, Celestia and Luna, looked out towards Canterlot with one thing in mind. Twilight could be anywhere and in danger. Luna broke the silence by speaking first.

"Where do you suspect she might be?" asked Luna rather quickly.

"I'm not sure, maybe Ponyville…" replied Celestia stammered.

"What business would she have there?"

"I'm not too sure, maybe to visit 'their' graves?"

"…I knew something like this would happen." sighed Princess Luna

"What do you mean?"

"Twilight couldn't handle all this. Maybe that's why she ran away."

"Ran away? Luna, for all we know she could be kidnapped!"

"Some pony kidnapping the Element of Magic? Tia, please." Luna said in annoyance.

"Well you knew her best, do you probably know why she's gone?"

"I just said–"

"–Beside that, Luna."

"…I'm not sure… It's best to at least help the guards find her."

"I guess you're right about that…"

Celestia and Luna stood for a while at the balcony awaiting any news. Celestia began to close her eyes and focus her magic. Her horn began to glow and hum as she concentrated. At the distance, the sun was beginning to rise! The black night sky was being replaced by the bright orange glow of the sun. At last, when the sun arose from the horizon, Celestia stopped. Another guard pony entered the room as she finished.

"Your Highness, we are ready for your orders." he saluted.

"…Have the every guard search the streets of Canterlot, expand the search towards Ponyville, inform Discord of the situation, and don't stop searching! Search all of Equestria if you have to!" Celestia ordered.

The Guard acknowledged her orders and left. Celestia was taking deep breaths and exited her room. Luna was left alone outside the balcony. She was now alone with only her thoughts. Luna looked at the horizon, hoping she might find a sign. A sign that might tell her where she is. instead, she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and hoped she was alright.

"I wish you luck, Twilight Sparkle. For your journey, has only just begun…" Luna whispered as she walked back inside the castle.

Loneliness, is the real punishment…
It is Loneliness, that makes Death kneel…
And no one, deserves Loneliness as company…

•••••• 54 years later ••••••

Twilight awoke with the sound of birds chirping throughout the grass lands. Her mane was a mess and her wings were ruffled. Twilight's mornings were usually like this and were also quiet. She never really knew what time she got up and she didn't care. Her sleeping bag was a slightly dirty and so was her tent. She was thought about cleaning them both today if she could find some water nearby.

Twilight got up from her sleeping bag and checked outside. Luckily there were no monsters and animals out today; she never really liked grass trolls, anyway. Her tent was in the middle of what seemed to be an opened field. All there was were hills covered in bright green grass, and was surrounded by a forest in the distance. The north was replaced by the Frozen North in the distance, in the west was a small town not too far away, and in the south horizon was Canterlot. The east sky showed Cloudsdale, and above it was the clear blue sky . By the position of the sun Twilight could tell it was about eight or so.

Twilight headed back inside the tent to eat some breakfast. She packed at least about two weeks of food and a map of Equestria. Her tent was magically bigger on the inside, but only by about three feet. Twilight dug inside her bag, pulled out two carrots, and ate breakfast. She missed Spike's famous nachos that he used to make, sadly, every dragon has to sleep for five hundred years before they reach maturity.

After she finished eating, Twilight cleaned up, and levitated all her belongings in her bag. She went outside and turned around to face the tent. Her horn started to glow a purple aura along with the tent. Soon the tent was folded and as small as a candle. Twilight packed the tent, and headed for the small town.

The wind blew through her mane and all through the grass planes. The sky was grey but peaceful, the animals seem to be in perfect harmony, and all that seemed out of the ordinary was a mare in a black cloak. Twilight enjoyed these moments, where all you can see is grass and the sky, where all you can hear is the sound of the wind, and the sound of birds chirping.

Twilight was approaching the small town, she could see different types of ponies come and go. The town was mostly composed of wooden homes and brick buildings. The grass seemed to end at the edge of town and there was a dirt road leading towards it. Twilight met up with the road, in the distance was a sign. She got closer to it and was able to see its message.

Welcome To Muzzlington

Population: 145132110 97

"Oh no… what's been happening here?" Twilight whispered to herself.

She continued her way towards town, ponies walking along the roads, and sidewalks. Most of the residents seem to be hauling a wagon. The town was built in a circular way, meaning that the roads circled one another. Not a lot of ponies were happy with the circumstances they are currently in. Some of the children, however, found ways to entertain themselves! Some played tag, hide 'en seek, and volley ball.

Twilight kept walking towards the center of town. Every home and building faced the fountain in the center. The water seemed too filthy to be drinkable, sadly. Twilight looked around to see if she can find any motel, or hotel she can book in. She continued her way towards the east side of town. Twilight couldn't see if there was any type of market she could sell things, but eventually pushed the thought aside.

Twilight eventually found an old motel, Dutch's Dum Motel. The motel was about three story's tall, it was composed of cobblestone, the stair's rails were made of copper, the roof was made of hay, there was about two dozen rooms, and each door had a brown mail box. Lastly, in the far bottom right of the building, was an office.

Twilight entered through the door, she was greeted by a thick, dusty atmosphere. The walls and ceiling were pale, the floor was a reddish rug, there was a black leather sofa on right, the left side had three file cabinets, and in the front was a desk with a pony behind it. She was pink with green hair, with red glasses, and her Cutie Mark was a ruler with two pieces of paper behind it. The desk had a candle on the right, ink to the left. The pony looked up at Twilight and split the silence between them.

"What iz it hon'?" she asked.

"I'm looking to book a room." Twilight answered.

"You hav' fifty bis'?"

Twilight's horn glowed, levitated two bits out of her bag, and presented them to the pony at the desk. The desk pony then grab a clipboard with her mouth and dropped it in the center of the desk. She lifted a hoof and pointed at the clipboard.

"Name, and age." the desk pony said.

Twilight proceed to levitate the quick from the ink bottle and wrote her name.

NAME: Sarah Shy
AGE: 24

"Alright, here's your key, room five. Monthly is twenty five, or year's three hundred." the desk pony said.

Twilight levitated the key that desk brought from under the table into her bag, opened the door, and headed to her left. Once she reached her room, she levitated the key into the keyhole. As she was about to enter her room, Twilight heard something upstairs. Two stallions were chatting, and said something that caught Twilight's attention! She proceed to over hear the conversation.

"-Freakin' guards gonna show up in two days. This is freakin' unbelieveble!" said one stallion.

"Don't worry, it'll just be for two weeks, and poof! They're gone!" assured the other stallion.

"Celestia still after Princess Twilight?"

"Yup, kinda a waste of guard training, if you ask me."

"But, there's still that ten thousand bit reward!"

"No crap, idiot, but it's not like anypony's even trying to find her."

"Heh, they'll never find that mare… it's too bad."

"Yea', wonder how Equestria would be with her around."

"Well, there be another stupid kingdom of some crap."

"Ha! True! Haha!"

Twilight stop listening to the conversation and headed inside. Her room was small, but had some perks. On her left was her bed but was a little too small, and her right was a table with two water bottles next with a bowl of fruit. In the front was a hall branching in two directions, on the left branch was a small bathroom, and on the right was a kitchen.

Twilight levitated her bags up and dropped them on the bed. Dust particles flew up from the bed, into Twilight's face, at first coughing, and finally sneezing as the dust settled. She approached her bag and opened it. Inside was her food, knife, books, map, notebook, quill, ink, and camping supplies! Twilight opened her other bag, and began checking its inventory. Inside were random items, miscellaneous, and charms. They were artifacts, treasures Twilight had collected over the years.

As she was digging through her bag, Twilight found something, It was very familiar to her, and also very important. She levitated the object out of her bag and held it up in the air, where it shimmered! It was a gold crown with strange ancient writing on the sides, attached to the tip of the crown was a purple gem in the shape of a star. This crown is part of the Elements, The Element of Magic! However, to Twilight, the crown meant nothing to her.

I wonder how much this would sell… she thought.

Twilight put the crown back, and strapped them both on. Twilight levitated her food into the kitchen, and headed outside. The stallions were gone and so was the sound of the wind. Twilight made her way back towards the center of town, and proceed to ask ponies if there was a market in town. After a few "no's" and "get lost", one pony pointed her south of town. Twilight followed the pony's directions, and headed to what she believed was a Marketplace. The trees in the town were mostly dead, and the trees that weren't were at the brink of death. Twilight continued to look around the town, but was not able to see any hope of happiness in Muzzlington.

Twilight made it to a street that was filled with tents replacing houses at the sidewalk. The street was packed with ponies, a lot of them were travelers. Twilight continued to walk down the street, she was looking out for a dealer's tent. Twilight spotted a brown stripped tent with a black flag on the top, which mean only one thing.

Twilight enter the tent, and was greeted by a heavy stench of dead plants. The tent appeared to be bigger on the inside as well. Around the rotunda shaped tent were random artifacts, candles, and in the center was a round desk with a few candles with a pony behind it. He was green with white hair, his eyes were blue, and his Cutie Mark was a skull with a jewel next to it. The pony looked up at Twilight with great curiosity.

"What is it?" he asked in a dark tone.

"I'm here to sell some… things that might interest you." Twilight said.

"Really? Haven't had a seller today, but let's just see if you're worth my time…"

Twilight began to levitate her bag on the ground. She opened it, and showed the merchant the items she has collected. In front of the pony was several different objects! One was a cyrstal ball, a yellow jewel, old books, a gold helmet, plants, and several other artifacts.

"How do all these treasures fit inside your bag?" the Merchant asked with curiosity.

Twilight took notice of what he said, "treasure". This was good sign for Twilight! She might make a few bits off him.

"Increase volume spell, works just like your tent does." Twilight answered.

Twilight continued to show him more of her artifacts. When he was satisfied, he began to negotiate.

"You are quite the treasure hunter my dear. Not a lot of ponies would even dare try and find these items." the Merchant said.

"Well not a lot of ponies are like me…" Twilight replied.

"Hmm, yes. In total, I would guess all these would cost about… a thousand five hundred!"

"A thousand five! The Tartarus! By my calculations, I would get eight since these magic gems are four each!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Well if you knew that magic gems dropped in value, then your calculations would be incorrect. They're one bit each now. Take it or leave it, missy." the Merchant said in annoyance.

"Ugh, fine!" Twilight grabbed the bag of bits next to the Merchant with her magic. She was about to head out when she remembered something, and headed back inside. Twilight, carelessly, pulled out another artifact, The Element of Magic.

"How much would you guess this crown is?" Twilight asked darkly.

The merchant's pupils widened with curiosity, he looked at crown, "Oh my Celestia! Is that?"

"Yup."

"Where did—"

"–Look, it doesn't matter where I got it, just tell me how much this thing is worth."

"Hmm, well at it's current state… nothing."

"WHAT?" Twilight slammed her hooves on the table. "How the Tartarus is the Element of Magic worth, NOTHING?!"

"W–well, it's useless you see. If you had it working, or had all the other Elements in your presence then it would be worth a fortune!" the merchant cleared his throat. "But, I did hear Celestia–"

"I don't have time for Celestia! Will you buy this thing or not!?" Twilight demanded.

"N–no…"

"Ugh! Fine!" Twilight levitated the crown and bag back on her spin and was now back outside.

Twilight headed back north towards the center of town. The Marketplace seem to be filled with mostly food, tools, and other traveling needs. Though she never really thought about the use of tools as something useful for travelers. She looked around to see if there was anything that interested her. She bought a few books, and charms before heading back to her room.

As she was leaving the Marketplace, she overheard two ponies fighting, It was a mare and a stallion fighting. Twilight turned her head and found a small dark alleyway. There was a grey stallion grabbing a blue mare with his wrist. Twilight approached the alley and was able to hear them better.

"P–please, j–just leave me alone! I don't w–want any trouble!" the mare said nervously.

"Neither do I baby…now if you just be a good girl I promise you this will be over quickly!" the stallion said darkly.

"Hey!"

Twilight was in the middle of the alleyway with her cloak covering her face. The stallion looked at Twilight and threw the mare on the ground. The stallion got closer to Twilight, but stopped halfway.

"I suggest you turned the other way before something happens to you, brat!" the stallion threaten.

"And I suggest you leave her alone before you end up in the nearest hospital, Jackass!" Twilight shot back.

"Hehe, what are you gonna do? Call for help?"

Twilight levitated her knife from her bag and presented it to the stallion. He took a few steps back and looked back at the blue mare. He had anger in his eyes, but knew he couldn't fight her. He left the two mares alone, Twilight kept her knife pointed at the stallion until he finally left the alley. Twilight proceed to help the mare get up.

"You alright?" Twilight asked.

"Y–yes, thank you…" the mare thanked stammeringly.

"You should get out of here, he's probably going to come back."

"Oh yeah, thank you!"

Twilight nodded at her and the two parted ways. Twilight checked to see if the stallion was still around. When she satisfied, she continued her way back to her motel. The town's weather team appeared to have scheduled a rainy week. Twilight never really like the the rain, mostly because she could never find anything to dry herself with.

Twilight continued her way to the center of Muzzlington. She was still unable to find a Town Hall of some sort. She passed by a foal who's ball seemed deflated, Twilight gradually fixed his ball. The owner, who was a foal, was unable to thank the pony responsible for it. However, out of the corner of his blue eye, he spotted a cloaked pony whose purple face only smile at him, and walked away.

Twilight finally made it to the Dutch's Dum Motel. She checked the side of the building to see if there was any type of bulletin board. There was, it was covered in "lost pony" fliers. Some of the ponies were mostly mares and stallions, but no foals or fillies. There were also a few wanted posters, but Twilight didn't pay attention to that.

She went back inside her room after she was done examining the board. Twilight levitated her bag on the bed and locked the door. She was alone, she was too familiar with this feeling. Twilight never liked doing nothing, all that did was made think. She doesn't like thinking about the past. She looked around her bag to find anything of interest. When she reached the bottom of her bag, she felt something, it was her Smarty Pants doll! It was given to her by her brother, Shining Armor. Sadly, he was also dead, along with her friends. Twilight closed her bag and pushed it off the bed onto the floor. It was still noon and the rain was already beginning to fall.

Twilight decided to take a shower, mostly due to the fact that she hasn't showered in a while. She enter the bathroom and started the hot water. Twilight threw her cloak on her bed and waited for the water to heat up. Twilight looked at the mirror next to her, her mane was dirty, and so was her fur. There was also a few cut and bruises on her, most of them from random monsters in the forest she has been in.

Twilight closed the door behind her as she got in the shower. Water flowed through her fur and soaked her mane. She enjoyed warm showers, it gave her peace. Twilight leaned her head against the wall of the bathroom, and closed her eyes. She liked this, the feeling of being civilized. She sometimes missed having a home, not worrying about being tracked down by the Princess.

Twilight took a deep breath as she relaxed, allowing the sensation of the warm water consume her. She was completely unaware of what was happening outside, but she didn't care, and she didn't want to care. She was happy, but sad at the same time. Almost as if all of her guilt and pain has melted away.

III. Thieves & Gangs

"Hey, Twilight?" asked Applejack.

"What is it, Applejack?" replied Twilight.

"Well, I was wondering… how long do you think this will last?"

"How long what will last?"

"Our friendship, Twilight,"

"Yeah! We wanna know!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"As long as it needs to be girls!" Twilight answered.

"So you're sayin' two hours?" joked Applejack.

"HAha! Good one AJ!" laughed Rainbow.

"Hehe, no! For the rest of our lives, girls!" Twilight declared.

"You mean that, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked.

"Of course she means that Fluttershy, dear!" Rarity replied.

"Yes, Fluttershy! For the rest of our lives!" Twilight assured.

"Yeah! Why wouldn't we be?" asked Rainbow.

"We're friends, Fluttershy! There ain't nothing on this world that will stop us from being together!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Yeah, Flutters! If I can throw a cake at a dragon, then we can all be friends forever!" Pinkie Pie cheered out of nowhere.

"Uhh, that doesn't really make any sense, darlin'" Rarity said.

"Of course it does! Like a Pickle barreling ruining a wedding sense!" She exclaimed!

"What?" Applejack said.

"But as we said Twilight, nothing will keep us apart!" reassured Rarity.

"You promise?" asked Twilight.

"We all promise!" replied Applejack.

"Yeah!" Everypony cheered as they all huddled in for a group hug; laughing, as if their friendship will never end…

______________

"'Nothing will keep us apart my tail…" Twilight muttered in anger and sadness.

Twilight awoke with the sound of rain hitting her window, pouring down fast as if they were running away from the grey clouds. Moisture filled the air, it gave Twilight a relaxing atmosphere. The temperature was cold, Twilight didn't mind, the dense fog surrounding Muzzlington was thick, and almost impossible to see clearly.

Twilight was laying in bed, but she wasn't sleepy. At times she would think her depression was a living consciousness that followed her everywhere. Twilight continued to look out the window of her room watching the rain fall. It took away some stress, and sometimes reminded her that she wasn't alone.

Twilight lifted the bed sheets away, and got out of bed. She rubbed her eye and looked around her room. It was pretty empty, and old as well. Her crown was still on the floor where she threw it, and was strangely clean. Twilight had nothing to do as of today. Most days were like this for her.

Might as well relax for a few days, and leave. she thought.

Twilight began to levitate her cloak towards her, magically clothing Twilight, and lowering her hood down. She levitated her bags back on her hips and levitated her knife in her hidden pocket. Twilight opened her bag, she checked to see if she had one Magic Gem left, for emergencies only, and if she was in a jam. Next was her nail and screwdriver, for when she needed a Universal Key, smoke bombs, a few poison darts, and lastly was her trusty bow and arrow!

Twilight closed her bag and headed out. She lifted her cloak, but check the area first. Something caught Twilight's attention in the corner of her eye. It was a pony on one of the rooftops. He was hard to make out, the fog and rain obscured Twilight's sight. He/She seemed to be watching Twilight, but didn't move a muscle. He took notice of Twilight looking at him/her, and disappeared! Twilight was being watch, and she didn't know by who.

There weren't that many ponies outside since it was raining. The ponies that were, however, were mostly workers, farmers, travelers, and merchants. Twilight walked around town to find a town hall, but unfortunately couldn't find one. She also looked around to see if there was any other ponies watching her. Instead, she found the town's Watering Hole (bar). Drinking was something Twilight did ever since her friends passing, and of course she was tempted to enter.

The Watering Hole was small, it was made out of planks, and hay. Twilight entered, the floor was made of logs, and the ceiling was cobblestone. There were a few sticks of hay poping out of the ceiling, however. Twilight walked up to where the bartender was, and she sat on one of the stools. She lowered her hood, and dropped her bags on the ground. The bartender walked up to her to take her order. He had a grey coat with a brown mane, his eyes were brown, he seemed to be in his mid fifties, and his Cutie Mark was a barrel and bricks.

"Dargon's Roar, no ice," Twilight ordered.

"Isn't that a little too much miss?" the bartender asked.

"Dragon's Roar. No ice," Twlight demanded.

"Five bits,"

Twilight handed him the money and tucked it in his pocket. The bartender then proceed to make her drink as Twilight looked around the bar to see if there were any ponies that might be a problem. There was only two ponies, and both of them seem to be just regular drunks.

The bartender finished her drink and hand it over to her. Twilight levitated the small drink with her magic, and began to drink the beverage. The cold liquid quickly began to turn hot inside her throat, and was very strong. Twilight let out a sigh as she lowered the drink back on the table. She ordered another drink, but instead ordered a regular beer. She levitated the drink towards her lips and began to drink, again.

"You know, not a lot of ponies could handle a drink like that!" complemented the bartender.

"Well not a lot of ponies are like me." Twilight replied dryly.

"I can tell," He replied back. "What's your name, Sally?"

"T–Sarah, just Sarah." Twilight said.

"Nice to meet you, Sarah! Name's Jason Windserver! Or Jay Wind, for short!" Jay introduced.

Twilight nodded. "Alright, Jay. Can you tell me what's going on with this town? Everypony seems depressed, or something of that similarity. Why is that?"

"Ahh yeah, it's mostly because of the Blackdogs…"

"The hay are they?"

Jay looked at Twilight with curiosity. "You're not from here, are you? You a traveler?"

"You can say that. I like to consider myself as a 'runner'."

"Runner, huh? What are you running from?"

"…from…immortality, I guess…"

"Immortality? Well I guess everypony has their story. Hmm, anyways, the Blackdogs are a bunch of noponies who showed up in our town, and made everything go to Tartarus! The Royal Guard can't do much since they're all in hiding most of the time. They rape 'n kidnap mares, and fillies. Kill anypony who gets in their way, and basically run this town!"

"So why isn't Town Hall, or the Mayor trying to do something?"

"Well, Town Hall has been burned down, and the Mayor's dead. Maybe the Mayor is lazy, or something," the bartender replied sarcastically.

Twilight was silent for a few moments. She took a sip of her beer and began grasping on how the Blackdogs could do something like this. She looked down as began to rub her chin. She looked back at the bartender and continued to ask questions.

"Does anypony know who are the leaders?" Twilight asked with interest.

"Not really. Supposedly, there are about three guys who run the Blackdogs. There's White Wheat, or Double W as what they call him. Vulcan Flare, and some other pony who nopony knows! Double W orders everypony around, and checks if everything is right. Vulcan, however, trains the 'new meat', and is the last resort if everything falls apart. Lastly, the third pony is the one who leads all three of them. Nopony knows what, or who he his."

"Hmm, that's interesting…"

"Why are you so interested in this? You're a 'runner' so why be so interested in this?"

"Because now I know to be more careful in this town. As for their little branch, it's because I like to be informed."

"Well don't waste your time, Sarah. This town is hopeless. Heck, I'm planning on heading towards Las Pegasus, and start a new life! That's the real dream here…"

Twilight gulped her last drop of beer, and sighed once more. "Hasn't anypony tried to stop them? The Royal Guard will probably stop them,"

"Ha! You kiddin'? The Guards will only help them than stop them! For the Blackdogs, it's a delivery of armor, and weapons! Most ponies don't know this, but will in time."

"Then why haven't the ponies that know tried to warn the Guards?"

"'Cause they're scared, Sarah. Just stop being optimistic about the situation, it's over for this town, and it has been for twenty years!"

"…"

"Beside, the Blackdogs aren't the only problem in this town,"

Twilight ordered another beer, but this time remained quiet. She pondered on the situation as she was drinking her beer for a few minutes. After thirty minutes, Twilight got off her stool, and thanked Jason for the drinks. Before she left the bar, Jason stopped her.

"By the way, do me a favor, and get out of this town. I seen too many ponies disappear, this town ain't worth saving. It doesn't matter how much pity you have on this town, just get out of here." Jay said with pity.

Twilight nodded, and exited the Watering Hole. It was still raining, the fog seemed to be getting thicker. The pony from earlier was still orbiting Twilight's mind, and she decided to be more watchful of her surroundings. Twilight began her journey back to her motel, but first she cast a quick Warmth Spell due to the temperature also dropping.

She made it to the center of town which was strangely deserted. Twilight's stomach was getting lighter, and her chest was feeling heavier, something wasn't right, and Twilight's body also knew this. She look around and continued to walk east of town. Twilight found that the road to her motel was flooded, the Dutch's Dum Motel was only about seven hundred feet away, and the flood covered about four hundred. To Twilight's luck, there was an alleyway next to the road which lead next to the motel. She checked her surroundings and checked to see if nopony was stalking her. When she was satisfied with her results, she trotted towards the alley.

The alley was narrow, the fire escapes seemed to make it worse, and there was a few trash bins next to the back doors of the buildings. The dirt road gave the alley a revolting stench, and the atmosphere seemed dryer. Twilight was still walking, looking down at the road ahead of her. She sighed as she kept walking and looked up at the view ahead of her. The road to the motel was in view, Twilight slowed her pace.

Twilight then stopped in her tracks, there were about three ponies at the end of the alley! One was brown with a black mane, and was a Pegasus. The second was green with an orange mane, and the last one was yellow with a purple and blue mane. They were coming closer to Twilight as she backed away. She turned around only to be confronted by two more ponies. The one to the left was black with a copper mane, and the other was blue with a green & grey mane who was a unicorn. Twilight was trapped in all two directions of the alleyway.

"So you're the little brat who's messin' with our boys?" announced the blue stallion.

"Yeah, and?" Twilight growled.

"Well you see in this town, only the Blackdogs make threats," he continued to say. "And those who think otherwise, get punished! And by the looks of your body, I say you deserve a very special kind of punishment back at our little crib with our other mares!" He growled sexually as he licked his lips.

"Not gonna happen jackass!" Twilight quickly leavitated her knife from her pocket, and pointed it at the blue stallion! He backed away, but only smiled at her.

"Oooh! Rough! I like that in a mare! Now be a good girl, and–" Twilight slashed at the blue unicorn with her knife causing him to back away farther! She cut his left cheek, warm, dark, red blood oozed out as he touched his cut!

The unicorn's eyes widened with anger, and he growled with fury! He wiped the blood with his left hoof, and looked at the blood for a moment. His face became darker, his eyebrows fell to form a sharp "V"! The blue unicorn looked at Twilight with anger, and slammed his hoof on the ground!

"Get this mule!" he yelled!

The black earth pony charged at her, so did the other three behind Twilight! She attacked the black earth pony with the butt of her knife, causing him to kneel down! She grab the pony with her magic, flung him over her, causing him to hit the fire escapes along the flight, and land on two of his fellow goons! The green earth pony charged at her, but Twilight's knife had a better idea! Her knife charged as well, and embedded itself in the stallions left leg! Bone cracked, flesh ripped, blood spilled, and the stallion cried in pain as he fell on the dirt road! The knife retracted, covered in blood, bits of flesh and bone, and was now facing the blue unicorn!

The blue unicorn's horn was radiating a orange aura, a ball of mana was growing in front of the blue stallion, and charged straight at Twilight! She quickly retracted her knife back to her pocket and leavitated a trash can lid in front of her! The lid took the blast of the orange mana and now had a large fiery hole in it's center! Twilight threw the lid with her magic, hit the stallion directly at his forehead, and knocked him back!

Behind her, another Blackdog got up from the impact of his fellow gang member. The yellow stallion was bleeding from his forehead, and he was furious! The pony also charged at Twilight, but was only greeted by Twilight's knife! She levitated her knife from her pocket, and dashed straight at the yellow stallion's chest! He cried in agony as the knife ripped through his yellow fur, and spilled his warm blood! Twilight wasn't done yet, she grabbed the rest of the trash can with her magic, and flung it underneath the stallion before he fell on the ground! He gained more altitude, giving Twilight a chance to strike! Her knife sailed up, embedding itself straight to the yellow stallion's stomach! He landed back at ground, bleeding from both his wounds, and mouth!

Twilight turned around to face the blue unicorn who was rubbing his forehead. Twilight quickly charged her knife at the blue stallion, but was only blocked by an orange wall! The blue unicorn cast a Shield Spell, and was now in defense! Twilight sensed fear in the blue unicorn and quickly took advantage of this! She began walking slowly towards the stallion, knife at the ready. The blue unicorn dropped his shield and tried to cast a quick Shock Spell! Sadly, Twilight was too quick for him to even attack! Her horn shot a purple beam behind him, which exploded, and caused him to leap forwards! Stunned by Twilight spell, Twilight punched the blue unicorn's leg causing him to kneel down! The stallion was a now on his knees giving Twilight a prefect strike! She quickly leaped behind him, and stabbed the blue unicorn in the back of his head; blood squirting out, bone cracking, and flesh ripped by the force of the knife! The blue unicorn never had the chance to scream in pain, and fell on to the grime, blood pooling around his limp corpse.

Twilight took a deep breath and began to restore her energy. The alley was now infested with bloody corpses. In a practiced sweep, she levitated a handkerchief from her cloak, and cleaned her gore slathered knife. Twilight tucked her knife away, and tossed the handkerchief into the garbage can next to her. Twilight walked up to the green earth pony who was on his side; he couldn't move because of hole in his leg. Twilight grab him with her magic, and levitated him in front of her; he was in complete fear, and his adrenaline only made it worse.

"Tell your little 'gang' that they aren't the only ones with an army, if you can limp all the way towards them that is," Twilight instructed coldly, and threw the stallion at the ground.

•••••••••••

Twilight arrived back at her room with her black cloak drenched in blood. She cast a quick Clean Spell on the cloak, and tossed it to her bed. There was also a bit of blood on her face from the fight. Twilight sat down on the floor, sighed, and pulled out her knife with her magic. She turned the blade around as if she would find something. Instead, she found her reflection at the side of her knife. Her face looked tired, but not physically; her eyes looked just as young as she was ninety two years ago, but strangely look old at the same time. Twilight stared at her reflection, grasping the idea of what she had become, and wonder how things would have been diffrent if she was never Celestia's student. Once again, Twilight only sighed, and threw her knife on the bed sheets. Twilight got up from the floor, and walked towards the bathroom.

She turned on the hot water from the sink, and levitated a bar of soap in front of her bloody face. She rubbed her hooves between the soap, and was careful not to drop it. She levitated the soap next to sink, and began to wash her face. Twilight turned off the hot water, and levitated the remaining water to her face. The foam & water dropped from her face, and disappeared into the sink. She grabbed the blue towel next to her, and dried her face before looking at the mirror. Twilight stared at her reflection again, but was only interested on her face. Once she was done inspecting her face she returned to her bed, and began to read some of her books in her bag.

The rain wasn't stopping for anything, and soon the streets were entirely composed of mud! Twilight's window was covered in so much water that the view from it was completely distorted! What was even more odd was the fact that among all the distorted buildings was a dark blob. It was distorted as well, but what was odd about it was that it was on top of a building. Twilight looked at it for a moment, and trotted outside to have a better look. It was a cloak pony with the same black cloak as before!

"Hey!" Twilight yelled.

The hooded pony's head lifted it's head, and knew that he/she was spotted. The dark figure then walked backwards, and was gone just like that.

•••••••••••

*Knock**Knock* *Knock**Knock*

"…"

*Knock**Knock* *Knock**Knock*

UGH! Celestia damnit! Who the Tartarus is it? thought Twilight.

It was early morning, and the rain seemed to stop. Twilight was still in bed with her feathers all over the place. She got up and cast a quick Invisibility Spell on her wings, and opened the door. It was two mares, and a stallion at the door. The mare on the right had a orange coat with a grey & yellow swirled mane; she was wearing a leather shirt which cover her Cutie Mark, and her eyes were brown. The mare on the left had a green coat with straighten violet & cornflower mane.;her eyes were yellow, and her Cutie Mark was a wagon with a breeze above it. In between the mares was a large pegasus stallion who had a grey coat, and small blue mane; his eyes were green, and his Cutie Mark was wooden wheel with hammer behind it.

The grey stallion was the first one to speak. "Hello Ma'am, we're here on a proposition!"

"And what is that?" asked Twilight with a stern expression.

"Well my partners happen to see you with a lot of valuable items in your possession, and one happens to have caught our eye," he continued. "The golden crown that that silly merchant wouldn't take off your hooves. We wish to buy the crown with a reasonable price!"

Twilight's ears perked up. "How much?"

"Two thousand bits!" he exclaimed.

They can't be serious… "You can't be serious…" Twilight said coyly.

"We are always, serious," he said flatly.

Twilight looked down at the floor, and began to think. She reached her decision, "It's not for sale." Twilight said coldly.

"I'm sorry?"

"I know why you want it, and I'm not giving it to anypony." Twilight clarified.

"Well why don't you think about for a moment?" he asked with a grin.

Why not? I mean it's not like anypony can use it?

That's just it, only I can. If anypony found out who I was then they could just kill me, and wait for another powerful unicorn.

…Just give it to them.

What? Why I'm I arguing with myself wh–…Crap!

Twilight's horn came to life, and was now glowing it's purple aura! She shot a ray of magic at the stallion and rocketed him to the other side of the street! She quickly closed the door and cast a Lock spell on the door; a purple aura engulfed the door, Twilight stepped away from the window as yellow and blue rays of magic blasted through it!

"SHE KNOWS!" yelled one of the mares from outside.

Twilight returned fire, but missed completely; the other mares were in cover behind one of the newsstands.

Convincing Spell! Celestia damnit, how did I not realize it!

More shots were fired, glass flying everywhere! Twilight levitated her bag, knife, cloak, and other belongings she had towards her! Blasts of Magic were penetrating through the walls of the motel, barely reached Twilight as she took cover behind the purple door! She had to think of something fast! Twilight couldn't fire back and didn't know where they were firing from; she couldn't teleport very far and would likely be shot if she tried!

An idea hit Twilight like an epiphany and she pointed her horn towards the night sky! Her horn fired a white bullet, Twilight quickly took cover and shut her eyes! The whole street was engulfed in a bright light with a painful screech at the same time! The oncoming fire stopped, Twilight quickly jumped out the window! The screeching flash didn't stop the mares from firing, but it did mess with their sight!

"Damnit! S–she's getting aw–AGH!" the green mare was shot by a purple bullet delivered by Twilight Sparkle! She was knocked back and what remained was a burn on her stomach!

The orange mare chased after Twilight and at the same time cast numerous spell and hexes at Twilight! The streets were filled with yellow and purple lights, nopony seemed to be awake! Twilight returned fire, but only had a few seconds to see where the mare was! Yellow rays blasted next to Twilight's hooves and soared past her head! Twilight ran throughout Muzzleington, trying to think of something fast! The orange mare continued to fire more magic, but still missed Twilight by a few centimeters! Twilight reached for her knife and was ready to throw it! Out of know where, the other mare tried to pounced on Twilight from one of rooftops! She as well fired more spells at Twilight, but were stopped by a purple bubble! This was Twilight's chance, she ran for cover behind one of buildings and returned fire! Her spell flew past the green mare, exploding as it hit the ground in front of orange mare!

The orange mare was sent flying up in ash and smoke! Her parthner continued to shoot beams of magic at the purple pony and Twilight kept casting hexes at the green mare! The green mare's horn was glowing eminently of blue light, Twilight knew she was going to cast a powerful spell! Twilight stepped back behind the corner of the building and tried to think of any way to get away from these ponies! Before she even had time to get a grip of her situation, a blue explosion blasted through the coner of the building, knocking her back about three feet! Twilight grunted as she landed on her back and coughed, due to the ash that accumulated from the blue explosion! She opened the window behind her and decided to take cover from inside the building. Inside, Twilight could see the corner of the building was gone and that remain was a few stones and ashes! She could see more beams of magic being shot from where Twilight originally took cover; this was the perfect advantage for Twilight! She immediately dashed towards the window that faced the battlefield! She took cover, she could see the green mare still firing behind another building! Behind the mare was her parthner who was covered in ash, laying on the ground. Twilight's horn began to glow again and shot another purple beam at the mare; the mare never saw it coming! She was hit on her cheek, her body was knocked back, but she wasn't on the ground yet! Her cheek began to swell up and soon pinned her down on the ground! The mare yelped in surprise and tried to lift her face up! Her horn began to glow a diffrent color, but instead of it's usuall glow, her horn was now on fire!

"BURN BITCH!" she yelled! A fireball came straight at Twilight, but luckily she ducked right as it was fired! The fireball exploded behind her, flames began to consume the room! Twilight look at the room and realized what this room actually was! There was photos of foals and ponies hanging on the walls! This was home and there was a family here!

Twilight shot another hex at the mare, the impacted exploded, and sent the mare flying towards the alleyway behind her! Twilight ran straight upstairs and began to open doors! She found the foals crying in their bedroom, one was a filly, and the other a colt. The fire was beginning to spread fast, Twilight was running out of time! She levitated the foals on her back and began to calm them down.

They exited the room and were greeted by more flames engulfing the house! The stairs were blocked by the fire and there was no way out! Wooden planks collapsed, blocking the second door in the hallway! Twilight back away from the flames, both her and the foals were trapped! Her only chance now was to open the last door to see if the foal's parents were in the house! Twilight's horn began to radiate a purple aura and so did the wooden plank. She began to lift the plank with all her concentration she had! The plank was very heavy and the flames were getting close! Twilight –running out of time– began to push the plank and was now using both her magic and will power! She could feel the plank moving slowly back up towards the ceiling and with one final push it was back on the ceiling!

Twilight opened the door and dashed inside with foals! Inside was a red stallion ready to charge at the door. Instead the foals ran up to him and cried in joy!

"W–who are you?" the father asked.

"Nevermind who I am, we need to leave! Now!" Twilight's horn began to glow and a purple bubble began to materialize around them! Soon the purple aura began spin like a hurricane and in blink of an eye they were outside!

Twilight was exhausted and wiped the sweat from her forehead. The four ponies looked at the burning house, only three were devastated, but thankful they were alive. The father of the foals lowered his children down on the ground and walked up to Twilight.

"T–thank you miss I–" before he even had a chance to finish, a yellow beam dashed between the two! Twilight leaped in front of the family and pulled out her knife!

"Run, I'll take care of them! Get your family out of town and to somewhere safe!" Twilight ordered!

"But–"

"Go!" The father grab the foals and raced away as another yellow beam came straight at Twilight, but this time she was prepared! Twilight's horn glowed and the yellow beam was blocked by a purple bubble around her!

Before Twilight had a chance to attack the orange mare, another spell raced towards Twilight! Both of the mares were back and both of them were not letting down! Twilight's bubble shield was getting smaller and beginning to fade away; she was running out of options. The mares were tried and injured which gave Twilight a idea! Twilight began to focus her magic on the smoke coming from the burning house and soon was consumed by a purple aura! The thick smoke moved from above it's fiery creation to the streets of Muzzlington. The smoke cut between Twilight, and the other mares giving Twilight a chance to run! She dropped her magic bubble and began to run from the battle! Beams and rays of yellow and blue raced through the smoke, barely touching Twilight! She didn't stop, she didn't know where to go, and she didn't know who they were!

"That's right! RUN YOU COWARD! You just messed with the Ravens, jackass!" taunted one of the mares.

The spells stopped, and so didn't Twilight. She was tired and almost died twice in a few hours!

But Twilight knew two things: she just made enemies of what seemed like two gangs, the Royal Guard will arrive in five hours, and will likely be guarding all exits! Basically, she was trapped in Muzzlington with a search party looking for her and two groups of ponies who are likely going to kill her…

This is just bucking great! Twilight thought sarcastically.

Author's Note

Sorry this took long guys, I have a life and stuff.

IV. Pararetur

__________34 years ago, Canterlot Castle__________

"Still no sign of her?" asked Luna.

Celestia was on her desk writing notes, signing documents like every other day. Her room was shined by only one candle next to her papers. Outside her window was the moon and all its glory. Celestia was tried, she hasn't slept in a while. She still has been searching for Twilight Sparkle after all these years. Luna herself was surprised on how far her sister has taken this. Though her people may have thought differently on how to used the Royal Guard, Celestia didn't care. She turned her head and now faced Luna. She was not tired from her lack of sleep, but from her lack of company.

"No…still nothing." replied Celestia.

Luna walked into her room, "You're still not thinking of expanding the search towards the Zebra Empire, are you?" Luna asked.

"I don't know, there's a lot of paper work to go through, she probably would have left by then,"

"And you're still not considering of ending the search?"

"No, I won't stop!"

"Dear sister it's been far too long! The soldiers are there to protect us, not for you're own selfish need!" Luna reminded.

"Protect us from what, Luna?!"

"From any kind of danger that may appear!"

"There hasn't been any–"

"Oh really? The Hydra, the Elementals, Ravens, Dysentery? Celestia, those ponies could have died if I didn't send a squad–"

"So you were the one who did that?" Celestia asked in a dark tone.

"Somepony had to protect her citizens and you're still after a mare who made her own choice! Sister, it's time to end the search for the sake of our citizens!"

"No! I don't care what it takes!"

"Even if it cost the lives of all of our citizens?"

Celestia was taken back by the question, and remained silent for a moment. "Y–y–n–… I don't know…"

"…so…this is what you've become, dear sister?"

Celestia looked up at Luna once more, and frowned at her.

"The mare who was kind and wise, the mare who would risk anything for citizens, the mare who'd make ponies cheer and hopeful. The mare who waited one thousand years for her sister to returned and the mare who will wait another for her own student who she made to suffer with her! Is that what you want to become, dear sister?"
"Celestia, the word for celestial, good and the sky, the word for sun tamer, and queen. If you continue down this road, what will your own name mean?"

Celestia turned her head towards Luna, speechless. Deep down Celestia knew Luna was right, but even she was too far gone. Instead, all Celestia could do was sigh and close her eyes.

"Is that all you came in here for? Just to argue with me?" Celestia asked annoyed.

"No, I was rather much hoping you see reason, but at this point I can see you're far too gone." Luna replied.

"As gone as you've been. Tell me, what have you been doing since you keep disappearing for weeks?"

"Thinking, Tia."

"Really? I'm quite sure thinking doesn't take weeks, Luna."

"You're right, but helping other ponies does."

"…"

"Equestria is wanting answers, Tia. I hope you have a good cover story," Luna warned as she left the room, closing the door behind her; waiting for the redemption her own doing…

__________Present Day, Muzzlington__________

Twilight didn't go very far from the city, in fact, she was at abandoned barn just outside the town. She only slept for a few minutes inside her tent, the Royal Guard would be arriving soon. Daylight struck Twilight's tent, eventually touching her face. She opened her eyes slowly and yawned as she rouse from her sleep. She rubbed her eyes and looked around her tent, suspecting she would find something. Twilight got up from her sleeping bag and began to pack up everything. Once her tent was back inside her bag she began to look around the barn. It was old, and was just made out of wood. There was no paint, no windows, and the ceiling had holes which light was escaping through; there was a few piles of hay, but they were too old to be eaten by anypony.

Twilight walked out of the barn and was now outside, Muzzlington was about three hundred feet away. The sky was still grey, but you can see the faint light coming from the east indicating where the sun was. It was very windy, the wind seemed to flow through the hills of grass! The town seemed empty, with no sign of smoke, and no sign of ponies. Twilight was still thinking about leaving Muzzlington and how to do it. Unfortunately, there was only one way to leave Muzzlington. In the south was Canterlot, in the north was a river that was to wide to cross, and in the southeast was blocked by the Foal Mountains. The Royal Guard will be arriving in the west and south in an hour and Twilight was running out of options.

She decided to wait for the two weeks the guard had, but it'll be difficult with two gangs trying to kill her. Twilight took a deep breath, and looked at the horizon that was Equestria before entering the town. Once she was done, she began her long walk back to Muzzlington; where she could either die, or suffer for an eternity.

••••••••••••••••••••

"You bucking did WHAT?!" asked the grey coated, brown maned bartender named Jason.

"I beat up a bunch of noponies, Jay, it's not a big deal…" Twilight answered deadpanned

"A bunch of noponies?! Sarah, this isn't just a gang you just faced! This is a army of bandits! They don't just occupy one place, no, they occupy all over Equestria!" Jason Windserver warned.

"Okay, and?"

Jason sighed. "And no matter where you go, they will find you! You should have just kill the lot! Sarah, they will be looking for you!"

"Good, they'll get more than they bargained for." Twilight exclaimed.

"Not to mention, you also made the mistake of letting one Blackdog escape! You have two groups of ponies trying to kill you, what the Tartarus were you even thinking?!"

"That somepony needed to be taught a lesson…"

"What were even trying to accomplish, Sarah?"

"…I was sending a message…"

"W–what? And was the message?"

"…That they aren't the only ponies who can fight."

"W–what? Don't tell me you're going after the Blackdogs?!"

"…"

"You aren't really considering it, are you?"

"Actually, I am."

"Sarah, you just barely arrive here, and you're thinking of taking down a gang, and a group of thieves? What are you, a cop?"

"No, just a regular pony. Besides Jay, that was just five ponies! If that's how well 'trained' they are then I'm sure I can deal with them!"

"But I don't understand something…"

"What's that?"

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you're going to help me take down the Blackdogs…"

Jason was frozen in place, and was speechless. His face turned cold and almost seemed to turn white! His brain slowly tried to process of what he just heard and select what was the best reaction for him to choose. After a long pause, Jason's gears were finally turning, but counterclockwise.

"Hehe, hehe. That's real funny Sarah! It's almost as if…"

Twilight looked at Jason deadpanned, with a cold expression. "I'm serious."

"W–WHAT?! Are you insane! You just arrived here and you're already planning on taking down a criminal organization!"

"Yes, got a problem?" Twilight asked coyly.

"YES! For one, it's a hundred stallions you have to take down!"

"Not necessarily, Jay. If I manage to take down the leaders first, the rest will probably scatter!"

"Okay then, what about the Ravens? You almost died from them!"

"True, but as long as I stay low they might not be able to find me."

"What about the guards? I'm pretty sure they won't just let you kill anypony!"

"Of course! They're going to be on our side. If I can manage to show the guards the criminal activity here then they might be on guard!"
And after that I need to find a way out of here. Twilight thought.

"And what about me, what am I suppost to do?"

"You're going to tell me everything about Muzzlington. Trade, shortcuts, anything, and also I recall you work at a bar."

"I own it, Sarah, but I don't care! You're gonna get me killed!"

"Not if you stay low, Jay!"

"Okay, and what do you need my bar for?"

"As I recall you said that you're planning on leaving this dump, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, you're not going to need your pub once you're gone, and I need as much firepower as I can get."

"Okay, where are you getting at?"

"Well the best way to fight fire is with fire…"

_______________

"Are you sure these ponies are willingly enough to actually fight these guys?" Twilight asked Jason.

"Trust me, you have no idea how many times these ponies have come to my bar and grope about how they wish could protect their families from those bastards." Jason replied.

Stallions & Mares were talking amongst each other and discussing about the purple unicorn. They all gathered in the old farm house for one reason and that was because there was talk about a revaluation. But what did they lose, who stole it, and why do they need to fight? Most of the ponies had children and relatives that needed the. Most of them were also farmers, laborers, constructors, and teachers. They all lived in Muzzlington since they were born and never heard about a revaluation; they did, however, heard the term before. They all feared & hated the Blackdogs, they all want their children's to live happily, and they all want to see the sky clear for one day!

Twilight stepped forward towards the wooden pedestal, and cleared her throat. "Hello everypony, my name is Sarah Shy. Most of you already know I'm new here because of my shade of color, or the fact I'm a unicorn," Everypony looked up at Twilight with tired looks. "Anyway, that's not important. But who would agree that your families for children are important?"

Most of the ponies raised their hooves with firm looks of determination. "Alright, now who would do anything to protect their loved ones from anything?" Again, most ponies raised their hooves. "Okay, now what if I told all of you that I know you're lying?"

The room became quiet, and every ponies faces looked at Twilight with disgust. They couldn't believe what they were hearing! "And why would we be lying, Unicorn!" One pony taunted.

"Because you already failed to protect them…" Twilight replied calmly.

The entire farm was shaken by outrage, and shouts of disbelieve! stallions shook their hooves and mares stomped the ground; tired faces were replaced by angry looks. If the farm wasn't so distant from Muzzlington the whole town would have been eavesdropping. Jason Windserver took a step back, worried that he also might anger the townsfolk. Twilight however, was not even dazed by the ponies temper. Instead, she raised her hoof, and lowered her head. For some strange reason that caused everypony to settle down, giving Twilight a chance to speak again.

"If, however, you don't know why or how you failed the answer is quite simple, but it begins with one question…have you protect your families from the Blackdogs?" Twilight asked.

Everypony was struck by the question and some only looked down in shame. They all knew the answer, but not one pony had the courage to say anything. Twilight looked at everypony with pity and remorse. They knew they had failed, but Twilight was the one who woke them up.

"Why is it that you all raised your hooves, but never did when the Blackdogs began running this town?" Twilight question darkly. "Your children are being kidnapped, foals used for soldiers, and fillies used for pleasure. And all of you had the guts to say that you'll protect your loved ones?"

More ponies began to looked down in shame. "You've lost something, something that everypony deserves and received something no pony should ever know. You lost peace and gained fear. I know all of you are afraid of them, but that fear is only an illusion! I know all of you can do so much more, we all the know the Royal Guard can't do much, and will only help the Blackdogs more! If all of you are courageous enough to say that you'd protect your loved ones then I'm damn sure you're all courageous enough to raise your hooves! This isn't a revolution, or retaliation, this is revaluation to take back Muzzlington!"

Ponies began to cheer, stomp, and whistle in joy! Some didn't, but instead simply smiled. Twilight looked around and could see the fire in their eyes! They received something that Twilight complete overlooked, hope. Jason's mouth was drop, he was completely surprised on how much spirit these ponies had. They complained so much on how they wished they could do something about the Blackdogs, and here they are!

"But how are we gonna do it!?" somepony asked.

Twilight's smile faded, but was replaced by a determined look. "Simple…"

••••••••••••••••••

The sound of soldiers marching shook the grassy plains as if the soil marched along. Their golden armor shined even though the sky was covered by radiant silver clouds. The road leading to Muzzlington was bombarded by the steps each Guard took and the Equestrian flag shimmered as the wind passed through it. Most of the soldiers didn't like the idea of being trained in combat just to look for one pony who choice to run away. Not to mention Muzzlington was a dried up town with no hope of any kind of peace of mind; no pony really knew why there was still townsfolk living there.

There was no real entrance to Muzzlington and most of the homes looked the same. The Royal Guards never let their guard down and with the population decreasing, that only made them more cautious. As they walked towards town they all noticed that there weren't any ponies around. Soldiers looked at the abandoned homes, slowly beginning to raise their spears; the sound of wind masking the sound of hoof steps. They continued to march, but rather slowly.

Hiding in one of the homes was a cloaked purple alicorn ready to give her command. "Ready?" Twilight asked Jason.

"Yeah!" Jason replied.

"NOW!"

The Royal Guards never had a chance to react, dozens of bottles filled the sky as they soared upwards! They landed around the platoon, but not a single bottle hit any Guards! Orders were yelled, defenses were raised, but it was all too late. The bottles hit the ground, regardless of what anypony could do or say. As the bottles cracked open, thick, plum gas inflated out of the bottles, and surrounded the platoon! The gas expanded out, engulfing the Royal Guards with the smell of grapes.

Twilight raced downstairs as quick as she could! Kicking the door open, she was greeted by a humongous cloud of plum gas! Coughing could be heard inside the cloud, but Twilight wasn't planning on entering. She began to concentrate magic into her horn and began to cast her spell! Her horn began to simmer its purple aura and hummed with a soft pulse! She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and lower her head; horn now pointing straight at the plum colored cloud! Twilight released her magic out through her horn, radiating purple sparkles! A purple ray shot out of Twilight's horn and connected her with the plum cloud! The magic began to flow through the cloud, looking as though the cloud grew glowing purple veins! Twilight's horn hummed louder and seemed to blow away anything near Twilight! The veins of magic began to swirl around cloud, soon engulfing the plum cloud itself, causing wind to swirl around, houses to light up, leaves to fly, and coughing to die down. In a flash, the swirling magic expanded into thin air and all what was left was sleeping Guards.

Jason was one of the first ponies to come out his hiding spot and come up to Twilight. "What did you do, Sarah?"

"Easy sleeping spell! I could only do it to one pony at a time, so I need something to make them fall asleep all at once!" Twilight answered pridefully.

"So what are we gonna do with these guys?"

"Hide them and take their weapons! We can't have the Blackdogs carrying these and we can't just leave all these ponies here. They also won't just allow us to hurt anypony too, so we just need to keep them safe!"

"But what if they wake up?"

"Simple!"

Twilight levitated a Magic Gem out of her saddle bag, and began to concentrate more magic into it! Her horn glowed & hummed once again and a small shinning purple ball glided from her horn to the Gem. The Magic Gem shook as the glowing ball entered it, beginning to glow as well! Twilight's horn stopped glowing and she dropped the Gem to her right hoof. Jason looked at the glowing Gem with awe, fascinated by its shimmer!

"Magic Gems aren't only for absorbing magic, but also to store magic! The spell I used to keep those Guards asleep is now in this Gem! As long as nopony damages it, or absorbs it, the spell should be constant!" Twilight said in a low voice and put the Gem back into her bag.

"Okay we got them out of the way…" Jason concluded.

"Not quite. That was only half of them, the others will arrive in a few hours." Twilight informed. "Everypony collect their armor and weapons! Carry them back to the abandoned farm and make sure they don't wake up!" she called to everypony.

"So we're just gonna fight them? That's it?"

"It's not that simple. That would involve ponies getting killed,"

"But that's the whole point of stealing their weapons!" he exclaimed.

"No, it's to defend ourselves, look at them Jay," Jason looked around as Twilight instructed. "These ponies aren't killers! We're not going to just charge at them and have their children be fatherless, motherless, or both!" Twilight argued in a serious tone.

"… Okay, then what are you gonna do?"

"Reconnaissance, I'm going to try, and locate where their main base is! Or something similar to that nature. These parents will distract most of gang members, hopefully giving me a chance take out at least one of leaders!"

"So what am I suppose to do?"

"Ugh! Help out with injured, make more molotov, and try to help out as much as you can!" Twilight instructed as she was running off.

"Okay, but what now!?"

"Take care of the Guards, tell everypony to go home, and come back at dawn! I'll meet you at the center of town!"

••••••••••••••••••

"GET HER!" staillons with knifes raced towards a lone cloaked pony! This would have been easy if she wasn't Twilight Sparkle.

The first to slash was punched in his abdomen and found that he was no longer able to breath or see. Twilight levitated her bow out and began to fire by drawing back the string with her mouth; the arrow was held on to the string by more magic. The second & third mares dropped dead as arrows penetrated through their skulls. The final stallion was a dodgy one, but soon was being held down by the hoof of his attacker.

"Pick wisely, Raven—" Twilight was about to ask.

"Raven!" he spit.

"Alright then, since you guys are all over this town I'm gonna ask you a few questions,"

"Buck you!"

Twilight punch the stallion, causing his noise to break, and him groaning in pain. The stallion kept refusing to talk, but that only made Twilight break his hoof.

"AHHHH! Okay! Okay! STOP!" he pleaded.

"Alright good. Now, where are the Blackdogs?" Twilight asked in a dark tone.

The stallion took a pause because of his short pants. "They're everywhere! In alleyways, homes! You name it!"

"I meant their leader," Twilight began cutting his stomach with her knife.

"NO, NO, STOP! IN THE TOWN HALL! Buried underneath the rumble!" he cried out in pain.

"Thank you, that's all I need to know! Now, you crawl back to your other thieves and tell them that Twilight isn't going down so easy! You got that?"

"Y–y–yeah!"

"Good!" and with that Twilight punch the stallion one last time, knocking him out cold.

••••••••••••••••••

"Why is there blood on your cloak?" Jason asked.

"Hmm? Oh I was just having a nice chat with some Ravens!" Twilight answered in a cheerful tone!

"Um, okay. So what do we do now?"

"Now that we're all here we need to have everypony all over town! The Blackdogs will notice if we're all in one spot and likely will try to attack! I read about this kind of attack in a book once! The Battle of Chaos, boy that was a very interesting read!"

"Uh, Sarah, you're kind goin' off topic you kno'?"

"Oh right, sorry! Just lost in the clouds… anyway, back to the plan! Tell everypony to scatter near Town Hall, and bring all the Molotov you ponies have."

"Alright, Sarah. I just have one question."

"Hmm?"

"Why do you wear a cloak all the time?"

Twilight was struck by the sudden odd question. She didn't know what to say and just stood there for a few minutes while her poker face did most of the talking! "Uh, it–t for disguise! I really can't have anypony knowing who I am!" Twilight answered nervously.

"Alright Sarah, but I do have to tell you that you're a horrible liar." Jason said coyly.

Ugh, if I known any better, I would say he was a Raven… Twilight thought as the two walked back to the old farm, but not aware that another platoon of Guards were already marching their way towards town.

Author's Note

Sorry this took long, I was busy. Also that this isn't one of my best chapters, I was typing this as fast as I could.