From the Ruinsby Doctor DerpinChaptersBetter Off DeadStranger on the HorizonThe Burdens of OfficePromise me somethingA brief tour of PonyvilleA warm welcomeA broken promise, and a new friendWhat I've doneSecond impressionsNot anymoreTaking sidesAuthor's note*Notice of Hiatus*Question to the readersIntense negotiationsBetter Off DeadChapter 1 Better Off Dead ---Spark--- Why are so many ponies so damn stupid? Galvanic Spark wondered to himself as he wandered through the ruins of Philidelphia. He had seen so much death in the past month; almost all of it was simply because somepony did something stupid. It isn’t always the stupid pony that dies is it? He reminded himself. Just the memory of what had happened almost drove him to tears. I cannot go wallowing in the past. That sort of thing is what will get you killed out here! It took a long while for him to shove the memories to the back of his mind; he just could not keep her face from his mind. The haunting yellow mare that he had loved for so long; she had died because he made a stupid mistake. I. NEED. TO. MOVE. He got up and kept walking, not for himself, but for her. He eventually came across a group of homeless ponies that were convening around a bonfire. Little communities like this were commonplace now. Spark got close enough to hear what was being said, without looking like he wanted to steal some of their precious food. What Spark heard shocked him a little: civil war in Equestria. From what he could piece together, there was a group of ponies claiming that Luna and Celestia were to blame for the coming of the destroyers. This claim was not too uncommon; this group, however, was acting in a violent way. The story they put fourth had “lie” written all over it. A power grab. Spark thought, The pony in charge of that revolt has no idea whether or not the claim is true, he DOES know is that ponies are willing to rally behind it. While the idea of somepony lying to everypony else and calling for violence was supposed to be evil, Galvanic Spark had never understood the rigid definitions of “good” and “evil.” So all he thought of this revolutionary was that he was smart enough to, not only survive this barren hellscape, but come up with a plan to gain a lot more power. The realization that he was attracting stares from the gathered ponies snapped him back to reality. He left before anything go wrong. An hour later Spark found himself at the edge of a small reservoir. Water is always helpful. He told himself as he shrugged his supply bags to the ground. Taking the canteen out of his bag he found himself examining the reflection the water created. His dark grey hide was battered and dirty. As he examined more closely he saw that he had more cuts from his last fight on his body than he realized. I’ll clean them up later. As the canteen went under he continued to examine himself; his deep purple mane was caked with dirt and his eyelids were stained with dried tears; the sense of hopelessness had made his eyes, once a bright blue, a pale version of their former selves. After a few moments of silent contemplation he heard a voice behind him “Looks like ya gotta lotta stuff in dat bag boy.” Spark turned to meet the speaker. It was a Pale green earth pony that had a scar over one eye. “Imma be honest here, give me da stuff or Imma have ta gut ya like a fish.” The thug said as he pulled out a knife. Spark thought for a moment; he was smaller than most of the ponies a full four years younger than himself. What he always had was his mind and magic. This pony obviously had been relying on strength to get his way. Somepony that tall and muscular would not be used to being outwardly defied by anypony smaller than he was. “I do not believe I will be doing that, sir.” Spark said in his most formal voice. The brute looked confused for a moment and finally said “I waz hoppin’ for a little fun today, anyways.” Then he lunged; but spark had prepared for this possibility and simply used telekenisis to move a larger rock from the pile into the attacker’s path. After his impact, the thug was dazed. Spark took the opportunity to end the conflict entirely. There was a crunch as a medium sized stone hit the assailant’s head. His neck had snapped. Galvanic Spark looked at the body and felt nothing. Then, he turned back to his now full canteen. He died because he wasn’t smart enough to live, and out here; if you’re not smart enough to live, you’re better off dead. Stranger on the HorizonChapter 2 Stranger on the Horizon ---Rainbow Dash--- Rainbow Dash was BORED! She hated her turns at guard duty; she understood why they were necessary, but hated them none the less. There’s nothing to do but watch for those stupid raiders that almost never come! She thought to herself. After waiting for a moment she gave up on being patient. “UGH!” she cried and kicked a rock into the ruined building nearest her. It would do no damage, not this far from the town square. That was where everyone spent most of their time in Ponyville now. It was easier to keep track of everyone when they were all in the same place. Not to mention the first incident that brought about the need for the bored pegasus’ current assignment. It had been about two weeks since the destroyers had vanished; a group of about twelve ponies came into town. They were armed with makeshift weapons and began demanding food; if anypony refused they were killed. That was the first day Dash had killed another pony. It had been another pegasus, he had a gimp wing and was cut up on his face. As his gang ransacked the town, he wandered over to the library. Dash didn’t hear the screams until the rest of the gang was scared off. Flying as quickly as possible, she located her friend. Rainbow Dash was horrified by the sight before her. The bastard was raping the poor librarian with a knife to her neck. The rage that been building up all that day inside of the cyan pegasus was unleashed as she burst in through a window and tackled the thug. She beat him… mercilessly… there was blood everywhere and she didn’t care or want to stop. He deserved to die… and die he did. A tear rolled down Rainbow’s cheek. She knew she had done the right thing by killing him, but that didn’t make her feel any better about what she had done. The sight of a figure on the horizon brought Dash back to the present. She didn’t recognize the stranger, but it was a smallish colt. After a moment of waiting she could make out more details about him: he was a dark grey unicorn with a purple mane that almost looked black. At first, Rainbow thought he looked to be 14 at the oldest, upon closer study she knew he was much older. “Well, you’re a short one aren’t you?” She asked with a teasing smile. He didn’t even look up at her as he apathetically responded “Yeah that seems to be accurate.” “Why are you here?” she asked, remembering that she had a town to defend. The unicorn stopped for a moment, thinking. After a few awkward moments he answered “Because I refuse to die.” Then he walked on into Ponyville without meeting any resistance. For some reason, Rainbow trusted him. She didn’t understand why; his aloof display would have infuriated her if it had come from just about anyone else. Then she thought back to the first day she had met her now dear friend, Twilight, and how the purple unicorn had tried to act in almost the exact same way. The Burdens of OfficeChapter 3 The Burdens of Office --Twilight Sparkle-- When Twilight had been unanimously elected as the new mayor of Ponnyville, she had been honored. The community had looked to her in their hour of need because they believed her to be the right pony for the job. It meant the world to the little unicorn. Now, all she wanted to do was get up and run. This wasn't the first disagreement she'd had to settle between Rarity and Applejack... or the second... or the third... in fact it was somewhere around the twenty-seventh. She barely even listened to their debates anymore, it had become too painful. Their losses during the destruction had made them bitter and they needed an outlet fot that bitterness. "Isn't that correct Twilight?" Rarity asked, interupting Twilight's inner complaints. "Huh... What? I'm sorry I didn't hear that." Twilight said, somewhat dazedly The Designer looked offended "Twilight, I've explained this three times now." "Well," Applejack said with a smug look, "She probably didn't hear y'all 'cause ya been bringin' up that point too much." That brought on another round of bickering and whining. Twilight endured this for about two minutes until she bolted up and roared "BUCK IT, I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE!" That display silenced both of the ponies immidiately. She turned to the door with tears in her eyes "I just need some space. We'll finish later." Walking down the ruined streets of her home didn't help much either, the wounds of loss were still easily opened. After a few minutes of abscent minded wandering Twilight found herself at the run down remnants of Sugarcube Corner. No one had seen Pinkie Pie in person since the incident with the raiders that had taught Twilight a harsh lesson about the power of a blade. Hell, nopony was even sure the party pony was alive. Most assumed so, the food that was left for her was eaten and occational giggles could be heard at strange hours. You have the right idea Pinkie. Just isolate yourself and die in peace. Sometimes, I wish I could do that. she thought But there are ponies who depend on me with their lives and I can't let them down. As Twilight looked up to the second floor of the old bakery she felt another round of tears rolling down her face. "I just miss you so much Pinkie." she said to nopony at all. She thought back to everypony they had lost: Applebloom, Big Mac, Lyra, Derpy, Ms. Cheerily, Spike, Princess Celestia. She broke down and sobbed; she sobbed so loudly that she didn't even notice the strange pony coming up behind her. Promise me somethingChapter 4 Smitten by her beauty... and that rock --Galvanic Spark-- This isn't your problem! Spark screamed in his head, Emotions lead to familiarity, familiarity leads to attachment, and attachment leads to the pain you feel already! Despite all the reasons he had to simply ignore the sobbing mare in front of him, he stood there... frozen. He had only felt this way for one other pony in his life, and she had died because he had done something stupid. Every bit of his logical mind demanded that he turn and leave, go to the next town, never come back. You're still just standing there like a gigantic buffoon! Do something and get it over with! While this inner debate raged, Galvanic Spark felt a tear roll down his cheek, GREAT! You care about the little unicorn who lost somepony she cares about, why would SHE feel the same way? At that point he realized that his eyes were closed... and something else was missing... the mare's crying had stopped. He opened his eyes just in time to see the rock she'd flung at him. Galvanic Spark awoke to a sound he knew he hadn't heard in months... the steady ring of his old alarm clock... the one he'd lost while evacuating Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. He sat up fast and looked around. His old dorm room was exactly as he'd remembered it. Something's wrong, he thought aside from the fact that I'm in a place that was utterly decimated, something's missing. It took him a moment to realize that his roomate was missing. He got up and walked over to the door. What greeted the unicorn, upon opening the door, shocked him. "Golden Shine?" he asked, a note of happieness in his voice that had long since died out. The golden yellow unicorn looked at him with the green eyes that he had loved so much and missed dearly, "I've missed you so much Gal, it's lonely here without you." His face burned at the mention of her old nickname for him. The happieness he felt melted away upon a sudden realization "I'm dreaming, aren't I?" "Sadly, yes," she said giveing him that same comforting warmth as she did in life, "It was the only way I could give you the message you needed." "Message? What do you mean?" "I want you to promise me something." She had a pleading look her green eyes, "You'll be waking up soon." "I don't want to wake up!" The sense of loss he had felt when she had first left him was returning, "I want to be with you." "Promise me!" "But-" "Just promise!" Tears were rolling down her eyes. He sighed "Okay, for you, I'll promise anything." "Talk to Twilight Sparkle, the unicorn you met today. You can't dwell on me forever." The idea of having another shocked him. "I... I," he looked at the face he had loved so dearly again, "I love YOU!" I can't just forget about you!" He was choking back tears and she kissed him "I don't expect you to forget, I just want you to find happieness." "I c-" "My time is up, I have to go back. I'll always love you." She gave him one last passionate kiss "Goodbye forever, Gal." Spark frantically tried to stay with her, but the world was melting away."Don't leave me!" he cried, but she was gone. Then, he awoke to a butter yellow mare's pink mane on his forehead. A brief tour of PonyvilleChapter 5 A brief tour of Ponyville --Galvanic Spark-- "It's okay mister, you're going to be just fine." The pink haired pegasus cooed, "I've got you all bandaged up." Spark didn't know who this pony was or why she had helped him, but for some reason he found her voice deeply comforting. "Where am I?" he asked. "You're in Ponyville. Sorry about my friend Twilight, she's been realy jumpy since the big raider attack last month... it... it was bad." She said as her eyes went to the floor. Spark tried to sit up, he was a little dizzy but it was nothing he couldn't manage. Surveying the room he noticed a small, white unicorn filly with a pink and purple mane walking in. "Hello, sir!" she said in a kind voice, "How are you feeling?" "A little dizzy, but that won't be around for very long." he replied "I'm sorry, but I can't remember your names?" "That's because we didn't tell you yet, silly!" the filly chimed "I'm Sweetiebelle!" Spark looked over to the pegasus, she was staring straight down with a look of dread in her eyes. After a few awkward moments he just about got up and left, but as he began to do so he heard her mumble something he couldn't understand. "Would you mind repeating that please?" he asked. "M-my name Fluttershy." She said. "Oh, thank you for tending my wounds, Fluttershy. My name is Galvanic Spark." Spark said. Then, she inexplicably started dancing around as if she had just conquered the world. "I DID IT! I INTRODUCED MY SELF AND HE HEARD IT ON THE SECOND TRY!" Spark was tempted to ask why that was such a big accomplishment, but he stopped himself. Oh come on Spark, just let the shy mare enjoy her little achievment. What harm could it do? So he simply watched with a smile as Fluttershy paraded herself around the room in triumph. After a minute or two a unicorn bearing a striking resemblance to Sweetie Belle came in and whispered something in Fluttershy's ear that immidiately ended her routine. "Hi Rarity!" the little filly called, "What's up?" "Oh, nothing," Rarity said in a rather formal tone, "Sweetie Belle, would you mind giving me some privacy with Fluttershy? I need to talk to her about grown up things, okay?" "Okay." Sweetie Belle said in a sad tone, "Can you come home early and read me a sory tonight?" Rarity was clearly feeling guilty and responded with a woeful "I'll try, but you know I'm busy." "Wait," Spark called out, "Since it's pretty clear that I won't be leaving for quite a while, would you mind showing me around your town?" Spark gave Rarity a look that said I got this. She was clearly greatful. "OOH! YEAH!" Sweetie Belle was excitedly jumping around his bed at this point, "And we can get Scootaloo and we can show you the market and the school and the houses and the motel and my sister's house and the library and you can meet Rainbow Dash and Twilight an-" "Sounds like you've got a lot to do, dear." Rarity interjected, "You might want to get going." "Yeah C'mon! Let's go!" She said, tugging on Sparks hoof. "Alright, let's." Spark shot one last look at Rarity and she responded with a nod, as if to say You volunteered for this, don't blame me. Then the two were off. Once they got to her Scootaloo's house they found that she was a little sick that day and couldn't come along. A minor cold, nothing bad. So, Spark was given the tour from one of the "Cutiemark Crusaders" rather than two. As he was walking with her, she told him all sorts of things about the town. Who not to bother past 9 PM, who was prone to rages, who the local "wenches" were. When Sweetie had pointed out one of the mares with that reputation Spark was taken aback "Sweetie, do you even know what that means?" She did. She also knew that her sister was one of them. The child explained how she would hear stories about what happened when Rarity sent her over to see Scootaloo or Fluttershy for a few hours, "After a long, stressful week of field labor, a colt would take a bottle of the makeshift alchoholic cider over the their house. The next day, he didn't have a care in the world." Rarity had been a fashion designer befor the destroyers came and... well... aside from the occational blanket repair job, most of her work had become useless. Sweetie Belle also knew that rarity tried desperately to keep her sad work a secret, protect her innocence. True to her name, Sweetie led Rarity to believe that it was working because, as the filly put it "My sister works so hard to keep me safe and happy, why shouldn't I let her feel like she's succesful in at least this?" This is possibly the wisest thing I've ever heard from anypony, exept Celestia. There should be more Sweetie Belles in the world. The colt thought to himslef. After that thought they had arrived at the library and Spark saw her again... that beautiful mare that had knocked him out earlier that day. Sweetie Belle was still giving a speech about something or other, but all he could think was Shine told me to talk to her, what the buck am I supposed to say?! A warm welcomeChapter 6 A warm welcome --Twilight Sparkle-- Even since she had knocked that colt out, earlier that day, Twilight had found herself unable to concentrate on her work. I've got to get these things done! She kept thinking to herself, but she just felt bad for the guy. I didn't mean to hurt him that badly, he just startled me. And on and on all through out the day. The new mayor was on her way to talk to Applejack about the descition made about her conflict with Rarity when she saw him again. This time she got a better look at him. He was a small dark grey colt with an almost metalic purple mane. It was clear that his mind was what had kept him alive in the ruins of equestria. He was staring, like this morning, but this time with a look of more dread than wonder. Twilight hated herself Now the poor colt is afraid of you! Did you learn nothing from the friendship reports you sent Princess Celestia for the past two years?! Twilight sighed to herself, disapointed. Suddenly, the voice of an excited filly startled her "HI TWILIGHT!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Hey there, Sweetie Belle." Twilght responded "Whatcha up to?" "Just showing the new colt around town. You know, the one that you accidentally knocked out this morning." Twilight cringed at that last part, and appearently the colt noticed because he had a hard time stiffling a laugh. Well, at least he isn't too afraid to laugh around me. She thought to herself as she extended her hoof in greeting, "Hi, I'm Twilight Sparkle, sorry about earlier. I... I was a bit startled." He regarded her, then looked upward towards the bandage that Fluttershy had put on his head. "It's understandable, you didn't know whether or not I was going to be hostile. You took the safer route: if I had been hostile, I could have done a lot more harm than what you would gain from if I had simply wanted to join your little community." He said, in a rather cold tone. Sweetie Belle looked from one pony to the other for a few moments then asked the, still unintroduced colt "Spark, Twilight didn't mean to hurt you. She's just been afraid of strange colts ever since the raider attack a few months ago." This earned the filly a stare to rival that of Fluttershy herself from the lavender unicorn, "Sweetie Belle, don't discuss that sort of things with strangers, he could still have hostile intensions!" "No he doesn't!" she retorted "Then why hasn't he even told me his name?!" "Spark... my name is Galvanic Spark." he said. Twilight looke up and regarded the new pony in town once more, then tursely said "Well, most of the houses around here are unoccupied. You're welcome to stay in one... but I'm warning you, if you so much as LOOK at one of my friends in a negative way... you'll be lucky if you only end up unconsious." At that she turned and stormed towards Sweet Apple Acres. A broken promise, and a new friendChapter 7 A broken promise, and a new friend --Galvanic Spark-- Twilight's warning still echoed in Galvanic Spark's mind as he walked toward his new house. Looks like you were wrong Shine, he thought to himself, she can't even stand my presence, let alone love me. "You know, Twilight doesn't realy dislike you." A familiar voice said from behind him, Sweetie Belle. "Who?" Spark tried to play it off, and failed. "I know you're not stupid, Spark. You talked just like Twilight back there; and I know that you know who I'm talking about." The filly said with the same cheery voice she had greeted him with earlier that day. "I'm sorry to disapoint you, but I have no I idea what you're going on about." He said, trying to stay cheery while making it clear he wanted space. Sweetie Belle sighed in exaspiration, "I don't think Twilight dislikes you." she said, still pushing the issue. "I'm not discussing this right now." Spark said in a rather forceful tone, so they walked along in silence for the rest of the way to his new house. Once they arrived and Spark was about to open the door Sweetie Belle looked at Spark with her big green eyes and asked something that caught him a little off guard, "Are we friends?" Spark froze, the whole reason he had been wandering for so long was to avoid attachment and, by extension, the pain of loss. Say no. Just get it over with and move on in a day or two, she'll be fine. Odds are you'll be forgotten in a couple weeks. he told himself, but when he turned and saw those two questioning eyes he thought for another moment and chuckled "Yeah, I... I guess we are." Then he opened the door grabbed his bags and went in to get situated. It only took about an hour to get everything where it needed to be in his new home No, not home.. HOUSE... Home implies attachment, you're leaving in a couple days! he scolded himself. His headache was returning, I'll figure it out later, Spark promised himself for now, I just need sleep. So, he walked over to the little bed he'd made up with the blaket from his pack as he looked it over he said to himself "Something's missing." then he walked back to the little packs and took the only thing left out. The picture had gotten worn from all the traveling it had done, but the memories it held were still just as powerfull. It was a picture of them at their last school dance together, Shine was wearing the most beautiful orange dress Spark had ever seen; she was giving him the look she gave him whenever he did something dopey that said 'Boy, what am I going to do with you?'; that night was the greatest night of his life. Underneath all the happy memories, though, was pain. "You," He said as the tears welled up and begain to run down his face, "You're what's missing... This would all be okay if I still had you with me Shine." Normaly, Galvanic Spark tried to avoid crying. Now, however, there was nothing to lose; so he let it all fall out until he cried himself to sleep. Spark "awoke" in his old dorm room again, his heart fluttered She's going to be here! He bolted out of bed and opened the door, but there was nopony there. Just a note. The unicorn picked it up with his magic and opened it. He read it and dropped it to the floor, his heart broken. The letter simply read: "I never thought you were one to break a promise. I guess I was wrong." It had been in her writting, he had let her down. Falling to his knees he choked out between sobs "I'm sorry Shine, I just can't love anyone else." Then, everything went black. Spark was woken by little knocks on his door. He looked out his window, It's the middle of the night, who would be coming for me at this hour? He asked while rolling out of bed. Mabye I did something wrong and Twilight's here to do good on her warning, but what would I have done? He reached the door and opened it slowly. It wasn't Twilight at all, it was Sweetie Belle "Do you know what time it is?" Spark asked. "I'm sorry, but Rarity told me to take a walk for a couple hours. I'm kinda scared to go out alone, and Scootaloo's still sick." The fear was obvious from the look on her face. "Would you mind walking with me? It's really nice out." She was right, the cool night air felt good on Spark's head, "Sure, why not?" He responded, stepping out onto the front porch, Sweetie Belle was visably relieved. "Where should we go?" She asked "Why are you asking me? YOU'RE the one that knows this place, I'm just along for the ride." "Hm, let me think." Sweetie said. "Come on in while you think," Spark said, "I've got to get a couple things fixed up before we go." He brought her in and she sat on his bed. Spark went to make a new bandage for the cut on his head, while he was working with a bit of cloth his new friend walked in with something in her hooves and asked "Spark, who's this a picture of?" He turned to see her examining the photo that he'd been carrying with him since the night it was taken. His first instinct was to grab it, but he scolded himself for that She isn't going to ruin it, and you can't just keep her a secret forever. "That's Golden Shine." He said, trying to keep the anguish from his voice. Sweetie Belle examined the picture for a little longer then looked up to Spark, "Was she your marefriend?" He sighed "Yeah, she was." "They killed her didn't they... the destroyers?" she asked sympatheticaly. "No... no... we made it out of Canterlot together." he said as he started to tear up again, but this time, it stung because of all the crying a few hours earlier. "If you don't mind me asking, how did she die?" Spark choked back his tears and prepared to answer, "I did something stupid, and she died helping me." "I'm so sorry, Spark." she said. "It's alright, I'll be okay. I think we should get some fresh air." Spark almost jumped when he first felt Sweetie Belle's hug, but it comforted him none the less. "There's a place in the orchard not very far from where you can see the moon and stars really well. It's a good place to think." She said as she let go. How do you do it, Sweetie Belle? You're so young and yet you understand that sometimes all ponies need is some quiet thought. he thought as they walked out the door. In about five minutes the pair had arrived, and Sweetie was right, the place was beautiful. She showed Spark to her favorite spot, just under one of the bigest apple trees still alive. After a moment of silence, there was a rustling near them. Spark bolted to his feet ready to protect the filly. The pony that emerged was one of the most flamboyant looking ponies he'd ever seen. He knew the spell that would break her neck, but before he could cast it Sweetie Belle happily called out to the mare "Pinkie Pie!" What I've doneChaper 8 What I've done --Galvanic Spark-- "Wh-wha-?" Spark managed to sputter out as he was tackle hugged by the poofy pink mare. The unicorn winced, his head was throbbing. "Oh buck, that hurt." Pinkie jumped off of him with a quick "Sorry, I just haven't seen anypony for a long time." She looked over to Sweetie Belle "How are things here in Ponyville?" "Wait, you live here and you don't know?" Spark asked, confused. "Nope," she said with a huge smile, "I only come out of Sugarcube corner at night." "Um-" Spark started but was interupted by a gasp from Pinkie Pie "I haven't sang you a welcome song!" she got up and danced around like... like... there was nothing he could think of to compare her to. She was just that hyper. Her song was interuppted by Sweetie Belle "Why?" The earth pony stopped midair "Why what Sweetie-Beetie-Zeetie Belle?" "Why did you disapear? Everypony's been worried about you!" This was the first time Spark had seen the normally optomistic filly actually angry. "Rarity was so worried about you, she stopped eating for a few days!" her rant continued, although Spark wondered whether it was the worry that prevented Rarity from eating or simply lack of enough food at all. You may be smart, and you may be wiser than most fillies your age, but you still have a lot to learn. he thought to himself. Looking over at the pony that had just been smiling ear to ear and tackling him in a hug, the pain was clear. There were no tears, but the agony of Sweetie's ongoing rant was clear from all the changes in Pinkie's demenor. The mare whispered a barely audible "I'm sorry." but the young one persisted. She's just letting out her anger at the world. Spark silently explained, as if he thougt Pinkie could hear, So much loss, and she shows none of her pain and rage to anypony else. It needs to come out. After about three minutes she was done, exhausted from her emotional release. Sweetie Belle sat down next to Spark, quietly dozing. He would've taken her home, but there was no telling if Rarity was finished yet. With that in mind, he sat and looked at the bubblegum pink mare beside him. Pinkies flamboyant puffy mane had deflated during the course of Sweetie's rant. She was siliently starring up at the night sky, perhaps thinking back to before the destroyers and all the death that they had brought. They just sat like that... for a few moments of comlete silence and contemplation... then she turned to him. The moon's shining silver light reflected off of her bright blue eyes. "I just wasn't ready." she said after a few more moments. "Ready for what?" he asked. "I wasn't ready to face what I'd done." Spark was still confused, "What do you mean?" "When the destroyers were here, I did some bad things to survive." She said, Spark could almost see the memories in her eyes. "I just couldn't face the memories, and every time I saw one of my friends the memories became all I could think about." There were still no tears, just a somber tone. Spark felt sorry for her having to carry that burden alone. Sure, Spark had been alone, himself, for almost all of his travels; but he didn't want anyone else with him. Pinkie wanted a friend... wanted help... but couldn't find somepony to provide those things. Spark, you have a desicion to make. If you talk to her... share in this burden... you will have made the kind of attachment that got you hurt last time. Once you make your choice, you can't go back. he told himself. "Come back to Ponyville." Spark said, "We've all done things we aren't proud of, don't let yourself rot alone for the rest of your life because of them." Pinkie looked up at the stars in the night sky for a long time before answering, "I'm sorry... but...I can't... not... not yet." Spark sighed and started to say something, but was immidiately cut off by Pinkie "Please, just promise me that we're friends." "I promise." he replied. Pinkie hugged him then stood up"Will you meet me here next week? I need somepony to talk to, other than Madame le Flour" "I'll see you then." Spark said, ignoring the last part. Pinkie smiled, then bounced off into the fields, humming another song. Spark just sat, thinking about the past couple days: His two new friens, his new home, and the note from Shine in his dream. How can she ask me to love this Twilight mare anyway? I haven't been with her for more than five minutes and she already hates me. He knew, though, that he had tried to get her to hate him. I'm just like Pinkie Pie, Shine. I just can't face what I've done. Second impressionsChapter 9 Second impressions --Twilight-- As the first rays of dawn broke through the window over her bed, Twilight Sparkle scowled. I'm to bucking tired for this. she thought to herself, The others can wait, I'm sleeping in... PERIOD. The universe, it seemed, had other ideas. Not ten minutes after the town's mayor had made her decision, there was a loud banging on her door accompanied by a countrified shout that could come from only one pony she knew. What did Rarity do this time, Applejack? Twilight bitterly wondered to herself. The conflict between her two friends had always been visibly present, they were just too different for it not to be, but the ruin that had come with the destroyers intensified it from mere disagreement to outright loathing. It didn't help that Applejack had buried herself in her work after Big Mac and Applebloom died. At this point, Twilight wasn't sure she'd seen her cowpony friend away from the farm for anything but business for months. It was like the bitterness she felt from the loss was shaping her into a new pony and that worried Twilight. The unicorn missed her friend dearly, but when they were around Applejack was quiet and irritable. Whenever she did talk, it was almost always to argue with Rarity. How ironic, the pony you talk to the most is your sworn enemy. Twilight's train of thought was interrupted by another loud knock on the door. "I'm comming, just hold on." She called as she forced herself out of the warm comfort of her bed. Twilight heard Sweetie Belles's voice coming from behind the front door as she walked down stairs. She couldn't make out what was said, but Applejack immidiately snapped back, "Then why were y'all there in ta first place?!" At this point, Twilight became conserned. Sweetie Belle hasn't been anything but a model citizen. What happened? she asked herself as she opened the door. What stood before her was the "new Applejack." The most noticeable change was the jagged scar that clawed from the left side of her snout all the way across her face, covering her eyelid, to the point just below her ear. Twilight, however, noticede the more subtle changes. Her once smiling face was almost constantly replaced with a scowl, the tangled mess of mane that hid beneath her old hat replaced the once beautiful flowing mane, and on and on the list of changes went; each item making Twilight's heart retreat deeper and deeper. "Ah found these two asleep in mah orchard this mornin'." She said, gesturing to the two ponies standing next to her. Sweetie tried to protest but was cut off but a nod from that grey unicorn. "How many apples are missing?" Twilight asked "Well... uh... none." Applejack conseaded "But ah still think it's a mite suspiscuous ta find em asleep there." The unicorn looked over at Twilight, thought for a moment, then spoke in an educated tone, "Sweetie Belle and I have commited no crime. All we did was fall asleep. I apologise for the fact that I was on your property, however your actions are a bit extreme for this situation." Twilight looked and saw that Applejack had them both tied together, she sighed "Applejack there was no harm done, just calm down and let's work this out." she said in her nicest and most calm tone. Applejack grunted, clearly displeased, "Ya mind tellin me what y'all were doin in mah fields then?" "Sweetie and I were taking a walk." the unicorn said. What was his name? He did introduce himself right? Twilight racked her mind for the answer. "Spark!" She shouted in triumph. Spark just looked at her, causing her cheeks to become more of a rosey pink than lavender. "That's your name, right?" she asked He chuckled, "Yeah, that's me." then he made a face of regret and his eyes went to the ground, "I'm sorry I was a prick the other day." Twilight had completely forgotten about that, there had been so much happening that day. She looked up to respond and saw that he was blushing slightly, Is he really that embarrased about the other day? Or mabye he... no... not possible. she thought to herself. "That's alright." Twilight said. Applejack rolled her eyes and sighed, "Y'all can go flirtin' with eachother after we find out what they were up to last night!" Spark's eyes shot open in a classic "deer in the headlights" look. Twilight was just as surprised, "Applejack, we were just talking. Calm down." "Ah just wanna know what they were up to!" "Rarity was with a colt and I couldn't be there!" Sweetie Belle suddenly shouted, "I'm afraid to be alone at night, so I went to see Scootaloo and she was still sick, so I went to see if Spark would walk with me! We went to the fields because that's where I always go when Rarity's doing her 'favors' I just don't like it!" She went on. There was a stunned silence. After a few seconds Applejack untied the rope that was restricting the two and walked away without saying another word. Sweetie Belle's eyes were tearing up as she turned and ran home, leaving the two unicorns alone. I wasn't really flirting with him... was I? she silently wondered. He is pretty smart, but I just met the guy... no... I was just makeing conversation, we were jsut talking. The distant ruble of thunder shook some sense into them. The rain quickly followed, "Would you like to come in? I'd hate to leave you out in the rain alone." Twilight said. Spark nodded in ascent, "Thank you," he said, "That is very kind of you." "You're very welcome." She said, ushering him in, "It's only supposed to storm for about an hour or so." "Are you sure your small group of pegasai can handle it?" Spark asked. Twilight looked up at the brewing storm, and said "Not in the slightest." That got a laugh out of both of them. They waited for a moment, then walked in... still laughing together. Not anymoreChapter 10 Not anymore --Spark-- Spark had planned on only staying for five to ten minutes, then be on his way home. That plan fell apart when he saw the books that were stacked all around Twilight's home. The small grey unicorn had always loved to read, and he couldn't remember the last time he had just sat down to read. Maybe Shine was right about pairing Twilight and I. He shook the thought from his head, You can't start thinking things like that! Pushing the inner debate to the back of his mind, he turned to his hostess, "Quite a collection you have here... I'll have to check out a book sometime." he said in an awkward attempt to make conversation. Twilight sighed, "There used to be so many m-" BANG! A huge thunderclap made her jump in a way not very dissimilar to a cat. Spark just chuckled, earning him quite a glare from the unicorn. "I'm sorry, but I just never understood the common fear of thunder. After all, it's just sound." he said. Twilight's glare lightened as she chuckled to herself, "I guess it is a little unfounded." Spark looked around the room and one particular book caught his eye. The book was organized under the "E" section of the shelves, bearing an aged leather binding, the title was that of a book he had planned on reading someday but had never gottend the chance. "The Elements of Harmony, A Reference Guide," he said, "I noticed that book in the library at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, but it was checked out once I had turned in my earlier book. I never did find it." "Oh my gosh!" Twilight gasped, "That's where I got this copy from!" She levitated the book to the floor, "I didn't know you went to CSGU." Spark blushed a little, "Yeah, that place was my life; I even got my cutie mark there." He leaned over to show her the electrical arc proudly displayed on his flank. "I got it by fixing the old tesla coil in the Canterlot Museum." "That thing had been broken for centuries, nopony even knew how it worked. How long did you spend working on it?" Twilight asked in an impressed tone. "Two years of research, four months of experimentation on replica's I'd made, and two months on the actual device." "Wait, how old are you?" she asked, before blushing, "I-I mean-well-" "You mean I look 14?" he finished "Yeah, sorry." "It's alright, I've always been small for my age. As a matter of fact, I'm 19 years old." There was a long awkward silence. Relaxed by the constant rythmic taping of the raindrops against the tree's outer bark, Spark thought about reading the book he'd never gotten the chance to read but desided to, instead, read one of the library's very limited selection of Electrical Physics books. The Secrets of Lightning he read the title silently as, almost on cue, thunder sounded in the distance. Before he could begin to read, he was interrupted by the voice of his hostess "How did you survive out there?" she asked. Spark was slightly taken back at the question. Nopony had ever asked, Shine was the only one who would've cared enough to ask before she died. "I did what I always do: avoid other ponies as much as possible." "Why? They could've helped you they-" "They could just as easily have killed me and taken my supplies." he said "Why would they do that?" "Why wouldn't they? I'd be nothing but a drain on already scarce resources." "Because they just met you!" Twilight was beginning to shout. "So?" Spark calmy responded, masking his shock at how familiar this conversation was becoming. He had argued the same things with shine the day before Shine's death. "Killing another pony for no reason... that's-that's just evil!" "Welcome to the real world!" he shouted back, "I hate to burst your bubble, but not everypony is warm and nice! There are EVIL PONIES out there that will NOT hesitate to kill you for whatever supplies you have! You can't afford to just trust every stranger you meet, Shine!" Another thunder clap seemed to punctuate his statement. Twilight just looked at him questioningly "Shine?" Spark's expression changed from one of rage to one of pain. He remembered yelling that at Golden Shine the first time. It was his greatest regret, he had apologised the next morning. While she accepted his apology, she was still visibly hurt by what he had said. What could you have possibly seen in me, Shine? he wondered to himself as he collapsed on the floor in silence. Spark sat for a while, numb to the world. There were no tears, just silence. Appearently, the mare before him had understood... perhaps not all of it... no, there was no way she knew all of it... but she had put enough together. Slowly, Twilight walked over and embraced Spark. It was a warm, comforting embrace. After a few seconds the embrace was broken. Twilight turned to a small basket that was displayed on a shelf and sighed. "I'm so sorry, I know what it's like to lose a loved one." Judging from the size of the basket, Spark decided that it was probably for her dragon. Every student at CGSU had one, but most of them had died when Canterlot was destroyed and the rest had left shortly after. He remembered his dragon, Ember. He was the only being that Spark knew to be less social than himself, therefore, there wasn't as much attachment in their relationship than the others. When he thought about it, Spark realized there handn't been any attachment at all. Regardless of that fact, Spark knew how close many students became with their dragons over the years. "What was your dragon's name?" he asked. Twilight looked surprised for a moment, but then answered, "Spike... his name was Spike." The mere act of talking about him brought tears to her eyes. She tried to fight them back, but a huge clap of thunder made her jump towards Spark. She had clearly held this back for a while. Well of course she had, she's the Mayor! How can you expect the general public to be calm if their leader isn't? he scolded himself. He embraced her with the same comfirting jesture thet she had a few minutes ago. Twilight apologized as she wept into his shoulder, "Sorry, I've just been so alone... Spike's dead, my friends can't stand to be together, everypony else see's me as the mayor rather than a friend. I'm... I'm just so alone." Despite all of his prior misgivings, Spark found that he truly cared about this mare. "Not anymore." he whispered in her ear, knowing that he would probably regret it later. Taking sidesChapter 11 Taking sides --Rainbow Dash-- The captain of Ponyville's police/security force, Rainbow Dash, shook her head in adamant disapproval of her friend's request. She knew it was a necessary risk, without her medicine Fluttershy wouldn't be able to do her job. Still, Flutterhshy was one of Rainbow's best friends and if she got hurt it would be her fault. "It's too dangerous and you're just too important to go and risk getting hurt." She decided. "I have to," Fluttershy pleaded, "I need to make more medicine, and I can't do that without these plants. Besides, there's not much you can do to stop me." Rainbow sighed, her friend was right and she knew it. The thought of Fluttershy getting lost or hurt out there was just unbearable. "Alright," Rainbow said, "but I'm coming with you." The mare's green eyes lit up with gratitude, "Oh, thank you Rainbow! Hang on, I just have a couple things I need to do before we can leave." Her friend ran off to gather Celestia knows what supplies, leaving Rainbow Dash alone in the makeshift police station. Before becoming the source of order in this chaotic wasteland, it had been a small general store sitting just across the street from Sugar Cube corner. In the initial chaos after the destroyers, most of the buildings in the city that hadn't yet been damaged or destroyed were taken up in important government uses. This building had been one of them. It had everything a police station should: it was central, had a store room that served as a jail cell from time to time, and was reasonably close to the new town hall (the library). All this, and yet, the cyan pegasus that spent most of her time there hated it. Not for the building itself, but for the building it stood across from. Almost everypony thought that Pinkie was dead, but the cyan pegasus that looked out at the old bakery knew better. If the party pony had died, the place would have collapsed long ago without the subtle repairs that had been made. Nopony else would waste their time on it, the Cakes had moved to canterlot just after the destroyers arrived. The dark irony of the situation still stung, they moved to keep the twins safe, but Canterlot turned out to be one of the worst places to be. Somepony had to live there. Otherwise, the storm earlier today would have reduced it to rubble with the wind. Weather, she scornfully thought to herself yet another thing you can't seem to keep safe enough for your friends. Rainbow's brooding was interrupted by a sweet yet timid voice, "Umm, Rainbow Dash, are you ready to go?" When did she come back in? I guess I just wasn't paying attention. Rainbow thought to herself as she shook her head. Fluttershy looked concerned "Are you okay Rainbow?" "What? Oh, yeah...I was...I was just thinkin'." Rainbow answered with her voice trailing off into barely more than a mumble. "Great, I know exactly where we need to go. We'll be back in no time at all." Fluttershy promised as she turned to lead the way. It was about a thirty minute walk to the field where the specific plants Fluttershy needed grew. whole way there, Rainbow Dash couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong. You're just being paranoid, it will be just- her inner monologue was suddenly interrupted by a terrified scream. "R-R-R-RAINBOW!!" Fluttershy called from a couple of meters ahead. She was surrounded by a group of ponies, each wielding various weapons. Panic began to fill the prismatic maned mare as she watched the group edge closer to her. Dash felt for the hilt of the dagger she kept with her at all times,getting ready for a fight. As she pulled the blade from its scheath, a familiarly irrtating mare's voice echoed through the field. "Stand down gentlecolts, your Commisar, Trixie, wishes to speak with these two!" The group of stallions parted revealing the same show pony whose over inflated ego had been deflated by Twilight a few years ago. She hadn't changed very much, in fact she seemed to be in a better position than before. "So, Ponyville is still surviving?" She asked. Fluttershy was paralized with fear of the brutes that were still closer to her than Dash would've liked, so the cyan pegasus called out, "Why do you want to know?" "Because we, the Equestrian Sepratists, wish to speak with the pony who leads you." She said in a dramatic tone that was already grating on Rainbow Dash's nerves. The captain of Ponyville's police force sighed, There's no point in arguing, they've got me "out gunned" so to speak. She told herself. With that in mind she, looked up at the smirking unicorn, who clearly knew she'd won and was loving it, Rainbow Dash bit back her seething rage as she jestured for them to follow her. "This way Commisar." She said, the venom in that last word was clear. "Thank you, commrade." Trixie said. Rainbow Dash would have rushed them for that comment, right then and there. I'm not you commrade! You're just an annoying arrogant loser. The same one Twilight ran out of town, I'd never sink so low as to be your "commrade." She silently screamed at Trixie. But if she rushed them, there was no way to ensure that they wouldn't be able to hurt or kill Fluttershy before Dash could fend them off. So, she just turned and began walking toward the town; Trixie and her brutes in tow. Dash noticed that her friend had caught up and was looking depressed. She sighed again, "I told you so." --Galvanic Spark-- That was quite a storm last night, so relaxing. I can't remember the last time I've slept that well. Spark thought to himself as he slowly awoke, I should probably get up, but this bed is just so warm. Mabye I can wait a little longer... The warmth was comforting and secure. He felt at home in its kind embrace. This is the best blanket I've ever used, I'll have to thank Twilight for letting me borrow it when she wakes up. While he rested, the grey unicorn allowed his mind to wander. His thoughts quickly drifted Twilight and the night before, 'I'm just so alone.' she'd said. That singular statement brought him to realize that, for the first time since his beloved Golden Shine had died, he actually cared about somepony. Simply thinking of the mare brouht a smile to Spark's face; after the emotional moment from the night before had passed, the pair got to talking and she was simply brilliant. Finally, he had thought to himself as they had conversed, somepony who I can actually have intelectual discussions with! Maybe he could have somepony like Shine again. As he thought, a lump began to form in his throat You've only really known her for about a day. One day! You can't start thinking about her like that already! He shouted at himself. This inner monolouge was cut short by the sudden ambush upon his comfort launched by the cold morning air inside the library. Confused, Spark looked over the room to investigate. When he saw why, the conflicted unicorn came freightenlingly close to a heart attack. His hostess, the lavender mare that he had just been chastizing himself over, simly layed there, wrapped in the blanket's warm embrace that she had deprived her guest of. She was still asleep from the late night of intellectual discussion and emotional release the night before had brought. Did we?! No, wait, we were reading that book about the elements of harmony. Twilight was explainging how she and her friends had been bound to the elements and passed out from exhaustion. She must not have taken to long to follow suit. Get your mind out of the gutter! With a relieved sigh, he stood up and streched his legs. He walked over to the book shelves and found an interesting title: The Doctor of the Blue Box, Fact or Fiction?. Using his magic, Spark levitated the book over to him and began to read. Through out Equsetrian history, there are accounts of a strange colt with a blue box and near infinite power. This brown earth pony has been sighted in the Stalliongrad Revolution, the fall of Prance, the signing of the Griffon-Pony peace accord and even the final battle between Discord and the princesses. Is it possible that each of these accounts is not of multiple ponies, but of the same pony? The answer may be surprising. With a chuckle, Spark read on about the ludicrous theories of time travel and a "Time Lord" who calls himself "The Doctor." Where do ponies get these ideas? he thought to himself. His stomach rumbled in responce. "Time for breakfast, huh?" Twilight's voice made him jump, which, in turn, made her giggle. "Um... yeah I guess." He said, trying to force back a blush. "Alright, would you mind helping me make it?" "Not at all, in fact I-" KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! "Who could that be?" She asked nopony in particular. Using her magic, she opened the door to see a pair of nervous looking pegasai being followed by several colts and one blue unicorn. "What is this?" She asked in a startled tone. "This," The blue unicorn pontificated, "is your chance to share in commisar Trixie's glorious victory over the tyrannical princesses!" Author's noteTo my few readers, I thank you for your continued support. I'm writing this to apologise for how late my new chapter has been. School has to come first, no matter how badly I just want to say "Disregard school! Aquire ponies!" I'll have the new chapter out by next weekend at the latest. Also, check out "Pinkie and the Brain" by a personal friend of mine, Mad Derper. Blargy blarg derp, Doctor Derpin *Notice of Hiatus**Notice of Hiatus* Dear Readers, While I do enjoy this story and have learned a lot from writting it, From the Ruins is going to be put on hiatus for a while. The reason for this is simple: The Mad Derper and I are collaberating on a story that we've been wanting to write for a while now. Our shared account that the story (and hopefully sequels) will be posted to is called "Figment and Spazz" for those who wish to see just what it is we're working on. For those of you who want to see the end of Galvanic Spark's love story, I have good news, there is a reason I'm not marking the story as "cancelled." I will finish it, and it will probably be better because of the practice gained from working with good ol' Derper. Because I'm feeling generous, I'll give you a hint as to the premise of the new story on which we work: "Without the context my chaos provides; your precious harmony grows out of control and becomes a dreadful conformity."- Discord Interesting prospect, no? Forever grateful for your support, Doctor Derpin Question to the readersDear Readers, Again, I would like to thank you for the support of this story. However, I was wondering if anypony wanted to help me out by collaberating with me on the rest of this. Due to finals comming up in about a week, I won't be able to be on as much as I'd like until summer, but once that starts I feel that I would be able to write a much better story with a little collaberation. The chapters would be longer and probably make mores sence... so anypony interested on helping out with the rest, just PM me. Btw, Chapter 1 of my collaberation with mad derper is out. The story is called The Mildly Cliched Quest and I think it came out pretty well. Love, Tolerance, and Mongeese, Doctor Derpin Intense negotiationsAuthor's note: We're back everypony and I must say that I hope that I can make this story better than it was before. Again, if anypony wants to help me out with this (Grammar, collaborative advice, etc) just PM me. While I have your attention, check out The Mildly Cliched Quest by Figment (aka the mad derper) and Spazz (aka me). Thank you all for your continued support of Spark's love story. Now... without further adieu: Chapter 12: Intense negotiations Twilight Sparkle The mayor of Ponyville would have rolled her eyes at the smirking blue unicorn before her if it weren't for the handful of huge, not to mention armed, stallions that were escorting her. Before the catastrophe, "The Great and Powerful Trixie" had been nothing but a showpony with an over inflated ego. Now, "Commissar Trixie" had somehow placed herself at the head of some sort of rebellion against Luna. All of this should have surprised her, but for some unknown reason, it didn't. Okay, I have to handle this carefully. She's only got a few guards with her, but she undoubtedly has more outside of the city. Twilight thought to herself. She looked over to Spark. He was standing there, silently looking over Trixie. Twilight felt a sudden burst of anger, Is he checking her out?! she thought angrily, then she stopped herself, No, probably not. Odds are, he's just looking her over to try to get a feel for her. You can tell a lot about a pony from how they stand, after all. Then, she started trying to formulate a response to the other mare's words when the lavender mare was struck with a question. Wait, why do I care if he's checking her out? Yes, we did have a bit of a moment last night, but nothing happened. It was nothing more than me being hospitable. I mean, it's not like I have feelings for him... right? This isn't the time for that! Twilight thought to herself as she pushed the questions to the back of her mind and addressed the situation at hoof. "What are you talking about, Trixie?" She asked. The blue unicorn chuckled, "Oh, it's nothing, really. My comrades and I were in the area, fighting our glorious crusade against the tyrannous bourgeois, when we remembered that Ponyville had yet to join our righteous cause. So, naturally, I came with a detachment of my guard to offer our aid, in exchange for yours." "What kind of aid would you want from us?" "Well, seeing as you were the deceased princess' dearest and most faithful student, you of all ponies would know how to overcome her sister." "That's crazy! Why would we fight Princess Luna?" Trixie began to pontificate, "Because they KNEW about the destroyers, yet they did NOTHING!" It was clear that she'd said that more for the guards than anypony else. Twilight was shocked by the accusation none the less, "That's a lie." "Face it! Celesta LIED to you... she lied to all of us!" "She wouldn't lie about this." "How would you know? Until three years ago, she lied to you about Nightmare Moon! Face it, Twilight Sparkle, she never cared about you! Why would she? Her age was measured in centuries, not years! Did you really think you were her only dearest and most faithful student? Your lifetime is a blink of an eye compared to hers!" All Twilight's bitterness and despair at the death of her beloved mentor suddenly burst forth. "No! It's not true!" Twilight screamed as she fired several bolts of mana at Trixie in rage. Trixies face contorted into a deranged grin as she deflected the hastily conjured salvo. "You know, Twilight Sparkle, that constitutes a direct act of aggression." She said, Twilight cringed as the mare continued, "Not that I'm disappointed, I've been looking forward to my revenge for quite some time now." Fear ran through every fiber of Twilght's being as the former show pony began laughing hysterically, "Oh, the poetic justice! You took everything from me, and now... I get to take everything from you! I'm going to capture every citizen of this decrepit town and make you watch as I kill each of them, one at a time. I'll make sure they know that you could have saved them. Then, I'll burn this rat hole to the ground. And then... Finally... I will end you... In the slowest, most agonizing way possible... and I will enjoy every.last.second of it!" The crazed mare cackled. After a moment of silence the blue mare gestured to three of her guards, "You three are to keep these two here until Trixie returns." Then she turned and walked out of the library, the door slamming shut behind her. There was no way out for them, Twilight only knew a couple spells that could be used for combat, and they wouldn't be able to overcome all three of the guards in time. Twilight looked over to Spark just in time to see a blinding flash coupled with a deafening bang. --Galvanic Spark-- Reaching up to his throbbing horn, which still had bits of electricity arcing across it here and there, Spark realized just how out of practice he was. Before, he'd been able to use that sort of charge on an almost daily basis. Now, he could barely manage it once. Well, at least there isn't any real damage. He thought as he felt for fractures, I probably should lay off the magic for a while, though. Taking a few moments to allow the pain to subside, Spark looked at the three stallions that now laid dead before him. Hearing Twilight groan, the colt uneasily stood up. "Are you okay?" He asked. "I think so." She said as she rubbed her eyes to readjust from the flash, "What was that?" "Electrical arc." Twilight froze in place once she noticed the bodies, "You killed them." she said quietly "Yes, I did. Now, if we hurry we can still stop that lunatic." Spark said as he trotted towards the door. When he noticed that Twilight's hoof steps weren't behind him, he stopped and turned around. She was still staring at the deceased stallions, guilt plastered on her face. "Why did you have to kill them? Couldn't you have just stunned them or something?" She asked with tears forming in her eyes. "Yes, I could have. But then we have three more guys here that are out for our blood and the blood of everypony else that lives here." He answered as he opened the door and looked outside "Don't you care that you just took the lives of three strangers?!" The question stopped the colt mid-trot. In that instant, dozens of images passed through Spark's mind: An orange pegasus mare with wiry red hair and a knife in her side; a dirty green earth pony whose head was turned to an unnatural angle; a young white unicorn floating face down in a river, his spear still gripped for battle. Every image was of a pony whose life he ended in an attempts to preserve his own. With the memories came a realization: No, he didn't care. Spark felt nothing for those ponies. He couldn't care less about the lives they led. Why SHOULD I care?! I'm going to do what it takes to survive, and that means ending those whose plans conflict with that. "You know what," He said bitterly, "I can't say I do."
Better Off DeadChapter 1 Better Off Dead ---Spark--- Why are so many ponies so damn stupid? Galvanic Spark wondered to himself as he wandered through the ruins of Philidelphia. He had seen so much death in the past month; almost all of it was simply because somepony did something stupid. It isn’t always the stupid pony that dies is it? He reminded himself. Just the memory of what had happened almost drove him to tears. I cannot go wallowing in the past. That sort of thing is what will get you killed out here! It took a long while for him to shove the memories to the back of his mind; he just could not keep her face from his mind. The haunting yellow mare that he had loved for so long; she had died because he made a stupid mistake. I. NEED. TO. MOVE. He got up and kept walking, not for himself, but for her. He eventually came across a group of homeless ponies that were convening around a bonfire. Little communities like this were commonplace now. Spark got close enough to hear what was being said, without looking like he wanted to steal some of their precious food. What Spark heard shocked him a little: civil war in Equestria. From what he could piece together, there was a group of ponies claiming that Luna and Celestia were to blame for the coming of the destroyers. This claim was not too uncommon; this group, however, was acting in a violent way. The story they put fourth had “lie” written all over it. A power grab. Spark thought, The pony in charge of that revolt has no idea whether or not the claim is true, he DOES know is that ponies are willing to rally behind it. While the idea of somepony lying to everypony else and calling for violence was supposed to be evil, Galvanic Spark had never understood the rigid definitions of “good” and “evil.” So all he thought of this revolutionary was that he was smart enough to, not only survive this barren hellscape, but come up with a plan to gain a lot more power. The realization that he was attracting stares from the gathered ponies snapped him back to reality. He left before anything go wrong. An hour later Spark found himself at the edge of a small reservoir. Water is always helpful. He told himself as he shrugged his supply bags to the ground. Taking the canteen out of his bag he found himself examining the reflection the water created. His dark grey hide was battered and dirty. As he examined more closely he saw that he had more cuts from his last fight on his body than he realized. I’ll clean them up later. As the canteen went under he continued to examine himself; his deep purple mane was caked with dirt and his eyelids were stained with dried tears; the sense of hopelessness had made his eyes, once a bright blue, a pale version of their former selves. After a few moments of silent contemplation he heard a voice behind him “Looks like ya gotta lotta stuff in dat bag boy.” Spark turned to meet the speaker. It was a Pale green earth pony that had a scar over one eye. “Imma be honest here, give me da stuff or Imma have ta gut ya like a fish.” The thug said as he pulled out a knife. Spark thought for a moment; he was smaller than most of the ponies a full four years younger than himself. What he always had was his mind and magic. This pony obviously had been relying on strength to get his way. Somepony that tall and muscular would not be used to being outwardly defied by anypony smaller than he was. “I do not believe I will be doing that, sir.” Spark said in his most formal voice. The brute looked confused for a moment and finally said “I waz hoppin’ for a little fun today, anyways.” Then he lunged; but spark had prepared for this possibility and simply used telekenisis to move a larger rock from the pile into the attacker’s path. After his impact, the thug was dazed. Spark took the opportunity to end the conflict entirely. There was a crunch as a medium sized stone hit the assailant’s head. His neck had snapped. Galvanic Spark looked at the body and felt nothing. Then, he turned back to his now full canteen. He died because he wasn’t smart enough to live, and out here; if you’re not smart enough to live, you’re better off dead.
Stranger on the HorizonChapter 2 Stranger on the Horizon ---Rainbow Dash--- Rainbow Dash was BORED! She hated her turns at guard duty; she understood why they were necessary, but hated them none the less. There’s nothing to do but watch for those stupid raiders that almost never come! She thought to herself. After waiting for a moment she gave up on being patient. “UGH!” she cried and kicked a rock into the ruined building nearest her. It would do no damage, not this far from the town square. That was where everyone spent most of their time in Ponyville now. It was easier to keep track of everyone when they were all in the same place. Not to mention the first incident that brought about the need for the bored pegasus’ current assignment. It had been about two weeks since the destroyers had vanished; a group of about twelve ponies came into town. They were armed with makeshift weapons and began demanding food; if anypony refused they were killed. That was the first day Dash had killed another pony. It had been another pegasus, he had a gimp wing and was cut up on his face. As his gang ransacked the town, he wandered over to the library. Dash didn’t hear the screams until the rest of the gang was scared off. Flying as quickly as possible, she located her friend. Rainbow Dash was horrified by the sight before her. The bastard was raping the poor librarian with a knife to her neck. The rage that been building up all that day inside of the cyan pegasus was unleashed as she burst in through a window and tackled the thug. She beat him… mercilessly… there was blood everywhere and she didn’t care or want to stop. He deserved to die… and die he did. A tear rolled down Rainbow’s cheek. She knew she had done the right thing by killing him, but that didn’t make her feel any better about what she had done. The sight of a figure on the horizon brought Dash back to the present. She didn’t recognize the stranger, but it was a smallish colt. After a moment of waiting she could make out more details about him: he was a dark grey unicorn with a purple mane that almost looked black. At first, Rainbow thought he looked to be 14 at the oldest, upon closer study she knew he was much older. “Well, you’re a short one aren’t you?” She asked with a teasing smile. He didn’t even look up at her as he apathetically responded “Yeah that seems to be accurate.” “Why are you here?” she asked, remembering that she had a town to defend. The unicorn stopped for a moment, thinking. After a few awkward moments he answered “Because I refuse to die.” Then he walked on into Ponyville without meeting any resistance. For some reason, Rainbow trusted him. She didn’t understand why; his aloof display would have infuriated her if it had come from just about anyone else. Then she thought back to the first day she had met her now dear friend, Twilight, and how the purple unicorn had tried to act in almost the exact same way.
The Burdens of OfficeChapter 3 The Burdens of Office --Twilight Sparkle-- When Twilight had been unanimously elected as the new mayor of Ponnyville, she had been honored. The community had looked to her in their hour of need because they believed her to be the right pony for the job. It meant the world to the little unicorn. Now, all she wanted to do was get up and run. This wasn't the first disagreement she'd had to settle between Rarity and Applejack... or the second... or the third... in fact it was somewhere around the twenty-seventh. She barely even listened to their debates anymore, it had become too painful. Their losses during the destruction had made them bitter and they needed an outlet fot that bitterness. "Isn't that correct Twilight?" Rarity asked, interupting Twilight's inner complaints. "Huh... What? I'm sorry I didn't hear that." Twilight said, somewhat dazedly The Designer looked offended "Twilight, I've explained this three times now." "Well," Applejack said with a smug look, "She probably didn't hear y'all 'cause ya been bringin' up that point too much." That brought on another round of bickering and whining. Twilight endured this for about two minutes until she bolted up and roared "BUCK IT, I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE!" That display silenced both of the ponies immidiately. She turned to the door with tears in her eyes "I just need some space. We'll finish later." Walking down the ruined streets of her home didn't help much either, the wounds of loss were still easily opened. After a few minutes of abscent minded wandering Twilight found herself at the run down remnants of Sugarcube Corner. No one had seen Pinkie Pie in person since the incident with the raiders that had taught Twilight a harsh lesson about the power of a blade. Hell, nopony was even sure the party pony was alive. Most assumed so, the food that was left for her was eaten and occational giggles could be heard at strange hours. You have the right idea Pinkie. Just isolate yourself and die in peace. Sometimes, I wish I could do that. she thought But there are ponies who depend on me with their lives and I can't let them down. As Twilight looked up to the second floor of the old bakery she felt another round of tears rolling down her face. "I just miss you so much Pinkie." she said to nopony at all. She thought back to everypony they had lost: Applebloom, Big Mac, Lyra, Derpy, Ms. Cheerily, Spike, Princess Celestia. She broke down and sobbed; she sobbed so loudly that she didn't even notice the strange pony coming up behind her.
Promise me somethingChapter 4 Smitten by her beauty... and that rock --Galvanic Spark-- This isn't your problem! Spark screamed in his head, Emotions lead to familiarity, familiarity leads to attachment, and attachment leads to the pain you feel already! Despite all the reasons he had to simply ignore the sobbing mare in front of him, he stood there... frozen. He had only felt this way for one other pony in his life, and she had died because he had done something stupid. Every bit of his logical mind demanded that he turn and leave, go to the next town, never come back. You're still just standing there like a gigantic buffoon! Do something and get it over with! While this inner debate raged, Galvanic Spark felt a tear roll down his cheek, GREAT! You care about the little unicorn who lost somepony she cares about, why would SHE feel the same way? At that point he realized that his eyes were closed... and something else was missing... the mare's crying had stopped. He opened his eyes just in time to see the rock she'd flung at him. Galvanic Spark awoke to a sound he knew he hadn't heard in months... the steady ring of his old alarm clock... the one he'd lost while evacuating Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. He sat up fast and looked around. His old dorm room was exactly as he'd remembered it. Something's wrong, he thought aside from the fact that I'm in a place that was utterly decimated, something's missing. It took him a moment to realize that his roomate was missing. He got up and walked over to the door. What greeted the unicorn, upon opening the door, shocked him. "Golden Shine?" he asked, a note of happieness in his voice that had long since died out. The golden yellow unicorn looked at him with the green eyes that he had loved so much and missed dearly, "I've missed you so much Gal, it's lonely here without you." His face burned at the mention of her old nickname for him. The happieness he felt melted away upon a sudden realization "I'm dreaming, aren't I?" "Sadly, yes," she said giveing him that same comforting warmth as she did in life, "It was the only way I could give you the message you needed." "Message? What do you mean?" "I want you to promise me something." She had a pleading look her green eyes, "You'll be waking up soon." "I don't want to wake up!" The sense of loss he had felt when she had first left him was returning, "I want to be with you." "Promise me!" "But-" "Just promise!" Tears were rolling down her eyes. He sighed "Okay, for you, I'll promise anything." "Talk to Twilight Sparkle, the unicorn you met today. You can't dwell on me forever." The idea of having another shocked him. "I... I," he looked at the face he had loved so dearly again, "I love YOU!" I can't just forget about you!" He was choking back tears and she kissed him "I don't expect you to forget, I just want you to find happieness." "I c-" "My time is up, I have to go back. I'll always love you." She gave him one last passionate kiss "Goodbye forever, Gal." Spark frantically tried to stay with her, but the world was melting away."Don't leave me!" he cried, but she was gone. Then, he awoke to a butter yellow mare's pink mane on his forehead.
A brief tour of PonyvilleChapter 5 A brief tour of Ponyville --Galvanic Spark-- "It's okay mister, you're going to be just fine." The pink haired pegasus cooed, "I've got you all bandaged up." Spark didn't know who this pony was or why she had helped him, but for some reason he found her voice deeply comforting. "Where am I?" he asked. "You're in Ponyville. Sorry about my friend Twilight, she's been realy jumpy since the big raider attack last month... it... it was bad." She said as her eyes went to the floor. Spark tried to sit up, he was a little dizzy but it was nothing he couldn't manage. Surveying the room he noticed a small, white unicorn filly with a pink and purple mane walking in. "Hello, sir!" she said in a kind voice, "How are you feeling?" "A little dizzy, but that won't be around for very long." he replied "I'm sorry, but I can't remember your names?" "That's because we didn't tell you yet, silly!" the filly chimed "I'm Sweetiebelle!" Spark looked over to the pegasus, she was staring straight down with a look of dread in her eyes. After a few awkward moments he just about got up and left, but as he began to do so he heard her mumble something he couldn't understand. "Would you mind repeating that please?" he asked. "M-my name Fluttershy." She said. "Oh, thank you for tending my wounds, Fluttershy. My name is Galvanic Spark." Spark said. Then, she inexplicably started dancing around as if she had just conquered the world. "I DID IT! I INTRODUCED MY SELF AND HE HEARD IT ON THE SECOND TRY!" Spark was tempted to ask why that was such a big accomplishment, but he stopped himself. Oh come on Spark, just let the shy mare enjoy her little achievment. What harm could it do? So he simply watched with a smile as Fluttershy paraded herself around the room in triumph. After a minute or two a unicorn bearing a striking resemblance to Sweetie Belle came in and whispered something in Fluttershy's ear that immidiately ended her routine. "Hi Rarity!" the little filly called, "What's up?" "Oh, nothing," Rarity said in a rather formal tone, "Sweetie Belle, would you mind giving me some privacy with Fluttershy? I need to talk to her about grown up things, okay?" "Okay." Sweetie Belle said in a sad tone, "Can you come home early and read me a sory tonight?" Rarity was clearly feeling guilty and responded with a woeful "I'll try, but you know I'm busy." "Wait," Spark called out, "Since it's pretty clear that I won't be leaving for quite a while, would you mind showing me around your town?" Spark gave Rarity a look that said I got this. She was clearly greatful. "OOH! YEAH!" Sweetie Belle was excitedly jumping around his bed at this point, "And we can get Scootaloo and we can show you the market and the school and the houses and the motel and my sister's house and the library and you can meet Rainbow Dash and Twilight an-" "Sounds like you've got a lot to do, dear." Rarity interjected, "You might want to get going." "Yeah C'mon! Let's go!" She said, tugging on Sparks hoof. "Alright, let's." Spark shot one last look at Rarity and she responded with a nod, as if to say You volunteered for this, don't blame me. Then the two were off. Once they got to her Scootaloo's house they found that she was a little sick that day and couldn't come along. A minor cold, nothing bad. So, Spark was given the tour from one of the "Cutiemark Crusaders" rather than two. As he was walking with her, she told him all sorts of things about the town. Who not to bother past 9 PM, who was prone to rages, who the local "wenches" were. When Sweetie had pointed out one of the mares with that reputation Spark was taken aback "Sweetie, do you even know what that means?" She did. She also knew that her sister was one of them. The child explained how she would hear stories about what happened when Rarity sent her over to see Scootaloo or Fluttershy for a few hours, "After a long, stressful week of field labor, a colt would take a bottle of the makeshift alchoholic cider over the their house. The next day, he didn't have a care in the world." Rarity had been a fashion designer befor the destroyers came and... well... aside from the occational blanket repair job, most of her work had become useless. Sweetie Belle also knew that rarity tried desperately to keep her sad work a secret, protect her innocence. True to her name, Sweetie led Rarity to believe that it was working because, as the filly put it "My sister works so hard to keep me safe and happy, why shouldn't I let her feel like she's succesful in at least this?" This is possibly the wisest thing I've ever heard from anypony, exept Celestia. There should be more Sweetie Belles in the world. The colt thought to himslef. After that thought they had arrived at the library and Spark saw her again... that beautiful mare that had knocked him out earlier that day. Sweetie Belle was still giving a speech about something or other, but all he could think was Shine told me to talk to her, what the buck am I supposed to say?!
A warm welcomeChapter 6 A warm welcome --Twilight Sparkle-- Even since she had knocked that colt out, earlier that day, Twilight had found herself unable to concentrate on her work. I've got to get these things done! She kept thinking to herself, but she just felt bad for the guy. I didn't mean to hurt him that badly, he just startled me. And on and on all through out the day. The new mayor was on her way to talk to Applejack about the descition made about her conflict with Rarity when she saw him again. This time she got a better look at him. He was a small dark grey colt with an almost metalic purple mane. It was clear that his mind was what had kept him alive in the ruins of equestria. He was staring, like this morning, but this time with a look of more dread than wonder. Twilight hated herself Now the poor colt is afraid of you! Did you learn nothing from the friendship reports you sent Princess Celestia for the past two years?! Twilight sighed to herself, disapointed. Suddenly, the voice of an excited filly startled her "HI TWILIGHT!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Hey there, Sweetie Belle." Twilght responded "Whatcha up to?" "Just showing the new colt around town. You know, the one that you accidentally knocked out this morning." Twilight cringed at that last part, and appearently the colt noticed because he had a hard time stiffling a laugh. Well, at least he isn't too afraid to laugh around me. She thought to herself as she extended her hoof in greeting, "Hi, I'm Twilight Sparkle, sorry about earlier. I... I was a bit startled." He regarded her, then looked upward towards the bandage that Fluttershy had put on his head. "It's understandable, you didn't know whether or not I was going to be hostile. You took the safer route: if I had been hostile, I could have done a lot more harm than what you would gain from if I had simply wanted to join your little community." He said, in a rather cold tone. Sweetie Belle looked from one pony to the other for a few moments then asked the, still unintroduced colt "Spark, Twilight didn't mean to hurt you. She's just been afraid of strange colts ever since the raider attack a few months ago." This earned the filly a stare to rival that of Fluttershy herself from the lavender unicorn, "Sweetie Belle, don't discuss that sort of things with strangers, he could still have hostile intensions!" "No he doesn't!" she retorted "Then why hasn't he even told me his name?!" "Spark... my name is Galvanic Spark." he said. Twilight looke up and regarded the new pony in town once more, then tursely said "Well, most of the houses around here are unoccupied. You're welcome to stay in one... but I'm warning you, if you so much as LOOK at one of my friends in a negative way... you'll be lucky if you only end up unconsious." At that she turned and stormed towards Sweet Apple Acres.
A broken promise, and a new friendChapter 7 A broken promise, and a new friend --Galvanic Spark-- Twilight's warning still echoed in Galvanic Spark's mind as he walked toward his new house. Looks like you were wrong Shine, he thought to himself, she can't even stand my presence, let alone love me. "You know, Twilight doesn't realy dislike you." A familiar voice said from behind him, Sweetie Belle. "Who?" Spark tried to play it off, and failed. "I know you're not stupid, Spark. You talked just like Twilight back there; and I know that you know who I'm talking about." The filly said with the same cheery voice she had greeted him with earlier that day. "I'm sorry to disapoint you, but I have no I idea what you're going on about." He said, trying to stay cheery while making it clear he wanted space. Sweetie Belle sighed in exaspiration, "I don't think Twilight dislikes you." she said, still pushing the issue. "I'm not discussing this right now." Spark said in a rather forceful tone, so they walked along in silence for the rest of the way to his new house. Once they arrived and Spark was about to open the door Sweetie Belle looked at Spark with her big green eyes and asked something that caught him a little off guard, "Are we friends?" Spark froze, the whole reason he had been wandering for so long was to avoid attachment and, by extension, the pain of loss. Say no. Just get it over with and move on in a day or two, she'll be fine. Odds are you'll be forgotten in a couple weeks. he told himself, but when he turned and saw those two questioning eyes he thought for another moment and chuckled "Yeah, I... I guess we are." Then he opened the door grabbed his bags and went in to get situated. It only took about an hour to get everything where it needed to be in his new home No, not home.. HOUSE... Home implies attachment, you're leaving in a couple days! he scolded himself. His headache was returning, I'll figure it out later, Spark promised himself for now, I just need sleep. So, he walked over to the little bed he'd made up with the blaket from his pack as he looked it over he said to himself "Something's missing." then he walked back to the little packs and took the only thing left out. The picture had gotten worn from all the traveling it had done, but the memories it held were still just as powerfull. It was a picture of them at their last school dance together, Shine was wearing the most beautiful orange dress Spark had ever seen; she was giving him the look she gave him whenever he did something dopey that said 'Boy, what am I going to do with you?'; that night was the greatest night of his life. Underneath all the happy memories, though, was pain. "You," He said as the tears welled up and begain to run down his face, "You're what's missing... This would all be okay if I still had you with me Shine." Normaly, Galvanic Spark tried to avoid crying. Now, however, there was nothing to lose; so he let it all fall out until he cried himself to sleep. Spark "awoke" in his old dorm room again, his heart fluttered She's going to be here! He bolted out of bed and opened the door, but there was nopony there. Just a note. The unicorn picked it up with his magic and opened it. He read it and dropped it to the floor, his heart broken. The letter simply read: "I never thought you were one to break a promise. I guess I was wrong." It had been in her writting, he had let her down. Falling to his knees he choked out between sobs "I'm sorry Shine, I just can't love anyone else." Then, everything went black. Spark was woken by little knocks on his door. He looked out his window, It's the middle of the night, who would be coming for me at this hour? He asked while rolling out of bed. Mabye I did something wrong and Twilight's here to do good on her warning, but what would I have done? He reached the door and opened it slowly. It wasn't Twilight at all, it was Sweetie Belle "Do you know what time it is?" Spark asked. "I'm sorry, but Rarity told me to take a walk for a couple hours. I'm kinda scared to go out alone, and Scootaloo's still sick." The fear was obvious from the look on her face. "Would you mind walking with me? It's really nice out." She was right, the cool night air felt good on Spark's head, "Sure, why not?" He responded, stepping out onto the front porch, Sweetie Belle was visably relieved. "Where should we go?" She asked "Why are you asking me? YOU'RE the one that knows this place, I'm just along for the ride." "Hm, let me think." Sweetie said. "Come on in while you think," Spark said, "I've got to get a couple things fixed up before we go." He brought her in and she sat on his bed. Spark went to make a new bandage for the cut on his head, while he was working with a bit of cloth his new friend walked in with something in her hooves and asked "Spark, who's this a picture of?" He turned to see her examining the photo that he'd been carrying with him since the night it was taken. His first instinct was to grab it, but he scolded himself for that She isn't going to ruin it, and you can't just keep her a secret forever. "That's Golden Shine." He said, trying to keep the anguish from his voice. Sweetie Belle examined the picture for a little longer then looked up to Spark, "Was she your marefriend?" He sighed "Yeah, she was." "They killed her didn't they... the destroyers?" she asked sympatheticaly. "No... no... we made it out of Canterlot together." he said as he started to tear up again, but this time, it stung because of all the crying a few hours earlier. "If you don't mind me asking, how did she die?" Spark choked back his tears and prepared to answer, "I did something stupid, and she died helping me." "I'm so sorry, Spark." she said. "It's alright, I'll be okay. I think we should get some fresh air." Spark almost jumped when he first felt Sweetie Belle's hug, but it comforted him none the less. "There's a place in the orchard not very far from where you can see the moon and stars really well. It's a good place to think." She said as she let go. How do you do it, Sweetie Belle? You're so young and yet you understand that sometimes all ponies need is some quiet thought. he thought as they walked out the door. In about five minutes the pair had arrived, and Sweetie was right, the place was beautiful. She showed Spark to her favorite spot, just under one of the bigest apple trees still alive. After a moment of silence, there was a rustling near them. Spark bolted to his feet ready to protect the filly. The pony that emerged was one of the most flamboyant looking ponies he'd ever seen. He knew the spell that would break her neck, but before he could cast it Sweetie Belle happily called out to the mare "Pinkie Pie!"
What I've doneChaper 8 What I've done --Galvanic Spark-- "Wh-wha-?" Spark managed to sputter out as he was tackle hugged by the poofy pink mare. The unicorn winced, his head was throbbing. "Oh buck, that hurt." Pinkie jumped off of him with a quick "Sorry, I just haven't seen anypony for a long time." She looked over to Sweetie Belle "How are things here in Ponyville?" "Wait, you live here and you don't know?" Spark asked, confused. "Nope," she said with a huge smile, "I only come out of Sugarcube corner at night." "Um-" Spark started but was interupted by a gasp from Pinkie Pie "I haven't sang you a welcome song!" she got up and danced around like... like... there was nothing he could think of to compare her to. She was just that hyper. Her song was interuppted by Sweetie Belle "Why?" The earth pony stopped midair "Why what Sweetie-Beetie-Zeetie Belle?" "Why did you disapear? Everypony's been worried about you!" This was the first time Spark had seen the normally optomistic filly actually angry. "Rarity was so worried about you, she stopped eating for a few days!" her rant continued, although Spark wondered whether it was the worry that prevented Rarity from eating or simply lack of enough food at all. You may be smart, and you may be wiser than most fillies your age, but you still have a lot to learn. he thought to himself. Looking over at the pony that had just been smiling ear to ear and tackling him in a hug, the pain was clear. There were no tears, but the agony of Sweetie's ongoing rant was clear from all the changes in Pinkie's demenor. The mare whispered a barely audible "I'm sorry." but the young one persisted. She's just letting out her anger at the world. Spark silently explained, as if he thougt Pinkie could hear, So much loss, and she shows none of her pain and rage to anypony else. It needs to come out. After about three minutes she was done, exhausted from her emotional release. Sweetie Belle sat down next to Spark, quietly dozing. He would've taken her home, but there was no telling if Rarity was finished yet. With that in mind, he sat and looked at the bubblegum pink mare beside him. Pinkies flamboyant puffy mane had deflated during the course of Sweetie's rant. She was siliently starring up at the night sky, perhaps thinking back to before the destroyers and all the death that they had brought. They just sat like that... for a few moments of comlete silence and contemplation... then she turned to him. The moon's shining silver light reflected off of her bright blue eyes. "I just wasn't ready." she said after a few more moments. "Ready for what?" he asked. "I wasn't ready to face what I'd done." Spark was still confused, "What do you mean?" "When the destroyers were here, I did some bad things to survive." She said, Spark could almost see the memories in her eyes. "I just couldn't face the memories, and every time I saw one of my friends the memories became all I could think about." There were still no tears, just a somber tone. Spark felt sorry for her having to carry that burden alone. Sure, Spark had been alone, himself, for almost all of his travels; but he didn't want anyone else with him. Pinkie wanted a friend... wanted help... but couldn't find somepony to provide those things. Spark, you have a desicion to make. If you talk to her... share in this burden... you will have made the kind of attachment that got you hurt last time. Once you make your choice, you can't go back. he told himself. "Come back to Ponyville." Spark said, "We've all done things we aren't proud of, don't let yourself rot alone for the rest of your life because of them." Pinkie looked up at the stars in the night sky for a long time before answering, "I'm sorry... but...I can't... not... not yet." Spark sighed and started to say something, but was immidiately cut off by Pinkie "Please, just promise me that we're friends." "I promise." he replied. Pinkie hugged him then stood up"Will you meet me here next week? I need somepony to talk to, other than Madame le Flour" "I'll see you then." Spark said, ignoring the last part. Pinkie smiled, then bounced off into the fields, humming another song. Spark just sat, thinking about the past couple days: His two new friens, his new home, and the note from Shine in his dream. How can she ask me to love this Twilight mare anyway? I haven't been with her for more than five minutes and she already hates me. He knew, though, that he had tried to get her to hate him. I'm just like Pinkie Pie, Shine. I just can't face what I've done.
Second impressionsChapter 9 Second impressions --Twilight-- As the first rays of dawn broke through the window over her bed, Twilight Sparkle scowled. I'm to bucking tired for this. she thought to herself, The others can wait, I'm sleeping in... PERIOD. The universe, it seemed, had other ideas. Not ten minutes after the town's mayor had made her decision, there was a loud banging on her door accompanied by a countrified shout that could come from only one pony she knew. What did Rarity do this time, Applejack? Twilight bitterly wondered to herself. The conflict between her two friends had always been visibly present, they were just too different for it not to be, but the ruin that had come with the destroyers intensified it from mere disagreement to outright loathing. It didn't help that Applejack had buried herself in her work after Big Mac and Applebloom died. At this point, Twilight wasn't sure she'd seen her cowpony friend away from the farm for anything but business for months. It was like the bitterness she felt from the loss was shaping her into a new pony and that worried Twilight. The unicorn missed her friend dearly, but when they were around Applejack was quiet and irritable. Whenever she did talk, it was almost always to argue with Rarity. How ironic, the pony you talk to the most is your sworn enemy. Twilight's train of thought was interrupted by another loud knock on the door. "I'm comming, just hold on." She called as she forced herself out of the warm comfort of her bed. Twilight heard Sweetie Belles's voice coming from behind the front door as she walked down stairs. She couldn't make out what was said, but Applejack immidiately snapped back, "Then why were y'all there in ta first place?!" At this point, Twilight became conserned. Sweetie Belle hasn't been anything but a model citizen. What happened? she asked herself as she opened the door. What stood before her was the "new Applejack." The most noticeable change was the jagged scar that clawed from the left side of her snout all the way across her face, covering her eyelid, to the point just below her ear. Twilight, however, noticede the more subtle changes. Her once smiling face was almost constantly replaced with a scowl, the tangled mess of mane that hid beneath her old hat replaced the once beautiful flowing mane, and on and on the list of changes went; each item making Twilight's heart retreat deeper and deeper. "Ah found these two asleep in mah orchard this mornin'." She said, gesturing to the two ponies standing next to her. Sweetie tried to protest but was cut off but a nod from that grey unicorn. "How many apples are missing?" Twilight asked "Well... uh... none." Applejack conseaded "But ah still think it's a mite suspiscuous ta find em asleep there." The unicorn looked over at Twilight, thought for a moment, then spoke in an educated tone, "Sweetie Belle and I have commited no crime. All we did was fall asleep. I apologise for the fact that I was on your property, however your actions are a bit extreme for this situation." Twilight looked and saw that Applejack had them both tied together, she sighed "Applejack there was no harm done, just calm down and let's work this out." she said in her nicest and most calm tone. Applejack grunted, clearly displeased, "Ya mind tellin me what y'all were doin in mah fields then?" "Sweetie and I were taking a walk." the unicorn said. What was his name? He did introduce himself right? Twilight racked her mind for the answer. "Spark!" She shouted in triumph. Spark just looked at her, causing her cheeks to become more of a rosey pink than lavender. "That's your name, right?" she asked He chuckled, "Yeah, that's me." then he made a face of regret and his eyes went to the ground, "I'm sorry I was a prick the other day." Twilight had completely forgotten about that, there had been so much happening that day. She looked up to respond and saw that he was blushing slightly, Is he really that embarrased about the other day? Or mabye he... no... not possible. she thought to herself. "That's alright." Twilight said. Applejack rolled her eyes and sighed, "Y'all can go flirtin' with eachother after we find out what they were up to last night!" Spark's eyes shot open in a classic "deer in the headlights" look. Twilight was just as surprised, "Applejack, we were just talking. Calm down." "Ah just wanna know what they were up to!" "Rarity was with a colt and I couldn't be there!" Sweetie Belle suddenly shouted, "I'm afraid to be alone at night, so I went to see Scootaloo and she was still sick, so I went to see if Spark would walk with me! We went to the fields because that's where I always go when Rarity's doing her 'favors' I just don't like it!" She went on. There was a stunned silence. After a few seconds Applejack untied the rope that was restricting the two and walked away without saying another word. Sweetie Belle's eyes were tearing up as she turned and ran home, leaving the two unicorns alone. I wasn't really flirting with him... was I? she silently wondered. He is pretty smart, but I just met the guy... no... I was just makeing conversation, we were jsut talking. The distant ruble of thunder shook some sense into them. The rain quickly followed, "Would you like to come in? I'd hate to leave you out in the rain alone." Twilight said. Spark nodded in ascent, "Thank you," he said, "That is very kind of you." "You're very welcome." She said, ushering him in, "It's only supposed to storm for about an hour or so." "Are you sure your small group of pegasai can handle it?" Spark asked. Twilight looked up at the brewing storm, and said "Not in the slightest." That got a laugh out of both of them. They waited for a moment, then walked in... still laughing together.
Not anymoreChapter 10 Not anymore --Spark-- Spark had planned on only staying for five to ten minutes, then be on his way home. That plan fell apart when he saw the books that were stacked all around Twilight's home. The small grey unicorn had always loved to read, and he couldn't remember the last time he had just sat down to read. Maybe Shine was right about pairing Twilight and I. He shook the thought from his head, You can't start thinking things like that! Pushing the inner debate to the back of his mind, he turned to his hostess, "Quite a collection you have here... I'll have to check out a book sometime." he said in an awkward attempt to make conversation. Twilight sighed, "There used to be so many m-" BANG! A huge thunderclap made her jump in a way not very dissimilar to a cat. Spark just chuckled, earning him quite a glare from the unicorn. "I'm sorry, but I just never understood the common fear of thunder. After all, it's just sound." he said. Twilight's glare lightened as she chuckled to herself, "I guess it is a little unfounded." Spark looked around the room and one particular book caught his eye. The book was organized under the "E" section of the shelves, bearing an aged leather binding, the title was that of a book he had planned on reading someday but had never gottend the chance. "The Elements of Harmony, A Reference Guide," he said, "I noticed that book in the library at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, but it was checked out once I had turned in my earlier book. I never did find it." "Oh my gosh!" Twilight gasped, "That's where I got this copy from!" She levitated the book to the floor, "I didn't know you went to CSGU." Spark blushed a little, "Yeah, that place was my life; I even got my cutie mark there." He leaned over to show her the electrical arc proudly displayed on his flank. "I got it by fixing the old tesla coil in the Canterlot Museum." "That thing had been broken for centuries, nopony even knew how it worked. How long did you spend working on it?" Twilight asked in an impressed tone. "Two years of research, four months of experimentation on replica's I'd made, and two months on the actual device." "Wait, how old are you?" she asked, before blushing, "I-I mean-well-" "You mean I look 14?" he finished "Yeah, sorry." "It's alright, I've always been small for my age. As a matter of fact, I'm 19 years old." There was a long awkward silence. Relaxed by the constant rythmic taping of the raindrops against the tree's outer bark, Spark thought about reading the book he'd never gotten the chance to read but desided to, instead, read one of the library's very limited selection of Electrical Physics books. The Secrets of Lightning he read the title silently as, almost on cue, thunder sounded in the distance. Before he could begin to read, he was interrupted by the voice of his hostess "How did you survive out there?" she asked. Spark was slightly taken back at the question. Nopony had ever asked, Shine was the only one who would've cared enough to ask before she died. "I did what I always do: avoid other ponies as much as possible." "Why? They could've helped you they-" "They could just as easily have killed me and taken my supplies." he said "Why would they do that?" "Why wouldn't they? I'd be nothing but a drain on already scarce resources." "Because they just met you!" Twilight was beginning to shout. "So?" Spark calmy responded, masking his shock at how familiar this conversation was becoming. He had argued the same things with shine the day before Shine's death. "Killing another pony for no reason... that's-that's just evil!" "Welcome to the real world!" he shouted back, "I hate to burst your bubble, but not everypony is warm and nice! There are EVIL PONIES out there that will NOT hesitate to kill you for whatever supplies you have! You can't afford to just trust every stranger you meet, Shine!" Another thunder clap seemed to punctuate his statement. Twilight just looked at him questioningly "Shine?" Spark's expression changed from one of rage to one of pain. He remembered yelling that at Golden Shine the first time. It was his greatest regret, he had apologised the next morning. While she accepted his apology, she was still visibly hurt by what he had said. What could you have possibly seen in me, Shine? he wondered to himself as he collapsed on the floor in silence. Spark sat for a while, numb to the world. There were no tears, just silence. Appearently, the mare before him had understood... perhaps not all of it... no, there was no way she knew all of it... but she had put enough together. Slowly, Twilight walked over and embraced Spark. It was a warm, comforting embrace. After a few seconds the embrace was broken. Twilight turned to a small basket that was displayed on a shelf and sighed. "I'm so sorry, I know what it's like to lose a loved one." Judging from the size of the basket, Spark decided that it was probably for her dragon. Every student at CGSU had one, but most of them had died when Canterlot was destroyed and the rest had left shortly after. He remembered his dragon, Ember. He was the only being that Spark knew to be less social than himself, therefore, there wasn't as much attachment in their relationship than the others. When he thought about it, Spark realized there handn't been any attachment at all. Regardless of that fact, Spark knew how close many students became with their dragons over the years. "What was your dragon's name?" he asked. Twilight looked surprised for a moment, but then answered, "Spike... his name was Spike." The mere act of talking about him brought tears to her eyes. She tried to fight them back, but a huge clap of thunder made her jump towards Spark. She had clearly held this back for a while. Well of course she had, she's the Mayor! How can you expect the general public to be calm if their leader isn't? he scolded himself. He embraced her with the same comfirting jesture thet she had a few minutes ago. Twilight apologized as she wept into his shoulder, "Sorry, I've just been so alone... Spike's dead, my friends can't stand to be together, everypony else see's me as the mayor rather than a friend. I'm... I'm just so alone." Despite all of his prior misgivings, Spark found that he truly cared about this mare. "Not anymore." he whispered in her ear, knowing that he would probably regret it later.
Taking sidesChapter 11 Taking sides --Rainbow Dash-- The captain of Ponyville's police/security force, Rainbow Dash, shook her head in adamant disapproval of her friend's request. She knew it was a necessary risk, without her medicine Fluttershy wouldn't be able to do her job. Still, Flutterhshy was one of Rainbow's best friends and if she got hurt it would be her fault. "It's too dangerous and you're just too important to go and risk getting hurt." She decided. "I have to," Fluttershy pleaded, "I need to make more medicine, and I can't do that without these plants. Besides, there's not much you can do to stop me." Rainbow sighed, her friend was right and she knew it. The thought of Fluttershy getting lost or hurt out there was just unbearable. "Alright," Rainbow said, "but I'm coming with you." The mare's green eyes lit up with gratitude, "Oh, thank you Rainbow! Hang on, I just have a couple things I need to do before we can leave." Her friend ran off to gather Celestia knows what supplies, leaving Rainbow Dash alone in the makeshift police station. Before becoming the source of order in this chaotic wasteland, it had been a small general store sitting just across the street from Sugar Cube corner. In the initial chaos after the destroyers, most of the buildings in the city that hadn't yet been damaged or destroyed were taken up in important government uses. This building had been one of them. It had everything a police station should: it was central, had a store room that served as a jail cell from time to time, and was reasonably close to the new town hall (the library). All this, and yet, the cyan pegasus that spent most of her time there hated it. Not for the building itself, but for the building it stood across from. Almost everypony thought that Pinkie was dead, but the cyan pegasus that looked out at the old bakery knew better. If the party pony had died, the place would have collapsed long ago without the subtle repairs that had been made. Nopony else would waste their time on it, the Cakes had moved to canterlot just after the destroyers arrived. The dark irony of the situation still stung, they moved to keep the twins safe, but Canterlot turned out to be one of the worst places to be. Somepony had to live there. Otherwise, the storm earlier today would have reduced it to rubble with the wind. Weather, she scornfully thought to herself yet another thing you can't seem to keep safe enough for your friends. Rainbow's brooding was interrupted by a sweet yet timid voice, "Umm, Rainbow Dash, are you ready to go?" When did she come back in? I guess I just wasn't paying attention. Rainbow thought to herself as she shook her head. Fluttershy looked concerned "Are you okay Rainbow?" "What? Oh, yeah...I was...I was just thinkin'." Rainbow answered with her voice trailing off into barely more than a mumble. "Great, I know exactly where we need to go. We'll be back in no time at all." Fluttershy promised as she turned to lead the way. It was about a thirty minute walk to the field where the specific plants Fluttershy needed grew. whole way there, Rainbow Dash couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong. You're just being paranoid, it will be just- her inner monologue was suddenly interrupted by a terrified scream. "R-R-R-RAINBOW!!" Fluttershy called from a couple of meters ahead. She was surrounded by a group of ponies, each wielding various weapons. Panic began to fill the prismatic maned mare as she watched the group edge closer to her. Dash felt for the hilt of the dagger she kept with her at all times,getting ready for a fight. As she pulled the blade from its scheath, a familiarly irrtating mare's voice echoed through the field. "Stand down gentlecolts, your Commisar, Trixie, wishes to speak with these two!" The group of stallions parted revealing the same show pony whose over inflated ego had been deflated by Twilight a few years ago. She hadn't changed very much, in fact she seemed to be in a better position than before. "So, Ponyville is still surviving?" She asked. Fluttershy was paralized with fear of the brutes that were still closer to her than Dash would've liked, so the cyan pegasus called out, "Why do you want to know?" "Because we, the Equestrian Sepratists, wish to speak with the pony who leads you." She said in a dramatic tone that was already grating on Rainbow Dash's nerves. The captain of Ponyville's police force sighed, There's no point in arguing, they've got me "out gunned" so to speak. She told herself. With that in mind she, looked up at the smirking unicorn, who clearly knew she'd won and was loving it, Rainbow Dash bit back her seething rage as she jestured for them to follow her. "This way Commisar." She said, the venom in that last word was clear. "Thank you, commrade." Trixie said. Rainbow Dash would have rushed them for that comment, right then and there. I'm not you commrade! You're just an annoying arrogant loser. The same one Twilight ran out of town, I'd never sink so low as to be your "commrade." She silently screamed at Trixie. But if she rushed them, there was no way to ensure that they wouldn't be able to hurt or kill Fluttershy before Dash could fend them off. So, she just turned and began walking toward the town; Trixie and her brutes in tow. Dash noticed that her friend had caught up and was looking depressed. She sighed again, "I told you so." --Galvanic Spark-- That was quite a storm last night, so relaxing. I can't remember the last time I've slept that well. Spark thought to himself as he slowly awoke, I should probably get up, but this bed is just so warm. Mabye I can wait a little longer... The warmth was comforting and secure. He felt at home in its kind embrace. This is the best blanket I've ever used, I'll have to thank Twilight for letting me borrow it when she wakes up. While he rested, the grey unicorn allowed his mind to wander. His thoughts quickly drifted Twilight and the night before, 'I'm just so alone.' she'd said. That singular statement brought him to realize that, for the first time since his beloved Golden Shine had died, he actually cared about somepony. Simply thinking of the mare brouht a smile to Spark's face; after the emotional moment from the night before had passed, the pair got to talking and she was simply brilliant. Finally, he had thought to himself as they had conversed, somepony who I can actually have intelectual discussions with! Maybe he could have somepony like Shine again. As he thought, a lump began to form in his throat You've only really known her for about a day. One day! You can't start thinking about her like that already! He shouted at himself. This inner monolouge was cut short by the sudden ambush upon his comfort launched by the cold morning air inside the library. Confused, Spark looked over the room to investigate. When he saw why, the conflicted unicorn came freightenlingly close to a heart attack. His hostess, the lavender mare that he had just been chastizing himself over, simly layed there, wrapped in the blanket's warm embrace that she had deprived her guest of. She was still asleep from the late night of intellectual discussion and emotional release the night before had brought. Did we?! No, wait, we were reading that book about the elements of harmony. Twilight was explainging how she and her friends had been bound to the elements and passed out from exhaustion. She must not have taken to long to follow suit. Get your mind out of the gutter! With a relieved sigh, he stood up and streched his legs. He walked over to the book shelves and found an interesting title: The Doctor of the Blue Box, Fact or Fiction?. Using his magic, Spark levitated the book over to him and began to read. Through out Equsetrian history, there are accounts of a strange colt with a blue box and near infinite power. This brown earth pony has been sighted in the Stalliongrad Revolution, the fall of Prance, the signing of the Griffon-Pony peace accord and even the final battle between Discord and the princesses. Is it possible that each of these accounts is not of multiple ponies, but of the same pony? The answer may be surprising. With a chuckle, Spark read on about the ludicrous theories of time travel and a "Time Lord" who calls himself "The Doctor." Where do ponies get these ideas? he thought to himself. His stomach rumbled in responce. "Time for breakfast, huh?" Twilight's voice made him jump, which, in turn, made her giggle. "Um... yeah I guess." He said, trying to force back a blush. "Alright, would you mind helping me make it?" "Not at all, in fact I-" KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! "Who could that be?" She asked nopony in particular. Using her magic, she opened the door to see a pair of nervous looking pegasai being followed by several colts and one blue unicorn. "What is this?" She asked in a startled tone. "This," The blue unicorn pontificated, "is your chance to share in commisar Trixie's glorious victory over the tyrannical princesses!"
Author's noteTo my few readers, I thank you for your continued support. I'm writing this to apologise for how late my new chapter has been. School has to come first, no matter how badly I just want to say "Disregard school! Aquire ponies!" I'll have the new chapter out by next weekend at the latest. Also, check out "Pinkie and the Brain" by a personal friend of mine, Mad Derper. Blargy blarg derp, Doctor Derpin
*Notice of Hiatus**Notice of Hiatus* Dear Readers, While I do enjoy this story and have learned a lot from writting it, From the Ruins is going to be put on hiatus for a while. The reason for this is simple: The Mad Derper and I are collaberating on a story that we've been wanting to write for a while now. Our shared account that the story (and hopefully sequels) will be posted to is called "Figment and Spazz" for those who wish to see just what it is we're working on. For those of you who want to see the end of Galvanic Spark's love story, I have good news, there is a reason I'm not marking the story as "cancelled." I will finish it, and it will probably be better because of the practice gained from working with good ol' Derper. Because I'm feeling generous, I'll give you a hint as to the premise of the new story on which we work: "Without the context my chaos provides; your precious harmony grows out of control and becomes a dreadful conformity."- Discord Interesting prospect, no? Forever grateful for your support, Doctor Derpin
Question to the readersDear Readers, Again, I would like to thank you for the support of this story. However, I was wondering if anypony wanted to help me out by collaberating with me on the rest of this. Due to finals comming up in about a week, I won't be able to be on as much as I'd like until summer, but once that starts I feel that I would be able to write a much better story with a little collaberation. The chapters would be longer and probably make mores sence... so anypony interested on helping out with the rest, just PM me. Btw, Chapter 1 of my collaberation with mad derper is out. The story is called The Mildly Cliched Quest and I think it came out pretty well. Love, Tolerance, and Mongeese, Doctor Derpin
Intense negotiationsAuthor's note: We're back everypony and I must say that I hope that I can make this story better than it was before. Again, if anypony wants to help me out with this (Grammar, collaborative advice, etc) just PM me. While I have your attention, check out The Mildly Cliched Quest by Figment (aka the mad derper) and Spazz (aka me). Thank you all for your continued support of Spark's love story. Now... without further adieu: Chapter 12: Intense negotiations Twilight Sparkle The mayor of Ponyville would have rolled her eyes at the smirking blue unicorn before her if it weren't for the handful of huge, not to mention armed, stallions that were escorting her. Before the catastrophe, "The Great and Powerful Trixie" had been nothing but a showpony with an over inflated ego. Now, "Commissar Trixie" had somehow placed herself at the head of some sort of rebellion against Luna. All of this should have surprised her, but for some unknown reason, it didn't. Okay, I have to handle this carefully. She's only got a few guards with her, but she undoubtedly has more outside of the city. Twilight thought to herself. She looked over to Spark. He was standing there, silently looking over Trixie. Twilight felt a sudden burst of anger, Is he checking her out?! she thought angrily, then she stopped herself, No, probably not. Odds are, he's just looking her over to try to get a feel for her. You can tell a lot about a pony from how they stand, after all. Then, she started trying to formulate a response to the other mare's words when the lavender mare was struck with a question. Wait, why do I care if he's checking her out? Yes, we did have a bit of a moment last night, but nothing happened. It was nothing more than me being hospitable. I mean, it's not like I have feelings for him... right? This isn't the time for that! Twilight thought to herself as she pushed the questions to the back of her mind and addressed the situation at hoof. "What are you talking about, Trixie?" She asked. The blue unicorn chuckled, "Oh, it's nothing, really. My comrades and I were in the area, fighting our glorious crusade against the tyrannous bourgeois, when we remembered that Ponyville had yet to join our righteous cause. So, naturally, I came with a detachment of my guard to offer our aid, in exchange for yours." "What kind of aid would you want from us?" "Well, seeing as you were the deceased princess' dearest and most faithful student, you of all ponies would know how to overcome her sister." "That's crazy! Why would we fight Princess Luna?" Trixie began to pontificate, "Because they KNEW about the destroyers, yet they did NOTHING!" It was clear that she'd said that more for the guards than anypony else. Twilight was shocked by the accusation none the less, "That's a lie." "Face it! Celesta LIED to you... she lied to all of us!" "She wouldn't lie about this." "How would you know? Until three years ago, she lied to you about Nightmare Moon! Face it, Twilight Sparkle, she never cared about you! Why would she? Her age was measured in centuries, not years! Did you really think you were her only dearest and most faithful student? Your lifetime is a blink of an eye compared to hers!" All Twilight's bitterness and despair at the death of her beloved mentor suddenly burst forth. "No! It's not true!" Twilight screamed as she fired several bolts of mana at Trixie in rage. Trixies face contorted into a deranged grin as she deflected the hastily conjured salvo. "You know, Twilight Sparkle, that constitutes a direct act of aggression." She said, Twilight cringed as the mare continued, "Not that I'm disappointed, I've been looking forward to my revenge for quite some time now." Fear ran through every fiber of Twilght's being as the former show pony began laughing hysterically, "Oh, the poetic justice! You took everything from me, and now... I get to take everything from you! I'm going to capture every citizen of this decrepit town and make you watch as I kill each of them, one at a time. I'll make sure they know that you could have saved them. Then, I'll burn this rat hole to the ground. And then... Finally... I will end you... In the slowest, most agonizing way possible... and I will enjoy every.last.second of it!" The crazed mare cackled. After a moment of silence the blue mare gestured to three of her guards, "You three are to keep these two here until Trixie returns." Then she turned and walked out of the library, the door slamming shut behind her. There was no way out for them, Twilight only knew a couple spells that could be used for combat, and they wouldn't be able to overcome all three of the guards in time. Twilight looked over to Spark just in time to see a blinding flash coupled with a deafening bang. --Galvanic Spark-- Reaching up to his throbbing horn, which still had bits of electricity arcing across it here and there, Spark realized just how out of practice he was. Before, he'd been able to use that sort of charge on an almost daily basis. Now, he could barely manage it once. Well, at least there isn't any real damage. He thought as he felt for fractures, I probably should lay off the magic for a while, though. Taking a few moments to allow the pain to subside, Spark looked at the three stallions that now laid dead before him. Hearing Twilight groan, the colt uneasily stood up. "Are you okay?" He asked. "I think so." She said as she rubbed her eyes to readjust from the flash, "What was that?" "Electrical arc." Twilight froze in place once she noticed the bodies, "You killed them." she said quietly "Yes, I did. Now, if we hurry we can still stop that lunatic." Spark said as he trotted towards the door. When he noticed that Twilight's hoof steps weren't behind him, he stopped and turned around. She was still staring at the deceased stallions, guilt plastered on her face. "Why did you have to kill them? Couldn't you have just stunned them or something?" She asked with tears forming in her eyes. "Yes, I could have. But then we have three more guys here that are out for our blood and the blood of everypony else that lives here." He answered as he opened the door and looked outside "Don't you care that you just took the lives of three strangers?!" The question stopped the colt mid-trot. In that instant, dozens of images passed through Spark's mind: An orange pegasus mare with wiry red hair and a knife in her side; a dirty green earth pony whose head was turned to an unnatural angle; a young white unicorn floating face down in a river, his spear still gripped for battle. Every image was of a pony whose life he ended in an attempts to preserve his own. With the memories came a realization: No, he didn't care. Spark felt nothing for those ponies. He couldn't care less about the lives they led. Why SHOULD I care?! I'm going to do what it takes to survive, and that means ending those whose plans conflict with that. "You know what," He said bitterly, "I can't say I do."
