Death & Rebirth

[Ponyville, Midnight]

Snuggled in her bed was Twilight Sparkle, a lavender alicorn with a talent for magic and knowledge. Though her eyes were closed, the used-to-be unicorn wasn't asleep, no matter how hard she tried, she just could fall into a blissful slumber. How could she relax? Not when she was pregnant with her first child, and, the father, whom she loved with all her heart, was dying day-by-day. At last, the alicorn opened her violet eyes, she exhaled sharply, then rose up from her bed.

Twilight looked out of her open window, gazing at the night sky outside. The stars twinkled like gemstones, and the moon shined it's light into the darkened room. She at last got out of bed, and softly trotted across her room.

Stopped at a nearby mirror, Twilight inspected her reflection. Her dark blue mane was frizzy, with some hairs sticking out. Her distinctive pink and purple highlights were in a zig-zag formation and her eyes were dark, bloodshot. But, most of all, Twilight examined her waist, which had a noticeable bulge in her belly.

By now, Twilight was used to this sight, but it seemed as though her belly was getting bigger each day. She exhaled, closing her eyes softly. Never had she imagined she would be here: an unwed, mother-to-be. The mare had anticipated so much more than this.

Then again, she had no idea the stallion that she loved so much would have his life cut short by disease that not even MAGIC could cure. Tears began to form in Twilight's eyes, which flowed down her cheeks, darkening her fur.

She then opened her eyes, looking at her reflection again.

"I'm sorry," said Twilight, her voice weak, "I'm sorry I couldn't save you."

Twilight closed her eyes again..and, immediately her mind brought her back to him. She saw every detail of her "very special somepony." His lime green fur, his curly ginger red mane, his sky blue eyes. To her, he was perfect. Not even the most regal prince could compare to him. Not to Twilight.

Just then, the lights turned on, Twilight quickly looked up, gasping.

"Twilight?"

"S-Spike!"

Twilight looked at her young dragon friend as he walked into her room.

"What are you doing awake? An in the dark?!"

The alicorn looked back at her reflection, which looked even worse in the light.

"Sleep has been hard for me lately, " said Twilight "Not when I know that any night could be…” she paused for a moment, to try to stifle her tears, “THE night."

Spike frowned, looking down at the floor, "That's..that's why I came."

Twilight looked at Spike.

"It's about Alex."

Twilight's eyes widened.

"It's…” Spike sighed, “It's TIME, twilight."

"TIME!?" said Twilight, feeling rattled.

"Yeah, I-I just got a call from the Canterlot Doctors. Th-they say he doesn't have very long, so your presence is-"

Twilight wasted no time galloping past Spike. He spun around, falling to the floor in a daze. In no time at all, she was out the door, where she was met with a stage coach, and her five friends all waiting.

Applejack waved, "Howdy, Twi."

"You’re looking..’well.’” said Rarity, her tone low.

Twilight stared at her friends, "Applejack? Rainbow? Rarity, Pinkie and, Fluttershy?! What’re you-?"

"We all g-got the news." said Rainbow Dash, doing her best to stay strong, and not cry.

"And, we ALL promised to be there for Alex for when..." Pinkie's bottom lip quivered, but she managed to calm herself.

"We promised to be there fer BOTH of you," said Applejack  "So, let's git goin’. We don't have alotta time left."

Twilight lower head, sadly nodding. She then got into the coach, which immediately pulled off.

For awhile..Twilight sat silently with her friends..then, Fluttershy spoke up.

"Are you, um, okay?""

Twilight wiped a tear from her eye, sniffing loudly, "N-no, I’m not. I didn't want this to happen."

Applejack exhaled, "None of us did, darlin’. Alex is one of the best ponies Ah’ve ever met." The farm mare smiled to herself, reliving all the sweet memories, "Ah still remember that one harvest time, he offered to help mah brother with apple buckin. Now, Ah know Big Mac loves me, and Applebloom, but sometimes Ah think he'd like to have more MALE friends." Her face betrayed her feelings. "Ah ain't ever seen Big Mac as happy as he was that day. He an’ Alex were like brothers. Ah even caught him laughing once."

Twilight smiled weakly.

"Applebloom thinks the world of him, too." Applejack added.

"True," said Rarity "Sweetie Belle has said the same thing. How dear Alex would spend time with her and her friends at their little treehouse. He may be twice their age, but those fillies considered Alex ‘one of them.’"

Rainbow Dash grinned, "No doubt because, like them, he doesn't have a cutie mark."

"Perhaps,” Rarity chided, “But, in a way that's a good thing, while having a cutie mark is a wonderful thing, NOT having one doesn't make you worthless. I remember days when my dear sister would cry for hours over never having one. After spending time with Alex, however, she's taken being a ‘blank flank’ better than she used to. Some days, I think she doesn't care, anymore."

"Yeah..he gave those kids the confidence to soar," Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. The rainbow haired pegasus then swallowed hard, still trying to hide her emotions from her friends.

The coach went silent.

"Just like he did for ME." said Rainbow Dash, finally, "I know I talk a big game, like I'm some ‘Goddess of Awesome,’ but when I’m around my heroes ‘The Wonderbolts.’ I feel so small. Alex, he…he reminded me that even greats like Spitfire and Soarin weren't always ‘great,’ that there was a time when they were dreamers like me, and, nobody believed in them, either.”

The cyan mare, her hooves now shaky, gulped before continuing, “He made me feel like I was their equal, not their lesser. And I gained the confidence to show them what I could do, that I truly was 'one of them.’ I felt like I could take on the world."

Everyone looked at Rainbow Dash and smiled.

"Yeah, that sounds a mighty like Alex." Applejack remarked.

"He is also VERY kind," began Fluttershy, "I once asked him to come over to my house, as he looked real sad and I wanted to cheer him up. He got along SO WELL with my animal friends, even my little Angel Bunny acted really nice around him."

Twilight nodded. "Alex always had a kind heart, " she said, "He kind of reminded me of YOU, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy beamed at this.

"He IS kind.." began Pinkie, her tone oddly serious, "I remember when I was foalsitting for Mr. and Mrs. Cake one time, and Alex offered to help me. I was hesitant at first, but I finally did let him help.” she sighed, “He… he was so good with them, Pumpkin and Pound. He played with them, fed them, even helped with changing their diapers. When they were acting up, Alex never once lost his temper, and was VERY patient with them."

Pinkie looked at Twilight. She glanced as her bulging belly, then looked her in the eyes, "He would've been a great daddy, Twilight."

Twilight lowered her head, her purple orbs closed. "I know he would have," she began softly, "Being parents was one of our many hopes, but NOW i-it's a something I'll have to do ALONE." As she went on, her voice started cracking, as she held back the tears.

Rainbow Dash looked at her friend, "Remind me again, Twi,  just whose idea was it to...’get busy?’"

Twilight made no eye contact with anypony, "Mine. It was all mine. Alex is too much of a gentlepony to ever ask me first."

"But, WHY?!" Applejack asked, "Yer like, EIGHTEEN!! you HAD to know that gettin' yerself pregnant would have consequences."

"I DID know of the repercussions,” she sniffed, “But the love of my life was DYING. I felt that if I didn't do something NOW, then I'd never have another chance."

Tears formed in Twilight's eyes, which flowed down the tear stain trail, still on her cheeks.

"If… if things had been different,” she sobbed, “If we had MORE time, then I would've waited for our wedding. Maybe even had more children." Twilight then sat back, and rubbed her tight, round belly with her hoof. "But, fate decided to be cruel to us. I nearly killed myself trying to save Alex from his B*%@#$* father, only for me to lose him, and be absolutely powerless to save him this time. So, now, all I'll have left of him after he's gone from this world…" tears welled up in Twilight's eyes, and her voice broke, " Is this little miracle growing within me."

As Twilight cried, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy moved closer, both mares doing their best to comfort their dear friend.

"Don't cry, Twilight." began Fluttershy, kind as ever, "Tonight may be a tragedy, one we may never fully heal from,  but in time your foal will be born, and we'll be so happy!"

"Yes, HAPPY!!" exclaimed Pinkie, desperately trying to keep Twilight's spirits up, "I bet your foal will be CUUUUUTE!!! And I'll throw the bestest birthday party EVER for him!!!"

Twilight looked at her friends with teary eyes, then smiled weakly, "Yeah, you’re right, and, since it's HIS baby, I already know he'll be perfect."

Applejack then moved closer, "And we'll help you raise him, Twi. We'll all be one big happy family. That's a promise."

"PINKIE PROMISE!!" chirped Pinkie Pie

Twilight smiled again, feeling glad that she had such good friends.

[Later, at Canterlot]

The coach pulled up, and the six ponies exited. They all stared at the massive castle before them. No matter how many times they saw it, the palace NEVER ceased to wonder them.

"Wow, Canterlot." said Applejack, at last, "Ah still can't believe you passed up the chance to live here as a Princess, Twi."

Twilight smiled weakly, "Girls, I wouldn't even BE an Alicorn if it wasn't for all of you. So, my place is with all of you, not in some castle where I am cut off from all that I love."

"Yeah, we aren't complaining, but STILL-" Applejack persisted.

Twilight looked at Applejack. "I know where I belong, A.J. A magical transformation and royal status won't change who I am."

The girls all smiled.

"Thanks, Twi,” the farm mare said, “We appreciate that."

The stagecoach soon pulled away, the mares looked towards the far off castle gates, and sighed.

“Well, I guess we better get moving, huh?" asked Rainbow Dash, solemnly.

"Yeah," replied Twilight, her tone also sad, "I guess we better."

With that, the six all made their way to the castle.

They soon reached the gates where they were met with guards in dark, gothic armor. They knew them to be Princess Luna's personal guard, or, the "Night Guard," as most ponies referred to them as.

"Um, Excuse me." began Twilight "I am Twilight Sparkle, and-"

"Of course," stated one guard.

"Princess Luna has been expecting your arrival." said another

With that, they opened the gates. The six looked at one another, then finally entered the castle grounds.

[Canterlot Castle, Main Hall]

The six ponies walked down the long hallway, the corridor lit by the the moon illuminating the many stained glass windows. They commemorated past battles. Most were of Celestia and Luna, though some detailed THEIR past battles. However, NONE of them felt too ‘victorious.’ Not when they had to face their greatest loss of all, tonight.

"PONIES."

The six stopped suddenly as a figured approached from the shadows. It was a tall, regal looking mare with dark blue fur, an ethereal mane that resembled a starry night sky, and wearing a black tiara, neckbrace and silver shoes.

"Princess Luna!!" exclaimed Twilight Sparkle.

The former nightmare avatar faced the six and smiled warmly.

"Thank you for coming,” Luna said, “I am deeply apologetic if my summons have disturbed your slumber."

Twilight sighed sharply, "Not really. None of us have slept well, lately."

Luna nodded. "Yes, I am aware of that," she began, "As Princess of the Moon and Night, I also have duties to dreams, and I have seen that not only have none of you ponies slept that often, but, whenever you DO sleep, you haven't had pleasant dreams. Only nightmares."

All six nodded sadly.

"Yeah, well, these nightmares are different." said Rainbow Dash

"For, we know it will come true." said Rarity

Twilight looked at Luna. "And… it's gonna happen NOW, right?"

Luna looked into Twilight moist, tear filled eyes. A tear also formed in her own eye, which she closed as she turned.

"Come with me,” said Luna, dramatically, “There is something I must show you before you meet with Alexander Cosmos."

As Luna walked, Twilight and her friends followed. The Moon Princess soon led them to a large chamber, filled with hourglasses. The six gazed in wonderment at all this.

"What…what is all this?!" Twilight said.

"This is how we keep track of all Ponies in our domain,” Princess Luna explained, “These hourglasses represent the lifeforce of all ponies, each grain of sand is a second in their lives," Luna looked at the six. "And, once the top half has been emptied, their lives END."

the six stared blankly at their Princess, Luna continued, "As you are the keepers of the Elements of Harmony, YOUR hourglasses are kept here where my sister and I can watch."

Luna brought the six to a table where SIX Hourglasses stood: each bore their names and cutie marks, and were evenly full.

"WOW," said Pinkie Pie.

"As you can see,” Luna gave a small grin, “You all have PLENTY of time left in this world."

"Well, THAT'S good to hear." Rarity said, looking relieved

Luna sighed, frowning sadly, "Yes, well, that brings us to ALEX."

Luna walked over to a lone hourglass. It bore Alex's name, but no ‘mark of destiny.’ Sadly, the top half was nearly empty, and was emptying much faster than the other hourglasses.

"Oh my…" gasped Twilight, tears in her eyes.

As the six stared, Luna spoke, "Ever since Alex became ill, his hourglass of life has emptied at a shockingly rapid speed. By the time it slowed, there was barely any sand left. As you can see, he hasn't very long. That is why I summoned you so late in the night: he won't live to see tomorrow's sun."

Twilight began cry, but, tried to restrain herself.

Applejack exhaled sharply. "I-I know this is pointless, but, isn't there ANYTHING we can do!?"

Luna closed her eyes, shaking her head, "The best I have done was place a life crystal beside his bed. It's kept him going, but it's charge is nearly depleted. Death IS coming for him, my young ponies, and we cannot stop it. The best thing each of you can do is honor your oaths, and be there for him in his final moments."

The ‘Mane Six’ bore saddened looks on their faces. Most found it difficult to hold back the tears that threatened to break.

Luna sighed, then turned once again, "Come, I will take you to him."

As the Princess walked off, the others followed sadly. Each was having a hard time accepting that this would be their friend's last night alive.

After some time walking down a long hall, Twilight began to notice familiar surroundings.

"P-Princess Luna,” Twilight looked up at the moon deity, “This is the way to your bedchambers."

"I know." said Luna, maintaining her rigid posture, "As you are aware, when Alex's illness worsened to the point that he could no longer stand on all four hooves, we royal sisters agreed to let him stay here in our castle, where he would be given the very BEST of care."

"Yes…"

"Well, we both agreed to let him use our beds, as they are the most comfortable in the kingdom. During the day, Alexander rests in my sister's bed chambers, but at night, our’s are his to slumber in."

The six ponies looked stunned.

"How very generous." said Rarity, shocked.

"He deserves only the best,” Luna said, “And he has been among us for so long, me and my sister feel like he is our own."

Luna and the six soon reached a door with a crecent moon symbol on it. There were two guards, there.

"Shade, Astron." began Luna

The night guards stood rigid before Luna. "Your Majesty!" one exclaimed.

"Your Highness!" the other said.

"Let Twilight Sparkle and her friends pass." commanded Luna.

The guards nodded, then stood aside. Luna then unlocked the door and opened it. As the group entered, they gazed in awe at Luna's room. It was a large chamber of many shades of blue. The walls and ceiling was adorned with gems that shined like stars in the dimmed light.

It was truely a bedroom fit for Royalty.

"Your room is soooooo pretty!" said Pinkie Pie

Twilight looked to the bed, and stared at it.

As expected, it was a LARGE bed with draped curtains that concealed whoever was sleeping in it.

Twilight was the first to approach, and froze at who she saw. Snuggled under the covers, his head resting on a soft pillow was a stallion with lime green fur and a ginger red mane with curly locks.

His eyes were closed, and he lay still. Had they not seen his rising and falling chest, the six would've assumed he had, tragically, already passed.

"Alex.." said Twilight, softly.

A the others gathered, Twilight reached out her hoof and gently stroked Alex's curly bangs.

Luna exhaled, then she walked over near Alex and gently nudged at him.

"Alex…" Luna said, in a surprisingly soft voice "Alex… awaken, please."

Alex moved about slightly. He slowly opened his light blue eyes and looked at Luna.

"P-Princess?" said Alex, his voice low and raspy.

Luna smiled. "Your friends are here."

Alex looked, and saw Twilight and the other five.

"Twilight?" he asked,

Twilight smiled, tears in her eyes. "Yes, Alex, we're here. I'M here."

Without hesitation, Twilight gave Alex a kiss on his lips. Luna smiled, but then frowned as she saw the life crystal on a nearvy table. The once brightly colored stone was now dim and flickering. It wouldn't be long until it was out completely, and nothing could stop Alex's imminent death.

"I'll give you all your privacy." With that, Luna turned and left her bed chambers, shutting the door behind her.

Alex moved up, allowing the others to see him better. They all gasped when they saw that some patches of fur and hair was missing from Alex's body. His illness had taken a higher toll on him than they thought.

"ALEX!! Your-"

"I know..." said Alex, cutting off Twilight, "I’m a mess."

"Well, I see you are doing well for yourself," Rarity tried to lighten the mood, "I mean, the Princess's Bed Chambers!! Now that is certainly what I call the ‘Royal Treatment!’”

Alex chuckled lightly, but began coughing a bit.

"Yeah,” he wheezed, “That was real nice of them. I-I started sleeping in the regular guest rooms, but recently they let me sleep in their beds when they aren't using them."

Twilight placed her hoof on Alex's, "How are you feeling??"

Alex coughed, then spoke. "Lousy…" he barely said, "Even with the finest comforts, I feel terrible. I hurt everywhere. It's agony to even breathe, sometimes." Alex looked at his six good friends. "This is it, isn't it? It's my time?"

The six girls all looked at one another, then lowered their heads. Alex exhaled sharply.

"Alex," began Twilight, looking at him with teary eyes, "I'm so sorry."

"Hey, we all knew this was coming," said Alex, sadly, "But, still, it is scary to know today is your last day."

Twilight immediately embraced Alex, wrapping her neck around his tightly.

"It's not fair, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DIE!! I… I don't WANT you to die, I want you to LIVE, with me." Twilight began to cry. Alex then stroked her mane gently with his hoof, consoling her.

"Shhhhh-Shh-shhhh...don't cry."

Twilight couldn't help herself. She tried to stop, but the tears kept flowing.

The other five found this a hard sight to watch. Tears were already streaming down Fluttershy's cheeks. Rainbow Dash looked away, feeling angry with herself over her own tears, and for one time in her life, Pinkie Pie had no idea how to make anyone happy.

"It'll be okay-"

"NO, IT WON'T!!" shouted Twilight, her tears streaming like a river, "I love you, Alex Cosmos. I love you with all my heart and soul!!"

Twilight finally parted from Alex and looked at him, "I'm the Element of Magic, but I couldn't save you. All of my so-called ‘vast knowledge’ of spells and magic, AND I COULDN'T SAVE YOU!!"

Twilight buried her face into Alex, crying harder. "I'm sorry…" said Twilight, her voice muffled, "Forgive me, my love, forgive me!"

"Twi…" said Applejack, finally

Twilight looked at her friend.

"It wasn't yer fault,” the farm mare sighed, “Y’all did EVERYTHING you could do, but it jus’… it jus’ wasn't enough."

Twilight breathed heavily, fresh tears forming.

"I should've done better."

"No, Twilight. Applejack is RIGHT," said Alex, making Twilight look at him, "Look, even Celestia and Luna couldn't cure me. NOPONY is perfect, and I don't want to leave this world knowing that you blame yourself for my death: You are NOT responsible."

Twilight looked down, "No, I'm not, but I… I just wish I could've saved you. We had so much plans, so many hopes. Now, they’re all gone… GONE."

"Qe have ONE left, Twily… ONE," Alex looked at Twilight's bulging belly, he then reached out and gently touched it with his hoof. "So… how long until he is born??"

Twilight looked at her belly. "They say our foal will be born by Hearth's Warming Eve."

Alex smiled warmly at this.

"That sounds perfect. He'll be quite a gift for you,” Alex sighed, “I'm just sorry I can't be there for you when he IS born. I would've loved to see our son's face, just ONCE."

This broke up Applejack, who turned away. The scene in frony of her was hitting VERY close to home for her.

Suddenly, the fading Life Crystal beside the bed went completely out. It grew cold, and crumbled into pieces that dissolved into dust. Almost immediately, Alex felt weaker. He groaned as he fell lower, Twilight and the others panicked.

"ALEX!!"

Alex groaned, gasping as if he were suffocating. "My time… is nearly over."

"No…" said Twilight, tearing up

"L-Listen..everypony,” the six gathered close, listening to Alex's every word, "I-I knew I wouldn't have a lot of time, s-so I had s-some letters written..for ALL of you. They are my final words to each of you, my friends. My FAMILY.  I wish I had time to tell you all how I feel, b-but, I haven't very long."

Tears filled the eyes of each of the six mares. It tore them up to see this, to see their friend struggling in vain to survive.

Finally, Applejack spoke, "I found a place to lay you to rest, It's a beautiful place near mah farm. A circle of apple blossom trees, Ah used to play there as a filly. W-we'll bury you in the center clearing,” the tears the Apple shed made her voice raspy, “You'll love it."

"I already do." said Alex, smiling weakly.

Alex then coughed loudly. Despite this, he tried to speak.

"Y-you all are the best things that have ever happened to me,” he said, “Sometimes… sometimes I DO wonder how thing could've been… if things had been different. If I had a father who loved me… instead of-” Alex was interrupted by a coughing fit.

Twilight held Alex close, stroking his head.

"Maybe…” he went on, “Maybe if I'd been born a Unicorn like him, or, a… a Pegasus like my mother, I … I might've had a chance-"

"NO, don't talk like that!" said Twilight, forcefully, "You are perfect in every way Alex, ‘HE’ was the one with the problem, NOT YOU!!"

Alex coughed loudly, blood was beginning to spurt from his mouth.

Twilight did her best to wipe him clean, Alex then looked up at her, staring into her eyes.

"Oh, Twilight, I love you so much."

Iears welled up in Twilight's eyes. "I love you too, Alex,” she sobbed, “I love you NOW and forever."

"P-promise me something… promise me-"

"NAME IT, I'll do it."

Alex struggled to speak, the pain he was feeling was intense.

"Take care… of our son, and tell him… tell him about me."

"I will, I SWEAR I will!!" exclaimed Twilight, tears streaming, "I'll raise our child, keep him safe. I'll teach him what's right and what's wrong. And, when he is old enough, I'll tell him who his father was. I'll tell him how brave and courageous you were."

"Don't… modify the truth," said Alex, "Tell my story… truthfully. My acts of cowardice… along with my courage."

Twilight exhaled, "Alright, I will. But you'll always be noble in my eyes."

Alex raised his hoof up, touching Twilight's cheek. She held his hoof in place, savoring the feel of his touch. He then kissed her deeply on her lips. Twilight closed her eyes, enjoying his kiss, and kissing him back.

Alex suddenly parted, breathing heavily. His chest felt like it was on fire, as his heart beat slower. He kept his eyes trained on Twilight's face. This was it. THIS was his final moment of life, and he wanted Twilight to be the last thing he would ever see.

"Remember me…" said Alex, his voice barely audible.

Twilight held Alex tightly, staring with wide eyes.

"I love you, Twilight Sparkle,  I… love… yoooo-"

Twilight held her breath as Alex paused.

"Alex?"

Suddenly, Alex's hoof slipped from her grip. It lifelessly fell down, hanging over the bed. The others gasped, staring with wide eyes, Twilight stared down at Alex. He lay motionless.

"No… no."

Twilight nudged at Alex with her hoof. "Alex? Alex?!"

Alex made no response. Desperate, Twilight nudged the stallion with her face.

"Alex, PLEASE, wake up!!"

"Twi."

"No…" Twilight whispered, ignoring Applejack.

"TWI!!"

"NO!!"

Applejack forced Twilight to face her. "TWILIGHT!!"

Twilight stared at her friend.

"It's no use, Twi,” the farm mare sighed, “He's gone."

Tears welled up in Twilight's eyes.

"No…" said Twilight, shaking her head, "No, HE CAN'T BE DEAD!! He just- He just CAN'T!!!"

"HE IS, TWILIGHT!!" Applejack shouted, tears in her eyes, "He's… he's gone."

Twilight at last looked at her friends.

Fluttershy was crying so hard, that Rainbow Dash was covering her with her wings. The rainbow-maned mare herself was weeping silent tears, no longer trying to hide them anymore. Rarity's tears mixed with her eyeliner. She now had noticeable black streaks stained on her cheeks. Pinkie Pie was unrecognizable. Her mane was straight as paper, and she had a blank stare in her eyes. There was no joy or happiness to be found in her at all.

Twilight finally moved from Applejack, and looked at Alex. She moved her head close to his, closed her eyes and charged her horn with energy.

She sensed no spirit, just a lifeless body.

When she broke her spell, Twilight. began to break down in tears. She then took Alex into her arms, cradling his body.

His head hung limp in her embrace. Twilight whined in her throat, feeling her emotions building. As her tears streamed down, splashing Alex's face, she grinded her teeth, feeling RAGE, along with her sadness.

Finally, she shot her eyes open, now full white and glowing, purple energy burst and pulsed from her body as she wailed out in absolute grief.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!!!!!"

Twilight's screams echoed every wing of the castle.