Death & Rebirth

Months had passed since Alex Cosmos death. and, much had transpired in Equestria since then.

While most ponies had managed to resume their daily lives, SOME found it harder to regain their Happiness and Laughter.

as expected..Twilight was taking the longest to heal.

the once Punctual and Well Organized mare was slacking off, spending more time at her library home than out in Ponyville amongst her fellow ponies.

Her friends tries to give her time to herself (Celestia knew THEY needed the same thing) but, eventually..even they grew concerned, and had to force her back into the real world.

It was a steady process..but, Twilight eventually resumed normal life.

she started writing to Princess Celestia again, and kept in touch with her parents and brother more.

still..It was clear that she would never be the same, again.

As for her friends, while they took their grief better than Twilight..even THEY suffered lasting effects of Alex's death.

Much like when her parents died when she was a young filly, Applejack tried to distract herself with work and chores.

ANYTHING to keep from thinking of the pain.

but, when Applebloom's grief began taking a heavy toll, Applejack kept the promise she made, and did her best to comfort her little sister.

even if it meant taking some time to cry together..

There was a similar case with Rarity, Alex's death left her so distraught, she began losing sleep.

she spent that time working non-stop on her dresses (which may've been a boon to her fashion boutique business.)

still..it was clear she was suffering some sign of 'Post-Traumatic Stress', and it got so bad that she needed some medication just to calm herself down.

like Applejack and Applebloom, Rarity became closer to her sister, Sweetie Bell (who grieved for her lost friend non-stop)

When it came to Scootaloo, however..Rainbow Dash took keeping her promise to the extremes.

Rainbow accepted that Scoots was no mere fan..she truely looked up to her.

so, one day..she Amazed everyone when she dropped by the orphanage where Scootaloo lived, and used up most of her life savings to adopt the young filly as her sister.

Scootaloo had never been so happy in all her life, and in time..Rainbow Dash herself found herself loving her as if they 'were' siblings.

the two were now inseparable.

Pinkie Pie was also quite serious in keeping her promise.

at first, she found difficulty in making ponies happy, when she herself could barely find the joy to smile, or laugh.

but, she remembered what Alex requested of her: "Keep Smiling", so even though it was hard..that was EXACTLY what she did.

she began going to Orphanages, Nursing Homes, Hospitals..ANYWHERE where there was Misery, and did all she could to make ponies forget their pain, and be happy.

in time..Pinkie rediscovered the true essense of her element: that from Pain and Sorrow..Joy and Laughter is at it's strongest.

"The Tears of a Clown", as someponies say.

apart from Twilight, Fluttershy took the longest to recover from her grief, she began taking Alex's words to heart, and showed Kindness in other ways.

by now, there was virtually no bullies in Ponyville: Fluttershy had scared them all off in her mission to Protect the victimized.

Nopony dared call her Weak, ANYMORE.

Apple Blossom Grove became a new popular spot for the Six.

They would visit Alex's grave site every chance they could, leaving flowers, "talk" to Alex and spend the day there talking about all the good times they shared.

he was NEVER forgotten.

often, the girls would catch others at his grave.

Derpy had visited it routinely with Dinky and, they even caught Octavia Melody playing a solo before the tombstone.

it did their hearts good to see Alex memory was kept in other hearts apart from their own.

Alex's memory was also kept in another way, too.

One night, Princess Luna a special memorial at Apple Blossom Grove, inviting anypony who cared for, and missed Alex.

that night..Luna showed her special talents, by "painting a picture" of Alex is the stars themselves.

so, now..all ponies had to do was look up at the sky and, they could see Alex watching over them.

Night became Twilight's favorite time, after this.

Sadly, not all in Ponyville could cope with Alex death..the most tragic example came when Alex's mother, Jessica was found dead in the Everfree Forest.

the Ponyville Police confirmed that the cause of death came from falling from a tremendous height (which was rather ODD, as she was a Pegasus, and thus Capable of Flight.)

due to her serious mental issues brought on by abuse from her former husband, and, only worsened by the death of her One and Only son's death (whom she cherished more than anything)

the local authorities ruled out murder, and believed the traumatised pegasi took her own life (most likely from jumping off a high up cloud, or even Clousdale itself, and refusing to fly.)

Twilight was VERY troubled by this news, and while she wasn't responsible..she couldn't help but feel like she could've prevented it, somehow.

It was a very tragic end to a miserable pony.

Canterlot also had it's share of changes.

at a later date, Princess Celestia had to hold another funeral: this time, it was for the parents of the young colt, Pipsqueak (who were tragically taken in a random robbery, leaving little "Pip" an orphan)

As Pip was Princess Luna's only real friend, since her return after her One-Thousand year exile so long ago..she sympathized with the young colt.

Amazingly, the Moon Princess adopted him, becoming his new mother (and, automatically making Pipsqueak a "prince" by default)

Unknown to Celestia (or, ANYpony else) Princess Luna "acquired" a Mare Do Well costume and, was secretly spending her nights fighting crime as a masked vigilante.

to her, she was doing her duty to keep her citizens safe (and, doing Pip a favor by avenging his parents, whose killers were never identified.)

In time..Hearth's Warming Eve came...and, with it: The promise of HOPE for Twilight Sparkle.

[Ponyville, 11:56PM]

Twilight Sparkle was laying on her bed, breathing softly as she silently slept.

she slowly awoke to the faint 'tingling' sounds of jingling bells, moaning a bit, Twilight slowly got up from bed with effort.

by now, she was heavily pregnant, as this was the day (or, Night) her foal was to be born, her waist was HUGE (some young Colts and Fillies often believed she'd 'swallowed a watermelon whole', or something.)

Twilight walked over, and looked "downstairs", she saw Spike at their Hearth's Warming Tree, shaking some presents.

"SPIKE!!" Spike gasped as he looked up at Twilight.

"You know the rules: "No opening Hearth's Warming Presents until Hearth's Warming MORNING."

"But, TWILIGHT-"

"No BUTS, Young Dragon.."

Twilight made her way down..Slowly, she finally approached her assistant, eyeing him sternly.

"Tomorrow will come soon enough, just be patient, and wait..or, you WON'T have anything to unwrap in the morning."

Spike exhaled sharply. "oh, Alright.."

as Spike put the gifts back under the tree..a knock was heard.

KNOCK!!  KNOCK!!  KNOCK!!

Twilight looked to the door. "by Celstia's Mane, WHO could be out in this cold!!?"

Twilight steadily walked over to the door, she opened it with magic..and, widened her eyes.

"SURPRIIIIIISE!!!!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie

"MERRY HEARTH'S WARMING!!!!" exclaimed the Five Ponies at once

Twilight was stunned. "GIRLS!!?"

Pinkie hopped inside, followed closely by Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy.

Twilight quickly shut the door TIGHT.

"Girls..What are you doing out in this weather!??, You know there is a savage snowstorm out, tonight."

"Yeah, no kiddin." Began Applejack "It's so cold out there, I'ah can't even feel mah' tail, no more."

Applejack promptly trotted over to the burning fireplace, she sat her rear down in front of it..and, let out a sigh of relief.

"Ahhhh..that's better."

Twilight looked confused. "Not to sound ungrateful, but..Why ARE you all here??"

"Oh, we couldn't let you spend Hearth's Warming Eve ALONE, darling." said Rarity

"So, we decided to come over, and keep you company." said Fluttershy

"No matter how bad the Weather is!!!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash

"and, BESIDES!!" began Pinkie Pie, hopping like a bunny rabbit "THIS is the day your foal is suppose to be born, and, we just CAN'T WAIT to see the cute little guy!!"

Pinkie stopped hopping, and looked around. "So, where is the little Cutie Pie!!?"

Twilight pointed at her 'large' belly. "still in his usual place." said Twilight, with a grin

Pinkie Pie's eyes grew wide. "WOWIE!!, you are sure big!!"

Twilight scowled at her friend.

"sorry."

Applejack approached Twilight.

"Shouldn't you be in'a hospital, darlin??"

"I would have..but, the storm hit like lightning, It's much too cold, and the hospital is too far away."

"I agree." said Fluttershy "You shouldn't be out in this cold in your condition, the baby might be harmed..or WORSE."

"I know." said Twilight "That is why I decided to stay, BESIDES I have plenty of books telling me how to deliver a foal myself."

"HEY!!, Why don't we help!??" chirped Pinkie Pie

Twilight smiled weakly. "S-Sure..I guess you all could."

"GREAT!!, whadda do we do first?!" asked Applejack

"Well..I need some fresh blankets..and, they need to be WARM."

"Gotcha, Twi."

Applejack trotted over, and grabbed some soft blankets with her mouth, she then took them over to the fire place, and laid them down.

"this oughta git 'em Niiiice and Toasty."

"This is FUN!!, What's next!??" exclaimed Pinkie Pie

"Well, I-"

GONG!!...GONG!!...GONG!!!

The ponies (and, Spike) all looked at a clock, and, saw that it was Twelve O'Clock Midnight: It was 'Hearth's Warming Day.'

"YAAAAAAAY!!!, It's Hearth's Warming Day!!!" Exclaimed Pinkie "MERRY EARTH'S WARMING, EVERPONNNNY!!!!"

Twilight was about to say something, but after the final 'gong' of the clock..she gasped as a sharp pain shot through her.

"Gnnngh!!"

Twilight's friends took notice of her pained groans."Twilight, You alight!??" said Rainbow Dash, concerned

"Graah..n-no, not rea-AAHH!!!"

Twilight felt more pain..this time, even more intense, her legs finally gave, and she collasped to the ground.

"TWILIGHT!!" exclaimed Spike, panicked

The others all ran to their downed friend, By now Tears were in Twilights eyes.

"Aaaargh!! , ohh, the..p-PAIN."

"Twi!!, What-"

Twilight shot her eyes open..feeling something wet beneath her. "oh, faust..it's happening."

"What?!"

"The Baby!!, (shouting) I'M HAVING THE BABY RIGHT NOW!!!"

Twilight felt more pain, crying out from it's intensity, she felt like she was being torn apart from within.

Needless to say..most everypony panicked.

"OH, FAUST-OH, FAUST-OH, FAUST-OH, FAAAAAAUST!!!!"

Spike was running around in circles like mad, screaming, Rarity was equally useless as she pranced in place like "she had to GO."

"Oh, Deary Me: (shrieking) WHAT DO WE DO!!!??"

"I..I don't know." said Rainbow Dash, frozen in shock "Nothing like this has ever happen to me before!!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!" screamed Twilight, tears streaming

"I'LL GET THE DOCTOR!!!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie

Pinkie ran to the door..but, couldn't open it. "oh, poofy!!, the door's frozen shut!!"

"WE'RE TRAAAAAAAAPPED!!!!" screamed Rarity, freaking out

"(shouting) QUIIIIII-EEEEEET!!!"

Everypony stopped, and stared at Fluttershy (who was oddly stern) "We are all going to calm down." said Fluttershy, calmly

"CALM!!?" exclaimed Twilight, Angry/Panicked "I'm having a Flipping Baby!!, How in Equestria am I suppose to be CALM!!!??"

Fluttershy approached her.

"Listen..I need you to listen to me, and do what I say.

  I care for animals, remember??, and I have helped to deliver their babies."

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie looked surprised at this.

Fluttershy neared Twilight. "now..I need you to breathe."

"I AM BREATHING!!!" shouted Twilight, in agony

"no, I need you to breathe steady breaths: Stress isn't good for the baby, you need to remain calm."

Twilight groaned..then, began to regain her senses. "y-yes..your right, m-my books..STATED..that I need to b-BREATHE."

Twilight began taking short, steady breathes.

"Remain CALM." said Fluttershy, her tone soothing "think of what relaxes you, what makes you happy, don't think about the pain: Remain CALM."

Twilight shut her eyes tight, as she continued her steady breathing, she tried to ignore her pain by thinking of what makes her happy.

"Books..Sh-Shining Armor..C-C-Cadance."

"Good..You are doing GREAT." said Fluttershy

"P-Princesss..Ccccelestia..Ss-Smarty Pants...(tears up) ALEX!!!"

Twilight groaned loudly, crying a bit.

"ISN'T IT WORKING!!?" exclaimed Rainbow Dash

"Shhh!!, give it time." said Fluttershy, sternly

"BUT, SHE'S HURTING!!!"

"It's suppose to hurt, Rainbow Dash: PAIN is a natural part of childbirth."

the Rainbow haired pegasus stared blankly, not understanding this at all.

as Twilight continued to groan loudly, the others just watched, feeling helpless.

"my word..NOW I understand why Daddy was always so 'protective' when I dated stallions." said Rarity

"yeah..same with mah' brother, Big Mac." added Applejack

Twilight groaned louder. "OHHH!!, Fluttershy, It hurts So MUCH!!!"

"I know.." began Fluttershy, staying close to Twilight "But, you have to remember: Your foal NEEDS you, he can't come into this world on his own..your baby NEEDS you to help him."

Twilight took a moment to muse on this.

"now, I need to focus..and, PUSH the baby out."

Twilight gritted her teeth, and tried to do as Fluttershy said. "Gnnnnngh!!, GRRRRRAAAARGH!!!!"

the others had a hard time watching this (Spike was hiding his face behind Rarity's tail)

"That's it..Your doing GREAT!!" said Fluttershy

"GAAHH!!, I..i can't do it, it..It hurts too much!!"

"Twilight, the baby NEEDS you, if you don't do this, it could DIE."

Twilight widened her eyes. "D-Die??!"

in that moment..the memory of Alex's death flashed before her eyes, the image of Alex's dead form in his casket forever burned in her mind.

"no..NO, I WON'T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN!!!"

Twilight shut her teary eyes tight, clenching her teeth, she put all her effort in pushing her baby out.

"yes..That's it, YOUR DOING IT!!,I can see a head..Now, PUSH!!!"

"GRAAAARGH!!!!!"

Twilight stopped, and panted..out of breath.

"Almost there, just ONE MORE!!!"

"o-one..more." exhaled Twilight, feeling light headed

Twilight took fast, rapid breaths,

inhaled as deep as she could, and put all her strength into her 'last push'

"GRAAAAAAAAAA*AAAALEEEEEEEEEEEEEEX!!!!!"*

with a harsh grunt, and sharp groan..a small squeal was at last heard.

Fluttershy stepped back, stunned. "oh..my."

The others looked, too..and, were equally shocked. "oh, my stars.." said Applejack

Twilight groaned as she raised her head up, her main was a mess, and she was sweating and panting.

"wh-wha-What is it??, is..Is something wrong with-GASP!!"

Twilight had turned to look..and, saw her newborn foal laying on the ground, the baby colt was alive, breathing steadily and making tiny squeals.

But, that wasn't why they were all staring..the foal had LIME GREEN fur, and a GINGER RED Mane and Tail.

apart from a distictive blue streak in it's hair (and, a stubby unicorn horn and pegasi wings) he was the very spitting image of his late father..almost EXACTLY so.

At last, Applejack spoke. "he..He looks like..(gasp, choke)"

Applejack looked to Twilight (who was still stunned.) "(voice breaking) he looks just like his daddy."

Twilight looked down at her lone baby again: he opened up his bright blue eyes..and cried, the foal cried Loudly, and Unhappily.

Before even PINKIE could intervene, Twilight rushed over to the bawling infant.

"There-there, SHHHH-shh!!.."

Twilight picked the little foal up with both front hooves and, held him close to her face.

she looked into his tear filled eyes..and, saw that they were just as blue as Alex's eyes were.

"Shhh..don't cry." cooed twilight, drying the baby pony's tears "momma's here now..Momma will make EVERYTHING better."

the little foal slowly stopped crying, he looked into Twilight's eyes..her violet eyes will with love.

after sniffing for a moment..the baby smiled, making a happy noise: he knew that Twilight HAD to be his mother.

Twilight held him close, tears forming in her eyes, but for once..they weren't tears of Sadness, or Pain..

no, these tears were Tears of Joy: in a strange way..Alex had "returned" to her.

"Wow.." said Pinkie Pie, finally "Look at the little guy..(loudly) HE LOOK JUST LIKE-!!"

Rainbow Dash quickly clamped Pinkie's mouth shut. "ALRIGHT, Pink..We get it!, just be quiet, and let her have this moment."

Pinkie nodded silently

As Twilight cradled her new son, Fluttershy approached her.

"Great Work, Twilight.." began the kindhearted Pegasus "You'd succeeded in bringing new life into the world, NOW all that is left is for you to name your sweet, precious little angel from above."

"a name.."

Twilight looked at her baby..who was snuggled up in her embrace, squealing softly.

Twilight smiled lovingly..Applejack also smiled. "Twi.."

Twilight looked at her friend. "I think I'ah know what you want to name him..and, it's just FINE with me."

Twilight smiled warmly, she looked to her friends..then, back at her foal.

"your name..is ALEX, Alex Jr." said Twilight "Alexander Cosmos Sparkle, Welcome to Equestria..and, Merry Hearth's Warming."

just then, Alex Jr. sat up, his eyes wide open, suddenly he began shaking his tiny hooves and crying, again.

"oh, no..What's wrong with him!??" said Twilight, worried

"Looks like he's throwing a hissy fit." said Rarity

"Applebloom used ta' do that alot." added Applejack

"NO, Sillies!!" began Pinkie Pie "He's just HUNGRY, that's all."

"Well, what do we feed him??!" asked Rarity

"YEAH, we didn't bring any food." said Rainbow Dash

Pinkie Pie faced her friends. "SILLIES, AGAIN!!, Baby Foals don't eat grown up Pony food."

"She's right." said Fluttershy "After birth, a mother is Already prepared to feed their hungry babies."

Twilight stared blankly, figuring out what she meant. "oh, you CAN'T mean-"

"Why do you think they got so big??!" said Pinkie Pie

Twilight was blushing. "I-I'm not really comfortable with-"

"Oh, COME ON, Twi.." began Applejack "We're yer' friends, hay, we're Practically all "Sisters.", and Besides: Ya' ain't doin nothin' wrong, just feedin' yer' youngin."

Twilight exhaled sharply. "Alright, FINE..i'll do it."

Twilight then place her still bawling baby down, she then laid right down on the floor..and, moved her back leg.

Alex Jr. stood for a minute..THEN, his instincts kicked in, he galloped over to his mother, and approached her legs.

Twilight watched as her baby laid down, and suckled on her.

Twilight jerked from this at first, but soon relaxed as her foal had no teeth.

in time, little Alex Jr. grew quiet as he nursed on Twilight's milk, and Twilight began to relax..and, feeling good that she was feeding her baby all on her own.

"aww, how CUTE." began Rarity "a little disturbing..but, Oh-so ADORABLE!!"

after awhile, Alex Jr. finally stopped nursing..and, grimaced a bit. "Ooh-OOOOH!!, I know what comes next!!"

Pinkie Pie quickly scooped the green foal up, she laid him over her shoulder, and gently patted on his back.

"(urp!!)"

"Awwwwwwwwww!!!!" cooed the other ponies in unity

Spike scoffed, crossing his arms. "i can belch better than that." muttered the young dragon

Pinkie placed Alex Jr. back down near his mother.

the baby colt's eyes looked heavy, he yawned loudly, making a high pitched sound.

he then walked over to the still laying Twilight, flopped down near her front legs, and snuggled up to her body.

the mares all watched as he curled up into a ball, he closed his eyes, and quickly went to sleep.

Twilight stared at him with warm, loving eyes.

she wasn't sure if it was maternal instincts, or the fact he looked so much like her lost love..but, Twilight had fallen in love with her baby.

she at last leaned down to her son..and, nuzzled him with her face, she brushed her muzzle against his tiny mane (which felt as SOFT as clouds)

"my boy..my little baby." said Twilight, softly

the others just stood there, frozen still.

they all watched this scene with misty eyes, feeling Proud to have been part of this moment.

"momma love you.." said Twilight

Alex Jr. moved a bit, making a soft noise, tears then formed in Twilight's eyes. "and..d-Daddy loves you, too."

Twilight then kissed her foal softly on his head.

"i won't let anything bad happen to you ever..i swear it."

at last, Applejack approached the new mother,

she knelt down, and laid next to her friend, the earth pony looked at baby alex jr..then, back at Twilight.

"you know, Twi..he DOES look just like his pa."

Twilight nodded silently, tears then formed in Applejack's as as she continued.

"m-maybe (clears throat) maybe this was..meant to be, maybe he looks like his daddy..(voice breaking) so we might..in a way..get him back."

tears formed in Twilight's eyes..which she let fall.

"yes." said Twilight, finally "you ARE right: Alex has come back to us..just not in the way we expected."

Twilight brushed Alex Jr's head with her muzzle again, Applejack looked at him..then, exhaled softly.

"we'll help you take care of him, Twi."

"Oh, YES." began Rarity, approaching with the others

"we ALL will." said Fluttershy, agreeing

"yeah..and, if anypony tries to hurt him.." Rainbow Dash then made fighting gestures. "We'll make them all Sorry they EVER messed with him!!"

Pinkie Pie walked over, and looked at Alex Jr.

she stared at the baby that looked so much like her old friend..then she Smiled, a tear present in her eye.

"i..I understand." began Pinkie, her voice shaky "THIS is what happiness is..I-I thought I knew, but..I-I never had a clue."

Pinkie wiped the tears from her eyes.

"i'm happy.." said Pinkie Pie "for the first time since his death, I actually feel HAPPY!!"

Pinkie Pie cried happy tears..chuckling through sobs.

Twilight smiled..then, looked up high. "thank you, alex..we ALL loved your gift."

Youtube Video

[Ghost World, Flop House]

"~Nobody KNOOOOOOWS (Hiccup!!), How dry I Aaaaaam!!

NO-Body Knoooows (Hiccup!!), how dry-(Hic!!) I Am..~"

Alex grumbled as he sat silently, while some stranger sang a drunken song a tad TOO CLOSE to him for comfort.

It had been MONTHS since he died and, found himself a resident of the Ghost World.

Unfortunately, he couldn't of picked a WORSE time to die, as the City State of Ectotropolis was getting a tad packed.

He was told that the City Officials were "working on" getting homes made for the New Arrivals

(which he learned were really Pocket Dimensions, sometimes accessable via "doors floating in space")

Until then, Alex (like many of his fellow 'recently deceased')  had to all live together in a "co-habitation" while they waited.

If he didn't already know he was a Ghost in the Ghost World, Alex might've sworn he was in tartarus, as just being around the others was torment.

His roomate was a drunken stallion who just wouldn't stop singing (badly, Alex guess he probably died from having "one too many ciders")

he also had to share space with a MAD Hoofball player (who reminded Alex of a certain 'Pumped-Up Pegasus' back home.)

a Mare with fried hair (and, possably a mind to go with it) who smelled like gasoline and, another Pony whose limbs kept falling apart with the slightest movements.

Alex felt like the only Sane Pony in a room full of crazy Ponies (and, he might be right)

"I swear, I didn't know the gas was on..I WAS JUST TRYING TO LIGHT A CANDLE!!!"

"TWENTY-ONE, EIGHTY-FIVE, NINETY: *HIIIIIIKE!!!"*

"Has Anypony seen my my Eye!!?..I think I dropped it, again."

"SKUUUUUUUUUMPS!!!!"

Alex groan as he dropped his face HARD against a table. "now I know why nopony wants to die."

Just then, a door opened..and, in walked a ice blue furred, ash black haired mare.

"ALEX COSMOS??!"

Alex shot his head up..looking straing at the Pale looking Mare. "M-Miss Mal Laria!!!"

Alex leapt up, and 'flew' over to her.

"PLEEEEASE Tell me my new home is ready!!, I cannot take One. More. SECOND of this!!"

"Calm down, Mr. Cosmos.." said Mal Laria, her voice monotoned

"First off: NO, your home STILL isn't ready, However I acknowledge that you may be a tad..Out of Place with the other new arrivals.

  So, I took some time to look through the records, and I may've found somebody willing to take you in to stay."

Alex glanced at the other ghost ponies: the Drunk smashed a mug on his head, laughing wildly, while the Fried Mare suddenly burst into flames..and, screamed.

Alex eyes became like pins. "ANYTHING would be better than this."

"Good, then follow me." Mal Laria walked off, with Alex following close behind.

[Downtown Ectotropolis]

As the pair floated through the streets, Alex observed the many ghostly residents of the city.

"I sure hope that not everypony here are as crazy as those others."

"No..most aren't." said Mal Laria, bluntly "Some Ponies can handle being dead..OTHERS cannot, your former roommates will need to undergo serious therapy before we let them roam freely in town."

"I won't argue that point."

Alex gazed at his surroundings.

he at last noticed that the whole City of Ectotropolis, was one big island floating in endless space.

the sky was ink black, with swirly "clouds" of bright green, which had visible floating islands (with other structures), and even some floating doors.

"How big IS this Ghost World??"

"the Ghost Dimension is infinite: It goes On and ON forever, and Ectotropolis is at it's HEART, the Capital City of the Ghost World.

  All who die in the living world, and fail to cross over..find themselves HERE,  the whole city serves as shelter for wayward ghosts, UNTIL we find permanent homes for them."

"Those Floating Doors." Mal Laria looked at Alex.

"Yes..they serve as Gateways to Pocket Dimensions of our own creation: one of them shall be your home, your own personal sanctum from which to spend eternity."

Alex frowed. "Will I 'EVER' cross over??"

"THAT really depends on YOU."

Just then, a floating door lowered to the two ponies.

"Ahh..we are HERE."

Alex looked at the quite a regal, almost mystical looking door, which bore the symbol of a star that resembled Twilight's cutie mark.

"This is the home of your new caretaker." said Mal Laria, opening the door.

the two Ponies entered the gateway..into the grounds of a Gothic, Victorian Age Mansion.

"Who lives HERE!??" exclaimed Alex, feeling rattled

Mal Laria grinned. "Somepony you'll want to know."

Mal Laria approached the large doors and knocked them, Alex walked up, and stopped as the doors suddenly swung open.

purple mist spilled out as a shadowy figure stepped outside to greet them.

The figure was a Mare..a very BEAUTIFUL Mare, she had a figure similar to Celestia..and, a swirly, vaporious mane to match.

her fur was Dark Blue, and her mane were colors of Pink and Purple, she wore a silver neckbrace which bore her Cutie Mark: a Pink Star.

"Ahh..Deputy Mayor, so good to see you." said the Mare, her voice hauntingly beautiful

Mal Laria looked to the quite frozen Alex. "Mister Cosmos..THIS is Andromeda Velvet."

Alex widened his eyes. "V-Velvet!!?..as in 'Twilight Velvet!??"

Andromeda smiled.

"You speak of my daughter..of course, I also addressed her by her nickname: 'Galaxy."

Alex remained shocked.

"but..But, if YOU are her MOM,  th-Then that means Twilight Sparkle is-"

"My Granddaughter, who was just a foal when I passed."

Andromeda smiled warmly. "and, YOU are Alexander Cosmos..her LOVE,  oh, yes, I know all about you, Alex."

Alex gulped hard, looking pale. "You..D-D-DO??!"

Andromeda chuckled lightly.

"Oh, don't act so frightened: I mean you no harm, In fact, I'm rather looking forward to getting to know the Stallion that my Granddaughter loves so much."

Mal Laria nodded officially. "You seem to have things handled..So, I'll will take my leave and go."

"a pleasure, Malory."

Mal Laria rose up and, flew off in a spectral trail, Andromeda then looked at Alex.

"You look tired.."

Alex exhaled sharply. "i am."

"Then, Please..come in: My home is YOUR home."

Alex looked timidly..then, finally stepped inside the manor, he found himself in a rather large, candlelit foyer.

The whole place looked spooky. "eh..n-nice place." said Alex, nervously

Andromeda chortled lightly as she neared Alex. "Well, it's certainly no Canterlot..but, it's HOME."

Andromeda then smiled warmly at Alex..who remained nervous.

"L-Look, Mrs. Velvet-"

"Andromeda." corrected the Ghostly Unicorn

"Uh, Ye-eah..A-Andromeda, Look, Listen..I'm, uhh..sorry about..Well, with me and Twi-"

"oh, No need to fret." began Andromeda "I know you loved my Granddaughter..and, that she loved you,  I hold no ill will over her becoming with child by you."

Alex breathed a sigh of relief. "Anyway..Let us discuss YOUR future." said Andromeda, trotting along

Alex walked with his new host. "MY Future??!"

"Yes..Now that you are a Ghost, you have a whole new afterlife ahead of you.

  and, as you have no real family to turn to..I feel I should grant you sanctum, Afterall..We are practically family already.

"Hmm..yes, I s-suppose."

"ANOTHER reason I summoned you here is more obvious: as a Ghost, you now have special abilities..Abilities that are strange to you."

Alex looked down and exhaled sharply.

"yeah, i'm..I'm not used to having any powers: I've been an Earth Pony all my life, so I have no idea what to make of Flight and Magic."

Andromeda chuckled at this.

"Well, TECHNICALLY, it isn't "Magic", It is 'Ectoplasmic Energy.', but I understand why you would view it as such.

  The problem is that while your body is now Ghostly..your mindset is the same as it was in life: You are still viewing yourself as a common Earth Pony, and refusing to accept the powers you now possess.

  If you ever hope to control your new powers..You must forget about all that, let go of the Earth Pony/Pegasus/Unicorn mindset, and accept that you are a GHOST, a Spirit.

Andromeda then looked at Alex softly. "Just like ME."

Alex looked at Andromeda.

"but..But, you are a Unico-"

"I 'WAS' a Unicorn..in my old life, but, I am a Ghost now, Same as you."

Andromeda then stopped, turned, and faced Alex.

"but, you have a point: as a Unicorn, I had an easier time adapting to my new state: YOU, however are having more difficulty..which is why I brought you here."

Alex stared at her.

"I want to (if you'll pardon the expression) "take you under my wing..", Teach you everything I know of being a Ghost, so that your Afterlife here will be enjoyable.

  In a sense: I want to make you my pupil, I have YEARS of experience to teach..and, you are in need of every lesson."

Alex took a moment to think about this, Andromeda then knelt down to his level, looking right at him.

"so, tell me Alex..Will you be my "Faithful Student??"