Death & Rebirth

[The Crystal Empire, Royal Castle]

Cadance and Shining Armor stared blankly at the nearly empty ballroom (NEARLY on account that some guards were present.)

"This certainly isn't what I expected."

Shining Armor scowled..then, looked to a random stallion. "Advisor, TO ME!!"

The Garbed Stallion trotted over to him. "Yes, Capatin Armor, SIR."

"Are you SURE that All the invitations were sent out??"

the Advisor smiled wide. "Why, YES, Capatin. In fact, I 'PERSONALLY' oversaw the Messaging Process."

the White Unicorn eyed the peppy stallion. "Do you have a copy of one of them??"

"Why, YES, I do."

the Advisor took out one of the invitations from his coat. Shining took to via magic, and read it.

his eyes grew wide. "And..WHO wrote this??"

"Why, I DID, Sir!! and I am quite proud of it, Mysel-"

"Princess CAN-DANCE, and Captain SHINE ARMS!!?"

the Advisor froze right there. his expression growing pale. "I'm fired, aren't I??"

Shining Armor just eyed him sternly. "Right..I'll just march MYSELF to the dungeon." said the Advisor, leaving

Cadance approached her Husband. "Oh, Try not to worry, dear..I am SURE the Hearth's Warming Ball can be salvaged."

Shining looked at his wife. "HOW??, All of the Invitations have ALREADY been sent, and it's too late to Make and Send new ones NOW-"

Just then, an Elite Guard walked through the doors across the ballroom, he blew a horn, and spoke LOUDLY ("Royal Canterlot Voice" Loud.)

"(loudly) ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE OF PONVILLE!!!"

Shining Armor looked amazed. "Twily??!..she's HERE??, she ACTUALLY found us!!?"

The slowly doors opened wide, a line of guards blew loud trumpets as Twilight (and, Spike) walked into the Ballroom.

Shining smiled wide. "TWILY!!"

Twilight looked..and, smiled wide. "B.B.B.F.F!!"

as Shining ran up, the two nuzzled their heads together, Cadance also approached Twilight..smiling warmly.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake.." said Cadance

Twiligh smiled back at her former Foalsitter "Clap your hooves and do a little shake." finished Twilight

Cadance gave Twilight a hug. "It is GOOD to see you again, Twilight."

Twilight smiled. "you, too."

at that moment, Cadance noticed 'something' hiding beneith Twilight. "Twilight..what-"

Twilight looked down..and, smiled. "come on out..It's okay, they won't hurt you." whispered Twilight, softly

something small slowly emerged from between Twilight's front legs, It slowly poked it's head out..and, Shining Armor gasped.

Cadance just smiled. "and, this is.."

Twilight smiled, her eyes moist. "My son..Alex Jr, he was born last night."

the two adults got a good look at the foal, it almost frightened them how much he looked like his father, Alex Cosmos.

Same Lime Green Fur, same Ginger Red Mane, same Sky Blue Eyes..

the only difference they saw was Blue Streaks in his hair, and a stubby Horn and tiny pair of wings (indicating he was an Alicorn)

"alex.." said Cadance, her eyes also getting moist

Shining Armor remained frozen in place, he looked as if he just saw a ghost (giving the circumstances, he probably thought he was.)

Finally, the stallion choked out some words

"i..I have a nephew??" said Shining Armor, dumbfounded "I..I'm an UNCLE."

Alex Jr. looked scared, he quickly back up, hiding behind Twilight's legs.

"HEY..D-Don't go." said Shining to the Foal

the little Colt moved back further, curling up right underneith Twilight's belly.

Cadance then lightly tapped her Husband. "(take off your armor, you're SCARING him.)" whispered the Alicorn Princess

Noting how "intimidating" his centurian armored looked, the unicorn promptly removed it (blushing as he did.)

as the pieces or armor clanked onto the floor, Shining got down low, so Alex Jr. could see him better.

"There, now..I'm not so scary now, Am I??"

the green foal began to emerge from Twilight's legs, inspecting the tall unicorn, However, he remained near his mother, keeping hidden.

Cadance then removed her crown, and other articles of royal garb, she too then lowered down, smiling as sweetly as she could.

"don't be afraid, little one.." began Cadance, her voice soft and soothing "we're FAMILY."

feeling less intimidated, little Alex Jr slowly emerged from his hiding place, he walked causiously towards the pink adult alicorn, taking tiny steps.

he stretched his tiny neck out, sniffing Cadance's nose, he then suddenly let out a tiny, squeak-like sneeze that knocked him on his bottom.

"Ohhhhhh..." cooed Cadance, her voice high "how ADORABLE..what a sweet little angel."

Cadance was clearly reverting back to her "foalsitter" mindset (a side of the princess that Twilight and Shining were all too familiar with.)

There was no stopping her, NOW.

"Sunshine, Sunshine, Ladybugs awake.." began Cadance, prancing in place "Clap your hooves (claps hooves), and do a little shake!!"

Cadance began swaying her rear end, Alex Jr stared..then, chuckled (beliving this "dance" to be amusing.)

"well..we'll work on that." said Cadance, stroking Alex Jr's mane

Cadance then looked at Twilight. "oh, Twilight, he's so Adorable..you must be so proud."

Twilight nodded. "I AM..he's my Son, afterall."

Shining was beside himself in 'feelings'

On one "hoove", He was happy to have a nephew (and, was glad for Twilight that he looks so much like her late coltfriend.)

but, on the OTHER "hoove", He still remembered Twilight best, as that little filly who (literally) looked up to him.

and, was Never quite Okay with the idea of his "twily" having her own children.

But, looking at Alex Jr, and how happy Twilight was around him, He couldn't help but feel proud of his Nephew..and, how foolish he had originally felt prior to his birth.

yes..Twilight was happy, for the first time since 'Alex Sr's' death..she was Smiling and Laughing

something Shining had began to lose hope of EVER seeing, again.

at last, Shining knelt down to his infant nephew, the little colt looked at him with light blue eyes..and, made a high pitched, babyish laugh.

Alex Jr. then reached up, and grabbed onto Shining's muzzle, Shining lifted his head up a bit, carrying his baby nephew up with him.

he was careful to not lift Too High, and gently lowered him down safely onto the ground.

"OOH-Oooooooo..." cooed Alex Jr (enjoying his brief ride)

Twilight then lowered down, and folded her legs as she laid down on the ground. "Come to Mama, Junior.." said Twilight, softly

Alex Jr. didn't hesitate to obey his mother.

Shining and Cadance watched as the little foal ran to Twilight, he snuggled up to his mother, brushing his tiny head against her neck.

"That's my good little colt..YES YOU ARE!!"

Twilight was nuzzling Alex Jr's nose, she then brough him close, keeping him wrapped in her hooves.

Cadance and Shining smiled as they approached the two. "You certainly HAVE fully embraced motherhood, Twilight." said Cadance

Twilight smiled. "yeah..well, he is my baby, and I don't feel so hurt when he's near me."

"I can tell." said Shining

Twilight put her head over Alex Jr, protectively, a single tear was present in her eye.

"he's all I have left of Alex..MY alex, and I swore that I would protect him, and keep him safe..always."

Cadance walked over to Twilight. "I can understand why you would feel that way, Twilight..but, be careful not to become OVERprotective..lest you drive him away from you."

Twilight paused for a moment (still keeping little Alex in her embrace.)

"i'll try not to..But, I can't make any promises."

At that moment, Alex Jr. leapt out of Twilight's folded legs, the adult ponies watched as the Foal began to run-and-hop all over the empty ballroom.

Cadance chuckled. "you're son seems quite Adventurous..Keeping him out of trouble may be difficult."

"I think I can manage." said Twilight, as she got up

At that moment, the main doors opened again..and, in walked two very well known Alicorns: Princess Celestia AND Princess Luna.

"Ah..I see we are not late." said Celestia, calmly

Luna took a look around. "uhh..I think we're all that's here, Sister." said Luna, her eyes straight

Twilight looked back, and widened her eyes. "P-Princess Celestia!!"

Celestia chuckled lightly. "Oh, TWILIGHT..You have no need to adress me as-"

Just then, a Pony with a trumpet ran in.

(inhales), ((blows trumpet loudly))

"(exclaiming) PRESENTING THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES!!..PRINCE-"

"(shouting) Alright, ENOUGH!!..We get it!!" exclaimed Shining Armor, annoyed

The Royal Trumpeter did a salute, and marched off.

"oh, thank mother.." said Luna, finally "If I had to listen to another 'royal announcment', I would have to Banish SOMEPONY to the Nightmarescape Dimension..(SERIOUSLY, I would.)"

((loud cry))

Alex Jr. suddenly ran to Twilight, hiding within her legs again, Celestia was the first to take notice of this. "OOH..Now what have we here??"

the Sun Princess approached Twilight, looking down to see the consealed foal hiding behind Twilight's front legs.

Princess Luna soon joined her sister in observance. "It would seem that 'Santa Hooves' left my faithful student a most precious gift last night."

"I was meaning to tell you about that.." said Luna to Celestia

Alex Jr. stayed right where he was at, his wide blue eyes indicated obvious fright. "oh, don't be afraid, little pony..Come to me."

Celestia's pleas fell on deaf ears: Alex Jr. WOULD NOT move an inch.

Twilight tried to move so Alex would have to show himself..but, the baby pony moved along with her, keeping himself hidden.

It was CLEAR the foal was more frightened of the princesses, than he was of Shining Armor and Cadance earlier.

Luna exhaled as she walked up. "Allow me..I've had practice with this."

the Princess of the Moon used her magic to remove her crown, and other royal garbs. she then made her body glow with a white, blinding light.

when the light faded..Luna's ethereal, 'night sky' mane was now light blue, and shorter (indicated she had powered herself down)

She now looked "normal". Luna then knelt down to look at the foal. "THERE..I'm not so intimidating anymore, now am I??"

little alex slowly began to move..almost revealing himself. but, he still remained hidden (still afraid of Celestia, who DIDN'T look 'normal' to him.)

Celestia blushed, feeling embarrassed. it completely slipped her mind that her present form could be "terrifying"

so, she two removed her crown and armor, and also de-powered herself much like Luna did.

Twilight gasped at seeing Celestia in this form (as she had NEVER seen her like this, before) Celestia's once ethereal 'rainbow' mane was now Long, Wavy and Bright Pink.

Celestia knelt down with Luna, smiling a warm, loving smile at the scared foal.

"come on out..we will not harm you." said Celestia, her voice soothing

after a few minutes, the baby pony finally began to step out. he kept close to Twilight, bobbing around as if unsure what to do.

"be BRAVE, little one." said Celestia

Finally, the little foal stepped out. the princesses widened they're eyes upon seeing him.

Twilight guessed that she knew why they were so surprised.

"Yes, I know: He looked just like his father. (breathes out) Amazing, isn't it??"

"oh, yes..Quite." began Celestia "no doubt this is Fate's way of restoring what you lost..granting you a son whose very image is a reflection of your soulmate. but, that isn't the Remarkable thing."

Twilight looked confused. "then..What is??"

"You're son is an ALICORN." said Luna

"yeah.." said Twilight, still confused

Celestia looked up at Twilight.

"Twilight..there is a Good Reason why being an Alicorn makes one Royalty.

  Alicorns are the RAREST type of Pony. unlike Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies, Alicorn Birth's are not that common."

"they're NOT?!"

"no..Most Alicorns are magically created, when one of the three pony races 'evolves' into one..Like what happened to you." began Celestia "but, it is a very rare occurrence for one to be born an Alicorn. even when said foal is sired by Alicorn Parents..they usually are born a Unicorn, or Pegasi."

Twilight took a moment to ponder this knowledge. "So..my son is a "Rarity."

"yes." replied Celestia

Twilight paused..then, spoke again.

"J-Just out of curiosity..When was the last 'True Alicorn' born??"

"That was ME." said Luna "and, It happened thousands of years ago. I was the last until last night..when your son was born."

"Although, be him a True Alicorn or an Evolved One..ONE thing remains clear." began Celestia "As he is an Alicorn, your son is Royality. Therefore, he is from this day forward a PRINCE of Equestria."

Twilight widened her eyes. "re-Really??..a prince."

"yes..of course, whether or not he lives in a palace is entirely up to you. you are his mother, so only you can decide what is best for him.

  Just know that your son is royalty, and will be treated as such." Twilight breathed loudly, feeling overwelmed.

the sisters then watched as Alex Jr. began "inspecting" their discarded crowns.

he curiously tapped at them with his tiny hoove..making one tip over. he flinched, but soon calmed down..and, giggled.

Luna smiled..then, looked at Twilight. "what is the young one's name??"

Twilight paused..then, exhaled. "alex..his name is Alexander Cosmos Jr."

"That name is a WISE choice, my student.." began Celestia "The Alex that preceded him would've been PROUD."

a single tear rolled down Twilight's cheek, darkening her fur. "i know..I like to believe that this way, I will NEVER forget him."

"I do not think any of us will ever forget Alexander Cosmos..but, there is no shame is our efforts to preserve his memory, regardless.

  as for your son..I believe he is a living tribute to his father. with his Alicorn State only showing how special Alex was within."

Twilight smiled at this. "yes..Alex was..VERY special."

a crystal clear tear fell down Twilight's cheek. "i miss him..DEARLY."

Celestia nodded sadly, feeling sympathy for her apprentice. "i know..we ALL do. but, Remember: he lives on in our hearts, our memory..and, in his son."

Twilight at last got up, and walked over to the distracted Alex Jr. she scooped him up with her front hoove, bringing the young foal closer to her body. she kept Alex Jr. close, gently stroking his tiny mane and back.

"watching his father die was the WORST thing i've ever experienced..I never want to feel that way again.

  but..I'm so scared, I have no idea how I am to protect my son from the dangers that I know exist."

Celestia nodded. "Now you know how I feel every single day I rule Equestria.."

  to me, my ponies are like my children..my responsibility. and, I sometimes dread of failing to protect from whatever evil may threaten them.."

Celestia looked at Twilight.

"I know it may not be the SAME..but, I understand your plight. you are burdened with a great responsibility that you cherish with all your heart..

  but, I want you to know, Twilight Sparkle..I have absolute faith in you. after all the times you and you have protected Equestria when I could not..How could I doubt you??"

Twilight exhaled softly as she continued to stroke the relaxed Alex Jr. "I appreciate confidence in me..but, I am not so sure. so much has happened to me recently: becoming an Alicorn AND a Mother..it's overwhelming."

Luna then spoke up. "While I cannot speak for becoming an Alicorn..as I, and my sister have always been that way. I can say that Motherhood, while difficult, is so rewarding in the end."

Celestia looked at her younger sister. "pipsqueak??"

Luna nodded. "while I grieve the circumstances that brought us together as Mother and Son, I ever do so love him as if he were my very own, despite the difficulties that present themselves."

"and, where is Pip, mother??" asked Cadance

"Most likely..he is exploring every knook and cranny of the castle." replied Luna "he has such an Adventurous spirit."

Celestia eyed her sister. "While I encourage such courageousness..to an extent, I also advise exercising caution while allowing him certain freedoms."

Luna eyed her sister sternly. "Believe me, dear sister..I DO."

Celestia frowned, looking down. "my apologies, dear sister..I did not mean to question your parenting skills."

"I understand..and, you are forgiven."

Twilight again stroked her son's mane, taking a moment to admire him like any mother would.

Alex Jr. grew accustomed to this currently, and snuggled up to Twilight's chest/neck, his tiny body curled like a ball.

At that moment, the main doors opened again..and, in walked a unicorn couple. "HELLOOOOOO!!!" chirped Twilight Velvet, in a sing song voice

"I hope we're not La-" Night Light stopped in his tracks..once he saw his only daughter with a familiar looking foal.

"OH, MY-, guhhh..."

the blue unicorn fainted right there. his WIFE, however..had a better reaction. "OH, THANK FAUST, I HAVE A GRANDCHILD!!!" exclaimed Pearl White Unicorn

[Ghost World, Andromeda's Manor]

"AAAHHH!!!, WHERE ARE MY LEGS!!?"

Andromeda chuckled slightly as Alex began to freak at his flank and back legs now a transparent wisp. "Calm yourself, Alexander..It's completely NORMAL."

Alex's wispy "ghost tail" soon reverted back into legs. he exhaled softly as he returned to the ground.

"I don't think I'll EVER get used to this."

"You WILL, Alex..in time." said Andromeda, assuring him

the ghostly unicorn then rose up. "now, come..there will be no more training today. There are some things I wish to show you."

the lime green stallion stared at his mentor..then, followed her.

[Ghost World, Dimensional Space]

Andromeda both flew through the endless black-and-green space of the Ghost Dimension.

they took some time to fly over Ectotropolis, the Mega-City Capital of the Ghost World.

"Now THAT is Ectotropolis South." began Andromeda "It's the lower parts of the city, and the district that you arrived, and spent a great deal of time in until you came to me."

Alex observed the small town below. "I see..looks different from up here."

Andromeda then led Alex to a larger part of the city. one with bigger, taller buildings and looked like a Major Metropolis.

"and, That is Ectotropolis North, the main part of the city. It is also where Mayor Rigor Mortis and Deputy Mayor Malory Laria reside."

"whoa." said Alex, having never seen the main city before

Alex at last took a moment to look at the whole city of Ectrotropolis.

the city was even large than Manehatten and Canterlot combined..and, like everything else in the ghost world, was one big island floating in space.

"Come.." spoke Andromeda "there is MORE for you to see."

Andromeda began to depart the city, flying deeper into the ghostly dimension.

Alex, of course, followed her. "This place..it feels like it goes on forever." said Alex

Andromeda nodded. "It DOES. but, not all areas are "safe" and, there are things you need to know of your new home."

Andromeda then pointed at a building.

"That is Walker's Prison. where ghostly criminals are detained, as their await judgment before the Observants, in which case they are mostly exiled to the Shadowlands."

"the what?!"

"You'll find out soon enough. but, be wary around Walker..he can be a bit "tightly wound", sometimes:  but, his heart is in the right place..somewhat."

Alex made an unsure expression on his face. he then noticed something else. "What's that island??"

Andromeda looked..and, smiled. "It WAS the domain of Undergrowth, the Nature Spirit. but, when he became hostile, he was exiled..Now, it is home to Skulker, the Hunter."

"Hunter?..hunter of WHAT!?"

"Everything.." replied the Blue Unicorn "from Wildlife to Bounties, he hunts them all: I would advise you to steer clear of him..he has quite the temper."

"Anypony ELSE I should stay away from??"

"Not that many..Most of the dangerous ghosts are beyond our borders, but not everypony here gets along too well..(chuckles) I guess being dead makes them Grumpy."

Alex and Andromeda traveled quite a ways through the dimensional space. Alex then took not of another Land Mass: a Massive, Frozen One.

"Does..anyone live THERE??"

Andromeda looked. "yes, Frostbite and his tribe. they are a race native to this world, who are masters at Cryokinesis."

Alex looked confused. "Huh??"

"They have Ice Powers."

"oh." Alex then spoke again. "are they..Friendly??"

"oh, my Yes. despite their 'beastly' appearance, they are quite civilized."

Andromeda then led Alex to what looked like a ancient temple.

"That is the home of Pandora, and her guardians. they safeguard the Box of Chaos, a relic that Pandora appropriated from Discord many eons ago."

"So..Pandora is one of the Good Guys??"

Andromeda shrugged. "More or Less..she has a bit of an 'impulse control problem' but, she's a real sweetheart once you get to know her."

Andromeda then stopped..as did Alex. "Why are we stopping??"

"Because we are at a place that is forbidden." Andromeda pointed at what looked like the ruins of an ancient castle.

"THAT..is Pariah's Keep. it was once home to the tyrannical king Pariah Dark, and, his equally terrifying servant: The Fright Knight.

  Centures ago, they held this world in a grip of terror..Now, this castle serves as a grim reminder of what once was.

  the castle also serves as a marker for our borders: None are permitted to pass beyond this point."

Alex looked, and saw nothing but darkness before them. "l-lemme guess..the Shadowlands??"

"where all manner of Hostile Ghosts and Evil Spirits dwell. monstrosities like Vortex, Nocturne and Undergrowth lurk in those shadowed realms."

Andromeda then eyed her apprentice sternly. "Alexander..you must NEVER go there, EVER. Many have ventured into those outlands..FEW have retured."

Alex gulped hard at this. "I-I-I Uh-understand.."

"Good..now, come: We have one last stop to make before returning home."

As Andromeda flew off in another direction, Alex followed. In no time at all..they approached what looked like a Clocktower.

"Whoa..Who lives HERE!?"

"Clockwork..the Guardian of Time. you are going to meet him."

Alex looked a bit startled at this..and, for good reason. he had No Idea who this 'Clockwork' was, and wasn't really prepared to meet anypony new.

"come..follow me." Andromeda flew towards the Clocktower, and entered it's large, stylized doors..Alex followed.

the pair entered a rather large foyer, and made their way up a spiral staircase..to the top of the clocktower.

they eventually reached the "penthouse" which was one big chamber full of floating, ticking clocks and dozens of portals.

the "portals" in question looked rather odd.

not the Gateways that Andromeda once told him of, but more like "screens" displaying varied images.

Clearly, this 'Clockwork' was some kind of "Watcher"

Alex had little time to dwell on his thoughts..as he saw a figure by a larger 'screen'

the figure's back was facing him and Andromeda, and was wearing a purple hooded cloak that kept his featured concealed.

"Clockwork.." began Andromeda

Clockwork turned..and, Alex at last saw his face.

the ghost pony's face was blue like Rainbow Dash's fur, his eyes were full red, and bore a jagged scar over one of them.

Alex noted he had no back legs. instead, levitating with a wisp tail.

"Andromeda..I've been expecting you." spoke Clockwork, his voice echoed

Alex flinched as seeing Clockwork's form suddenly change, shifting from a young Stallion, to a Colt and an older Stallion at random.

"and, you TOO, Alex." said Clockwork, looking at the rattled young pony

Alex gulped. "you..K-Know me!?"

"of course..I am the guardian of Time: I know EVERYTHING."

Andromeda looked to Alex. "As guardian of time, Clockwork knows of every Birth and Death that can or COULD happen..even YOURS, my apprectice."

"He DOES??" said Alex, awestruck

Clockwork nodded. "indeed..I know all that Has, Can, Will or Could happen in the Timestream."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Could??"

Clockwork looked at Alex. "Time isn't a straight line, Alex..Our every Action, or INaction, can bring about different results.

  I have foreseen every possible outcome based an every choice everypony has made."

Alex thought for a bit. "You want to know how Twilight is doing, Right??"

Alex paused. "W-Well, I-"

"You only need to ask." Alex looked at Clockwork..the one Pony who may hold ALL the answers." "C-Can I??"

Clockwork took a sceptor with a clock on it in his hoove. he then pressed a button atop it..making the main screen flicker.

Alex watched as an image came into view..and, widened his eyes at what he saw..

He saw Twilight..HIS Twilight. curled up in a bed, asleep..but, what caught Alex's eye was who was sleeping with her: a tiny green foal with a ginger mane.

Alex needed little explanation: He KNEW the foal had to be his son, His AND Twilight's.

"twilight..a-and, my..s-sson."

"yes." said Clockwork. Alex looked at the ghost..then exhaled sharply. "w-will they..B-Be Okay??"

"They will endure." answered Clockwork, canceling the image

Alex frowned, exhaling. "I-Is there..a w-world where I am still with them??"

Clockwork was silent.

"I find it best not to dwell on the 'What If's', but if you must know: YES, I do see a timeline in which you are still amongst them."

Alex fidgeted a little..then, looked at Andromeda. "Is there ANY way for me to see them again??"

Andromeda sighed, shaking her head sadly.

"we are taught early in afterlife to think of what is best for our loved ones, and not ourselves..that the 'healing' will go much better if we allow them to Move On, and not dwell on what they lost."

"But-!!"

"When I first came to these realms..I too wished to see my family, again. My daughter..my grandson, and the Granddaughter I never really knew.

  but, my presence would only frighten them..or, worse: drive them to madness: Take comfort in the truth that SOMEDAY..You and her will be together again."

Alex looked down, frowning.

"i miss her..i miss ALL of them."

"and, they miss you." said Andromeda "but, they themselves are being taught to not dwell on the tradegy of your death, and instead Celebrate your life..by remembering how you touched their hearts be simply being you.."

Andromeda then placed her hoove on Alex's shoulder. "perhaps YOU..should do the same. and, also take comfort is what you left behind."

Alex cracked a smile..but, his frown remained. he then looked back at the cloaked ghost once more.

"Tell me one more thing, Time Guardian.." began Alex "m-my son, will he..h-have a 'better' life..th-then I did??"

Clockwork's stonefaced expression slowly became a grin. "Your son will never know the atrocities that you had to endure..Twilight, and her friends will ensure that. and, while the Future isn't etched in stone, Alex Jr has a great destiny that awaits him."

Alex then noted a slight "twinkle" in Clockwork's eye. "and, your friend Rainbow Dash will also aid in his own personal happiness..in time."

Alex looked confused..to which Andromeda spoke. "Don't mind him, my student: Clockwork likes to speak in riddles."

Clockwork smiled. "Thank you all for coming..I don't get many visitors But, I am afraid I must return to my duties."

Andromeda nodded.

"of course..we will just be on our way."

as Andromeda turned to leave, Alex took one look at the Time Ghost..then, departed with his teacher.

on their way to the door..ANOTHER pony entered the room.

Alex froze at seeing the entity. it wore a black hooded robe, which bore some Red within it.

the pony had skeletal features, and carried a long, bladed weapon..the figure glared at Alex with empty eyesockets.

"EEP!!" jumped Alex

"stand aside, ghost colt." growled the cloaked entity

Alex stepped back at the dark figure approached Clockwork.

as the two engaged in a conversation, Alex spoke up. "who..is THAT!?" exclaimed Alex

"That..is the Grim Reaper, the physical embodiment of DEATH itself. he frequently visits Clockwork to know in advance one somepony is going to die.

  and, YES: Grim is the one who brought you here..as he did me, and many others. and, as you can probably guess: Death doesn't have very many friends."

Alex grew pale, never once imagining that Death had a face. just being in the same room as "him" made him feel uneasy.

"come..let as depart." said Andromeda "Y-Yes, please.." stuttered Alex

as the two left, Grim and Clockwork continued to converse.