The day wasn't unusual in any remarkable way when it started. The sun was shining, a few clouds hung lazily in the sky waiting to be bucked and the temperature was in that sweet zone between warm and brisk. Everything was very pleasant and quite mundane if you were to discount the small number of shambling skeletal ponies currently marching past the outskirts of the local houses and businesses of Ponyville. Some wore rotting cloaks and or misaligned hats or even glasses over their empty sockets and they continued scratching and moving about with that horrible rattling noise as they traversed the colorful streets. About a half dozen in total slowly moved forwards with soulless abandon before finally coming to stop in front of their master.
A pony who raises the dead is something to truly be feared for they have broken ancient pacts with death itself. The word necromancer had fallen into complete disuse by this time in Equestrian history, only the princesses (give or take a Draconequis) remembered the most foul of pony kind. Necromancers were pictures of fear and malevolence, vile hatreds and cold detachment from all that is living. Thus it was quite surprising that the master of these undead ponies was currently wearing a smile of titanic proportions and practically bouncing in place while shouting words like “Success, Perfect, Exactly like I theorized!” Twilight Sparkle was quite proud of herself, so proud she did not notice Celestia descending gracefully behind her, taking in the scene and then placing the most saddened and heartbroken expression possible on as she stared at her precious student who had become a princess. Perhaps this is moving to quick however, let us move backwards a mere day and see how this all came to unfold.
One Day Earlier
“Spike! Where did I leave my copy of Starswirl’s Notes on Mana Flux?” Twilight asked from behind a rather precarious stack of tomes as her ever faithful companion continued dusting the new library. He only needed to think for a few moments before responding.
“Fifth shelf from the right, two shelves from the bottom, eight books in from the right I think!” Spike yelled out over the book fortress as he continued trying to clean the new library in Twilights “Castle.” It wasn’t what anyone would call regal, shiny yes, but everything was laid out in a standard manner and with a rather homely feeling. Spike thought it was nice, though he did miss the old library greatly. His comic books, his bed, honestly all his possessions in the entire world went up in smoke with Tireks rampage. Still, he knew it hit him only half as hard as it did Twilight, she had sat in the ruins of the Library for 2 hours just looking at the charred remains of her books. It had taken Spike and all of Twilight’s friends to bring her out of her funk. The donation of spare books from all across Ponyville had helped a lot, particularly a Dareing Doo set donated anonymously, though everypony was certain it had been Rainbow Dash she had still vehemently denied it.
Things were returning to normal, the group falling back into their regular routines. Apples were bucked, parties were had, animals tended to, weather maintained, and fashions designed. Books however were practically devoured within the castles library where Twilight was working to learn all she could about ruling a kingdom, all though her duties were fairly minimal and mostly consisted of meetings with diplomats and protecting ponies from any dangers that cropped up, honestly little had changed. She always found time for her friends, often inviting them to the castle where they could all sit on their respective thrones and discuss whatever seemed important at the time.
Twilight inhaled deeply before giving out a contented sigh and closing the last of her books on proper princess etiquette. Only a few hours sleep in the last week but she was now, (at long last in her opinion) finished with the books on her new station and the importance she played as a symbol in difficult times. She was more excited however by the prospect of finally getting to return to her studies of magic, this thought pushed any ideas of sleep away, at least for the time being. Many new spell books had come in recently from Celestia as a way of replenishing what was lost and Twilight had only barely managed to contain herself when they arrived to keep from tearing into them. Now however she was free to look them over and as she stood up from her desk. (her knees giving a small protesting crack from remaining stationary for such a length of time) She headed to the far end of the library where a pristine bookshelf sat, its tomes still waiting to be properly organized. (Twilight’s system of organization was a complex affair that made sense to herself alone and was just barely comprehensible to Spike) Spike noticing Twilight had moved quickly followed her as the library was quite clean by this point and he had little else to do today, he found assisting Twilight to be a quite enjoyable (if not always appreciated) experience.
Twilight scanned the spines of the books, some of these spell tomes were old, pre-Classical era or earlier! She could barely contain her enthusiasm as she happily trotted in place imagining what might be inside them as she read some of the titles. “Advanced Illusionary arts, Light Spells all you’ll ever need to know, Channeling Mana an efficiency guide.” On and on the list went save a single book which immediately stood out to Twilight. The reasoning was simple, there was no writing on its spine just and extension of a pure black cover. Twilight quickly grasped the book in her magic and brought it eye level as she turned it around. There was no writing on any of the sides and it looked like a rather plain journal one would find in any bookstore for the last several centuries. Cracking open the book she turned to a random page and her jaw nearly fell through the floor.
Spike watched Twilight as she browsed over the shelf and took a book down in her magic. He thought of all the spells she knew, in all of Ponyville he was probably the only one who had any sort of clue how powerful Twilight actually was. She wasn’t on par with any of the princesses in raw magic, that had never been her strength. She excelled in minimising how much mana was lost from each spell and had learned a trick few unicorns ever fully appreciated, drawing mana from the air. She could (as long as the spells were only minor) cast for an entire day without tiring if she wanted to. Spike tried to think if her magic had any weaknesses but other than an only slightly above average pool of mana to draw from her casting was top notch. Spike turned his thoughts towards himself and what he took pride in. Only three things came to mind, His noble dragon code, his status as Twilight’s number one assistant and the fact that Twilight was like family to him. Shaking himself from all his thinking he turned himself back to Twilight and the slack jawed and mesmerized expression currently on her face.
Twilight had never in all her life seen such comprehensive notes. The writing was neat and in a common black ink that flowed across the page. It was more of a personal journal than a spell book, with notes jammed into the margins and symbols drawn upon the page circled with lines leading to words. It was a large mess to the untrained eye but to Twilight it was wonderful beyond belief. Every detail of casting was written down, tips for channeling the spell, proper breathing and exact numbers for the amount of mana to focus. There was only one thing for her to do and she shot across the library to an unoccupied desk and placed the precious book onto the table while calling out to her most trusted assistant.
“Spike, please get me my quills, a stack of parchment, prepare some tea and....” Twilight was cut off as Spike responded before she had even finished.
“Sure thing Twi! One all night study kit coming up!” Twilight couldn't help but smile as her assistant went and secured the materials she would need. She wasn't certain even now what Spike was to her and she had been turning it over for years. When she was younger it was like a little brother, but now more and more it was almost like she was his mother. She was confused by the thought and at one point had almost considered adopting him officially but they were good in their routine so neither really saw much of a need to change things. Whatever it was it worked and they both cared a great deal for each other, as close as any family related by blood. Spike returned with the materials and the water for the tea ready to be boiled by dragon fire in a moment. Twilight placed a hoof on Spikes head fin and gave it a small ruffle.
“What would I do without you Spike. I’m probably going to be looking at this journal for the rest of the day and into the night. I’ve never seen spells written out like this! I bet this is some kind of test, or maybe a new level of magic that Celestia trusts me with now! Oh, I can barely wait to see what some of these spells do. Spike you can take the rest of the day off. Don’t stay out to late alright.” Spike gave an excited nod as he dashed with enthusiasm out of the library mind set on one location, Carousel Boutique, he shouted over his shoulder as he shut the door behind him.
“Thanks Twilight, I’ll be back before dark!” She rolled her eyes as he left, she had no doubts as to where he would be heading. She refocused her attention onto the journal and flipped to the front of the very first page where a hand written title could still be read.
“Experimental notes and musings Volume one. By Bucky Blackhoof.” Twilight pondered the name, she had never even heard of it before which surprised her, the notes appeared so well written she would have thought he was famous. Pushing the thought aside she turned to the first real page and took in what appeared to be a simple detection spell. Slowly as she took the symbols apart from the text and pieced together the spell inch by inch all the while transcribing her own notes in her own style she grasped what the spell did. She questioned the very air, a note of surprise and confusion in her voice.
“Detect dead? Huh, I wonder why Celestia would want me to learn that?”
Several Hours Later
Spike walked into the library pep in his step after spending several hours with his beloved Rarity helping out around her shop. He felt lighter than air, like nothing could possibly bring him down as he took in the state of the library and ran through a small checklist that everything was in its proper order. Shelves, check, Twilight, check, writing desk, check, giant pentagram.....Spike froze his eyes widening as he saw Twilight give him a wave and come leisurely trotting over to him.
“Hey Spike, how was your day? Spike....you alright, you’re not running a fever right.” She quickly placed a hoof on Spikes forehead with a concerned look which vanished when she felt he had no unusual temperature. Spike finally found his tongue as he gave Twilight his own concerned look.
“Twi...why is there a pentagram on the library floor?” Twilight for her part now looked confused as she responded.
“Well I drew it of course. How else would it have appeared? You sure your feeling alright Spike.”Spike was beyond confused and concerned at this point so he decided to just come out and say it.
“Twi, I might not be a master of magic but aren’t pentagrams symbols of evil? Like, serious dark magic. I know Celestia taught you a little dark magic but isn’t this....a little over the top?” A look of understanding crossed Twilights face as she nodded slowly and responded.
“Oh I get it, no Spike I’m not turning into some crazy dark wizard. Pfft, me an evil wizard, the only thing more ridiculous is Fluttershy as a supervillain in secret. I’m just copying some of the rituals from the book Celestia sent me. She wouldn’t send me something if she thought it was dangerous Spike, at least not without a warning. Don’t worry Spike, you have nothing to worry about.” She gave him a nuzzle that brought a warm smile to his face as she led him towards the door that led to his bedroom. Just she closed the door to the library she spoke.
“Don’t worry Spike, all the spell does is let me chat with some spirits. Completely harmless, now get some sleep and sweet dreams Spike” The door shut over Spikes look of concern that had returned twofold. Oh he was writing Celestia, oh he was bucking writing her this second. He hurried down the corridor straight for his room which had a few of his own writing implements.
Spikes room was surprisingly organized for someone his age, little bits of Twilight had rubbed off on him it seemed. His quill and parchment were on his nightstand on the opposite side of his bed. The quickest path to which was directly over top of his bed, his first real bed in fact. An overly comfortable, warm and well crafted bed after a long day of working at Rarity’s. His scramble over it slowed as he neared the opposite edge and felt himself sink into the soft embrace of the mattress, his rational mind was telling him to go just a bit farther and grasp the quill. His tired mind however whispered a much simpler solution, sleep now and in the morning send a letter, after all, how much trouble could Twilight get up to in a single night? Had he been fully awake he would have recognized the insanity of that statement, sadly he was not fully awake and he quickly fell asleep.
Twilight Sparkle had many positive traits, her studious nature, steadfastness, dedication and a deep love of her friends. She unfortunately had a few negative traits as well, an overly obsessive nature, a habit of missing the obvious, taking a few things (particularly assistants) occasionally for granted, and finally a habit of skipping sleep. The more sleep skipped however resulted in her other negative traits becoming exacerbated, particularly when it came to missing the obvious. The worst example of this was when the future version of herself had appeared and warned her of something. Her end solution after several days of not sleeping had been trying to stop the flow of time itself, in hindsight a truly horrific and insane idea, at the time however it had seemed completely reasonable to her. Her time spent not sleeping and instead reading books on how to be a proper princess had likewise taken their toll and so a number of red flags were happily trotted past as Twilight continued with the book speaking to herself as she went along.
“I never thought Celestia would know magic like this! It’s so unlike anything else I’ve ever done, it’s fascinating! Alright one last check of the spells so far. Detect dead, check. Commune with spirits, check. Next one is animate bones? Oh, so you use detect dead to find bones to use! I’ve never seen animated bones before? I wonder why, maybe Celestia uses them for basic jobs around Canterlot? It’s like recycling with ponies, how have I never thought of that before! Alright let’s see if I can find some bones!”
A look of concentration passed over Twilights features for an instant before her eyes flew wide open, all color drained and a deep and pure black color filling them. Her vision was in a dark and twisting shade of blue with every bone and dead plant glowing a luminous green. Far off, through the walls of her castle, she could site a collection of the green light and she quickly grabbed her saddle bag, tossed in the book and the few materials she would need for the spell. She happily trotted through the door ready for a long night of perfecting her newest spell.
Several Hours later
Celestia woke gently from her slumber with a smile. The night had been peaceful, as were most nights now that her sister had returned to her. Gingerly stepping from her bed she did her greatest royal duty first, the raising of the sun. The great orange globe ascended and spread its warmth across all of Equestria, to every one of her beloved citizens and it filled her heart with joy. Stepping back from her balcony she made her way inside to enjoy a nice quiet breakfast.
Toasted dandelion sandwich, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and a peaceful quiet, at that moment she felt a familiar buzz in her horn as a letter materialized before her. Her smile widened as she thought of her most faithful student. Taking a sip of her orange juice she unfurled the letter, obviously penned by Spike and started reading. Orange juice flew from her muzzle spattering the page as her eyes shrunk to dots. She stood as fast as possible and her chair clattered to the floor. One of the guards noticing the look of horror that was on Celestias face tried to rush to her side, but by the time he reached it she had already disappeared in a flash of light. The letter sat discarded (and soaked in orange juice) upon the floor and read very simply.
Dear Celestia
You didn't send Twilight a book on dark magic right? She found one from your last shipment of spell books and has been communing with spirits and drawing pentagrams. If you did please send a quick reply and I’ll stop worrying at once. If not please send a message I can show to Twilight immediately.
Your faithful subject
Spike
Author's Note
So what did you think? Was anyone ooc (Out of character right?) Was grammar acceptable. Are you excited by the course of events
or were you left disappointed? I would love to hear just about anything from you. Criticisms more than welcome. Hope you enjoyed
yourself!
Twilight breathed deep the cool night air that was gently brushing past her mane and coat and gave a contented sigh. She had to give it to Luna, it was a beautiful night, the stars shimmering in the cosmos and a faint light coming from the waxing moon. Regaining her focus she continued her trot towards the spot where her spell of detect dead had informed her of a fair number of bones. She had deduced fairly quickly that it could only be one place, the Ponyville cemetery. She had never had a reason to visit it before so she was uncertain what to expect. She was excited, that was the only way to explain the beating in her chest. This was new magic, it was exciting and differed so much from unicorn and alicorn magic. This magic involved rituals, complex channeling of magic without the use of her horn! The implications being that even an earth pony would technically be capable of using this magic. She’d have to bring this up to Applejack later to see if she’d be interested Twilight thought with excitement as she neared the cemetery.
Ponyville cemetery wasn’t a particularly dreary place, located on a small hill overlooking the outskirts of Ponyville, it was filled with deep green grass and a single large tree with branches full of some of the most lovely red flowers found near Ponyvile. The small wooden markers were carved beautifully and featured only the name and date of birth of the pony in question. (an old equestrian tradition) Twilight took in a few of the names as she made her way towards the cemeteries center, an odd feeling worming its way into her stomach. These were ponies, the thought was obvious but it sounded important in her mind so she gave it a moment’s thought. If she were dead and buried would she want someone she had never heard of to dig her up and practice magic on her remains? Twilight gave a large smile and a nod, she would be proud to help in someponies magical education after she was gone and so she removed the journal from her saddle bag and set to work.
The basic spell for animating bones was a simple affair to Twilight, she needed a few candles, a sharp object, (her horn was plenty pointy enough) and a good bit of concentration. She arranged the candles exactly as specified and stood between them before taking a deep breath and proceeding to read from the journal. She followed the side note of keeping her voice level and easy to hear whilst taking care not to shout.
“Bones below bound in silence
Give rise and move again
What was lost now found
Give rise by death unbound!”
With the last word said at a shout she pricked her hoof on her horn as she let a single drop of blood fall to the exact centre of the candles which flicked out as soon as the drop touched the ground. Twilight stood perfectly still, the night breeze through the big tree with red flowers the only real sound, a disappointed look overtook her features as she cast a minor healing spell on her small cut. Putting down her hoof she tried to think what she had missed as she started packing up all the materials back in her saddle bag as she looked at the cemetery in disappointment.
“I guess I must have made a mistake. Darn, I’ll get some sleep and try again later. Maybe if I...” She slowly made to leave the cemetery when a sound hit her, like grass and earth being moved as a bony hoof burst from the mound nearest Twilight. Twilight was so fixed on the bones slowly rising from the ground she didn’t notice the moon had sank below the horizon and in its place sat Celestias golden sun.
Twilight inspected six skeletal ponies with an awed look on her face as she ran a hoof over the smooth bones and gave one of them a soft push and squeed in delight as it righted itself. She had done it and she couldn’t feel more proud. She turned her mind toward the present and quickly decided she should do what she always did when she made a new magical discovery, show Spike. Twilight turned to the dead ponies and announced a singsong voice full of excitement.
“Alright everypony, follow me!” She happily skipped towards Ponyville a smile on her face as her legion of the dead followed behind her.
Lyra Heartstrings was a bit of an early riser she would admit to anypony. She liked the way the meadows outside Ponyville looked just before dawn and she had made a habit of viewing them each morning before setting off for work. She took in her surrounding with a deep and contented breath as she felt the wind gently ruffle her coat. She caught sight of a bit of movement and narrowing her eyes recognized the shape of the newest equestrian princess Twilight Sparkle, she waved a hoof which Twilight reciprocated as she moved towards her. Lyra noted a few other ponies trailing behind Twilight but paid them no mind as she greeted Twilight.
“Good morning princess! It’s nice to see another early riser like myself.” Lyra called out earning a chuckle from Twilight as she responded.
“I told you Lyra just call me Twilight, I’m the same old pony I was. Actually I just finished learning a new spell, if you’re interested.” Lyra gave an excited nod, she was being included in something the royalty of Equestria was excited about, it made her feel a little special. No sooner had she nodded then all sanity in the world hit a cliff in her mind as Twilight moved aside and Lyra found herself looking into six sets of soulless eyes. She froze, her body went stiff as her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. All of this Twilight did not notice as she had turned around and was rubbing her hoof across the bones of one of the ponies while speaking.
“The spell was really impressive, no unicorn magic required! With practice I might be able to raise hundreds of ponies if I had access to the bones across Equestria! I bet Celestia would be so surprised! I should march these fellows right to Canterlot and....Lyra are you alright!” Twilight had turned and the look on Lyras face was one of complete terror, Twilight took a step towards her and that was all the motivation Lyra needed, she fled into Ponyvile screaming all the way leaving a very confused Twilight behind.
“I wonder what happened? Maybe she was running late for something, yeah, that’s got to be it.” She continued forwards refocusing in on her accomplishment and trying to put Lyras odd behaviour from her mind. She quickly found her smile and practically bounced in place while shouting words like “Success, Perfect, Exactly like I theorized!” A small sound behind her caused her to turn and as she did she took in the sight of Princess Celestia standing as if she were born there her eyes trained on Twilight. A massive smile erupted across Twilights features as she ran up and gave a light bow before starting talking.
“I’m surprised to see you Princess! What brings you to Ponyville this early? Oh, quickly though what do you think. I already learned three spells from the book you sent me! It’s so fascinating I want to thank you again Princess.” Celestia took in the face of her smiling pupil surrounded by the dead and couldn’t help but shed a small tear, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Already Celestia could hear the ponies in Ponyville shouting about how Twilight planned to invade Canterlot with her armies of the dead. This wasn’t the kind of accident to just blow over, this was the end of Twilights life as she knew it and she didn’t realize it in the slightest. She just stood there smiling at her mentor as if nothing was the slightest bit different.
Twilights skeletons suddenly collapsed into dust and bone fragments and Twilight felt a chill run down her back. The magic had run out, it was her first time so she knew she could make it last longer next time, but she had proved she could do it so she wasn’t overly focusing on them. Instead she watched Celestia and became confused when she saw single tear fall from her eye right before she spoke.
“Twilight Sparkle, my little pony and most precious student I am so sorry I have failed you. I hope that one day you can forgive me.” Celestia saw the headlines, the political turmoil, the troubles with other nations that would erupt if they learned that Equestria had a necromancer for a princess, so she did the only thing she could, she took everything. In a brilliant flash of light Twilight felt a painful pulling sensation on her back and head and breathed sharply as her vision slowly faded back into reality. She was panting hard, she felt sore and most frighteningly of all, she couldn’t feel the magic around her. She looked at Celestia with a heartbroken and terrified face which Celestia responded with a look of cold indifference cracked by great sorrow as she spoke.
“Twilight Sparkle, you are stripped of your rank as Princess and all unicorn magic. You have broken ancient pacts, desecrated the remains of ponies and broken my trust in you. In light of your previous actions for the benefit of Equestria you will not be banished, now turn over the book and all materials related to your dark deeds!” Twilight Sparkle was lost, confused, this had to be a nightmare, or a test or anything other than reality! But Twilight had learned to read Celestias face, and the sadness behind it made it real. Like a piece falling into place Twilight realized what she had done and gave Celestia her saddlebag in silence. Celestia went in close and whispered in her ear.
“I am sorry, but this is for the best. Now go home as I explain things to the other ponies as best I can.” With another flash of light Twilight found herself in her bedroom, she was still shocked, she couldn’t comprehend what had happened so she sat on the floor and stared absently into the wall of her room.
Ponyville was in Chaos, the word was out, Twilight had finally gone and snapped and was planning on leading and army of the dead to conquer Equestria. Couriers had been dispersed to every city and town to warn them of the coming invasion after a Pegasus pony had confirmed Lyras tale with a quick flyby. Barricades were being constructed, windows boarded and families were hiding in basements as Celestia walked into the street and took a deep breath, the royal Canterlot voice wasn’t something she was very fond of.
“MY PONIES STOP! THE CRISIS IS OVER AND HAS BEEN DEALT WITH, TAKE DOWN THE DEFENSES AND CALM YOURSELVES. THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR.” The ponies froze, before one stepped forwards. Lyra Heartstrings was never one for bravery or questioning the Princess. After what she saw however, she couldn’t take chances.
“So Twilight is, stopped, banished? Or trapped in stone or something! She didn’t hurt you right Princess?” All the ponies seemed to nod in agreement save four who were currently pushing their way through the crowd. (plus one glaring at ponies from the air) All five stopped however when the Celestia spoke.
“Twilight became confused; she meant no harm and has saved you all time and again. I ask you to remember that. She has been stripped of her magic and title of princess but I ask you to treat her as you did before. She lost her way for an instant, much of this is simple misunderstanding. She is currently resting in her home, please believe she would never do anything to threaten Equestria. I need to clear this up with many others so I must leave now. Have faith in her, Twilight is no monster, she is the same pony you have all come to love and rely on.” With those words Celestia vanished as she teleported to the next closest towns to try and keep this at least partially contained.
The rest of the mane six had shocked expressions on, it had been true. Twilight had actually summoned the dead and been stripped of her magic, they realized one thing though, she needed them. There was a silent agreement and they all quickly set off to do whatever they could to help Twilight.
Spike had found Twilight, she had appeared in the castle and was packing like the gates of Tartauraus were opening behind her. Throwing everything she could get her hooves on into the largest bag she owned. When Spike had seen her he just stood stock still certain his eyes were mistaken, but there stood Twilight without wings or a horn. When he recovered he saw the expression on Twilight’s face, it was hard to describe. Shame, guilt, disgust, anger and a deep sadness that was coursing through her. Spike took a step forwards and Twilight finally became aware to his presence.
“Stay back Spike...I don’t want...I don’t want to hurt you..”Twilight squeeked out with restrained tears in her eyes. Spike paid it no mind as he approached while talking calmly, trying to piece things together.
“Twilight, what happened? You would never hurt me so just tell me what happened.” Spike reassured as he finally got close enough and laid a comforting claw on Twilights back. Like that a damn broke and she threw her hooves around Spike and pulled him into a tight embrace as she let her tears run down her muzzle as she tried to get out an explanation.
“You....right....evil...Celestia....took my magic.....running away!” Spike grasped enough and felt a horrible chill creep down his scaled spine, his letter. Now it was Spikes turn to start shedding tears, he was responsible, he should have found Twilight first, or just wrote the bucking letter last night. He’d let her down and now she was suffering because of him. He Responded his voice cracking slightly.
“I’m sorry Twi I..wrote a letter to Celestia. I was worried! Don’t run away Twi, you’re gonna be fine! Just fine, the two of us together forever Twi remember!” Spike’s words caused a pause in Twilights pit of depression as she recalled the day when she had said the two of them would be together forever. That they were family. Twilight regained her head and quickly shook off that Spike had sent the letter, of course he did, he was always worrying about her.
“Spike, I can’t stay. Everypony will...I need to leave before they come down here with torches because I...Spike I stole bodies, I used magic to bring back some ponies loved ones and march them around like puppets. I’m evil, that’s something only a bad pony would do and I did it! My friends....they all probably hate me.” The downcast expression almost killed Spike but a cough from behind the two caused them to abruptly turn and look straight at a very uncomfortable looking Rainbow Dash.
“Well I wouldn’t say your friends hate you. A little concerned, maybe but come on Rainbow Dash isn’t scared by anything. Twi we...we’ll you know were worried about you and stuff. Come on let’s talk. Go and unlock the door downstairs, we’ll all come in and chat.” Dash said trying to appear confident, mostly though she looked nervous and Twilight read that and felt her heart sink further. Spike after noticing the open window and correctly guessing Rainbows method of entry hurried out of the room to let the others in. Within a few minutes all of them were seated on their respective thrones and all eyes were on the former princess. Applejack decided to be the first to speak so taking a deep breath she started.
“Sugarcube, I don’t rightly know what got intt’a yah and I don’t care. Your my friend Twi and I plan on sticking by you know matter what. It’ll be hard work but we’ll win back Ponyville soon enough.” Applejack gave a smile she thought reassuring to Twilight as Rarity spoke up.
“Twilight, we would never assume the worst of you and the thought that you imagined us hating you is beyond preposterous. We adore you Twilight and simply could not imagine our lives without you. If any pony tries to lay a hoof on you they will be most un-delicately beaten onto their flank!” Rarity intoned and actually managed to get a small smile across Twilights face. Rainbow Dash simply nodded in agreement and threw in a “what she said” before the most timid voice sounded.
“uhhm Twilight, I think you’re a very wonderful pony but please don’t raise any more zombies. A few critters who were out saw them and have been panicked ever since. But I’m sure you didn’t mean to! You would never scare anypony on purpose. You’re a good pony Twilight and we all know that.” Fluttershy hid back behind her mane once she’d finished speaking leaving only one pony left to speak, a usually energetic voice was soft and choosing her words carefully.
“Twilight you really scared us. Your all horn-less and not princess-y but that’s alright because you’re still Twilight-y. We can have a ton of new parties and you’ll always be invited because were super duper best friends! A party wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t there.” Pinkie nodded sagely as she finished. Finally Twilight spoke, the faintest of sad smiles on her face.
“Thank you so much. You girls mean more to me than...books. (a gasp came from Pinkie at this declaration) But I can’t stay, It’ll ruin your lives to be near me. I know how this goes and there’s only one solution. I’m going into exile in the Everfree Forest. Nopony will be in danger or frightened of me and I won’t ruin any of your lives. Don’t look at me like that. Rarity you’ll never sell another dress if you admit your friends with some crazy banished princess. Applejack will never get enough money to fix her barn, Rainbow Dash you’d be rejected from the Wonderbolts. Pinkie, your parties would be empty except for me, who would come to any party where everyone’s terrified of one of the guests? Fluttershy, you said the animals are frightened, there frightened of me, I won’t drag any of you down with me, no discussions. It’s not much but it’s all I can do for you." Spike’s small voice suddenly piped up from right at Twilight’s side.
“There’s no way of talking you out of this is there Twi. (A quick shake of her head gave him all the answer he needed) Well I guess I’d better get packing.” Twilight put on a confused expression before realization hit and she started shaking her head and speaking as he stood from his throne.
“Spike, I’m leaving to protect you, all of you. I couldn’t imagine what would happen to me if you got hurt. So you need to stay Spike.” Spike looked back at her, straight into her lavender eyes as he spoke.
“Twi there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than by your side. You’re my family Twi, my only family and I won’t let you suffer alone. I’m coming and there is nothing on all of green Equestria that you could do to stop me! Now, were going to pack together, I’ll bring what I need and if you really intend to go and live in the Everfree Forest I have a place in mind.” With that answer Spike walked from the throne room and made to start packing his few possessions. He would never leave Twilight when she needed him, it was all too easy for his decision to be made for him, he’d sure miss hanging with the girls (one of them especially) but Twi needed him and that was good enough.
The girls watched stunned as Spike left and Twilight stood from her throne and gave her friends a small smile before turning and going to continue packing. Pinkie spoke up her voice filled with sadness.
“Were not even going to get to throw a going away party are we?”
Author's Note
Well I was so surprised by the positive feedback I got to my story I decided I'd get you the next part quick as I could.
So what did you think? Still interested by the story and where it's going. Was Celestia to harsh or does the threat of a
diplomatic nightmare justify her. What about poor Lyra and her near heart attack? Mostly though did you enjoy it?
PS. I laughed at the picture Blood Brandy. Ebonysdagger, yeah she can be pretty clueless at times but we still love her.
OldMan there's some fancy italics (the poor mans cursive lol) work in this chapter but no time jumps. FutureJohnny thanks
and yes I bet there is some bad grammar here. All the things you warned me about I have no intention of putting in.
Aunt Celestia there will be some form of cliffhanger at the end of every chapter (gotta keep ya'll excited somehow)
Ok thanks for the feedback, hopefully this stands up.