When Stars Fade Awayby thechicken95ChaptersChapter 1: DarknessChapter Two: Death Strikes TwiceChapter Three: Transformation Chapter Four: Ponyville Chapter Five: What Have I Done Chapter 1: DarknessHer hoofs were clopping on the ground so hard and fast that it make the earth quake with each step. She was running, her yellow mare all tangled up from the strong wind. Her head down and looking straight to keep up her pace. She looked back, but her hat had been long gone. No worries, she'd just request a new one from Rarity. But that wasn't important now. Nothing was, except to get the news out. She turned the corner, and broke out into a full on sprint, leaving a huge cloud of dust in her trail. Just earlier that day, she had spent that day with one of her best friends looker for a perfect engagement ring that her friend would propose to her boyfriend. At the time, she thought it was a bit weird, seeing as a mare was going to propose to a colt, but as seeing that it was her best friend, she decided to help her out. And that was the last time that they ever saw each other. As the orange pony raced towards Ponyville, she wasn't seeing where she was going, and bumped into another pony. "Ow! Watch where you're going you ass-" the rainbow pony stopped in her tracks when she saw who it was. "Applejack! I'm so sorry!" "It's all right SugarCube." Applejack said,brushing the dirt off her mane. "What were you doing running all crazy like that? And also, where's-". Rainbow said, before being cut off by Applejack. "I'll tell you later hun. Let's just go find the others first." Applejack said in a sped up tone. She was starting to sweat now, and was beginning to hyperventilate. "You sure you're ok there AJ? I could just go alone, you'll just have to tell me what I need to tell the others." Rainbow said, placing a hoof on Applejacks shoulder. "No, no it's alright. I'll be fine. Let's get goin." Applejack said, walking in front of Rainbow, towards Ponyville. The usually quite Hamlet was full of spark and energy when the duo reached the edge of town. "Since it's a busy day, let's stop by Fluttershy's first." Rainbow said, with Applejack nodding in agreement. As they saw Fluttershy's house in the distance, the could see her trying to feed Angel. "Now be a good boy for mama Angel and ear that last carrot." Fluttershy said in a whisper. Angel shook his head no. "Oh please won't you be a good boy for mama? Maybe just one bite?" Angel again, shook his head no. "What ya doin over there SugerCube?" Applejack asked. Fluttershy yelped, and flew straight into a tree, while Angel took the carrot and punted it down the hill, then returned to his home. "Oh. It's you guys. What's going on Applejack?" Fluttershy said, hushed. "There's something that I have to tell you, and it's concerning what took place earlier today." Applejack said. "Oh... Does that mean that-" Fluttershy said before being cut off by Rainbow Dash. "AJ wants all of us plus Spike together before she announces the big news. Come on, let's go find Rarity next." Rainbow Dash said, with Fluttershy and Applejack nodding in agreement. The trio entered Rarity's store, and didn't see her. "Maybe she's in the back?" Rainbow Dash suggested, walking towards the back of the store. A little while later, Rarity walked out, and greeted Rainbow. "Oh darlings! What are you three doing here now? The picnic wasn't supposed to be for another hour, and I'm not even close to being ready yet." Rarity said. "We need to talk to you about somethin about this morning." Applejack said, as Rarity's head instantly shot up. "Ohh! Did she get the ring? How was the proposal? What type of dress does she want?" Rarity asked in rapid succession. "Actually, it's about something other than that. And I need all of you to make the announcement." Applejack said, her head down. "O-oh. Ok. I see it now." Rarity said. "Come on, let's go find Pinkie." The girls nodded, and they walked out of the store. As they entered Pinkie's house, they saw whole sorts of pots and pans scattered across the floor, cupcakes by the dozens and Pinkie going from stove to stove caring no less than five huge pans with her. "Pinkie, what are you doing?" Rainbow Dash said chuckling as they entered her house. "Why it's for the picnic of course! Can't have a perfect picnic without the perfect cake!" Pinkie said, bouncing up and down. "Well, we need you to stop baking right now and to come along with us." Applejack said, staring at the ground. "Stop baking! This needs to be perf-" Pinkie stopped as she saw the expressions of her friends. "Oh. Well then, I guess I'll be going. Sorry for my outburst." "It's alright pumpkin. Let's go see Spike." Applejack said. Spike was busy cleaning the library in anticipation for the picnic, putting books on the correct shelves, lining the tables together, and even doing some dishes. He heard a knock on the door, and hurried over to it, tripping over a few chairs here and there. When he opened it, he was surprised to seethe others in such down spirits. "Hey guys, where's Twilight?" Spike said, his heart pounding. "That's what I gathered you all here for. A message from Princess Celestia herself: Princess Twilight, our Princess Twilight, has been murdered." Chapter Two: Death Strikes Twice"Twilight..... She can't be." Rarity said, trailing off. "She- she is SugarCube." Applejack said, chocking up her words, tears starting to form from her eyes. "No.... No.... It's all some sort of sick prank that you're pulling on me isn't it?" Spike said, backing away from Applejack. "No Spike, it's true. Besides, would I lie to you about this?" Applejack said. Spike backed away slowly, his eyes widening in shock. "It... C-c-can't be.....!" Spike wailed, tears flowing from his eyes. He then ran inside and slammed the door, much to the concern of the others. "Somepony needs to go calm him down. There's much more danger if his rage gets out of hand." Rainbow Dash said. "I'll go. I'm the best with at talking with animals, maybe I can reason with Spike." Fluttershy said. "All right SugerCube. We'll be out here just incase things go south." Applejack said. Fluttershy opened the door, only to find no Spike. She searched the house, Turing over tables and checking drawers, when she heard a scream from the second floor. She rushed up the stairs, tripping once, and rammed through the door. "Spike! Where are you?" Fluttershy said hurriedly. She darted from corner to corner in the room, running out of breath. She then turned over to the closet, and slowly opened the door, and flew back in horror. Opening the window, Fluttershy called over the others. "Girls, come quick! It's Spike!" The others came over as fast as they could, often tripping over each other. When they got to the room, they all looked over at the closet in shock. "Wha-what......" Pinkie said, frozen in pure shock. "Spike no...." Rarity said, fainting. Rainbow Dash and Applejack saved her before she hit the ground and laid her on Spike's bed. Fluttershy ran out of the room crying. "AJ, you take care of Rarity, and I'll go find Fluttershy. Pinkie, try to help console Rarity with AJ." Rainbow Dash said, running out chasing after Fluttershy. "Please Celestia! Come here, help us revive Spike!" Fluttershy yelled to the sky, with Rainbow close behind. "Get a hold of yourself! Not even Celestia can bring back Spike, nor Twilight. They're gone- Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said, rushing over to her, and giving her a comforting hug. "I-it's fine Rainbow. You just got caught up in the moment, that's all. I guess it was too much for Spike to handle." Fluttershy said. "Maybe we shouldn't have broke the news to Spike." "What are you insane? Prevent him from learning knowledge that he would end up knowing any way, most likely from Celestia." Rainbow said, stomping her hoof down. "But that still doesn't excuse the fact that he killed himself! And it's all our fault too!" Fluttershy said, beginning to cry. "Aw Fluttershy, don't cry now. It's not our fault that Spike did that to himself, it's his own fault. We did nothing wrong!" Rainbow said, getting into Fluttershy's face. "Rainbow, don't you have any empathy!?" Fluttershy screamed at her. "His mother figure, his best friend, had just died. How would you like it if one of your Wonderbolt friends were to die in a horrible accident, or even suicide? You would be feeling differently than you are now!" Fluttershy said, defending herself and getting in Rainbow's face. "That doesn't even address the current situation! You're emotions are getting the best of you Fluttershy! You need to- oh my gosh. I really didn't mean to-". Rainbow said, before seeing Fluttershy in tears. "You don't know what he's been through! Don't judge someone unless you've walked a mile in their hoofs! Isn't that what Twilight has always told us?!" Fluttershy said, tears flowing down her cheeks like a waterfall. "Yes, it was. Though in this case, Spike did this to himself, and we've all walked a mile in his feet with the loss of our best friend and leader!" Rainbow Dash yelled, sending Fluttershy into fits of hysteria. "You can't say that! How would Twilight feel about this!?" Fluttershy said, making Rainbow Dash speechless. She realized that what she was saying to Fluttershy was contradicting to what Twilight had been teaching not only them, but everypony in Equestria. "I didn't mean to sound like I did Fluttershy, but I do stand by my decision. Though I'll put this aside for now, if only to see how Rarity is doing." Rainbow Dash said. "Let's agree to never speak of this again for the sake of our friendship. Now let's go see how Rarity's doing." Fluttershy said, with Rainbow nodding in agreement. "Oh come on, wake up Rarity!" Pinkie said, bouncing from side to side. "You need to calm down Pinkie. She needs to take time to recover." Applejack said, calming her down. "I know, but I'm so worried about her! We need to council her right away!" Pinkie said, still pacing around the room. "Hey guys has Rarity came to yet?" Rainbow Dash asked, as her and Fluttershy entered the room. "Not yet. She still got a lot of recoverin to do after herself fainting from shock." Applejack said. "Can't we just throw water on her or something! Oh, I really want to see her well again!" Pinkie said. "It's not that easy Pinkie. Throwing water on her could put her into more shock, as it lowers the body temperature, or something like that which Twilight told me." Rainbow Dash said. "Alright. I guess I can wa- wait! Guys, she's coming to!" Pinkie said, gleefully. The others quickly gathered around the bed to see Rarity wake. "Guys... This has not been the best day." Rarity said, rousing from her sleep. "No kiddin SugerCube. We've had one hell of a day." Applejack said. "Hey guys, come check this out! I think we can finally know why Spike did what he just did." Rainbow Dash said, picking up the two pieces of parchment. [Spike's Letter] If anyone, specifically Twilights friends find this, I want to let them know why I decided to do this. I wanted to be with Twilight, my mother figure again. All through my life Twilight had been through my side, and I never once dared to imagine what life would be without her. She had been my mother, my guardian. I can't live in the world alone, knowing what my fate will be when I grow up into an adult dragon without her controlling me. So, I leave this letter, and a letter from Princess Celestia detailing Twilights funeral, which all of you have major roles in, as her best friends. So good by world, I can't wait to be with my mother soon. -Spike Sparkle. "Guys... It looks like we have to go to Canterlot right now." Rainbow Dash said, with the others nodding in agreement. As Rainbow Dash exited the library, she made a silent blessing to Twilight. 'By Celestia Twilight, I will carry on your legacy as I become the new leader of the Elements of Harmony, and I will find the murderer and bring him accountable to his crimes, even if that means death.' Chapter Three: Transformation Chapter Three: Transformation "It's morbid isn't it, going to your own funeral?" I thought, sitting under a tree that's overlooking the Canterlot grounds. I can hear every word that my friends say about me, my life, and what I meant to them. I almost break down in tears to know how much my friends truly loved me, and... I was scared. Scared to think what would happen once they found out that I was alive. 'Would they still be my friends..?' I wondered. I sighed. Nothing is going to be easy from here on out. I got up from under the tree, and started to pace back and forth, unsure of my future. 'This would have been easier if my boyfriend hadn't 'betrayed' me, and if Spike hadn't killed himself.' I thought, getting so angry that I kicked the tree like a martial artist kicks a brick with their bare hoofs. The tree nearly uprooted, making a thundering boom that could be heard from miles away. I was sure that tree and then that I would be caught. Though as I looked down at the funeral, it seemed like everyone was too focused on my limp body to focus on the sound. Everyone that is, except Pinkie, who's head started to dart back and forth, seemingly looking for the source of the noise. 'Damn!' I thought, pulling my cloak over my head, hiding my face. As I was walking away from the funeral, I heard a faint voice calling out to me. "Hello.... Who's up here?" It was Pinkie. I tried to think of some quick witty response that normal Twilight would make. But I wasn't going to allow myself to be exposed as alive to someone like Pinkie, so I decided to stay quite. "Umm... It's nice of you to come to one of my best friends funerals and all, but could you be even nicer to show your face so that I can thank you properly?" Pinkie's voice sounded so calming and soothing that I wanted to go and hug her to reveal to her that I am still alive, and that we can stop the funeral and throw a gigantic party for the fun of it. But, I stayed calm, and still had my mare down. "Can-can you at least tell me your name?" Pinkie said, staring at me with her big, wide puppy dog eyes. At that point, I had to give in. After all, for my disguise to work, I needed a new name. "I'm... I'm Morning Star." I said shyly, putting my head down and backing away from Pinkie. "Ohh! That's a wonderful name! My name's Pinkie Pie, though you can call me Pinkie for short!" Pinkie said, looking at me with the curiosity of a young foal. "Um... Well then I guess I'll see you around in Ponyville". I said. "You're moving to Ponyville!" Pinkie said with excitement. "Yeah... I'm moving there tomorrow in fact." I said. "That's a coincidence! I guess I'll see you tomorrow new friend!" With that, Pinkie took off hoping down the hill. I was worried that Pinkie had discovered who I was. 'I have to watch her more than the others. Even though she'll be the easiest to befriend her Pinkie sense will be a bitch to deal with. If I act too much like me, Twilight, she'll know something's wrong. Likewise if I act too opposite, she'll sense that something's off and that it's really forced. I gotta act somewhere in-between.' I thought, pacing back and forth. I had then decided that I'd had enough of my funeral, deciding to get on with my plan. After the funeral was over, I met Celestia over in her secret chambers. "Are your ready for the transformation process to begin?" Celestia asked in a motherly voice "I'm ready." I said confidently. "Are you sure? You know once you go through with this, there's no turning back. This will be your greatest challenge yet." "I know the dangers and the risks. I just want to see that bastard Blueblood destroyed by my hand and my hand alone." "Twily, you know how strongly I am in against using those words. But, as much as I hate to do this, I feel like letting you get revenge could be the only way to bring peace back into your life." "I know mother. The only thing that's keeping me back is what if I fail. If I fail, I lose everything. My friends, family, and maybe even you according to the public eye." I started to tear up a bit. Not only was this going to be the end of my normal life for a while, I would have no contact with my adoptive mother and teacher either. This would be the first mission that I truly alone on. Yeah sure, Celestia wasn't there when I faced Discord, but she was there in spirit. This was the first time that I might actually really die on a mission. "Trust me when I say this: even though I won't be with you on your journey, I have a feeling that you will succeed." Celestia was sounding more motherly to me than I had heard from her I'm a long time. While it brought a warmth to me, I was still uneasy. "That's nice of you two say, but stop trying to sugarcoat this. If only we had more time..." "Yes, Spike's death was a tragic one. But I guess that's the way life goes sometimes. You've learned all of this before, so I won't say much more." Celestia said. This was one of the things that always bugged me, and even pissed me off a little about her. She'd always go on and on about these friendship lesions like they were a religion, no matter what type of situation I'd just gotten out of! "But can't you just bring him back yourself and keep him in the castle? That'll give me way more time to find and destroy Blueblood!" "I could do that, but it needs to be done by you yourself Twilight. You adopted him as your son, and the spell needs to be done by a close family member, or else the love generated from the spell won't work! Plus, don't forget that with this transformation spell, you have 25 days to become friends with the other Elements before you transform back into your old self!" "Couldn't you make the spell any longer? I need at least a few months to befriend the others, and maybe longer for Applejack and Rainbow Dash!" "The most I can do without killing you would be four months. But that would put a tremendous strain on your body that you might never recover from!" "I know the risks!! I want to do this in order to bring this monster to justice and to protect my friends! Though thanks for moving it to four months. I think that's just enough time to do the mission. But that'll also mean that you'll have to give me some of your magic to revive Spike, as I can revive him a month after his death without putting too much strain on my body." I was fuming now. She keeps on warning me over and over again! I know the risks, I read the mission report over a hundred times! "That is fine. Now, shall we get the transformation under way?" Celestia beckoned me towards the center of the room. As she began the spell the six corners of the room, representing the six elements of Harmony, lit up and formed a singular beam in the middle of the room above my head. I felt a warmth of energy radiating around me as hit as the sun itself, as the beam broke off into six tiny individual beams, going into separate parts of my body. One in the head, another into my horn, the third into my eyes, the forth broke into four separate beams that went into each of my hooves, the fifth into my face and mane and the last one into my Cutie Mark. With all the beams inside me, I began to be levitated into the air and start glowing like a supernova. All around me, there was a glowing golden beam circling my body. I was transforming! The excitement I felt durning that one moment I hadn't felt since I was a little child! My body was beginning to change from my purple velvet into a golden color. My mane also changed from purple to orange. My Cutie Mark also changed into what appeared to look like a sunrise. Fitting, as I would call myself Morning Star in my transformed state. I was lowered down, and almost instantly fell to the ground, my legs failing me. "It'll take a little while to get used to your new body. But once you do, it'll just be like walking on your own two feet again." Celestia seemed a bit more calm in the way she spoke. Still doesn't. Excuse her for saying things that didn't need to be said, like usual. "Thanks for noticing. I didn't catch that when I slammed to the ground." I said, half serious, half jokingly. Celestia smiled and even chuckled at my comment, then led me to the door, myself falling every few steps. "Good luck my faithful student and daughter. You shall give new life to an Equestria that desperately needs it." With those parting words from my teacher and adoptive mother, I set off into the world no longer as Twilight Sparkle, but as Morning Star. Chapter Four: Ponyville Chapter Four: Ponyville (Twilights POV) The sun was beating down on me so hot that I felt like I was being engulfed in a pillar of fire. Not that it would make a difference, as seeing as the weather was the least of my problems. After I got out of the carriage, I started to stumble around like a drunkard. Damn it, this new body was putting extreme pressure on my joints, and it took all of my willpower in order to just stand up. I figured that I'd put my cloak on, as I did not want to see the other ponies reactions towards me. Oh Celestia! I was starting to act like my former self. I had told myself never to act like that person ever again. Sigh. Well as they say, history repeats itself, I thought as I kept walking. The first building that I was introduced to was Sugar Cubs Corner. Funny that fate would have it to bring me to the place where me and my friends would often hang out, second most to my home. As I entered, the place was the same, though with more of a solemness to it than I remembered. I kept on forgetting that after all, it was the day after my funeral. "Well hello there. How can I be of service today?" It was Pound Cake. That smile of his always warmed my heart when I visited, I just couldn't help but smile myself. "What kind of cupcakes do you have at the moment?" I asked politely. "The most that we have right his are red velvet. But we do have a sale on the Pinkie Special ma'am." Pound Cake said. "I'll just take the red velvet please." I said, sitting down on a table near the checkout. I hadn't noticed it before, but while I looked around SugarCube Corner, I noticed that there were a few more cracks in the building since the last time I've been there. I have to move on though, thinking about these small things will drive me insane, and it's hard enough as it is to focus on this transformation. "Anyone order a red velvet?" I turned around to see Pinkie bouncing up and down the rows looking for that one lucky customer. "Um. I did." I said with a whisper. "Oh! It's you! You're the pony that I met yesterday!" Pinkie said, literally shaking with excitement. "H-how did you know it was me?" I said, knowing if I knew, Pinkie would sense something is off. "I know because I know every Pony in Ponhville, and I knew that you're new here! Plus, I have this sense that can tell me if a new person arrives. My now dead friend Twilight Sparkle told me that it was weird, but it just works you know?" Pinkie was speaking so rapid and excited that I could barely keep up with her,though I perked up hearing my name and the memory that came with it. "Ok. Slow down. First off, what's your name again? I just have to remember because I'll be coming here more often." "Oh sure! My name is Pinkie Pie and I am here to say-". Pinkie said before I cut her off. Her singing kind of had gotten on my nerves lately. "Aww but everypony loves my signing! Fine, but I will make you smile one of these days!" Pinkie said, walking away rather disappointed. I felt kind of bad, because making Pinkie slump is a really hard thing to do. I walked to the counter and gave Pinkie a tip. "This is for how I acted back there. Hope it helps!" I said, trying to force a smile. "Oh! It's no worry at all! I was just sad for only a short moment, then I was fine!" Pinkie said. She recovered quicker than I remember her regaining her smile. A lot is changing I guess. "Ok, good. Hey Pinkie, just one more question: is there anyplace in town that's hiring?" I asked. Unfortunately I had to get a job, as Celesatia wasn't going to be sending any bits my way this time around. If anypony caught wind of where they were being sent from, then I could easily be found out. Especially by Blueblood. "Um.. Let me think. Oh! I think that they library is still open. I wouldn't do it though, as no one wants to fill in the shoes of the last owner." Pinkie said. "I think I could do it. Someone's legacy isn't going to stop me from expanding my knowledge." "That's the kind of spirt that would make Twilight proud! If anyone can do it, then it's you Morning Star!" Pinkie was filled with so much enthusiasm with my idea that it made me crack a smile. Fitting that I'll be returning to my old home. "Hey Pinkie, who's running the library now anyway?" I was curious, and scared. Curious as to who would have opened the library so quickly after my funeral, and scared because I had a feeling for who it might be. "Why it's none other than Blueblood! Snips and Snails are helping too, but only as secretaries." Pinkie confirmed my fears. Not only would I have to be working with Blueblood, but the last people I wanted to be working with were Dumb and Dumber. Though in retrospect, they aren't as bad as those random Alicorns that pop into town from this 'human world' that I'm nice to only so that they can get the hell away from me. "Thanks for the heads up. Where is the library anyhow?" I asked, knowing that'll keep her Pinkie senses in check. "It's not too far from here. You know, I could take you there!" Pinkie said. "That'd be great! I need some company walking through Ponyville." I said. While we were walking through the town, the same cracks that I noticed in SugarCube Corner I noticed throughout the rest of the town. It felt like the whole town shutdown when it was announced that I was dead. A raindrop hitting my mane snapped me out of my daydream. "Hey Pinkie, isn't there supposed to be a Pegasus in charge of clearing up this weather? I don't want my first day here in Ponyville spent being soaked." I said. "There sure is! Her name is Rainbow Dash, and it was her job to clean up the weather, but due to Twilight's death, all she's been doing now is drinking. I'm worried that she'll drink herself to death!" Pinkie said, visibly worried for Dash. "Pinkie... Where's the nearest pub?" "Why it's on the way towards the library! Though that's not the one that Dash goes to. No, she goes to the rough and tumble pub that's at the edge of town. I'd wait until she gets out, because those people are mean!" Pinkie was in too much shock of the thought so I decided to be silent. Mean was something that I'd gotten used to over my first year as Princess. Especially all the shit that I had to take from Blueblood and his posse. Though I decided to wait. I had to forgive Dash for what she said during our fight the night before my apparent death. "That's fine. As long as I tell her she needs to get back to work. This rain is getting on my mind too much." Pinkie just nodded quickly, and we continued on our way. Walking through Ponyville at this time of day was usually beautiful, the mixing of the colors during sunset, seeing all of the different shades of oranges and yellows and pinks. But today there was a certain solemness and confusion to them all, not sure which one to be, kind of like the weather was one with Rainbow Dash's mind. "There she is!" Pinkie said, pointing to Dash. Approaching her would be tough. While she had certainly had worse days before, something about her today was different. Her posture was off at a down angle, her head even lower, and she was taking slow, non-calculated steps, bumping into random bystanders. "Hey sister! I brought a new friend over! Want to go and see-" was all she had to say before Dash snapped. "No Pinkie! I don't want to see this 'new friend of yours! What I want is to be left the hell alone!" Rainbow then snarled, sending Pinkie into hysterics. "But we just want to help you! We're all dealing with Twilights death. Don't drink yourself to death!" "I'm not drinking myself to death Pinkie! Look how well I've pulled us together with Fluttershy acting the way she is! I can take a damn drink or two if I want!" "Will both of y'all calm down?" The voice was Applejacks. Her and Rarity were running towards Rainbow Dash. "Yes darlings. We mustn't fight like this for Twilights sake." Rarity said, putting a comforting hoof on Rainbow Dash. "We're not fighting! I'm just sick and tired of you girls checking up on me! I'm fine!" Rainbow said, collapsing to the floor. "Come on girls. We gotta go take her to Fluttershy! The hospital is all the way on the other side of town!" Applejack said carrying Rainbow Dash on her back. "Can my new friend come with us?" Pinkie asked. "Ah, I guess why not. I don't trust her though. She might be one of those who conspired to kill Twilight." Applejacks said. We made our way to Fluttershy's in no time at all, seeing how it wasn't that far away from the pub. "Fluttershy dear, could you please open the door to let us in! Dash collapsed after over drinking again!" Rarity said, knocking on the door. We herd no reply, but only extreme crying, meaning that she was in the room downstairs. "Come on hun. Open up this door or we might force our way in." Applejack said, preparing to Apple buck the door. Just before she was about to, Discord opened the door. "She's still not feeling too well, but she told me to let you guys in anyway. I'm doing the best I can to help calm her down, but none of my usual tricks are working." Discord said. "Well, maybe today's the day we cheer her up! Oh! I almost forgot to introduce you to my new friend Morning Star!" Pinkie said, pointing to me. "Oh, so that's Morning Star! I've heard of her influence all across Canterlot!" Discord said with a wink. "Still don't trust you at all. Your nobility is makin me even more suspicious of ya Mornin." Applejack said, staring at me while we walked in. "Hey Fluttershy, look what I found!" Pinkie said, holding out her rubber chicken. Fluttershy still didn't move from her position on the couch, still sobbing, almost flooding the room with water. "Flutters, we need you to take care of their friend. Can't you please let them on your couch?" Discord said, hands out pleading withy Fluttershy. "I'm not moving until Twilight comes back!! She can't be dead!" Fluttershy said, tears streaming out of her eyes. "She's dead hun. We just gotta keep on truckin and accept it." Applejack said, resting Dash on an adjacent couch. "No! She's not dead! She can't be! She's Twilight, an Alicorn! They can't die!" "Sucks to say, but we learned a few days ago that they can. Once you accept it, we can move on and help Dash." "No! I can't accept it! All of you get out! Discord will take care of Rainbow Dash, I just want to be left alone!" "She's right. I think you all need to just leave her alone while I take care of Dashie over there. You guys can still come in daily to try and make Flutters feel better. With all of her moping around, I can't enjoy this chaos properly!" Discord said, showing us all out. "Sure, why not. She needs time to get herself out of denial." Applejack said, as we walked out of Fluttershy's house. "So.. What do we do now?" I asked. "First of all, who in Celestia are you anyhow?" Applejack asked me. "My name is Morning Star. I can tell you guys my story at the library if you want. I'm going there to apply for a job." I said. "Why on earth would you apply there? That's the home of my former boyfriend, and he's a bit of a jerk." Rarity said. "I need a job somehow. And the library feels the best fit for me guys. Besides, what's wrong with Blueblood?" "He's probably the worst noble in all of Equestia!" Rarity said, flexing her voice. "You should know that from being a noble." "My family has a very good relationship with the Bluebloods. I however, do not. I can tell you ladies more on the way." I said. This part of the plan is really tricky. Do I tell Blueblood that I am a noble who's looking for peasant work and risk being exposed? Or do I play dumb and say I was adopted? Either way, it doesn't get easier from here. Dear Celestia help me. Chapter Five: What Have I Done Chapter Five: What Have I Done Hangovers are the worst. Every single bucking time. People think that drinking will permanently solve their stress and problems, but it doesn't. At least not permanently. As my vision got back to normal, I looked around, and my heart started beating. For a split second, I didn't know where I was. Then I remembered passing out. I guess the girls must have brought me to Fluttershy's house, I thought as I got up. The first sight was one that I did not to expect. I nearly flew to the ceiling in shock as I saw Discord handing me tea. "What's wrong Dashie? Afraid of some tea?" Discord said, mocking me. There was no way in Tartarus that I would receive help from him. I still haven't forgiven him for nearly destroying Equestria a few years ago. "Dipcord, you know there no way that I'll ever accept help from you." I knew that my pride was getting the best of me, but I didn't care. "If not for me, then please do it for Fluttershy. Tea helps calm down the nerves and helps a bit with hangovers." "I still don't trust you. For all I know you could have put some poison joke in there!" I shrieked, still fluttering near the ceiling. There was no way I would be touching anything made by Discord! "Oh come now! I would never do that to you. Well, maybe, but I do realize that this is a tragedy and do want to be of assistance." Discord was holding out his hand to me now. There was no way that I would ever offer my hoof to that creature. Not after all that he did to us, to me. My mind is still recovering from his invasion years later. "The answer is still NO!" I yelled, causing an echo that was heard through the house, and woke Fluttershy from her trance. "Would you two please stop fighting!" She screamed at us. I was in just as much shock as Discord was that she could manage to have such a booming and commanding voice. "I-I'm sorry Fluttershy. You know how I am around him." I said, pointing at Discord. "Yes, but you don't need to yell at him! He was behaving very well today!!" "Did you hear that Dashie? I'm a well behaved spirit of chaos. I deserve a medal!" Discord produced a gold star out of thin air, and placed it on his chest. I didn't know what to do. Fluttershy was defending Discord, putting me in a corner. My inner demons were bursting through the pores of my skin. I took a deep breath to compose myself, then just suddenly let it all go. "I'm sorry!!!" I yelled, bursting into tears, and diving head first into the hoof rest on the couch. I really was sorry. Sorry for the way I acted towards Fluttershy and sorry for how I yelled at Twilight. I still can't believe that I actually hated her. I realize now how wrong I was in not listening to her If given the chance, I'd forgive Twilight for everything that I said to her that night. I wouldn't care how she reveals herself. I just can't believe that she's just.... gone. Alicorns can not die, it's impossible! I was soaking my pillow now with how much I was crying. "It's ok Rainbow. Just please stay strong for Fluttershy for me. I'm doing all that I can, and so is Pinkie. We haven't even got her to smile!" Discord said, in an uncharacteristically calming and soothing way. "I guess I can do this for Flutters, but don't think I'm doing this for you. I still don't trust you after what you did to us when we first met!" I said, screaming at him. It's ok Fluttershy, I'll take care of you." I walked over to her and placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder. "Thank you Dash. I knew if anyone would try to be here for me, it'd be you, and Discord. She said, putting her head up against my mare, causing me to blush. "Aww look at that! You two would make a happy couple." Discord said, walking over to us. "Um... We are NOT a couple. Just really good marefriends." I said in defense, putting up my guard as he got closer to us. "Yeah and I um.. Um.. I'm not really looking for a relationship either right now, and you even know that too." "Oh, can't I just have a little fun? After all, I am the God of Chaos, and I have to get some of this out of my system!" Discord said. Well, that was pretty true. I had seen him be pretty bored over the past few days, what with Fultters crying all the time, he's just had to sit there and wait it out. "Hey, how about this: I can go watch Fluttershy for you, and you can cause a little chaos not much though, or the Princess will have MY hide." I said, hoping that he can go to leave us two alone. "Ohh I see. Still don't trust me don't you?" Discord asked. Yes, while it's true I didn't trust him, I wouldn't deny that he wasn't trying his damnedest to try and help Fluttershy. But, I still dofnt trust him enough yet to act friendly towards him. "Alright, fine. I'll leave you two alone. After all, I need to help Applejack with her farm. It's apple buck season again, and we all remember the last time she didn't get any help." Discord said, opening the door and flying away to go help Applejack.
Chapter 1: DarknessHer hoofs were clopping on the ground so hard and fast that it make the earth quake with each step. She was running, her yellow mare all tangled up from the strong wind. Her head down and looking straight to keep up her pace. She looked back, but her hat had been long gone. No worries, she'd just request a new one from Rarity. But that wasn't important now. Nothing was, except to get the news out. She turned the corner, and broke out into a full on sprint, leaving a huge cloud of dust in her trail. Just earlier that day, she had spent that day with one of her best friends looker for a perfect engagement ring that her friend would propose to her boyfriend. At the time, she thought it was a bit weird, seeing as a mare was going to propose to a colt, but as seeing that it was her best friend, she decided to help her out. And that was the last time that they ever saw each other. As the orange pony raced towards Ponyville, she wasn't seeing where she was going, and bumped into another pony. "Ow! Watch where you're going you ass-" the rainbow pony stopped in her tracks when she saw who it was. "Applejack! I'm so sorry!" "It's all right SugarCube." Applejack said,brushing the dirt off her mane. "What were you doing running all crazy like that? And also, where's-". Rainbow said, before being cut off by Applejack. "I'll tell you later hun. Let's just go find the others first." Applejack said in a sped up tone. She was starting to sweat now, and was beginning to hyperventilate. "You sure you're ok there AJ? I could just go alone, you'll just have to tell me what I need to tell the others." Rainbow said, placing a hoof on Applejacks shoulder. "No, no it's alright. I'll be fine. Let's get goin." Applejack said, walking in front of Rainbow, towards Ponyville. The usually quite Hamlet was full of spark and energy when the duo reached the edge of town. "Since it's a busy day, let's stop by Fluttershy's first." Rainbow said, with Applejack nodding in agreement. As they saw Fluttershy's house in the distance, the could see her trying to feed Angel. "Now be a good boy for mama Angel and ear that last carrot." Fluttershy said in a whisper. Angel shook his head no. "Oh please won't you be a good boy for mama? Maybe just one bite?" Angel again, shook his head no. "What ya doin over there SugerCube?" Applejack asked. Fluttershy yelped, and flew straight into a tree, while Angel took the carrot and punted it down the hill, then returned to his home. "Oh. It's you guys. What's going on Applejack?" Fluttershy said, hushed. "There's something that I have to tell you, and it's concerning what took place earlier today." Applejack said. "Oh... Does that mean that-" Fluttershy said before being cut off by Rainbow Dash. "AJ wants all of us plus Spike together before she announces the big news. Come on, let's go find Rarity next." Rainbow Dash said, with Fluttershy and Applejack nodding in agreement. The trio entered Rarity's store, and didn't see her. "Maybe she's in the back?" Rainbow Dash suggested, walking towards the back of the store. A little while later, Rarity walked out, and greeted Rainbow. "Oh darlings! What are you three doing here now? The picnic wasn't supposed to be for another hour, and I'm not even close to being ready yet." Rarity said. "We need to talk to you about somethin about this morning." Applejack said, as Rarity's head instantly shot up. "Ohh! Did she get the ring? How was the proposal? What type of dress does she want?" Rarity asked in rapid succession. "Actually, it's about something other than that. And I need all of you to make the announcement." Applejack said, her head down. "O-oh. Ok. I see it now." Rarity said. "Come on, let's go find Pinkie." The girls nodded, and they walked out of the store. As they entered Pinkie's house, they saw whole sorts of pots and pans scattered across the floor, cupcakes by the dozens and Pinkie going from stove to stove caring no less than five huge pans with her. "Pinkie, what are you doing?" Rainbow Dash said chuckling as they entered her house. "Why it's for the picnic of course! Can't have a perfect picnic without the perfect cake!" Pinkie said, bouncing up and down. "Well, we need you to stop baking right now and to come along with us." Applejack said, staring at the ground. "Stop baking! This needs to be perf-" Pinkie stopped as she saw the expressions of her friends. "Oh. Well then, I guess I'll be going. Sorry for my outburst." "It's alright pumpkin. Let's go see Spike." Applejack said. Spike was busy cleaning the library in anticipation for the picnic, putting books on the correct shelves, lining the tables together, and even doing some dishes. He heard a knock on the door, and hurried over to it, tripping over a few chairs here and there. When he opened it, he was surprised to seethe others in such down spirits. "Hey guys, where's Twilight?" Spike said, his heart pounding. "That's what I gathered you all here for. A message from Princess Celestia herself: Princess Twilight, our Princess Twilight, has been murdered."
Chapter Two: Death Strikes Twice"Twilight..... She can't be." Rarity said, trailing off. "She- she is SugarCube." Applejack said, chocking up her words, tears starting to form from her eyes. "No.... No.... It's all some sort of sick prank that you're pulling on me isn't it?" Spike said, backing away from Applejack. "No Spike, it's true. Besides, would I lie to you about this?" Applejack said. Spike backed away slowly, his eyes widening in shock. "It... C-c-can't be.....!" Spike wailed, tears flowing from his eyes. He then ran inside and slammed the door, much to the concern of the others. "Somepony needs to go calm him down. There's much more danger if his rage gets out of hand." Rainbow Dash said. "I'll go. I'm the best with at talking with animals, maybe I can reason with Spike." Fluttershy said. "All right SugerCube. We'll be out here just incase things go south." Applejack said. Fluttershy opened the door, only to find no Spike. She searched the house, Turing over tables and checking drawers, when she heard a scream from the second floor. She rushed up the stairs, tripping once, and rammed through the door. "Spike! Where are you?" Fluttershy said hurriedly. She darted from corner to corner in the room, running out of breath. She then turned over to the closet, and slowly opened the door, and flew back in horror. Opening the window, Fluttershy called over the others. "Girls, come quick! It's Spike!" The others came over as fast as they could, often tripping over each other. When they got to the room, they all looked over at the closet in shock. "Wha-what......" Pinkie said, frozen in pure shock. "Spike no...." Rarity said, fainting. Rainbow Dash and Applejack saved her before she hit the ground and laid her on Spike's bed. Fluttershy ran out of the room crying. "AJ, you take care of Rarity, and I'll go find Fluttershy. Pinkie, try to help console Rarity with AJ." Rainbow Dash said, running out chasing after Fluttershy. "Please Celestia! Come here, help us revive Spike!" Fluttershy yelled to the sky, with Rainbow close behind. "Get a hold of yourself! Not even Celestia can bring back Spike, nor Twilight. They're gone- Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said, rushing over to her, and giving her a comforting hug. "I-it's fine Rainbow. You just got caught up in the moment, that's all. I guess it was too much for Spike to handle." Fluttershy said. "Maybe we shouldn't have broke the news to Spike." "What are you insane? Prevent him from learning knowledge that he would end up knowing any way, most likely from Celestia." Rainbow said, stomping her hoof down. "But that still doesn't excuse the fact that he killed himself! And it's all our fault too!" Fluttershy said, beginning to cry. "Aw Fluttershy, don't cry now. It's not our fault that Spike did that to himself, it's his own fault. We did nothing wrong!" Rainbow said, getting into Fluttershy's face. "Rainbow, don't you have any empathy!?" Fluttershy screamed at her. "His mother figure, his best friend, had just died. How would you like it if one of your Wonderbolt friends were to die in a horrible accident, or even suicide? You would be feeling differently than you are now!" Fluttershy said, defending herself and getting in Rainbow's face. "That doesn't even address the current situation! You're emotions are getting the best of you Fluttershy! You need to- oh my gosh. I really didn't mean to-". Rainbow said, before seeing Fluttershy in tears. "You don't know what he's been through! Don't judge someone unless you've walked a mile in their hoofs! Isn't that what Twilight has always told us?!" Fluttershy said, tears flowing down her cheeks like a waterfall. "Yes, it was. Though in this case, Spike did this to himself, and we've all walked a mile in his feet with the loss of our best friend and leader!" Rainbow Dash yelled, sending Fluttershy into fits of hysteria. "You can't say that! How would Twilight feel about this!?" Fluttershy said, making Rainbow Dash speechless. She realized that what she was saying to Fluttershy was contradicting to what Twilight had been teaching not only them, but everypony in Equestria. "I didn't mean to sound like I did Fluttershy, but I do stand by my decision. Though I'll put this aside for now, if only to see how Rarity is doing." Rainbow Dash said. "Let's agree to never speak of this again for the sake of our friendship. Now let's go see how Rarity's doing." Fluttershy said, with Rainbow nodding in agreement. "Oh come on, wake up Rarity!" Pinkie said, bouncing from side to side. "You need to calm down Pinkie. She needs to take time to recover." Applejack said, calming her down. "I know, but I'm so worried about her! We need to council her right away!" Pinkie said, still pacing around the room. "Hey guys has Rarity came to yet?" Rainbow Dash asked, as her and Fluttershy entered the room. "Not yet. She still got a lot of recoverin to do after herself fainting from shock." Applejack said. "Can't we just throw water on her or something! Oh, I really want to see her well again!" Pinkie said. "It's not that easy Pinkie. Throwing water on her could put her into more shock, as it lowers the body temperature, or something like that which Twilight told me." Rainbow Dash said. "Alright. I guess I can wa- wait! Guys, she's coming to!" Pinkie said, gleefully. The others quickly gathered around the bed to see Rarity wake. "Guys... This has not been the best day." Rarity said, rousing from her sleep. "No kiddin SugerCube. We've had one hell of a day." Applejack said. "Hey guys, come check this out! I think we can finally know why Spike did what he just did." Rainbow Dash said, picking up the two pieces of parchment. [Spike's Letter] If anyone, specifically Twilights friends find this, I want to let them know why I decided to do this. I wanted to be with Twilight, my mother figure again. All through my life Twilight had been through my side, and I never once dared to imagine what life would be without her. She had been my mother, my guardian. I can't live in the world alone, knowing what my fate will be when I grow up into an adult dragon without her controlling me. So, I leave this letter, and a letter from Princess Celestia detailing Twilights funeral, which all of you have major roles in, as her best friends. So good by world, I can't wait to be with my mother soon. -Spike Sparkle. "Guys... It looks like we have to go to Canterlot right now." Rainbow Dash said, with the others nodding in agreement. As Rainbow Dash exited the library, she made a silent blessing to Twilight. 'By Celestia Twilight, I will carry on your legacy as I become the new leader of the Elements of Harmony, and I will find the murderer and bring him accountable to his crimes, even if that means death.'
Chapter Three: Transformation Chapter Three: Transformation "It's morbid isn't it, going to your own funeral?" I thought, sitting under a tree that's overlooking the Canterlot grounds. I can hear every word that my friends say about me, my life, and what I meant to them. I almost break down in tears to know how much my friends truly loved me, and... I was scared. Scared to think what would happen once they found out that I was alive. 'Would they still be my friends..?' I wondered. I sighed. Nothing is going to be easy from here on out. I got up from under the tree, and started to pace back and forth, unsure of my future. 'This would have been easier if my boyfriend hadn't 'betrayed' me, and if Spike hadn't killed himself.' I thought, getting so angry that I kicked the tree like a martial artist kicks a brick with their bare hoofs. The tree nearly uprooted, making a thundering boom that could be heard from miles away. I was sure that tree and then that I would be caught. Though as I looked down at the funeral, it seemed like everyone was too focused on my limp body to focus on the sound. Everyone that is, except Pinkie, who's head started to dart back and forth, seemingly looking for the source of the noise. 'Damn!' I thought, pulling my cloak over my head, hiding my face. As I was walking away from the funeral, I heard a faint voice calling out to me. "Hello.... Who's up here?" It was Pinkie. I tried to think of some quick witty response that normal Twilight would make. But I wasn't going to allow myself to be exposed as alive to someone like Pinkie, so I decided to stay quite. "Umm... It's nice of you to come to one of my best friends funerals and all, but could you be even nicer to show your face so that I can thank you properly?" Pinkie's voice sounded so calming and soothing that I wanted to go and hug her to reveal to her that I am still alive, and that we can stop the funeral and throw a gigantic party for the fun of it. But, I stayed calm, and still had my mare down. "Can-can you at least tell me your name?" Pinkie said, staring at me with her big, wide puppy dog eyes. At that point, I had to give in. After all, for my disguise to work, I needed a new name. "I'm... I'm Morning Star." I said shyly, putting my head down and backing away from Pinkie. "Ohh! That's a wonderful name! My name's Pinkie Pie, though you can call me Pinkie for short!" Pinkie said, looking at me with the curiosity of a young foal. "Um... Well then I guess I'll see you around in Ponyville". I said. "You're moving to Ponyville!" Pinkie said with excitement. "Yeah... I'm moving there tomorrow in fact." I said. "That's a coincidence! I guess I'll see you tomorrow new friend!" With that, Pinkie took off hoping down the hill. I was worried that Pinkie had discovered who I was. 'I have to watch her more than the others. Even though she'll be the easiest to befriend her Pinkie sense will be a bitch to deal with. If I act too much like me, Twilight, she'll know something's wrong. Likewise if I act too opposite, she'll sense that something's off and that it's really forced. I gotta act somewhere in-between.' I thought, pacing back and forth. I had then decided that I'd had enough of my funeral, deciding to get on with my plan. After the funeral was over, I met Celestia over in her secret chambers. "Are your ready for the transformation process to begin?" Celestia asked in a motherly voice "I'm ready." I said confidently. "Are you sure? You know once you go through with this, there's no turning back. This will be your greatest challenge yet." "I know the dangers and the risks. I just want to see that bastard Blueblood destroyed by my hand and my hand alone." "Twily, you know how strongly I am in against using those words. But, as much as I hate to do this, I feel like letting you get revenge could be the only way to bring peace back into your life." "I know mother. The only thing that's keeping me back is what if I fail. If I fail, I lose everything. My friends, family, and maybe even you according to the public eye." I started to tear up a bit. Not only was this going to be the end of my normal life for a while, I would have no contact with my adoptive mother and teacher either. This would be the first mission that I truly alone on. Yeah sure, Celestia wasn't there when I faced Discord, but she was there in spirit. This was the first time that I might actually really die on a mission. "Trust me when I say this: even though I won't be with you on your journey, I have a feeling that you will succeed." Celestia was sounding more motherly to me than I had heard from her I'm a long time. While it brought a warmth to me, I was still uneasy. "That's nice of you two say, but stop trying to sugarcoat this. If only we had more time..." "Yes, Spike's death was a tragic one. But I guess that's the way life goes sometimes. You've learned all of this before, so I won't say much more." Celestia said. This was one of the things that always bugged me, and even pissed me off a little about her. She'd always go on and on about these friendship lesions like they were a religion, no matter what type of situation I'd just gotten out of! "But can't you just bring him back yourself and keep him in the castle? That'll give me way more time to find and destroy Blueblood!" "I could do that, but it needs to be done by you yourself Twilight. You adopted him as your son, and the spell needs to be done by a close family member, or else the love generated from the spell won't work! Plus, don't forget that with this transformation spell, you have 25 days to become friends with the other Elements before you transform back into your old self!" "Couldn't you make the spell any longer? I need at least a few months to befriend the others, and maybe longer for Applejack and Rainbow Dash!" "The most I can do without killing you would be four months. But that would put a tremendous strain on your body that you might never recover from!" "I know the risks!! I want to do this in order to bring this monster to justice and to protect my friends! Though thanks for moving it to four months. I think that's just enough time to do the mission. But that'll also mean that you'll have to give me some of your magic to revive Spike, as I can revive him a month after his death without putting too much strain on my body." I was fuming now. She keeps on warning me over and over again! I know the risks, I read the mission report over a hundred times! "That is fine. Now, shall we get the transformation under way?" Celestia beckoned me towards the center of the room. As she began the spell the six corners of the room, representing the six elements of Harmony, lit up and formed a singular beam in the middle of the room above my head. I felt a warmth of energy radiating around me as hit as the sun itself, as the beam broke off into six tiny individual beams, going into separate parts of my body. One in the head, another into my horn, the third into my eyes, the forth broke into four separate beams that went into each of my hooves, the fifth into my face and mane and the last one into my Cutie Mark. With all the beams inside me, I began to be levitated into the air and start glowing like a supernova. All around me, there was a glowing golden beam circling my body. I was transforming! The excitement I felt durning that one moment I hadn't felt since I was a little child! My body was beginning to change from my purple velvet into a golden color. My mane also changed from purple to orange. My Cutie Mark also changed into what appeared to look like a sunrise. Fitting, as I would call myself Morning Star in my transformed state. I was lowered down, and almost instantly fell to the ground, my legs failing me. "It'll take a little while to get used to your new body. But once you do, it'll just be like walking on your own two feet again." Celestia seemed a bit more calm in the way she spoke. Still doesn't. Excuse her for saying things that didn't need to be said, like usual. "Thanks for noticing. I didn't catch that when I slammed to the ground." I said, half serious, half jokingly. Celestia smiled and even chuckled at my comment, then led me to the door, myself falling every few steps. "Good luck my faithful student and daughter. You shall give new life to an Equestria that desperately needs it." With those parting words from my teacher and adoptive mother, I set off into the world no longer as Twilight Sparkle, but as Morning Star.
Chapter Four: Ponyville Chapter Four: Ponyville (Twilights POV) The sun was beating down on me so hot that I felt like I was being engulfed in a pillar of fire. Not that it would make a difference, as seeing as the weather was the least of my problems. After I got out of the carriage, I started to stumble around like a drunkard. Damn it, this new body was putting extreme pressure on my joints, and it took all of my willpower in order to just stand up. I figured that I'd put my cloak on, as I did not want to see the other ponies reactions towards me. Oh Celestia! I was starting to act like my former self. I had told myself never to act like that person ever again. Sigh. Well as they say, history repeats itself, I thought as I kept walking. The first building that I was introduced to was Sugar Cubs Corner. Funny that fate would have it to bring me to the place where me and my friends would often hang out, second most to my home. As I entered, the place was the same, though with more of a solemness to it than I remembered. I kept on forgetting that after all, it was the day after my funeral. "Well hello there. How can I be of service today?" It was Pound Cake. That smile of his always warmed my heart when I visited, I just couldn't help but smile myself. "What kind of cupcakes do you have at the moment?" I asked politely. "The most that we have right his are red velvet. But we do have a sale on the Pinkie Special ma'am." Pound Cake said. "I'll just take the red velvet please." I said, sitting down on a table near the checkout. I hadn't noticed it before, but while I looked around SugarCube Corner, I noticed that there were a few more cracks in the building since the last time I've been there. I have to move on though, thinking about these small things will drive me insane, and it's hard enough as it is to focus on this transformation. "Anyone order a red velvet?" I turned around to see Pinkie bouncing up and down the rows looking for that one lucky customer. "Um. I did." I said with a whisper. "Oh! It's you! You're the pony that I met yesterday!" Pinkie said, literally shaking with excitement. "H-how did you know it was me?" I said, knowing if I knew, Pinkie would sense something is off. "I know because I know every Pony in Ponhville, and I knew that you're new here! Plus, I have this sense that can tell me if a new person arrives. My now dead friend Twilight Sparkle told me that it was weird, but it just works you know?" Pinkie was speaking so rapid and excited that I could barely keep up with her,though I perked up hearing my name and the memory that came with it. "Ok. Slow down. First off, what's your name again? I just have to remember because I'll be coming here more often." "Oh sure! My name is Pinkie Pie and I am here to say-". Pinkie said before I cut her off. Her singing kind of had gotten on my nerves lately. "Aww but everypony loves my signing! Fine, but I will make you smile one of these days!" Pinkie said, walking away rather disappointed. I felt kind of bad, because making Pinkie slump is a really hard thing to do. I walked to the counter and gave Pinkie a tip. "This is for how I acted back there. Hope it helps!" I said, trying to force a smile. "Oh! It's no worry at all! I was just sad for only a short moment, then I was fine!" Pinkie said. She recovered quicker than I remember her regaining her smile. A lot is changing I guess. "Ok, good. Hey Pinkie, just one more question: is there anyplace in town that's hiring?" I asked. Unfortunately I had to get a job, as Celesatia wasn't going to be sending any bits my way this time around. If anypony caught wind of where they were being sent from, then I could easily be found out. Especially by Blueblood. "Um.. Let me think. Oh! I think that they library is still open. I wouldn't do it though, as no one wants to fill in the shoes of the last owner." Pinkie said. "I think I could do it. Someone's legacy isn't going to stop me from expanding my knowledge." "That's the kind of spirt that would make Twilight proud! If anyone can do it, then it's you Morning Star!" Pinkie was filled with so much enthusiasm with my idea that it made me crack a smile. Fitting that I'll be returning to my old home. "Hey Pinkie, who's running the library now anyway?" I was curious, and scared. Curious as to who would have opened the library so quickly after my funeral, and scared because I had a feeling for who it might be. "Why it's none other than Blueblood! Snips and Snails are helping too, but only as secretaries." Pinkie confirmed my fears. Not only would I have to be working with Blueblood, but the last people I wanted to be working with were Dumb and Dumber. Though in retrospect, they aren't as bad as those random Alicorns that pop into town from this 'human world' that I'm nice to only so that they can get the hell away from me. "Thanks for the heads up. Where is the library anyhow?" I asked, knowing that'll keep her Pinkie senses in check. "It's not too far from here. You know, I could take you there!" Pinkie said. "That'd be great! I need some company walking through Ponyville." I said. While we were walking through the town, the same cracks that I noticed in SugarCube Corner I noticed throughout the rest of the town. It felt like the whole town shutdown when it was announced that I was dead. A raindrop hitting my mane snapped me out of my daydream. "Hey Pinkie, isn't there supposed to be a Pegasus in charge of clearing up this weather? I don't want my first day here in Ponyville spent being soaked." I said. "There sure is! Her name is Rainbow Dash, and it was her job to clean up the weather, but due to Twilight's death, all she's been doing now is drinking. I'm worried that she'll drink herself to death!" Pinkie said, visibly worried for Dash. "Pinkie... Where's the nearest pub?" "Why it's on the way towards the library! Though that's not the one that Dash goes to. No, she goes to the rough and tumble pub that's at the edge of town. I'd wait until she gets out, because those people are mean!" Pinkie was in too much shock of the thought so I decided to be silent. Mean was something that I'd gotten used to over my first year as Princess. Especially all the shit that I had to take from Blueblood and his posse. Though I decided to wait. I had to forgive Dash for what she said during our fight the night before my apparent death. "That's fine. As long as I tell her she needs to get back to work. This rain is getting on my mind too much." Pinkie just nodded quickly, and we continued on our way. Walking through Ponyville at this time of day was usually beautiful, the mixing of the colors during sunset, seeing all of the different shades of oranges and yellows and pinks. But today there was a certain solemness and confusion to them all, not sure which one to be, kind of like the weather was one with Rainbow Dash's mind. "There she is!" Pinkie said, pointing to Dash. Approaching her would be tough. While she had certainly had worse days before, something about her today was different. Her posture was off at a down angle, her head even lower, and she was taking slow, non-calculated steps, bumping into random bystanders. "Hey sister! I brought a new friend over! Want to go and see-" was all she had to say before Dash snapped. "No Pinkie! I don't want to see this 'new friend of yours! What I want is to be left the hell alone!" Rainbow then snarled, sending Pinkie into hysterics. "But we just want to help you! We're all dealing with Twilights death. Don't drink yourself to death!" "I'm not drinking myself to death Pinkie! Look how well I've pulled us together with Fluttershy acting the way she is! I can take a damn drink or two if I want!" "Will both of y'all calm down?" The voice was Applejacks. Her and Rarity were running towards Rainbow Dash. "Yes darlings. We mustn't fight like this for Twilights sake." Rarity said, putting a comforting hoof on Rainbow Dash. "We're not fighting! I'm just sick and tired of you girls checking up on me! I'm fine!" Rainbow said, collapsing to the floor. "Come on girls. We gotta go take her to Fluttershy! The hospital is all the way on the other side of town!" Applejack said carrying Rainbow Dash on her back. "Can my new friend come with us?" Pinkie asked. "Ah, I guess why not. I don't trust her though. She might be one of those who conspired to kill Twilight." Applejacks said. We made our way to Fluttershy's in no time at all, seeing how it wasn't that far away from the pub. "Fluttershy dear, could you please open the door to let us in! Dash collapsed after over drinking again!" Rarity said, knocking on the door. We herd no reply, but only extreme crying, meaning that she was in the room downstairs. "Come on hun. Open up this door or we might force our way in." Applejack said, preparing to Apple buck the door. Just before she was about to, Discord opened the door. "She's still not feeling too well, but she told me to let you guys in anyway. I'm doing the best I can to help calm her down, but none of my usual tricks are working." Discord said. "Well, maybe today's the day we cheer her up! Oh! I almost forgot to introduce you to my new friend Morning Star!" Pinkie said, pointing to me. "Oh, so that's Morning Star! I've heard of her influence all across Canterlot!" Discord said with a wink. "Still don't trust you at all. Your nobility is makin me even more suspicious of ya Mornin." Applejack said, staring at me while we walked in. "Hey Fluttershy, look what I found!" Pinkie said, holding out her rubber chicken. Fluttershy still didn't move from her position on the couch, still sobbing, almost flooding the room with water. "Flutters, we need you to take care of their friend. Can't you please let them on your couch?" Discord said, hands out pleading withy Fluttershy. "I'm not moving until Twilight comes back!! She can't be dead!" Fluttershy said, tears streaming out of her eyes. "She's dead hun. We just gotta keep on truckin and accept it." Applejack said, resting Dash on an adjacent couch. "No! She's not dead! She can't be! She's Twilight, an Alicorn! They can't die!" "Sucks to say, but we learned a few days ago that they can. Once you accept it, we can move on and help Dash." "No! I can't accept it! All of you get out! Discord will take care of Rainbow Dash, I just want to be left alone!" "She's right. I think you all need to just leave her alone while I take care of Dashie over there. You guys can still come in daily to try and make Flutters feel better. With all of her moping around, I can't enjoy this chaos properly!" Discord said, showing us all out. "Sure, why not. She needs time to get herself out of denial." Applejack said, as we walked out of Fluttershy's house. "So.. What do we do now?" I asked. "First of all, who in Celestia are you anyhow?" Applejack asked me. "My name is Morning Star. I can tell you guys my story at the library if you want. I'm going there to apply for a job." I said. "Why on earth would you apply there? That's the home of my former boyfriend, and he's a bit of a jerk." Rarity said. "I need a job somehow. And the library feels the best fit for me guys. Besides, what's wrong with Blueblood?" "He's probably the worst noble in all of Equestia!" Rarity said, flexing her voice. "You should know that from being a noble." "My family has a very good relationship with the Bluebloods. I however, do not. I can tell you ladies more on the way." I said. This part of the plan is really tricky. Do I tell Blueblood that I am a noble who's looking for peasant work and risk being exposed? Or do I play dumb and say I was adopted? Either way, it doesn't get easier from here. Dear Celestia help me.
Chapter Five: What Have I Done Chapter Five: What Have I Done Hangovers are the worst. Every single bucking time. People think that drinking will permanently solve their stress and problems, but it doesn't. At least not permanently. As my vision got back to normal, I looked around, and my heart started beating. For a split second, I didn't know where I was. Then I remembered passing out. I guess the girls must have brought me to Fluttershy's house, I thought as I got up. The first sight was one that I did not to expect. I nearly flew to the ceiling in shock as I saw Discord handing me tea. "What's wrong Dashie? Afraid of some tea?" Discord said, mocking me. There was no way in Tartarus that I would receive help from him. I still haven't forgiven him for nearly destroying Equestria a few years ago. "Dipcord, you know there no way that I'll ever accept help from you." I knew that my pride was getting the best of me, but I didn't care. "If not for me, then please do it for Fluttershy. Tea helps calm down the nerves and helps a bit with hangovers." "I still don't trust you. For all I know you could have put some poison joke in there!" I shrieked, still fluttering near the ceiling. There was no way I would be touching anything made by Discord! "Oh come now! I would never do that to you. Well, maybe, but I do realize that this is a tragedy and do want to be of assistance." Discord was holding out his hand to me now. There was no way that I would ever offer my hoof to that creature. Not after all that he did to us, to me. My mind is still recovering from his invasion years later. "The answer is still NO!" I yelled, causing an echo that was heard through the house, and woke Fluttershy from her trance. "Would you two please stop fighting!" She screamed at us. I was in just as much shock as Discord was that she could manage to have such a booming and commanding voice. "I-I'm sorry Fluttershy. You know how I am around him." I said, pointing at Discord. "Yes, but you don't need to yell at him! He was behaving very well today!!" "Did you hear that Dashie? I'm a well behaved spirit of chaos. I deserve a medal!" Discord produced a gold star out of thin air, and placed it on his chest. I didn't know what to do. Fluttershy was defending Discord, putting me in a corner. My inner demons were bursting through the pores of my skin. I took a deep breath to compose myself, then just suddenly let it all go. "I'm sorry!!!" I yelled, bursting into tears, and diving head first into the hoof rest on the couch. I really was sorry. Sorry for the way I acted towards Fluttershy and sorry for how I yelled at Twilight. I still can't believe that I actually hated her. I realize now how wrong I was in not listening to her If given the chance, I'd forgive Twilight for everything that I said to her that night. I wouldn't care how she reveals herself. I just can't believe that she's just.... gone. Alicorns can not die, it's impossible! I was soaking my pillow now with how much I was crying. "It's ok Rainbow. Just please stay strong for Fluttershy for me. I'm doing all that I can, and so is Pinkie. We haven't even got her to smile!" Discord said, in an uncharacteristically calming and soothing way. "I guess I can do this for Flutters, but don't think I'm doing this for you. I still don't trust you after what you did to us when we first met!" I said, screaming at him. It's ok Fluttershy, I'll take care of you." I walked over to her and placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder. "Thank you Dash. I knew if anyone would try to be here for me, it'd be you, and Discord. She said, putting her head up against my mare, causing me to blush. "Aww look at that! You two would make a happy couple." Discord said, walking over to us. "Um... We are NOT a couple. Just really good marefriends." I said in defense, putting up my guard as he got closer to us. "Yeah and I um.. Um.. I'm not really looking for a relationship either right now, and you even know that too." "Oh, can't I just have a little fun? After all, I am the God of Chaos, and I have to get some of this out of my system!" Discord said. Well, that was pretty true. I had seen him be pretty bored over the past few days, what with Fultters crying all the time, he's just had to sit there and wait it out. "Hey, how about this: I can go watch Fluttershy for you, and you can cause a little chaos not much though, or the Princess will have MY hide." I said, hoping that he can go to leave us two alone. "Ohh I see. Still don't trust me don't you?" Discord asked. Yes, while it's true I didn't trust him, I wouldn't deny that he wasn't trying his damnedest to try and help Fluttershy. But, I still dofnt trust him enough yet to act friendly towards him. "Alright, fine. I'll leave you two alone. After all, I need to help Applejack with her farm. It's apple buck season again, and we all remember the last time she didn't get any help." Discord said, opening the door and flying away to go help Applejack.
