The Shadow of Twilight

The entire nation mourned for their fallen leaders, that cold Marech day as they were laid in wake. Their glass coffins allowed one to view them, each looking as if they were asleep. All except for the smallest, which was completely blacked out. As the ceremony had begun, a heavy rain began to pour over the crowd, as if the heavens themselves were weeping with the attendants. Twilight was dressed in a white silk dress, the collar pulled up to hide the stitch marks around her neck.

Shining Armor sobbed, blowing his nose into a worn handkerchief, tears freely flowing down his face, Cadence's head pressed deeply into his chest, letting out muffled whimpers. "Twily...." He muttered, as his salty tears slipped onto the marble floor of the platform. His mother and father, Twilight Velvet and Night Light, were standing by Twilight, Velvet's head resting against the glass separating her from her daughter, their voices merely whispers. A slow, somber music seemed to reverberate throughout the area.

Saying their goodbyes and condolences, each of the attendants left, all except for the five mares who had known her better than most. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack, gently placed a lavender flower alongside all the rest, but these five seemed to glow among the others. Above them, the sky cried with Equestria.

----Four Hours Later-----
Flash Sentry, even though he had gotten back together with Sunset Shimmer, newly returned from the Mirrorverse, a heavy cloud of sadness still clung over him. He had grown a close friendship with the Princess of Friendship, as well as being a big brother to both Nyx, and Spike, who were currently living with Twilight Velvet and Night Light. He drank down his second glass of Poirot Nion, LB (Lunar Banishment) 3744. He sighed, as he stared out at a pavillion where the wake had been, only hours before. Sunset was busy coping as best she could, burying herself in books, and a tub of ice cream. Rain pattered against their bedroom window, as the evening rolled on. Luna's stars seemed exceptionally bright tonight, a cluster of them seemed to form a heart, Celestia and Twilight making up the sides, with their slain daughter in the center, he rubbed his eyes, tears hitting the windowsill.

--------The Crystal Empire------
The torrent of rain pattered against the crystalline structures of the Crystal Empire. The once vibrant empire, was now dim. The scent of ozone and sorrow filled the now deserted streets. Every home was darkened, the lights extinguished, except one, a single window in the Crystal Palace. Shining Armor's head laid against his oak desk, a framed picture in his hoof. The glass was tear stained, and shone as if newly polished. It was a picture of Twilight and Celestia's wedding, the reception. Celestia, vibrant and full of love, and Twilight, carefree and happy, were sitting together, Celestia's head on Twilight's shoulder. That had been almost two years ago, and now, "They were so happy...." he muttered, slowly rubbing the pictured Twilight's face, "Goodnight, Twiley." He sniffled, set his head down on his forehooves, and began to sob deeply, while Cadence gazed at all the various photos from when she had foalsat Twilight, tears cascading down her pink cheeks.

--------The Palace of Friendship------
The Mane Five sat on their thrones, the table between them wet with tears. Each had given their fondest memories of Twilight at the wake, and it was only now they had fully accepted their friend was gone, and there was no way to bring her back. Rainbow Dash slowly rubbed Fluttershy's back, cradiling her marefriend in her forelegs, as she comforted her as best as she could.

They each looked at the slightly taller throne, which, for the first time in two years, sat empty, its owner interred with her beloved, with her second daughter, forever.

Cool air filled her lungs, which slowly began to circulate once again. A beating filled her ears, which once more heard sound. She let out a breath, then another, and another. Her eyes slowly opened, her vision blurry. Twilight Sparkle sat up, rubbing her eyes, "Where am I?" She asked, her hoarse voice echoing throughout the black void she found herself in.

"Hello Twilight Sparkle." A calm voice said, as a male figure, dressed in a long black cloak, their face obscured by the hood. "How does it feel, being alive once again?" He asked, his voice, ageless and ancient at the same time. Even though his face was obscured by hood and shadow, Twilight could almost feel the sarcasm in his voice.

"It feels.....wonderful." Twilight replied, placing a hoof to her throat, feeling a thin scar. Visions flashed through her mind as she felt it. A knife....A voice....Pain. "Who are you, where am I? She asked the mysterious stallion.

"Hmph." The stallion replied, turning away, "Come find me." He replied, as he trotted away, his hoofsteps echoing against the black floor.

"Wait!" Twilight called out, raising a hoof towards the quickly retreating figure. She sighed, bowing her head, 'If I wanna get answers, I guess I'll have to follow him." She trotted in the direction he had been heading. It was then she noticed the surrounding blackness were actually the walls, floor, and ceiling of a building. Medium sized slits allowed a view to the outside. It was these that Twilight got a glance of the exterior. The world outside was monochrome, and near silent. The tortured wails of hundreds of beingsdrifted on the breeze, as many of them raised their hooves to the sky, calling out to nothing. Twilight shook her head, continuing on her path.

As she made her way forward, a polished, lightly glowing door appeared in the blackness. As Twilight drew nearer, beautiful, ethereal music filled her ears, coming from everywhere, yet no singer could be seen. The door opened of its own accord, as Twilight slowly walked inside.

Two chairs were set before a roaring fireplace. the cloaked figure from before sitting in the right one. Various picture frames and weapons were barely visible by the dim light the ghostly blue fires gave off. The stallion set a glass of what Twilight assumed was red wine on the stand beside him. Barely turning his head, he addressed the lavender mare.

"Twilight Sparkle, welcome to the Obsidian Hall....."