The Obituaries

Chapter 2: Reforming Ties

Scarlet stood outside the throne room with her guard escort. “You can go now.” She said. The lead guard, who had identified himself as Spark, shook his head.

“I Wanna’ see how this plays out.”

“Oh come on Spark, its late.” One of Spark’s comrades said impatiently, already walking away.

“No.” The other guard rolled his eyes and lit his horn, dragging the struggling Spark away towards the barracks Scarlet took a deep breath and pushed open the doors. To find Princess Celestia sitting on her throne and Princess Luna pacing back and forth muttering under her breath. Something was wrong with them. Luna’s mane was short and baby blue. Celestia’s was still long and wavy, but it was a pale pink and had stopped flowing. Scarlet tapped on the door with a hoof.

“Come in.” Celestia said, not even looking up to see who it was. Scarlet took a small step in and, gaining confidence strode halfway across the room before stopping again.

“You don’t look so good Tia.” She said. Celestia finally looked up.

“Hello Scarlet. You took your time.” Said Celestia, feigning annoyance. Luna looked back and forth between her sister and the pony in the trench coat.

“Sister, who is this pony?” she asked sharply. Celestia sighed.

“Scarlet, would you please remove your coat?” Scarlet turned and eyed Luna.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Scarlet shrugged and pulled off her coat. Luna stared at her for a second. Scarlet was used to this. No doubt she thought that she looked rather bizarre, with her short mane, missing eye, and long scar.

“I know you!” Luna shouted accusingly. “You’re that thief! During my research of recent equestrian history I looked through all the old wanted posters and criminal trial records. You were one of the most infamous criminal in equestria!”

“Were?” Scarlet asked, a touch of mock hurt in her voice.

“Calm down lulu.” Celestia said wearily. “Scarlet has been wrongly marked by society. Yes she is a criminal, but she and her gang protected all of us from ponies much worse. Like the pony our guards chased down tonight.”

“Actually Tia, the guards didn’t catch her.” Said Scarlet.

“What!” Celestia Shouted, her eyes blazing. Scarlet didn’t even flinch.

“Nope she got away. But then again she always does. And then I’m blamed for her messes.” Scarlet rolled her eye.

“So it was HER.” Celestia said, her eyes narrowing.

“Yup. And you know what she’s capable of normally. Imagine what she could do with all of that power. Our world would be thrown into chaos! Torn apart by her insanity!”

“Wait I’m so confused, who are we talking about?” Luna asked.

“Well then,” Celestia said, completely ignoring her sister “it’s a good thing that you’re here.”

“Think it’s time for a little reunion?” Scarlet asked grinning widely.

“Yes.” Celestia agreed. “Go and find your gang. Equestria needs you once again.” Scarlet nodded, pulled on her coat, and walked out of the throne room.

Luna rounded on Celestia. “Okay Tia, spill.”

Scarlet wondered how she was going to reunite her gang as she walked through the castle. The closest was Peepers, who was here in canterlot. But most of them were station in and around ponyville. Well, all of them would know to travel to ponyville when she sent out the signal. She looked up from her thoughts and saw that she had reached the exit. As she walked out into the cool night she looked out over the vast city. “This,” she thought “Is what it’s all about. Protecting them.” Smiling warmly, she closed her eye. When she opened it, it was glowing a brilliant white. Her smile growing, she lifted her front hooves off the ground, and smashed them down on the earth. This time instead of sending the magic spiking down through the ground, she sent the magic out in a massive shockwave of pure energy. Calling them home for a little reunion. Once the flare died down, Scarlet started off for Ponyville.

It was about 8:30 am when Scarlet got off the 3:00 am train to Ponyville. She walked through already bustling market as she made her way toward the center of town. Ponies gave her strange looks as she passed. “They must not be as used to disguised ponies as others in canterlot are.” Scarlet thought as she reached town square. Across the small street was something that demanded her attention. A large tree. That was an understatement. It was huge! But that wasn’t what was strange. Sticking out of the tree were windows, a door and a balcony. As Scarlet drew closer she saw a gold plaque reading,

Golden Oaks Library

Head Librarian:

Miss Twilight Sparkle

“Looks like I came to the right place.” Scarlet muttered and she pushed open the door. A small bell tinkled. Scarlet looked around. It was a fairly standard library, except for several doors. A second later one of these doors opened and out walked a purple baby dragon with green spines. He was wearing a pink ruffled apron and holding a teetering stack of waffles. Scarlet fell to the floor laughing hysterically.

“Yeah, yeah, yuck it up.” He grumbled, placing his plate on the table. “What do you want?” he asked harshly.

“Hey Spike. It’s been a long time.” Scarlet said.

“Do I know you?” He squinted at her. She pulled off her coat. “SCARLET!” He shouted as he ran to hug her. She patted him on the head. When she touched him, his spines changed. Every other one began to darken to black.

“There.” She said satisfied.

“Huh?” Spike turned and saw his tail spines changing. He grinned at her. “And so it begins.”

“Yeah. Spike I have a job for you. When the others make their way here, tell them to meet me in the castle in the forest. Okay?” Spike saluted.

Scarlet smiled, picked up her coat, and walked the door.

Spike pulled off his apron and hung it on a peg in the kitchen. A scream and a sound of something shattering rang through the library.

“SPIKE!” Spike rolled his eyes.

“Here we go.” He muttered.