Ponyville

22 Hours After the Blasts

     Spike was awoken by a bright beam of sunlight shining down upon his face. As he slowly opened his eyes he felt something on his chest. After realizing this he fully opened them, rather quickly, to see Twilight’s arm lying across it. Then, all at once, the memories began to hit him. All the things he told Twilight, all the wonderful things she said, and one thing he wishes he could forget.

     Spike lifted his head slightly to look out of the window. As he gazed off into the distance he noticed something. Two large and rather distinct pillars of smoke were rising in the mountains. “Those are from Canterlot and Manehatten.” Twilight remarked. Spike almost jumped when he heard her. He had no idea she was awake. Spike looked over to her and simply replied “Oh.” Twilight then continued “It’s like taking a piece of the sun to Equestria for a fraction of a second. The light pulse alone would start fires several miles out. So I guess in this case it’s more like lighting a giant match in Canterlot.” Spike was a little surprised by her knowledge on the subject, but then again what doesn’t Twilight know?

     Twilight then leaned over and kissed Spike. “Let’s get our minds off of that. Ok?” Spike’s eyes lit up by the surprise kiss and replied “Sure.” Twilight smiled and laid her head on Spike’s chest. Spike couldn’t contain it anymore; he smiled too as his cheeks burned fire red. Twilight wrapped her arm around him a little tighter, and started to pull him closer. “I love you.” She said as she held him as close as she could.

     Spike just laid there unable to speak or move. This was the happiest day of his life, despite the hell that had unfolded the day before. But he did manage to say just four words. “I love you too.” Twilight smiled and nuzzled up against his chest a little more. Spike slowly lifted one arm and placed it onto her back. When he did this Twilight lifted her head, and kissed him once more.

     Rainbow Dash assumed that Twilight and Spike were both awake by now, considering it was a little after 10:00 A.M. So she decided to say thank you, to the both of them, before departing. As she climbed the stairs she thought “I really hope I don’t wake them up, but wouldn’t that be my luck?” Rainbow Dash quickly rounded a corner and was about three steps into the room before she saw it. Twilight and Spike were kissing right in front of her. “I… uh,” she barely managed to say.

     When they heard this Twilight and Spike quickly pulled their lips away from each other’s and turned to Rainbow Dash. They both had the same look on their face, as they looked at her; a look of fear, embarrassment, and love for one another.

Twilight sighed and decided to explain herself “Uh, Rainbow… I guess now would be a good time to tell you. Spike and I are, um, together. We were going to tell everyone after things settled down a bit.”

Rainbow Dash was still in a little bit of shock when she replied “Oh, ok.”

     Twilight decided to add something else to what she was saying. “Hey Rainbow, please don’t tell anyone until we’ve had a chance ourselves.”

     Rainbow wasn’t as stunned anymore, but was still in utter disbelief, when she said “Ok…. Hey I came up here to tell you guys thanks for letting me stay, and that I was going to head home.”

“You’re leaving?” asked a confused Twilight.

“Yeah, I need to check on a few things,” Rainbow Dash explained.

“Well ok. Bye Rainbow Dash.”

“Bye Twi,” Rainbow Dash said as she waved a hoof at them and turned. As she walked down the stairs she had a whirlwind of thoughts in her head. Once she had reached the door she outstretched a shaking hoof and slowly turned the cold knob. When she had stepped outside she thought “Holy crap,” to herself.

     Spike sat there next to Twilight without moving for a second, then he joked “Rainbow Dash is officially the best moment killer in history.” Twilight busted out laughing and replied, with a chuckle in her voice “Yeah, just a little.”

     Pinkie Pie was in Mrs. Cake’s shop, helping her move some things around. Her hair was as flat as it’s ever been; there wasn’t a single curl in it. Then suddenly Mrs. Cake came darting past her. She had a gallon of milk in one hoof and two cartons of eggs in the other. “Mrs. Cake.” Pinkie called, “What do we do when it’s full?” Mrs. Cake kept working, but replied “we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Pinkie lifted two gallons of milk with her hooves and ran to the back of the store. As she sprinted Mrs. Cake passed her once more. Pinkie walked into the back room and placed the milk into a large icebox. Mrs. Cake came up behind her with several cartons of eggs and gently placed them next to the milk.

“That’s the last of it,” Mrs. Cake said in a tired voice.

Pinkie sighed and said “Good,” in an equally tired tone. “Hey,” Pinkie continued. “Where’s Mr. Cake?”

Mrs. Cake closed the lid of the box and looked over at Pinkie. “He’s babysitting. After yesterday not many ponies could do it.”

“Oh,” replied Pinkie. “How long do you think it’ll be before the power’s back on?”

“Probably a good few months.”

     Rainbow Dash was walking along a small path and thinking of what she’d seen this morning. It was still shocking her. “Who’d have thought those two-“ Her thought was cut off when Fluttershy turned a corner and crashed into her. The two pegasi fell down after the collision.

“Oh, I’m so sorry Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy said in a regretful and shy voice. Fluttershy flapped her wings to pick herself up and outstretched a hoof to Rainbow Dash.

“Thanks,” said Rainbow Dash as she grasped her hoof.

“Are you ok?” asked a concerned Fluttershy.

“Yeah I’m fine. Hey Fluttershy what are you doing here? I thought you’d be with your animals, after what happened.”

“Oh, I will be. I’m just getting a few things for Angel. He’s really upset, so I was going to make him something to calm him down… Or at least try.”

“Well, what about you? Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m about ok as you can be after that” Fluttershy paused and asked “Did you lose anyone? But hey if you don’t want to say anything, it’s ok. I understand.”

Rainbow Dash hesitated and replied “It’s ok… A few of my friends were in Fillydelphia and Manehatten. What about you?”

Fluttershy started to panic when she replied “What! Fillydelphia got hit! My dad lives in Fillydelphia! How many others got hit?!”

Rainbow Dash had no idea that she didn’t know. “I-I saw eight blasts.”

Fluttershy was beginning to cry once more. “Oh god! I thought It was only Manehatten and Canterlot!”

     Rainbow Dash walked up closer to her friend and hugged her. She didn’t know what to say, she’d usually say its ok, but this was all far from ok. Fluttershy was sobbing much more than the first time. She was now certain that her father was dead, and probably her mom as well.

     A few ponies walking by stared, but understood why she was crying, at the same time. “Hey,” Rainbow Dash said in a caring tone, “Let’s go to your place. Ok?” Fluttershy nodded and broke their embrace.

     Spike was sitting in the basement, with a small wooden guitar. He’d occasionally go down there to sing, because it was the only place he could be sure Twilight wouldn’t hear him. Even though he’d done this several times prior, he was still pretty uncomfortable with a nuke in the room.

      The little dragon lifted his hand and began to stroke the strings of the guitar. He didn’t need a pick in order to play. His claws worked much better. After a moment of trying to get the rhythm right he began to sing.

“Tick tock, hear the clock countdown

Wish the minute hand could be rewound

So much to do and so much I need to say

Will tomorrow be too late?

Feel the moment slip into the past

Like sand through an hourglass

In the madness, I guess, I just forget

To do all the things I said

Time passes by, never thought I'd wind up

One step behind, now I've made my mind up

Today, I'm gonna try a little harder

Gonna make every minute last longer

Gonna learn to forgive and forget

'Cause we don't have long, gonna make the most of it

Today, I'm gonna love my enemies

Reach out to somebody who needs me

Make a change, make the world a better place

'Cause tomorrow could be one day too late”

     Twilight was in the library and was wondering where Spike was as she looked around. “Spike?” she called. There was no reply. She went upstairs expecting to see the purple dragon sleeping. “Spike?” she called out again. But once more there was no reply. Then it occurred to her that there was only one more place he could be, the basement. She walked down the stairs and over to the basement door, but she quickly stopped when she heard something. She could hear Spike singing. It was beautiful. She wanted to hear it a little better so she quietly, and slowly, opened the door.

     Spike kept singing and was half way through the song when he paused to take a breath. “That was beautiful.” said Twilight, who was sitting on the top step of the basement staircase. She had a look on her face that no one had ever seen before. It was a look of pure love.

     Spike was scared half to death when he heard Twilight speak. He didn’t want anyone to ever hear him, especially her. Spike was so scared that he dropped the guitar and froze in place. His face wasn’t red, as you’d expect, it was actually incredibly pail. He looked as if he was going to be sick. Twilight saw this and walked down the stairs to Spike. “It’s ok Spike,” she said as she walked over to his side. She hugged him and quickly kissed his cheek. “I never knew you were so talented.”

     Spike’s heart was racing for two reasons; someone had heard him singing and Twilight was with him. You’d think he’d be used to her seeing him this way, after yesterday, and this morning, but it actually still terrified him. “What do I have to be afraid of anymore?” he thought to himself.

     Spike then looked Twilight in the eyes and softly kissed her. “I love you,” he said as he began to wrap his arms around her. Twilight was a little surprised by his change in attitude and replied “I love you too,” as she embraced him as well.

     Mrs. Cake was in the back room and checked the thermometer on the Icebox. It was rising faster than she thought it would. She then lifted the lid to see a pool of water forming at the bottom. “Oh great,” she said to herself.

Pinkie walked into the room, as well, and asked “What is it?”

Mrs. Cake turned to her and replied “This ice is melting a lot faster than I thought it would.”

Pinkie looked at the food and had an idea. “Why don’t we cook it?”

“What?” Mrs. Cake replied with a confused voice.

“Yeah, if it’s all going bad why don’t we? We could get everyone in town to come out, and eat. It’d be like one big party.”

“Well I guess that might work.”

“Great! I’ll get everyone ready.” As Pinkie said this her hair poofed back up slightly.

     The little pink pony didn’t waste any time, and quickly darted out of the door. Mrs. Cake watched as she ran up to one pony then another. “Oh Pinkie,” she thought to herself.

     Twilight was sitting on the ground next to Spike as she read a book. It was about radiation. The section she was in now talked about what a Gy was and how to use a geiger counter. “I wish we had one of these.” She thought to herself.

     Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Spike and Twilight both stood and walked over to it. Twilight opened the door to see a half gloomy and half excited Pinkie at the door.

“Hey Pinkie.” Twilight said kindly.

“Hey Twi, Mrs. Cake and a few other stores are going to cook all their food tonight.”

“What? Why?”

“Well a lot of it is going to go bad so we decided to have a giant cook and bake out.”

“Oh,” replied Twilight.

“It’s at eight. Ok.”

“Ok Pinkie. I’ll stop by. Thanks for the invite”

“You’re welcome.” Pinkie then turned and walked off.

      Twilight turned to Spike as she shut the door and said “It looks like we don’t have to cook tonight.” “Good,” he replied. They both then turned and walked back to where they were sitting.

     Fluttershy sat with Rainbow dash and was still sobbing uncontrollably. Rainbow Dash held her friend closer and said “Hey, we don’t know he’s gone. He may have been out of town when it happened.” As much as Fluttershy wanted to believe that, she knew it was a lie.

     Fluttershy looked up at Rainbow Dash and said, while still crying “Go to the first cabinet and get the first bottle you see.” Rainbow Dash was very surprised, and asked “You drink?” Fluttershy shook her head and replied “No, they were my father’s. But I don’t see any better time to do so. Do you?” Rainbow Dash shook her head and went to get the bottle.

     When she opened the cabinet she saw eight or nine bottles all in a rack. She was pretty shocked to say the least; she never thought she’d see the day that Fluttershy would drink. As she was scanning the bottles she noticed one that looked different. The bottle just seemed to be prettier than the others, so she decided to take it. When she lifted it she could see that the label said Jack Daniel’s.

     Rainbow Dash walked back to Fluttershy and handed her the bottle. She took it and looked at it for a second. “This was his favorite.” Rainbow Dash sat down next to her as she popped the lid off. Fluttershy lifted the bottle and took a sip. She made a sour face and said “Man that’s strong.” Despite that she took another sip. Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Never in a thousand years did she expect this to happen.

     Fluttershy looked over at Rainbow Dash and asked “Do you want some?” as she outstretched the hoof with the bottle. Rainbow Dash thought for a second and replied “Maybe just a tiny bit.” She then reached out a hoof and took the bottle from Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash lifted the bottle up to her lips and took a small sip. She made about the same face Fluttershy had and said “Man you weren’t kidding.”

     Pinkie Pie placed a tray of cake batter into the oven and turned the dial. “How many more do we need to make?” she asked Mrs. Cake. Mrs. Cake looked up from her mixing bowl and replied “As many as we can.” As Pinkie looked at the cake through the small window she thought to herself “Thank god this thing is powered on gas.”

     Twilight looked up at the clock and saw that it was 7:45. “I guess there’s no harm in showing up early,” she thought to herself. “Hey Spike!” she called.

      The little dragon lifted his head off of the floor, when he heard his name, and quickly stood. He got a little light headed and almost fell over, but caught himself. Spike then quickly ran down the stairs. Once he reached Twilight he looked up at her and said “Yes, my love?” Twilight blushed slightly and replied “I thought we could go to Pinkie’s cook o… bake sa… baking thingy, a little early.” Spike tried not to laugh at Twilight’s words, and replied “Oh, ok Twi.”

      Spike reached out his hand and turned the door knob. The door swung open and Spike said “After you, beautiful.” Twilight blushed once more and asked “What’s with you tonight?” Spike smiled and said “Oh nothing, I just love you.” Twilight smiled, as well, and kissed him on the cheek. “I love you too,” she replied and then walked out of the library with Spike following behind her.

     They walked slowly as the couple kept looking at each other. Every time Twilight looked over at Spike he had the same love dazed look on his face, which she thought was pretty cute. “Who’d have thought it’d take a nuke going off to make this happen?” Twilight thought to herself.

     Eventually they reached down town. There were several tables out with a few lights strung about. “Looks like Pinkie found herself a generator,” Twilight thought. As they approached the tables she could tell that each had a table cloth and a few plates on it, but there were only about twenty ponies there. Twilight looked down at Spike and said “Maybe we came a little too early.” Spike nodded and replied “Eh, that just means no lines for the food.” Twilight smiled a little, thinking his remark was kind of funny, and walked over to the bakery.

     As she opened the door she and Spike were greeted by Pinkie.

“Oh, hey guys,” she said happily. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Thanks Pinkie,” Spike and Twilight said at the same time. They then looked at each other for a second and back to Pinkie.

Pinkie moved a few cakes on to the counter and asked, as she worked “So, how long have you and Spike been together?”

Twilight and Spike both had a look of shock and disbelief on their face. They were not expecting this question at all. “H-How did you-?”

Pinkie cut in and replied “Oh come on Twilight, you don’t need Pinkie senses to see that there’s something up with you two. It was almost screaming at me when you both answered the door.”

     Twilight was still stunned, along with Spike. Thankfully at that moment Apple Jack walked into the bakery. “Hey AJ did you hear about-“ Twilight let out a loud grunt and gave Pinkie a certain look. Pinkie immediately interpreted her signal and stopped talking. “Oh,” Pinkie said in a slightly disappointed tone.

“Hear about what?” Apple Jack asked.

“Nothing.” Twilight replied rather quickly.

“Okaaaay.” Apple Jack said sounding rather confused. “Well anyways,” she went on, “Pinkie do you have any apple cakes or cupcakes?”

Pinkie bent down and pulled out a big green and red cake. “Yup, right here.”

Apple Jack smiled and walked over to her. As she took the cake from her she said “Thank ya Pinkie. What do I owe ya?”

“Oh it’s on the house tonight.”

“Oh! Well thanks again Pinkie.”

“Hey Apple Jack, while you’re here could you come over in a little while?” Twilight asked.

“Sure thing Twi. What’s it about?” Apple Jack asked.

“Oh, I just need to tell everyone some news.”

“Oh, ok Twi. I’ll see ya in a bit.” And with that the earth pony left.

     Twilight looked out of the window to see a lot more ponies were there than when she had arrived. “Hey Pinkie you may want to get the cakes out there.” Twilight suggested. “Oh good they’re here. Hey Twi can you help me with these?” Pinkie said as she lifted a few boxes of cake. “Sure,” Twilight replied. She walked over to the counter and began picking up boxes herself. She stacked about five on top of each other and started towards the door.

     Spike saw the two approaching the exit and quickly jumped to action, by opening the door for them. “Thanks Spike,” each said as they walked past him.

     Within seconds they were back to repeat the process. And again they carried out more boxes, and again, and again, and again. Eventually there were no more boxes left. “finally,” said a tired Twilight.

     Pinkie looked behind a counter and pulled out one more box of cake. “Surprise!” she said as she held it out to Twilight. Twilight took the box and asked “What’s this?” “Oh it’s just a little something for the new couple,” she said with a smile. Twilight reached her hoof to the front of the box and lifted the lid. Inside was a red and pink heart shaped cake. “Do you like it?” Pinkie asked. Twilight looked up at her friend with a smile and replied “I love it. Thank you Pinkie… Hey, even though you know, would you like to come over when I tell the girls about us?” A smile broke across Pinkies face. “Yes!” she replied excitedly. Twilight turned towards the door and said “Ok, see you later Pink.”

     Rarity was outside of the store when Twilight and Spike saw her. She had a plate with a slice of cake in one hoof. Spike felt a little awkward just being around her, but Twilight needed to tell her something and he was not going to leave her side. “Hey, Rarity we need you to come over in a little while. We have something to tell everypony.” “What is it?” Rarity asked. “Trust me, you’ll all know soon enough.”

     Rainbow Dash was sitting next to Fluttershy with a bottle of whisky in one hoof. Fluttershy was lying on the ground with a bottle in her hoof as well.

“Hey, y- you know what I think happened to Canterlot?” Rainbow Dash asked with very slurred speech.

“Wh-What?” replied Fluttershy sounding equally drunk.

“I-I-I think it was aliens,” replied Rainbow Dash as she lifted the bottle to her mouth.

“Oh my god! Dude! That would be so cool! Bu- but I’d be scared man. Don’t scare me like that Rainbow!”

“What? You mad? You wanna fight about it!?... Bah I love ya.”

“Dude that is deep. Like really,” replied an emotional Fluttershy.

“I know flutterby I know.”

“Hey y-you know what we should do?” stuttered Fluttershy.

“W-What?” stuttered Rainbow Dash as well.

“Let’s go prank Twilight and Spike.”

“Oh my god yes!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

“I know right!?”

“Right. Hey maybe she’s got s-some more boos,” stuttered Rainbow Dash.

“Th-That nerd better!”

“Come on futershy, let’s do this!”

The two then stood and began to walk to the door. “This is gonna be awesome!” exclaimed Fluttershy.

     Pinkie, Rarity, and Apple Jack all sat down in the library as Twilight and Spike walked in front of them. Pinkie had a little grin on her face as she waited for Rarity and Apple Jack’s reaction.

“Well everypony you’re probably wondering why you’re here. The answer is that Spike and I have something to tell you. Spike and I-“ Spike then cut in and blurted out “I love Twilight!” Apple jack just smiled and said “I knew it!” But Rarity, on the other hand, was completely shocked. The look on her face was just utter disbelief. “Wha-What?” she asked. “It’s True,” replied Twilight, “We’ve been together for a few days now. And we just wanted you to know.

     Pinkie was staring at Rarity and covering her mouth, trying to hide her snickering. Her face was just priceless. Then, without warning, Pinkie jumped up and yelled “Who wants cake!?” “Me!” said an excited Apple Jack. The two ponies didn’t spend too much time thinking about it and quickly trotted off into the kitchen. But Rarity, though, didn’t move a muscle. She was just too blown away. “A-and you like him?” she asked Twilight. Twilight was a little confused and replied “Well of course I do. That’s how relationships work right?” Rarity nodded and said “Yeah… I guess so.”

     Rarity didn’t want to say anything, but she had a crush on Spike too. Unfortunately, for her, it was far too late for that. “I knew I should have said something!” she thought to herself.

     Apple Jack stuck her head into the library and asked “Hey Twi, where’s the champagne? This is a very special occasion after all. Ain’t it?” Twilight thought for a minute, and finally replied “It’s in the first cabinet, but I… Eh forget it. It is the apocalypse after all.” Apple jack smiled and went off to get the bottle. Twilight then stood up and said “Here let me show you where,” wanting to make sure Apple Jack didn’t find anything she didn’t want her to.

          Spike and Rarity were left alone in the library as their friends worked in the kitchen. There had never been a more awkward moment in their lives. Spike occasionally looked up at Rarity and she occasionally looked up at him. Spike just tried to stare at the floor and twiddle his thumbs, but each time Rarity looked at him he could feel her glare burning into his skull. Spike cleared his throat and said “So…” “So,” replied Rarity. “Well this is awkward,” continued Spike.  “Yeah,” she replied. Then without warning she asked “Why do you like her?” Spike was a bit shocked at her bluntness, but replied “Because she’s sweet, she’s caring, she has always been there for me, and she notices me.” Rarity felt awful after hearing him say that. “I-I-“ Rarity began, but was cut off by Twilight, who walked into the room with two glasses of Champaign. “Who wants champaign?” she asked. Rarity instantly raised her hoof and was given a glass. “Here ya go,” Twilight said with a smile.

     Rarity lifted the glass to her mouth and began drinking rather quickly. Within seconds the small glass was nearly empty. Twilight had a stunned look on her face as she watched Rarity drink. “Whoa, slow down man,” Twilight said. Rarity finished off the glass and stood to go get some more.

     Twilight sat down beside Spike and asked “What’s up with Rarity?” Spike looked down to avoid eye contact with her, and replied “I think she likes me.” Twilight didn’t know if she should laugh or be worried. “Oh joy,” she said sarcastically.

    As Pinkie cut into the cake, she heard a noise at the back door. She ignored it and finished cutting out the slice for herself. Then she heard it again. Pinkie laid the knife down and looked out of the window, to see nothing. “What is it?” asked Apple Jack, who was refilling a few glasses. “Oh I just thought I heard something.” Then there was a loud bang on the back door. “What in tarnation was that!?” exclaimed Apple Jack.

     She and Apple Jack walked over to the door and opened it to see a yellow flank and pink tail before them. Fluttershy laughed and started to run off, but tripped over her own hooves. “Ah!” she yelled as she hit the ground. At that moment Pinkie had the same thought anyone in her position would “Is this really happening?” Then suddenly Rainbow Dash jumped out from behind the corner and busted out laughing. “Epic face plant Fluttersmash!” Rainbow Dash then walked over to Fluttershy, who was still trying to get up, and said “Aw man ya mooned Pinkie and AJ not Twi.” Fluttershy finally stood up and turned to see an utterly confused Pinkie and Apple Jack staring at her. “Dang it!” she yelled.

     “What’s going on out here?” asked Twilight as she walked up beside the two, confused onlookers. The three ponies just watched their two friends stumble around for a second, when Pinkie finally broke the silence. “Are they high?” she whispered. “I don’t know,” replied Twilight.

     That’s when Rainbow Dash noticed the glasses they were holding. “Hey Fluttershy, looks like they’re having a party too,” Rainbow Dash said rather loudly. Twilight looked down at her, second, glass and said “Uh…” Despite the fact that they’d all had a few, there were nowhere near as bad as those two.

      Apple Jack looked over to Twilight and said “Eh, screw it. This looks like it’ll be fun,” Apple Jack then turned to the two pegasi and said “Come on in guys,” as she waved a hoof. The two did as they were told and stumbled into the library.

     That’s when Rarity walked over to the two ponies. “W-what are you two doing here?” she asked in a less than sober voice. Fluttershy instantly noticed that she was drunk as well and said “Oh cool. Rarity knows how to party too!”

“No,” exclaimed Rarity, “I’m not partying. I’m mad.”

“About what?” asked Twilight.

“Nothing.” She replied.

     Spike then walked into the room with the rest of the group and instantly noticed how far gone three of his friends were. Even though he was pretty shocked by it, he found the sight a little amusing. Then, at that moment, Fluttershy leaned over and whispered something to Rainbow Dash. “Ok,” replied Rainbow Dash to whatever she said. “I’ma go use the bath room. Ok Twi?” announced Fluttershy. “Ok,” replied Twilight, with a hint of confusion easily noticeable in her voice.

     Fluttershy then staggered past Spike and into the library. As she passed him she, drunkenly, smiled at him. “That was weird,” he thought to himself. But Spike didn’t think too much about of it after looking back to his drunken and tipsy friends bicker.

     Fluttershy opened the basement door and said quietly, to herself “Ok, where’s the good stuff?” She staggered down the stairs and almost fell, but somehow managed not to. Once Fluttershy reached the bottom of the steps she looked around and saw a large crate against the wall. “I bet that’s where she keeps it,” she thought to herself. She slowly walked over to it, trying not to stumble again, and outstretched a hoof to the lid of the crate. Then with little effort she lifted the lid.

     Suddenly, as the friends talked amongst themselves, an ear splitting scream rang out through the library.