A Single Mistakeby electrocardiographChaptersStarlight Glimmer Goes For A WalkSlow Burn Princess Pep TalkStarlight Glimmer Goes For A WalkTwilight and Spike walked out of the Canterlot Public University. It was a bright sunny day as usual, birds were singing a natural chorus. It was a gentle hum in the background. The sun happily donating its rays to the denizens of Canterlot. It sat proud and happy up in the cloud scattered sky, leaving in it's wake a city of cobble and brick.Thousands of ponies moved about, from a wide array of classes. Since Canterlot had such a central position in Equestria, it was the biggest and most profitable trading hub in the entire country. The two ponies were out in the outskirts of the city , walking away from the distant university overlooking the capital. It was peaceful and quiet compared to busy city below. Only the passing teacher with a flock of students came around in the tranquil area. “So you think the speech was fine?” Twilight asked, nervousness apparent in her voice. It was important to her this time on a personal level. She was going to be giving that speech to fillies and explaining what friendship was to her. It was something she wished herself could have heard when she was younger... “Oh yeah, you killed it! Not like…actually killed them…like…in a good way!” Spike reassured in his clumsy way. He was happy just to help his favorite mare as always. Though, he didn't understand why Twilight was so concerned about this speech being so perfect. He chalked it up to just her being a perfectionist as usual. The purple princess was wearing her formal wear, studded crown, golden bracers, mane with the official princess curl on her neck. Spike was just his dumpy fat little baby self. “Well. Maybe you’re right…maybe I’m just over thinking it.” Twilight sighed, stopping her trot. The gardens outside of the university were lavishly adorned with plants and trees given from various donators in Equestria. Mostly for grant money, but it made for an excellent garden. Pleasant daises danced gently in the breeze while lilies shed their beautiful white petals down in an easy fall. Autumn was coming, but it was distant, Summer still had dominance. But there was a chill in the warm air... “Yeah you are. Just relax.” Spike nodded. “It won’t be that be-“ Predictably as all peaceful walks are they were only temporary, as Starlight Glimmer stood before them on the path. “Starlight!” Twilight gasped, breaking her train of thought as she flared her wings and readied her horn for a spell. Spike nearly fell back on his rear from the shock. Starlight simply smiled, looking cocky as ever. “Hello Twilight.” “What are you doing here!?” “Just passing by. To watch your destruction of course.” Twilight narrowed her eyes, turning serious. “Destruction? What are you planning…?” Starlight gave a toothy grin. “I won’t tell. Of course.” Twilight already considered blasting her or getting the elements together at this point. “What are you planning? Why did you come here!?” She had a million questions to ask. Starlight just…stood there. Like she knew something, like she already had won and Twilight could do nothing about it. “W-what’s going on?” Spike gulped, a bit worried. He could feel the uneasiness in the air. And was obviously very disturbed at their enemy's sudden arrival. “Oh. Just wait and see.” Starlight answered his question. “It’ll happen soon.” “What will happen!?” Twilight was getting sick and tired of asking questions already. They had just started this walk and this happens!? “It.” Starlight replied smugly, purposefully being vague. Twilight gritted her teeth in frustration. Not knowing things was a pet peeve of hers. “See you soon Twilight.” Starlight smiled one last smug smile, and casually began to trot away. “What!? WHAT!?” Twilight huffed. Her powerful wings shot her off as she chased after the unicorn, landing in front of her. “What the hay are you doing!? What are you talking about! I want answers!” Twilight cried. Her face flushed with anger. “I’m sure you do.” Starlight replied simply, walking right by her. Twilight groaned, stomping on the ground with a hoof. She quickly sped up again, landing in front and having no intention of simply letting her pass by. Spike was having trouble keeping up with his stubby legs. “I said... I want answers!” Twilight repeated again, about to boil over with rage. The audacity of this mare to simply arrive and threaten herself and her best friend Spike was beyond frustrating. “Twilight. It would spoil everything. I’m not saying a word.” Starlight explained, although that just left more questions than answers. “Is this part of some plan? What are you trying here!?” “Haven’t you realized all of your questions aren’t really getting answers?” Another pleased grin, and she walked right by yet again. Twilight was befuddled to put it simply. Her brain was trying desperately to rack Starlight’s mind, getting whatever motive she could have had here. Spike finally caught up, wheezing, out of breath. “Twilight what’s going on!? What is she doing!?” “I don’t know…and asking is getting nowhere.” Twilight said in a low serious voice, watching Starlight hum to herself as she walked down the road, heading back into Canterlot. “Well…should we…do something!? Even if she’s…not really doing anything?” Spike suggested. Twilight re-framed herself, taking a breath to calm herself down. She used that move Cadence taught her a while back. “Maybe…we should just follow her.” “Well wait!? What if it’s a trap!? Why don’t we just call the guard!?” “She hasn’t done anything…yet” “But she like…controlled a whole town of ponies and tried to steal your cutie mark!” Twilight was about to respond, but Starlight was about to walk out of sight. Twilight was too worried to leave her alone for even a moment. “No time!” Twilight shouted, grabbing Spike in magic and quickly shoving him on her back. She took off in an instant, going in a speed that would make Rainbow proud. It was against her nature to be so rash, but the moment demanded it and the princess saw no other alternative at the moment. Starlight happily trotted through the cobble streets of Canterlot. She cheated a little, sadly. When she saw Twilight rushing at that speed she knew she’d spoil the fun, so she teleported. It wasn’t planned, but just a minor hiccup. The real show was about to begin. The vendors were out and about, reaching for any curious pony to offer wares, some useful, some just worthless trinkets designed to swindle money. Thousands of voices at once rung out during the busy rush of city life. It was impossible to keep up with it all, ponies of shapes and sizes all meeting in a singular place for just as many different reasons. Not even ponies, the occasional griffon, the passing bison, and the journeying zebra could all be seen throughout. It was hectic and loud to say the least. Starlight knew where she’d go, her favorite little store. A quaint little kiosk being ran by a feeble old unicorn that had always ran the dumpy little vendor. It was out of place and out of time as well really. An old style stall that’d be common in small towns like Ponyville but was completely out of touch in the well organized, brightly lit, and ornately decorated stores and shops. Young bright faces selling the hottest merchandise, the newest in fashion, and the most exotic foods. And there in the middle of these two shops, was a smelly old stand with an old fart that probably should be in bed sleeping. Starlight loved it. “Oh hello missy. Been a while since you came here.” The friendly old mare said. She was a gray old mare with matted fur and messy brown hair, which was falling out. Some had fallen into the small pies she was offering… “It’s always nice to see you Dough.” Starlight responded with a genuine smile. She laid her hooves on the table and took a seat on a creaky old stool. She felt like it could collapse from her weight at any moment. “Nice to see you too Glim.” Dough smiled back. “Want another one of my special pecan pies?” Starlight knew her from her old days as a student here. Her food was terrible, the mare smelled, and she had the bits for a much nicer place. But today, the day of her revenge. She wanted a quaint little meeting of nostalgia…to remind her of why she was doing this in the first place. “You know it.” Starlight replied with a smile, forking over the bits from her pack. Dough went under the table for a moment, coming out with a sweet smelling pie, contrasting greatly with the old mare smell. “Four bits still right?” Starlight asked. “You still remember!” The mare laughed. “Ah can’t charge ya…I’m closing today…” Starlight blinked in surprise. “Really? That’s awful Dough…” “Oh it’s been…enough time really. I mean. Been goin here for fifteen years or so…and I think I might be finally getting old…” The mare chuckled, she was missing some teeth. “That’s funny you choose today. It’s a real special day today.” “Is that plan you mentioned…is it today?” Dough asked. Starlight simply nods with a somewhat…pained look. The thought of what she was about to do soured her good mood. “It’ll be okay really. She won’t have any response to this…” Dough smiled, petting her hoof. “Yeah…I know…” Speaking of the devil. The entire circus of commerce and dialog was cut short when a speeding purple bullet with a tiny green spot sped through the plaza, aiming for one mare in particular. “Hope the spell works…” Starlight said, before returning to her usual cocky smile. Time to put on a show. Twilight landed in front of the small old stall, rather a bit peeved. “What…the…hay are you DOING TO ME!?” Twilight shouted. She had been chasing her ever since Starlight arrived at the university. The university was a few miles away from Canterlot, and she had flown the entire distance. Sweat dripped off her, like the anger she was feeling. Starlight simply munched on her sweet tasting pie. “ANSWER ME!” Twilight shouted, her face flustered red with anger. Spike was starting to get worried. Most of the commerce merry go round had already started turning their heads and going back to talking. It was just Princess Twilight being weird again. “You can’t really stop me…might as well not try.” Starlight munched smugly. Twilight was already done with asking questions. Now she was demanding. “Tell me why I shouldn’t just throw you in jail right now…” Starlight made sure the crowd had stopped paying attention before continuing… “I have a pretty good trump card. Trust me. If you try and push me in any way, you’re going to lose, not just the fight, but everything.” Starlight told her. “You’re bluffing aren’t you? This is just one big bluff right!?” Twilight pointed an accusatory hoof at her. “Try it and see…” Starlight smiled, speaking in a low voice. Twilight stomped again, heaving and seething. But until she knew what Starlight had up her sleeve, she couldn’t make a move out of fear. Twilight hated the fear of the unknown, she never not knowed! And when she didn’t know she had to know! Why wasn’t Starlight letting her know! But Starlight knew… She took another casual bite of her pecan pie. The old mare at the stall had left just right after, as per her orders from Glimmer. Twilight sighed. “Okay…okay Starlight…what do you want?” “Nothing I’m not already getting.” Both mares were oblivious to the outside hustle and bustle; all Twilight could hear was the sound of Starlight eating and Spike’s nervous nail biting. He was too afraid to say anything, Twilight was really freaking him out. More than Glimmer. “Whatever this is…it’s not gonna work…” Twilight spoke flatly, having enough of these games. She wasn’t falling for whatever this was. “So just give up…and let’s just…put this behind us…maybe even be friends…” Twilight had been getting more optimistic and hopeful after her ascension to princesshood. “You won’t have many friends when this is over…really it’s you who should be giving up.” A tiny prick of icy fear shot through Twilight's heart. “Hey! You…you leave them out of this!” The purple princess huffed. “Oh. Don’t worry. I don’t need to do anything to them.” Starlight was almost done with her pie. Twilight was getting worried. What Starlight knew was…dangerous. It had to be something severe. A powerful ancient spell, an old relic that gave her immense power, the changelings had allied with her! Her mind was racing frantically to every worst possible conclusion, no matter how far off or silly it could be. Her wings shuffled nervously, her eyes were erratic and frantic, her hooves wouldn't stay still. If she didn’t do something now all of her friends would be gone! Starlight finished her pie, suppressing a burp. "Excuse me." “Please! Just…tell me! I…I can’t take this!” Twilight cried out, getting very unnerved with Starlight's ease at her assured destruction. Spike took note, and saw that she needed help. He decided it was finally time to speak up and put an end to this crazy show. “Twilight relax! It’s go-“Spike was cut off suddenly and abruptly. Twilight turned around in an instant, Spike was clutching at his neck, clawing for dear breath. He was being choked, something was crushing his windpipe. The tiny dragon cried and gasped for any air he could, but the magical force was intent on killing him. Starlight sat there, pointing at Spike. No magic coming from her horn, no magic surrounded Spike’s neck. All of this was so silent, other than Spike’s desperate wheezes. Twilight was completely horrified. “S-stop that! Stop that now!” Twilight shouted. Her own magic searching for the mysterious force, finding nothing…she saw nothing…she knew nothing. She tried to touch the aura, trying to pull it away, and simply grabbed at air. Spike was crying, his feet kicking out. Starlight simply stayed there with her hoof raised, a pained grimace on her face. “STOP! I AM WARNING YOU!” Twilight shouted, her magic growing fouler, her anger boiling, her fear wrenching at her. She was losing focus, beginning to go on impulse. Starlight looked worried…but didn’t stop. Spike continued, his face getting red. He needed Twilight’s help. Twilight kept thinking of something. She aimed a spell at Glimmer, attempting to knock her focus off of Spike. It simply rebounded off a light blue shield that at least, was from Glimmer’s magic. She could protect herself easily; Twilight could only break it with powerful magic. “P-please! Please stop this! I don’t know what you’re doing but stop!” Twilight was begging now, her mind searching her brain for any way out. Starlight remained unphased, twisting her hoof as if to choke him more. Spike was beginning to go limp, his eyes were losing focus. Twilight looked back and forth frantically. Trying to find some way, trying to think of something! She knew everything! Why didn’t she know this!? Why couldn’t she help her best friend!? But she did have one way. Twilight narrowed her eyes at Starlight’s form, her face twisting with rage, her eyes wet with tears and shouted. A terribly powerful blast of magic emitted from her. It let out a roar of energy as it was cast, blowing forward with tremendous and terrible power, twisting and radiating with shards of magic, heading right for Glimmer. The entire crowd saw that terrible beam of magic blasting through Glimmer’s shield, destroying both her and the stand in a loud blast of destruction, the entire area going up in smoke and dust. Spike dropped to the ground with a wheeze, gasping and greedily sucking up air for his deprived lungs. Twilight looked on at the destruction in tears, the powerful magic on her horn quietly fading away in a feeble spark. Starlight Glimmer was dead, and the whole world saw it. Author's Note oh no, what a pickle, hope twilight has a jar for this one. heh iunno why i randomly got this neat lil idea at 5:00 am. but here it is. written in one draft and only grammar checked and edited by the author, which usually doesn't go well. i let a friend read it, he said it was nice. i mostly wrote this cause i didn't like the s5 finale, i felt like they had a lot of potential do something greater. so the first thing obviously was they needed to murder someone on a kid's show sorry about the vague title and lack of a cover. like i said this was spur of the moment type stuff i do have plans for continuation dw tho if you guys l-like it... Slow Burn Slow Burn The clock ticked in the background of the meeting hall, creating a silence over the heated debate that had unfolded in the royal chambers. Celestia was patient. Years of watching from both the sidelines and participating in various conflicts had shown her a level of expertise and wisdom that no mortal force could ever hope to attain. A naturally observant mare. She stayed quiet, waiting to take in her information, process it, and then think about a response. All happening seconds before she ever opened her mouth. It was a great trait for a leader, especially in troublesome times. Though some were sometimes frustrated with it, as it was impossible to tell what was on her mind. The alicorn was dead silent tonight, pretty much throughout the entire dispute. Simply listening, taking in, like a plant takes in sunlight. She was being subjected to a heated discussion between two ponies about who owned what tiny piece of land between two lame farms outside of Canterlot. It was rather unimportant to say the least. Right now the mare before her was agitated.. The discussion was about inheriting a certain area of land from a recently deceased neighbor. She knew both of their families well, and had even visited the funeral of the neighbor, an old pony simply named Buck. He liked it too much to disgrace it with a last name. Now, the body was not even cold, and somepony was looking to see what of his belonged to her. “It’s our right. Our land! Promised by Buck himself!” The feisty redheaded pegasus declared, stomping her hooves on the table to add punch to her point. The silence was broken, and the debate resumed. “It is no right of yours! I’m his cousin dammit! We’re kin! Who are you to start claimin?” Pitch, sitting opposite of Redstone shot back. Brown, a bit scrawny and a lot to prove. Pitch had a lot to lose here, if Redstone had her way. Celestia simply watched calmly in the background, she had been chosen as mediator of this discussion. A job she found herself doing often. She never tried to avoid the position; in fact it wasn’t even an official duty. Just something she…did. Something she always did. All the ponies that were old enough to question it had died centuries ago. It was simply a fact of life. Although only being one pony, and with Equestria growing much bigger throughout her reign, she couldn’t see everyone like she used to be able to in the old days. Still, no matter what. Every once in a while, two ponies from the middle of nowhere would get an audience with the most powerful being in the world. She had been asked several times why she kept such a silly, inefficient practice going. She’d always respond with a smile, simply say. “I enjoy it.” And left it at that. And it wasn’t a lie. She did. It brought her closer to her subjects, and allowed her to imbue ponies all important lessons on how to deal with conflicts. She loved seeing two parties come to agreements, settling disputes and getting over grudges. It showed her friendship was still alive and well in Equestria. “Oh whatever! You stupid foal!” Redstone shouted. Well sometimes it was. “Now no name calling. We’re all adults here.” Celestia spoke up. The only thing she had said all night. The mare huffed, sitting back down in her seat. She had been sitting on the edge shouting during the entire debacle. “Why have you been so quiet?” Pitch asked, glad that she reigned back Redstone’s fury. “I’ve been thinking.” She responded simply. “Well…what!?” Both ponies asked. “It’s me right? I mean, it’s my cousin’s land!” Pitch reaffirmed that for the twelfth time this morning. “It was promised to me and my family!” Redstone was already trying to fly over the table and go to blows. “Redstone. What was your claim to the acre again?” Celestia asked, taking a sip of her tea. Tea helped her through turbulent times such as these. “Buck promised my father. Ten years ago. That when he died, he wanted to give him the farm. My father and him were the best of friends. Dad died six years ago, and now that Buck is gone too. I need a livelihood…and I need that farm!” Redstone ended her story with a stomp on the table. “But it ain’t yours!” Pitch cried, leaning over across the table. “It is too mine!” Redstone met him across, their faces only an inch apart. “Ain’t!” “Is!” “Ain’t!” "Is!" “Stop.” Both ponies almost fell over in how they scrambled to get back to their seats. They quickly shut their mouths and stood still like statues.They were worried they went too far when Celestia spoke so sternly... Celestia took another sip of her tea. “Pitch. Redstone. I do not understand why you cannot share the farm. You both cannot possibly expect to work an entire farm all by yourselves.” Celestia stated calmly, eyes closed in zen like meditation. There wasn’t a trace of frustration in her. “I don’t wanna share.” Redstone said flatly. “Me neither!” Pitch nodded in agreement. “Why is that?” Celestia was beginning to see the end of this simple debate. It was one she had solved a million times before, and today would be no different. Ponies sometimes let their petty grudges get the better of them. It was a lesson her student Twilight had just learned. She mentioned it in a letter to her. Just a letter. Not a friendship report. She really missed reading those. She missed the tiny purple unicorn trotting happily through the library while her mentor watched on. Days long, long ago. “Because. She don’t deserve what my cousin worked for!” Pitch explained. “It’s something that only kin can understand! Plus she’s a mare!” “What!?” Redstone was at her boiling point. “What do you mean I’m just a mare!?” “Let’s not continue this train of dialog…” Celestia wisely interrupted. “Pitch. Just because she’s a mare does not mean she cannot manage and run a farm.” Pitch sighed. Grumpy but…that statement was one made out of anger. Just to discredit her. He didn’t mean it past shock value. Now that he was caught, he’d apologize. Celestia thought to herself. “Alright…yeah. I didn’t mean that…” Pitch admitted. That satisfied Redstone, who took her seat once more, still staring daggers at Pitch however. “So. Why do you not want to work with Pitch, Redstone?” Celestia was watching the time. Despite how much she did want to help them, time was running short, and she had other duties to attend to. They had been in here for a while… “Cause he’s a tiny little stallion…” Redstone insulted. Pitch fumed silently, though he respected the princess enough to refrain from outbursts. If only Redstone shared that respect. “Who’s worked on his own farm successfully…” Celestia pointed out. Now she could either accept that or continue to stew in anger. “I…I guess…” Redstone’s wings were beginning to relax. They had been shot up all night. Pegasi flared like flamingos trying to impress mates. Celestia found that very funny and cute. “So…seems like a good partnership.” Celestia smiled at the both of them. Though they did not return her optimism. The clock struck twelve, signaling the meeting was over. A loud chirp emitted out, letting the party know that it was time to leave. Both ponies carried the weight of knowing they'd be here again next week unless they pulled something together. Redstone sighed. “I need that farm…I can’t…just live off my mom for the rest of my life. I wanna do something…this was my chance…” She looked hurt. They had been trying this debate for at least a week now, and signs of toil were beginning to show. Maybe this was a chance for resolution. “I’m sick of arguin… I’m sick of these meetings…no offence Princess…” Pitch nodded at her. “But…I wanna work, and I wanna make my family proud. I wanna show that I can manage my own farm.” “Well…I do too.” Redstone said, looking at Pitch with exhausted eyes. Celestia watched patiently, saying nothing. She saw that glimmer in Pitch’s eye…maybe… “Do…do you wanna be partners?” Redstone mulled it over, frustrated at first. She was a fighter, she wanted to win. She wanted to take all, not settle halfway. But the stallion was earnest and kind, and here was an olive branch. Plus she didn't want to spend another week not working and arguing anyways.. After a few moments, she offered a hoof. “I’d like that.” Pitch smiled, and took the hoofshake. Celestia sipped her tea in victory. In only a few questions, she settled the whole conflict. A nice play, even though it took a week to finish. So maybe not so nice. Plus she didn't really do much at all either... Both ponies got out of their chairs; they had been sitting at least an hour in the meeting room, and were tired and wanted some sunshine. Today had plenty of sunshine to offer. “Thanks for helping us.” Pitch said with a smile, eager to put the conflict away. He always had, just…he was stubborn. A lot of earth ponies were. “It was my pleasure.” Celestia said earnestly. Putting away her tea with her hooves and standing up. Even the princess of the sun needed to stretch and go outside every once in a while. “We can meet again if you would like a formal signed agreement or…?” The princess pushed her luck. If they said yes they could be here for even more hours. “Nah. I think we got it figured out. If we have any more troubles, we know where to go.” Redstone was smiling too. Seeing two young ponies smiling and happy and taking on the future was a really heartwarming sight for Celestia. She was just glad to give the ponies a helping hoof. “That’s wonderful to hear.” Celestia escorted the two out by her wings. Both ponies were smiling now finally, a great burden relieved of them. After several more thank you’s the pair left to go start their new journey. Celestia turned down the hall back to the hectic life of Canterlot politics. The princess chalked their sudden realization together simply to time. Young ponies are quick to emotions, but with time, logic takes over and the situation eases down. It’s just that sometimes they need a voice to help guide them. Celestia never saw herself as a superior or as a princess really. Just a guide. The meeting room was quickly abandoned after that, it was a small cramped space shoved in between two of the steward’s rooms in the castle. The original architect, a pony called Mortar Block, wanted an elaborate decorated meeting room where the best and brightest of Equestria met to discuss the future of the world. Celestia instead had it a shabby little in-between space, giving more care and attention to the stewards of the castle. They needed it more; she told the agitated earth pony. Mortar never forgave her, a thought which brought a smile to the gentle princess’s face sometimes. .A brisk walk through the old halls of the castle later and she found herself to her spring of relaxation, a source of her power, she joked to Luna sometimes. Her gardens were lavish and beautiful, maintenance mostly by the princess’s bare hooves. The vineyard made up the center of her garden, lavished with thick, juicy grapes and vines that were radiating with health. Some were used for the wineries, but most were used for medicines. Celestia did sneak a sip or two from the wine…but she kept that hidden. Even she wasn’t perfect. Other delicacies layered around the vineyard, these were for show, and did not bear any fruit. But to say they were merely just for show was an understatement, they were delicately crafted and handled with great care. Each limb trimmed perfectly, each leaf organized to appear attractive. Celestia did cheat and use her magic for such menial labor, but the effort pulled off, and she had her own tiny slice of heaven. Over the loft of the garden she could see the wide ranges of her city of Canterlot. Since they were deep into the castle, they looked tiny from up on the pedestal. Time passed as the afternoon rolled out, the sun washing away it's sleepiness and preparing for the new day. A familiar pair of hooves trotted in through the screen door hanging out. Only precious few ponies bothered to travel her, most thought it was just a tiny, lackluster garden. Nopony knew it was the princess's herself. Celestia's gardening skills were superb, but not many appreciate a fine garden. So she knew it must be somepony important. “Celestia.” Luna’s voice rung out behind her. It was oddly toned, and way too serious even for her dark sister. She did not yet appreciate formal greetings. Already in that instant Celestia knew something was wrong. “Luna! What are you doing awake!?” Celestia exclaimed with happy surprise, her sleepy sister was awake before noon on a Monday. A very rare event. Her voice was…off. For once, Celestia did not know what her little sister had on her mind. “I’ve been trying to get better about waking up…” It had taken Luna a month to adjust her voice to modern Equestrian standards; her sleep schedule was another matter entirely. “Your snoring still shakes the rafters…” Celestia said warmly, almost done watering her petunias. “Sister…” Luna pouted. “Why are you always poking fun at me?” A common past time for Celestia. “Because you seem so grumpy and serious all the time. You look like you could use a smile.” Luna did not smile. Usually she liked her little jokes… The princess of the night contrasted the day sharply. She was dark, the sun’s living shadow, cast out across from Celestia made her look like her shadow as well. “How are you sister? Mind if we…go for a walk?” Luna asked. “Really? So soon in the afternoon?" "Why not? It's a nice day..." Luna said, warmness in her voice. There was obviously something more to this, but Luna left it unsaid. Well. Yes I’d like that. I suppose my petunias can wait.” Celestia replied with a smile, setting her water bucket down. It was strange. Luna appearing out of nowhere, in the middle of the morning. Something was very wrong, but Celestia ignored her troubled paranoia. Maybe Luna just had a bad dream or wanted some sunshine. Luna waited for her companion, like a solider waits for a general’s orders. She looked so tense in the cool early morning breeze. Celestia smiled and extended a wing, giving her a quick side hug as a sign of affection. It eased Luna, but she made no response otherwise. Normally in public the sisters were stoic and silent, but in private. Celestia was definitely a hugger. Luna was less into it… “Is something the matter?” The princess asked in a soft voice, filled with concern. “It’s just…I’ll explain over the walk.” Luna nodded, already moving ahead of her sister. The white alicorn sighed, and followed after her. The castle was slow on a quiet Monday. The stewards were taking mostly breaks, chatting in the lounging areas. Most of the windows were open, letting sunshine and cold air breeze through the place, making it feel like nature was slowly taking over. The castle did not show it’s age, it’s granite floors spit shined and it’s marble pillars as strong as ever, looking like they could hold mountains. “Is it…the adjusting?” Celestia asked after they had trotted in silence. The only noise was the clop of hooves against stone. Luna’s were louder; she kept her armor on at all times. Celestia just strutted around naked. Armor was a drag to wear. “The adjusting? To here? No…not at all…” Luna said sharply, shaking her head. “You’ve been doing very well since you returned.” Celestia encouraged. “It has been difficult…but with the nightmare gone. It is…much easier to think.” Luna said, with a pained expression. “You never quite told me what happened…what it was like…” Celestia had gently poked and prodded her over the years for information. What happened to her little sister up on the moon? It was a deeply sensitive subject, and she tried to tread carefully. She brought it up rather randomly often, but she hadn't done so in a while. “I am not exactly eager to relive it.” Luna said rather bluntly. “I understand but Lulu it’s something that has to be discussed eventually.” Celestia’s pet names made Luna cringe. “Don’t call me that…” Luna huffed, fluffing her wings. Celestia did not protest, she could see her sister was distressed. “I’m sorry. Force of habit.” She said with solemn eyes. She was fearful her tiny jokes went too far sometimes, especially with how sensitive Luna was since the NIghtmare. She cursed herself for it, but it seemed it was just a bad habit. Luna spoke no more, Celestia felt badly. Of all the ponies she wished she could understand, it was her sister. No amount of negotiations would help here. More clip clops of dark alicorn hooves. The passing stewards and guardsmen bowed as they passed the princesses in their daily chores. It received some interest, it was well known around the castle. Luna was not a morning pony and her face showed it. Everypony around seemed…grave. It was a subtle tone of change from when Celestia had left before. Most ponies wore relaxed smiles and tended to their duties in a quiet way. Now it was anxious, some were sad. It felt like a funeral. Not a word of it was spoken or said out loud. But something was definitely wrong in her castle. Celestia said nothing, unsure, and figuring the knowledge would come forth soon. It seemed her sister had been appointed the bearer of bad news she guessed. But what could’ve happened to cause this. “Luna. How was your first diplomatic mission?” Celestia, being an extrovert, found it difficult to simply stay quiet. Plus it was the first time Luna went on mission by herself since her return. “It was nice.” Luna said shortly, continuing her fast pace. “Luna…please…talk to me.” Everything was so strange and quick paced. She was just sitting outside relaxing in her gardens a few moments ago… “I enjoyed it. The miners were frustrated, but they eventually understood why they had to work. We worked with the company, and lowered the working hours with the same pay. They didn’t like this of course, so I have a ton of hate mail now…” Luna said in her rushed voice. Everything was just so strange… At least now Celestia had gotten something out of her, though she felt she had just said it to appease her. Ponies were saying things in hushed whispers, they looked concerned. Luna kept frowning at ponies and making them quiet suddenly. Celestia looked visibly confused. Luna quickened her pace through even further, heading out one of the small entrances to the larger castle gardens. Much bigger and public than Celestia’s personal one. The white alicorn followed with a very confused expression. “Did she tell her?” “No…I know she won’t.” “How could anypony tell her…?” “She killed somepony!” “No one knows why either…it was just so sudden. There are so many stories about it,” The maid sighed. Rubbing her temples. “What does this mean!? What’s going to happen? What if she’s…going crazy…like Lu-“ “Don’t say that out loud!” The maid hissed through gritted teeth. The conversation stopped abruptly, Luna glared at them as she passed by. Their voices had just barely missed Celestia’s ears as she trotted behind her through the gardens. It was deathly quiet thereafter. Nature however missed the memo. A small chorus of woodland creatures hummed along a babbling brook that danced along the edge of the garden. Whimsical blankets of sunlight fell over the plants, which made them give off a glow. It was empty of nothing but ponies, who kept their distance. As if trying to avoid a dangerous animal. A small pit of anxiety began to form in Celestia’s stomach. The dark alicorn continued her brisk trot, stopping for nothing it seemed, Celestia faintly followed behind, not as fast. “Sister…why are you moving so fast?” Celestia asked, a bit out of breath. The royal bakery had spoiled her. Luna finally stopped; they were at the edge of Canterlot really. Below them was the cliff side, which led to the long fall back down to mainland Equestria. The plains that made up Ponyville and other small town farming settlements. Luna checked behind, around, and every possible side to make sure they weren’t being followed or anypony was around. They had all left them alone as Luna’s instructions. She was the one to tell her sister. Nopony else. She could stand nopony else to suffer such an awful task. Or nopony else to break her sister's heart. “Luna….what is going on!?” Celestia insisted. She had enough of this sneaking and running and tension. She demanded answers! Her stoic sister stayed still, looking at her sister. Her eyes loosened up, losing their rigidness as her form fell slack. She suddenly felt the whole weight of the world on her shoulders. “Something…has happened. Something…very grave…” The princess said in a quiet low voice. Birds were chirping quietly in the background of the beautiful garden estate. Such a perfect day contrasted against such awful events. Luna was finding it very difficult to tell Celestia what her faithful student had done. Celestia looked at her with big purple eyes, full of concern and care. “There is a conflict brewing in Griffonstone.” She said simply. It was unsatisfying, and unworthy of all the tension brought before it. Celestia knew it was not what this was about in a heartbeat. “Is…is that all?” She responded simply. “Yes. It’s serious and you must see to it at once.” Luna was commanding her to go…not giving her a choice. “Luna…certainly that could not be what this all was about. Griffons always have petty disputes; they very seldom grow into something serious.” “Well this one is different, and you must attend to it at once.” Celestia could not neglect her duties, though usually they sent ambassador Flint over with no issues. Luna of course would arrange for him to be on vacation conveniently later. She had come here with full intention to tell Celestia the truth. And now quickly found herself lying. But how could anypony tell the truth… Luna thought to herself. Her thoughts were at war. Half wanted to tell the truth, half wanted to protect her sister at all costs. Luna was unsure of who would win out. “How is this so different? Luna is there something you are not telling me?” Celestia questioned her story. The tension, the way her sister was acting…it did not fit with just a squabble in the north. Luna had to keep to her lie. She had to protect her sister. Like her sister had protected her throughout her entire life. Luna would bear the brunt of this. She would save her sister’s student. Even if the anxiety was beginning to eat away at her already. Luna stuttered, holding back emotion. “Yes. Yes that is all there is.” Celestia studied her sister with wise purple eyes, observing her face for any signs of lying. She found plenty, but there was one thing that won out. She trusted her sister, trusted her dearly with her life. Whatever this was, she could maybe find out later. “Wasn’t that Twilight’s mission?” Celestia asked calmly. Luna’s heart skipped a beat. “Uh…yes…yes it was! “ Luna coughed, having trouble now. “It was her task, and she is unavailable so…it falls to you. I have duties here. Cadence is busy in the empire…” She wasn’t. She was coming to Canterlot in wake of the news. Luna had informed her via letter of what had happened. Cadence had avoided telling Shining as well… Celestia watched her sister fib and lie. It was obvious; the princess was blushing, stuttering and sweating. Her wings constantly twitched, and her eyes avoided direct contact with Celestia’s purple irises. Luna struggled. She had to tell her! She had to know! She began each time with an exasperated gasp of air, a beginning of a sentence that never could take off. She was trying her hardest. If she knew what her Twilight had done… “Very well.” Celestia said simply, smiling again. It was one more out of show, inside she was in deep thought on what all of this meant. “I can take care of it.” Luna had no idea why she bought her lie. She could tell her sister knew something was wrong. Luna did such a poor job hiding it. “Thank you! It was…very distressing to me…as you could see…” “I noticed Lulu.” Celestia stated calmly, putting a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. Luna looked up to her, figuratively and mentally. "I will visit the griffons, I'm sure it's just another debate over who has the biggest talons or not." Celestia joked with a small smile, and finally a tiny glimmer of one sat on her little sister's cheeks... "I'll make sure everything runs smoothly up here. I keep a tight ship as you know." Luna favored old school managing and directing, which others were not so fond of. "I know you will Luna. You always do." The white alicorn hummed softly. Luna internally despised herself for lying to dear sister. And with that. Luna had lied, and Celestia quickly departed after a few goodbyes. The second her white coat was out of sight, Luna collapsed to her knees, breathing heavily. She was terrified, of what she had done, and if it was the right thing or not. Right now all of Equestria depended on her, and if she failed in this crucial moment, not only would she be blamed, but so would her sister for something she didn't even know about. And the lie itself would create such a heavy strain on her and Celestia's relationship. She never told a lie with such powerful effects since she lied to her about Nightmare Moon… “You didn’t tell her!?” Cadence shouted, her lovely face flushed red with anger. They were in the throne room now. Luna perched on her dark seat, Celestia’s was empty, and she had left this afternoon with grave misgivings about what her sister was doing… “How could you not tell her!? She has to know!” “I know she does!” Luna’s voice retorted back, her tone was distraught and emotional. Cadence was trotting around frantically, worried sick, unsure of Luna's decision. “Okay…okay…we can work around this. Where is Twilight now?” “She left after the murder…she teleported out of Canterlot and nopony is sure where she is. The guards are looking for her.” "Why aren't you looking for her?" "Because somepony has to stay here and manage things...I'm sure Twilight will be found. If not, then I will look for her myself." Cadence looked at Luna with a serious scowl. “Is she dangerous?” “No! Of course not! This is Twilight we’re talking about! This must be some terrible, terrible mistake…” Luna assured, a hoof under her chin. “We don’t know what’s happening…nothing is even left of that mare she killed, and nopony saw any signs of a fight or struggle other than they were talking. Most witnesses just described a powerful blast of magic and suddenly that mare was vaporized… nopony knows why she did it…” Cadence described. “And I’m worried something has taken over my sister in law!" Cadence was close to mental breakdown. "Cadence...calm down. Please. It'll be okay..." "How do you know that!? Twilight could be in danger...we could be in danger!" "We don't know anything...do not be consumed by mad assumptions." She paused for a moment after that, developing an idea. “Twilight is a very capable pony, and smart too. If anything was in that position over her…she would sooner vanish than do that to a pony…there must be some other factor here…” Luna continued, not willing to entertain Cadence’s accusations of Twilight. Twilight was pure goodness. There had to be something more to this story. It had been four hours after the murder. Most of Canterlot knew now, and news was slowly spreading over Equestria. The main emotion running through the current of information was simply shock and confusion, and a terrible need for answers. And in their dire time of need, Celestia was nowhere to be found. Many were displeased. “No one even knows the pony’s name…” Cadence mused, still nervously trotting around. She had arrived by train only an hour ago, and instantly made way to the castle amidst a crowd of onlookers shouting and demanding answers. She had none and said nothing. “It’s useless to sit here and debate. We need to investigate. We need Twilight…” Luna said wisely, getting up from her throne and walking down to Cadence. “Where is she…where is my Twily…goodness…if Shining Armor…” “Now you know how I felt with Celestia.” Luna flat lined, Cadence nodded in understanding. Things were moving so fast. Celestia had only just left two hours ago and already the media frenzy was building. It was the top news story of today, probably this week, and the next week, and the whole year more than likely. The first murder in Equestria, committed by brand new princess Twilight Sparkle. “I hope she is safe…” Luna remarked to nopony in particular. Looking out the window. They were silent for what felt like hours. Nothing but the simple twilight of the world outside as the sun fell laid outside the window. The trees were darkened, and it seemed darkness fell early on this summer day. Cadence’s nervous trots echoed the hallways, most of the staff had gone home by this hour, or stayed in the dorms they provided. Luna despised waiting for this very reason, and it felt like waiting outside of a hospital as a dear friend underwent risky surgery. Hours into the night, right as the sun went down. A frantic guard busted through the oaken doors, sweating. He had ran the whole way here, for quite a distance. He stopped in front of the regal ponies, gathering his breath for his very important simple words. “We found her.” Author's Note geez i really should've added more to the first part, but i liked the sort of sudden shock and quick ending to it. now here we are in the second chapter were a lot is going on and detailing it and giving it a pace is awkward, hope this worked out well, it definitely required a lot more work than the first chapter. and i managed to finish it under a week, which is nice. tell me whether or not you thought the pacing was good. this will also be the last chapter to start in media res so don't worry honies they'll actually be a plot or development of events at some point. for now admire luna's lying skills. also see if you can find the hidden rhyme. Princess Pep Talk"Where are you going?" "Somewhere, I'm not coming back." "Well...why? Is it something important?" "Yeah." "You're being very vague...I don't like that sister." "It's just something personal...and...something I need to do. Sorry I can't offer a better explanation than that." "You better not be going off somewhere with some stallion..." A quiet chuckle. "It's not that. I'm not even into stallions." "Well I love you sis, I hope you do come back." "I love you too..." ~~~~~ Twilight was scared. She had been teleporting frantically across Equestria, her magic out of control due to her unbridled emotions. It had been a few hours since the accident, and she felt like she was still trapped watching it over and over again. "Twilight! Calm down! Please! You'll hurt yourself! You'll hurt me!" Spike whined, barely gripping onto the wild mare as she frantically teleported again. Spike recognized the place they were in instantly. He had spent much of his young life here after all. It was Twilight's home in Canterlot during her studies under Princess Celestia. The makeshift home felt like it was carved out of a library, although Twilight herself had built the extensive book collection during her stay. It used to just be a quiet watch tower until the bookworm got her hooves on it. Though that was in the past, now today it had been abandoned since Twilight's departure, and was mostly a home for dust and cobwebs. Twilight had spent the entire time teleporting through her memories of Canterlot, places where she played as a filly and where she lived. Ponies had spotted the erratic princess all over Canterlot, and were no doubt sending reports. "Twilight please! Listen to me! It's me! Spike!" Her companion cried, hugging her neck tightly, hoping some expression of love would come through to her. The mare finally relented, taking deep heavy breaths, racked with sobs. Her face was covered in tears, her tear ducts probably exhausted. Her mane was in a mess, and her princess ornaments had been discarded somewhere in between her chaotic teleports. Her magic went out of control after the killing. Magic was greatly affected by emotions, and even powerful alicorns like Twilight could find themselves emotional and out of control. "W-what happened Spike..." She spoke in a shattered voice after a few moments of recollecting. "It's okay Twilight...don't think about it...just please. Calm down okay?" Spike was about to grab her horn, to cut off her magic supply. This was the third time he had been trying to talk her down. Each time Twilight had begun teleporting again. He wished he had a horn ring... "I can't not think about it! Did you see what I did!? I...I killed her!" Spike ignored that for now. He had to control her magic first. With great determination, Spike accosted Twilight's horn. It was rippling with unstable magic, just like the unstable mare using it. His claws grabbed around the base of the horn, it burned Spike's claws at first causing him to tear up. But he stayed strong, and with his grip he cut off Twilight's magic and the horn went silent. Twilight didn't even notice. "What did I do!? What did I do!?" She had been repeating things like that throughout the entire ordeal. She was out of control and delirious, and Spike was worried she'd hurt somepony else or even herself. Spike sighed in relief as the pain around his claws subsided, no more teleports at least. "Twilight...it's okay...it's going to be okay." The little dragon reassured. He had to be strong for his Twilight. He was just as scared, confused, and worried just as much as the mare. But right now Twilight needed him more than ever, and he had to hold onto himself and keep his emotions in check. "No it's not! It's not going to be okay! I killed Starlight!" She repeated. Twilight was naturally prone to hysterics, even though she denied this. She was secretly probably worse than Rarity's exaggerated whines. But the difference here being the situation was very grave. "Twilight...teleporting like crazy and being out of control isn't going to help. We're going to get through this okay? We both know you'd never do that to a pony without reason." Spike was trying every reassurance in the bag. Hoping something would click with his afflicted friend. Twilight took some more heavy breaths again, her chest heaving up and down as she calmed herself. They had been running for six or so hours, a feat that no normal pony could do. However alicorns easily had the strength to stay running for days if they pleased and even Twilight, who was not as adjusted to it as the other three were, could still outpace a Wonderbolt. "O-okay...okay you're right..." Twilight wheezed, exhaustion finally leveling her out. Even fear had to take a break and rest. "So c-can we stop...teleporting please?" Spike hoped she was finally lucid again. "Y-yeah..." The mare collapsed on the floor, Spike yelped as suddenly now half his body was stuck under purple fur. Twilight was covered in sweat, dirt, and whatever else they had run into during that storm of teleports. Twilight had even ran through somepony's hanging clothes and had a sock stuck in her hair, which Spike quickly removed. Spike wiggled his way out from under the mare, getting his feet free. He quickly rushed over to Twilight's front, inspecting her. She was awake, but definitely exhausted and at risk for a heat stroke. It had been a hot day, and she wasn't sweating well. Spike grew worried at that. "Twilight...I'm going to get some water. Okay? Can...can you stay here for me please?" Spike pleaded with the mare. Twilight was too exhausted to even form words, so she simply nodded in response, but her eyes told him he needed to come back quickly. The little dragon came over to her head and kissed her forehead affectionately, rubbing her mane. "I'll make sure you'll be alright okay? I'll figure out what's going on for you." Spike said confidently and optimistically, smiling at his surrogate sister. Twilight smiled weakly, another tear forming in her eye. The purple dragon was quickly on the move after that. Moving through the streets of Canterlot at a swift pace. The cobbled roads were empty today, and Spike knew full well why the city had suddenly gone silent. Much of the city had shut down, and guards patrolled the streets. There was a dangerous alicorn on the lose and nopony was sure what to do next, other than find her. He quickly found a tap well, not a healthy source of water but it would have to do. Using his claws to turn the gear, he quickly realized he needed some sort of cup. Turning around and scanning the area around him he located a dog bowl, which was definitely not ideal. He had kept the tower Twilight rested in his line of sight as he traveled through the residential area. Now he was collecting water in a grimy dog bowl for Twilight, something he hoped she wouldn't mind... A guard passed by, hearing the noise of the tap gushing water. Spike quickly hid in the well kept bushes with a gasp. He didn't want to be caught and forced to reveal Twilight's location yet. He was worried it would cause her more duress and she would lose control of her magic again. The armored pony inquisitively inspected the area, scanning with his eyes. Something was here, for sure he thought to himself. He trotted through the place, thankfully not noticing the tiny dragon tail poking out of the bushes. After a few moments of patrolling, he knew he'd be off his schedule if he wasted anymore time, and elected to give up his search and just file a report about it. Spike gasped and finally took in some much needed oxygen. He had been holding his breath the whole time. "That was close..." He whispered to himself, quickly getting the dog bowl and heading as fast as his little legs could carry him to his heartbroken friend. ~~~~ Twilight greedily lapped water from the bowl. It was big enough to sate her thirst for now, and to get her body back in order. "Sorry about the dog bowl...I was...moving fast and there were guards..." Spike began to explain. "It's fine Spike." Twilight eased his worries, she didn't care. Funnily enough the bowl had the name Spike engraved on it, which no doubt gave Spike second thoughts about his name... "So...you...okay?" The dragon asked with a tinge of worry, he could trigger her hysteria again. Twilight took a deep sip and ran her tongue across her teeth, trying to get the dryness out. "I'm fine as I can be." She stated simply. "I'm sorry for...the teleporting and all...I didn't mean for that to happen." Twilight explained, worried she had hurt Spike. She had hurt enough ponies for a lifetime. "Nah it's fine. Don't worry about it." Spike waved it off with a claw, rubbing Twilight's mane again. "I'm just glad you're okay!" "I was more worried about you." Twilight said with a soft smile. She reached over with a hoof and grabbed Spike in a tight hug that made the dragon squeak. He accepted however, because right now Twilight needed him. "We're gonna get through this alright?" Spike hoped his constant stream of reassurances would make everything better. Twilight cuddled around him, wrapping her wings around the tiny dragon. Spike was there for her at least, and that really made the situation a lot better. For once, Twilight believed she could really get through this... "This is the last place we haven't searched yet. It's Sparkle's old home in Canterlot." A fierce guard captain explained to his platoon, awaiting their breaching orders at the base of the tower. It was nightfall now, the guards were scared. An alicorn was on the loose and nopony was sure what she was going to do next. "Sir! Shouldn't we wait for reinforcements?" A young rookie pointed out, with a respectful salute. "No can do. The royal guard is spread wide searching for the princess. We've had reports all over the place and we've sent a squad to inspect each. Needless to say it's a tight ship." The old veteran explained to the whole order. " Luna wants her alive at all costs. Do not maim or attack. Stun only. Understood? Anypony caught doing so will be whipped and his rank taken from him and probably punishment from the princesses themselves." That threat made some of the younger guards nervous. "Is that clear? Any questions?" A strict silence. "Good! Now! Form up and commence with the breach!" The guards were disciplined, each solider moving to what he needed to be doing, like well oiled cogs in a machine. The pegasi scouted ahead and watched the flanks, while others assisted with the earth ponies lifting the battering ram. Unicorns set up detection spells and readied their horns with a variety of stun or restriction spells. Orders were clear. No harm was to come to Twilight other than what was absolutely necessary. They were operating under the assumption that Twilight was in her old tower. Many of them doubted it, as all the last twenty breaches they performed that day alone resulted in just a bunch of scared city ponies. Some of the guards were tired and disillusioned, and even the old earth pony in charge was a bit annoyed to say the least. Meanwhile Twilight sighed into Spike's neck, still hugging him and feeling fresh tears develop. Spike simply stayed where he was needed, his tiny stubby hands massaging Twilight's back. They stayed like this for a few more moments, Spike was happy to help. "One, two, three...BREACH!" The door was disintegrated by the powerful force of the ram, and a troop of guards stomped through the dust and shards of door with practiced organization. Twilight looked up with teary eyes, not having the energy to even give a verbal reaction. Spike yelped, jumping in front of Twilight as a method to defend her as the guards trumpeting around them. "We found her!" One of the ponies declared, ecstatic. "Twilight Sparkle. You are wanted for questioning under order of Princesses Luna and Cadence." The captain formally declared. "Please come quietly and do not resist. We are under strict orders to make sure you are escorted to the castle safely." Twilight stayed silent for a moment. This was not the regal princess insane with power the guards were expecting. She was racked with tears and sobs, her fur matted and her mane a mess. Her royal regalia had been abandoned throughout the constant teleporting frenzy. She looked weak and helpless, a bit pathetic. "Do...do you comply?" The leader asked for a moment, a bit estranged by her behavior. And worried she'd blast him too. Twilight Sparkle stood up, brushing past her dragon defender. "I...I comply..." She stated as strongly as she could muster. Every guard in that room breathed a sigh of relief. ~~~~~ The trip to the royal castle was a quiet one. It was almost as if they were trying to sneak her through an enemy controlled country. The ride in the carriage was rather nice for a murderer. It was well cushioned, neither Twilight or Spike were restrained in any way, and they were left alone. Luna had also stated with great emphasis as well to make sure Twilight's trip was kept very quiet. It was the dead of the night, and a rather small unassuming red carriage only manned by two guardsmen carried one of the most potentially dangerous criminals in Equestria. There were no platoon of guards awaiting it's arrival, just an empty courtyard. Luna still trusted and praised Twilight immensely. There were numerous opportunities for the estranged alicorn to escape, but she took none of them. She was accepting her fate, and the terrible action she had done. "Spike really...go back to the hotel okay? My friends will come soon, and you can see them." Twilight offered to her baby dragon. "That's not happening. I'm staying with you." Spike snorted. "But Spike...please. You...I don't want you to see this...you already saw...what I did..." "Something must had been messing with your mind Twi. There's no way you'd do something like that." "I swear...I thought...you were being choked...I thought you were going to die..." "Starlight was just playing mind games. She's probably not even dead. She's probably out hiding somewhere, we'll find her and we'll lock her up!" Spike declared, with his usual optimism. Twilight wished she could share in that optimism right now. The castle was oddly deserted. With most ponies sent home early, and the guard given a much needed break after the hunt. There were only a few advisers and maids left along with Cadence and Luna. Celestia had left right as the news began to spread. Now, several hours after her departure, all of Canterlot knew, and it was spreading like a bad cough to the mainland. Luna's personal guards replaced Celestia's as they trotted through the castle in their dark armor. Even after some minor changes and being encouraged to smile a bit more by Tia, they still looked dark and menacing. Luna argued fear was much more worthwhile to their enemies than good appearances, which Celestia wholeheartedly disagreed with. They reached a compromise, the guards would lose the spiked edges on their armor, and sometimes....every so often...they'd try to make a friend. Most of the servants remaining were convinced Luna was trying to take over the castle again instead. The bat ponies eyed Twilight in the empty castle, hanging from their perches and flying around in the rafters. They preferred creepy observation rather than direct contact, which added to their mystery. Twilight tried to ignore them, Luna and Cadence were waiting for her, but it was quite difficult when you felt like you were being watched from every angle. Suddenly a rather big bat pony flew down, blocking the steps up into the main chambers. He eyed Sparkle with a bit of malice, but there was a tinge of worry underneath it. "State your business." They all knew why she was here... "I'm here to see Luna and Cadence." Twilight repeated, in a soft voice. She still looked a mess, and her voice had been rung dry from the constant crying. "Are you going to try anything?" It was obvious he didn't trust her. How could anypony really? Their job was to protect Luna at all costs, and Twilight was a threat. "No! Of course not!" The purple alicorn insisted, she didn't want to be accused of something so awful. Spike looked tense next to her, he wanted to say something to defend her...but bat ponies were kind of scary... "Right....I don't know what's gotten into you. Luna considers you a friend. But you're dangerous...too young to hold so much power..." The guard asserted. He was oddly big for a bat pony, who were mostly thin and slender like pegasi. His fangs were out to intimidate, and his armor glistened in the moonlight peaking through the windows. Time seemed to be going so fast today. "I-I would never! I would never hurt anypony!" "Like that mare in the marketplace right?" The guard huffed, displeased with her. "Night Light!" Luna suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs, staring righteous fury at the bat pony in question. "Miss Luna!" He cried, quickly wheeling around and offering a salute. "I was simply che- "Go!" Luna waved him off, and he scampered back into the rafters, no doubt some of the other bats giggling to themselves about that one. "Luna!" Twilight smiled, rushing up the stairs to great her friend. She accepted her with open wings, hugging the faithful student dearly. "Twilight. I was so worried..." Luna says in a gentle voice, all the fierceness from before fading in an instant. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine...as much as I could be." Twilight admitted, breaking the hug as shame returned in her gut. "It is alright princess. We will figure this out and clear your name." She gave a confident smile, hiding any doubts in her mind effectively. But there was no way it would fool a smart pony like Twilight. "I hope so." "And I did not forget about you Spike." Luna smiled at the baby dragon, rubbing his scales affectionately. Spike was more of a Celestia fan, but Luna was still pretty cool. "Awh. I'm alright. Just taking care of Twi as usual." "You've done a wonderful job. But...right now. We need to speak to Twilight in private..." Luna said, her voice growing heavy. "Oh...well. Alright. Super important princess stuff right?" "Right. Please do not take offense. You can choose to wait outside, or one of my guards can escort you to Twilight's bedroom. You'll be staying here tonight." Neither of them had any objections to that. "That's cool." Spike said, rubbing the back of his neck. He was too tired to do much more than simple responses. "I'll see you soon Spike...thank you for being here for me." Twilight told the dragon, giving him one more hug. That dragon meant the world to her, and he had stood with her in her darkest moment. He was one of the best friends she ever had. "It was nothin Twi. See you soon!" Spike waved the two princesses off. He didn't think much of it. Too young to process everything he just did. Luna escorted Twilight into the main chambers, there was much to discuss. Spike fiddled his thumbs outside, pacing around similar to how Cadence had earlier. He looked up and saw at least a dozen bat ponies staring back down at him... "Uh...h-hi there..." Spike whimpered, as some of the bat ponies began to smile devilishly. ~~~~~ Luna was a master of looking stoic, even during the most stressful of times. Cadence was emotional and extroverted. Her worry was very clear and evident, her pink hooves constantly trotting across the marble stone floors. Luna sat in her throne, whereas Cadence couldn't just take Celestia's seat, so she elected to keep to her pacing. Twilight was sitting before the throne, like she had when she used to greet her mentor for a new day of learning. She was here for a very different reason today. "Twilight. Please. Tell us what happened?" Cadence spoke up first, there wasn't much time for greetings. "It was so sudden...Me and Spike were coming down from the university, Starlight just...came out of nowhere. She starting threatening me and Spike and then she just...walked off. She was acting so strange, like she had something up her sleeve." Twilight began. "Like she knew something?" Cadence asked. "Right...but...I didn't know...and it scared me. So I tracked her down, I kept following her. She was in the marketplace...just...being so casual. I think she knew what she was doing...I think she knew what was going to happen..." Twilight kept her emotions in check, but the revelations were taking a toll on her. "But she got herself ki- uh...well..." "No...it's okay. You can say it." Twilight reassured Cadence with a hoof. "Killed." The word felt like acid on Cadence's tongue. She couldn't believe she was saying it. "Yes. It's obvious it was intentional." Luna stated flatly, observing from her lunar throne. "How do you know for sure!?" Both ponies asked almost in unison. "Why else would she lure you out in the middle of a very public marketplace. Intentionally goad you into attacking. Now whether or not it was to be killed or to simply draw your attention is a different matter altogether..." Luna paused, thinking to herself for a moment. She had been thinking about it non stop since she heard it. "Why did you kill her Twilight?" It was a simple question, but it tore at Twilight's heart. "I...I didn't mean to...I would never have done it! I don't know what I was thinking!" Twilight tried to ease the turmoil in her head. "I do not assume such evil things of you. This is all just a horrible mistake, as I have told Cadence." The pink princess nodded in agreement. "Okay...okay..." Twilight calmed herself, focusing on the matter at hand. "Alright. I...I saw Spike...just...being choked. Like something was around his neck...but...there was nothing. I couldn't see any magic or hooves or anything like that. It just seemed like he was on the verge of dying...and I was getting desperate. I was pleading with Starlight...I shot some spells at her but she had a shield to defend herself. I was scared...so...I...made a spell powerful enough to shatter the shield..." Twilight was beginning to tear up again, unable to continue. "That is enough Twilight." Luna interrupted with stern voice and hoof. "It's obvious she had some access to strange magics and was manipulating you. You only did what you thought you had to." The lunar princess spoke as if she had already solved the mystery. However she was just as lost as the others, just trying to appear confident to increase morale. Since Celestia was gone after all...someone had to be the mysterious wise one. "But why would she do such a thing!? What does she hope to accomplish by that!? All she did was hurt Twilight!" Cadence cried, confusion turning to anger. "She must be trying to incite anti princess sentiment. I am sure she is not even dead, more than likely an illusion. Our main focus should be to ease the public and to find Starlight." Princess Luna was shooting in the dark. "How is this going to turn anypony against the princesses...we've done nothing but good for Equestria!" Cadence moved closer to Luna, focusing on her. "Yes...nothing but good...it is not as if we have done terrible things..." Luna spoke very coldly, bad memories coming back to haunt her once more. She was surprised she had to remind Cadence of that, she must have forgotten in the moment. "I...I forgot..." Cadence bemoaned, stepping back. Nopony liked to bring up that foul subject in front of anypony, especially Luna. "No. It is fine. It's simply just that there is reason for the public to distrust us. Celestia has made her mistakes...I have made my mistakes...it is easy for ponies to misconstrue us as tyrants..." "Surely we can convince them it was just a mistake!" Twilight suddenly burst back into the conversation. Mostly out of desperation, she was scared she had ruined everything for everypony. "Twilight...it will be difficult. To most ponies...it must appear as if you killed her in cold blood...for whatever reason. You know it does not matter with the masses, who are very easily prone to hysteria." Luna explained. "I understand." The friendship princess said solemnly. "Exactly. Princess. There has been...uneasy history between us and our subjects to say the least Twilight. You should know this." Luna looked away, staring into her moonlight. "I messed up bad didn't I...everything is going to go to hell because of me..." Twilight whimpered, emotions taking over. "No. We will give you a trial, judge you and show you did nothing wrong and it was a mistake. Find Starlight, get to the bottom of this and the situation is fine." Luna said confidently, standing from her throne and coming over to put a wing on Twilight. "Is it really that simple?" Cadence asked. Full of doubt just like Twilight. "I'm sure of it." Luna was confident, she was an effective ruler. She would handle this entire situation without her sister's help, and without breaking her heart. This would be dealt with swiftly and professionally. Luna thought to herself, smiling. "Now. It has been a long day and you should rest Twilight." The lunar princess gently rubbed Twilight's back with her wing, which eased the turmoil she was feeling. "You're right...I'm really...pooped..." Twilight said with a bit of a giggling snort, a bit of humor sneaking back into her. "How crude." Luna said, with a light smile. "This is great and all but what if it doesn't work?" The pink pony wasn't feeling Luna's confidence. "What if she really is dead!?" "I am sure we can change to fit the situation, there is no point in worrying now. I will meet with my advisers tonight and the trial will commence tomorrow. We'll get this all out of the way and explain what has occurred". Cadence wanted to argue, but Luna's points made sense, and Twilight did need some comforting news for once. "Luna...w-would it help if I...stepped down...from being a princess?" Twilight asked with a heavy heart. "No! There is no reason for you too!" She gasped, stunned she would suggest that. "Twilight you are a princess because you earned it! And somepony's machinations are not going to take that away from you." "But...I don't want to cause any violence or unrest..." "Nonsense. It won't happen. There will be some confusion and accusations at first, but the hysteria will die down. Things will go back to normal quickly." "Plus. Princesses must endure hard times, with great power comes great responsibility as they say." Luna continued, being very wise and complex. She was intentionally trying to mimic something she thought her sister would say. "Isn't...isn't that from a comic book?" Cadence inquired. "Now." Luna ignored her. "Get some rest, you need it. And Cadence and I will handle things on this front. Get a good, relaxing sleep." Luna released her wing, nodded at Twilight. "I will make sure you have excellent dreams." Luna's confidence was beginning to rub onto Twilight. "Alright...you're right I think. But...where is Celestia?" Twilight was surprised she completely forgot her mentor and dear friend was nowhere to be found. "D-does...she know...?" "Oh...uh...she had some duties to attend to in Griffonstone. She should be back in a few days..." Cadence looked at Luna while she answered, worried what would happen if Twilight knew the truth. "She...does not know....I did not tell her..." Luna's expression was one of regret and sadness. "Luna! I mean...I...I don't know...she...she should know...but...it's...so..." Twilight's emotions reigned over again, the tiny alicorn was in a very fragile state. " We'll find Starlight, explain everything to Celestia. And redeem you Twilight. There's no use in worrying." Twilight breathed out a deep sigh. "I trust your judgement Lulu." She smiled. "Ugh...don't you call me that too...how hard is it to pronounce Luna?" The snooty princess of the night huffed. "What's wrong with nicknames. I like mine." Cadee said with a giggle, glad to change the conversation to something more pleasant. "Exactly. Nickname. Like it shortens your name, Lulu is not a nickname of Luna. It's just...some cheesy cutesy nonsense." "It's just a cute little pet name. Like an expression of love." "I am not giving this subject anymore credence by entertaining it." Luna saw they were just trying to get at her. "Okay...Lulu." Another pleasantly foalish giggle. "Anyways." Luna grimaced. "Get some rest. And we will handle the delegations." "Thank you...greatly. Both of you. I don't know what I'd do without you." Twilight wiped a tear. "Oh it is just our job, for a very good friend." Lulu smiled. "Exactly! Just us helping my awesome sis in law!" Cadence chirped, her usual upbeat self returning. A stark contrast to Luna's reservedness. "I'm going to go to bed...but seriously. Thanks again...I can't express how helpful you've been." Twilight repeated, a yawn coming on. Luna nodded and took her leave, her mind quickly moving on to other matters. Cadence gave one last smothering hug before heading off with the lunar princess. Twilight felt relief. She had a plan and good friends to help accomplish it. It seemed like the nightmare was over and she could rest easy now. She trotted through the large oaken doors. Most of Luna's guards had left, secretly following Luna like a moth to a flame. She eagerly made her way to her usual bedroom. She knew it well, since it was the same one she stayed in when she was just a student for Celestia. It was a comfy, warm tower personally made for Twilight. Or rather redecorated. It went through several changes with each student who lived in it, each student leaving their own mark in the tower. For Twilight of course, it was basically a mini library. Climbing up the spiral staircase wasn't fun however... It took her forever to figure out how to finish the teleportation spell to skip that as a filly. Now she did it in an instant, taking it for granted. It was so strange how such meager things now were tremendous tasks in the past. Becoming a princess changed so much for her, physically and mentally and six months after she was still adjusting to her new power. Spike heard his sister/mother figure whatever how that works burst into room, tired. "Spike..." She weakly groaned out with a yawn. He would prefer her exhausted than crying. The room hadn't changed much at all from when they last left it. Books scattered around, written down in chickscratch notes all over the place. Melted candles that had yet to be cleaned up from late night study sessions. And a whole box full of broken quills, torn from overuse. The little dragon was passed out on the queen sized, Celestia sized rather bed. Way too big for the both of them, but Twilight couldn't care less. She plopped down next to the snoring dragon, feeling the exhaustion and the weight of the day burdening down on her. A lot had happened from just a single event, but now with Luna, Cadence, and herself on the job the situation would be fixed quickly, she was confident of that. She draped the covers over herself and Spike with a magical hoof, snuggling into the warm embrace of the bed sheets. Still as soft as ever. "Good night Spike..." Twilight whispered out, snuffing out remaining candle flames with some more carefree magic. She got a snore in response. It was so wonderfully nostalgic for her. Sleeping after a late night study session with Spike happened all the time. It was a warm gut feeling of being in a safe comfort zone. It rejuvenated her and healed her soul. The emotional scarring easing away as sleep with her noble dragon at her side washed her darkness away. With Luna safeguarding her dreams, and nothing but plentiful hours of rest ahead, Twilight was out in a matter of minutes. She dreamed about fluffy clouds and bright deserts. Flying dragons eating sheep. And Starlight Glimmer offering Twilight a tea party. Author's Note fug having three characters talk at once you'll eventually run out of adjectives to keep things interesting as you explain who is saying what. I ended up saying their names way too many times. anyways a little bit of a higher note after the quiet darkness stuff, twilight is all safe n snug in her bed and gonna save the day tomorrow or not. maybe they all die or whatever also yes the two characters at the beginning are bert and ernie, that is the official cannon. it turns out starlight was being manipulated by bert and ernie to bring about equestrian jihad don't read that spoiler you'll ruin the whole story for yourself sorry about the longer wait too. i got busy n stuff.
Starlight Glimmer Goes For A WalkTwilight and Spike walked out of the Canterlot Public University. It was a bright sunny day as usual, birds were singing a natural chorus. It was a gentle hum in the background. The sun happily donating its rays to the denizens of Canterlot. It sat proud and happy up in the cloud scattered sky, leaving in it's wake a city of cobble and brick.Thousands of ponies moved about, from a wide array of classes. Since Canterlot had such a central position in Equestria, it was the biggest and most profitable trading hub in the entire country. The two ponies were out in the outskirts of the city , walking away from the distant university overlooking the capital. It was peaceful and quiet compared to busy city below. Only the passing teacher with a flock of students came around in the tranquil area. “So you think the speech was fine?” Twilight asked, nervousness apparent in her voice. It was important to her this time on a personal level. She was going to be giving that speech to fillies and explaining what friendship was to her. It was something she wished herself could have heard when she was younger... “Oh yeah, you killed it! Not like…actually killed them…like…in a good way!” Spike reassured in his clumsy way. He was happy just to help his favorite mare as always. Though, he didn't understand why Twilight was so concerned about this speech being so perfect. He chalked it up to just her being a perfectionist as usual. The purple princess was wearing her formal wear, studded crown, golden bracers, mane with the official princess curl on her neck. Spike was just his dumpy fat little baby self. “Well. Maybe you’re right…maybe I’m just over thinking it.” Twilight sighed, stopping her trot. The gardens outside of the university were lavishly adorned with plants and trees given from various donators in Equestria. Mostly for grant money, but it made for an excellent garden. Pleasant daises danced gently in the breeze while lilies shed their beautiful white petals down in an easy fall. Autumn was coming, but it was distant, Summer still had dominance. But there was a chill in the warm air... “Yeah you are. Just relax.” Spike nodded. “It won’t be that be-“ Predictably as all peaceful walks are they were only temporary, as Starlight Glimmer stood before them on the path. “Starlight!” Twilight gasped, breaking her train of thought as she flared her wings and readied her horn for a spell. Spike nearly fell back on his rear from the shock. Starlight simply smiled, looking cocky as ever. “Hello Twilight.” “What are you doing here!?” “Just passing by. To watch your destruction of course.” Twilight narrowed her eyes, turning serious. “Destruction? What are you planning…?” Starlight gave a toothy grin. “I won’t tell. Of course.” Twilight already considered blasting her or getting the elements together at this point. “What are you planning? Why did you come here!?” She had a million questions to ask. Starlight just…stood there. Like she knew something, like she already had won and Twilight could do nothing about it. “W-what’s going on?” Spike gulped, a bit worried. He could feel the uneasiness in the air. And was obviously very disturbed at their enemy's sudden arrival. “Oh. Just wait and see.” Starlight answered his question. “It’ll happen soon.” “What will happen!?” Twilight was getting sick and tired of asking questions already. They had just started this walk and this happens!? “It.” Starlight replied smugly, purposefully being vague. Twilight gritted her teeth in frustration. Not knowing things was a pet peeve of hers. “See you soon Twilight.” Starlight smiled one last smug smile, and casually began to trot away. “What!? WHAT!?” Twilight huffed. Her powerful wings shot her off as she chased after the unicorn, landing in front of her. “What the hay are you doing!? What are you talking about! I want answers!” Twilight cried. Her face flushed with anger. “I’m sure you do.” Starlight replied simply, walking right by her. Twilight groaned, stomping on the ground with a hoof. She quickly sped up again, landing in front and having no intention of simply letting her pass by. Spike was having trouble keeping up with his stubby legs. “I said... I want answers!” Twilight repeated again, about to boil over with rage. The audacity of this mare to simply arrive and threaten herself and her best friend Spike was beyond frustrating. “Twilight. It would spoil everything. I’m not saying a word.” Starlight explained, although that just left more questions than answers. “Is this part of some plan? What are you trying here!?” “Haven’t you realized all of your questions aren’t really getting answers?” Another pleased grin, and she walked right by yet again. Twilight was befuddled to put it simply. Her brain was trying desperately to rack Starlight’s mind, getting whatever motive she could have had here. Spike finally caught up, wheezing, out of breath. “Twilight what’s going on!? What is she doing!?” “I don’t know…and asking is getting nowhere.” Twilight said in a low serious voice, watching Starlight hum to herself as she walked down the road, heading back into Canterlot. “Well…should we…do something!? Even if she’s…not really doing anything?” Spike suggested. Twilight re-framed herself, taking a breath to calm herself down. She used that move Cadence taught her a while back. “Maybe…we should just follow her.” “Well wait!? What if it’s a trap!? Why don’t we just call the guard!?” “She hasn’t done anything…yet” “But she like…controlled a whole town of ponies and tried to steal your cutie mark!” Twilight was about to respond, but Starlight was about to walk out of sight. Twilight was too worried to leave her alone for even a moment. “No time!” Twilight shouted, grabbing Spike in magic and quickly shoving him on her back. She took off in an instant, going in a speed that would make Rainbow proud. It was against her nature to be so rash, but the moment demanded it and the princess saw no other alternative at the moment. Starlight happily trotted through the cobble streets of Canterlot. She cheated a little, sadly. When she saw Twilight rushing at that speed she knew she’d spoil the fun, so she teleported. It wasn’t planned, but just a minor hiccup. The real show was about to begin. The vendors were out and about, reaching for any curious pony to offer wares, some useful, some just worthless trinkets designed to swindle money. Thousands of voices at once rung out during the busy rush of city life. It was impossible to keep up with it all, ponies of shapes and sizes all meeting in a singular place for just as many different reasons. Not even ponies, the occasional griffon, the passing bison, and the journeying zebra could all be seen throughout. It was hectic and loud to say the least. Starlight knew where she’d go, her favorite little store. A quaint little kiosk being ran by a feeble old unicorn that had always ran the dumpy little vendor. It was out of place and out of time as well really. An old style stall that’d be common in small towns like Ponyville but was completely out of touch in the well organized, brightly lit, and ornately decorated stores and shops. Young bright faces selling the hottest merchandise, the newest in fashion, and the most exotic foods. And there in the middle of these two shops, was a smelly old stand with an old fart that probably should be in bed sleeping. Starlight loved it. “Oh hello missy. Been a while since you came here.” The friendly old mare said. She was a gray old mare with matted fur and messy brown hair, which was falling out. Some had fallen into the small pies she was offering… “It’s always nice to see you Dough.” Starlight responded with a genuine smile. She laid her hooves on the table and took a seat on a creaky old stool. She felt like it could collapse from her weight at any moment. “Nice to see you too Glim.” Dough smiled back. “Want another one of my special pecan pies?” Starlight knew her from her old days as a student here. Her food was terrible, the mare smelled, and she had the bits for a much nicer place. But today, the day of her revenge. She wanted a quaint little meeting of nostalgia…to remind her of why she was doing this in the first place. “You know it.” Starlight replied with a smile, forking over the bits from her pack. Dough went under the table for a moment, coming out with a sweet smelling pie, contrasting greatly with the old mare smell. “Four bits still right?” Starlight asked. “You still remember!” The mare laughed. “Ah can’t charge ya…I’m closing today…” Starlight blinked in surprise. “Really? That’s awful Dough…” “Oh it’s been…enough time really. I mean. Been goin here for fifteen years or so…and I think I might be finally getting old…” The mare chuckled, she was missing some teeth. “That’s funny you choose today. It’s a real special day today.” “Is that plan you mentioned…is it today?” Dough asked. Starlight simply nods with a somewhat…pained look. The thought of what she was about to do soured her good mood. “It’ll be okay really. She won’t have any response to this…” Dough smiled, petting her hoof. “Yeah…I know…” Speaking of the devil. The entire circus of commerce and dialog was cut short when a speeding purple bullet with a tiny green spot sped through the plaza, aiming for one mare in particular. “Hope the spell works…” Starlight said, before returning to her usual cocky smile. Time to put on a show. Twilight landed in front of the small old stall, rather a bit peeved. “What…the…hay are you DOING TO ME!?” Twilight shouted. She had been chasing her ever since Starlight arrived at the university. The university was a few miles away from Canterlot, and she had flown the entire distance. Sweat dripped off her, like the anger she was feeling. Starlight simply munched on her sweet tasting pie. “ANSWER ME!” Twilight shouted, her face flustered red with anger. Spike was starting to get worried. Most of the commerce merry go round had already started turning their heads and going back to talking. It was just Princess Twilight being weird again. “You can’t really stop me…might as well not try.” Starlight munched smugly. Twilight was already done with asking questions. Now she was demanding. “Tell me why I shouldn’t just throw you in jail right now…” Starlight made sure the crowd had stopped paying attention before continuing… “I have a pretty good trump card. Trust me. If you try and push me in any way, you’re going to lose, not just the fight, but everything.” Starlight told her. “You’re bluffing aren’t you? This is just one big bluff right!?” Twilight pointed an accusatory hoof at her. “Try it and see…” Starlight smiled, speaking in a low voice. Twilight stomped again, heaving and seething. But until she knew what Starlight had up her sleeve, she couldn’t make a move out of fear. Twilight hated the fear of the unknown, she never not knowed! And when she didn’t know she had to know! Why wasn’t Starlight letting her know! But Starlight knew… She took another casual bite of her pecan pie. The old mare at the stall had left just right after, as per her orders from Glimmer. Twilight sighed. “Okay…okay Starlight…what do you want?” “Nothing I’m not already getting.” Both mares were oblivious to the outside hustle and bustle; all Twilight could hear was the sound of Starlight eating and Spike’s nervous nail biting. He was too afraid to say anything, Twilight was really freaking him out. More than Glimmer. “Whatever this is…it’s not gonna work…” Twilight spoke flatly, having enough of these games. She wasn’t falling for whatever this was. “So just give up…and let’s just…put this behind us…maybe even be friends…” Twilight had been getting more optimistic and hopeful after her ascension to princesshood. “You won’t have many friends when this is over…really it’s you who should be giving up.” A tiny prick of icy fear shot through Twilight's heart. “Hey! You…you leave them out of this!” The purple princess huffed. “Oh. Don’t worry. I don’t need to do anything to them.” Starlight was almost done with her pie. Twilight was getting worried. What Starlight knew was…dangerous. It had to be something severe. A powerful ancient spell, an old relic that gave her immense power, the changelings had allied with her! Her mind was racing frantically to every worst possible conclusion, no matter how far off or silly it could be. Her wings shuffled nervously, her eyes were erratic and frantic, her hooves wouldn't stay still. If she didn’t do something now all of her friends would be gone! Starlight finished her pie, suppressing a burp. "Excuse me." “Please! Just…tell me! I…I can’t take this!” Twilight cried out, getting very unnerved with Starlight's ease at her assured destruction. Spike took note, and saw that she needed help. He decided it was finally time to speak up and put an end to this crazy show. “Twilight relax! It’s go-“Spike was cut off suddenly and abruptly. Twilight turned around in an instant, Spike was clutching at his neck, clawing for dear breath. He was being choked, something was crushing his windpipe. The tiny dragon cried and gasped for any air he could, but the magical force was intent on killing him. Starlight sat there, pointing at Spike. No magic coming from her horn, no magic surrounded Spike’s neck. All of this was so silent, other than Spike’s desperate wheezes. Twilight was completely horrified. “S-stop that! Stop that now!” Twilight shouted. Her own magic searching for the mysterious force, finding nothing…she saw nothing…she knew nothing. She tried to touch the aura, trying to pull it away, and simply grabbed at air. Spike was crying, his feet kicking out. Starlight simply stayed there with her hoof raised, a pained grimace on her face. “STOP! I AM WARNING YOU!” Twilight shouted, her magic growing fouler, her anger boiling, her fear wrenching at her. She was losing focus, beginning to go on impulse. Starlight looked worried…but didn’t stop. Spike continued, his face getting red. He needed Twilight’s help. Twilight kept thinking of something. She aimed a spell at Glimmer, attempting to knock her focus off of Spike. It simply rebounded off a light blue shield that at least, was from Glimmer’s magic. She could protect herself easily; Twilight could only break it with powerful magic. “P-please! Please stop this! I don’t know what you’re doing but stop!” Twilight was begging now, her mind searching her brain for any way out. Starlight remained unphased, twisting her hoof as if to choke him more. Spike was beginning to go limp, his eyes were losing focus. Twilight looked back and forth frantically. Trying to find some way, trying to think of something! She knew everything! Why didn’t she know this!? Why couldn’t she help her best friend!? But she did have one way. Twilight narrowed her eyes at Starlight’s form, her face twisting with rage, her eyes wet with tears and shouted. A terribly powerful blast of magic emitted from her. It let out a roar of energy as it was cast, blowing forward with tremendous and terrible power, twisting and radiating with shards of magic, heading right for Glimmer. The entire crowd saw that terrible beam of magic blasting through Glimmer’s shield, destroying both her and the stand in a loud blast of destruction, the entire area going up in smoke and dust. Spike dropped to the ground with a wheeze, gasping and greedily sucking up air for his deprived lungs. Twilight looked on at the destruction in tears, the powerful magic on her horn quietly fading away in a feeble spark. Starlight Glimmer was dead, and the whole world saw it. Author's Note oh no, what a pickle, hope twilight has a jar for this one. heh iunno why i randomly got this neat lil idea at 5:00 am. but here it is. written in one draft and only grammar checked and edited by the author, which usually doesn't go well. i let a friend read it, he said it was nice. i mostly wrote this cause i didn't like the s5 finale, i felt like they had a lot of potential do something greater. so the first thing obviously was they needed to murder someone on a kid's show sorry about the vague title and lack of a cover. like i said this was spur of the moment type stuff i do have plans for continuation dw tho if you guys l-like it...
Slow Burn Slow Burn The clock ticked in the background of the meeting hall, creating a silence over the heated debate that had unfolded in the royal chambers. Celestia was patient. Years of watching from both the sidelines and participating in various conflicts had shown her a level of expertise and wisdom that no mortal force could ever hope to attain. A naturally observant mare. She stayed quiet, waiting to take in her information, process it, and then think about a response. All happening seconds before she ever opened her mouth. It was a great trait for a leader, especially in troublesome times. Though some were sometimes frustrated with it, as it was impossible to tell what was on her mind. The alicorn was dead silent tonight, pretty much throughout the entire dispute. Simply listening, taking in, like a plant takes in sunlight. She was being subjected to a heated discussion between two ponies about who owned what tiny piece of land between two lame farms outside of Canterlot. It was rather unimportant to say the least. Right now the mare before her was agitated.. The discussion was about inheriting a certain area of land from a recently deceased neighbor. She knew both of their families well, and had even visited the funeral of the neighbor, an old pony simply named Buck. He liked it too much to disgrace it with a last name. Now, the body was not even cold, and somepony was looking to see what of his belonged to her. “It’s our right. Our land! Promised by Buck himself!” The feisty redheaded pegasus declared, stomping her hooves on the table to add punch to her point. The silence was broken, and the debate resumed. “It is no right of yours! I’m his cousin dammit! We’re kin! Who are you to start claimin?” Pitch, sitting opposite of Redstone shot back. Brown, a bit scrawny and a lot to prove. Pitch had a lot to lose here, if Redstone had her way. Celestia simply watched calmly in the background, she had been chosen as mediator of this discussion. A job she found herself doing often. She never tried to avoid the position; in fact it wasn’t even an official duty. Just something she…did. Something she always did. All the ponies that were old enough to question it had died centuries ago. It was simply a fact of life. Although only being one pony, and with Equestria growing much bigger throughout her reign, she couldn’t see everyone like she used to be able to in the old days. Still, no matter what. Every once in a while, two ponies from the middle of nowhere would get an audience with the most powerful being in the world. She had been asked several times why she kept such a silly, inefficient practice going. She’d always respond with a smile, simply say. “I enjoy it.” And left it at that. And it wasn’t a lie. She did. It brought her closer to her subjects, and allowed her to imbue ponies all important lessons on how to deal with conflicts. She loved seeing two parties come to agreements, settling disputes and getting over grudges. It showed her friendship was still alive and well in Equestria. “Oh whatever! You stupid foal!” Redstone shouted. Well sometimes it was. “Now no name calling. We’re all adults here.” Celestia spoke up. The only thing she had said all night. The mare huffed, sitting back down in her seat. She had been sitting on the edge shouting during the entire debacle. “Why have you been so quiet?” Pitch asked, glad that she reigned back Redstone’s fury. “I’ve been thinking.” She responded simply. “Well…what!?” Both ponies asked. “It’s me right? I mean, it’s my cousin’s land!” Pitch reaffirmed that for the twelfth time this morning. “It was promised to me and my family!” Redstone was already trying to fly over the table and go to blows. “Redstone. What was your claim to the acre again?” Celestia asked, taking a sip of her tea. Tea helped her through turbulent times such as these. “Buck promised my father. Ten years ago. That when he died, he wanted to give him the farm. My father and him were the best of friends. Dad died six years ago, and now that Buck is gone too. I need a livelihood…and I need that farm!” Redstone ended her story with a stomp on the table. “But it ain’t yours!” Pitch cried, leaning over across the table. “It is too mine!” Redstone met him across, their faces only an inch apart. “Ain’t!” “Is!” “Ain’t!” "Is!" “Stop.” Both ponies almost fell over in how they scrambled to get back to their seats. They quickly shut their mouths and stood still like statues.They were worried they went too far when Celestia spoke so sternly... Celestia took another sip of her tea. “Pitch. Redstone. I do not understand why you cannot share the farm. You both cannot possibly expect to work an entire farm all by yourselves.” Celestia stated calmly, eyes closed in zen like meditation. There wasn’t a trace of frustration in her. “I don’t wanna share.” Redstone said flatly. “Me neither!” Pitch nodded in agreement. “Why is that?” Celestia was beginning to see the end of this simple debate. It was one she had solved a million times before, and today would be no different. Ponies sometimes let their petty grudges get the better of them. It was a lesson her student Twilight had just learned. She mentioned it in a letter to her. Just a letter. Not a friendship report. She really missed reading those. She missed the tiny purple unicorn trotting happily through the library while her mentor watched on. Days long, long ago. “Because. She don’t deserve what my cousin worked for!” Pitch explained. “It’s something that only kin can understand! Plus she’s a mare!” “What!?” Redstone was at her boiling point. “What do you mean I’m just a mare!?” “Let’s not continue this train of dialog…” Celestia wisely interrupted. “Pitch. Just because she’s a mare does not mean she cannot manage and run a farm.” Pitch sighed. Grumpy but…that statement was one made out of anger. Just to discredit her. He didn’t mean it past shock value. Now that he was caught, he’d apologize. Celestia thought to herself. “Alright…yeah. I didn’t mean that…” Pitch admitted. That satisfied Redstone, who took her seat once more, still staring daggers at Pitch however. “So. Why do you not want to work with Pitch, Redstone?” Celestia was watching the time. Despite how much she did want to help them, time was running short, and she had other duties to attend to. They had been in here for a while… “Cause he’s a tiny little stallion…” Redstone insulted. Pitch fumed silently, though he respected the princess enough to refrain from outbursts. If only Redstone shared that respect. “Who’s worked on his own farm successfully…” Celestia pointed out. Now she could either accept that or continue to stew in anger. “I…I guess…” Redstone’s wings were beginning to relax. They had been shot up all night. Pegasi flared like flamingos trying to impress mates. Celestia found that very funny and cute. “So…seems like a good partnership.” Celestia smiled at the both of them. Though they did not return her optimism. The clock struck twelve, signaling the meeting was over. A loud chirp emitted out, letting the party know that it was time to leave. Both ponies carried the weight of knowing they'd be here again next week unless they pulled something together. Redstone sighed. “I need that farm…I can’t…just live off my mom for the rest of my life. I wanna do something…this was my chance…” She looked hurt. They had been trying this debate for at least a week now, and signs of toil were beginning to show. Maybe this was a chance for resolution. “I’m sick of arguin… I’m sick of these meetings…no offence Princess…” Pitch nodded at her. “But…I wanna work, and I wanna make my family proud. I wanna show that I can manage my own farm.” “Well…I do too.” Redstone said, looking at Pitch with exhausted eyes. Celestia watched patiently, saying nothing. She saw that glimmer in Pitch’s eye…maybe… “Do…do you wanna be partners?” Redstone mulled it over, frustrated at first. She was a fighter, she wanted to win. She wanted to take all, not settle halfway. But the stallion was earnest and kind, and here was an olive branch. Plus she didn't want to spend another week not working and arguing anyways.. After a few moments, she offered a hoof. “I’d like that.” Pitch smiled, and took the hoofshake. Celestia sipped her tea in victory. In only a few questions, she settled the whole conflict. A nice play, even though it took a week to finish. So maybe not so nice. Plus she didn't really do much at all either... Both ponies got out of their chairs; they had been sitting at least an hour in the meeting room, and were tired and wanted some sunshine. Today had plenty of sunshine to offer. “Thanks for helping us.” Pitch said with a smile, eager to put the conflict away. He always had, just…he was stubborn. A lot of earth ponies were. “It was my pleasure.” Celestia said earnestly. Putting away her tea with her hooves and standing up. Even the princess of the sun needed to stretch and go outside every once in a while. “We can meet again if you would like a formal signed agreement or…?” The princess pushed her luck. If they said yes they could be here for even more hours. “Nah. I think we got it figured out. If we have any more troubles, we know where to go.” Redstone was smiling too. Seeing two young ponies smiling and happy and taking on the future was a really heartwarming sight for Celestia. She was just glad to give the ponies a helping hoof. “That’s wonderful to hear.” Celestia escorted the two out by her wings. Both ponies were smiling now finally, a great burden relieved of them. After several more thank you’s the pair left to go start their new journey. Celestia turned down the hall back to the hectic life of Canterlot politics. The princess chalked their sudden realization together simply to time. Young ponies are quick to emotions, but with time, logic takes over and the situation eases down. It’s just that sometimes they need a voice to help guide them. Celestia never saw herself as a superior or as a princess really. Just a guide. The meeting room was quickly abandoned after that, it was a small cramped space shoved in between two of the steward’s rooms in the castle. The original architect, a pony called Mortar Block, wanted an elaborate decorated meeting room where the best and brightest of Equestria met to discuss the future of the world. Celestia instead had it a shabby little in-between space, giving more care and attention to the stewards of the castle. They needed it more; she told the agitated earth pony. Mortar never forgave her, a thought which brought a smile to the gentle princess’s face sometimes. .A brisk walk through the old halls of the castle later and she found herself to her spring of relaxation, a source of her power, she joked to Luna sometimes. Her gardens were lavish and beautiful, maintenance mostly by the princess’s bare hooves. The vineyard made up the center of her garden, lavished with thick, juicy grapes and vines that were radiating with health. Some were used for the wineries, but most were used for medicines. Celestia did sneak a sip or two from the wine…but she kept that hidden. Even she wasn’t perfect. Other delicacies layered around the vineyard, these were for show, and did not bear any fruit. But to say they were merely just for show was an understatement, they were delicately crafted and handled with great care. Each limb trimmed perfectly, each leaf organized to appear attractive. Celestia did cheat and use her magic for such menial labor, but the effort pulled off, and she had her own tiny slice of heaven. Over the loft of the garden she could see the wide ranges of her city of Canterlot. Since they were deep into the castle, they looked tiny from up on the pedestal. Time passed as the afternoon rolled out, the sun washing away it's sleepiness and preparing for the new day. A familiar pair of hooves trotted in through the screen door hanging out. Only precious few ponies bothered to travel her, most thought it was just a tiny, lackluster garden. Nopony knew it was the princess's herself. Celestia's gardening skills were superb, but not many appreciate a fine garden. So she knew it must be somepony important. “Celestia.” Luna’s voice rung out behind her. It was oddly toned, and way too serious even for her dark sister. She did not yet appreciate formal greetings. Already in that instant Celestia knew something was wrong. “Luna! What are you doing awake!?” Celestia exclaimed with happy surprise, her sleepy sister was awake before noon on a Monday. A very rare event. Her voice was…off. For once, Celestia did not know what her little sister had on her mind. “I’ve been trying to get better about waking up…” It had taken Luna a month to adjust her voice to modern Equestrian standards; her sleep schedule was another matter entirely. “Your snoring still shakes the rafters…” Celestia said warmly, almost done watering her petunias. “Sister…” Luna pouted. “Why are you always poking fun at me?” A common past time for Celestia. “Because you seem so grumpy and serious all the time. You look like you could use a smile.” Luna did not smile. Usually she liked her little jokes… The princess of the night contrasted the day sharply. She was dark, the sun’s living shadow, cast out across from Celestia made her look like her shadow as well. “How are you sister? Mind if we…go for a walk?” Luna asked. “Really? So soon in the afternoon?" "Why not? It's a nice day..." Luna said, warmness in her voice. There was obviously something more to this, but Luna left it unsaid. Well. Yes I’d like that. I suppose my petunias can wait.” Celestia replied with a smile, setting her water bucket down. It was strange. Luna appearing out of nowhere, in the middle of the morning. Something was very wrong, but Celestia ignored her troubled paranoia. Maybe Luna just had a bad dream or wanted some sunshine. Luna waited for her companion, like a solider waits for a general’s orders. She looked so tense in the cool early morning breeze. Celestia smiled and extended a wing, giving her a quick side hug as a sign of affection. It eased Luna, but she made no response otherwise. Normally in public the sisters were stoic and silent, but in private. Celestia was definitely a hugger. Luna was less into it… “Is something the matter?” The princess asked in a soft voice, filled with concern. “It’s just…I’ll explain over the walk.” Luna nodded, already moving ahead of her sister. The white alicorn sighed, and followed after her. The castle was slow on a quiet Monday. The stewards were taking mostly breaks, chatting in the lounging areas. Most of the windows were open, letting sunshine and cold air breeze through the place, making it feel like nature was slowly taking over. The castle did not show it’s age, it’s granite floors spit shined and it’s marble pillars as strong as ever, looking like they could hold mountains. “Is it…the adjusting?” Celestia asked after they had trotted in silence. The only noise was the clop of hooves against stone. Luna’s were louder; she kept her armor on at all times. Celestia just strutted around naked. Armor was a drag to wear. “The adjusting? To here? No…not at all…” Luna said sharply, shaking her head. “You’ve been doing very well since you returned.” Celestia encouraged. “It has been difficult…but with the nightmare gone. It is…much easier to think.” Luna said, with a pained expression. “You never quite told me what happened…what it was like…” Celestia had gently poked and prodded her over the years for information. What happened to her little sister up on the moon? It was a deeply sensitive subject, and she tried to tread carefully. She brought it up rather randomly often, but she hadn't done so in a while. “I am not exactly eager to relive it.” Luna said rather bluntly. “I understand but Lulu it’s something that has to be discussed eventually.” Celestia’s pet names made Luna cringe. “Don’t call me that…” Luna huffed, fluffing her wings. Celestia did not protest, she could see her sister was distressed. “I’m sorry. Force of habit.” She said with solemn eyes. She was fearful her tiny jokes went too far sometimes, especially with how sensitive Luna was since the NIghtmare. She cursed herself for it, but it seemed it was just a bad habit. Luna spoke no more, Celestia felt badly. Of all the ponies she wished she could understand, it was her sister. No amount of negotiations would help here. More clip clops of dark alicorn hooves. The passing stewards and guardsmen bowed as they passed the princesses in their daily chores. It received some interest, it was well known around the castle. Luna was not a morning pony and her face showed it. Everypony around seemed…grave. It was a subtle tone of change from when Celestia had left before. Most ponies wore relaxed smiles and tended to their duties in a quiet way. Now it was anxious, some were sad. It felt like a funeral. Not a word of it was spoken or said out loud. But something was definitely wrong in her castle. Celestia said nothing, unsure, and figuring the knowledge would come forth soon. It seemed her sister had been appointed the bearer of bad news she guessed. But what could’ve happened to cause this. “Luna. How was your first diplomatic mission?” Celestia, being an extrovert, found it difficult to simply stay quiet. Plus it was the first time Luna went on mission by herself since her return. “It was nice.” Luna said shortly, continuing her fast pace. “Luna…please…talk to me.” Everything was so strange and quick paced. She was just sitting outside relaxing in her gardens a few moments ago… “I enjoyed it. The miners were frustrated, but they eventually understood why they had to work. We worked with the company, and lowered the working hours with the same pay. They didn’t like this of course, so I have a ton of hate mail now…” Luna said in her rushed voice. Everything was just so strange… At least now Celestia had gotten something out of her, though she felt she had just said it to appease her. Ponies were saying things in hushed whispers, they looked concerned. Luna kept frowning at ponies and making them quiet suddenly. Celestia looked visibly confused. Luna quickened her pace through even further, heading out one of the small entrances to the larger castle gardens. Much bigger and public than Celestia’s personal one. The white alicorn followed with a very confused expression. “Did she tell her?” “No…I know she won’t.” “How could anypony tell her…?” “She killed somepony!” “No one knows why either…it was just so sudden. There are so many stories about it,” The maid sighed. Rubbing her temples. “What does this mean!? What’s going to happen? What if she’s…going crazy…like Lu-“ “Don’t say that out loud!” The maid hissed through gritted teeth. The conversation stopped abruptly, Luna glared at them as she passed by. Their voices had just barely missed Celestia’s ears as she trotted behind her through the gardens. It was deathly quiet thereafter. Nature however missed the memo. A small chorus of woodland creatures hummed along a babbling brook that danced along the edge of the garden. Whimsical blankets of sunlight fell over the plants, which made them give off a glow. It was empty of nothing but ponies, who kept their distance. As if trying to avoid a dangerous animal. A small pit of anxiety began to form in Celestia’s stomach. The dark alicorn continued her brisk trot, stopping for nothing it seemed, Celestia faintly followed behind, not as fast. “Sister…why are you moving so fast?” Celestia asked, a bit out of breath. The royal bakery had spoiled her. Luna finally stopped; they were at the edge of Canterlot really. Below them was the cliff side, which led to the long fall back down to mainland Equestria. The plains that made up Ponyville and other small town farming settlements. Luna checked behind, around, and every possible side to make sure they weren’t being followed or anypony was around. They had all left them alone as Luna’s instructions. She was the one to tell her sister. Nopony else. She could stand nopony else to suffer such an awful task. Or nopony else to break her sister's heart. “Luna….what is going on!?” Celestia insisted. She had enough of this sneaking and running and tension. She demanded answers! Her stoic sister stayed still, looking at her sister. Her eyes loosened up, losing their rigidness as her form fell slack. She suddenly felt the whole weight of the world on her shoulders. “Something…has happened. Something…very grave…” The princess said in a quiet low voice. Birds were chirping quietly in the background of the beautiful garden estate. Such a perfect day contrasted against such awful events. Luna was finding it very difficult to tell Celestia what her faithful student had done. Celestia looked at her with big purple eyes, full of concern and care. “There is a conflict brewing in Griffonstone.” She said simply. It was unsatisfying, and unworthy of all the tension brought before it. Celestia knew it was not what this was about in a heartbeat. “Is…is that all?” She responded simply. “Yes. It’s serious and you must see to it at once.” Luna was commanding her to go…not giving her a choice. “Luna…certainly that could not be what this all was about. Griffons always have petty disputes; they very seldom grow into something serious.” “Well this one is different, and you must attend to it at once.” Celestia could not neglect her duties, though usually they sent ambassador Flint over with no issues. Luna of course would arrange for him to be on vacation conveniently later. She had come here with full intention to tell Celestia the truth. And now quickly found herself lying. But how could anypony tell the truth… Luna thought to herself. Her thoughts were at war. Half wanted to tell the truth, half wanted to protect her sister at all costs. Luna was unsure of who would win out. “How is this so different? Luna is there something you are not telling me?” Celestia questioned her story. The tension, the way her sister was acting…it did not fit with just a squabble in the north. Luna had to keep to her lie. She had to protect her sister. Like her sister had protected her throughout her entire life. Luna would bear the brunt of this. She would save her sister’s student. Even if the anxiety was beginning to eat away at her already. Luna stuttered, holding back emotion. “Yes. Yes that is all there is.” Celestia studied her sister with wise purple eyes, observing her face for any signs of lying. She found plenty, but there was one thing that won out. She trusted her sister, trusted her dearly with her life. Whatever this was, she could maybe find out later. “Wasn’t that Twilight’s mission?” Celestia asked calmly. Luna’s heart skipped a beat. “Uh…yes…yes it was! “ Luna coughed, having trouble now. “It was her task, and she is unavailable so…it falls to you. I have duties here. Cadence is busy in the empire…” She wasn’t. She was coming to Canterlot in wake of the news. Luna had informed her via letter of what had happened. Cadence had avoided telling Shining as well… Celestia watched her sister fib and lie. It was obvious; the princess was blushing, stuttering and sweating. Her wings constantly twitched, and her eyes avoided direct contact with Celestia’s purple irises. Luna struggled. She had to tell her! She had to know! She began each time with an exasperated gasp of air, a beginning of a sentence that never could take off. She was trying her hardest. If she knew what her Twilight had done… “Very well.” Celestia said simply, smiling again. It was one more out of show, inside she was in deep thought on what all of this meant. “I can take care of it.” Luna had no idea why she bought her lie. She could tell her sister knew something was wrong. Luna did such a poor job hiding it. “Thank you! It was…very distressing to me…as you could see…” “I noticed Lulu.” Celestia stated calmly, putting a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. Luna looked up to her, figuratively and mentally. "I will visit the griffons, I'm sure it's just another debate over who has the biggest talons or not." Celestia joked with a small smile, and finally a tiny glimmer of one sat on her little sister's cheeks... "I'll make sure everything runs smoothly up here. I keep a tight ship as you know." Luna favored old school managing and directing, which others were not so fond of. "I know you will Luna. You always do." The white alicorn hummed softly. Luna internally despised herself for lying to dear sister. And with that. Luna had lied, and Celestia quickly departed after a few goodbyes. The second her white coat was out of sight, Luna collapsed to her knees, breathing heavily. She was terrified, of what she had done, and if it was the right thing or not. Right now all of Equestria depended on her, and if she failed in this crucial moment, not only would she be blamed, but so would her sister for something she didn't even know about. And the lie itself would create such a heavy strain on her and Celestia's relationship. She never told a lie with such powerful effects since she lied to her about Nightmare Moon… “You didn’t tell her!?” Cadence shouted, her lovely face flushed red with anger. They were in the throne room now. Luna perched on her dark seat, Celestia’s was empty, and she had left this afternoon with grave misgivings about what her sister was doing… “How could you not tell her!? She has to know!” “I know she does!” Luna’s voice retorted back, her tone was distraught and emotional. Cadence was trotting around frantically, worried sick, unsure of Luna's decision. “Okay…okay…we can work around this. Where is Twilight now?” “She left after the murder…she teleported out of Canterlot and nopony is sure where she is. The guards are looking for her.” "Why aren't you looking for her?" "Because somepony has to stay here and manage things...I'm sure Twilight will be found. If not, then I will look for her myself." Cadence looked at Luna with a serious scowl. “Is she dangerous?” “No! Of course not! This is Twilight we’re talking about! This must be some terrible, terrible mistake…” Luna assured, a hoof under her chin. “We don’t know what’s happening…nothing is even left of that mare she killed, and nopony saw any signs of a fight or struggle other than they were talking. Most witnesses just described a powerful blast of magic and suddenly that mare was vaporized… nopony knows why she did it…” Cadence described. “And I’m worried something has taken over my sister in law!" Cadence was close to mental breakdown. "Cadence...calm down. Please. It'll be okay..." "How do you know that!? Twilight could be in danger...we could be in danger!" "We don't know anything...do not be consumed by mad assumptions." She paused for a moment after that, developing an idea. “Twilight is a very capable pony, and smart too. If anything was in that position over her…she would sooner vanish than do that to a pony…there must be some other factor here…” Luna continued, not willing to entertain Cadence’s accusations of Twilight. Twilight was pure goodness. There had to be something more to this story. It had been four hours after the murder. Most of Canterlot knew now, and news was slowly spreading over Equestria. The main emotion running through the current of information was simply shock and confusion, and a terrible need for answers. And in their dire time of need, Celestia was nowhere to be found. Many were displeased. “No one even knows the pony’s name…” Cadence mused, still nervously trotting around. She had arrived by train only an hour ago, and instantly made way to the castle amidst a crowd of onlookers shouting and demanding answers. She had none and said nothing. “It’s useless to sit here and debate. We need to investigate. We need Twilight…” Luna said wisely, getting up from her throne and walking down to Cadence. “Where is she…where is my Twily…goodness…if Shining Armor…” “Now you know how I felt with Celestia.” Luna flat lined, Cadence nodded in understanding. Things were moving so fast. Celestia had only just left two hours ago and already the media frenzy was building. It was the top news story of today, probably this week, and the next week, and the whole year more than likely. The first murder in Equestria, committed by brand new princess Twilight Sparkle. “I hope she is safe…” Luna remarked to nopony in particular. Looking out the window. They were silent for what felt like hours. Nothing but the simple twilight of the world outside as the sun fell laid outside the window. The trees were darkened, and it seemed darkness fell early on this summer day. Cadence’s nervous trots echoed the hallways, most of the staff had gone home by this hour, or stayed in the dorms they provided. Luna despised waiting for this very reason, and it felt like waiting outside of a hospital as a dear friend underwent risky surgery. Hours into the night, right as the sun went down. A frantic guard busted through the oaken doors, sweating. He had ran the whole way here, for quite a distance. He stopped in front of the regal ponies, gathering his breath for his very important simple words. “We found her.” Author's Note geez i really should've added more to the first part, but i liked the sort of sudden shock and quick ending to it. now here we are in the second chapter were a lot is going on and detailing it and giving it a pace is awkward, hope this worked out well, it definitely required a lot more work than the first chapter. and i managed to finish it under a week, which is nice. tell me whether or not you thought the pacing was good. this will also be the last chapter to start in media res so don't worry honies they'll actually be a plot or development of events at some point. for now admire luna's lying skills. also see if you can find the hidden rhyme.
Princess Pep Talk"Where are you going?" "Somewhere, I'm not coming back." "Well...why? Is it something important?" "Yeah." "You're being very vague...I don't like that sister." "It's just something personal...and...something I need to do. Sorry I can't offer a better explanation than that." "You better not be going off somewhere with some stallion..." A quiet chuckle. "It's not that. I'm not even into stallions." "Well I love you sis, I hope you do come back." "I love you too..." ~~~~~ Twilight was scared. She had been teleporting frantically across Equestria, her magic out of control due to her unbridled emotions. It had been a few hours since the accident, and she felt like she was still trapped watching it over and over again. "Twilight! Calm down! Please! You'll hurt yourself! You'll hurt me!" Spike whined, barely gripping onto the wild mare as she frantically teleported again. Spike recognized the place they were in instantly. He had spent much of his young life here after all. It was Twilight's home in Canterlot during her studies under Princess Celestia. The makeshift home felt like it was carved out of a library, although Twilight herself had built the extensive book collection during her stay. It used to just be a quiet watch tower until the bookworm got her hooves on it. Though that was in the past, now today it had been abandoned since Twilight's departure, and was mostly a home for dust and cobwebs. Twilight had spent the entire time teleporting through her memories of Canterlot, places where she played as a filly and where she lived. Ponies had spotted the erratic princess all over Canterlot, and were no doubt sending reports. "Twilight please! Listen to me! It's me! Spike!" Her companion cried, hugging her neck tightly, hoping some expression of love would come through to her. The mare finally relented, taking deep heavy breaths, racked with sobs. Her face was covered in tears, her tear ducts probably exhausted. Her mane was in a mess, and her princess ornaments had been discarded somewhere in between her chaotic teleports. Her magic went out of control after the killing. Magic was greatly affected by emotions, and even powerful alicorns like Twilight could find themselves emotional and out of control. "W-what happened Spike..." She spoke in a shattered voice after a few moments of recollecting. "It's okay Twilight...don't think about it...just please. Calm down okay?" Spike was about to grab her horn, to cut off her magic supply. This was the third time he had been trying to talk her down. Each time Twilight had begun teleporting again. He wished he had a horn ring... "I can't not think about it! Did you see what I did!? I...I killed her!" Spike ignored that for now. He had to control her magic first. With great determination, Spike accosted Twilight's horn. It was rippling with unstable magic, just like the unstable mare using it. His claws grabbed around the base of the horn, it burned Spike's claws at first causing him to tear up. But he stayed strong, and with his grip he cut off Twilight's magic and the horn went silent. Twilight didn't even notice. "What did I do!? What did I do!?" She had been repeating things like that throughout the entire ordeal. She was out of control and delirious, and Spike was worried she'd hurt somepony else or even herself. Spike sighed in relief as the pain around his claws subsided, no more teleports at least. "Twilight...it's okay...it's going to be okay." The little dragon reassured. He had to be strong for his Twilight. He was just as scared, confused, and worried just as much as the mare. But right now Twilight needed him more than ever, and he had to hold onto himself and keep his emotions in check. "No it's not! It's not going to be okay! I killed Starlight!" She repeated. Twilight was naturally prone to hysterics, even though she denied this. She was secretly probably worse than Rarity's exaggerated whines. But the difference here being the situation was very grave. "Twilight...teleporting like crazy and being out of control isn't going to help. We're going to get through this okay? We both know you'd never do that to a pony without reason." Spike was trying every reassurance in the bag. Hoping something would click with his afflicted friend. Twilight took some more heavy breaths again, her chest heaving up and down as she calmed herself. They had been running for six or so hours, a feat that no normal pony could do. However alicorns easily had the strength to stay running for days if they pleased and even Twilight, who was not as adjusted to it as the other three were, could still outpace a Wonderbolt. "O-okay...okay you're right..." Twilight wheezed, exhaustion finally leveling her out. Even fear had to take a break and rest. "So c-can we stop...teleporting please?" Spike hoped she was finally lucid again. "Y-yeah..." The mare collapsed on the floor, Spike yelped as suddenly now half his body was stuck under purple fur. Twilight was covered in sweat, dirt, and whatever else they had run into during that storm of teleports. Twilight had even ran through somepony's hanging clothes and had a sock stuck in her hair, which Spike quickly removed. Spike wiggled his way out from under the mare, getting his feet free. He quickly rushed over to Twilight's front, inspecting her. She was awake, but definitely exhausted and at risk for a heat stroke. It had been a hot day, and she wasn't sweating well. Spike grew worried at that. "Twilight...I'm going to get some water. Okay? Can...can you stay here for me please?" Spike pleaded with the mare. Twilight was too exhausted to even form words, so she simply nodded in response, but her eyes told him he needed to come back quickly. The little dragon came over to her head and kissed her forehead affectionately, rubbing her mane. "I'll make sure you'll be alright okay? I'll figure out what's going on for you." Spike said confidently and optimistically, smiling at his surrogate sister. Twilight smiled weakly, another tear forming in her eye. The purple dragon was quickly on the move after that. Moving through the streets of Canterlot at a swift pace. The cobbled roads were empty today, and Spike knew full well why the city had suddenly gone silent. Much of the city had shut down, and guards patrolled the streets. There was a dangerous alicorn on the lose and nopony was sure what to do next, other than find her. He quickly found a tap well, not a healthy source of water but it would have to do. Using his claws to turn the gear, he quickly realized he needed some sort of cup. Turning around and scanning the area around him he located a dog bowl, which was definitely not ideal. He had kept the tower Twilight rested in his line of sight as he traveled through the residential area. Now he was collecting water in a grimy dog bowl for Twilight, something he hoped she wouldn't mind... A guard passed by, hearing the noise of the tap gushing water. Spike quickly hid in the well kept bushes with a gasp. He didn't want to be caught and forced to reveal Twilight's location yet. He was worried it would cause her more duress and she would lose control of her magic again. The armored pony inquisitively inspected the area, scanning with his eyes. Something was here, for sure he thought to himself. He trotted through the place, thankfully not noticing the tiny dragon tail poking out of the bushes. After a few moments of patrolling, he knew he'd be off his schedule if he wasted anymore time, and elected to give up his search and just file a report about it. Spike gasped and finally took in some much needed oxygen. He had been holding his breath the whole time. "That was close..." He whispered to himself, quickly getting the dog bowl and heading as fast as his little legs could carry him to his heartbroken friend. ~~~~ Twilight greedily lapped water from the bowl. It was big enough to sate her thirst for now, and to get her body back in order. "Sorry about the dog bowl...I was...moving fast and there were guards..." Spike began to explain. "It's fine Spike." Twilight eased his worries, she didn't care. Funnily enough the bowl had the name Spike engraved on it, which no doubt gave Spike second thoughts about his name... "So...you...okay?" The dragon asked with a tinge of worry, he could trigger her hysteria again. Twilight took a deep sip and ran her tongue across her teeth, trying to get the dryness out. "I'm fine as I can be." She stated simply. "I'm sorry for...the teleporting and all...I didn't mean for that to happen." Twilight explained, worried she had hurt Spike. She had hurt enough ponies for a lifetime. "Nah it's fine. Don't worry about it." Spike waved it off with a claw, rubbing Twilight's mane again. "I'm just glad you're okay!" "I was more worried about you." Twilight said with a soft smile. She reached over with a hoof and grabbed Spike in a tight hug that made the dragon squeak. He accepted however, because right now Twilight needed him. "We're gonna get through this alright?" Spike hoped his constant stream of reassurances would make everything better. Twilight cuddled around him, wrapping her wings around the tiny dragon. Spike was there for her at least, and that really made the situation a lot better. For once, Twilight believed she could really get through this... "This is the last place we haven't searched yet. It's Sparkle's old home in Canterlot." A fierce guard captain explained to his platoon, awaiting their breaching orders at the base of the tower. It was nightfall now, the guards were scared. An alicorn was on the loose and nopony was sure what she was going to do next. "Sir! Shouldn't we wait for reinforcements?" A young rookie pointed out, with a respectful salute. "No can do. The royal guard is spread wide searching for the princess. We've had reports all over the place and we've sent a squad to inspect each. Needless to say it's a tight ship." The old veteran explained to the whole order. " Luna wants her alive at all costs. Do not maim or attack. Stun only. Understood? Anypony caught doing so will be whipped and his rank taken from him and probably punishment from the princesses themselves." That threat made some of the younger guards nervous. "Is that clear? Any questions?" A strict silence. "Good! Now! Form up and commence with the breach!" The guards were disciplined, each solider moving to what he needed to be doing, like well oiled cogs in a machine. The pegasi scouted ahead and watched the flanks, while others assisted with the earth ponies lifting the battering ram. Unicorns set up detection spells and readied their horns with a variety of stun or restriction spells. Orders were clear. No harm was to come to Twilight other than what was absolutely necessary. They were operating under the assumption that Twilight was in her old tower. Many of them doubted it, as all the last twenty breaches they performed that day alone resulted in just a bunch of scared city ponies. Some of the guards were tired and disillusioned, and even the old earth pony in charge was a bit annoyed to say the least. Meanwhile Twilight sighed into Spike's neck, still hugging him and feeling fresh tears develop. Spike simply stayed where he was needed, his tiny stubby hands massaging Twilight's back. They stayed like this for a few more moments, Spike was happy to help. "One, two, three...BREACH!" The door was disintegrated by the powerful force of the ram, and a troop of guards stomped through the dust and shards of door with practiced organization. Twilight looked up with teary eyes, not having the energy to even give a verbal reaction. Spike yelped, jumping in front of Twilight as a method to defend her as the guards trumpeting around them. "We found her!" One of the ponies declared, ecstatic. "Twilight Sparkle. You are wanted for questioning under order of Princesses Luna and Cadence." The captain formally declared. "Please come quietly and do not resist. We are under strict orders to make sure you are escorted to the castle safely." Twilight stayed silent for a moment. This was not the regal princess insane with power the guards were expecting. She was racked with tears and sobs, her fur matted and her mane a mess. Her royal regalia had been abandoned throughout the constant teleporting frenzy. She looked weak and helpless, a bit pathetic. "Do...do you comply?" The leader asked for a moment, a bit estranged by her behavior. And worried she'd blast him too. Twilight Sparkle stood up, brushing past her dragon defender. "I...I comply..." She stated as strongly as she could muster. Every guard in that room breathed a sigh of relief. ~~~~~ The trip to the royal castle was a quiet one. It was almost as if they were trying to sneak her through an enemy controlled country. The ride in the carriage was rather nice for a murderer. It was well cushioned, neither Twilight or Spike were restrained in any way, and they were left alone. Luna had also stated with great emphasis as well to make sure Twilight's trip was kept very quiet. It was the dead of the night, and a rather small unassuming red carriage only manned by two guardsmen carried one of the most potentially dangerous criminals in Equestria. There were no platoon of guards awaiting it's arrival, just an empty courtyard. Luna still trusted and praised Twilight immensely. There were numerous opportunities for the estranged alicorn to escape, but she took none of them. She was accepting her fate, and the terrible action she had done. "Spike really...go back to the hotel okay? My friends will come soon, and you can see them." Twilight offered to her baby dragon. "That's not happening. I'm staying with you." Spike snorted. "But Spike...please. You...I don't want you to see this...you already saw...what I did..." "Something must had been messing with your mind Twi. There's no way you'd do something like that." "I swear...I thought...you were being choked...I thought you were going to die..." "Starlight was just playing mind games. She's probably not even dead. She's probably out hiding somewhere, we'll find her and we'll lock her up!" Spike declared, with his usual optimism. Twilight wished she could share in that optimism right now. The castle was oddly deserted. With most ponies sent home early, and the guard given a much needed break after the hunt. There were only a few advisers and maids left along with Cadence and Luna. Celestia had left right as the news began to spread. Now, several hours after her departure, all of Canterlot knew, and it was spreading like a bad cough to the mainland. Luna's personal guards replaced Celestia's as they trotted through the castle in their dark armor. Even after some minor changes and being encouraged to smile a bit more by Tia, they still looked dark and menacing. Luna argued fear was much more worthwhile to their enemies than good appearances, which Celestia wholeheartedly disagreed with. They reached a compromise, the guards would lose the spiked edges on their armor, and sometimes....every so often...they'd try to make a friend. Most of the servants remaining were convinced Luna was trying to take over the castle again instead. The bat ponies eyed Twilight in the empty castle, hanging from their perches and flying around in the rafters. They preferred creepy observation rather than direct contact, which added to their mystery. Twilight tried to ignore them, Luna and Cadence were waiting for her, but it was quite difficult when you felt like you were being watched from every angle. Suddenly a rather big bat pony flew down, blocking the steps up into the main chambers. He eyed Sparkle with a bit of malice, but there was a tinge of worry underneath it. "State your business." They all knew why she was here... "I'm here to see Luna and Cadence." Twilight repeated, in a soft voice. She still looked a mess, and her voice had been rung dry from the constant crying. "Are you going to try anything?" It was obvious he didn't trust her. How could anypony really? Their job was to protect Luna at all costs, and Twilight was a threat. "No! Of course not!" The purple alicorn insisted, she didn't want to be accused of something so awful. Spike looked tense next to her, he wanted to say something to defend her...but bat ponies were kind of scary... "Right....I don't know what's gotten into you. Luna considers you a friend. But you're dangerous...too young to hold so much power..." The guard asserted. He was oddly big for a bat pony, who were mostly thin and slender like pegasi. His fangs were out to intimidate, and his armor glistened in the moonlight peaking through the windows. Time seemed to be going so fast today. "I-I would never! I would never hurt anypony!" "Like that mare in the marketplace right?" The guard huffed, displeased with her. "Night Light!" Luna suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs, staring righteous fury at the bat pony in question. "Miss Luna!" He cried, quickly wheeling around and offering a salute. "I was simply che- "Go!" Luna waved him off, and he scampered back into the rafters, no doubt some of the other bats giggling to themselves about that one. "Luna!" Twilight smiled, rushing up the stairs to great her friend. She accepted her with open wings, hugging the faithful student dearly. "Twilight. I was so worried..." Luna says in a gentle voice, all the fierceness from before fading in an instant. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine...as much as I could be." Twilight admitted, breaking the hug as shame returned in her gut. "It is alright princess. We will figure this out and clear your name." She gave a confident smile, hiding any doubts in her mind effectively. But there was no way it would fool a smart pony like Twilight. "I hope so." "And I did not forget about you Spike." Luna smiled at the baby dragon, rubbing his scales affectionately. Spike was more of a Celestia fan, but Luna was still pretty cool. "Awh. I'm alright. Just taking care of Twi as usual." "You've done a wonderful job. But...right now. We need to speak to Twilight in private..." Luna said, her voice growing heavy. "Oh...well. Alright. Super important princess stuff right?" "Right. Please do not take offense. You can choose to wait outside, or one of my guards can escort you to Twilight's bedroom. You'll be staying here tonight." Neither of them had any objections to that. "That's cool." Spike said, rubbing the back of his neck. He was too tired to do much more than simple responses. "I'll see you soon Spike...thank you for being here for me." Twilight told the dragon, giving him one more hug. That dragon meant the world to her, and he had stood with her in her darkest moment. He was one of the best friends she ever had. "It was nothin Twi. See you soon!" Spike waved the two princesses off. He didn't think much of it. Too young to process everything he just did. Luna escorted Twilight into the main chambers, there was much to discuss. Spike fiddled his thumbs outside, pacing around similar to how Cadence had earlier. He looked up and saw at least a dozen bat ponies staring back down at him... "Uh...h-hi there..." Spike whimpered, as some of the bat ponies began to smile devilishly. ~~~~~ Luna was a master of looking stoic, even during the most stressful of times. Cadence was emotional and extroverted. Her worry was very clear and evident, her pink hooves constantly trotting across the marble stone floors. Luna sat in her throne, whereas Cadence couldn't just take Celestia's seat, so she elected to keep to her pacing. Twilight was sitting before the throne, like she had when she used to greet her mentor for a new day of learning. She was here for a very different reason today. "Twilight. Please. Tell us what happened?" Cadence spoke up first, there wasn't much time for greetings. "It was so sudden...Me and Spike were coming down from the university, Starlight just...came out of nowhere. She starting threatening me and Spike and then she just...walked off. She was acting so strange, like she had something up her sleeve." Twilight began. "Like she knew something?" Cadence asked. "Right...but...I didn't know...and it scared me. So I tracked her down, I kept following her. She was in the marketplace...just...being so casual. I think she knew what she was doing...I think she knew what was going to happen..." Twilight kept her emotions in check, but the revelations were taking a toll on her. "But she got herself ki- uh...well..." "No...it's okay. You can say it." Twilight reassured Cadence with a hoof. "Killed." The word felt like acid on Cadence's tongue. She couldn't believe she was saying it. "Yes. It's obvious it was intentional." Luna stated flatly, observing from her lunar throne. "How do you know for sure!?" Both ponies asked almost in unison. "Why else would she lure you out in the middle of a very public marketplace. Intentionally goad you into attacking. Now whether or not it was to be killed or to simply draw your attention is a different matter altogether..." Luna paused, thinking to herself for a moment. She had been thinking about it non stop since she heard it. "Why did you kill her Twilight?" It was a simple question, but it tore at Twilight's heart. "I...I didn't mean to...I would never have done it! I don't know what I was thinking!" Twilight tried to ease the turmoil in her head. "I do not assume such evil things of you. This is all just a horrible mistake, as I have told Cadence." The pink princess nodded in agreement. "Okay...okay..." Twilight calmed herself, focusing on the matter at hand. "Alright. I...I saw Spike...just...being choked. Like something was around his neck...but...there was nothing. I couldn't see any magic or hooves or anything like that. It just seemed like he was on the verge of dying...and I was getting desperate. I was pleading with Starlight...I shot some spells at her but she had a shield to defend herself. I was scared...so...I...made a spell powerful enough to shatter the shield..." Twilight was beginning to tear up again, unable to continue. "That is enough Twilight." Luna interrupted with stern voice and hoof. "It's obvious she had some access to strange magics and was manipulating you. You only did what you thought you had to." The lunar princess spoke as if she had already solved the mystery. However she was just as lost as the others, just trying to appear confident to increase morale. Since Celestia was gone after all...someone had to be the mysterious wise one. "But why would she do such a thing!? What does she hope to accomplish by that!? All she did was hurt Twilight!" Cadence cried, confusion turning to anger. "She must be trying to incite anti princess sentiment. I am sure she is not even dead, more than likely an illusion. Our main focus should be to ease the public and to find Starlight." Princess Luna was shooting in the dark. "How is this going to turn anypony against the princesses...we've done nothing but good for Equestria!" Cadence moved closer to Luna, focusing on her. "Yes...nothing but good...it is not as if we have done terrible things..." Luna spoke very coldly, bad memories coming back to haunt her once more. She was surprised she had to remind Cadence of that, she must have forgotten in the moment. "I...I forgot..." Cadence bemoaned, stepping back. Nopony liked to bring up that foul subject in front of anypony, especially Luna. "No. It is fine. It's simply just that there is reason for the public to distrust us. Celestia has made her mistakes...I have made my mistakes...it is easy for ponies to misconstrue us as tyrants..." "Surely we can convince them it was just a mistake!" Twilight suddenly burst back into the conversation. Mostly out of desperation, she was scared she had ruined everything for everypony. "Twilight...it will be difficult. To most ponies...it must appear as if you killed her in cold blood...for whatever reason. You know it does not matter with the masses, who are very easily prone to hysteria." Luna explained. "I understand." The friendship princess said solemnly. "Exactly. Princess. There has been...uneasy history between us and our subjects to say the least Twilight. You should know this." Luna looked away, staring into her moonlight. "I messed up bad didn't I...everything is going to go to hell because of me..." Twilight whimpered, emotions taking over. "No. We will give you a trial, judge you and show you did nothing wrong and it was a mistake. Find Starlight, get to the bottom of this and the situation is fine." Luna said confidently, standing from her throne and coming over to put a wing on Twilight. "Is it really that simple?" Cadence asked. Full of doubt just like Twilight. "I'm sure of it." Luna was confident, she was an effective ruler. She would handle this entire situation without her sister's help, and without breaking her heart. This would be dealt with swiftly and professionally. Luna thought to herself, smiling. "Now. It has been a long day and you should rest Twilight." The lunar princess gently rubbed Twilight's back with her wing, which eased the turmoil she was feeling. "You're right...I'm really...pooped..." Twilight said with a bit of a giggling snort, a bit of humor sneaking back into her. "How crude." Luna said, with a light smile. "This is great and all but what if it doesn't work?" The pink pony wasn't feeling Luna's confidence. "What if she really is dead!?" "I am sure we can change to fit the situation, there is no point in worrying now. I will meet with my advisers tonight and the trial will commence tomorrow. We'll get this all out of the way and explain what has occurred". Cadence wanted to argue, but Luna's points made sense, and Twilight did need some comforting news for once. "Luna...w-would it help if I...stepped down...from being a princess?" Twilight asked with a heavy heart. "No! There is no reason for you too!" She gasped, stunned she would suggest that. "Twilight you are a princess because you earned it! And somepony's machinations are not going to take that away from you." "But...I don't want to cause any violence or unrest..." "Nonsense. It won't happen. There will be some confusion and accusations at first, but the hysteria will die down. Things will go back to normal quickly." "Plus. Princesses must endure hard times, with great power comes great responsibility as they say." Luna continued, being very wise and complex. She was intentionally trying to mimic something she thought her sister would say. "Isn't...isn't that from a comic book?" Cadence inquired. "Now." Luna ignored her. "Get some rest, you need it. And Cadence and I will handle things on this front. Get a good, relaxing sleep." Luna released her wing, nodded at Twilight. "I will make sure you have excellent dreams." Luna's confidence was beginning to rub onto Twilight. "Alright...you're right I think. But...where is Celestia?" Twilight was surprised she completely forgot her mentor and dear friend was nowhere to be found. "D-does...she know...?" "Oh...uh...she had some duties to attend to in Griffonstone. She should be back in a few days..." Cadence looked at Luna while she answered, worried what would happen if Twilight knew the truth. "She...does not know....I did not tell her..." Luna's expression was one of regret and sadness. "Luna! I mean...I...I don't know...she...she should know...but...it's...so..." Twilight's emotions reigned over again, the tiny alicorn was in a very fragile state. " We'll find Starlight, explain everything to Celestia. And redeem you Twilight. There's no use in worrying." Twilight breathed out a deep sigh. "I trust your judgement Lulu." She smiled. "Ugh...don't you call me that too...how hard is it to pronounce Luna?" The snooty princess of the night huffed. "What's wrong with nicknames. I like mine." Cadee said with a giggle, glad to change the conversation to something more pleasant. "Exactly. Nickname. Like it shortens your name, Lulu is not a nickname of Luna. It's just...some cheesy cutesy nonsense." "It's just a cute little pet name. Like an expression of love." "I am not giving this subject anymore credence by entertaining it." Luna saw they were just trying to get at her. "Okay...Lulu." Another pleasantly foalish giggle. "Anyways." Luna grimaced. "Get some rest. And we will handle the delegations." "Thank you...greatly. Both of you. I don't know what I'd do without you." Twilight wiped a tear. "Oh it is just our job, for a very good friend." Lulu smiled. "Exactly! Just us helping my awesome sis in law!" Cadence chirped, her usual upbeat self returning. A stark contrast to Luna's reservedness. "I'm going to go to bed...but seriously. Thanks again...I can't express how helpful you've been." Twilight repeated, a yawn coming on. Luna nodded and took her leave, her mind quickly moving on to other matters. Cadence gave one last smothering hug before heading off with the lunar princess. Twilight felt relief. She had a plan and good friends to help accomplish it. It seemed like the nightmare was over and she could rest easy now. She trotted through the large oaken doors. Most of Luna's guards had left, secretly following Luna like a moth to a flame. She eagerly made her way to her usual bedroom. She knew it well, since it was the same one she stayed in when she was just a student for Celestia. It was a comfy, warm tower personally made for Twilight. Or rather redecorated. It went through several changes with each student who lived in it, each student leaving their own mark in the tower. For Twilight of course, it was basically a mini library. Climbing up the spiral staircase wasn't fun however... It took her forever to figure out how to finish the teleportation spell to skip that as a filly. Now she did it in an instant, taking it for granted. It was so strange how such meager things now were tremendous tasks in the past. Becoming a princess changed so much for her, physically and mentally and six months after she was still adjusting to her new power. Spike heard his sister/mother figure whatever how that works burst into room, tired. "Spike..." She weakly groaned out with a yawn. He would prefer her exhausted than crying. The room hadn't changed much at all from when they last left it. Books scattered around, written down in chickscratch notes all over the place. Melted candles that had yet to be cleaned up from late night study sessions. And a whole box full of broken quills, torn from overuse. The little dragon was passed out on the queen sized, Celestia sized rather bed. Way too big for the both of them, but Twilight couldn't care less. She plopped down next to the snoring dragon, feeling the exhaustion and the weight of the day burdening down on her. A lot had happened from just a single event, but now with Luna, Cadence, and herself on the job the situation would be fixed quickly, she was confident of that. She draped the covers over herself and Spike with a magical hoof, snuggling into the warm embrace of the bed sheets. Still as soft as ever. "Good night Spike..." Twilight whispered out, snuffing out remaining candle flames with some more carefree magic. She got a snore in response. It was so wonderfully nostalgic for her. Sleeping after a late night study session with Spike happened all the time. It was a warm gut feeling of being in a safe comfort zone. It rejuvenated her and healed her soul. The emotional scarring easing away as sleep with her noble dragon at her side washed her darkness away. With Luna safeguarding her dreams, and nothing but plentiful hours of rest ahead, Twilight was out in a matter of minutes. She dreamed about fluffy clouds and bright deserts. Flying dragons eating sheep. And Starlight Glimmer offering Twilight a tea party. Author's Note fug having three characters talk at once you'll eventually run out of adjectives to keep things interesting as you explain who is saying what. I ended up saying their names way too many times. anyways a little bit of a higher note after the quiet darkness stuff, twilight is all safe n snug in her bed and gonna save the day tomorrow or not. maybe they all die or whatever also yes the two characters at the beginning are bert and ernie, that is the official cannon. it turns out starlight was being manipulated by bert and ernie to bring about equestrian jihad don't read that spoiler you'll ruin the whole story for yourself sorry about the longer wait too. i got busy n stuff.
