The Bell Tolls
By: Patrick
“Quick your majesty, there’s been a murder, we need you to hide in your quarters while we check the castle to make sure it’s safe.” Celestia’s guard yelled as he checked the perimeters on the way to the safe room. As they make their way, guards are running all over the place, showing panic in their faces. Celestia is trying to keep her composure, but it wasn't easy as the worst situations were making their way into her head. Thoughts of the possibility of Luna being the victim.
“What about Luna and Blueblood?” Celestia asked with concern as she was following the guard.
“There are other guards bringing them here as well.” The guard responded. Feeling her worry, he moved even faster, wanting to make sure she got to safety, while hoping Luna and Blueblood were there as well. Shaking back in reality, they both arrived to the safe room, in the most secretive place in the castle. Only Celestia, Luna, Blueblood and their personal guards know the location. Even Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle don't know it's location.
“Thank you, now please check on the other guards and make sure that no one gets in or out of the castle.” Celestia said, with a firm yet worried tone.
“Right away your majesty!” The guard said as he ran off. A few moments later Luna arrives, as Celestia looks confused.
“I’m sorry your majesty, but we couldn’t find prince Blueblood.” The guard said with worry. Although he wasn't truly concerned as prince Blueblood treated him and the other guards terribly.
“That is your number one priority, find Blueblood, and make sure he is safe!”
“Right away your majesty.” The guard responded as he ran off.
“I wonder who it could be.” Luna said perplexed.
“I haven’t been informed either, although this is terrible… and must be dealt with immediately! This cannot happen again, no one deserves to lose a life.” Suddenly the door opened.
“Hello auntie… man this room looks terrible, no furniture, the walls have no paint, only one light! This is no place for royalty! This is for the filthy peasants!” Blueblood ranted.
“Keep quiet nephew, we don’t want to be heard in case the murderer is here.” Celestia said pulling him in with a lot of trouble as he didn’t want to touch it, as he did not consider it fit for royalty.
“Really Blueblood, there’s a murder and all you worry about is what the room looks like? There’s a reason I never liked you.” Luna told Blueblood, anger in her voice.
“Oh hi Luna, it’s always a pleasure.” Blueblood said in a sarcastic tone.
“Watch it Blueblood, I could always call you that name you hated when we were younger.” Luna said with a grin on her face.
“You wouldn’t dare!” Blueblood shouted.
“Oh wouldn’t I, BLUEBALLS!” Luna said laughing, as Celestia was trying to hide her laugh, as Blueblood's face started to turn red with rage. Before Luna and Blueblood could start a fight they were interupted by Celestia.
“ENOUGH YOU TWO! There has been a murder and we need to start thinking about how we will handle this and keep the civilians safe.” Celestia said, giving them a look of disappointment.
“You’re right sister, now let’s start brainstorming.”
They started sharing ideas, speaking what came off the top of their heads. That is everyone except Blueblood, showing no concern as all he cared about was his own safety, and not the safety of the peasants. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Celestia used her magic to see who it was, a breath of sigh was released as it was her personal guard. Celestia unlocked the door, opening it, prompting the guard to come in.
“Your majesties, the killer got away we couldn’t find him. He left no traces and there are no witnesses. Now for the other bad news, the murder victim was your personal morning guard Jim.” The guard said, sympathy in his voice as he took off his helmet in respect.
“I'm so sorry to hear that..." Celestia wanted to cry, but she didn't, she knew she had to keep her composure.
"Please inform his family right away, and bring some guards with you, the murderer is still out there and I don't want to lose anypony else. At the same time let everpony know there will be an emergency gathering first thing in the morning.
“Yes your majesty.” The guard went to get some backup.
Celestia pulled out a paper and wrote out the events of that night to Twilight and Spike, and let them know she needs them to come immediately, and sent it with urgency.
*At the Ponyville library*
Spike woke up, spitting out the letter Celestia just sent.
“Twilight wake up, it’s a letter from Celestia!” Twilight jumped out of bed, from Spike’s yelling.
“I wonder what she wants at... three in the morning!” Twilight said looking at the time. She quickly read the letter.
“Spike you need to fly us to Canterlot right away, a murder had occurred and Celestia wants to see us right away.”
“Hop on Twilight!” Spike said as he lowered himself. Twilight teleported herself on top.
“Alright, hold on!” Spike said taking off, flying as fast as he could. Twilight still couldn’t believe how much Spike has changed over the years. He was now much taller, he was twice the height of big Macintosh, and his wings have developed perfectly, three times the size of Twilight’s.
“You know Twilight, I might be bigger than you, but you’re still heavy to carry on my back, maybe you should eat less of Pinkie Pie’s sweets.” Spike said, holding a chuckle back.
“Haha, very funny Spike, maybe you should grow some muscles.” Twilight said with a small laughter.
“You mean more than the amount I did today, which is about four hours you know. How many times do you have to look at my bulging muscles before you might get jealous and want to get some too?” Spike said with a big grin on his face.
“Yuck, never! I have more important things to worry about. Like making sure my dragon friend does his chores properly.”
“You know I could leave anytime Twilight, but I don’t because I know you need me, it would be chaos if I wasn’t there. Besides if I weren’t there, you would take a whole year to redo your schedule.” Spike said laughing.
“Yeah, yeah smart guy, whatever you say.” Twilight was laughing as well.
“Well genius, we're here.” Spike said. They made their way to Celestia’s chamber.
“Hello Spike, Twilight, I see you received my message.”
“We came right away like you asked. What did you want to tell us?” Twilight asked, bowing.
“You don’t need to do that anymore Twilight, you’re an alicorn just like us. Back to the matter at hand, Twilight I need to make sure the peasants are safe, and that means I’ll have to send guards out at night to patrol, meaning that there will be less gurads in the castle. So I decided that Luna and I each need a guard until we find out who the culprit is. You will be my guard Twilight and Spike you will be Luna’s guard.”
"I promise princess, I will guard you as best as I can." They both said to the princess they were guarding.
"I know I can trust both of you. Now I need both of you to follow me to the gathering." Twilight and Spike followed the princesses as ordered.
Celestia arrived at the balcony, all that could be heard were noises of chatter and rumors, discussions on how can he be stopped if he could attack the royal guards. How to keep the town safe, where he is going to strike next. It was the start of a downfall and this pony needed to be stopped immediately. Celestia built up her courage and addressed the peasants.
"Everypony, please quiet down." All went quiet, all eyes on Celestia. They were all waiting to have their questions answered. Celestia took a deep breath, knowing she has to announce the last thing they want to hear.
"I have some bad news to announce, as you know there has been a murder last night, and unfortunately the murderer got away, as my guards were caught by surprise. Our sympathies go out to Jim's family... this tragedy cannot happen again. Lives are at stake here and we will not rest until the murderer is apprehended. That being said I advise that anypony needing to be out at night be accompanied with another pony, even the pegasus'. There will be guards on patrol at night to help protect you. Since that will mean there will be less guards in the Castle, I have asked Spike and Twilight Sparkle to guard me and Luna. I ask that you show them respect and kindness. Stay safe everypony and remember, if you have any details about the murderer, please tell any of the guards, Spike or Twilight. Thank you." Celestia walked back in the castle, knowing this is only the beginning, and that the longer the murderer is out there, the more it will be difficult to keep her composure and more difficult to rule her kingdom when fear strikes all. Before returning to her chambers, she called one of the guards over.
"Please cancel all royal visitors until it is safe again."
"Yes your majesty."
Both princesses, Spike, and Twilight stopped in front of Celestia’s room.
“Twilight, Spike, I’m sorry that I had to involve the two of you with this, however, I cannot take any chances. The murderer could be anything, an earth pony, a pegasus, a unicorn, or anything else. I need my guards to be ready for anything, which is why I will be sending them in groups of three at least, with multiple groups patrolling every area in the hope that most of the town will be covered at once. We shall continue business as normal, and Spike, since you are a dragon and you are almost immune to magic, I want you to protect Luna during the night, when they will most likely strike. I ask that you do as she asks and keep watch of all entry points in her room to make sure no one can sneak in. Twilight, you will do the same for me, except for the fact you don’t have magical resistance. Now, let us each go to our rooms and keep our ears open.” Celestia explained before the two pairs left for their respective rooms.
As Spike and Luna made their way to her room, Luna couldn’t help but feel a tinge of joy at the thought of having someone there with her, but that wasn't all she felt, she was nervous, as she never had a friend stay over before. Walking down that familiar hallway, Luna finally spotter her bedroom door, and as they arrived to it, she opened it with her magic, letting them both in.
The first thing Spike saw was the beautiful magenta drapes cascading down the sides of each window, then to the largest bed he's ever seen on the other side of the room, with regal pillows and sheets, both laced with golden linings. Then his gaze fell upon the gilded dresser, made of the rarest dark wood and covered with expensive gifts, then to her floor, one would not imagine gawking at a simple carpet, but this was crafted with the finest precision of royal crimson. There were also numerous bookshelves filled to the brim with what he assumed were spell books. Spike had been staring with his mouth agape so long it was concerning Luna.
“Spike, are you alright?” She asked with concern in her voice, causing him to snap back into reality.
“Oh! I’m fine, it’s just… this room is amazing! You’re so lucky!” Spike said with joy.
“Well, thank you, Spike. I do try to maintain it as best as I can,” she smiled back.
“And I thought Twilight’s library was hard to keep up.” Spike said, as he was picturing how it took him an entire day to keep up the library.
“It's not that difficult when one has memorized a library’s worth of spells.” She smirked.
Starting to feel a little uneasy, she invited him in.
“Where are my manners? Spike, please seat yourself on the bed,” she directed him towards her obvious bed. He took a seat, amazed at how comfortable it was, not noticing as Luna sat next to him.
“So, how have you been?” Luna said, trying to make small talk, not being used to have a guest.
“I’m doing well. How've you been?”
“I am also doing well.” Luna replied, trying to think of something to talk about.
"Yeah, that's good," Spike said, unwillingly letting the silence overtake them.
“I’m sorry Spike, I’m not used to having guests.” Luna said, feeling slightly embarrassed.
“It’s alright, I can imagine it must be lonely, seeing how not many ponies are up at night.” Spike said with immediate regret. He could already see the sad look on Luna’s face.
“It is.”
“I enjoy the night, though. It’s very relaxing. Most ponies are in bed, it’s nice and quiet outside. I usually like to take strolls by myself, looking at the moon. Gives me time to think, time to breathe… time to do whatever.” Spike said, trying to cheer her up.
“You enjoy looking at the moon?” Luna asked, a smile on her face.
“It’s calming and peaceful.” Spike spoke.
“I’m glad you think that, Spike. Most ponies don’t get to enjoy my moon as they are sleeping. I put a lot of work in it, making it perfect. Making sure the stars are not overshadowing its beauty.” Luna spoke, pride in her voice.
“Can I tell you something Spike? Something I haven’t told anypony?”
“Of course, Luna.” Spike said, giving her his full attention.
“Even after being accepted back, I still feel alone, out of place. I can feel that these ponies are subconsciously afraid that I could become Nightmare Moon again. Especially in their dreams, where their emotions are raw and untamed by their social ties, no matter how hard I try to prove them wrong...”
“You feel alone in the crowds, as if everyone's staring at you, never looking you in the eye, waiting for you to make even the simplest mistake... I know far too well how that feels.”
“Really?”
“Ever since I was a newborn, I’ve felt like a stone out of place. Sure at first it was fine, as I was young and the fear had not entered their mind yet. As I was getting older, I could tell they were starting to feel uneasy around me. That uneasiness was starting to bring thoughts of dragon stereotypes in their minds. No matter how much I prove that I am different from other dragons, that I’ve been raised by ponies, that I’ve lived in a pony society, it doesn’t seem to change anything. In their mind, as soon as they saw what greed did to me, and what I became, it’s almost like they thought that’s what I was destined to become.” Spike confessed, remembering their haunting stares.
Luna was speechless, she had no idea Spike felt the same way she did. All she could do was give him a hug, as if saying both, I know your pain and finally someone understands how I feel.
Spike returned the hug, looking into her eyes, and hearing those unspoken words, while saying the same back.
“I never noticed how much your deep blue eyes shined in the moonlight.” Spike said, in his most suave voice.
“Thank you?...”
“Great, now I’m making things awkward,” Spike’s cheeks blushed a deep red.
“You? Awkward? Have you seen how I am? I not even sentences say normally,” Luna giggled.
“You should see Twilight.” he said, bursting out laughing, Luna joining in.