The Rasp

I knew better than to run up the road the way I did. I guess I was delirious with hope or something. I was waving my arms and shouting as I made my way towards the castle, all smiles and excited. I really wanted to see familiar faces. That's all I cared about. I knew some of the guards at the castle and I wanted desperately to talk to somepony familiar. I should have known they'd be on high alert. I don't blame them for the rock that shot by my head. Or the second rock that hit me dead center of the temple. A perfect shot that left me dazed with bells loudly ringing in my ears. I could see stars, big bright yellow ones that danced in front of me. They were firing from the castle's parapets as I ran towards them. Expertly crafted arrows and spears were hurled at me, while rocks pitched past with horrifying accuracy. I stopped in my tracks, waving my arms desperately!

"S-STOP!! ISH ME, SPIKE!! I'M NOT INFECTED!!!" I hollered. My skull tingled from where the rock had struck, and words felt funny in my mouth. I stumbled forwards a few steps and landed on my knees, gazing up at the castle. Didn't they recognize me?! Perhaps they did. Maybe they couldn't risk an infected dragon in the castle. The drawbridge was up, and the moat barred my entrance. They weren't taking any chances with the Rasp.

"Pleash!! I'M NOT SIC-" Another rock. It must have caught me in the skull because I don't remember lying down.

I do remember waking up, though. I was lying on the dirt road towards the castle. Guards surrounded me, and one of them held me down. By my neck. I'd never studied guard protocol before, but I could tell the difference between a normal hold and one that was meant to serve a purpose. A very specific purpose. I didn't move. I don't think I could if I wanted to. The first guard was saying something about a 'test' and the second guard nodded his head. Two of them held me down while a third...a third...

He...

He cut himself. Just like Zecora did. He cut himself, and let the blood splatter all over me!! OH CELESTIA!!! I screamed for him to get off of me, and kicked and struggled. I was horrified!! I had no idea where that guard had been or if he was sick or what was going on!! Turns out I didn't need to worry about it. They knocked me out with a third rock.

I've just woken up in one of the cells in the dungeon. My head feels like it's splitting open and I can taste blood in my mouth. I'm getting tired of being knocked unconscious. I've been waiting down here for an hour or so now. Every now and then I can hear the guards outside talking. About me. About the dragon they captured in the town. About what they should do with it. How they should deal with it.

"The same way we deal with the other infected. We take no chances. I don't care if it's Spike or the King of Griffonstone himself!"

So that's it then. Now I'm just waiting. I figure they've taken over the castle. One of them was talking about martial law. Celestia must be gone if that's the case. I can hear some pony coming.

I want ponies to know what happened here! I'm wrapping up this journal. I put one of Twilight's copy charms on it, so you'll get every entry I made. Use this as a warning! Don't come to Canterlot! There's no help!! At least you'll know what happened to your family. I'm sorry I couldn't save Twilight. Or our friends. Or even myself. I'm sorry I won't get to see you again, or know what your foals will look like. I'm sorry I let you down, big brother. I'm sorry for everything. Don't come to Canterlot. I hope you get this, Shining. I'm sending this as soon as I finish thi