Shadows

by Penmore

Rating: teen
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Sad, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Starlight Glimmer, Romance, Mystery, Spike, Tragedy
Length: 6112

Spike is the first friend and number one assistant to the Princess of Friendship. At least, he was, until he gave his life to protect her.

Spike is dead and Twilight blames herself. After months of depression and nightmares, she and Starlight set out to find out why he had to die only to come across the impossible.

Published 2016-09-22 01:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-10-18 11:58:05 UTC

Sudden Goodbyes

"Twilight, remember when I said I had a surprise for you?."

"Of course I do Spike. You've been pretty secretive for several months now."

"Well, I'm finally done so I thought I'd let you be the first to read it."

"Read it? Wait... you don't mean."

"I wrote a book!

"That's fantastic Spike!" Twilight rushed to hug him only to be stopped as he presented her with a book. "Sorry. Is this it?"

"Yea. Want to read it?"

"Of course I do Spike. What's it about?"

"It's about our adventures together from my perspective."

"That sounds interesting. I've never thought of asking your side of everything at all. I'll definitely give this a read. Do you plan on publishing it at all?"

"Not really but... Twilight! Look out!" the baby dragon rushed towards her.

Twilight watched as she was pushed out of the path of the magic aimed at her. She watched as it hit Spike dead on and throwing him away like a rag doll against the castle's wall. Following the path the bolt had come from she could only see a shadow disappear into the sky from beyond the window.

"Spike!" she yelled rushing towards her number one assistant.

She stopped a few feet from him to see his body completely blackened from the bolt. She edged closer only to see his figure break apart and crumple. The wind picked up the remains; all the while the alicorn could only watch as the last bit of her first and most trusted friend vanished. She stared at the empty spot for what seemed an eternity and collapsed as the realization finally set in. She had lost her someone important in her life for the first time and it was the youngest of them all.

"Ahhh!" The scream came abruptly and echoed through the empty crystal hallways. The moon shone through the thing curtains and filled the room with only enough light to barely make out shapes.

Twilight started to hyperventilate as her screaming died down and looked around only to see herself alone in bed. She had the same nightmare once again; it had been months since the incident and no clues as to who was responsible. A cold sweat started to overtake her as she tried to calm down and the giant double doors to her room opened with a crash against the walls.

"Twilight! Are you ok? What happened? Is it another attack?"

Starlight rushed around the room using her horn to illuminate the entirety of the space. A soft blue light covered everything in seconds and revealed no magical traps or mechanisms lying in wait. She opened the window to check outside only to be wrapped in a magenta field herself and pulled to Twilight's side as the windows were forcefully shut.

"Don't open them!" Twilight shouted as Starlight arrived in her hooves.

"S-Sorry Twilight, I was just checking to see if anything or anyone was hiding."

Twilight seemed to relax and let her go as she put a hoof to her head. "No, I'm sorry Starlight. I just... had a nightmare again."

"The same one again?"

"Yea, I can't get past it."

"I understand Twilight. None of us saw it coming. It's not your fault that it happened."

"...stand..."

"Sorry?"

"I said that you don't understand!"

Starlight shrunk back as her mentor's voice rose.

"No pony understands! He was my best friend! He was there for me from the beginning and now I'm the reason he isn't here anymore! You have no idea how it feels to have someone by your side through all your dark and good times only to have them gone within seconds because of you! So don't tell me that you understand because you sure as hay don't and I'm sick of everpony else telling me that they do!"

"I-I'm sorry..."

Twilight stopped as she saw Starlight shaking underneath her stare. She took several steps back from her apprentice and rubbed her temples trying to calm herself. Starlight stayed still for fear of her mentor's wrath once more.

"No. No. This isn't me. I'm so sorry Starlight. I don't know what came over me. Thank you, for coming to check on me and for staying with me despite my lack of teaching thus far."

"It's ok... Listen, Twilight, I won't say that I understand but I want to understand. I'm by far the least experienced in things like this with friends but I want to be there for you like you are for me. Please, Twilight."

The alicorn looked at Starlight with shock and answered with a warm smile. "You've come so far Starlight." Twilight hugged her apprentice and turned towards the open doorway. "You're right, I need to stop being like this and at least let you know what it is I'm going through. If not for my sake, then at least for Spike's. I've spent way too long being depressed. Now is the time for action and the first step is searching for his killer."

"But we don't have any clue as to who or what could have been responsible."

"There has to be something. The only thing I saw was something flying away but I can't remember what it was for the life of me. It was so sudden that I just..."

"Don't think about it too much Twilight. It's ok."

Twilight shook her head "No, I have to try. Thank you."

"Well, before we go down that dark road maybe some pony saw what or who flew away at the time?"

"I've thought of that before. No pony saw anything. The window faced the outskirts of town so there wasn't any pony on that side of the castle that day."

"Well did anything seem off? Like the day before or any day afterward? You know how they say the criminal always returns to the scene of the crime."

"Maybe... but I kind of blocked everything out except for the funeral. Did you happen to see anyone suspicious?"

"Can't say that I did... wait... let me think."

"What is it?"

"I think I saw someone I've never met before at his funeral. They were in the back row but I know they weren't any pony I've ever met."

"What did they look like?"

"Sorry, I can't remember. It's like my mind is being clouded in fog when I try to remember."

"Clouded in... hold on." Twilight's horn gathered magic and scanned Starlight. She then scanned herself and her expression darkened. "It can't be..."

"What is it Twilight?"

"We've had our minds tampered with, in fact, I think everyone that was at the funeral might have had the same done to them."

"What? But all the other Princesses were there at the funeral as well. What could possibly be strong enough to tamper with their minds as well?"

"I don't know but that makes me worry about the real reason I was targeted. It also doesn't help that there hasn't been another attempt after so long. Especially since I've been practically vulnerable with being depressed for so long."

"That's right. There hasn't been anything for months now. But, this still doesn't give us much of a clue."

"True. But there is someone who can give us a clue. I just never thought I'd ask for their help on something like this."

"Who?"

"Discord."

"Discord?! Twilight are you nuts?!"

"I understand your reaction Starlight but at this point I want to exhaust all my options. I can't just stand by and let his death go unsolved. If it means asking the Lord of Chaos himself a favor then so be it."

"I've been waiting for you to ask Twilight."

The two mares were taken by surprise as the voice rang through the air. They searched the room and found a pair of eyes appearing between them. The eyes soon took their place on the Lord of Chaos' face and he revealed himself to the two.

"Discord. What do you mean you've been waiting?"

"Twilight, I know that we've had our differences in the past but you must understand that I wanted to wait and see if you would recover before offering to help in this endeavor."

"What's the catch?" Starlight asked taking her place next to her mentor.

"Catch?"

"Yea, you say that you've wanted to wait and see if she'd recover but if you truly wanted to help then you'd have shown up sooner instead of waiting for her to ask a favor."

Discord frowned and snapped his fingers. Starlight found herself turned into a doll and in the Draconequus' paw. "I don't like your tone."

"Discord... Please."

He sighed and snapped his fingers once more returning Starlight to her previous position and form. "There is no catch. I was genuinely concerned and waited to see if you wanted my help."

"Why help us?"

"Twilight, despite everything we've been through I still consider you a friend but Spike was one of my closest friends. The fact that he perished before I could even tell him that hurt me beyond compare. Yet, there are things even I cannot go against unless prompted. I'll help you find who did this but you have to promise me something."

"Anything."

"Twilight!"

"If it can uncover as to who is responsible for his death then so be it. What do you want Discord?"

"When you find whoever is responsible, I want you to give them to me."

"Why do you want whoever is responsible?" Starlight asked before Twilight could speak up.

"They've stolen from something from me even I had no idea could have been done. They took my friend and they'll pay price when I've had enough fun."

"Is this the place?" Starlight asked her mentor as the carriage arrived in front of an Inn.

"According to what Discord said. The clue we're looking for is somewhere in this town."

The town in question was far from any place they had ever been. Further than the town Starlight had once enslaved past mountains and through the territories of dragons. They had enlisted the help of Ember, which she gave without hesitation, once informed of their reasons. The town itself was located in a wide open space carved by time in a side of a mountain. The buildings themselves were similarly carved into the stone giant and paths were paved after years of use to make travel easier. It was a hub of trade and yet fairly unknown to most as it required either flying to arrive safely or safe travel through the dragon lands.

"I still don't see why he didn't just teleport us here or why he didn't say more."

"You heard him Starlight. Discord may be Chaos Incarnate but even he has things he can't do. It only brings up the question as to what exactly is stopping him from doing anything himself." Twilight finished checking into the Inn and proceeded to walk upstairs of the rather simplistic Inn.

With all the buildings being carved out of the mountain it made them relatively cool as mid-day approached and warm during the mornings. The furniture were all made of oak and candles were the main source of light. Once they arrived in the room they noticed that the only other things inside besides the beds were a desk and a large table for when meals were taken in the room. The window looked out into the mountain walls; while most would think of it as lacking much of a view, the sun would help in changing their minds as it shone onto the sides and bathed the town in a wondrous soft hue of red and orange.

"Wow. It's beautiful. Right, Twilight?" Starlight tore away from the scenic view only to have her question ignored as the Princess was busy preparing to leave once more. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to search for whatever clue is here."

"Twilight, come on. Can't it wait until tomorrow? We've been in that carriage for the better part of yesterday and today. Let's at least get some proper rest."

"Wait? You want me to wait? After doing nothing for months you want me to just sit back and let whatever possible clue to his death disappear?"

"Fine! Geez, I was just trying to get you relaxed. You've been wound up for far too long thinking about all this."

Twilight stopped just before opening the door and sighed. She turned once more and put her saddle bag and cloak down on the table. "Sorry, you're right. I need to at least think calmly about this or I might miss something important."

"It's ok. I'm just as anxious to find this clue as you are Twilight. I know that Trixie was my first friend ever but Spike was always there for me as well. I just wish I could have told him that and more."

The mares turned away from each other for a moment in recollection of their friend. The room was silent apart from the wind coming through the window and the flames that danced on the candles.

"I'll go get us something to eat. Try to lay down and relax for a while Twilight."

"Okay, I will. Oh, and Starlight?"

"Yea?"

"Thank you. For everything."

Starlight gave her mentor a warm smile before closing the door behind her. Her hoofsteps could be heard faintly as she reached the end of the hall and descended the staircase. Twilight took her advice and fell face first into the bed, which, was surprisingly soft. She sank into the mattress of what could only be described as made of clouds and closed her eyes. The trip had made her a lot more tired than she thought.

"Twilight? Twilight?!"

""Sp-Spike?" She stuttered as she bolted from under the covers of the bed. She turned to her right to find the drake with a look of concern.

"Are you ok? It looked like you were having a nightmare."

What followed was a mixture of elation and fear as the Princess of Friendship teleported next to the baby dragon and caught him in a bone crushing hug. She cried as the drake was trying to break free of the death grip he found himself in.

"Twilight... stop..." Spike croaked as he finally pushed himself away from the crying mare. "What's wrong with you?"

"Oh, Spike. I had the worst nightmare ever. It felt so real, and lasted for so long."

"Oh? What was it about?"

"It... actually, it doesn't matter anymore. It was just a nightmare. Sorry for my overreaction."

"It's alright. How's about I make you some strawberry shortcake for dinner tonight along with some Bell pepper and Daisy salad? Maybe that'll help ease your mind."

"That sounds wonderful Spike."

She watched as he walked away but felt as a dark feeling in the bottom of her gut as he barely got to the door. "Wait!"

"Yes, Twilight?" he asked with his claw on the door handle.

"I'll go with you."

"Alright, breakfast is ready so let's eat that. Oh, and can you make some time for me afterward?"

"Of course I can Spike. Why do you ask?"

"I've got a surprise for you."

Twilight stopped short of reaching the door and drake. "A surprise?" she asked as her body started to tense up.

"Yea. I think you'll love it. It's something I've been working on for months."

"Spike?"

"Hmm?"

"It's not a book is it?"

The baby dragon turned to face her and a gave her a look of complete shock. "How did you know? I never told anyone... Twilight? What's wrong? Twilight?!"

Spike yelled and rushed forward as the alicorn started to hyperventilate and panic. Before he could get a hold of her she started to scream. Twilight screamed like she'd never had before in her life. It was worse than the ones when she had the nightmares. She had been given a moment's peace only for it to be ripped apart in realization of being fake. The scream echoed through the halls and it wasn't until Starlight shook her violently that her eyes opened and she found herself at the Inn.

"Twilight!"

The princess looked at her pupil as she put her hoof to cover her screaming. She took deep breaths and started to calm down. She nodded after given a look from Starlight and the hoof was removed.

"Was it that nightmare again?"

"No, it was different this time. It felt so real and he responded so differently. It was like... like everything was just back to normal."

Starlight just hugged her mentor silently which caught Twilight by surprise. She got over the initial awkward feeling and hugged her back. It lasted for a moment until a knock came at the door. Starlight stepped back immediately and broke the hug leaving Twilight to wonder why she felt even lonelier when she did.

"Come in!" Starlight yelled.

A pony in a white suit and tie came in with a cart of covered plates. He set them down on the table and set dinnerware along with them. He finished by pulling out a bottle of wine and a pitcher of water before standing still. Starlight looked at him for a minute then realized what he was doing so she floated over a couple bits. He left with a bow and the room was once again silent.

"Let's eat. I tried to get something you'd like so maybe that'll help calm you down."

With a nod, Twilight joined her pupil at the table and uncovered the dishes. They spent the time eating and calmly talking about their plans to search the town. Twilight also took the time to explain her dream for which Starlight didn't have much to say.

"So it was the same dream, yet, the conversation was completely different?"

"Yea. I know that dreams aren't really suppose to follow a set path but I've had the same nightmare ever since that day so it made it feel strangely real."

"Maybe you should send a letter to Princess Luna and ask about it. I know you usually take care of things like this yourself but she's the main authority on these kinds of things."

"Maybe you're right. I'll send her a letter after dinner."

"Great. Oh! I almost forgot. I ordered dessert as well. It should..." she was interrupted by a knock at the door and opened it for the same pony to bring in another cart. He left behind a teapot and cups along with a new plate. Starlight once again tipped him and he left with the finished plates.

"What did you order?"

"One of your favorites. Strawberry shortcake." Starlight took off the cover and served each of them a slice along with a cup of chamomile tea.

Starlight watched her mentor take a bit only to be surprised as she took another instantly. She witnessed the supposedly proper alicorn voraciously eat the cake and levitate another as soon as she was done with her current slice.

"Uh... Twilight?"

"It's the same." She responded with her face full of icing.

"What?"

"It's the exact same taste as the ones Spike used to make."

"Maybe it's just a common recipe?"

"No, he made them specifically for me. I can't stand too much sugar so his recipe called for less of it without sacrificing taste. I need to know who made this."

Twilight rushed out of the room and headed downstairs. She ran and ignored Starlight calling for her and the staff trying to stop her from getting into the kitchen. She teleported past ponies that were coming through the double door and found herself in a kitchen that stopped all motion as they looked upon the intruder. It wasn't until a yell came from an office beyond the kitchen that her senses seemed to come back.

"Why aren't any of you idiots cooking? We have guests to take care of in case you haven't realized!"

"Sorry chef!" the cooks yelled as they immediately got back to work.

The office door opened and steps could be heard coming closer. Twilight stayed silent as each step seemed to echo louder in her head and fear seemed to grip her heart.

"Who the fuck thinks they are so important as to barge in my kitchen and stop my cooks from doing their jo..." The voice stopped as he came into view of the cause of the disturbance.

Twilight took a step forward only for the head chef to kneel as soon as she did.

"I apologize for my negligence Princess. I didn't realize it was you. Forgive my rude behavior. Was there something unsatisfactory with your food?"

The chef found himself enveloped in magic and pulled to Twilight who held him in a hug. He remained confused and silent as the situation was something beyond his comprehension.

"Spike..." Was all he heard from her as he tried gather his wits.

Author's Note

This was an idea I had suddenly. Not much else to say except to check for any blogs I post. I realize I should just use those as far as updates on my time or conflicts.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please leave a comment or critique below as any critique helps me grow as a writer. Have a great day!

Dopple

"Twilight, what are you doing?"

The mare in question turned to see her student looking at her in confusion. She half expected it since she wasn't present but it also made her realize that she was still holding onto Spike.

"Starlight! Look! It's Spike!" Twilight took the victim of her hugging and presented him towards her student. "He's alive! He's really truly alive!"

"Twilight..." Starlight took a step forward concerned for her mentor. She gathered her magic and levitated the drake away from Twilight causing the mare to try and grab him as he moved away.

The drake set foot on the ground and moved behind his savior as Twilight got up from her position and tried to move towards him. She was stopped by Starlight's hoof and began to get angry at being blocked from her long time companion.

"What are you doing Starlight? This isn't the time for games. Let me see Spike."

"Twilight. Are you okay?"

"I've never been better, now move."

"Twilight, I think you should stop for a minute and calm down. Think about what you're saying, Spike isn't alive. We were both at the funeral. We saw his remains."

"He's alive! He's alive and right there!" Twilight pointed a hoof towards the drake as he took a step back from the yell.

"Twilight! Calm down!"

"I am calm! Now, move!" Twilight yelled as she charged her magic and tried to grab a hold of Starlight only to fail as the mare brought up a shield between her charge and the princess.

Twilight grew angrier by the second and unleashed a beam of magic which hammered at the shield. It pushed it's occupants out of the kitchen and across the Inn's floor until they were out the entrance. Starlight in the meantime just kept up her shield regardless of Twilight's efforts. Once Twilight stopped her attack and followed them outside; Starlight took the chance to teleport away and reappear without the drake before Twilight could track it.

"What did you do?! Where's Spike?!" The princess yelled as magic started to crackle around her.

"Twilight, that wasn't Spike. Spike is dead and you know it! Please, just calm down!"

"Give him back! Give him back to me!"

"He's not Spike! Twilight you need to listen to me, please!"

"You're lying! Lies, lies, lies, lies, lies!" Twilight took the air floating above as the occupants of the town started to gather and watch the confrontation.

"Please, Twilight. I don't want to have to hurt you! So, calm down and listen to me!" Starlight continued to plead as the magic around the air gathered towards Twilight.

Just as everything went silent and the air was no longer heavy with energy; Twilight unleashed the gathered power straight at her student. Starlight formed shields around her and the onlookers as the blast shook the foundations of the homes. The force was forced her shield back and drilled into the stone wall behind her. As the final streams of light dissipated and the shields disappeared; Twilight breathed heavy and finally realized what she had done.

"Oh, no. Starlight!" Twilight rushed forward towards the hole only to stop as light shone from within.

The light grew and a blast came from within knocking the princess back against the wall of the Inn. She found herself unable to move and found shackles on her hooves and wings. It was then another blast came and hit her horn which covered it in dark crystals.

"Enough! That's enough Twilight!" Starlight appeared in front the bound mare with a tired expression. "I didn't want it to get to this but you are seriously out of your mind." She disappeared once more and returned with the drake that started everything. "Look at him! Look closely! He is not Spike! Spike is dead!"

Twilight started to cry and struggle free at the return of her best friend only to fail.

"That is Spike! It is! Can't you see Starlight? He isn't dead! He's... not dead."

"Can I say something?"

The two mares turned to the drake who had spoken up in surprise. He was previously shaking in terror after the display of power from the two and now stood firm as he raised his voice.

"Listen, Princess. I kind of understand as to how you'd confuse me with your buddy but I ain't him. Sure, we might look the same but, from the images I've seen the difference is in our eyes." He used his claws to spread his eyes open and show his red iris. "I've had crystal pony customers confuse me with him as well but this is just fucking ridiculous. I'm not that dragon. I don't even have a name other than Chef. I don't know you or any royalty for that matter."

As he walked past the shocked and bound purple mare he stopped at the entrance to the Inn for a second. "You're friend is dead. I'm not him and I never will be, so do us all a favor and remember that." He pushed past the crowd at the entrance not looking back. "Crazy bitch." was the last thing he said before leaving the two mares.

The shackles vanished and Twilight found herself speechless and unable to move. Starlight grabbed her and they found themselves in their room at the Inn once more.

"I'm sorry Twilight. I wish I could say something else but I can't. He might have said it rather harshly but Chef is right. He isn't Spike and he never will be despite how much he looks like him."

Twilight just continued to cry as she crashed onto her bed. No matter what Starlight did to try and alleviate her mentor; Twilight kept crying. Eventually, she passed out and slept soundly as her eyes were red and her pillow soaked with tears. Starlight merely stood by in hopes of Twilight stopping only to watch as her mentor was in pain from the day's events.

A knock came from the door and Starlight got up from her post next to Twilight's bed to see who it was. As the door opened, a milk white pegasus mare with light blue hair greeted her at the door. Her cutie mark was a jar of what could be spices and she wore and apologetic expression.

"Yes? Can I help you?"

"Sorry to bother you Ma'am. I've come to inform you that check out is at ten in the morning."

"What? But we've reserved the room for three weeks. What's going on?"

"I sincerely apologize, but the owner stated that your reservation be cut short. Your money will be refunded and you'll only be paying for the night."

"Where's the owner? Get them here so they can explain why we can't stay longer."

"Ma'am, I do so apologize but I'm afraid that won't be possible."

Starlight stepped outside the room and close the door as the pegasus mare back away. The mare's face stayed stoic despite her legs beginning to shake.

"I want to talk to the owner personally. Where is he?"

"She. She is not able to see anyone right now."

"Take me to her." The angered mare was starting to loom over the pegasus in her increasing state of annoyance.

The pegasus sighed and pushed the pink mare away as she dropped her facade. "I'm the owner and I wanted to do this without much confrontation. The name is Coriander and I want you out of my Inn. I was hoping to at least leave you both alone until tomorrow but now I could care less."

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because you two put Chef in danger. He's the reason I have any business at all and I'll be Celestia damned if I let the two of you risk his safety. The poor guy has been through too much to have a pair of crazy mares threatening to level everything because of him. So, I'll only say it once more; checkout is at ten tomorrow."

Starlight took a step back from Coriander. She took on a thoughtful expression as the pegasus started to walk away. "Let me talk to him."

"What? You've got to be kidding me." Coriander said as her faced twisted in anger. "Get it through your thick skull you nag. Leave him alone."

"I know you did not just call me a nag. You freaking horsefly."

"Who are you calling a horsefly, bonehead?"

The two were butting heads as the cause of their fight reached the top of the stairs. He watched them fight start to get serious and walked in between them before anything else happened.

"Chef! What are you doing? Get away from her!" Coriander yelled pulling the drake towards her.

"Calm down Cori. I get that you want to protect me but I'm not a child. I want to talk to her, she was the only one of the two that had some common sense." He struggled out of the grip and step toward Starlight who was still a little angry at Coriander. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"First, I wanted to apologize for the disturbance we've caused and will gladly compensate for any and all damages."

"As you should."

"Cori, please. Go on Miss."

"Starlight."

"Chef. I'd say it was a pleasure but it's far from that right now."

"Second, you've mentioned that crystal ponies mistook you for our friend. I can understand why and you must understand that the resemblance is terrifying."

"So I've been told. Can you get to the point?"

"The point, is that I want to know if there has been any pony, griffon, or anyone at all really that has been asking about you within the past year or so."

"Year? Can't say I've heard anything. I spend most of my time in the kitchen and when I'm not there I'm usually out buying ingredients with the rest of my cooks. Why?"

"I can't say. Just be sure to be careful. I doubt anything will happen but it doesn't hurt to be vigilant."

"Alright. I'll take your word for it. Anything else?"

"No. Other than saying sorry once again."

"Okay. I'll be in the kitchen Cori. I'll bring you dinner shortly."

"Thanks, Chef."

The two mares watched as the drake leave down the stairs without another word. Starlight turned to enter the room once more only to be stopped by Coriander stepping in front of her.

"What do you want?"

"You told him to be vigilant. Are you suggesting his life is in danger?"

"I don't really know. We're here to investigate a lead towards our friend's death. Twilight thinks it was her they were after but I've had my doubts for a while. If their real target was him then Chef being a near exact clone might have them be mistaken the job was botched."

Coriander looked towards the stairs and checked to see if the drake was still around. She returned and passed Starlight motioning her to follow. Starlight did so and soon came to another set of stairs that held a single door at the top. As Starlight entered she found an office with a bed next to the only desk in the room. The right wall was covered by a bookshelf full of unknown tomes. The desk held plates of half eaten food on one side and papers on the rest. A crystal lit the entire room in a warm white glow as they door closed.

"Nice office."

"Thanks. It's cozy enough for us."

"Us?"

"Never mind that." Coriander sat at the desk and pulled out a black velvet bag. It made a clinking sound as it hit the surface of the table.

"You're trying to bribe information out of me?" Starlight asked approaching the desk.

"Ha! You wish. No, this was given to one of my cooks after being asked questions about Chef. He didn't open it and gave it to me first chance he got. In case you haven't noticed every one of my employees is like family so they treat each other as such."

"So why show me this?"

"One of my unicorn attendants scanned it and died two days later. If that doesn't mean something I don't know what does. I figure since you're looking for clues and the display you and that crazy..."

"Princess Twilight."

"Right. Princess Twilight. By the amount of power you two showed I figure you'd have a better go at it."

"Hmm." Starlight lifted the bag and covered it in a shield. Small lights appeared within the barrier and hit the bag one by one causing miniature explosions but leaving the bag intact. She dumped the bag in the barrier and revealed silver coins. "I've never seen these before, they certainly aren't any kind of currency I'm familiar with and I've studied such things."

"Are they safe?"

"Yea, they don't have any more magic on them."

"Let me see them then."

The pile dropped gently onto the desk and Coriander took one of the coins. She turned it over and searched through another drawer. She took out a small chest and a coin identical to the one in her hoof.

"Where did you get that?" Starlight asked walking next to Coriander.

"It's a coin I got from a crystal pony. She said it was the only currency she had due to being sealed away for so long. Is it enough of a clue for you?"

"If what she said was true then the next place to go is the Empire. You can keep the coins; they aren't dangerous anymore." Starlight opened the door but stopped at the doorway to turn back to the pegasus. "I think, that you should let him come with us. It'll be the safest place for him."

"It's his decision not mine. I'll talk to him about it but I can't promise anything. Just, promise me to take care of him. We might all be family but, he's more so than the others."

"You... You can come with us. I'm sure that..."

"It's easier to protect one instead of two. I'll not be a liability."

"I'll do everything in my power to make sure he comes back. Alive and in one piece."

"It's all I ask. Thank you and I'm sorry. About before and for the comments."

"It's okay. We were both being stupid."

Starlight left and joined her mentor still sleeping at on her bed. She'd been tossing and turning leaving her in a rather unflattering position. She took the time to fix Twilight's posture and covered her properly.

Starlight moved the part of Twilight's mane covering her face and held a hoof on her cheek. "We're getting closer Twilight. I promise, you won't have to suffer anymore if I can help it."

The lights went out and the mare went to sleep. The following day would see them with another companion and one step closer to a murderer.

Author's Note

Nothing to say. Enjoy the chapter as I'm trying to catch up with the others.

As always, thank for taking the time to read my story. Please leave a comment or critique below as any critique helps me grow as a writer. Have a wonderful day!