Shadow Ponyby Pearly_GliderChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1The Cakes hurried all around the shop. “Carrot?” Cup Cake asked looking towards her husband, who was putting Pumpkin in the high chair. “Did you get the cots out from the basement?” “Yes honey, there in the- Pound No!” Carrot yelled running into the kitchen. There was a crash as Pinkie Pie bounced down the stairs. She winced but still continued. Pumpkin, who was in her high chair, began to wine. She had been patient but grew tired of not having her bottle. Mrs. Cake picked up the unfinished bottle from the counter and began to shake it up. “Hi Mrs. Cake,” she said in her usual cheery voice. “Whatcha you doing?” “Cleaning up,” she said as she gave Pumpkin her bottle. “My sister and nephew are coming down from Manehattan. Could you help me tidy the place up?” “Okey-dokey-lokey.” Pinkie said raising her right hoof to her forehead. Carrot came out of the kitchen carrying a cranky white Pound Cake. “Honey I don’t know how this young colt managed to do it, but somehow he got into the cabinet and knocked over a 20-pound sack of flour.” “Oh dear, Pinkie could you clean that up while he gives Pound another bath.” “Yes, ma’am.” Pinkie bounced into the kitchen with a dustpan in her mouth, causing Mrs. Cake to giggle. The doorbell sounded and Mrs. Cake quickly scooped up Pumpkin and ran to the door. There stood a red velvet mare and a young brown colt who didn’t have a cutie mark. “Good morning Velvet,” she said cuddling Pumpkin who was squirming a little. “How was your train ride?” “It was alright Drizzle.” Velvet chuckled, giving her sister a hug. Velvet looked at the foal in Mrs. Cake’s hoof. “Oh, is this Pumpkin?” Velvet ruffled the filly's mane. "She's so big," she poked the little fillies nose. Pumpkin grabbed her aunt's hoof and started to laugh. "Where's Pound?" Velvet asked, trying to get her hoof back. “Oh, he’s getting a bath. Somehow he managed to dump a sack of flour all over himself and the kitchen. "Our assistant Pinkie Pie has been working her tail off constantly. Right now she is cleaning the mess Pound created." “Pinkie Pie? Oh, the element of laughter. How is she? I don’t think I’ve met her yet?” “Mom,” the brown foal said looking at his mother. “I have to go to the bathroom.” “Go up the stairs Bundt,” Mrs. Cake told the foal. “It's the second door on the right. Oh, Carrot should be in there with Pound. Tell him you need to go.” “Thank you, Auntie.” He said racing up the stairs. Velvet and Cup laughed. Pumpkin was attempting to wiggle out of Cup’s hold and go to Velvet. “Oh, do you want me?” Velvet giggled, taking the yellow foal. “Oh, would you want to sit down,” Cup asked motioning towards the chairs. Velvet was playing with the foal who was giggling uncontrollably. “Do you want me to sit down?” She said in a baby voice. She blew Raspberries on Pumpkin’s belly. They went towards the chairs as a blotchy white Pinkie Pie emerged from the kitchen. She then sneezed. “All done Mrs. Cake,” She chuckled and looked at Velvet. “Oh yay!” Before anypony could say a word Pinkie ran out of the store. “Was that Pinkie Pie?” Velvet asked looking from the foal that was now asleep in her hooves. “Yes,” Cup giggled slightly. “If I were you I’d warn Bundt. She seems to go a little overboard with these parties sometimes.” Carrot peeked from the top of the stairs, “Honey I’m going to put Pound to bed. Do you want me to take Pumpkin too?” “Sure,” she said. “I’ll help you.” Velvet got up from the chair and walked up the stairs. Leaving Cup alone. She sighed and waited a few minutes before she went up the stairs. She heard something and stopped right in front of the bathroom. “Hey Henry!” Squealed an exciting colt. “I haven’t seen you since we left Manehattan.” There was a long pause as if someone else was responding to him, Bundt giggled and said, “Sorry, mom had us move closer to my aunt and uncle. They have the cutest foals, you should meet them.” There was another long pause. Cup knocked on the door. “Bundt? Are you okay?” There was a thud. “Quick hide!” Bundt said galloping toward the door. It opened slightly, “Yes Auntie, do you need anything?” After looking around the room, and seeing nothing was out of place. She chuckled, “No, I just wanted to check on you. Are you done?” “Almost, I need one more minute.” “Okay.” Cup then went into the twin’s room. Bundt went to the sink. “I’m sorry about that Henry, we'll have to talk later.” “Oh darn.” A voice answered. “I wanted to catch up. We haven’t talked in forever.” “I know. I don’t want to, but that was a close call. I promise I’ll talk to you later.” Bundt looked at Henry with pleading eyes, soon he gave in. “Bye.” Bundt waved toward a black figure in the sink and left the room. It grew and waved back. Pinkie Pie bounced to her favorite party store known as Parties for You and Me. She walked to the counter and rang the bell. “Good morning Ms. Pie,” a gray stallion said behind the counter. “Hows my best customer.” "Better than ever!" Pinkie jumped with excitement. “Would you like the usual?” He asked picking up a large package that said For Pinkie Pie’s Parties. "Not for Individual Resale." “I need two today actually, Mrs. Cake’s sister and nephew are here.” “Really?” The shopkeeper pulled another out from under the counter and put it in her saddlebags. “And how are the Cakes? They haven’t visited here since" The shop owner had to ponder for a moment. Finally, it came to him. "Since before the baby shower." Pinkie Pie grabbed 15 bits from the other side of her saddlebag. “Boy, they have been working their hardest lately. Pound knocked over a 20-pound bag of flour this morning while they were cleaning.” “Really? Wow, that foal is strong!” “Yeah, and Pumpkin has been sucking on the craziest of things. Just the other day I caught her sucking on a bottle of vinegar.” “Ew, I bet that didn’t taste good.” “I know right.” “Wow.” “Well I better get back. I don't know how long they're staying in Ponyville. "Say hi to Mrs. Smiley for me" Pinkie smiled "Oh, and the party will be around four." “Ok Pinkie, see you then." Pinkie bounced through town handing out invitations to everyone who greeted her. It didn’t take long to pass them all out. She decided to sing everyone else their invitations. Then remembered she didn’t ask for Mrs. Cake’s sister and nephews names. Quickly she bounced to Sugar Cube Corner and walked inside. She surveyed the shop and noticed Carrot was in the kitchen making lunch. She went into the twin’s room. “Hey Mrs. Cake,” she whispered. “Did the guests settle in yet?” “They should be unpacking now,” Cup said rocking Pound in one of the rocking chairs. He smiled at the sight of the fun pink mare. “Pinkie” he yawned. Pinkie quietly closed the door and walked to the guest bedroom that was right across from her’s. Bundt was on a cot taking a nap, while Velvet worked around him. “Good afternoon.” Pinkie whispered, “Would you like some help?” “Oh please,” Velvet answered handing her a suitcase. “I don’t believe I’ve introduced myself.” Pinkie Pie said putting a stuffed toy next to Bundt. “I’m Pinkie Pie." Velvet smiled, “I’m Velvet Cake, Drizzle’s sister, this is Bundt.” She said, gently stroking the young colt’s mane. They worked in silence for a few minutes. “Velvet,” Carrot said. “Lunch is almost done, does Bundt like steamed carrots and daisy sandwiches?” “They're his favorite actually. Pinkie why don’t you help them set up, I’ll be there in a minute.” “Okey-dokey-lokey” Pinkie said turning toward the door. “Oh, I might not be down there when you come. I still have to hand out two more invitations for the party.” Once again Velvet smiled. Pinkie followed Carrot down the stairs, helped them set up, then packed some sandwiches and left. “Bundt" Velvet said rubbing the young colt's dark brown mane. He squirmed a little. "Come on honey, lunch will be done any minute." "Okay mommy," he yawned stretching across the cot. "It's daisy sandwiches and steamed carrots." she sang knowing what would happen. Bundt quickly opened his eyes and jumped from the bed. "I'm up." “I’ll race you” Velvet laughed ready to sprint. Bundt laughed. “You're on.” Bundt readied his hooves, awaiting his mother’s signal. She nodded her head, and he ran toward the door, to be stopped by his aunt. “Velvet, I just got Pound to sleep, please be careful.” “Ok Drizzle,” she walked in front of Bundt and brought her head to his level. “That was my fault. I promise I’ll race you outside later, ok? “Alright, now let's go eat. I’m starving.” Velvet laughed and moved toward the door. Bundt saw his friend Henry waving out of the corner of his eye. “Hey, mom?” She turned toward him. “I’ll be down in a minute, I need to go again.” He twisted his legs as if it were an emergency. “Okay, but don’t belong. I don’t want your carrots to get cold.” “Will do.” He ran passed his mom, tiptoed past the twin’s room, and went to the bathroom. Henry then came out in front of him. He looked like a pony but it was as if he were smoke, with a face. “Hey Henry.” the foal said, practically leaping for joy. “What have you been doing?” “Same as always, but that's not what I wanted to talk about. Do you want to play a game later?” “Sure, what kind of game?” “Well, a game of hide and seek. I know it’s your favorite.” “It sounds like fun!” the foal squealed with excitement. “Bundt are you okay?” Velvet asked from the other side of the door. Quickly he ran passed Henry and turned the water on. Satisfied Velvet went down the stairs. Bundt soaked his hooves in the water and went to the door. “We’ll play later ok?” He dried his hooves on a towel that was right by the door. “Ok.” Henry said with a wicked smile on his face. Bundt closed the door and walked down the stairs, and was startled by a happy Pinkie Pie blowing a kazoo in his face. She then began to sing the Welcome to Ponyville song. When they made it downstairs, he discovered a huge party and several tables full of food. Pinkie pulled him in the middle of the room and began to twist into different shapes that weren't normally possible for a normal pony. Bundt almost choked on his daisy sandwich when Pinkie twisted into a pretzel... Velvet smiled, after Pinkie was done cutting the cake for the young fillies and colts velvet thanked her. “For what?” Pinkie asked. “He hasn’t been this happy since we left Manehattan.” A frown grew on her face as she remembered the past few weeks. "The only time I've seen him smile is when talks about his friend Henry, but you know how foals are. Their imaginations can just get ahead of them sometimes. Pinkie chuckled, "yeah I remember my first imaginary friend. He was an Irish colt I named Sherlock." They both laughed as they shared stories about their foalhood. They turned to Bundt, who was being chased around by three young fillies. “Well thank you again.” Velvet gave Pinkie a short hug. “It’s nothing. I do this to everypony when they come to Ponyville.” “You must be one busy pony.” “Not really, it’s the Cakes who are always busy. Trying to make this place into a home for those two foals can be a lot of work.” “I can understand that.” Pinkie and Velvet shared a smile. They were interrupted when a couple of troublemakers called Snips and Snails tipped the cake onto a little filly. While Pinkie helped clean her off, Velvet cleaned the floor. “Mom!” Bundt said running. “Pinkie Pie is awesome, she made this thing called Bundt cake and it’s delicious. Am I really named after this stuff.” Velvet laughed “Actually honey you're named after your grandfather, Swirling Bundt Cake. He specialized in-” “Awesome! I can’t wait to tell everypony.” He then ran back to a trio of fillies. Like Bundt, they didn’t have cutie marks and would refer to themselves as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They gasped, clapped hooves ran, and outside to play. She shook her head and went back to cleaning. Twilight just arrived back at the library with Spike on her back. He was worn out after the party at Sugar Cube Corner. She went up the stairs and put the baby dragon in bed and tucked him in. He mumbled something about Rarity and apple pie and nuzzled his blanket. Satisfied, Twilight went down the stairs to study and write to the Princess but was interrupted by a knock on the door. “Coming”, she said hurrying toward the door. She opened the door and found a young white colt with a dark red mane. “Hello. Can I help you find something real quick.” “No, thank you," the colt answered. “I came to visit you and that cute baby dragon.” This wasn’t an unusual occurrence. Ever since Twilight and Spike first moved into Ponyville ponies have been visiting to see the baby drake. “Oh? Well, I’m sorry, Spike is in bed.” She looked outside, the sun was setting. “Shouldn’t you go home? The sun is almost down.” “No, my mom knows I’m out. May I come in.” Twilight pondered for a minute. She had a bad feeling in her stomach like something wasn’t right. This was a familiar feeling. Every time she or her friends were in danger, she got this feeling. Then she remembered the rule of no ponies after dark without an escort. She finally found a good excuse to send this pony away. “I’m afraid not. You see baby dragons need their sleep, and Spike was working all day today. He would be really cranky if you wake him. Why don’t you try again tomorrow?” Twilight began to close the door, but it stopped too soon. She looked down to find the colt’s hoof blocking it. "I can’t let that happen.” His eyes were now a deep black instead of a nice green and his coat began to turn black. The hoof started to push the door open. “Let me in.” He demanded, his mane started to grow into a smoky wave-like form. It was like the princess’s, but instead of being full of colors or stars it was like the rest of his body. “NO!” she screamed. Spike then woke up and without thinking, ran down the stairs. “Twilight are you ok?!” “Stay back Spike.” “Is that a....” “Hurry write to the Princess, tell her to get down here and bring Shining Armor.” Twilight screamed in pain as the door slapped against her face. She fell to the floor and lost consciousness. “Twilight!” Spike quickly scribbled down a quick note and began to send it. The pony clicked his tongue as if getting onto a foal. “No, good baby dragons don’t write to the princess. No no no. They go back to sleep.” With his horn agleam he sent the dragon across the room and pushed him against the wall. Knocking the breath out of him. Spike tried his best to get a good breath and send the ready parchment to Celestia, but couldn’t. The pony was choking the life out of him. Finally, the dragon passes out and fell to the floor. The pony began to smile but was startled when he heard a noise at the door. He quickly turned and noticed it was opened wide, with an orange mare coming up the path. He quickly shapeshifted into the unconscious pony on the floor. “Hey Twi?” a pony with a country accent asked. “Are ya ok?.” Henry heard her, and ran to the door, taking shape of the purple pony. “Yes, everything is fine,” Henry said on the other side of the door. “You sure?” “Oh yes, Spike was misbehaving and we got into a fight, that’s all.” Applejack had an uneasy feeling. She knew this wasn’t Twilight, for she would have invited her in and told her all that happened. Even if it meant embarrassing a misbehaving dragon. Behind the Twilight look alike, she saw the real Twilight, who appeared to be bleeding. "Dear Celestia," she thought to herself. "I have to tell the girls." She waved slightly and turned away. “Okay Twi, see ya later.” She didn’t falter as she walked down the street toward the boutique. The lookalike closed the door with a smile on his face. He turned, staring at the pony and dragon “Lucky for you,” Henry said, turning to his original form. “I do not have time to play. I am expected to be near the Everfree forest in about..” He looked at the clock above Twilight's cluttered desk. “Five minutes? But don’t worry, I’ll come back later. You, my dear, will remember nothing." He then waved his hoof and their minds went blank. Velvet ran through the house, checking every nook and cranny. She then ran into Pinkie, who was still cleaning. “Oh Pinkie,” she cried. “Please help.” There was a stream of tears down her face. “Velvet, what's going on?” “I can’t find Bundt.” “Calm down,” Pinkie said pulling a chair out from a table. Velvet obeyed and took a deep breath. It didn’t help, she was trembling. “Okay, where did you last see him?” “He went outside with a couple fillies.” “Well, you know how foals are. They always lose track of time.” “But Pinkie, the sun set an hour ago.” A worried face washed over Pinkie as the gravity of the situation hit her. Velvet saw this and began to sob. She would have gone to her sister about this, but she knew that Drizzle would be very busy. “Hey,” Pinkie Pie soothed her pulling her into an embrace. “It’s ok, we are going to find him.” This made Velvet’s sobs weaken as she drew closer to the pink mare. “Now, what fillies did you see him with?” “Henry?” Bundt yelled. “Where are you?” It was dark out, Bundt couldn’t see two steps in front of him. “I’m not sure if right now is a good time to play. It’s really dark, and mom is probably worried sick about me.” He heard something crack close behind him. He screamed and began to run. "Mommy, Auntie, anypony. HELP!" He heard something breathing close behind him, and ran faster. His adrenaline was pumping. Eventually, he made it to a road. "Please, anypony. Help me." He couldn't hear anything but saw a light turn on in the distance. He ran as fast as he could. As he got closer, he noticed it was a small cottage. Still running he screamed, "please help me." A yellow Pegasus with a pink mane came outside, with an angry bunny at her side. He tapped his foot impatiently. "Hush Angle," the shy pony began, "I think I heard something." There faint cry near the forest. "Oh dear, Angle go get help. I'm going to see if I can find the source of the cries." Angel hopped off into the cottage and laid down in his bed, as Fluttershy ran toward the noise. "Hello?! Is anypony there." Bundt heard this and ran faster. "Please help me!" He screamed, drawing closer to the pony who finally responded. Fluttershy kept running towards the voice. In the distance, she could hear hooves stomping faster and faster through the rough terrain. Author's Note Yes I know there are some continuity errors, but this is an alternate universe. Anything can happen. Chapter 2"Are you sure it was her Applejack?" Rarity asked, stirring her cup of lemon tea. She ran into Apple Jack on the way home from a party, literally. Rarity was crossing a corner when AJ rammed her side. They helped each other up, then AJ told her they had to get to the boutique fast. When Rarity was ready with two cups of lemon tea, AJ explained the weird occurrence at the library. "Rarity, have I ever made something as serious as this up before?" The country mare asked, she too had a cup of tea but didn't feel like sipping it just yet. "No, but.." Rarity stared at her cup. "I just can't believe it. Twilight is the best pony I know at magic. How could she be overpowered by..." "Trust me ok. We need to talk to Princess Celestia, she will know what to do." "Why did you come to me about this?" Rarity asked, she put the cup of tea on the table and faced her friend. "Cause you live closest to Twi's, I couldn't risk going anywhere else." Applejack stated. "Well, what do you think we should do?" Rarity asked. "Our only way of contacting the Princess is through an unconscious, possibly dead, baby dragon." AJ looked at the unicorn with concern. "Rarity, calm down. I know you’re upset, I am too." The earth pony moved closer and put a hoof on her shoulder, "Everything will be ok. I promise." Rarity thought about her actions, then took in a long, deep breath and slowly released it. "I'm sorry Applejack, I just can't imagine my little Spikey Wikey hurt like this." AJ removed her hoof and got off the chair she was sitting in. "We will have to leave immediately." She moved toward the door. "What about the other girls?" Rarity asked, "What should we do?" AJ looked at the pony and said, "I'll go buy the tickets, meet me at the train station in thirty minutes. Write a note to the girls and drop it off at the mailing office." "Ok," Rarity said, levitating a piece of parchment and a quill to the kitchen table in front of her. "See you then," she smiled as AJ left the boutique and retreated down the road. Velvet Cake and Pinkie Pie raced to the police station. It had been three hours after sunset since they saw the little brown Bundt. Velvet was fighting the urge to stop and break down, but she couldn't help thinking What if something happened? What if I never see my poor baby again? You would probably do the same if your little one disappeared without a trace. The Cutie Mark Crusaders said they left Bundt at Sugar Cube Corner about thirty minutes before sunset. "Just a little further." Pinkie assured Velvet, her mane was flattened and her fur was pale. "Are you sure Pinkie? You've been saying that for the past few minutes." Pinkie looked at her in disbelief. "Of course I'm sure, I know this place like the back of my ooof." She ran head first into a tree. Velvet skidded to a stop and ran back to her pink friend. "Are you ok?" She questioned, as she helped Pinkie to her hooves. "Yeah I'm fine," Pinkie whimpered. She rocked her head in a circle and released several air bubbles with loud pops. "Are you sure? I can go alone the rest of the way and ask for a medic to look you over." "No, we need to get to the police station now. We cannot waste another second." Ignoring the growing pain in her back, she stretched and popped a few more bones. Then they continued running to the police station. Velvet and Pinkie finally arrived and raced through the Ponyville police station and to the front desk, alerting the two ponies on duty. "Civil Duty," a voice called from the back. "Can you see who that is?" Not a second later a large stallion walked through a large doorway. "Are you okay miss?" The green pony looked Pinkie with a baffled expression, his well groomed brown mane laid at his side. "You don't look too good." She began to develop a black eye and bruises all over her body. She did feel sore, but that wasn't the issue at hoof. "I'm fine, please help Velvet." She said, her voice still sounded depressed. Velvet had tears in her eyes. "What's wrong Miss?" Velvet told the pony all that had previously happened. Civil Duty was shocked. There hadn't been a pony knapping in Ponyville since the Summer Sun Celebration two years ago. "And on the way here," she added. "Pinkie was taken out by a tree." "Velvet, I'm fine." Pinkie lied, "I have a doctors appointment next week, I'll bring it up then." "No, you helped this pony enough." The colt went in back and give Velvet a missing pony sheet. "Ms. Pie, I need you to go to the hospital and get checked out. Mrs. Cake I would like you to stay here for a few more minutes and fill this out. You may stay the night if you'd like, but I suggest you go home. We don't really have a comfortable place to rest." "Captain!" A blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane shouted from the back office. She came to the front with a telegram in her wing"We've just received a report of a Pegasus carrying a foal toward Ponyville." Civil Duty and Velvet hurried to her, Civil Duty snatched the note with his unicorn magic. Pinkie slowly walked up to the Pegasus and stood right beside her. "Rainbow! I had no idea you worked her!" Pinkie said enthusiastically. "Well yeah Pinkie, I told you guys several times I'm volunteering here." She looked the earth pony over, "Well dang Pinkie, that must have been some party. You look really banged up." Pinkie laughed nervously, "It's a long story." She gave a slight smile. "Looks like you won't need to worry Ms. Cake. Looks like your son is headed here now." He smiled at her. Velvet turned to Pinkie, who was wincing at the widespread pain. "You, my little pony, need to get to the hospital." "Velvet I told you, I'm fine. I'll just..." Her mind getting slow and foggy. Velvet slowly walked to her friend's side. "Yo Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash called from the back of the counter. "You ok?" Suddenly Pinkie dropped to the ground. "PINKIE!" Velvet shouted running to her friend's side. "Stay back!" Civil Duty called commanded Velvet. "Ms. Dash go to the back and get the first aid kit." "Yes, sir!" She saluted and flew to the back, reappearing approximately two seconds later. Civil Duty put his ear to the pink pony's neck trying to read the pulse. Then shook his head. His horn lit up and magic spread over the Pinkie Pie. " Rainbow, I'm going to teleport us to the hospital, I need you to stay here with Ms. Cake." She nodded once again and moved toward the Earth pony. "Good, I'll be back as soon as I can." Within a moment, the two ponies disappeared. Twilight woke up in utter darkness with a blistering headache. "Twilight?" Whispered a voice in the dark. She looked all around not seeing the source. "Spike? Where are you?" Her eyes adjusted to the dark environment and she noticed she was in the library. The moon was bright and shone through the windows. After wincing from the pain in her head, she looked around. All around her was a kind of crimson liquid, but she wasn't focused on that right now. She had to find her baby dragon. "Twilight.," Spike called out again, this time sounding more hurt than scared. Twilight immediately got to her hooves but collapsed when a wave of memories crashed upon her. "That was some party, huh Spike?" Twilight said leaving Sugar Cube Corner. "Yeah, but ever since we left the library, I've had the weirdest feeling," Spike said from Twilight's back. Her happy trot slowed when she heard his statement. "Really?" Twilight asked, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" "I didn't want to bother you." The dragon said blowing on an annoying leaf that just landed on his snout. "I wouldn't have been bothered, we just would have come home to check on the place." "Exactly my point!" He rolled over onto his belly. "Every time anyone of us gets such a feeling we get home ASAP. I hate when we do that." "I know you do Spike, but nine times out of ten something's wrong," Twilight lectured. "Remember last time, when we left Gummy's birthday present at home. And the time before that when you left the water running." "Yeah, yeah. Can you give me a break? That was one time for Celestia's sake." Spike whined. "Ok," the purple unicorn teased. Twilight put her hoof to her head and found the source of the crimson liquid. Great! She thought, then took a deep steady breath. Come on Twilight. She told herself. You have to find him. "Spike?" She whispered, "Are you okay?" When she didn't get a reply, she got worried. "SPIKE!" She whispered a bit louder. There was still no answer. She managed to get to her hooves and walked around. She noticed the door was wide open. Another wave of memories crashed upon her. Twilight as she trotted down the street. Spike had just brought up a hilarious memory about the last Welcome to Pony Ville party. "Yeah," she laughed wiping a tear from her eye. "We are almost home, you want to get off my back?" "Sure," Spike said readying himself to jump off the ponies back. Twilight suddenly stopped, causing Spike to go crashing down to the ground. "Hey, what gives?" Spike asked dusting himself off. Twilight stared at the door of the library. "Twilight, are you alright?" "Spike," she whispered. "I want you to stay here for a minute." "But why?" The dragon asked turning his head to the door. It stood open with a crack. Spike stood petrified as he stared at the door. Twilight slowly walked up the pathway and opened the door. Not seeing anything, she walked right in. With a shake of her head, she managed to push the memories aside for the moment. She thought she saw something move in the corner of her eye, near the bookcase. Slowly, she walked toward it and found another puddle of the liquid. Her heart jumped into her throat as she surveyed the area and noticed the purple dragon was nowhere in sight. "Spike!" She yelled in a high whisper, she tried to yell louder but a pain grew in her throat. She plopped her tail end on the ground with a loud thud. She buried her head in her hooves, another memory threatened her. "I don't care." She told her self-conscious. "Just tell me what happened to my baby.." Twilight entered the house, not seeing anypony she motioned for her dragon to come closer. "We were lucky this time Spike." She said, closing the door behind them. "Now what have we.." There was a sharp cling as a frying pan hit the pony in the back of her head causing her to fall to the ground. "SPIKE!" She wanted to yell, but couldn't manage it. "Mom?" Twilight's head shot up. "Spike?" "Hello?! Is anypony there." Fluttershy asked in the pitch black. Bundt heard this and ran faster. "Please help me!" He screamed, drawing closer to the pony who finally responded. Fluttershy kept running towards the voice. In the distance, she could hear hooves stomping faster and faster through the rough terrain. There was a loud scream not far from Fluttershy, she lifted herself off the ground and surveyed the area. Just a few feet down was a scared young colt. She thought she saw him before, but couldn't remember where. Fluttershy swooped down and held the young colt in her hooves. Her wings continued to carry her and the foal into the air. She hugged it tightly. "It's ok." she soothed the frightened pony. "You're safe now." He cried in her warm fur, as they soared to the town. All that could be heard as a whimpering foal and the flapping of wings. Every once in awhile, she would try to question the young colt: "Where do you live?" "What's your name?" but all she received was quiet sobs. "I think it would be best if I drop you off at the police station. Is that okay with you?" He nodded, still holding the yellow Pegasus tight. Author's Note Don't you think Henery did an awesome job with the memories? Chapter 3Author's Note I'm sorry it took so long and for this one to be so short, but I couldn't think of anything for the past month. Chapter 3 Applejack waited at the train station for what seemed to be an eternity. In her wait, she managed to buy a ticket to Canterlot, eaten the large apple she packed for the trip, and started a detailed conversation with the ticket sales pony about her days on the farm. She looked at the clock. Their train would leave in four minutes. She began to get on the train when she heard a voice call her from behind. “Wait!” A voice called. Applejack sighed. “I’m over here Rarity!” “Oh thank Celestia,” Rarity walked right up to her country friend. “I’m sorry I’m so late.” She apologized. "I just came to see you off." "Well, thanks, Rarity. I hope you and the others stay safe while I'm gone." "I hope so too, darling. Too much ruckus is never good for one's complexion." Applejack rolled her eyes and gave Rarity a quick hug goodbye. “Train 12 to Canterlot leaves in two minutes!” The train keeper called. “That’s me. See ya'll.” She waved to the sales pony who nodded back. She boarded the train and sat one seat from the door so that she could climb off as soon as they pulled in. “Later AJ.” The Rarity called. Business at the Ponyville hospital was relatively slow that day. Except for a few scheduled stops once in awhile, nothing really strange was reported. For once the nurse ponies weren’t stressed out and regular announcements were made. There was a slight buzz from the intercom. “A doctor is needed in exam room one, please. Thank you” The secretary, who waited just in front of the medical doors put the phone down with a thud. She sighed and put her head in her hooves. There was a zapping sound and blue puff of smoke in the middle of the waiting room. The pony perked up slightly from curiosity. She hadn’t seen such a weird occurrence in her week of working at the hospital. She prepared her phone for security but froze.There in the middle of the magic dust were two ponies. “I need help!” Civil Duty shouted. The secretary pony pressed the emergency button on her desk. “I need medical staff in the waiting room stat.” She called into the intercom and ran to the pony’s assistance. “What happened?” She asked helping hold the pink pony up. “Wait is that-” “Yes, Pinkie Pie.” He stated then looked at her with a confused expression as he looked at her attire. Her blue mane was pulled back in a bun and a pink jacket on over her yellow fur. Nurses were only to have a white suit on and the typical hat. “Are you a nurse?” “No, but they should be here any-” A gurney burst through the doors along with three nurses and a doctor. “This pony is unconscious. She needs medical attention.” Civil Duty told the doctor as the nurses were loading Pinkie on the bed. “Do you remember what happened?” The doctor asked. “The mare she was with said she ran into some rock.” “A rock? That can’t be.” “That is what I was told.” “But a rock cannot do… Well, that!” He pointed to Pinkie. “I wasn’t there to see for myself, sir.” “Right, Sweet Heart get that pony to the OR stat.” “Yes, Doctor.” She and the other nurses ran through the doors. Civil Duty watched as the pony disappeared and reappeared as the doors swung open and shut. The Doctor now was not far behind. Civil Duty sighed in relief then looked at the secretary who was back at her post. “Are you new?” He asked. “Kind of,” she replied. “This is my first week.” “Thought so.” He nodded slightly. The mare perked up a bit. “Your welcome to stay here,” she said rubbing the back of her neck. “To keep an eye on your friend.” "Thank you, but I barely know Pinkie. I only see her when she drops off goodies for the trainees or when she comes to report something." “Really?” She asked. He nodded and sat in a chair right beside the receptionist desk. “Where do you work?” “I'm the sheriff of the police station,” he stated. "I've been so for the past” It took him a moment to remember how long. "The past four years?" "Wow. I bet that makes my job seem like nothing, doesn't it" "Nah, to think of it you probably do just about as much work as I do. If not more." Her face reddened at this and sighed a little. “My name's Pearly Glider. What’s yours?” “Civil Duty.” They both stood there in silence for about five minutes. “If you don’t mind me asking?” She began twiddling her hooves. “How did you stumble onto Pinkie.” He laughed slightly. “It’s a funny story. You see I was just about to leave when-” He then explained all that happened. She sat behind her desk in amazement and shock. Fluttershy felt as though she had been flying for hours. She knew that it never took her this long to get to Ponyville. Still, she flapped her wings as fast as she could in hopes to get there before morning. The little colt, that had fallen asleep in her hooves, wiped his eyes and snuggled into the warm fur of his savior. This caused her to smile. For years she had wanted to have a foal of her own but never met the right colt. There was one she had had her eyes on for a few moons now, but she was too shy to talk to him. "Oh, Big Mac." She sighed. "If only you knew how I felt." She looked down at the young foal. His eyes were closed tight and his stomach was rising and falling in a perfect rhythm. Something flew right in front of her, nearly causing her to drop the colt. Bundt woke up immediately and grabbed Fluttershy tighter. She looked all around her and saw nothing, then looked to Bundt. "It's okay little one," she soothed. "Something just startled me that's all." She continued on her way, watching all around her. A few minutes later, They heard an animal cry not far from them. "Wha... What kind of an-n-animal was that?" Bundt asked, shaking in fright. "I have no idea," Fluttershy answered. "But it sounds hurt." Fluttershy thought and hovered above the trees just outside Ponyville. She did her best to survey the area with a frightened colt in her hooves. Not two minutes later they heard the bone chilling sound again. Bundt, who had his ears fixed the whole time, pointed to the left. "It came from over there." He said tugging on Fluttershy. She looked to where he was pointing and noticed it was from the Everfree. Bundt tugged on her fur again, trying to get her attention. "We have to see what it is," he said. "It could be hurt." She looked at the colt with deep concern. "I need to get you home," she said and started to fly. "No!" He said tugging her fur toward the place he heard the noise. "We have to help whatever it is." She stared at the colt, trying to see if he was hiding something. All she could tell was Bundt was almost as concerned as she was for that animal. She tried to continue to the town, but there was another cry. She noticed it getting was getting farther away. "Please! We need to hurry!" He cried continuing to pull on her. "It sounds hurt." Fighting the urge to listen to the pony, she continues on the course her heart told her to go on. Bundt began kicking his rescuer. "Stop!" She commanded. "Look I know you want to help that creature, I do too. But I have no idea who you are and I need to get you home before you mommy start to worry." Staring at the pony she tried to start flying again. “Fluttershy?” A country stallion called from under the trees. “What’re you out at this time of night?” Fluttershy stopped where she was and looked to where she heard the voice. “Big Mac?” Flew down to his level and hid behind her main. “I was returning this little one to his family.” She held out the colt so he could look. "Is that the young colt from Manehattan?" "Yes, I found him running past the Everfree." "I'm right here you know!" Bundt cried. Fluttershy hushed him. "Well, do you need somepony to walk with you?" He asked, "This is no time for a mare such as yourself to be wondering about." "Spike!" She yelled in a high whisper, she tried to yell louder but a pain grew in her throat. She plopped her tail end on the ground with a loud thud. She buried her head in her hooves, another memory threatened her. "I don't care." She told her self-conscious. "Just tell me what happened to my baby.." Twilight entered the house, not seeing anypony she motioned for her dragon to come closer. "We were lucky this time Spike." She said, closing the door behind them. "Now what have we.." There was a sharp clang as a frying pan hit the pony in the back of her head causing her to fall to the ground. "SPIKE!" She wanted to yell, but couldn't manage it. "Mom?" Spike gasped. Twilight's head shot up. "Spike?" She looked all around but still couldn’t see. Then remembered a trick the Princess showed her a long time ago while playing hide and seek. Stupid pony how could you not remember something Princess Celestia taught you. She quickly closed her eyes and counted to five then reopened them. She noticed nothing much had changed except, she saw what looked to be a pile of something at the other end of the bookcase. Thinking the worst, she got up from her haunches and galloped over to it. Ignoring the blistering pain from her opened wound, she dug through the pile of books? Another wave of memories hit her so hard so whined in pain. “Twilight!” Spike quickly scribbled down a quick note and began to send it. The pony clicked his tongue as if getting onto a foal. “No, good baby dragons don’t write to the princess. No no no. They go back to sleep.” With his horn agleam he sent the dragon across the room and pushed him against the wall. Knocking the breath out of him. Spike tried his best to get a good breath and send the ready parchment to Celestia, but couldn’t. The pony was choking the life out of him. “NO!” Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs. She looked to the other side of the room. There, on the floor, was the small thing that resembled a body. Once again Twilight ran, but about halfway across the room, she slipped on some kind of liquid. Once again hitting her head she examined her hooves and noticed it was blood but the crimson kind that escaped her head. No, this kind was thinner and noticeably brighter. This is… She picked herself up and ran as fast as she could to the small body. She picked it up in her hooves. “Spike? Are you ok?” She asked but there was no reply. “No!” She hugged him tightly. “No, you can’t be!” She cried. “Please, Celestia don’t let it be true.” She stopped hugging the dragon and tried to examine him. There was a large black bruise around his neck. “NO!” She screamed. “CELESTIA NO!” She hugged his still form once again. “This is all my fault. I should have looked more carefully.” She cried into his light purple scales. “I’m so sorry Spike.” She froze she thought she felt his stomach move as though he was alive. Is he? She put her ear to his chest. Dear Celestia, he is but barely. “Spike,” tears flow freely down her face. “E-everything is going to be okay.” “T-T-Twilight?” He choked. “I-I.” He tried to breathe but it was too hard for him. He did the only thing he thought of to comfort the mare who raised him from an egg. He wrapped his claws around her and hugged her as tight as he could manage. Twilight returned the hug for some time. Then, his whole body relaxed. Spike, her number one assistant, was gone. “No.” She cried. “NO!” Chapter 4Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 1The Cakes hurried all around the shop. “Carrot?” Cup Cake asked looking towards her husband, who was putting Pumpkin in the high chair. “Did you get the cots out from the basement?” “Yes honey, there in the- Pound No!” Carrot yelled running into the kitchen. There was a crash as Pinkie Pie bounced down the stairs. She winced but still continued. Pumpkin, who was in her high chair, began to wine. She had been patient but grew tired of not having her bottle. Mrs. Cake picked up the unfinished bottle from the counter and began to shake it up. “Hi Mrs. Cake,” she said in her usual cheery voice. “Whatcha you doing?” “Cleaning up,” she said as she gave Pumpkin her bottle. “My sister and nephew are coming down from Manehattan. Could you help me tidy the place up?” “Okey-dokey-lokey.” Pinkie said raising her right hoof to her forehead. Carrot came out of the kitchen carrying a cranky white Pound Cake. “Honey I don’t know how this young colt managed to do it, but somehow he got into the cabinet and knocked over a 20-pound sack of flour.” “Oh dear, Pinkie could you clean that up while he gives Pound another bath.” “Yes, ma’am.” Pinkie bounced into the kitchen with a dustpan in her mouth, causing Mrs. Cake to giggle. The doorbell sounded and Mrs. Cake quickly scooped up Pumpkin and ran to the door. There stood a red velvet mare and a young brown colt who didn’t have a cutie mark. “Good morning Velvet,” she said cuddling Pumpkin who was squirming a little. “How was your train ride?” “It was alright Drizzle.” Velvet chuckled, giving her sister a hug. Velvet looked at the foal in Mrs. Cake’s hoof. “Oh, is this Pumpkin?” Velvet ruffled the filly's mane. "She's so big," she poked the little fillies nose. Pumpkin grabbed her aunt's hoof and started to laugh. "Where's Pound?" Velvet asked, trying to get her hoof back. “Oh, he’s getting a bath. Somehow he managed to dump a sack of flour all over himself and the kitchen. "Our assistant Pinkie Pie has been working her tail off constantly. Right now she is cleaning the mess Pound created." “Pinkie Pie? Oh, the element of laughter. How is she? I don’t think I’ve met her yet?” “Mom,” the brown foal said looking at his mother. “I have to go to the bathroom.” “Go up the stairs Bundt,” Mrs. Cake told the foal. “It's the second door on the right. Oh, Carrot should be in there with Pound. Tell him you need to go.” “Thank you, Auntie.” He said racing up the stairs. Velvet and Cup laughed. Pumpkin was attempting to wiggle out of Cup’s hold and go to Velvet. “Oh, do you want me?” Velvet giggled, taking the yellow foal. “Oh, would you want to sit down,” Cup asked motioning towards the chairs. Velvet was playing with the foal who was giggling uncontrollably. “Do you want me to sit down?” She said in a baby voice. She blew Raspberries on Pumpkin’s belly. They went towards the chairs as a blotchy white Pinkie Pie emerged from the kitchen. She then sneezed. “All done Mrs. Cake,” She chuckled and looked at Velvet. “Oh yay!” Before anypony could say a word Pinkie ran out of the store. “Was that Pinkie Pie?” Velvet asked looking from the foal that was now asleep in her hooves. “Yes,” Cup giggled slightly. “If I were you I’d warn Bundt. She seems to go a little overboard with these parties sometimes.” Carrot peeked from the top of the stairs, “Honey I’m going to put Pound to bed. Do you want me to take Pumpkin too?” “Sure,” she said. “I’ll help you.” Velvet got up from the chair and walked up the stairs. Leaving Cup alone. She sighed and waited a few minutes before she went up the stairs. She heard something and stopped right in front of the bathroom. “Hey Henry!” Squealed an exciting colt. “I haven’t seen you since we left Manehattan.” There was a long pause as if someone else was responding to him, Bundt giggled and said, “Sorry, mom had us move closer to my aunt and uncle. They have the cutest foals, you should meet them.” There was another long pause. Cup knocked on the door. “Bundt? Are you okay?” There was a thud. “Quick hide!” Bundt said galloping toward the door. It opened slightly, “Yes Auntie, do you need anything?” After looking around the room, and seeing nothing was out of place. She chuckled, “No, I just wanted to check on you. Are you done?” “Almost, I need one more minute.” “Okay.” Cup then went into the twin’s room. Bundt went to the sink. “I’m sorry about that Henry, we'll have to talk later.” “Oh darn.” A voice answered. “I wanted to catch up. We haven’t talked in forever.” “I know. I don’t want to, but that was a close call. I promise I’ll talk to you later.” Bundt looked at Henry with pleading eyes, soon he gave in. “Bye.” Bundt waved toward a black figure in the sink and left the room. It grew and waved back. Pinkie Pie bounced to her favorite party store known as Parties for You and Me. She walked to the counter and rang the bell. “Good morning Ms. Pie,” a gray stallion said behind the counter. “Hows my best customer.” "Better than ever!" Pinkie jumped with excitement. “Would you like the usual?” He asked picking up a large package that said For Pinkie Pie’s Parties. "Not for Individual Resale." “I need two today actually, Mrs. Cake’s sister and nephew are here.” “Really?” The shopkeeper pulled another out from under the counter and put it in her saddlebags. “And how are the Cakes? They haven’t visited here since" The shop owner had to ponder for a moment. Finally, it came to him. "Since before the baby shower." Pinkie Pie grabbed 15 bits from the other side of her saddlebag. “Boy, they have been working their hardest lately. Pound knocked over a 20-pound bag of flour this morning while they were cleaning.” “Really? Wow, that foal is strong!” “Yeah, and Pumpkin has been sucking on the craziest of things. Just the other day I caught her sucking on a bottle of vinegar.” “Ew, I bet that didn’t taste good.” “I know right.” “Wow.” “Well I better get back. I don't know how long they're staying in Ponyville. "Say hi to Mrs. Smiley for me" Pinkie smiled "Oh, and the party will be around four." “Ok Pinkie, see you then." Pinkie bounced through town handing out invitations to everyone who greeted her. It didn’t take long to pass them all out. She decided to sing everyone else their invitations. Then remembered she didn’t ask for Mrs. Cake’s sister and nephews names. Quickly she bounced to Sugar Cube Corner and walked inside. She surveyed the shop and noticed Carrot was in the kitchen making lunch. She went into the twin’s room. “Hey Mrs. Cake,” she whispered. “Did the guests settle in yet?” “They should be unpacking now,” Cup said rocking Pound in one of the rocking chairs. He smiled at the sight of the fun pink mare. “Pinkie” he yawned. Pinkie quietly closed the door and walked to the guest bedroom that was right across from her’s. Bundt was on a cot taking a nap, while Velvet worked around him. “Good afternoon.” Pinkie whispered, “Would you like some help?” “Oh please,” Velvet answered handing her a suitcase. “I don’t believe I’ve introduced myself.” Pinkie Pie said putting a stuffed toy next to Bundt. “I’m Pinkie Pie." Velvet smiled, “I’m Velvet Cake, Drizzle’s sister, this is Bundt.” She said, gently stroking the young colt’s mane. They worked in silence for a few minutes. “Velvet,” Carrot said. “Lunch is almost done, does Bundt like steamed carrots and daisy sandwiches?” “They're his favorite actually. Pinkie why don’t you help them set up, I’ll be there in a minute.” “Okey-dokey-lokey” Pinkie said turning toward the door. “Oh, I might not be down there when you come. I still have to hand out two more invitations for the party.” Once again Velvet smiled. Pinkie followed Carrot down the stairs, helped them set up, then packed some sandwiches and left. “Bundt" Velvet said rubbing the young colt's dark brown mane. He squirmed a little. "Come on honey, lunch will be done any minute." "Okay mommy," he yawned stretching across the cot. "It's daisy sandwiches and steamed carrots." she sang knowing what would happen. Bundt quickly opened his eyes and jumped from the bed. "I'm up." “I’ll race you” Velvet laughed ready to sprint. Bundt laughed. “You're on.” Bundt readied his hooves, awaiting his mother’s signal. She nodded her head, and he ran toward the door, to be stopped by his aunt. “Velvet, I just got Pound to sleep, please be careful.” “Ok Drizzle,” she walked in front of Bundt and brought her head to his level. “That was my fault. I promise I’ll race you outside later, ok? “Alright, now let's go eat. I’m starving.” Velvet laughed and moved toward the door. Bundt saw his friend Henry waving out of the corner of his eye. “Hey, mom?” She turned toward him. “I’ll be down in a minute, I need to go again.” He twisted his legs as if it were an emergency. “Okay, but don’t belong. I don’t want your carrots to get cold.” “Will do.” He ran passed his mom, tiptoed past the twin’s room, and went to the bathroom. Henry then came out in front of him. He looked like a pony but it was as if he were smoke, with a face. “Hey Henry.” the foal said, practically leaping for joy. “What have you been doing?” “Same as always, but that's not what I wanted to talk about. Do you want to play a game later?” “Sure, what kind of game?” “Well, a game of hide and seek. I know it’s your favorite.” “It sounds like fun!” the foal squealed with excitement. “Bundt are you okay?” Velvet asked from the other side of the door. Quickly he ran passed Henry and turned the water on. Satisfied Velvet went down the stairs. Bundt soaked his hooves in the water and went to the door. “We’ll play later ok?” He dried his hooves on a towel that was right by the door. “Ok.” Henry said with a wicked smile on his face. Bundt closed the door and walked down the stairs, and was startled by a happy Pinkie Pie blowing a kazoo in his face. She then began to sing the Welcome to Ponyville song. When they made it downstairs, he discovered a huge party and several tables full of food. Pinkie pulled him in the middle of the room and began to twist into different shapes that weren't normally possible for a normal pony. Bundt almost choked on his daisy sandwich when Pinkie twisted into a pretzel... Velvet smiled, after Pinkie was done cutting the cake for the young fillies and colts velvet thanked her. “For what?” Pinkie asked. “He hasn’t been this happy since we left Manehattan.” A frown grew on her face as she remembered the past few weeks. "The only time I've seen him smile is when talks about his friend Henry, but you know how foals are. Their imaginations can just get ahead of them sometimes. Pinkie chuckled, "yeah I remember my first imaginary friend. He was an Irish colt I named Sherlock." They both laughed as they shared stories about their foalhood. They turned to Bundt, who was being chased around by three young fillies. “Well thank you again.” Velvet gave Pinkie a short hug. “It’s nothing. I do this to everypony when they come to Ponyville.” “You must be one busy pony.” “Not really, it’s the Cakes who are always busy. Trying to make this place into a home for those two foals can be a lot of work.” “I can understand that.” Pinkie and Velvet shared a smile. They were interrupted when a couple of troublemakers called Snips and Snails tipped the cake onto a little filly. While Pinkie helped clean her off, Velvet cleaned the floor. “Mom!” Bundt said running. “Pinkie Pie is awesome, she made this thing called Bundt cake and it’s delicious. Am I really named after this stuff.” Velvet laughed “Actually honey you're named after your grandfather, Swirling Bundt Cake. He specialized in-” “Awesome! I can’t wait to tell everypony.” He then ran back to a trio of fillies. Like Bundt, they didn’t have cutie marks and would refer to themselves as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They gasped, clapped hooves ran, and outside to play. She shook her head and went back to cleaning. Twilight just arrived back at the library with Spike on her back. He was worn out after the party at Sugar Cube Corner. She went up the stairs and put the baby dragon in bed and tucked him in. He mumbled something about Rarity and apple pie and nuzzled his blanket. Satisfied, Twilight went down the stairs to study and write to the Princess but was interrupted by a knock on the door. “Coming”, she said hurrying toward the door. She opened the door and found a young white colt with a dark red mane. “Hello. Can I help you find something real quick.” “No, thank you," the colt answered. “I came to visit you and that cute baby dragon.” This wasn’t an unusual occurrence. Ever since Twilight and Spike first moved into Ponyville ponies have been visiting to see the baby drake. “Oh? Well, I’m sorry, Spike is in bed.” She looked outside, the sun was setting. “Shouldn’t you go home? The sun is almost down.” “No, my mom knows I’m out. May I come in.” Twilight pondered for a minute. She had a bad feeling in her stomach like something wasn’t right. This was a familiar feeling. Every time she or her friends were in danger, she got this feeling. Then she remembered the rule of no ponies after dark without an escort. She finally found a good excuse to send this pony away. “I’m afraid not. You see baby dragons need their sleep, and Spike was working all day today. He would be really cranky if you wake him. Why don’t you try again tomorrow?” Twilight began to close the door, but it stopped too soon. She looked down to find the colt’s hoof blocking it. "I can’t let that happen.” His eyes were now a deep black instead of a nice green and his coat began to turn black. The hoof started to push the door open. “Let me in.” He demanded, his mane started to grow into a smoky wave-like form. It was like the princess’s, but instead of being full of colors or stars it was like the rest of his body. “NO!” she screamed. Spike then woke up and without thinking, ran down the stairs. “Twilight are you ok?!” “Stay back Spike.” “Is that a....” “Hurry write to the Princess, tell her to get down here and bring Shining Armor.” Twilight screamed in pain as the door slapped against her face. She fell to the floor and lost consciousness. “Twilight!” Spike quickly scribbled down a quick note and began to send it. The pony clicked his tongue as if getting onto a foal. “No, good baby dragons don’t write to the princess. No no no. They go back to sleep.” With his horn agleam he sent the dragon across the room and pushed him against the wall. Knocking the breath out of him. Spike tried his best to get a good breath and send the ready parchment to Celestia, but couldn’t. The pony was choking the life out of him. Finally, the dragon passes out and fell to the floor. The pony began to smile but was startled when he heard a noise at the door. He quickly turned and noticed it was opened wide, with an orange mare coming up the path. He quickly shapeshifted into the unconscious pony on the floor. “Hey Twi?” a pony with a country accent asked. “Are ya ok?.” Henry heard her, and ran to the door, taking shape of the purple pony. “Yes, everything is fine,” Henry said on the other side of the door. “You sure?” “Oh yes, Spike was misbehaving and we got into a fight, that’s all.” Applejack had an uneasy feeling. She knew this wasn’t Twilight, for she would have invited her in and told her all that happened. Even if it meant embarrassing a misbehaving dragon. Behind the Twilight look alike, she saw the real Twilight, who appeared to be bleeding. "Dear Celestia," she thought to herself. "I have to tell the girls." She waved slightly and turned away. “Okay Twi, see ya later.” She didn’t falter as she walked down the street toward the boutique. The lookalike closed the door with a smile on his face. He turned, staring at the pony and dragon “Lucky for you,” Henry said, turning to his original form. “I do not have time to play. I am expected to be near the Everfree forest in about..” He looked at the clock above Twilight's cluttered desk. “Five minutes? But don’t worry, I’ll come back later. You, my dear, will remember nothing." He then waved his hoof and their minds went blank. Velvet ran through the house, checking every nook and cranny. She then ran into Pinkie, who was still cleaning. “Oh Pinkie,” she cried. “Please help.” There was a stream of tears down her face. “Velvet, what's going on?” “I can’t find Bundt.” “Calm down,” Pinkie said pulling a chair out from a table. Velvet obeyed and took a deep breath. It didn’t help, she was trembling. “Okay, where did you last see him?” “He went outside with a couple fillies.” “Well, you know how foals are. They always lose track of time.” “But Pinkie, the sun set an hour ago.” A worried face washed over Pinkie as the gravity of the situation hit her. Velvet saw this and began to sob. She would have gone to her sister about this, but she knew that Drizzle would be very busy. “Hey,” Pinkie Pie soothed her pulling her into an embrace. “It’s ok, we are going to find him.” This made Velvet’s sobs weaken as she drew closer to the pink mare. “Now, what fillies did you see him with?” “Henry?” Bundt yelled. “Where are you?” It was dark out, Bundt couldn’t see two steps in front of him. “I’m not sure if right now is a good time to play. It’s really dark, and mom is probably worried sick about me.” He heard something crack close behind him. He screamed and began to run. "Mommy, Auntie, anypony. HELP!" He heard something breathing close behind him, and ran faster. His adrenaline was pumping. Eventually, he made it to a road. "Please, anypony. Help me." He couldn't hear anything but saw a light turn on in the distance. He ran as fast as he could. As he got closer, he noticed it was a small cottage. Still running he screamed, "please help me." A yellow Pegasus with a pink mane came outside, with an angry bunny at her side. He tapped his foot impatiently. "Hush Angle," the shy pony began, "I think I heard something." There faint cry near the forest. "Oh dear, Angle go get help. I'm going to see if I can find the source of the cries." Angel hopped off into the cottage and laid down in his bed, as Fluttershy ran toward the noise. "Hello?! Is anypony there." Bundt heard this and ran faster. "Please help me!" He screamed, drawing closer to the pony who finally responded. Fluttershy kept running towards the voice. In the distance, she could hear hooves stomping faster and faster through the rough terrain. Author's Note Yes I know there are some continuity errors, but this is an alternate universe. Anything can happen.
Chapter 2"Are you sure it was her Applejack?" Rarity asked, stirring her cup of lemon tea. She ran into Apple Jack on the way home from a party, literally. Rarity was crossing a corner when AJ rammed her side. They helped each other up, then AJ told her they had to get to the boutique fast. When Rarity was ready with two cups of lemon tea, AJ explained the weird occurrence at the library. "Rarity, have I ever made something as serious as this up before?" The country mare asked, she too had a cup of tea but didn't feel like sipping it just yet. "No, but.." Rarity stared at her cup. "I just can't believe it. Twilight is the best pony I know at magic. How could she be overpowered by..." "Trust me ok. We need to talk to Princess Celestia, she will know what to do." "Why did you come to me about this?" Rarity asked, she put the cup of tea on the table and faced her friend. "Cause you live closest to Twi's, I couldn't risk going anywhere else." Applejack stated. "Well, what do you think we should do?" Rarity asked. "Our only way of contacting the Princess is through an unconscious, possibly dead, baby dragon." AJ looked at the unicorn with concern. "Rarity, calm down. I know you’re upset, I am too." The earth pony moved closer and put a hoof on her shoulder, "Everything will be ok. I promise." Rarity thought about her actions, then took in a long, deep breath and slowly released it. "I'm sorry Applejack, I just can't imagine my little Spikey Wikey hurt like this." AJ removed her hoof and got off the chair she was sitting in. "We will have to leave immediately." She moved toward the door. "What about the other girls?" Rarity asked, "What should we do?" AJ looked at the pony and said, "I'll go buy the tickets, meet me at the train station in thirty minutes. Write a note to the girls and drop it off at the mailing office." "Ok," Rarity said, levitating a piece of parchment and a quill to the kitchen table in front of her. "See you then," she smiled as AJ left the boutique and retreated down the road. Velvet Cake and Pinkie Pie raced to the police station. It had been three hours after sunset since they saw the little brown Bundt. Velvet was fighting the urge to stop and break down, but she couldn't help thinking What if something happened? What if I never see my poor baby again? You would probably do the same if your little one disappeared without a trace. The Cutie Mark Crusaders said they left Bundt at Sugar Cube Corner about thirty minutes before sunset. "Just a little further." Pinkie assured Velvet, her mane was flattened and her fur was pale. "Are you sure Pinkie? You've been saying that for the past few minutes." Pinkie looked at her in disbelief. "Of course I'm sure, I know this place like the back of my ooof." She ran head first into a tree. Velvet skidded to a stop and ran back to her pink friend. "Are you ok?" She questioned, as she helped Pinkie to her hooves. "Yeah I'm fine," Pinkie whimpered. She rocked her head in a circle and released several air bubbles with loud pops. "Are you sure? I can go alone the rest of the way and ask for a medic to look you over." "No, we need to get to the police station now. We cannot waste another second." Ignoring the growing pain in her back, she stretched and popped a few more bones. Then they continued running to the police station. Velvet and Pinkie finally arrived and raced through the Ponyville police station and to the front desk, alerting the two ponies on duty. "Civil Duty," a voice called from the back. "Can you see who that is?" Not a second later a large stallion walked through a large doorway. "Are you okay miss?" The green pony looked Pinkie with a baffled expression, his well groomed brown mane laid at his side. "You don't look too good." She began to develop a black eye and bruises all over her body. She did feel sore, but that wasn't the issue at hoof. "I'm fine, please help Velvet." She said, her voice still sounded depressed. Velvet had tears in her eyes. "What's wrong Miss?" Velvet told the pony all that had previously happened. Civil Duty was shocked. There hadn't been a pony knapping in Ponyville since the Summer Sun Celebration two years ago. "And on the way here," she added. "Pinkie was taken out by a tree." "Velvet, I'm fine." Pinkie lied, "I have a doctors appointment next week, I'll bring it up then." "No, you helped this pony enough." The colt went in back and give Velvet a missing pony sheet. "Ms. Pie, I need you to go to the hospital and get checked out. Mrs. Cake I would like you to stay here for a few more minutes and fill this out. You may stay the night if you'd like, but I suggest you go home. We don't really have a comfortable place to rest." "Captain!" A blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane shouted from the back office. She came to the front with a telegram in her wing"We've just received a report of a Pegasus carrying a foal toward Ponyville." Civil Duty and Velvet hurried to her, Civil Duty snatched the note with his unicorn magic. Pinkie slowly walked up to the Pegasus and stood right beside her. "Rainbow! I had no idea you worked her!" Pinkie said enthusiastically. "Well yeah Pinkie, I told you guys several times I'm volunteering here." She looked the earth pony over, "Well dang Pinkie, that must have been some party. You look really banged up." Pinkie laughed nervously, "It's a long story." She gave a slight smile. "Looks like you won't need to worry Ms. Cake. Looks like your son is headed here now." He smiled at her. Velvet turned to Pinkie, who was wincing at the widespread pain. "You, my little pony, need to get to the hospital." "Velvet I told you, I'm fine. I'll just..." Her mind getting slow and foggy. Velvet slowly walked to her friend's side. "Yo Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash called from the back of the counter. "You ok?" Suddenly Pinkie dropped to the ground. "PINKIE!" Velvet shouted running to her friend's side. "Stay back!" Civil Duty called commanded Velvet. "Ms. Dash go to the back and get the first aid kit." "Yes, sir!" She saluted and flew to the back, reappearing approximately two seconds later. Civil Duty put his ear to the pink pony's neck trying to read the pulse. Then shook his head. His horn lit up and magic spread over the Pinkie Pie. " Rainbow, I'm going to teleport us to the hospital, I need you to stay here with Ms. Cake." She nodded once again and moved toward the Earth pony. "Good, I'll be back as soon as I can." Within a moment, the two ponies disappeared. Twilight woke up in utter darkness with a blistering headache. "Twilight?" Whispered a voice in the dark. She looked all around not seeing the source. "Spike? Where are you?" Her eyes adjusted to the dark environment and she noticed she was in the library. The moon was bright and shone through the windows. After wincing from the pain in her head, she looked around. All around her was a kind of crimson liquid, but she wasn't focused on that right now. She had to find her baby dragon. "Twilight.," Spike called out again, this time sounding more hurt than scared. Twilight immediately got to her hooves but collapsed when a wave of memories crashed upon her. "That was some party, huh Spike?" Twilight said leaving Sugar Cube Corner. "Yeah, but ever since we left the library, I've had the weirdest feeling," Spike said from Twilight's back. Her happy trot slowed when she heard his statement. "Really?" Twilight asked, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" "I didn't want to bother you." The dragon said blowing on an annoying leaf that just landed on his snout. "I wouldn't have been bothered, we just would have come home to check on the place." "Exactly my point!" He rolled over onto his belly. "Every time anyone of us gets such a feeling we get home ASAP. I hate when we do that." "I know you do Spike, but nine times out of ten something's wrong," Twilight lectured. "Remember last time, when we left Gummy's birthday present at home. And the time before that when you left the water running." "Yeah, yeah. Can you give me a break? That was one time for Celestia's sake." Spike whined. "Ok," the purple unicorn teased. Twilight put her hoof to her head and found the source of the crimson liquid. Great! She thought, then took a deep steady breath. Come on Twilight. She told herself. You have to find him. "Spike?" She whispered, "Are you okay?" When she didn't get a reply, she got worried. "SPIKE!" She whispered a bit louder. There was still no answer. She managed to get to her hooves and walked around. She noticed the door was wide open. Another wave of memories crashed upon her. Twilight as she trotted down the street. Spike had just brought up a hilarious memory about the last Welcome to Pony Ville party. "Yeah," she laughed wiping a tear from her eye. "We are almost home, you want to get off my back?" "Sure," Spike said readying himself to jump off the ponies back. Twilight suddenly stopped, causing Spike to go crashing down to the ground. "Hey, what gives?" Spike asked dusting himself off. Twilight stared at the door of the library. "Twilight, are you alright?" "Spike," she whispered. "I want you to stay here for a minute." "But why?" The dragon asked turning his head to the door. It stood open with a crack. Spike stood petrified as he stared at the door. Twilight slowly walked up the pathway and opened the door. Not seeing anything, she walked right in. With a shake of her head, she managed to push the memories aside for the moment. She thought she saw something move in the corner of her eye, near the bookcase. Slowly, she walked toward it and found another puddle of the liquid. Her heart jumped into her throat as she surveyed the area and noticed the purple dragon was nowhere in sight. "Spike!" She yelled in a high whisper, she tried to yell louder but a pain grew in her throat. She plopped her tail end on the ground with a loud thud. She buried her head in her hooves, another memory threatened her. "I don't care." She told her self-conscious. "Just tell me what happened to my baby.." Twilight entered the house, not seeing anypony she motioned for her dragon to come closer. "We were lucky this time Spike." She said, closing the door behind them. "Now what have we.." There was a sharp cling as a frying pan hit the pony in the back of her head causing her to fall to the ground. "SPIKE!" She wanted to yell, but couldn't manage it. "Mom?" Twilight's head shot up. "Spike?" "Hello?! Is anypony there." Fluttershy asked in the pitch black. Bundt heard this and ran faster. "Please help me!" He screamed, drawing closer to the pony who finally responded. Fluttershy kept running towards the voice. In the distance, she could hear hooves stomping faster and faster through the rough terrain. There was a loud scream not far from Fluttershy, she lifted herself off the ground and surveyed the area. Just a few feet down was a scared young colt. She thought she saw him before, but couldn't remember where. Fluttershy swooped down and held the young colt in her hooves. Her wings continued to carry her and the foal into the air. She hugged it tightly. "It's ok." she soothed the frightened pony. "You're safe now." He cried in her warm fur, as they soared to the town. All that could be heard as a whimpering foal and the flapping of wings. Every once in awhile, she would try to question the young colt: "Where do you live?" "What's your name?" but all she received was quiet sobs. "I think it would be best if I drop you off at the police station. Is that okay with you?" He nodded, still holding the yellow Pegasus tight. Author's Note Don't you think Henery did an awesome job with the memories?
Chapter 3Author's Note I'm sorry it took so long and for this one to be so short, but I couldn't think of anything for the past month. Chapter 3 Applejack waited at the train station for what seemed to be an eternity. In her wait, she managed to buy a ticket to Canterlot, eaten the large apple she packed for the trip, and started a detailed conversation with the ticket sales pony about her days on the farm. She looked at the clock. Their train would leave in four minutes. She began to get on the train when she heard a voice call her from behind. “Wait!” A voice called. Applejack sighed. “I’m over here Rarity!” “Oh thank Celestia,” Rarity walked right up to her country friend. “I’m sorry I’m so late.” She apologized. "I just came to see you off." "Well, thanks, Rarity. I hope you and the others stay safe while I'm gone." "I hope so too, darling. Too much ruckus is never good for one's complexion." Applejack rolled her eyes and gave Rarity a quick hug goodbye. “Train 12 to Canterlot leaves in two minutes!” The train keeper called. “That’s me. See ya'll.” She waved to the sales pony who nodded back. She boarded the train and sat one seat from the door so that she could climb off as soon as they pulled in. “Later AJ.” The Rarity called. Business at the Ponyville hospital was relatively slow that day. Except for a few scheduled stops once in awhile, nothing really strange was reported. For once the nurse ponies weren’t stressed out and regular announcements were made. There was a slight buzz from the intercom. “A doctor is needed in exam room one, please. Thank you” The secretary, who waited just in front of the medical doors put the phone down with a thud. She sighed and put her head in her hooves. There was a zapping sound and blue puff of smoke in the middle of the waiting room. The pony perked up slightly from curiosity. She hadn’t seen such a weird occurrence in her week of working at the hospital. She prepared her phone for security but froze.There in the middle of the magic dust were two ponies. “I need help!” Civil Duty shouted. The secretary pony pressed the emergency button on her desk. “I need medical staff in the waiting room stat.” She called into the intercom and ran to the pony’s assistance. “What happened?” She asked helping hold the pink pony up. “Wait is that-” “Yes, Pinkie Pie.” He stated then looked at her with a confused expression as he looked at her attire. Her blue mane was pulled back in a bun and a pink jacket on over her yellow fur. Nurses were only to have a white suit on and the typical hat. “Are you a nurse?” “No, but they should be here any-” A gurney burst through the doors along with three nurses and a doctor. “This pony is unconscious. She needs medical attention.” Civil Duty told the doctor as the nurses were loading Pinkie on the bed. “Do you remember what happened?” The doctor asked. “The mare she was with said she ran into some rock.” “A rock? That can’t be.” “That is what I was told.” “But a rock cannot do… Well, that!” He pointed to Pinkie. “I wasn’t there to see for myself, sir.” “Right, Sweet Heart get that pony to the OR stat.” “Yes, Doctor.” She and the other nurses ran through the doors. Civil Duty watched as the pony disappeared and reappeared as the doors swung open and shut. The Doctor now was not far behind. Civil Duty sighed in relief then looked at the secretary who was back at her post. “Are you new?” He asked. “Kind of,” she replied. “This is my first week.” “Thought so.” He nodded slightly. The mare perked up a bit. “Your welcome to stay here,” she said rubbing the back of her neck. “To keep an eye on your friend.” "Thank you, but I barely know Pinkie. I only see her when she drops off goodies for the trainees or when she comes to report something." “Really?” She asked. He nodded and sat in a chair right beside the receptionist desk. “Where do you work?” “I'm the sheriff of the police station,” he stated. "I've been so for the past” It took him a moment to remember how long. "The past four years?" "Wow. I bet that makes my job seem like nothing, doesn't it" "Nah, to think of it you probably do just about as much work as I do. If not more." Her face reddened at this and sighed a little. “My name's Pearly Glider. What’s yours?” “Civil Duty.” They both stood there in silence for about five minutes. “If you don’t mind me asking?” She began twiddling her hooves. “How did you stumble onto Pinkie.” He laughed slightly. “It’s a funny story. You see I was just about to leave when-” He then explained all that happened. She sat behind her desk in amazement and shock. Fluttershy felt as though she had been flying for hours. She knew that it never took her this long to get to Ponyville. Still, she flapped her wings as fast as she could in hopes to get there before morning. The little colt, that had fallen asleep in her hooves, wiped his eyes and snuggled into the warm fur of his savior. This caused her to smile. For years she had wanted to have a foal of her own but never met the right colt. There was one she had had her eyes on for a few moons now, but she was too shy to talk to him. "Oh, Big Mac." She sighed. "If only you knew how I felt." She looked down at the young foal. His eyes were closed tight and his stomach was rising and falling in a perfect rhythm. Something flew right in front of her, nearly causing her to drop the colt. Bundt woke up immediately and grabbed Fluttershy tighter. She looked all around her and saw nothing, then looked to Bundt. "It's okay little one," she soothed. "Something just startled me that's all." She continued on her way, watching all around her. A few minutes later, They heard an animal cry not far from them. "Wha... What kind of an-n-animal was that?" Bundt asked, shaking in fright. "I have no idea," Fluttershy answered. "But it sounds hurt." Fluttershy thought and hovered above the trees just outside Ponyville. She did her best to survey the area with a frightened colt in her hooves. Not two minutes later they heard the bone chilling sound again. Bundt, who had his ears fixed the whole time, pointed to the left. "It came from over there." He said tugging on Fluttershy. She looked to where he was pointing and noticed it was from the Everfree. Bundt tugged on her fur again, trying to get her attention. "We have to see what it is," he said. "It could be hurt." She looked at the colt with deep concern. "I need to get you home," she said and started to fly. "No!" He said tugging her fur toward the place he heard the noise. "We have to help whatever it is." She stared at the colt, trying to see if he was hiding something. All she could tell was Bundt was almost as concerned as she was for that animal. She tried to continue to the town, but there was another cry. She noticed it getting was getting farther away. "Please! We need to hurry!" He cried continuing to pull on her. "It sounds hurt." Fighting the urge to listen to the pony, she continues on the course her heart told her to go on. Bundt began kicking his rescuer. "Stop!" She commanded. "Look I know you want to help that creature, I do too. But I have no idea who you are and I need to get you home before you mommy start to worry." Staring at the pony she tried to start flying again. “Fluttershy?” A country stallion called from under the trees. “What’re you out at this time of night?” Fluttershy stopped where she was and looked to where she heard the voice. “Big Mac?” Flew down to his level and hid behind her main. “I was returning this little one to his family.” She held out the colt so he could look. "Is that the young colt from Manehattan?" "Yes, I found him running past the Everfree." "I'm right here you know!" Bundt cried. Fluttershy hushed him. "Well, do you need somepony to walk with you?" He asked, "This is no time for a mare such as yourself to be wondering about." "Spike!" She yelled in a high whisper, she tried to yell louder but a pain grew in her throat. She plopped her tail end on the ground with a loud thud. She buried her head in her hooves, another memory threatened her. "I don't care." She told her self-conscious. "Just tell me what happened to my baby.." Twilight entered the house, not seeing anypony she motioned for her dragon to come closer. "We were lucky this time Spike." She said, closing the door behind them. "Now what have we.." There was a sharp clang as a frying pan hit the pony in the back of her head causing her to fall to the ground. "SPIKE!" She wanted to yell, but couldn't manage it. "Mom?" Spike gasped. Twilight's head shot up. "Spike?" She looked all around but still couldn’t see. Then remembered a trick the Princess showed her a long time ago while playing hide and seek. Stupid pony how could you not remember something Princess Celestia taught you. She quickly closed her eyes and counted to five then reopened them. She noticed nothing much had changed except, she saw what looked to be a pile of something at the other end of the bookcase. Thinking the worst, she got up from her haunches and galloped over to it. Ignoring the blistering pain from her opened wound, she dug through the pile of books? Another wave of memories hit her so hard so whined in pain. “Twilight!” Spike quickly scribbled down a quick note and began to send it. The pony clicked his tongue as if getting onto a foal. “No, good baby dragons don’t write to the princess. No no no. They go back to sleep.” With his horn agleam he sent the dragon across the room and pushed him against the wall. Knocking the breath out of him. Spike tried his best to get a good breath and send the ready parchment to Celestia, but couldn’t. The pony was choking the life out of him. “NO!” Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs. She looked to the other side of the room. There, on the floor, was the small thing that resembled a body. Once again Twilight ran, but about halfway across the room, she slipped on some kind of liquid. Once again hitting her head she examined her hooves and noticed it was blood but the crimson kind that escaped her head. No, this kind was thinner and noticeably brighter. This is… She picked herself up and ran as fast as she could to the small body. She picked it up in her hooves. “Spike? Are you ok?” She asked but there was no reply. “No!” She hugged him tightly. “No, you can’t be!” She cried. “Please, Celestia don’t let it be true.” She stopped hugging the dragon and tried to examine him. There was a large black bruise around his neck. “NO!” She screamed. “CELESTIA NO!” She hugged his still form once again. “This is all my fault. I should have looked more carefully.” She cried into his light purple scales. “I’m so sorry Spike.” She froze she thought she felt his stomach move as though he was alive. Is he? She put her ear to his chest. Dear Celestia, he is but barely. “Spike,” tears flow freely down her face. “E-everything is going to be okay.” “T-T-Twilight?” He choked. “I-I.” He tried to breathe but it was too hard for him. He did the only thing he thought of to comfort the mare who raised him from an egg. He wrapped his claws around her and hugged her as tight as he could manage. Twilight returned the hug for some time. Then, his whole body relaxed. Spike, her number one assistant, was gone. “No.” She cried. “NO!”
