The Lost Warsby Invictus_risingChaptersThe PrologueGoing HomeChapter 2: the news gets worseThe ProloguePrologue I remember it so clearly. The day was beautiful, Celestia's sun was so bright, and the world basked in its glow. I sat on a bench in the park, reading Mystic Trivia. The book was a birthday present from the Princess. This day couldn't be more perfect, I thought nothing could go wrong...Oh boy was I mistaken. "Haiya Twilight!" My vision was suddenly full of pink and my book momentarily forgetten as two huge baby blue eyes literally poked my own. "ACK! What the hay Pinkie?" as random as she was, she usually had a purpose to scaring you senseless, and sure enough..."Ohhhh....I was just hoping you could help me with a little something. I want to uhm..." The party pony blushed (which was rather hard to notice on her already pink coat). "I uhh...need your help summoning something..." The normally confident mare pawed at the ground nervously as my jaw hung slack. It took a good minute to regain my ability for speech. "You want me to...WHAT?!" Her request struck me like a load of bricks (yeah...it really happened...just ask that ditzy mailmare. Anyway). I continued to stare at her, making her shrink back like Fluttershy, she finally managed to yelp out a jumbled "yes!" followed by copious amounts of nodding. "You do understand what you're asking of me, right?" She nodded again, starting to regain some of her trademark bounce. I let out a deep sigh. "Pinkie...the last time you had me help you summon something, we nearly burned the Corner down...are you sure this is a good idea?" Not once did I ever question why she was summoning things from Tartarus, it wasnt really something you tended to question, and she almost always had the most pure of intentions. This time though I had to stop her, Celestia had found out about it last time. It was nothing major, but the little Imp still caused quite a stir. I sighed again, I hated telling her no. I cleared my throat and spoke softly "Pinkie you cant get her back like that...She is gone. Please Pinkie, I know what its like to lose a lover, but you cant dwell forever. Please stop this, you're only going to get hurt more..." I looked away, tears starting to brim in my eyes at the unwanted memory that had brought...I really missed Big Mac...we all did, but AJ and I felt the most...he had been my husband after all, even if only for a little while. ha...So much for a perfect day. I slowly turned back to the now completely somber Pink mare in front of me, her mane had deflated to a dull, very sad look. I took a forehoof in mine, and looked her in the eyes. "Look at me Pinks. I know it's hard, but this isn't the way to do this. Remember the happiness you shared with her. Because of you, this whole town got to see a different side of her, instead of a stuck up showmare, we found out that she was a sweetheart, that just needed someone to hold her. We were all there for you, and we'll never leave your side, but you can't keep trying to resurrect her. It wont work, and we both know it. Come on, I've got an idea to cheer you up". I picked up my book in my familiar violet glow, and trotted along to the edge of the park, checking to make sure the sullen mare was still beside me. Sometimes I hated it, but having a heart so used to sorrow made it easy to smile and cheer others up, my favorite way to do this of course, was with food. As we arrived at the Library, I opened the door, the same violet glow surrounding it and ushering the Pink pony beside me in. Shutting the door with a soft click i directed her to the couch and trotted into the kitchen. Spike had been baking (he'd gotten awfully good after his week at Sweet Apple Acres under Granny's tutelage). Tonight though he had left to spend time with the CMC, though thinking back on that, I probably shouldn't have let them near eachother hehe. anyway, I grabbed the batch of cupcakes off the counter and headed back into the living room, Pinkie had managed to make herself comfortable. It only took a few minutes for her nostrils to pick up the scent of chocolate chip cupcakes that I had quietly set on the table. As soon as she smelled them, her hair poofed back out a bit and her ears perked up, she looked at me and licked her lips. I nodded, and she proceeded to devour the sweets. "Mmm...Twilight! These are delicious, you say Spike made these? ohhhh please thank the little guy for me!"At the time I'd even let the talking with her mouth full slide. She really deserved to let loose, she'd been so depressed since Trixie's murder, but she was starting to cope. I was starting to smile again myself, but just as I let my guard down, a frantic banging at the door startled me. I quickly got up from the chair and walked to the front door, throwing it open. "Twi! Ah really need yer help, Applebloom done got herself stuck under a wagon, dont ask, something those crazy foals were doin'. Come on Twi yah gotta help me!" I looked over my shoulder and saw pinkie give a nod in between stuffing her face, and had to suppress a giggle. ~ ~ ~ I couldn't believe my eyes, all previous mirth had left me. AJ swore we hadn't taken more than five minutes to get there...but all three of the girls were...they weren't moving, and a dark note had been left. It read simply. "War is coming. We will show no mercy" The hoofwriting was exquisite, and had a dark flourish to it. The paper had one symbol on it, of a spinning cog and hood, with crossed swords. "AJ..." She stared at the three little fillies, still in shock...I couldn't blame her. "Applejack, im going to take this to the Princesses, this can't go unpunished". We had a war on our hooves, I could feel it...this was just the bucking beginning though...Oh Celestia why couldn't it have ended there. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Celestia sat upon her throne, looking out one of the massive windows to her right at the sight of her magnifecent city. But, today, she had more pressing matters on her mind. The day court had been closed and she sat in meeting with the Elements of Harmony and her sister, sunshine seemed to cruelly shine through on the depressed gathering. "Princess..." Fluttershy's quiet squeak broke her from her reverie and she turned her attention back to the Ponies present. "Yes?" Fluttershy didnt often break a silence, so everyone sat forward to listen with earnesty. "I uhm...I think I might have an idea who did this...or atleast...maybe why." Despite herself the butter-creme yellow pegasus managed to speak audibly enough for all to hear. "I think that whoever left that note..." She took a glance at the dark parchment floating in front of Luna's muzzle. "I think they are starting a war" Fluttershy nodded to herself, satisfied with her voiced opinion and missed Rainbow Dash facehoofing. Luna spoke up, having been silent the whole meeting. "I know this mark..." The normally playful dark alicorn spoke gravely. "and it belongs to His Rebellion...Sister I told you we should have warned them..." Luna had looked at her with such sorrow that her heart nearly shattered. "Yes Lulu...you were right. I should have listened...GAH for someone who has lived so long, I still make such foolish mistakes and now it has cost those three little 'Angels' their lives!" The kind and caring alicorn slammed her hoof down onto her throne with such force that the stone back fractured and caused her to fall back in an indignant heap. She swore beneath her breath and sat up, Fire dancing in her eyes. "No...I will not let this go any longer. For the first time in over a thousand years, Equestria goes to war...and you six...I have a request. Lead these armies against them. The assembled Elements stared up at their Princess in shock. Pinkie was the first to regain speech, and her calm town somewhat frightened them all. "I dont know much about fighting but if it's what we have to do..." She stood up, her hair deflating and a grim look so out of place took upon her features. The Element of Laughter sat back down, the hard look in her eyes strengthening the resolve of her friends. "Princesses..." I stood up, flaring my horn and rearing up. "I think I speak for the rest of us as well. We will learn quickly." The others nodded their assent, Rarity and Applejack still too shocked to speak. "Very well. Luna and I will begin planning. Please return in 3 days time, we will go from there." The War was just beginning...and the worst to come paled in comparison to its end... Going HomeChapter 1 The train back to ponyville was rather uneventful, and quiet as we all stared out windows or at the floor. Pinkie still looked grim and determined, and it was starting to rub off on us. The normally energetic and fun-loving pony generally brought a sense of happiness to us, but right now, her stark expression and hard gaze only served to harden our resolve at the unknown challenges to come. She spoke up as we pulled into the station at Ponyville. "Girls...were gonna need matching emblems if were to be this 'Special Forces Team' that the Princess mentioned." We all turned to her, a little stunned, but the soft smile playing across her lips served to lighten the mood. Most of us laughed despite recent events, only Rarity and AJ remaining silent. Still, it was good to see a little trademark Pinkie Pie. "I for one think that is a great idea." I stated calmly, and everyone nodded their assent. Suddenly in an explosion of pink, our friendly little ball of energy shouted "YIPPEE!" on her way out the train. As we watched her go she suddenly vanished from thin air. I scratched my head and blinked a few times, having learned long ago that to question Pinkie Pie was to ask for the mother of all migraines...and a lot of broken bones... Rarity sniffled and looked at each of us in turn. "Darlings, I'm going back to the boutique...or I may go find Pinkie and help her with this design idea of hers." She got up, as did the rest of us, following her off the train. She headed off in the direction of SugarCube Corner, the first logical place in the hunt for the departed Pink pony. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash left soon after. I hadn't missed the glances at eachother during the train ride, and despite recent events, I smiled as they headed up towards Dash's Cloud Home. Thus Applejack and I were left alone together. "Let me walk you home AJ." I turned and gave her a reassuring smile. She opened her mouth to speak but shut it and just nodded quietly. As we walked I tried to talk to her. "Applejack...I know it's hard, and I'm not going to pretend for a second that I know what it's like but still...we all hate seeing you like this. I don't think she'd want to see you like this..." I tried to console her, I put my hoof on her shoulder as we had stopped. "Twi'...I just dont know what ta do. She was my everything ya know? Ah just miss her..." Tears began to fall off the freckled mare's cheeks, turning the dirt beneath us darker. I sat down and held her as she began to sob. She'd tried to hold it in, tried to be strong but we could all see the hurt. Applejack was compassionate, and caring. "Ah...ah dont know what ah'm gonna d-do..." She choked out between sobs, as I rocked her gently in my forehooves, and tried to soothe her. "We'll get them Applejack. We won't let whoever we're dealing with get away with this. Now come on, we need to get you home. We have some preparations to make tomorrow." I helped her up, and we finished the trek back to Sweet Apple Acres in silence. I could tell it was going to be a long night for her...for all of us. ~ ~ ~ I trudged through the doorway to the library, shutting it quietly behind me. It was late and I was pretty sure spike was already in bed. I was startled by him as he flicked on the light at the top of the stairs. "mmhm...Hey Twilight..." The little dragon rubbed his eyes sleepily. That's when something dawned on me. "Where the Hell have you been!?" I screamed, leaping up. He was startled to awareness and looked around with a worried expression. "Why am...what happened?" He plopped down and dropped his head into his claws. I dashed towards him somewhat angrily. "What HAPPENED!?!?" I shrieked, driving him onto his back as my horn flared to life, and every lock in the house snapped shut with a sinister thud. He stared wide eyed in fear, and confusion. "T...twi-Twilight? What's going on?" His voice was shaky, and he was quaking in fear. I let out a sigh and sat down, my anger all but forgotten as I stared sullenly at him. Where to start... "Spike...I'm glad you're safe..." I hugged him to my chest. I don't know what I would've done if he had been taken. But I still hadn't figured anything out. I set him back down, and took a deep breath. "Spike...what is the last thing you remember?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, a notepad and pencil whisking into existence. "I remember waking up..." He said softly, his eyes slightly glazed over. "I remember going out to play with the CMC...but...I dont remember anything else. Why are you so worked up? Did something happen?" He looked at me nervously, as his eyes went wide. I had turned the notepad towards him, and it read simply 'They are gone...' A broken heart rested beneath the simple note. He shook his head in disbelief and gazed up at me, tears welling in his eyes. He spoke softly. "They're...they're gone? But just yesterday I was...I..." He began to cry freely, clinging to me. Oh this was getting so hard. I hated having to be the strong one, It's never easy. "I wish I knew what happened! Why can't I remember anything??!!" He looked down at his claws and suddenly his face contorted in horror. Beneath his claws was dried blood, and a strand of white fur... Chapter 2: the news gets worseChapter 2 I could only stare. Blankly. Without thought. It was inconceivable! I actually hoped I was sleep deprived enough to be hallucinating...but there it was, evidence, plain as day. I gulped, and looked at him, he simply continued to stare in horror, eyes devoid of all emotion save for shock. I couldn't think straight, I could not believe it. There had to be a mistake, some sort of mis-conception of current events. It had only been what...two days? Oh Celestia time seemed to be rushing forward in such a cruel manner. I kept wracking my brain. Come on Twilight, as smart as you are, you should be able to think of something. I was frazzled, and worried sick and I really needed to sit down. I looked to the top of the stairs, to see Spike still staring blankly at his claws. I really did ache for him, but I had to think fast. Than a thought occured to me. None of the girls had claw marks on them, nor were they bleeding even...their necks had been snapped...(I cringed at the memory, all too fresh in my mind). I continued to reconstruct it in my head, gasping every once in a while as the painful memories came back slowly. The scene was rebuilt quickly, and I thought carefully about the manner in which the three fillies had perished. Spike was strong for his size, but no where near strong enough to so cleanly snap someone spine and neck. With that thought in mind, and the knowledge that none of the girls had been bloodied, I turned my attention back to Spike. "Spike...I dont think you killed them. That has to be the blood of someone else..." The scientific part of my mind took over, as I gathered some of the blood and the hair from his claws. He continued to sit silent as I did this, the look of horror now one of confused shock. I thought long and hard, trying to find some way to console him. I just couldn't think in this state, and it was now close to midnight. "Spike, we really need to get some sleep. We have a lot of preparations to attend to..." He nodded weakly and climbed up the stairs and into his basket, falling into a fitful sleep. He let out whimpers as his nightmares took him. I smiled in sorrow, and climbed into bed. The soft and warm mattress soon had me in the world of dreams as well. ~ ~ ~ I woke with a start, a small reptilian form curled up next to me. Poor little guy...to lose some of his best friends, and than possibly have been their killer...I couldn't imagine what his young heart had gone through. I climbed out of bed, making sure not to wake the sleeping draconic form. I made my way down the stairs and into the kitchen, fixing myself a simple daisy sandwich. I took my food to the living room and sat quietly, eating my sandwich and thinking. As I was getting up, a knock at the door startled me. I groaned, and shouted "We're closed today." "I'm pretty sure I Co-own this library..." A very familiar voice responded from the other side of the door. My jaw hit the floor. I bolted to the door and flung it open. "p-prin....Princess Luna?! What are you doing here?" I stammered, unsure what the Mistress of the Moon was doing on my doorstep. My thoughts suddenly flashed to the emotional dragon upstairs, and I took deep breaths to calm myself. I had to protect him until I could really prove his innocence. "Our sister sent us to check on, and help with thi-..." Luna cleared her throat, and softened her voice. "Your, preparations." I had to think fast, I couldn't be rude to the Princess, but I just couldn't let her in at that time. So I did what any crazed mare would do...I shoved the problem onto my friends. "Uhm, all good here Princess! Try Pinkie Pie's! Yeah, I'm sure she'd love the help!" My smile probably could've been more convincing, but hey, it worked. "Ooookay...Tell us if you need anything Twilight, We'll...err...I, shall be here until tomorrow evening. Good luck!" She spread her wings and flew off towards Sugarcube Corner as I slammed the door shut and slouched down in relief. I spent five minutes sitting there, collecting myself, before heading towards the bathroom for a much needed shower, as my mane and coat were an absolute mess. I put some bubbles in the bath, deciding I needed some time to relax, after all, it was very important to keep calm at time's like these. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Spike, are you awake yet?" No answer as I stepped out of the bathroom, finally fresh and clean. I shrugged and figured I'd let him sleep a bit longer. I realized I hadn't eaten enough earlier so I headed towards the kitchen. I was shocked by the scene when I arrived. Knives scattered across the floor, and Spike sitting in the middle of them, holding one dripping blood across his forearm as it too bled profusely. I tried to grasp the situation but my mind merely snapped into protective mode. I grabbed the knives in my magic and flung them at the far side of the room, many impaling the wall, as I picked up Spike in my violet glow, and turned around, holding him in front of me as I dashed for the door. Flinging it open I sprinted out, dashing down the street, not even bothering to shut the door behind me. Spike was going unconcious fast and the Hospital was clear on the other side of town. As I went sprinting by the Corner, a dark Alicorn disappearing inside made me shout after her. "Princess!!!" I shouted as loud as I could. The midnight lunar Princess spun around, and her eyes widened as she took in the sight. My mane had frazzled out and the panicked look about me further cemented the scene. She immediately took the small dragon from my magical grasp. "Meet me there!" she breathed as she sprang into the sky. I stood there panting a moment more before running off again, suddenly joined by a pink blur, and than swept off my feet as she pushed me ahead of her. "no time to explain, grab some wheels!" I found a wagon beneath me suddenly, as she somehow managed to make it to the hospital quickly, despite her extra load. I climbed off slightly dazed, and was met at the door by Nurse Redheart's calm but distraught smile. My heart dropped to my stomach. "The Princess arrived a few minutes ago and Spike is in ICU...he's...he..." She choked up for a moment. "we think he is comatose..." Buck my luck.
The ProloguePrologue I remember it so clearly. The day was beautiful, Celestia's sun was so bright, and the world basked in its glow. I sat on a bench in the park, reading Mystic Trivia. The book was a birthday present from the Princess. This day couldn't be more perfect, I thought nothing could go wrong...Oh boy was I mistaken. "Haiya Twilight!" My vision was suddenly full of pink and my book momentarily forgetten as two huge baby blue eyes literally poked my own. "ACK! What the hay Pinkie?" as random as she was, she usually had a purpose to scaring you senseless, and sure enough..."Ohhhh....I was just hoping you could help me with a little something. I want to uhm..." The party pony blushed (which was rather hard to notice on her already pink coat). "I uhh...need your help summoning something..." The normally confident mare pawed at the ground nervously as my jaw hung slack. It took a good minute to regain my ability for speech. "You want me to...WHAT?!" Her request struck me like a load of bricks (yeah...it really happened...just ask that ditzy mailmare. Anyway). I continued to stare at her, making her shrink back like Fluttershy, she finally managed to yelp out a jumbled "yes!" followed by copious amounts of nodding. "You do understand what you're asking of me, right?" She nodded again, starting to regain some of her trademark bounce. I let out a deep sigh. "Pinkie...the last time you had me help you summon something, we nearly burned the Corner down...are you sure this is a good idea?" Not once did I ever question why she was summoning things from Tartarus, it wasnt really something you tended to question, and she almost always had the most pure of intentions. This time though I had to stop her, Celestia had found out about it last time. It was nothing major, but the little Imp still caused quite a stir. I sighed again, I hated telling her no. I cleared my throat and spoke softly "Pinkie you cant get her back like that...She is gone. Please Pinkie, I know what its like to lose a lover, but you cant dwell forever. Please stop this, you're only going to get hurt more..." I looked away, tears starting to brim in my eyes at the unwanted memory that had brought...I really missed Big Mac...we all did, but AJ and I felt the most...he had been my husband after all, even if only for a little while. ha...So much for a perfect day. I slowly turned back to the now completely somber Pink mare in front of me, her mane had deflated to a dull, very sad look. I took a forehoof in mine, and looked her in the eyes. "Look at me Pinks. I know it's hard, but this isn't the way to do this. Remember the happiness you shared with her. Because of you, this whole town got to see a different side of her, instead of a stuck up showmare, we found out that she was a sweetheart, that just needed someone to hold her. We were all there for you, and we'll never leave your side, but you can't keep trying to resurrect her. It wont work, and we both know it. Come on, I've got an idea to cheer you up". I picked up my book in my familiar violet glow, and trotted along to the edge of the park, checking to make sure the sullen mare was still beside me. Sometimes I hated it, but having a heart so used to sorrow made it easy to smile and cheer others up, my favorite way to do this of course, was with food. As we arrived at the Library, I opened the door, the same violet glow surrounding it and ushering the Pink pony beside me in. Shutting the door with a soft click i directed her to the couch and trotted into the kitchen. Spike had been baking (he'd gotten awfully good after his week at Sweet Apple Acres under Granny's tutelage). Tonight though he had left to spend time with the CMC, though thinking back on that, I probably shouldn't have let them near eachother hehe. anyway, I grabbed the batch of cupcakes off the counter and headed back into the living room, Pinkie had managed to make herself comfortable. It only took a few minutes for her nostrils to pick up the scent of chocolate chip cupcakes that I had quietly set on the table. As soon as she smelled them, her hair poofed back out a bit and her ears perked up, she looked at me and licked her lips. I nodded, and she proceeded to devour the sweets. "Mmm...Twilight! These are delicious, you say Spike made these? ohhhh please thank the little guy for me!"At the time I'd even let the talking with her mouth full slide. She really deserved to let loose, she'd been so depressed since Trixie's murder, but she was starting to cope. I was starting to smile again myself, but just as I let my guard down, a frantic banging at the door startled me. I quickly got up from the chair and walked to the front door, throwing it open. "Twi! Ah really need yer help, Applebloom done got herself stuck under a wagon, dont ask, something those crazy foals were doin'. Come on Twi yah gotta help me!" I looked over my shoulder and saw pinkie give a nod in between stuffing her face, and had to suppress a giggle. ~ ~ ~ I couldn't believe my eyes, all previous mirth had left me. AJ swore we hadn't taken more than five minutes to get there...but all three of the girls were...they weren't moving, and a dark note had been left. It read simply. "War is coming. We will show no mercy" The hoofwriting was exquisite, and had a dark flourish to it. The paper had one symbol on it, of a spinning cog and hood, with crossed swords. "AJ..." She stared at the three little fillies, still in shock...I couldn't blame her. "Applejack, im going to take this to the Princesses, this can't go unpunished". We had a war on our hooves, I could feel it...this was just the bucking beginning though...Oh Celestia why couldn't it have ended there. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Celestia sat upon her throne, looking out one of the massive windows to her right at the sight of her magnifecent city. But, today, she had more pressing matters on her mind. The day court had been closed and she sat in meeting with the Elements of Harmony and her sister, sunshine seemed to cruelly shine through on the depressed gathering. "Princess..." Fluttershy's quiet squeak broke her from her reverie and she turned her attention back to the Ponies present. "Yes?" Fluttershy didnt often break a silence, so everyone sat forward to listen with earnesty. "I uhm...I think I might have an idea who did this...or atleast...maybe why." Despite herself the butter-creme yellow pegasus managed to speak audibly enough for all to hear. "I think that whoever left that note..." She took a glance at the dark parchment floating in front of Luna's muzzle. "I think they are starting a war" Fluttershy nodded to herself, satisfied with her voiced opinion and missed Rainbow Dash facehoofing. Luna spoke up, having been silent the whole meeting. "I know this mark..." The normally playful dark alicorn spoke gravely. "and it belongs to His Rebellion...Sister I told you we should have warned them..." Luna had looked at her with such sorrow that her heart nearly shattered. "Yes Lulu...you were right. I should have listened...GAH for someone who has lived so long, I still make such foolish mistakes and now it has cost those three little 'Angels' their lives!" The kind and caring alicorn slammed her hoof down onto her throne with such force that the stone back fractured and caused her to fall back in an indignant heap. She swore beneath her breath and sat up, Fire dancing in her eyes. "No...I will not let this go any longer. For the first time in over a thousand years, Equestria goes to war...and you six...I have a request. Lead these armies against them. The assembled Elements stared up at their Princess in shock. Pinkie was the first to regain speech, and her calm town somewhat frightened them all. "I dont know much about fighting but if it's what we have to do..." She stood up, her hair deflating and a grim look so out of place took upon her features. The Element of Laughter sat back down, the hard look in her eyes strengthening the resolve of her friends. "Princesses..." I stood up, flaring my horn and rearing up. "I think I speak for the rest of us as well. We will learn quickly." The others nodded their assent, Rarity and Applejack still too shocked to speak. "Very well. Luna and I will begin planning. Please return in 3 days time, we will go from there." The War was just beginning...and the worst to come paled in comparison to its end...
Going HomeChapter 1 The train back to ponyville was rather uneventful, and quiet as we all stared out windows or at the floor. Pinkie still looked grim and determined, and it was starting to rub off on us. The normally energetic and fun-loving pony generally brought a sense of happiness to us, but right now, her stark expression and hard gaze only served to harden our resolve at the unknown challenges to come. She spoke up as we pulled into the station at Ponyville. "Girls...were gonna need matching emblems if were to be this 'Special Forces Team' that the Princess mentioned." We all turned to her, a little stunned, but the soft smile playing across her lips served to lighten the mood. Most of us laughed despite recent events, only Rarity and AJ remaining silent. Still, it was good to see a little trademark Pinkie Pie. "I for one think that is a great idea." I stated calmly, and everyone nodded their assent. Suddenly in an explosion of pink, our friendly little ball of energy shouted "YIPPEE!" on her way out the train. As we watched her go she suddenly vanished from thin air. I scratched my head and blinked a few times, having learned long ago that to question Pinkie Pie was to ask for the mother of all migraines...and a lot of broken bones... Rarity sniffled and looked at each of us in turn. "Darlings, I'm going back to the boutique...or I may go find Pinkie and help her with this design idea of hers." She got up, as did the rest of us, following her off the train. She headed off in the direction of SugarCube Corner, the first logical place in the hunt for the departed Pink pony. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash left soon after. I hadn't missed the glances at eachother during the train ride, and despite recent events, I smiled as they headed up towards Dash's Cloud Home. Thus Applejack and I were left alone together. "Let me walk you home AJ." I turned and gave her a reassuring smile. She opened her mouth to speak but shut it and just nodded quietly. As we walked I tried to talk to her. "Applejack...I know it's hard, and I'm not going to pretend for a second that I know what it's like but still...we all hate seeing you like this. I don't think she'd want to see you like this..." I tried to console her, I put my hoof on her shoulder as we had stopped. "Twi'...I just dont know what ta do. She was my everything ya know? Ah just miss her..." Tears began to fall off the freckled mare's cheeks, turning the dirt beneath us darker. I sat down and held her as she began to sob. She'd tried to hold it in, tried to be strong but we could all see the hurt. Applejack was compassionate, and caring. "Ah...ah dont know what ah'm gonna d-do..." She choked out between sobs, as I rocked her gently in my forehooves, and tried to soothe her. "We'll get them Applejack. We won't let whoever we're dealing with get away with this. Now come on, we need to get you home. We have some preparations to make tomorrow." I helped her up, and we finished the trek back to Sweet Apple Acres in silence. I could tell it was going to be a long night for her...for all of us. ~ ~ ~ I trudged through the doorway to the library, shutting it quietly behind me. It was late and I was pretty sure spike was already in bed. I was startled by him as he flicked on the light at the top of the stairs. "mmhm...Hey Twilight..." The little dragon rubbed his eyes sleepily. That's when something dawned on me. "Where the Hell have you been!?" I screamed, leaping up. He was startled to awareness and looked around with a worried expression. "Why am...what happened?" He plopped down and dropped his head into his claws. I dashed towards him somewhat angrily. "What HAPPENED!?!?" I shrieked, driving him onto his back as my horn flared to life, and every lock in the house snapped shut with a sinister thud. He stared wide eyed in fear, and confusion. "T...twi-Twilight? What's going on?" His voice was shaky, and he was quaking in fear. I let out a sigh and sat down, my anger all but forgotten as I stared sullenly at him. Where to start... "Spike...I'm glad you're safe..." I hugged him to my chest. I don't know what I would've done if he had been taken. But I still hadn't figured anything out. I set him back down, and took a deep breath. "Spike...what is the last thing you remember?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, a notepad and pencil whisking into existence. "I remember waking up..." He said softly, his eyes slightly glazed over. "I remember going out to play with the CMC...but...I dont remember anything else. Why are you so worked up? Did something happen?" He looked at me nervously, as his eyes went wide. I had turned the notepad towards him, and it read simply 'They are gone...' A broken heart rested beneath the simple note. He shook his head in disbelief and gazed up at me, tears welling in his eyes. He spoke softly. "They're...they're gone? But just yesterday I was...I..." He began to cry freely, clinging to me. Oh this was getting so hard. I hated having to be the strong one, It's never easy. "I wish I knew what happened! Why can't I remember anything??!!" He looked down at his claws and suddenly his face contorted in horror. Beneath his claws was dried blood, and a strand of white fur...
Chapter 2: the news gets worseChapter 2 I could only stare. Blankly. Without thought. It was inconceivable! I actually hoped I was sleep deprived enough to be hallucinating...but there it was, evidence, plain as day. I gulped, and looked at him, he simply continued to stare in horror, eyes devoid of all emotion save for shock. I couldn't think straight, I could not believe it. There had to be a mistake, some sort of mis-conception of current events. It had only been what...two days? Oh Celestia time seemed to be rushing forward in such a cruel manner. I kept wracking my brain. Come on Twilight, as smart as you are, you should be able to think of something. I was frazzled, and worried sick and I really needed to sit down. I looked to the top of the stairs, to see Spike still staring blankly at his claws. I really did ache for him, but I had to think fast. Than a thought occured to me. None of the girls had claw marks on them, nor were they bleeding even...their necks had been snapped...(I cringed at the memory, all too fresh in my mind). I continued to reconstruct it in my head, gasping every once in a while as the painful memories came back slowly. The scene was rebuilt quickly, and I thought carefully about the manner in which the three fillies had perished. Spike was strong for his size, but no where near strong enough to so cleanly snap someone spine and neck. With that thought in mind, and the knowledge that none of the girls had been bloodied, I turned my attention back to Spike. "Spike...I dont think you killed them. That has to be the blood of someone else..." The scientific part of my mind took over, as I gathered some of the blood and the hair from his claws. He continued to sit silent as I did this, the look of horror now one of confused shock. I thought long and hard, trying to find some way to console him. I just couldn't think in this state, and it was now close to midnight. "Spike, we really need to get some sleep. We have a lot of preparations to attend to..." He nodded weakly and climbed up the stairs and into his basket, falling into a fitful sleep. He let out whimpers as his nightmares took him. I smiled in sorrow, and climbed into bed. The soft and warm mattress soon had me in the world of dreams as well. ~ ~ ~ I woke with a start, a small reptilian form curled up next to me. Poor little guy...to lose some of his best friends, and than possibly have been their killer...I couldn't imagine what his young heart had gone through. I climbed out of bed, making sure not to wake the sleeping draconic form. I made my way down the stairs and into the kitchen, fixing myself a simple daisy sandwich. I took my food to the living room and sat quietly, eating my sandwich and thinking. As I was getting up, a knock at the door startled me. I groaned, and shouted "We're closed today." "I'm pretty sure I Co-own this library..." A very familiar voice responded from the other side of the door. My jaw hit the floor. I bolted to the door and flung it open. "p-prin....Princess Luna?! What are you doing here?" I stammered, unsure what the Mistress of the Moon was doing on my doorstep. My thoughts suddenly flashed to the emotional dragon upstairs, and I took deep breaths to calm myself. I had to protect him until I could really prove his innocence. "Our sister sent us to check on, and help with thi-..." Luna cleared her throat, and softened her voice. "Your, preparations." I had to think fast, I couldn't be rude to the Princess, but I just couldn't let her in at that time. So I did what any crazed mare would do...I shoved the problem onto my friends. "Uhm, all good here Princess! Try Pinkie Pie's! Yeah, I'm sure she'd love the help!" My smile probably could've been more convincing, but hey, it worked. "Ooookay...Tell us if you need anything Twilight, We'll...err...I, shall be here until tomorrow evening. Good luck!" She spread her wings and flew off towards Sugarcube Corner as I slammed the door shut and slouched down in relief. I spent five minutes sitting there, collecting myself, before heading towards the bathroom for a much needed shower, as my mane and coat were an absolute mess. I put some bubbles in the bath, deciding I needed some time to relax, after all, it was very important to keep calm at time's like these. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Spike, are you awake yet?" No answer as I stepped out of the bathroom, finally fresh and clean. I shrugged and figured I'd let him sleep a bit longer. I realized I hadn't eaten enough earlier so I headed towards the kitchen. I was shocked by the scene when I arrived. Knives scattered across the floor, and Spike sitting in the middle of them, holding one dripping blood across his forearm as it too bled profusely. I tried to grasp the situation but my mind merely snapped into protective mode. I grabbed the knives in my magic and flung them at the far side of the room, many impaling the wall, as I picked up Spike in my violet glow, and turned around, holding him in front of me as I dashed for the door. Flinging it open I sprinted out, dashing down the street, not even bothering to shut the door behind me. Spike was going unconcious fast and the Hospital was clear on the other side of town. As I went sprinting by the Corner, a dark Alicorn disappearing inside made me shout after her. "Princess!!!" I shouted as loud as I could. The midnight lunar Princess spun around, and her eyes widened as she took in the sight. My mane had frazzled out and the panicked look about me further cemented the scene. She immediately took the small dragon from my magical grasp. "Meet me there!" she breathed as she sprang into the sky. I stood there panting a moment more before running off again, suddenly joined by a pink blur, and than swept off my feet as she pushed me ahead of her. "no time to explain, grab some wheels!" I found a wagon beneath me suddenly, as she somehow managed to make it to the hospital quickly, despite her extra load. I climbed off slightly dazed, and was met at the door by Nurse Redheart's calm but distraught smile. My heart dropped to my stomach. "The Princess arrived a few minutes ago and Spike is in ICU...he's...he..." She choked up for a moment. "we think he is comatose..." Buck my luck.
