Chapters 5 Years Ago .....
A young Twilight Sparkle carefully finished lighting the candles under the strict supervision of her father.
"Well done princess!" He smiled and blew out the wooden lighting stick.
Twilight smiled at his praise, even though she was only ten years old, her family had given her the honor and responsibility of lighting the candles on her late grandfathers' ofrenda. He had passed away earlier this year and while she had cried with grief, her family assured her that he was in a better place now.
Besides, he and everyone else who was gone come back on Dia de los Muertos, which was today!
While Twilight read that many different places and cultures celebrated The Day of the Dead in their own ways, Twilight, her family, and most everyone in Canterlot had gone to the cemetery, cleaned off their loved one's graves, and built shrines dedicated to them. Orion's ofrenda consisted of his picture, several candles, the traditional sweet bread and colorful sugar skull along with his own favorite snacks, all of which were surrounded by marigolds. At her father's family home she knew her paternal grandparents would be setting up something similar for the rest of her ancestors, but this was for the grandfather she had knew and loved, not some people who had died before she was even born.
"Do you think grandpa will like it?"
"Oh I know he'll love it."
Twilight turned and smiled at her mother and grandmother. Aurella had been deeply saddened with the death of her husband and partner, and had moved in afterwards so she wouldn't be lonely. Twilight loved having her close by as she was fun and always had exciting stories to tell.
The sun had just set and all around them, everyone was putting the finishing touches on their own ofrendas. Musicians were playing and everyone was talking, laughing, dancing, eating and huddled around the ofrendas, telling stories about whose they were for. The cemetery was alight with candles, lanterns, flowers and other colorful decorations to celebrate the holiday. People were making offerings to the statue of La Catrina and even Mictlan. Women and girls wore colorful and flowery dresses and men wore bold suits. Many were even dressed up as skeletons, or at least had their faces painted as one, like Velvet.
Night looked around. "Where's Shining Armor?"
Velvet playfully smirked. "Knowing him, he's likely visiting a certain pink classmate."
"Well the procession is starting soon. Let's go get him." He turned to Twilight." We'll be right back sweetie." With that, the parents left, leaving Twilight alone with her grandmother.
"Grandma?"
"Yes?"
"Is grandpa really going to come back tonight?"
The old woman smiled. "What are you talking about? He's already here!" She then winked at somebody Twilight couldn't see.
Twilight looked around at all the ofrendas around her. "But I don't see him. Or anybody who looks dead."
"Well, it's more like feeling you have, deep inside you. When you remember them, their memories and their stories, they are always with you. Look around!" She gestured to the other families. "Everyone here has lost somebody they loved. But as long as we remember them, we can feel their presence. And for one night each year the dead get to see the family and friends they remember too, even if we can't see them back."
"Really?" Twilight's eyes widened. She didn't believe in ghosts, the the way her grandmother described it made it feel real to the young girl.
Aurella nodded. "Those we love are never truly gone, as long as we remember them. They are only really gone when we forget them."
"Excuse me?"
Twilight and Aurella looked up to see another elderly woman approach them. She looked to be about Aurella's age but with an old, worn dress and tattered cloak. Her face, however, was cheerful and kind.
"May I please have a bit of your bread? I am so hungry and I'm afraid I don't have a lot of money."
Twilight smiled and picked up a piece of bread from Orion's altar. "Of course! I'm sure grandpa would want you to have it. Right grandma?" Twilight turned to see Aurella's nod of approval and proud smile.
The woman smiled as she took the bread. "Thank you my dear. In return you have my blessing: may your heart always be good and courageous."
These words gave Twilight a warm feeling, though she wasn't sure why.
"What do we say Twilight?" Aurella gently prodded, bringing Twilight back to reality.
"Oh! Thank you ma'am!"
With that, the woman went off and the duo returned to remembering their loved one.
The woman continued walking before ducking behind a tomb.
After making sure the coast was clear, she turned back into her true form: a tall, beautiful woman, But rather than flesh and bones, she appeared to be made out of sugar candy! Her hair was long and resembled all kinds of licorice, even the colors. She wore a long, beautiful dress with all the colors of the rainbow, embroidered with flowers, ruffles at the bottom and a large hat topped with flowers.
"Beautiful as always, my dear."
The Goddess smiled as she looked at her husband and fellow God. Mictlan was tall and imposing, and built like a skeleton. Unlike his wife s sugar candy body, his skin was black with a blue tint and crusty, making him look like he had some terrible disease. He wore dark robes over armor and carried a scythe. He wore a crown of bones with long, dark feathers sticking out of it.
"Thank you. You're not looking so bad yourself tonight." She gave him a cheeky grin.
He cherished her compliment before adopting a worried look. "Are you sure this is wise?"
She shrugged. "Why not? All the other Goddesses have done it."
He reluctantly accepted her answer before moving onto the other matter. "What did you see?"
La Catrina smiled and looked out onto all the families enjoying the holiday. "She is growing very powerful. You can feel the magic flowing out from her."
"Which will catch he attention of other creatures." Mictlan just sighed. "I can't believe she's doing this."
"She wouldn't do this unless it was necessary."
"Yeah right." He rolled his eyes.
"Now Mictlan, you know she's never been wrong before." Catrina argued. "There's no denying that that girl is going to grow up to be a hero."
'Oh really?" He smiled playfully and went up to her. "Would you care to bet on it?"
She smiled back at him. "Not tonight and not on her. You know how the other gods feel about our wagers."
"I don't care what Sola says! I do NOT have a problem!" Mictlan realized he was shouting and quickly resorted to grumbling. "Besides, her sister cheats."
"No she doesn't."
"It is if you have future sight!"
She just sighed and rolled her eyes. "I have to get going. I've been away from the Land of the Dead for too long as it is."
This made the other God upset. "Ah yes, the Land of the Dead with it's endless parties and feasts. And me with the Land of the Punished with the convicts and criminals."
"Now now, somebody has to watch over them. And you DID make your wager with that bet." She gave him a sharp look.
He looked away nervously. "Oh would you look at the time! I have to...go...by sweetie!" With that, he vanished from the mortal plane.
"What am I going to do with him?" She shook her head and returned to her own realm.
Author's Note
This scene was inspired by "The Book of Life" a wonderful movie about the holiday. The Gods introduced here are even based on La Muerte and Xibalba!
La Catrina: a female skeleton that is a popular symbol for the holiday.
Mictlan: a name for the underworld in Aztec Mythology.
Today...
Today was a brand new day in Canterlot, but it wasn't just any ordinary day.
"Ok! I've got the pictures, decorations, food, and candles!" Twilight said, checking off each item on her list. She wore her hair up with large flowers and a primary black dress with colorful stitching and decorations that Rarity had made.
"Are we all set to go?" Her father asked, finished getting his costume on.
"All set!" Twilight confirmed cheerfully. She wanted to make sure everything was perfect. After all, Dia de los Muertos was one of her favorite holidays, and it only came around once a year!
"Well let's get this show on the road!" Her mother, clad in her skeleton makeup, called from the car. "Shining and Cadance are already waiting for us at the graveyard!"
"Coming!" Twilight called back before looking around. "Now where is...?"
"Here!"
Twilight smiled and Spike ran and jumped into her arms, knocking down the clipboard and licking her face. Along with the dresses for the girls, Rarity had also designed an adorable skeleton outfit for Spike so her could be a part of the holiday too.
"NOW we're ready to go." With that, they packed the supplies in the car and began to drive off.
"Oh! This is so exciting Spike! I LOVE Dia de los muertos! The music, the flowers..."
"Don't forget the food!" Her mother chimed in.
Twilight giggled. "Yes, the food too. Grandma used to love the pan dulce bread around this time of year." She told Spike.
"Mmmmm." Spike began drooling at the mention of the food, especially the sweet bread.
"And this year you can celebrate it with your friends!" Night said.
Twilight's smiled faded a bit, remembering yesterday's conversation with her friends.
"Ah ain't goin."
"What!?" Twilight couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Why not!?"
"It's a disgrace!"AJ argued, her face heating up. "The dead should be left in peace!"
"But tomorrow is a day for honoring and celebrating the dead!"
"Yeah! What about the costumes?" Rainbow pointed out.
"And the music?" Fluttershy joined.
"And the candy!?" Pinkie jumped in.
"Didn't Granny Smith say she was going?" Sunset inquired.
AJ just hmphed. "She, Big Mac and Applebloom go every year, but they can't make me! What sort of day celebrates being dead? All that noise and partying? It's just disrespectful."
"But-" Before Twilight could argue further, Rarity stopped her by touching her arm.
"Please don't upset Applejack." Rarity whispered. "We don't really understand it either. She used the love the holiday as a child. We're really not sure why she stopped." She sighed. "I still made her a dress though, just in case she changes her mind."
Twilight just nodded and reluctantly accepted the fact that one of her best friends wasn't going to be there.
"I just don't understand what Applejack has against the holiday." Twilight admitted sadly.
"No kidding. It sounds like one big party!" Spike responded.
"Well I'm afraid that's just how she feels about it." Night spoke up. "I've met one or two people who share the same view your friend has. You can't force her to enjoy a holiday she doesn't like so there's not much you can do. She has a right not to celebrate it if she wants to."
"I know..." Twilight admitted dejectedly.
"I'm sure she has her reasons. But no more moping about! Today is a day for celebrating! Your grandparents wouldn't want to see you upset, would they?" Velvet asked.
Twilight smiled. "Your right! Even if Applejack doesn't like it, this is a day for fun! Today is going to be a day to remember!"
When they got there, other families were arriving and just starting to set up.
They quickly found Shining Armor and Cadance near their Grandparent's graves. After a few quick greeting hug, they got to work.
The graves were quickly cleared of any dirt and stray leaves and everything was put in place: the photos, the candles, the flowers, the food and even a few personal items that were being offered.
Night put down the fresh pan dulce he had baked.
Shining offered up Aurella's favorite mint tea and Orion's favorite earl gray.
Cadnace put down two sugar skulls she helped make and decorate.
Velvet put a pile of articles about her daughter and her friends's adventures she had cut out and stapled together, along with some cake she picked up at sugarcube corner.
"They should at least know how their granddaughter is doing."
Finally, Twilight gave her offering: a magnifying glass like the ones Aurella liked and some colored pencils and a sketchpad for Orion.
"There. Perfect!" Twilight smiled at the completed ofrenda.
"Mmmmm...." Spike began drooling as he caught a whiff of the food.
"Hold on boy." Velvet said, patting him. "First we have to wait for the spirits to come get some, then we can enjoy it."
Spike pouted but relented.
Twilight stayed behind to arrange everything while her family went to chat with their friends and get some of their own food from the tables.
"Hey Twilight?" Spike asked as he looked around the cemetery.
"Yeah?"
"Who's that statue people are giving food too?" Spike asked, noting lots of people offering up various foods to a statue of a beautiful woman.
"That's La Catrina." Twilight answered, going into lecture mode. "She's the Goddess of the Land of the Dead, where the souls of the good go when they pass on. She's also the Goddess of love, marriage, family, and the protector of children."
Spike nodded and turned his head. "And what about him?" Looking towards another statue, this time of a man, but with a lot less offerings. Spike shuddered. "He's scary."
"That's Mictlan." Twilight replied, her voice growing more serious. "He's a God of death too, but he rules the Land of the Punished, where the souls of people who were wicked in life go for punishment until they have paid for their crimes and can move on to the Land of the Dead."
"Yeesh." Spike said. "They must not like each other very much."
"Un contraire ." Twilight replied. "They're actually married and deeply in love. Mictlan is also the God of disease, medicine, justice and judgement. He's supposedly the one who judges souls when they die and he's supposed to be very fair. Unfortunately, his appearance, association with death, and his rule over the wicked make hime more feared than celebrated."
"Oh."
Soon the cemetery was full of people building ofrendas, playing music, and eating.
"Well, I'm all set here." Twilight said, looking around at all the festivity. It was still daytime, so there was still a while before the procession. "C'mon Spike, let's go get some lunch and see how the others are doing."
While walking to the tables, Twilight passed a girl finishing up her grandfather's ofrenda.
"Hope you like your altar grandpa." She said before walking away.
Just then, Twilight noticed an orange mist rise from the grave and take form. "Oh I love it sweetheart! And who is that handsome man?" He asked playfully, looking at the picture.
Twilight blinked and rubbed her eyes, not believing what she was seeing. The figure looked exactly like the man in the photo!
"Wha!?" She gasped and looked around, seeing more orange intangible figures. Over near the fountain she saw three of them chatting and laughing with each other. Then she saw one reach down on her altar and pick up ghostly images of her offerings and putting them in a basket. Strangely, the physical offerings themselves were still there!
"Twilight.."Spike said, hiding behind his owner. "Please tell me you see the see-through people too."
Twilight could only look around in shock. Even more so when she noticed that non of the actual living people seemed to notice the ghostly figures around them.
She backed up a little before accidentally walking through a man!
"Oh! Excuse me miss!" He said.
"Ah!" She gasped.
The man seemed equally shocked. "What-you can see me!?"
Instead of answering, Twilight ran off a way before stopping.
She looked around more, trying to understand what was happening.
"What the heck is going on!?"
"Twilight! What's happening!?" Spike asked as he watch the incorporeal forms around them.
"I don't know!" Twilight eyes were wide as she looked around. What was going on!?
"Ah! There you are!" Twilight and Spike turned and saw Luna walking towards them. What surprised Twilight and Spike was the fact that she didn't seemed surprised by the apparitions around the, in fact she often nodded and waved at them cordially, and they returned it.
"Luna!" Twilight exclaimed as she rushed over to her teacher. "What's going on!? Who- or what are these things!?"
Luna just rolled her eyes. "Those 'things' are the the spirits of the deceased coming back to see their living family."
"Huh!?"
"I was hoping to catch you before they arrived but I suppose this makes it easier to explain." Luna then smiled and spread her arms out. "Welcome the Day of the Dead for psychics."
"What!?"
"It's alright, I was shocked too the first time I saw them. But it's perfectly natural reaction."
"B-but ghosts aren't real! They're not scientifically possible! THIS IS NOT SCIENTIFICALLY POSSIBLE!" Twilight realized she was shouting when she noticed people, living and dead, look towards her.
Luna put a firm hand on Twilight's shoulder. "Ghosts are very real Twilight. Especially on a day dedicated to them. Your powers are just allowing you to actually see, sense and communicate with them now. You see, all psychics can see ghosts; in fact it's one of the most basic psychic abilities."
"But what about me?" Spike asked.
Luna put a hand to her chin in thought. "Well, animals can certainly sense when spirits are around. I don't know about actually seeing them though. Of course, most animals can't talk so it's possibly just another side affect of the mutant spell that allowed you to speak."
"This can't be happening..." Twilight said, clutching her head in her hands. "First the dreams, the the feelings, now this ?"
"I know this is a lot to take; especially since it undermines pretty much everything you believe in scientifically. But consider this: now you'll actually be able to see and communicate with your grandparents now. Along with all your other ancestors."
Twilight looked up in surprise, and actually considered this possibility."R-really?"
"At least for today."
Twilight stopped to think for a second. The idea that ghosts were real and she could see them now still freaked her out. But the thought of seeing her grandmother again....
She looked around taking in all the spirits wandering around. Several of them were talking with other spirits or enjoying the party.....but many of them stayed close to their own altars, smiling and looking at the friends and families gathered, even if they couldn't see them back.
"Look how big she's getting..."The spirit of a grandmother sighed while she and her husband watch their live little granddaughter decorate their altar.
"Well...."Twilight had to admit, her situation didn't seem so bad now. These spirits weren't malevolent or scary like the movies or books. They looked like ordinary people trying to spend time with their loved ones.....while being see through.
"Maybe...this isn't so bad after all."
"Excellent!" Luna chimed. "I hoped you would see it like that. Today is a day where they can cross over to be with their loved ones. Now obviously there's more to ghosts than that but today is a day for celebration, not worrying. Now, I must get going, but I wish you a happy Dia de los Muertos." Luna began walking away but quickly stopped and turned her head. "And tell Aurella and Orion I said 'Hello!'" With that, she was gone.
"Well?" Spike asked now that they were along.
"Maybe Luna was right, maybe this isn't such a bad thing after all. I mean, families being together again? What's scary about that?"
Suddenly a spirit passed through her and turned around. "Excuse me?"
"Ah!" Both Twilight and Spike screamed as he jumped into Twilight's arms and she help him close.
"Oh! Sorry sweetie! I didn't mean-" The spirit stopped for moment as it realized something. "Wait...that means you can see us!"
Twilight and Spike could only nod as they finally got a good look at the her. She appeared to be a tall, middle aged woman with short hair wearing a blouse and skirt. The orange glow made it difficult to distinguish any colors.
"Uh...yes?" Twilight responded nervously.
The ghost smiled widely. "I knew it! I knew you could help me!"
"Help you with...what?"
The ghost gave a slight curtsey as she introduced herself. "I am Ursa Brown. I need you to help my living family."
"How?" Twilight asked, putting Spike down.
"They are at each others throats! They can barely speak to one another without ending up in a shouting match. It's even worse than when I was alive! I'm just lucky they at least remembered to put my photo up so I could come over! I need you to help my mother and daughters sort this out."
"So.." Twilight began, feeling torn."You want me to talk to three complete strangers and tell them to get along because their mother's and daughter's ghost told me to?"
Ursa shrugged. "Pretty much."
Twilight felt sorry for the woman, but the whole thing was still making her nervous. "I'm sorry. I want to help, but my own family needs me here to help with the celebration."
"I understand." Ursa sighed. "Your a good person, honoring your family. I wish my own family could follow your example." She woe'd dramatically. "Instead they arguing over who will run our family inn instead of getting along like their poor mama wanted." She put her hands over her face and began to cry.
Twilight finally gave in. "Okay! Okay! I'll help!"
"Excellent!" Ursa said, recovering immediately. "It's just a few minute walk from here. I'll show you the way, but we have to hurry! I only get to come back today!" She began floating away.
Twilight sighed and followed her.
What have I gotten myself into?
Twilight and Spike followed Ursa down several streets (after reminding her that they couldn't phase through walls too), they soon arrived at a large old fashioned stone building. The sign out front was decorated with a black bear standing up and read: The Great Bear Inn .
"Woah." Spike said when he saw the building. "Nice place ya got here."
"Thank you." Ursa smiled. "This place has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. I used to love working here when I was alive."
Twilight put a finger to her chin and squinted at the sign. "Why do I feel like I've heard of this place before?" Finally she just shrugged "Well no time to lose." She walked up to the door. "Now let's see what all the fuss-"
Before she could even open the door, they heard shouting from within
"How could you be so selfish!? "
"Oh, I'M selfish!? This coming from the woman who wants me to quit the job I love and built myself to work at this run down dump! "
"Lyanna! "
"Why don't the nerd run the place like she's always wanted!? "
"Because it is not her duty! As the eldest daughter, it is yours! Are you really just going to throw away your mother's legacy like this? "
"Grandmother! "
There was a *SLAM! * and the sound of someone stomping away, which was soon followed by someone going in the opposite direction.
For a moment, everyone just stared in shock.
"Uhh..." Twilight couldn't seem to find the words to describe what just happened.
"Ohh...it's eve worse than I thought!" Ursa despaired.
"Don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this." With a deep breath, Twilight gathered her courage and opened the wooden door.
The inside of the inn was surprisingly nice. Slightly old yet comfortable sofas surrounded a coffee table with modern magazines. The floor was shiny wood covered by a large square rug with a lovely floral pattern. Various stands were placed around the room, each holding a vase with freshly cut flowers. Various pictures of of woodlands and animals decorated the walls.
Overall, Twilight thought it looked like a quaint place to stay at.
...At least until she noticed one of the vases was broken on the floor with a large book in the middle of it.
At the back of the room was a large sign in desk where a young woman with neat black hair, white skin and thick, dark glasses stood. She looked nervous until she noticed Twilight walking up to her and put on a big smile.
"Hello, welcome to The Great Bear Inn. I'm White Cloud. Is there something I can help you with?" Then, once she got a good look at Twilight, her eyes widened with recognition. "Oh! You're Twilight Sparkle! I-It is an honor to have you here!" With that, she gave a quick curtsey, causing Twilight to blush.
"It's okay, really. And please, just 'Twilight' will do."
"O-of course!" Cloud straightened out her back. "Can I get you anything?" Her smiled faltered when she noticed Twilight glancing at the broken vase. "Please forgive the mess! There was an...accident. I'll have it all cleaned up in a minute."
"Did it have anything to do with all the shouting?"
Cloud's smile fell completely and she began blushing. "Oh...you heard all that?"
"Sweetie, everyone here to Saddle Arabia heard it." Ursa said. Twilight chose to ignore her for the time being.
"Sorry if I'm intruding, but is everything okay here?"
Cloud didn't answer and just glanced at the wall, looking over Twilight saw a portrait she missed earlier: it was of Ursa, but alive, showing off her brown hair and green eyes, the latter of which Cloudy seemed to have inherited. A small table was set up under it, decorated with flowers.
"It's just, thing have been tense around here since my mother....died last year. But please don't worry about that! Did you come here for something?"
Before Twilight could come up with a response, another voice piped up.
"Cloud? What's going on? Who is this?"
They looked over and saw an older woman with a cane enter from one of the doors. Her hair was grey and put up in a bun, but like her daughter and granddaughter, her eyes were green and sharp.
Cloud cleared her throat and gestured to Twilight. "Grandmother, this is Twilight Sparkle, the one in all the newspapers?" She turned back to Twilight. "Twilight, this is my Grandmother Elinor. She.....runs the inn."
Elinor gave a brief nod. "Indeed, at least until my eldest granddaughter comes to her senses."
"Oh really?" said a voice coming from the opposite side of where Elinor entered. Another young woman stood there, a little older than Cloud with longer bright white hair and light blue skin. Like the rest of her family, she had bright green eyes.
'Yes, really." Elinor glared at her other granddaughter.
"Please! Not here!" Cloud begged, throwing her hands up. "Not in front of Twilight Sparkle." She sighed and turned back to Twilight. "Sorry about my sister."
The new woman's eyes widened with excitement. "You're Twilight Sparkle!?" Then, with a speed to rival Rainbow Dash, rushed up to Twilight and began shaking her hand wildly.
"I'm so excited to meet you! I'm Lyanna and I've read about all of your adventures so far! Is it true you faced a dragon ? And that sea monster? What was it like with Discord? My Granny nearly lost her head over the chaos here!" Her eyes turned to Spike. "Oh how cute!" She reached down and immediately scratched behind the ears; his favorite spot. "What's his name? What breed is he? Do you have any other cute pets?"
Twilight blinked, trying to process it all. This girl's speech was nearly on par with Pinkie Pie's. Before she could attempt to answer any of them tough, an audible growl originated from Twilight's stomach.
She blushed and realized she hadn't had anything to eat since breakfast. "Sorry, I guess I forgot to grab lunch earlier."
"Please, have lunch here." Elinor offered. "It would be an honor to serve you and the inn is know for it's delicious meals."
"In that case, I'd be more than happy too!"
With that, they went off.
The dining room was large, spacious and well decorated. The tables were all clothed and a chandelier hung from the middle of the room. Thankfully, they had some scraps left over from earlier and put them in a bowl for Spike, who happily munched away on it on the floow next to Twilight.
The family quickly got a table set up as Elinor and Lyanna went to get some food.
"This place is beautiful and all, but why is it open? Most other businesses tend to close on Dia de los Muertos." Twilight asked Cloud, who was seated right next to her.
Cloud avoided eye contact and answered hesitantly. "Well, we do actually get a lot of tourists this time of year, though right now they are all at the celebrations. We did used to lock up and go out too...but Grandmother decided it would be best to spend it here this year.
Before Twilight could inquire further Elinor came out with a covered tray. She set it down in front of Twilight and lifted the cover to reveal a still steaming cottage pie.
"It is a traditional family recipe that my own mother taught me. I hope you enjoy it." Elinor said, taking a seat.
"Oh! I loved my mother's cottage pies! They were my favorite thing in the whole world." Ursa sighed, remembering when she was alive.
Twilight took a fork and scooped up some pie and, after blowing on it to cool it down first, plopped it in her mouth.
A smile immediately came to her face. "This is delicious!" she said after swallowed.
"I'm glad you like it. It is the Inn's specialty."
"Well wait 'till she gets a taste of this !" Lyanna said as she entered the dining room carrying a cone filled with various meats.
"It's called a Gyro. I have a truck that specifically makes them to serve." She explained as she handed the meaty treat to Twilight, ignoring her grandmother's glare.
"I've heard about these. They originated from Grace but are now a popular street food in Equestria. My friend Rainbow tried one once and she loved it." With that she took a big bite. "MMMM! This is excellent!"
"Thanks!" Lyanna said with w wide grin. "People line up for miles when I park my truck, no matter what time it is!"
"I always knew she was a talented cook!" Ursa gushed. "She may not have liked working here, but she loved helping out in the kitchen."
"Hmph. Your skills would be of much better use cooking for the inn. It isn't proper for a young woman to be handing food from a truck. Don't you know how dirty those things can get?"
Lyanna glared at her grandmother. "It's the modern world Grandma! I like doing this!"
"What would your mother say if she saw you now?"
Again the hair became tense as the two women glared at each other.
"...I would say I was proud of her. Which I am!" Ursa stated, looking at her mother who couldn't see her.
Twilight and Spike shared a sideways look.
Again. What have I gotten myself into?
Author's Note
Quiz: Who can guess where I got each of the woman's names from or what I'm referencing?
Ursa lead them to room with a sign on the front that said: 105: Art Lessons .
A polite knock and a quick "Come in" later and Twilight found herself in a room with several tables set up and shelves all around the room holding an assortment of art supplies.
"Welcome Miss Twilight." Elinor said, giving a slight bow. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Please, just 'Twilight', and I was hoping..." Twilight was about to show her the paper and ask to use her teapot when she noticed Ursa frantically shaking her head. Twilight was confused and looked down to Spike, who just shrugged his paws.
"Yes?" Elinor inquired as Ursa continued to shake her head.
"..I was....hoping.....for......a quick art lesson!" Twilight decided to just go along with Ursa's plan and ask later. "You know, like the kind you give for your guests."
Elinor seemed surprised but very pleased by her request. "Of course! Please have a seat!" She pulled down a chair and gestured for Twilight to sit before gathering up some small glass jars, markers and glow sticks. "Since today is the Day of the Dead, let's do something simple in honor of it: Glow in the dark lanterns. I did this for our child guests and they just loved it! First you take a jar and marker and..." Elinor continued giving instructions as Twilight tried to copy her design on her own jar (with mixed success).
In the meantime, Twilight decided to gather more information. "So...how long have you been giving art lessons?"
"Several years ago, after my daughter took over running the inn. I've always loved art as a hobby, so I started this class as a way to continue that and share our traditions with the younger generation in a way they might enjoy." She smiled as she continued to draw.
"Do you hope to continue this if Lyanna takes over?" Twilight asked cautiously.
Elinor frowned. "When she takes over."
"But she acts like she doesn't want to be here. And Cloud said she loves working here."
"I'm sure she does, but in our family, the Inn has always gone to the eldest daughter. I know it seems stubborn but traditions are important. They help shape who we are. They help us understand where we come from and why we do things. Imagine growing up lost because you didn't have any traditions to fall back on; you don't know who you are or where you came from. Tradition gives us stability. It also helps keep our culture alive and prevents it from disappearing forever. By following traditions we honor both ourselves and the people that came before us."
Twilight nodded. "I understand completely. I love making schedules and organizing not just because they're fun, but because they help me feel like I'm in control. Even when everything goes crazy."
"Exactly. But Lyanna just does not seem to understand that. She is just so willful...."Elinor sighed and continued softly. "...just like her mother."
Twilight gave the woman a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry. What happened to her?"
Elinor shook her head. "That was a long time ago. Nothing you need to concern yourself with. Now let's continue. Cut the glow-stick here..." With that, they filled the jars and shook them, causing them to glow brightly.
"Well done Twilight. You can put it on your family's ofrenda later on. Let me put on some tea and I'll go get some packing for it. Do you mind watching it until I return." After a quick reassurance, Elinor Put the tea on a small stove in the front corner of the room and left.
Now alone, Twilight turned to confront Ursa. "What was that? Why didn't you want me to tell your mother what we were doing?"
Ursa sighed. "Because she knew about it."
"What?"
"She knew about my will. I showed it to her after I made it. She...wasn't happy. Said it would drive the girls away from here. And look: things are still bad and the first clue was never found. My mother never even tried to find the letter. Or even tell the girls about it. I just didn't want her to ruin this."
A quick hissing informed them that the pot was ready. Twilight took out the note and quickly held it to the steam. Soon, a map appeared on it.
"That's it! It's a map to my letter!" Ursa cried.
Hearing footsteps from outside, Twilight put away the map and quickly lifted the pot off the stove just as Elinor came back. Soon the two were enjoying a nice cup of tea in peace.
"I am sorry about that lecture earlier. But I just love this Inn. It has been in my family for generations. It's my whole world. I just don't want to lose it or see it destroyed."
Twilight nodded but decided to try a new direction. "So...why aren't you at the graveyard. Cloud said you decided to stay here this year."
Elinors eyes looked everywhere but at Twilight. "Because...I didn't want her to find us."
"What do you mean?"
"Spirits, especially those of your family, know everything you've done. Good or bad. Sometimes they leave you alone about it, other times, they don't."
Twilight was still confused and wanted to ask more when Elinor continued. "I'm sure you are busy with your own celebrations. Thank you for visiting our Inn and have a good day."
Getting the message, Twilight finished her tea and left the room.
"Well that was weird." Spike said as they walked down the hall.
"No kidding. But at least we know where the letter is!" Twilight help out the map.
"Not just yet."
"Huh?" Twilight and Spike looked at the floating woman.
"When Lyanna and Cloud were thirteen, I gave them each half of an amulet. To unlock the letter, you need both pieces for it to work."
"Oh come on!" Spike groaned.
"Like I said: I wanted them to work together to find it."
"Well looks like we're paying Cloud and Lyanna a visit." Twilight thought back to her conversation with Elinor. "What do you think she meant when she said she didn't want you to find her?"
Ursa shrugged. "I don't know."
"Do you think it has something to do with how you died?"
"I told you I can't remember."
Twilight pulled out her phone. "But I think we can find out. Thinking about it, I think the Inn was mentioned in the news a while ago..." She typed up the Inn's name and hit 'news'.
What the front line said made her jaw drop.
MOTHER DIES AT LOCAL INN
Author's Note
Tutorial for glow in the dark lanterns: https://growingupbilingual.com/2014/day-of-the-dead/easy-glow-in-the-dark-day-of-the-dead-lanterns/
Twilight and Ursa continued to read the article, their eyes widening with every word, with Twilight reading it out loud so Spike could hear it.
"Last Thursday at ten thirty eight pm., Police and emergency workers responded to a distress call from Lyanna reporting that she had found her mother, Ursa Brown, unconscious in the basement pool of the Great Bear Inn, a popular stop for tourists. Unfortunately, personnel arrived too late and declared that Ms. Brown had died by drowning. Though initially suspecting foul play, the authorities have recently declared it an accident due to the fact that the pool was old and the process of cleaning it was tricky. The owners of the Inn have since then sealed off the pool to prevent further accidents. Many locals have sent their condolences, saying that Ms. Brown was a beloved and well established member of the community. "
They stopped there, and tried to process what they had learned.
"That's how I know the name of this place!" Twilight realized. "It was all over the news!"
"I-I remember now..."Ursa said distantly as she looked into space. "I was supposed to meet my friend in town for a movie that night, but my mother was sick, so I had to do her chores. I remember slipping on the ledge, my head hurting and...." Ursa paused and her next words came so quietly, Twilight and Spike had to listen carefully to hear it. "...I woke up, dead."
"I'm sorry..." Was all Twilight could offer.
"Thank you."
There was a moment of silence as everyone digested this revelation.
"My poor girl..." Ursa began crying. "To have to find her own mother like that...."
"I'm so sorry." Twilight offered again. "I can't change what happened. But we can still try to make things better now."
Ursa sniffed and wiped her eyes. "You're right. The only thing we can do now is get that note. What's next?"
"Let's go talk to Cloud and see if she'll give us her half of the amulet."
With newfound determination, they headed for the front desk.
Cloud was exactly the way Twilight first found her; standing behind her desk, tidying everything up.
"Oh! Twilight! Are you enjoying your visit?"
"Yeah. The Inn is wonderful." Twilight though quickly on how to phrase her next question delicately. "So.....this is kind of a strange question..."
"Yes?"
"Did....did your mother....give you anything when you were thirteen years old? Like say....an amulet piece?"
Cloud's jay dropped. "How-how did you know that?"
"Trust me it'll make sense later. But I really need to see it!"
Cloud looked hesitant but relented, and pulled the piece out of a desk drawer. It looked like half a circle, with half of a green gem in the middle.
"That's it!" Ursa shouted.
"It's beautiful." Twilight couldn't help but say. "I know this is going to sound really really weird too but.....can I borrow it for a little bit? I promise I'll give it right back!"
Cloud blinked and gripped the amulet tighter. "W-why?"
Twilight took a deep breath and tried to figure out how to best explain.
"I-I know this is going to sound crazy....but I can see ghosts."
"Wha-what!?"
"I know! I just found out today myself and let me tell you; I freaked out-" She felt Spike nudge her leg and she got back on track. "So anyway, your mother, Ursa Brown, she talked to me."
"She what !?"
"She asked me to come here to help you, your sister, and your grandmother. I promise to show you later, but right now I really need you and your sister's amulet halves."
Cloud just stared at her for a minute, frowning. "Do-do you have any idea of how crazy you sound right now?"
"I know! I understand! And I know how hard it must have been-"
"You know?" Cloud asked icily.
"I-I read the article online. And I remember it being all over the news when it happened."
"Oh? Did that article or any reporters happen to mention that she died all alone ?"
"Huh?"
"That's right! We were all here! All three of us! We knew cleaning the pool could be dangerous! But not one of us bothered to help her! Not one of us bothered to check up on her until it was too late!"
"I'm sorry-"
"NO! No more 'I'm sorry's! Just-" She pushed the amulet into Twilight's hands. "Just take it and leave me alone! Please!"
Twilight quickly walked away from the grieving woman, knowing that any more talking would just make her more upset.
"Well that could've gone better..." Twilight sighed when they were out of earshot.
"It's okay Twilight, you did your best." Spike said comfortingly. "I guess they're just more upset than we thought they were."
"I'm so sorry about that." Ursa said. "Cloud is normally such a shy and quiet girl. I guess my death hit her hard."
"Honestly," Twilight spoke up. "I think it hit them all pretty hard. Did you see how upset Elinor and Lyanna were when you were brought up? I think they blame themselves too."
"Well, at least we have the first part of the amulet." Spike pointed out.
"But we still need the second half to open the safe." Ursa reminded him.
"Then I guess we need to talk to Lyanna next." Twilight said with a tone of dread.
"I wish I could help you more sweetie. But there's not much I can do besides float through walls. Only ghosts who stay beyond Dia de Los Muertos can interact with the living world." Ursa explained.
"I know. But Lyanna was the one who found you. Considering how upset Cloud was, I can't imagine what Lyanna might do when I ask for her amulet."
"Only one way to find out." Spike said.
Twilight sighed. "You're right. Now how are we going to find Lyanna?"
"That I can help you with!" Ursa said before floating off. She returned a few moments later. "She's still in the dining room."
"All right then, one piece down, one to go." Twilight confirmed as they headed back to the dining room.
Twilight soon found Lyanna in the dining room sitting down and playing on her phone.
"Oh, hey." Lyanna greeted when she noticed Twilight enter the room. "So, quick question."
"Yes?"
"Why exactly did you come here? On today of all days? You've probably got your own family to deal with, so why visit ours?"
Twilight hesitated again, remembering Cloud's earlier outburst and Elinor's dismissal, but a few reassuring looks from Spike and Ursa prompted her to go on. "Ok...I know this is going to sound crazy..."
"Yes?" Lyanna raised an eyebrow.
"....But I can see ghosts and your mother's ghosts asked me to help you guys out so if you please give me your half of the amulet that would be a great help!" Twilight said that so quick she was out of breath by the time she finished.
For a moment Lyanna just sat there and blinked.
"Did...did you just say you can see ghosts ?"
Twilight nodded nervously.
"And my mother's ghosts asked you to come and help us?"
"...She's here right now..."
For another long minute Lyanna sat in silence while processing it.
Pleasedon'tfreakout. Pleasedon'tfreakout!
"That...is..."Lyanna suddenly burst into a grin. "....AMAZING!"
"Huh?" Now it was Twilight's turn to don a look of disbelief.
"That is so cool!" Lyanna suddenly jumped up and looked around excitedly. "Hi mom! It's me! How's it going?!"
"Oh! I probably should have mentioned this before...but Lyanna loves the idea of ghosts and how some people are able to see them. Even when she was little, she's loved those kinds of stories and watching those ghost finding shows." Ursa explained.
"So...you're okay with this?" Twilight asked.
"Totally!" Lyanna exclaimed. "I've met a few people who say they've seen ghosts and it's so cool! So, what does my mom want you to help us with?"
"Well....this is kind of hard to explain, but I need the amulet half your mother gave you when you were thirteen."
"Why?"
"I need it to access something your mother left behind. I promise to show you later, but I really need that amulet piece. I promise I'll give it back later."
After a moment of though, Lyanna nodded, reached into her pocket and pulled out a piece exactly like the one Twilight got earlier.
"If my mom says you need it, here you go."
"Thank you!" Twilight quickly took the amulet.
Lyanna looked away for a moment before asking, "So...I'm guessing she told you what happened?"
Twilight looked down. "No...but I saw an article about it. I'm so sorry you had to go through that."
For a moment, there was just silence and Twilight took that note to leave when..
"Twilight?"
"Yes?"
Lyanna looked nervous and her next words came out slowly. "...Mom know I don't hate this place, right?"
"She does." Twilight said with a comforting smile.
"Good. I don't hate this place...but I just don't want to be stuck here my whole life, you know? I want to meet people. I want to see places and do things you can't do here. But whenever I do visit, Grandma's always on my case about tradition and 'doing my duty', Cloud is too quiet to speak up against her and....I end up feeling trapped here. And after mom died..." She took a deep breath. "...there's just...too many memories to stay here long. Do you understand?"
Twilight gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Believe me, I do."
"Oh my poor baby...I'm so sorry." Ursa apologized.
"Your mother understands too."
"Thank you." Lyanna said, relieved. "If there's anything I can do to help..."
"Well..." Twilight pulled out the map. "Can you tell me where this leads? You know the place better than I do. And I don't know if anything has changed since Ursa died."
Lyanna nodded and a quick look over the map before her face paled.
"Lyanna?"
"This map...leads to the underground pool. Tha-that's where.."
"I'm sorry." Twilight reached for the map. "I shouldn't-"
"No no, it's okay. There was the old family safe near there but..."
"But?"
"We had to seal it up after...the accident."
Twilight shoulders dropped, along with Ursa's. "Well that's just great. How am I supposed to get there now?"
"You're a super-powerful mage right? Can't you just teleport there?"
Twilight shook her head. "Teleporting's risky business for those with little experience with it; and teleporting blindly is incredibly dangerous." Twilight sighed and took the map back. "Thanks for your help anyway..."
"Wait!" Lyanna stopped her. "I know I shouldn't be telling you this but...there is a secret passage that's still open....I think."
"Really?"
Lyanna nodded. "Lots of old building have secret passages and compartments....apparently they're a pretty popular feature. I can show you where it is. Hopefully Grandma hasn't gotten around to closing it up yet."
"That's fantastic! Thank you!"
With that, Lyanna led them out of the dining room.
Lyanna led them up the stairs and down a few hallways before stopping at a bare wall.
"Um...what are looking at?" Twilight asked.
"Hang on, there should be..." Lyanna felt along the wall before coming to a loose board. "Ah ha!" She pressed down and the wall opened up like a door!
"Cloud and I used to sneak down here for a midnight swim whenever I could convince her to break the rules."
"Thank you so much, again!" Twilight said.
"No problem." Lyanna said, turning to them before leaving. "I'd like to come with you, but..."
"Like I said; I understand. I can imagine how painful it would be."
"Yeah....and you promise to show me what you find?"
"I Pinkie Promise to show you whatever I find. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my-OW!" Twilight rubbed her sore eye.
"Uhh....."
"Trust me. I keep my word. It's something I picked up from my friend. Once you make a Pinkie Promise you have to keep it-"
"-FOREVER!"
Startles, Everyone turned to the window to see Pinkie looking in before slowly sliding out of view.
"...Who, or what, was that?"
"Trust me, it's better not to question it."
With that, Twilight, Spike and Ursa descended down a darkened staircase.
Twilight carefully tavelled down the old stairway, keeping a hand to the wall and taking one step at a time.
After a few minutes of this, the trio finally came upon a stone wall.
"Seriously?" Spike complained. "Again?"
"Shouldn't your Alebrije know what he's doing?" Ursa asked.
"My alebrije?" Twilight asked.
"Your dog. Isn't he your alebrije? Isn't that why he can talk?"
"Oh no! He's not an alebrije, he's just a normal dog-"
"Hey!"
"-and the whole talking thing was another mishap altogether."
"Oh. I was wondering why he looked so dull-"
"Hey!"
"-Well in that case, just push on the wall and it should open up."
Twilight, after pushing around it for a minute, finally got the wall to slide sideway, allowing entrance.
Stepping through, Twilight and Spike found themselves, in a dimly lit room with an old, giant in ground swimming pool in the middle giving off an eerie blue glow.
Ursa gave a small gasp and stumbled back.
"Are you ok?" Twilight asked in concern.
"I'm fine. Just...had a flashback to the last time I was here."
"Oh..."
"It's alright. Now follow me. And be careful, the floor can get slippery when wet. Trust me on that."
Carefully, Twilight and Spike stepped around the pool until they got the end of the room which held old lockers, benches, some cleaning supplies and a large painting of the city.
"This was painted by my great-great grandmother. You can just take it off the wall."
Twilight did just that, revealing a large, old safe built into the wall. What was odd what that there weren't any buttons or dials to put numbers in, just an oddly shaped slot.
"Okay, now put both amulet halves into the slot and turn it."
Twilight followed Ursa instructions. The amulet pieces fit right into the slot and she slowly turned the amulet, allowing some gears to loudly turn until-
*Click *
-the door popped right open.
Twilight opened it and gasped at what she saw.
There, on a stand, was an old sword. The blade was slim yet sharp and the handle had a hear head carved into it. Below it, was the holder for it.
Overall, it looked to be in pretty good shape.
"That is our family's sword." Ursa said proudly. "It's called Bear Claw and it's been in our family since before we even had the Inn."
Leaning against the stand was an envelope, Twilight took it and was about to open it when-
"You let her down here? What were thinking!?"
"She said mom told her to come here! She said she could help!"
"That is utter nonsense! I can't believe you could be so thoughtless!"
Turning around, the trio saw Elinor, Cloud and Lyanna enter.
"I'm sorry Twilight! I tried to stop them!"
"What in the world is going on here!?" Elinor asked as she led her Granddaughters to where Twilight was. "You have no business being-"
Finally, she caught sight of the safe. "Oh my..." She gasped softly as she walked towards the sword. "I thought we lost this long ago."
"That Bear Claw...but why would it be down here?" Cloud asked shakily.
"Because your mother meant for you and Lyanna to find it." Twilight explained.
"But how- unless..."
"See! I told you! She can see ghosts! Mom told her to come here!" Lyanna exclaimed.
"Ursa..." Elinor said softly.
"But...why?" Cloud asked.
"To give you this ." Twilight held up the envelope. "Your mother gave you each half an amulet and left a note in the old tree in the hopes that you two would work together to find it."
"Mom...did all that?" Lyanna asked, wide eyed.
"She just wanted you to all get along like a family."
"She-she told you..." Elinor seemed to have a hard time grasping all of this and her face became even paler.
"She wanted me to find this, in the hopes that it would get all of you to stop your fighting and be the family she hoped you could be." She handed it to Lyanna, who carefully opened it and took out an old, slightly yellowed sheet of paper. She gasped when she saw it.
"This-this is mom's handwriting! She really did do all this! Look! See?" She showed it to Cloud, who recognized the handwriting as well. Lyanna glanced at it one more time before handing it back to Twilight.
"Can-can you read it? I don't think we-"
"It's alright." Twilight took it and read aloud the plainly written note.
To my darling daughters.
If you're reading this, that means I am no longer with you, and for that I am truly sorry. I had hoped we would have more time together, but apparently fate had other ideas. I have left you both half of an old family amulet in the hopes that you would look past your differences and become the sisters that you are and find this place, using all the happy memories you had here. Since you're reading this, that means you did it, and I couldn't be prouder of you girls.
Lyanna and Cloud looked away, tears forming at their eyes.
In any case; I know there has some issue of who will someday take over the Inn and as you mother and the current owner, I have decided...that it doesn't matter. The Inn is just a place. What matters are the people running and staying there. My greatest wish is not to see one of you take over the Inn, but to love and accept each other; to be a family. If leaving the Inn behind makes you girls happy, then so be it. If my mother objects, then that's just something she has to learn to live with. Change is a part of life, and we must learn to go along with it, and help shape those changes for the better.
I love your girls so much, and not even death can change that.
With love forever,
Your Mother; Ursa Brown.
Twilight finished and rubbed the tears from her eyes, noticing that Spike was doing the same.
"Oh...mom..." Cloud whimpered.
"I-I can't believe.." Lyanna whispered.
That's when everyone noticed something: Elinor was gone!
"Where's Grandmother?"
"She must have left during the reading."
"I need to talk to her." Twilight declared. "There's still something that doesn't fit right. And I think I know where she went..."
Author's Note
Alibrije; Animal spirit guides in Mexican lore.
Next chapter: one final confrontation before helping out another friend.
Twilight found Elinor right where she expected her; kneeling in front of the old tree in the garden. It was getting late and the setting sun caused long shadows to form. The light pink sky created a solem atmosphere.
Twilight gently approached the old woman, along with Ursa while the others stayed a few feet behind.
"Elinor..."
"I should've known." Elinor said without looking up.
"Huh?"
"I knew she would never let that go. I knew she would continue to haunt me...after what I did. That's why she sent you here, to make sure I was punished."
Twilight looked at Ursa, who shrugged before she knelt beside the old woman. "Elinor, what I read in the article...it wasn't the full story was it?"
Elinor finally looked at Twilight, her green eyes now full of sadness....and guilt.
"The police said it was an accident; it was no accident."
"What do you mean?"
Elinor took a deep breath as she struggled to keep her voice steady. "The night she...died. She was supposed to meet an old schoolgirl friend of hers to go to a movie. But I didn't like her going into the big and dangerous city. I didn't like that friend of hers, always traveling and getting her so excited about leaving here, telling her stories about places far away from here. So I played sick so she would have to stay here."
Ursa's eyes widened and she took a slow breath.
"I don't understand." Twilight said.
"The pool is old, so you have to clean it manually. We've been meaning to replace it with a modern one. The ledges can get very slippery, you have to know where to walk to avoid the wet spots. That was why I never let her or the girls do that part." Elinor frowned at herself at this. "But I wasn't thinking about that. I was too selfish . I only cared about what I wanted." She dropped her head in shame as her next word came out heavily. "She drowned that night, in the pool. It should have been me down there....and she knows that."
"You can't blame yourself." Twilight put a hand on the woman's shoulder.
Elinor glared at her. "You don't understand. I didn't want her to leave the Inn......and she never did."
"I do , accidents happen, no matter how much we wish we didn't. My own Grandmother once told me that no matter how often we wished we could, we can't keep everyone safe."
"She's right."
Elinor looked up in surprise, finally noticing her granddaughters approaching them.
"It's not your fault Grandmother. I should have gone with her to help when she asked." Cloud said sadly.
"No! I should've gone down with her. I'm the oldest! I should have at least gone down to check on her sooner!" Lyanna argued.
"Please! Make them stop!" Ursa begged.
"Everyone, please, you're upsetting Ursa!" Twilight shouted ending any argument they had.
"It's not any of their faults! There's no way any of them could have known that would've happened!"
"She says she doesn't blame any of you! She says there's know way you could've known she would die." Twilight said, repeated Ursa's words.
"But I was her mother!" Elinor cried out. "It was my job to keep her safe! I should have taken care of everything like I was supposed to!"
"Please mother! It's alright! It's not your fault. Please....just take care of the girls." Ursa argued.
"Ursa says it's not your fault, she just wants you to help the girls."
"How?" Elinor asked desperately.
"By listening to them." Twilight didn't need Ursa's help to know to say that. "You heard her letter, she doesn't care who runs the Inn, all that matters is that you love and support one another, whatever you decide to do."
"I-I was just so scared...." Elinor was trembling now. "I had already lost my daughter, then it looked like I was about to lose the Inn....I can't lose you girls either." She turned to her granddaughters.
"Grandma..." Lyanna started tearing up as she sat down next to her.
"Maybe it's time for a few changes." Twilight suggested.
"You're right." Elinor stood up and turned to the girls. "Lyanna, if you want to continue driving around in that truck of yours...go ahead."
Lyanna's eyes widened in surprise.
"And Cloud....if you want to leave too, that's alright."
"But I don't want to leave!" Cloud shouted, causing her grandmother to step back in surprise. "I love this Inn Grandmother, just like you do! If Lyanna doesn't want to run it, that's fine. But I do !"
Elinor, wiping tears from her eyes. "R-really?"
"Yes!" Cloud stood her ground.
"If that is what you desire too.....then alright." Elinor nodded.
Cloud, for the first time since Twilight arrived, smiled. A real smile before she reached out and pulled her grandmother into a hug along with Lyanna.
"Oh, look at them..." Ursa smiled sadly. "Thank you so much for giving me this Twilight."
"Nice job." Spike whispered.
Twilight, looking at the unbroken family, smiled too.
After a quick drive, everyone arrived at the cemetery just as the sun was about to set.
"Thank you, Twilight." Elinor smiled. "The God's gave you your gift for a reason. Today, you have certainly put it to good use."
"I hope so." Twilight smiled softly.
"You did." Cloud pulled her into a hug. "Thank you."
After Cloud let her go, Twilight say Lyanna approach, holding a paper bag.
"More gyros?"
"Actually...I baked up some pan dulce bread, for your family's ofrenda, to thank you too."
Twilight took the bag, opened it, and smiled as a wonderful scent of baked goods filled her nostrils. "This looks delicious! Thank you so much!"
"If you need anything , just ask us ok?"
"I will."
"And feel free to visit whenever you get the chance!" Cloud offered.
"I'll be sure to do that, bye!" Twilight and Spike waved as the family went to fully decorate, Elinor's ofrenda.
"Well, I say that went pretty well!" Spike said.
"Yeah..." Twilight smiled as she looked around as she saw everyone, living or dead, celebrating together.
"C'mon Spike, out own family's probably worried about us-"
"Um, excuse us?"
Twilight sighed and turned around, coming face-to-face with a pair of ghosts. "Yes?"
The man took off his hat. "We...heard about you helping that lady's family, and...."
"...we wondering if you could do the same for us. If you don't mind of course." The woman finished.
Twilight took a closer look at the couple. The woman was very pretty, with long, curly orange hair and teal eyes with scattering of freckles. The man was tall and large, with bright red hair and yellow skin. For some reason Twilight found them very familiar.
"Alright then. So what;s the problem?"
Author's Note
One last chapter....
Twilight arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, brown bag still in hand as she knocked on the door.
"Coming.." An inside voice said, which soon revealed herself to be Applejack, who looked at Twilight in surprise. "Twilight? What are you doing here? Ah figured you would be at the cemetery with the rest of yer family."
"Let's just say...something else came up. Can I come in?" With that, Twilight quickly found herself sitting next to AJ on the couch.
"What's in the bag?" AJ asked.
"Pan dulce? Want some?" Twilight asked temptingly.
AJ looked hesitant for a moment. "Well....ah suppose it couldn't hurt."
Twilight handed a piece of bread to AJ and took one for herself before they both took a big bite.
"Mmmmm..." AJ smiled as she enjoyed the warm, baked goodness. "Where'd ya get this Twi? It's almost as good as.....my ma's..." her voice trailed off on a sad note.
"Yeah...it's almost as good as my own Grandpa's." Twilight began reminiscing. "One time, my Grandma accidentally all the bread for the offering and my Grandpa had to make a whole new batch right away!"
This caused both teens to giggle.
"No kidding! One time we were baking cookies fer a bake sale, and Pa and Applebloom each kept sneaking one 'for a quick snack' and by the time we got there, we realized they had eaten all of them!"
The cause both girls to burst into laughter and the funny memory.
"Oh! Granny was right mad! She and ma had been slaving away in the kitchen all morning baking them! We had to apologize to the school and pay for the cookies!"
There was more laughter before they calmed down before Twilight got to the big question.
"Applejack...why don't you like Dia de los Muertos? You're the element of honesty, but I know what you said yesterday wasn't the full truth."
Unlike before, Aj went quiet for a minute before sighing. "The truth is....Ah miss 'em too much. Talking and thinking about them....I get too upset to say much. If I went to the graveyard....ah just don't think I can handle it."
"I understand." Twilight wrapped a comforting arm around her friend. "I miss my Grandparents too. But that's why we have this holiday, so we can talk about and remember all the good times we had together."
AJ looked at her friend, paying attention to every word.
"Because if we remember them, it's like they're never really gone, no matter what time of year it is. And that makes me and so many other people happy."
"Ah...ah guess ah never thought of it that way..." AJ looked up at the clock and back at the stair case. "Ah still got the costume Rarity made me, do ya think we can still make it in time?"
"Don't worry, I got us a ride." Twilight walked up to the door as AJ followed.
"Is...is that a food truck?" AJ asked in confusion.
"Let's just say...I made a few new friends today." Twilight smiled and waved at Lyanna, who waved back.
Thankfully, they made it back to the cemetery before the procession started.
"Thanks for the ride!" Twilight called over her shoulder, followed by a fully costumed AJ. The sun had fully set by now, and the candles shone brightly in the graveyard. Twilight quickly began looking around before finding her target. "Luna! Over here!"
The woman turned, surprised but happy to see them. "Twilight! Applejack! So good to see you here, but I though Granny Smith said you never come?"
"Well..." Before Aj could think of an answer, Twilight spoke up.
"I actually have an important favor to ask!" She went over to the blue woman and whispered in her ear for a minute, much to the cowgirls confusion.
"Are you sure?" Luna asked.
"Definitely! Do you have anything like that?"
Luna put a finger to her chin in though. "Actually...I may have just the thing." She folded her hands together and pulled them apart, revealing a pair of ordinary brown glasses.
"Uh...what are those?" AJ asked.
"Will these work?" Twi asked.
Luna nodded. "Of course. They were design and enchanted to let ordinary people see them too. They are very rare so I will, of course, be expecting them back at school."
"Got it!" Twilight took the glasses with enthusiasm. "Thank you so much!"
"Your very welcome. Have a nice holiday!" Luna waved as she left.
"Err...Twi? What was that all about?"
"It'll make sense, trust me. Now, do you know where your family is?"
AJ and Twilight finally arrived at the Apple part of the cemetery.
"Applejack!" Applebloom cried out in joy before rushing to hug her sister.
"Wy would ya look at that!" Granny smith declared, amazed. "You actually managed to convince her to come here. You really are a miracle worker!"
"I wouldn't go that far..."
"Okay Twi." AJ turned to her. "I'm here, not what in Equestria is going on?"
"These glasses." Twilight held them up. "Allow you to see ghosts."
"What the-"
"....At least that's what Luna said." Carefully, she slid them over Aj's nose. "Now don't panic-I already did earlier-and look ." She stepped back.
Aj blinked, adjusting herself to her new eyewear, before looking around and gasping. "What in the-"
"I know it's weird at first." Twilight said. "But Luna said it's perfectly natural for today."
Aj looked around, seeing the spirits visiting their families and ofrenda's.
"They're-they're.."
"I know." Twilight smiled. "It's real."
Finally, AJ turned around to her own family's ofrenda....and saw two vary familiar figures standing beside it, wrapped in each other's arms, and smiling at her.
They're-they're really here..." Aj reached out her hand and it passed through her mother's equally outreached hand.
"I'll just leave you three alone." Twilight turned to leave, only for her friend to turn her back around and hug her.
"...Thank ya Twilight. Thank you." AJ said through her tears.
Twilight hugged her back, trying to keep her own tears in check.
Twilight finally made it back to her Grandparent's Ofrenda to find the rest of her living family waiting for her.
"Twilight! There you are!" Velvet exclaimed.
"Where have you been sweetie? You almost missed the procession!" Night said.
"Sorry! I got a little sidetracked.."Twilight explained. "On the bright side, I got more bread and a new candle!" Twilight put down the rest of the bread before shaking the candle jar and setting it down.
"Oh! How beautiful!" Cadance gasped. "Where did you get it?"
"There's this really nice Inn nearby. I'll tell you more later."
Then they all just stood there, taking in the atmosphere of families enjoying the day together.
"You know." Nigh spoke up. "As silly as it sounds, I feels like they're actually here with us."
Twilight looked up, and blinked in surprise when she noticed an elderly ghost couple standing next to their altar, arms linked through each others, smiling and nodding at Twilight.
They looked exactly like they did in their portraits.
"Trust me dad." Twilight said, smiling, "I know they are."
Up high on a crypt, two figures watched the festivities, unseen and unnoticed by the people below.
"Another year....another Day of the Dead gone by." Mictlan sighed.
"But you have to admit. This year was a little more interesting." La Catrina pointed out.
"Watching her help them was nice...I suppose." Mictlan grunted.
La Catrina giggled at her husband's stubbornness.
"I'll still never understand what goes through that young Goddess's head." Mictlan grumbled.
"Who does?" La Catrina shrugged. "But there's no denying they've done a lot of good."
"In any case, they still have a LOT to learn, especially the purple one!"
"Yes, they do. But tonight we are all free to celebrate and not worry about such things."
"Speaking of celebrating..." Mictlan held his arm out. "Why don't we get out of here and do some 'celebrating' of our own Mi Amor ?"
La Catrina giggled, took his arm as they both vanished into the night.
Author's Note
...And that's a wrap! Hope you all enjoyed it and see you all next time!
Feel free to leave a comment!
While Lyanna and Elinor cleaned up lunch, Cloud decided to take Twilight on a tour of the Inn.
"And this is the garden. People love to come out here to eat, have tea or just to enjoy the outdoors. It was even featured in 'Garden Monthly' about two years ago." She explained as they walked on stone pathways through an intricate and beautifully decorated garden with all sorts of flowers, tables, chairs and even tiny rivers running through it. As they walked over a small bridge, she pointed at a large maple tree in the center. "That tree was planted the same day the Great Bear opened in order to commemorate the occasion. It is over two hundred years old, making it one of the oldest known trees in Canterlot." A small smile formed on her face as she spoke softly. "When Lyanna and I were little, our mother would read us stories under that tree whenever we couldn't sleep, even if it usually meant she had to carry us back to our beds."
"That's so sweet." Twilight said.
"Oh, I loved doing that. They looked so cute sleeping there, and I didn't mind carrying them back." Ursa said wistfully.
"It sounds like you love working here." Twilight pointed out to cloud.
"Oh! I do...well, I did ." Cloud seemed to grow irritated at the though. "While Lyanna goes driving her truck to who knows where, I'm the one managing the inn. Making sure everything is running smoothly. Making sure all the guests are happy. But does my grandmother say anything about all the hard work I do? No. She only cares about Lyanna coming back to take over. And Lyanna? She's too selfish too see how great this place is or consider other people's feelings other than her own."
"Well, why don't you just tell your grandmother you want to run the Inn?"
"I have!" Cloud stomped angrily. "But she says it's "tradition" for the eldest daughter to take over the inn. Can't she see what a brat Lyanna is? You want to know what happened right after mom died? She bought that stupid truck and drove off leaving us here to take care of everything! Can you believe her!? Even after she-" She realized she was yelling once she noticed Twilight and Spike's widened eyes.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" She blushed. "I just...get a little upset talking about my sister. We were never that close. Especially after the...accident" Finally she sighed. "I need to go calm down a little. Please, enjoy the garden." With that she walked off.
"Woah." Spike said once she was out of earshot. "Talk about drama."
"Okay, I think we've got the story so far." Twilight said as she began summarizing. "The main problem appears to be that Elinor wants Lyanna to run the Inn, but Lyanna doesn't want to, and Cloud wants to run the inn, but it's against tradition."
"All this fighting over nothing!" Ursa cried.
"'Nothing'?" Twilight repeated in confusion.
"Do they think I honestly care about who runs this place? If leaving this Inn and living their own lives makes my daughters happy, then so be it. That's something my own mother just has to deal with. Lyanna is such a free spirit, I always knew she never wanted to stay here. And Cloud used to love helping me around the inn after school; she loves this place as much as my own mother does. And my mother can be a little strict when it comes to tradition, but I know she means well." She sighed."I just want them to be a family."
"I think, deep down, they want that too. They just don't know how to go about it." Twilight began to pace and think. "I think there's more to it though. They seemed upset whenever they mentioned you. That's natural I guess, but I think something else happened that made them so upset at each other."
"Well, what do we do?" Spike asked. "We're not exactly therapists."
"Wait! I think I have something!" Ursa spoke up. "Before I died I left a letter for them, in case I wasn't around anymore."
"That's great! Do you remember where it is?"
"No."
Twilight slumped her shoulders.
"I'm sorry! It's been a while! But..." Ursa floated around the tree until she came upon something. "Look! Up there!" Twilight walked over to where Ursa pointed and found an old not tied to a tree branch. "I wanted my daughters to get along so I left a few clues for them to find it together." Ursa looked away sadly. "Unfortunately, it appears you are going to have to do it for them. I was going to tell them about it soon, or on my deathbed but..." Her eyes furrowed, as though she were trying to remember something.
"But what?" Spike asked. "Don't you remember what happened when you died?"
"Spike!" Twilight scolded him.
"It's alright. Unfortunately, that part is fuzzy for me. Even the hours before it are a blur. It's common for spirits who died suddenly or....tragically. I guess I didn't have a deathbed to tell them on."
"We can work on that later. Now..." With that, Twilight used her magic to bring the note down and opened it.....to find it completely blank.
"Uh...I think you didn't just forget to tell your family about the clues." Spike said when he saw the blank sheet.
"Well I didn't want to make it too easy for them!" Ursa defended herself.
"Hang on." Twilight gave the paper a quick sniff and smiled. "Lemon juice. I knew it! My grandma once taught me a trick where you can use lemon juice to create invisible ink! All we need is a heat source to light up the letters."
"Well done!" Ursa smiled. "My mother always has a pot of tea boiling in her work room. She teaches tourists arts and crafts based on various Equestria traditions. My girls used to love taking the classes themselves, it was one of the few things they didn't fight over. It should be exactly what we need."
"Well, then what are we waiting for?" With that, they rushed off.
