Love for her Owlby Alexponylover95ChaptersFirst SignsDiagnosisHang in there BuddyHeart Breaking DecisionMany Years Later...First SignsAuthor's Note Hello everycreature! Now this is a short story I have in mind for an episode idea that focuses on Twilight and her junior assistant and pet Owlowiscious that I thought of while chatting away in the nightly discussion post during Twilight Sparkle Day on Equestria Daily and it was met by much approval! But fair warning... If you have a weak heart... Well just be prepared by having a box of tissues while reading this short story... This story is basically like Tanks for the Memories, but instead of Rainbow Dash and Tank, it's Twilight and Owlowiscious! So yeah... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! First Signs Today was a very quiet summer day for the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, currently in the library and study of her castle home, enjoying the peacefulness of the mostly empty library and enjoying her work preparing for the next school year at the School of Friendship, which was right next to her home. Writing out the curriculum, with scroll on desk and quill in her magical hold, Twilight put a lot of thought into what subjects there would be next year. Dipping the drying quill into the ink pot to refresh it, the quill got only a little as Twilight took a look and saw the pot was very nearly empty. "Owlowiscious, could you please fetch some more ink?" Twilight asked her junior assistant and feathery companion, who was sitting on a perch next to the desk, ready to assist his owner with whatever she needs. "Hoo! Hoo." The owl responded, although a little quietly for him as he flew off to where Twilight kept the ink jar in the library, Owlowiscious fetching some more ink as Twilight smiled, but noticed the owl's softer tone. "Thanks Owlowiscious, I'm so glad you're here to help me while Spike is over in Canterlot." Twilight told the owl as he returned to his perch. Yes Spike, the baby dragon who Twilight raised and Twilight's number one assistant, was in Canterlot for a few days because of a diplomatic meeting between the royal sisters, Celestia and Luna and Dragon Lord Ember and since Spike was the "official Equestrian friendship ambassador for the Dragon Lands", it was very important that he be there as well to make sure things go smoothly. So that left Twilight with her junior assistant, who is, always, a great help, on his perch, ready to attend to whatever Twilight needed him to do. Although since Spike left for Canterlot, Twilight has been noticing that Owlowiscious has been slower, looking a bit more tired and quieter than he usually is, Twilight didn't complain or say anything about it however, but deep down she began to worry a little. "Maybe I should add some more notes on Mistmane's adventures..." Twilight thought out loud as she turned to Owlowiscious. "Owlowiscious, do you mind getting the biography I have on Mistmane?" "Hoo. Hoo." The owl replied and flew off. Twilight watched as the owl looked through the bookshelves and after a couple of minutes found it and with his claws, took it out carefully from its place on the shelf, only as the book was free, Twilight saw that Owlowiscious almost lost his grip and dropped it, but managed to hold it tightly enough as he brought it back to Twilight. Twilight saw that Owlowiscious had a rather tough time, struggling to keep his hold on the book, but making it and putting it down as carefully as he could on the desk. The owl returned to his perch, seemingly out of breath as Twilight made sure her owl was alright before getting back to work. After a long day in the library, Twilight decided it was time to eat some dinner before heading off to bed, making sure that Owlowiscious had a nice meal too before the two headed off to rest, with her owl standing on her back, Twilight trotted to her bedroom, yawning as she was exhausted from her work load. Entering the room, Twilight put Owlowiscious on his perch, the owl's eyes looking heavy as he was also pretty tired from the day. Before snuggling herself under her bed covers, Twilight reached up and gave her junior assistant a quick goodnight kiss. "Good night Owlowiscious, thank you for all your help today." Twilight said softly as the owl hooted back. Twilight then got under her covers and slept, although during the night she thought a lot about what was wrong with Owlowiscious, maybe he was tired and in need of a break? Or something more serious? Either way, Twilight didn't sleep all too well thinking about it as morning came with the sun shining through the bedroom window and the princess waking up. Looking over at Owlowiscious on his perch, she could see that the owl was now asleep, his head slightly moving up and down as he was quietly snoring. Twilight stayed as quiet as she could, not wanting to wake him up from his peaceful sleep as Twilight decided to go out for the day. "You rest today my junior assistant, I'll be back." Twilight smiled as she picked up her saddle bags with her magic before lowering it onto her back and making her way out of the castle, making sure to close the front door before trotting through town, going to the marketplace to get some stuff the castle was running low on. While there, she also decided to get some of Owlowiscious' favorite treats to thank him for all the hard work he has been doing for the past few days. "Hello Princess Twilight, here to pick up Owlowiscious' favorite treats?" The pet treat seller asked happily. "Yes, he has been working hard lately and I thought I would reward him for his efforts." Twilight answered. "Well good for the little guy, I wish I had an assistant like him, tell him I hope he enjoys his treats." The seller smiled. "Will do." Twilight replied as she paid for the treats before putting them inside her saddle bags and trotting off. Before going back to her castle however, Twilight decided to make one last stop, the Sweet Feather Sanctuary, just outside the town limits, where Twilight knew that one of her friends, Fluttershy, would most likely be now, taking care of the animal residents of the sanctuary. And sure enough Twilight saw the yellow pegasus currently feeding a tall giraffe some leaves, wearing a smile as she then climbed down and went to take care of the next animal, but Fluttershy saw Twilight trot up, waving to the alicorn. "Hey Twilight." Fluttershy called. "Hey Fluttershy." Twilight replied back as Twilight entered the sanctuary, trotting through it as Fluttershy took a seat, patting the spot next to her for Twilight to sit down. "Boy, I'm still amazed that you can run this place alone, must be hard." "It is hard, but well worth it to take care of all the animals." Fluttershy replied as the pegasus noticed Twilight's tone and look on her face. "But something tells me you're not just here for a social visit, something wrong?" "Well, since Spike left for Canterlot a few days ago, Owlowiscious has been helping me alone, but I don't know he seems more exhausted than usual, plus he had a hard time carrying over a book I asked him to grab for me." Twilight revealed as Fluttershy put a hoof to her muzzle, a bit surprised to hear what Twilight said. "Well maybe he's just overworked, he most likely needs a day of rest, I'm sure he's okay and there's nothing too wrong with him." Fluttershy tried staying positive for her friend. "I guess so, plus I went to the marketplace today and got a few of his favorite treats, so I'm sure he'll feel better with them." Twilight brightening up a little. "Well I would love to keep chatting Twilight, but I still have lots of animals that need my attention." Fluttershy informed her friend. "Of course, I wouldn't hold you up any longer, thanks for the help Fluttershy." Twilight smiled as she got up and began trotting out of the sanctuary. "See you later." "Bye Twilight, tell Owlowiscious I hope he feels better." Fluttershy called out. So with her day out done, Twilight trotted back to her castle, trying to stay positive as she opened her front door, hoping to see that Owlowiscious was out and maybe even waiting for her to come back home. Only the halls were empty as Twilight wasn't concerned just yet... "Owlowiscious!" Twilight called out. "I'm home, I got a few of your favorite treats for you to eat to thank you for your hard work while Spike is away." Twilight kept calling as her owl didn't come flying to her. Now Twilight began to get worried as she checked the rooms throughout the castle, the library, kitchen, dining room, the bathrooms, the map room, but still no Owlowiscious as the only room left was her bedroom, where she last saw the owl resting on his perch. Trotting to her bedroom door, her door, which Twilight left a little open so her owl could go out if he wanted to, was still open as Twilight heard Owlowiscious' quiet hooting as she trotted closer and closer... "Owlowiscious..." Twilight called as she slowly opened her bedroom door with one of her hooves and was greeted by her worst fears... DiagnosisAuthor's Note Hey everycreature! First off, I'm glad to see the positive following this got and thank you for it! Second, I also had another episode idea I have centering on Diamond Tiara and the CMCs, which... (Spoiler alert!) Ends in Diamond Tiara becoming a member of the CMCs! Let me know if you want to see that and I'll consider doing it after this is done! Diagnosis "Owlowiscious!" Twilight nearly screamed at the top of her lungs. "What's wrong!?" There was Owlowiscious... Now on the floor, instead of his perch, shaking like he was in a very nervous fit as he had his wings wrapped around himself, well... What little good that did him as Twilight quickly picked him up with her magic and looked for any injuries, which she didn't. Then grabbing a towel, she wrapped it around Owlowiscious, which seemed to work a little bit, but still didn't stop the owl's shaking as Twilight knew it was time for a run to Dr. Fauna to see what exactly was wrong with her feathery companion. "Don't worry Owlowiscious, we're going to see Dr. Fauna, she'll know what's wrong with you." Twilight assured her owl as she gently snuggled him into her saddle bags and took off for the vet clinic, galloping out of her castle home, nearly bumping into several ponies as she rushed to the clinic, almost bumping into one of her friends... "Hey Twilight!" Applejack called to her alicorn friend as Twilight, of course, didn't hear, much less pay attention as the alicorn zoomed past the orange pony. "What's wrong with her..." Applejack wondered as she just managed to notice Owlowiscious' head poking out from one of Twilight's saddle bags. After a run of several minutes, which seemed like an eternity to Twilight, she reached the vet clinic, taking a quick second to compose herself as she entered the building, which luckily there were no other ponies, with their companions waiting, except... "Oh darling, what are you doing here?" Rarity asked as a familiar white cat was sitting down next to her. "Oh Rarity..." Twilight blushed. "I think there's something wrong with Owlowiscious, I just rushed here to see Dr. Fauna as soon as I can. "Oh poor dear..." Rarity expressed as she noticed Twilight's distraught look. "I'm just here for Opal's usual checkup." And then the door to Dr. Fauna's office opened as the yellow pony with a light blue mane, wearing vet's coat, started to speak to Rarity... "Alright Rarity, I'm ready for Opal's check..." Dr. Fauna started before she noticed Twilight. "Oh Princess Twilight, what can I help you with?" "Dr. Fauna, there's something wrong with Owlowiscious, but I guess Rarity was here before me, so she has to go first..." Twilight began, only for Rarity to cut her friend off. "Oh darling, you simply seem upset, you can go first, Opal and I can wait." Rarity expressed honestly as her visit was not as important as Twilight's. "Thank you Rarity, thank you so much." Twilight very nearly cried out a tear as Dr. Fauna let Twilight and Owlowiscious in while Opal was very relieved. "But don't think this excuses you from your checkup Opal dear..." Rarity told her cat as the cat hissed back, who was clearly happy for a second, only to have her hopes dashed... Meanwhile, Twilight took out Owlowiscious from her saddle bag, but leaving the towel wrapped around him as Dr. Fauna started to get to work. "Alright, lets see what's wrong with my favorite owl." Dr. Fauna began as she slowly took off the towel, which of course in turn made the owl shake all that much more. "This is so strange, Owlowiscious was perfectly fine during his last checkup, Princess Twilight, have you noticed any signs lately?" "Well he has been more tired than usual lately, you see Spike had to leave for Canterlot a few days ago, so Owlowiscious has been helping me, bringing me more ink and books, stuff like that, but he has done that before and was fine..." Twilight expressed. "Strange..." Dr. Fauna thought as she then felt the owl's body, which was rather cold, despite the office being normal room temperature, the vet then taking out her stethoscope and put it against the owl's heart, which was beating a little more slowly. "Well, his heart rate's not as regular as it should be... But I don't see any cuts or things like that. My guess is that Owlowiscious had a breakdown, simply a response to the difference from being a house owl. Owls are not your typical domesticated pet, like a dog or cat is, they're meant to live in the forest after all. And you did tell me that he did come to you ." "So, what do you suggest for him Dr. Fauna?" Twilight asked. "I suggest he doesn't help you for the time being, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you have to watch over him, make sure he's comfortable and in a warm spot, preferably by a fireplace." Dr. Fauna suggested. "Wait for a few days and if he shows no signs of improvement, than come back to me and I'll see what I can do to help him get better." "Okay, thank you Dr. Fauna, I'll get right to it." Twilight replied, putting a comforting hoof on her owl as he turned his tired and sick looking face to his owner. "You're welcome." Dr. Fauna smiled as Twilight wrapped her owl back up in the towel and put him in her saddle bags as Dr. Fauna opened her office door while Twilight trotted out. And what Twilight saw next put a faint smile on her face... "Is Owlowiscious okay Twilight..." Fluttershy asked first as she, with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie came to the vet, obviously Applejack got her friends and they all dropped what they were doing and came over and since Rarity was already there, that was one less friend Applejack needed to get. "No, he's not Fluttershy..." Twilight got back to her sadness as she hung her head low. "Well, what's wrong than?" Rainbow Dash asked. "He's just in need of some rest, I have to take him back to the castle and make sure he's warm and comfortable." Twilight answered as she trotted past her friends, to go back home. "Well, we're coming with you Twilight." Pinkie Pie addressed as she turned around to join Twilight. "But, I don't want to interrupt all your plans and..." Twilight began, but Applejack cut her off. "Now, now Twilight, don't you know at this point that we're going to stick by you no matter what?" Applejack reminded Twilight. "And besides, you would do the same for us." "Thanks Applejack, I guess I can accept a little help now." Twilight once again smiled as Rarity now spoke up. "I'll join you shortly darlings, right now, Opal needs her checkup and I'll come with a nice blanket for Owlowiscious to tuck him under." Rarity told her friends as she picked up her cat and the two went into Dr. Faun'a office, with Opal not looking too pleased at having her checkup still... Meanwhile the rest of the group trotted together back to the castle, the group right away going to the cozy living room of the castle, where the fireplace was. With Twilight setting down her owl, Applejack, with Rainbow Dash's help, got the fire going in the fireplace, which very quickly filled the living room with a nice warmness. While that was going on, Fluttershy watched over the owl while Twilight and Pinkie got a big enough basket for Owlowiscious to lay in and rest, although Owlowiscious tried getting up. "No, no, Owlowiscious, you need to rest." Fluttershy explained as Twilight and Pinkie came back with the basket, Twilight also seeing her owl trying to get up. "Yes my junior assistant, you just rest, you done enough for me." Twilight urged the sick owl as Owlowiscious gave up and was placed gently into the basket. With the fire going and with Rarity coming as fast as she could after Opal's checkup, with a nice, soft blanket for the owl, Owlowiscious was laid as close to the fire as possible and well it seemed to work. The shaky owl stopped shaking after a few minutes and soon enough was fast asleep, finally giving Twilight a breather. "Looks like some owl's finally asleep..." Pinkie softly spoke. "Yeah, I hope he stays that way." Fluttershy agreed. "Well, we y'll better give him some space." Applejack advised as Twilight's friends began to leave, but not before reassuring Twilight that Owlowiscious was going to be okay. "Don't worry Twilight, it's just like when I was afraid Tank was going to hibernate, if I got through that, you can get through this." Rainbow Dash told Twilight. "I hope so Rainbow..." Twilight replied as she looked back at her sleeping owl, finally comfortable, safe for now. "I really hope so..." Hang in there BuddyAuthor's Note Hey everycreature! Sorry for the long delay, but to be honest my presence on this site is more of a side thing, my main focus on fanfiction writing is on fanfiction.net, under a slightly different name. But I have also been thinking about my version of MLP G5, that I started, because you see I have watched the early release of the finale (Don't worry, not saying anything about it!) and well I really want my version of G5 to continue from G4. So I might end up redoing my G5 version after the finale. Hang in there Buddy It was early in the morning the next day after Twilight brought Owlowiscious to the vet and at the Ponyville train station, the Friendship Express came rolling in, slowing down to a stop as the car doors opened, letting their passengers out, along those a small purple dragon, who was looking a little tired, but relieved as he took a deep breath. "Home sweet home..." The dragon, named Spike, commented as he walked off the station platform, back to Twilight's castle. "Man, so this is what Twilight always feels like after events in Canterlot." For the past few days, Spike was attending an important diplomatic meeting between the princesses and Dragon Lord Ember, which Princess Celestia specifically requested Spike's help to ensure a flawless visit from Ember. And Spike was more than happy to do so, it did give him a chance to see Ember again after all and with his help, the visit did go perfectly and both parties were happy. Only Spike was a little worried that things might slow down on Twilight's end while he was away, Spike knew Twilight had Owlowiscious and well Twilight was in good... Claws, but he was looking froward to helping Twilight now that he was back in Ponyville. After a walk through the town, Twilight's castle stood in sight as Spike once again took a breath as he walked up the stairs leading up to the doors as he opened it and came in, expecting a welcome back home, but there was no one in sight. "Twilight!" Spike called to let the alicorn know he was back. "I'm back home, I can't wait to tell you how good a job I did in Canterlot!" Spike called, but no Twilight or answer greeted him back. "Twilight?" Spike said softly as he started looking through all the rooms in the castle, wondering where Twilight could be. Eventually Spike found Twilight, in the place he least expected her, in the living room, with a fire roaring in the fireplace, Twilight currently reading as she was keeping watch over something in a basket. Twilight reading was nothing out of the ordinary, but a fire lit in the fireplace during the summer when it was nice and warm outside? And well even thought Twilight's back was turned to him, Spike could already tell something was wrong with the alicorn... "Twilight?" Spike called, not too loudly to startle her, but enough to get her attention. "Are you okay?" "Oh Spike..." Twilight replied as she closed the book she was currently reading. "You're back already? I'm sorry I didn't meet you at the train station." "That's okay Twilight, but what are you doing?" Spike wondering as he came into the room, walking up to besides Twilight. "Well, you know how Owlowiscious has been helping me while you were away in Canterlot?" Twilight asked as Spike was now curious. "Yes..." Spike replied as he stepped up and took a look into the basket that was next to Twilight, seeing a sleeping Owlowiscious inside. "Owlowiscious has fallen ill, I went to see Dr. Fauna about it yesterday and she said that he just had a breakdown and that I have to be constantly watching over him, make sure he's warm and comfortable." Twilight answered as Spike looked down at the sleeping owl. "Well, he seems better now, rested." Spike noted. "Yes, but I want to make sure he gets all the rest he needs, I don't want to risk it." Twilight replied. "Good thinking Twilight, you know I'm glad you're hanging on, I was a bit worried you might not be too well." Spike commented. "Thanks Spike, I'm glad you're still my number one assistant." Twilight smiled as she put her wing over Spike and brought him close for a hug. "It's what I do." Spike replied modestly as he broke the hug and gently patted the sleeping owl. "Hang in there buddy, you're going to be just fine." Spike smiled as Owlowiscious broke open one eye to see the dragon, while giving a soft "Hoo" out to acknowledge he heard the dragon. As Twilight let Spike rest, not that there was much to do currently, Spike sat down nearby in the living room while bringing out some of his power ponies comic books while Twilight went back to her own book, checking once in awhile on Owlowiscious, who was resting comfortably inside the basket. Later on during the day, there was a knock on the living room door, as Twilight once more put down her book. "Come on in." Twilight called out, not too loudly as the door opened to reveal Dr. Fauna and Fluttershy. "Hey Twilight, I was just coming over to bring some medicine for Owlowiscious." Fluttershy said. "And I met Dr. Fauna on the way, she came over to check up on him." "Thanks you two, Owlowiscious seems to be doing just fine, looking better already." Twilight replied as she led the two visitors over to the owl. "Well, he certainly seems to be better." Dr. Fauna holding out her stethoscope and gently pressing it against the owl's feathers. "His heart rate is much better now and everything checks out, give it another couple of days and he should be back to normal princess." "Thank you Dr. Fauna." Twilight thanked the vet as Fluttershy came froward. "And with the medicine I brought over from the sanctuary storage, I'm sure he'll be even better." Fluttershy smiled as she took out the bottle from her saddle bags with her wing. "Do you mind if I give it to him Fluttershy?" Twilight asked. "Oh, not at all Twilight, here you go." Fluttershy giving Twilight the bottle and spoon as Twilight, with her magic, poured a little of the liquid into the spoon carefully as she then looked down into the basket holding her owl. "Owlowiscious..." Twilight softly called to her feathered companion. "I got a little medicine from Fluttershy to help you, open your beak." Twilight told him as the owl slowly opened his beak as Twilight carefully poured the spoon's content into Owlowiscious' beak. Twilight was going to give the bottle back to Fluttershy, but Fluttershy refused. "You keep it Twilight, you need it more than I do." Fluttershy insisted. "Just give it to him once a day until he's back to normal." "Thank you Fluttershy, I'll be sure to return it to you once I'm done with it." Twilight smiled. The two visitors then left, once more leaving Twilight alone with her owl and Spike as they just spent the rest of the day in silence, however, and ever since she brought Owlowiscious to Dr. Fauna, Twilight has been thinking about something, something that Dr. Fauna told her, that stuck with her, that owls were not meant to be domesticated and kept as pets to ponies. Maybe Owlowiscious staying with her all these years of her life in Ponyville was starting to have an effect on him... Soon enough night began to fall as Celestia lowered the sun while Luna brought up the moon over the horizon as Spike began yawning, tired and ready to go to his room and into his bed to sleep. "We should head off to bed Twilight." Spike informed the alicorn. "You go ahead Spike, I want to stay with him a little longer." Twilight replied. "You sure?" Spike asked. "Yeah, I do need to make sure he is alright after all." Twilight reassured Spike. "Okay, but don't let me catch you still here in the morning." Spike joked as he yawned again and headed off to bed. Once Spike left, closing the living room door behind him, Twilight bent her head down low over the basket that Owlowiscious was sleeping in as the alicorn sighed. "Maybe it's time for you to go Owlowiscious..." Twilight spoke softly. "I never thought I would say it, but I need to think what's best for you and what's best is for you to be free and live the rest of your life out there..." Twilight shedding a few tears as she said this... Heart Breaking DecisionAuthor's Note Hey everycreature! So here is the second to last chapter in this short story! It may be shorter, because I want to save one last thing for the ending, a little epilogue if you will! Anyway, hope you enjoy as always! Heart Breaking Decision A week has passed since Owlowiscious fell ill and now... He was back to his old self as he was currently flying circles around Twilight's castle, making sure he was okay as Twilight, with her friends and Dr. Fauna were watching to make sure he was all fit and strong from his long rest and time to refill his stamina. So far everything was looking good as Twilight's friends, who brought along their own pets, cheered the speeding owl as he didn't seem tired at all. "Well I have to say Princess, I'm glad Owlowiscious is back to normal, you took really good care of him." Dr. Fauna commented. "Thank you Dr. Fauna, but it wasn't just me." Twilight replied as she watched the light brown owl flying by as the group was currently on one of the castle balconies. "I have to say Twilight, I was almost going to suggest that he stay a little over at my sanctuary where I could watch him, but I guess I didn't have to." Fluttershy added. "I didn't want to, you have enough as it is Fluttershy, and besides you helped out a lot with the medicine you brought for him." Twilight turning to speak to her pegasus friend. "Although I have been thinking a lot lately about Owlowiscious and hte future..." "What do you mean Twilight?" Fluttershy asked quietly. "Well..." Twilight started, taking a deep breath. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to let him go..." Fluttershy was a little surprised at this, but considering the past week it wasn't too shocking to hear, even still she found it revealing that Twilight would be ready to do something like this... "Twilight, I understand, if you want to let him go, than only you can make that decision." Fluttershy replied softly since the rest of their friends were standing nearby. "I know..." Twilight sighed as Owlowiscious had enough flying and time to stretch out his wings again, flapping downward, coming to Twilight as she put out one of her front hooves, the owl landing down as he and Twilight rubbed faces with each other, Twilight feeling the owl's feathers tickling her a little as her friends and Dr. Fauna all went "Awww!" or smiled. As Twilight's friends and Dr. Fauna went back to their places, Twilight returned to her work in the library, now having both of her assistants helping her, although Twilight only asked Spike... "Spike, can you get me another quill, I think this one's going to break pretty soon." Twilight asked Spike. "Coming right up Twi..." Spike started, only even before he could finish his current sentence, Owlowiscious came and offered yet another of his feathers for Twilight to use. "Oh thank you Owlowiscious..." Twilight said slowly as the owl hooted a "You're welcome" back. And that was pretty much how the rest of the day went, before Spike had a chance to do anything, even with Twilight asking the dragon, Owlowiscious always did it first and much faster as well. Twilight didn't want to be upset with he feathery companion, but the reason why he fell ill was because he was overworked and if he keeps this up he'll just go right back to his past condition. Another a night's sleep, Twilight decided to talk to her friends about it as she told Spike to keep Owlowiscious occupied while she talks to her friends, gathering them up in the throne room as she and all her friends sat on their thrones. There Twilight explained everything and her decision... "I'm surprised Twilight, I was sure that Owlowiscious would stay with you forever." Rarity expressed her opinion. "Yeah, you love Owlowiscious just as much as I love Winona." Applejack agreed. "But we all do need to let go of our pets sometimes, like when I had to let Tank hibernate." Rainbow Dash countered. "Yeah... That was one big event." Pinkie Pie nodded her head. "If you want this Twilight, we all support your decision, right everypony?" Fluttershy said in her soft voice, the others not quite sure. "Look, I know you all feel that I will be left out because I will not have a pet anymore, but I just don't want Owlowiscious to fall ill again, I feel like it's finally time he returns to where he truly belongs, out there and not in here like a house owl." Twilight expressed her concerns. "Well we can't say we are necessarily happy darling..." Rarity commented. "But if this is what you really want, I guess we can go along with it." Rainbow Dash added. "Thanks everypony." Twilight managed a smile through her sadness. As the group of friends all got up from their thrones, they went to Spike and Owlowiscious, where Spike was keeping the owl busy by making sure all the books were in their proper place in the library, of course Spike would mess up the order on purpose when Owlowiscious wasn't looking in order to keep the owl in the library. And they were still there when Twilight and her friends arrived... "Spike, it's time." Was all Twilight said, which Spike didn't need anymore instruction as Twilight put out her hoof, which Owlowiscious flew to and landed on. With Owlowiscious on her hoof, Twilight's friends, as well as Spike trotted to the castle balcony, the fresh, cool breeze blowing by as Twilight stared out into the skies, the open skies that meant freedom for the owl on her hoof. Speaking of the owl, Twilight heard a confused hoot from Owlowiscious as she looked down at him. Taking a deep breath, Twilight was prepared to do one of the most painful things in her life... "Owlowiscious, when you came to me on that night in the Golden Oaks Library, I was amazed that you brought my scroll back, I was sure I would have lost it. What made you do such a thing I will never know and well ever since than you have been such a great help to me without asking for much, but now it's finally time for me to repay that back..." Twilight started as the owl paid great attention to his owner. "It's time I let you go Owlowiscious, you need to be free, out there, spreading your wings and flying from treetop to treetop." Twilight setting down the owl on the balcony railing, so that Owlowiscious could go, only instead he didn't, just staring at Twilight. "It's okay Owlowiscious, please go, it's better for both of us if you do, trust me..." Twilight told the owl as she came closer and nuzzled his feathery head. "I'm going to miss you very much, I love you... Now go..." Twilight feeling a single tear escape her as Owlowiscious hesitated still at first, but after a minute spread his wings and began flapping them before taking off into the skies. Twilight stared after the owl, but couldn't take it anymore as she hung her head low, feeling more tears fall down as she felt a claw softly touch her back. "Twilight, are you going to be okay?" Spike asked, concerned. "I don't know Spike, I just don't know right now..." Twilight sighed. "Well, I think you made the right decision and don't worry Twilight, your number one assistant will never leave you." Spike smiled in order to lighten up the mood a little and as best he could. "Thanks Spike, thanks." Twilight smiled a little as she knew her life was going to be very different without her feathery companion with her anymore... Many Years Later...Author's Note Hey everycreature! This is the last chapter to this short story! Now a little warning, this may contain potential spoilers for the ending of FiM, but it will be something everyone would expect, so it's not really a major spoiler! Other than that, lets get to it! Many Years Later... Many Years Laters... It was late evening in Canterlot, ponies closing up shop for the day or going home to their families for a good last day meal and to sleep for the night. High up on one of the palace balconies, stood the present ruler of Equestria, Princess Twilight Sparkle, as she was there to lower the sun and raise the moon, using the magical amulet given to her by Princesses Celestia and Luna. As Twilight did so, she could not only hear the residents of Canterlot preparing for the night, but the animals outside the capital's limits, the howls of wolves and especially the hooting of owls... Twilight sighed as she hung her head low as the moon came up over the horizon, with everyone going to sleep, it was time for herself to do the same as she turned around to start heading to her bedroom, only as she did so, she heard a rather loud hooting that sounded like it was right behind her, a hooting that exactly sounded familiar... Once more turning around slowly this time, Twilight saw not one, but four owls perched neatly on the balcony railing, two large ones and two small ones, one which looked very familiar to the alicorn princess... "Owlowiscious?" Twilight asked slowly, not believing her eyes as she trotted up closer. "Is that really you?" Twilight asking with some slight disbelief. The owl hooted back what sounded like a very positive "Yes", smiling, well as owls do smile as that confirmed Twilight's question. "Oh Owlowiscious, it is you..." Twilight shedding a tear. "After all these years, you still remember me... And found me..." Twilight getting close enough so that he could nuzzle his feathery head against Twilight's face, brushing his brown feathers against Twilight's fur, tickling her a little. "Oh how I missed you all these times Owlowiscious..." Twilight stated as she realized that Owlowiscious was not the only owl present on the balcony railing. "But who are they? Your family?" Owlowiscious hooted a happy answer as he then put a wing around the other large owl, who was standing next to him, obviously his mate and the two smaller ones were his children. And well Twilight was happy, her owl finally found something better than her to take care of and would be more meaningful for him. "Well it seems you're doing very well for yourself Owlowiscious, I'm proud and happy to see you're living the life you're meant to live." Twilight smiled, although deep down she was still a little sad. "Well I shouldn't keep you here all night long, I'm sure your family needs you to spend time with them." The owl hooting back in agreement, but not before he shared one last nuzzle with his former owner. "I love you too Owlowiscious, I hope you keep visiting me every once in awhile, I could use the company." After the final goodbyes, Owlowiscious, with his mate and kids, took off into the night sky, heading off back to their home in the forests, their dark forms getting smaller and smaller before disappearing into the treetops below. All the while Twilight stayed where she was until she couldn't see the owls anymore and when that happened, she sighed one last time before returning to her bedroom for a peaceful sleep, to rest for a new day tomorrow and looking froward to the next visit from her feathery friend.
First SignsAuthor's Note Hello everycreature! Now this is a short story I have in mind for an episode idea that focuses on Twilight and her junior assistant and pet Owlowiscious that I thought of while chatting away in the nightly discussion post during Twilight Sparkle Day on Equestria Daily and it was met by much approval! But fair warning... If you have a weak heart... Well just be prepared by having a box of tissues while reading this short story... This story is basically like Tanks for the Memories, but instead of Rainbow Dash and Tank, it's Twilight and Owlowiscious! So yeah... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! First Signs Today was a very quiet summer day for the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, currently in the library and study of her castle home, enjoying the peacefulness of the mostly empty library and enjoying her work preparing for the next school year at the School of Friendship, which was right next to her home. Writing out the curriculum, with scroll on desk and quill in her magical hold, Twilight put a lot of thought into what subjects there would be next year. Dipping the drying quill into the ink pot to refresh it, the quill got only a little as Twilight took a look and saw the pot was very nearly empty. "Owlowiscious, could you please fetch some more ink?" Twilight asked her junior assistant and feathery companion, who was sitting on a perch next to the desk, ready to assist his owner with whatever she needs. "Hoo! Hoo." The owl responded, although a little quietly for him as he flew off to where Twilight kept the ink jar in the library, Owlowiscious fetching some more ink as Twilight smiled, but noticed the owl's softer tone. "Thanks Owlowiscious, I'm so glad you're here to help me while Spike is over in Canterlot." Twilight told the owl as he returned to his perch. Yes Spike, the baby dragon who Twilight raised and Twilight's number one assistant, was in Canterlot for a few days because of a diplomatic meeting between the royal sisters, Celestia and Luna and Dragon Lord Ember and since Spike was the "official Equestrian friendship ambassador for the Dragon Lands", it was very important that he be there as well to make sure things go smoothly. So that left Twilight with her junior assistant, who is, always, a great help, on his perch, ready to attend to whatever Twilight needed him to do. Although since Spike left for Canterlot, Twilight has been noticing that Owlowiscious has been slower, looking a bit more tired and quieter than he usually is, Twilight didn't complain or say anything about it however, but deep down she began to worry a little. "Maybe I should add some more notes on Mistmane's adventures..." Twilight thought out loud as she turned to Owlowiscious. "Owlowiscious, do you mind getting the biography I have on Mistmane?" "Hoo. Hoo." The owl replied and flew off. Twilight watched as the owl looked through the bookshelves and after a couple of minutes found it and with his claws, took it out carefully from its place on the shelf, only as the book was free, Twilight saw that Owlowiscious almost lost his grip and dropped it, but managed to hold it tightly enough as he brought it back to Twilight. Twilight saw that Owlowiscious had a rather tough time, struggling to keep his hold on the book, but making it and putting it down as carefully as he could on the desk. The owl returned to his perch, seemingly out of breath as Twilight made sure her owl was alright before getting back to work. After a long day in the library, Twilight decided it was time to eat some dinner before heading off to bed, making sure that Owlowiscious had a nice meal too before the two headed off to rest, with her owl standing on her back, Twilight trotted to her bedroom, yawning as she was exhausted from her work load. Entering the room, Twilight put Owlowiscious on his perch, the owl's eyes looking heavy as he was also pretty tired from the day. Before snuggling herself under her bed covers, Twilight reached up and gave her junior assistant a quick goodnight kiss. "Good night Owlowiscious, thank you for all your help today." Twilight said softly as the owl hooted back. Twilight then got under her covers and slept, although during the night she thought a lot about what was wrong with Owlowiscious, maybe he was tired and in need of a break? Or something more serious? Either way, Twilight didn't sleep all too well thinking about it as morning came with the sun shining through the bedroom window and the princess waking up. Looking over at Owlowiscious on his perch, she could see that the owl was now asleep, his head slightly moving up and down as he was quietly snoring. Twilight stayed as quiet as she could, not wanting to wake him up from his peaceful sleep as Twilight decided to go out for the day. "You rest today my junior assistant, I'll be back." Twilight smiled as she picked up her saddle bags with her magic before lowering it onto her back and making her way out of the castle, making sure to close the front door before trotting through town, going to the marketplace to get some stuff the castle was running low on. While there, she also decided to get some of Owlowiscious' favorite treats to thank him for all the hard work he has been doing for the past few days. "Hello Princess Twilight, here to pick up Owlowiscious' favorite treats?" The pet treat seller asked happily. "Yes, he has been working hard lately and I thought I would reward him for his efforts." Twilight answered. "Well good for the little guy, I wish I had an assistant like him, tell him I hope he enjoys his treats." The seller smiled. "Will do." Twilight replied as she paid for the treats before putting them inside her saddle bags and trotting off. Before going back to her castle however, Twilight decided to make one last stop, the Sweet Feather Sanctuary, just outside the town limits, where Twilight knew that one of her friends, Fluttershy, would most likely be now, taking care of the animal residents of the sanctuary. And sure enough Twilight saw the yellow pegasus currently feeding a tall giraffe some leaves, wearing a smile as she then climbed down and went to take care of the next animal, but Fluttershy saw Twilight trot up, waving to the alicorn. "Hey Twilight." Fluttershy called. "Hey Fluttershy." Twilight replied back as Twilight entered the sanctuary, trotting through it as Fluttershy took a seat, patting the spot next to her for Twilight to sit down. "Boy, I'm still amazed that you can run this place alone, must be hard." "It is hard, but well worth it to take care of all the animals." Fluttershy replied as the pegasus noticed Twilight's tone and look on her face. "But something tells me you're not just here for a social visit, something wrong?" "Well, since Spike left for Canterlot a few days ago, Owlowiscious has been helping me alone, but I don't know he seems more exhausted than usual, plus he had a hard time carrying over a book I asked him to grab for me." Twilight revealed as Fluttershy put a hoof to her muzzle, a bit surprised to hear what Twilight said. "Well maybe he's just overworked, he most likely needs a day of rest, I'm sure he's okay and there's nothing too wrong with him." Fluttershy tried staying positive for her friend. "I guess so, plus I went to the marketplace today and got a few of his favorite treats, so I'm sure he'll feel better with them." Twilight brightening up a little. "Well I would love to keep chatting Twilight, but I still have lots of animals that need my attention." Fluttershy informed her friend. "Of course, I wouldn't hold you up any longer, thanks for the help Fluttershy." Twilight smiled as she got up and began trotting out of the sanctuary. "See you later." "Bye Twilight, tell Owlowiscious I hope he feels better." Fluttershy called out. So with her day out done, Twilight trotted back to her castle, trying to stay positive as she opened her front door, hoping to see that Owlowiscious was out and maybe even waiting for her to come back home. Only the halls were empty as Twilight wasn't concerned just yet... "Owlowiscious!" Twilight called out. "I'm home, I got a few of your favorite treats for you to eat to thank you for your hard work while Spike is away." Twilight kept calling as her owl didn't come flying to her. Now Twilight began to get worried as she checked the rooms throughout the castle, the library, kitchen, dining room, the bathrooms, the map room, but still no Owlowiscious as the only room left was her bedroom, where she last saw the owl resting on his perch. Trotting to her bedroom door, her door, which Twilight left a little open so her owl could go out if he wanted to, was still open as Twilight heard Owlowiscious' quiet hooting as she trotted closer and closer... "Owlowiscious..." Twilight called as she slowly opened her bedroom door with one of her hooves and was greeted by her worst fears...
DiagnosisAuthor's Note Hey everycreature! First off, I'm glad to see the positive following this got and thank you for it! Second, I also had another episode idea I have centering on Diamond Tiara and the CMCs, which... (Spoiler alert!) Ends in Diamond Tiara becoming a member of the CMCs! Let me know if you want to see that and I'll consider doing it after this is done! Diagnosis "Owlowiscious!" Twilight nearly screamed at the top of her lungs. "What's wrong!?" There was Owlowiscious... Now on the floor, instead of his perch, shaking like he was in a very nervous fit as he had his wings wrapped around himself, well... What little good that did him as Twilight quickly picked him up with her magic and looked for any injuries, which she didn't. Then grabbing a towel, she wrapped it around Owlowiscious, which seemed to work a little bit, but still didn't stop the owl's shaking as Twilight knew it was time for a run to Dr. Fauna to see what exactly was wrong with her feathery companion. "Don't worry Owlowiscious, we're going to see Dr. Fauna, she'll know what's wrong with you." Twilight assured her owl as she gently snuggled him into her saddle bags and took off for the vet clinic, galloping out of her castle home, nearly bumping into several ponies as she rushed to the clinic, almost bumping into one of her friends... "Hey Twilight!" Applejack called to her alicorn friend as Twilight, of course, didn't hear, much less pay attention as the alicorn zoomed past the orange pony. "What's wrong with her..." Applejack wondered as she just managed to notice Owlowiscious' head poking out from one of Twilight's saddle bags. After a run of several minutes, which seemed like an eternity to Twilight, she reached the vet clinic, taking a quick second to compose herself as she entered the building, which luckily there were no other ponies, with their companions waiting, except... "Oh darling, what are you doing here?" Rarity asked as a familiar white cat was sitting down next to her. "Oh Rarity..." Twilight blushed. "I think there's something wrong with Owlowiscious, I just rushed here to see Dr. Fauna as soon as I can. "Oh poor dear..." Rarity expressed as she noticed Twilight's distraught look. "I'm just here for Opal's usual checkup." And then the door to Dr. Fauna's office opened as the yellow pony with a light blue mane, wearing vet's coat, started to speak to Rarity... "Alright Rarity, I'm ready for Opal's check..." Dr. Fauna started before she noticed Twilight. "Oh Princess Twilight, what can I help you with?" "Dr. Fauna, there's something wrong with Owlowiscious, but I guess Rarity was here before me, so she has to go first..." Twilight began, only for Rarity to cut her friend off. "Oh darling, you simply seem upset, you can go first, Opal and I can wait." Rarity expressed honestly as her visit was not as important as Twilight's. "Thank you Rarity, thank you so much." Twilight very nearly cried out a tear as Dr. Fauna let Twilight and Owlowiscious in while Opal was very relieved. "But don't think this excuses you from your checkup Opal dear..." Rarity told her cat as the cat hissed back, who was clearly happy for a second, only to have her hopes dashed... Meanwhile, Twilight took out Owlowiscious from her saddle bag, but leaving the towel wrapped around him as Dr. Fauna started to get to work. "Alright, lets see what's wrong with my favorite owl." Dr. Fauna began as she slowly took off the towel, which of course in turn made the owl shake all that much more. "This is so strange, Owlowiscious was perfectly fine during his last checkup, Princess Twilight, have you noticed any signs lately?" "Well he has been more tired than usual lately, you see Spike had to leave for Canterlot a few days ago, so Owlowiscious has been helping me, bringing me more ink and books, stuff like that, but he has done that before and was fine..." Twilight expressed. "Strange..." Dr. Fauna thought as she then felt the owl's body, which was rather cold, despite the office being normal room temperature, the vet then taking out her stethoscope and put it against the owl's heart, which was beating a little more slowly. "Well, his heart rate's not as regular as it should be... But I don't see any cuts or things like that. My guess is that Owlowiscious had a breakdown, simply a response to the difference from being a house owl. Owls are not your typical domesticated pet, like a dog or cat is, they're meant to live in the forest after all. And you did tell me that he did come to you ." "So, what do you suggest for him Dr. Fauna?" Twilight asked. "I suggest he doesn't help you for the time being, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you have to watch over him, make sure he's comfortable and in a warm spot, preferably by a fireplace." Dr. Fauna suggested. "Wait for a few days and if he shows no signs of improvement, than come back to me and I'll see what I can do to help him get better." "Okay, thank you Dr. Fauna, I'll get right to it." Twilight replied, putting a comforting hoof on her owl as he turned his tired and sick looking face to his owner. "You're welcome." Dr. Fauna smiled as Twilight wrapped her owl back up in the towel and put him in her saddle bags as Dr. Fauna opened her office door while Twilight trotted out. And what Twilight saw next put a faint smile on her face... "Is Owlowiscious okay Twilight..." Fluttershy asked first as she, with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie came to the vet, obviously Applejack got her friends and they all dropped what they were doing and came over and since Rarity was already there, that was one less friend Applejack needed to get. "No, he's not Fluttershy..." Twilight got back to her sadness as she hung her head low. "Well, what's wrong than?" Rainbow Dash asked. "He's just in need of some rest, I have to take him back to the castle and make sure he's warm and comfortable." Twilight answered as she trotted past her friends, to go back home. "Well, we're coming with you Twilight." Pinkie Pie addressed as she turned around to join Twilight. "But, I don't want to interrupt all your plans and..." Twilight began, but Applejack cut her off. "Now, now Twilight, don't you know at this point that we're going to stick by you no matter what?" Applejack reminded Twilight. "And besides, you would do the same for us." "Thanks Applejack, I guess I can accept a little help now." Twilight once again smiled as Rarity now spoke up. "I'll join you shortly darlings, right now, Opal needs her checkup and I'll come with a nice blanket for Owlowiscious to tuck him under." Rarity told her friends as she picked up her cat and the two went into Dr. Faun'a office, with Opal not looking too pleased at having her checkup still... Meanwhile the rest of the group trotted together back to the castle, the group right away going to the cozy living room of the castle, where the fireplace was. With Twilight setting down her owl, Applejack, with Rainbow Dash's help, got the fire going in the fireplace, which very quickly filled the living room with a nice warmness. While that was going on, Fluttershy watched over the owl while Twilight and Pinkie got a big enough basket for Owlowiscious to lay in and rest, although Owlowiscious tried getting up. "No, no, Owlowiscious, you need to rest." Fluttershy explained as Twilight and Pinkie came back with the basket, Twilight also seeing her owl trying to get up. "Yes my junior assistant, you just rest, you done enough for me." Twilight urged the sick owl as Owlowiscious gave up and was placed gently into the basket. With the fire going and with Rarity coming as fast as she could after Opal's checkup, with a nice, soft blanket for the owl, Owlowiscious was laid as close to the fire as possible and well it seemed to work. The shaky owl stopped shaking after a few minutes and soon enough was fast asleep, finally giving Twilight a breather. "Looks like some owl's finally asleep..." Pinkie softly spoke. "Yeah, I hope he stays that way." Fluttershy agreed. "Well, we y'll better give him some space." Applejack advised as Twilight's friends began to leave, but not before reassuring Twilight that Owlowiscious was going to be okay. "Don't worry Twilight, it's just like when I was afraid Tank was going to hibernate, if I got through that, you can get through this." Rainbow Dash told Twilight. "I hope so Rainbow..." Twilight replied as she looked back at her sleeping owl, finally comfortable, safe for now. "I really hope so..."
Hang in there BuddyAuthor's Note Hey everycreature! Sorry for the long delay, but to be honest my presence on this site is more of a side thing, my main focus on fanfiction writing is on fanfiction.net, under a slightly different name. But I have also been thinking about my version of MLP G5, that I started, because you see I have watched the early release of the finale (Don't worry, not saying anything about it!) and well I really want my version of G5 to continue from G4. So I might end up redoing my G5 version after the finale. Hang in there Buddy It was early in the morning the next day after Twilight brought Owlowiscious to the vet and at the Ponyville train station, the Friendship Express came rolling in, slowing down to a stop as the car doors opened, letting their passengers out, along those a small purple dragon, who was looking a little tired, but relieved as he took a deep breath. "Home sweet home..." The dragon, named Spike, commented as he walked off the station platform, back to Twilight's castle. "Man, so this is what Twilight always feels like after events in Canterlot." For the past few days, Spike was attending an important diplomatic meeting between the princesses and Dragon Lord Ember, which Princess Celestia specifically requested Spike's help to ensure a flawless visit from Ember. And Spike was more than happy to do so, it did give him a chance to see Ember again after all and with his help, the visit did go perfectly and both parties were happy. Only Spike was a little worried that things might slow down on Twilight's end while he was away, Spike knew Twilight had Owlowiscious and well Twilight was in good... Claws, but he was looking froward to helping Twilight now that he was back in Ponyville. After a walk through the town, Twilight's castle stood in sight as Spike once again took a breath as he walked up the stairs leading up to the doors as he opened it and came in, expecting a welcome back home, but there was no one in sight. "Twilight!" Spike called to let the alicorn know he was back. "I'm back home, I can't wait to tell you how good a job I did in Canterlot!" Spike called, but no Twilight or answer greeted him back. "Twilight?" Spike said softly as he started looking through all the rooms in the castle, wondering where Twilight could be. Eventually Spike found Twilight, in the place he least expected her, in the living room, with a fire roaring in the fireplace, Twilight currently reading as she was keeping watch over something in a basket. Twilight reading was nothing out of the ordinary, but a fire lit in the fireplace during the summer when it was nice and warm outside? And well even thought Twilight's back was turned to him, Spike could already tell something was wrong with the alicorn... "Twilight?" Spike called, not too loudly to startle her, but enough to get her attention. "Are you okay?" "Oh Spike..." Twilight replied as she closed the book she was currently reading. "You're back already? I'm sorry I didn't meet you at the train station." "That's okay Twilight, but what are you doing?" Spike wondering as he came into the room, walking up to besides Twilight. "Well, you know how Owlowiscious has been helping me while you were away in Canterlot?" Twilight asked as Spike was now curious. "Yes..." Spike replied as he stepped up and took a look into the basket that was next to Twilight, seeing a sleeping Owlowiscious inside. "Owlowiscious has fallen ill, I went to see Dr. Fauna about it yesterday and she said that he just had a breakdown and that I have to be constantly watching over him, make sure he's warm and comfortable." Twilight answered as Spike looked down at the sleeping owl. "Well, he seems better now, rested." Spike noted. "Yes, but I want to make sure he gets all the rest he needs, I don't want to risk it." Twilight replied. "Good thinking Twilight, you know I'm glad you're hanging on, I was a bit worried you might not be too well." Spike commented. "Thanks Spike, I'm glad you're still my number one assistant." Twilight smiled as she put her wing over Spike and brought him close for a hug. "It's what I do." Spike replied modestly as he broke the hug and gently patted the sleeping owl. "Hang in there buddy, you're going to be just fine." Spike smiled as Owlowiscious broke open one eye to see the dragon, while giving a soft "Hoo" out to acknowledge he heard the dragon. As Twilight let Spike rest, not that there was much to do currently, Spike sat down nearby in the living room while bringing out some of his power ponies comic books while Twilight went back to her own book, checking once in awhile on Owlowiscious, who was resting comfortably inside the basket. Later on during the day, there was a knock on the living room door, as Twilight once more put down her book. "Come on in." Twilight called out, not too loudly as the door opened to reveal Dr. Fauna and Fluttershy. "Hey Twilight, I was just coming over to bring some medicine for Owlowiscious." Fluttershy said. "And I met Dr. Fauna on the way, she came over to check up on him." "Thanks you two, Owlowiscious seems to be doing just fine, looking better already." Twilight replied as she led the two visitors over to the owl. "Well, he certainly seems to be better." Dr. Fauna holding out her stethoscope and gently pressing it against the owl's feathers. "His heart rate is much better now and everything checks out, give it another couple of days and he should be back to normal princess." "Thank you Dr. Fauna." Twilight thanked the vet as Fluttershy came froward. "And with the medicine I brought over from the sanctuary storage, I'm sure he'll be even better." Fluttershy smiled as she took out the bottle from her saddle bags with her wing. "Do you mind if I give it to him Fluttershy?" Twilight asked. "Oh, not at all Twilight, here you go." Fluttershy giving Twilight the bottle and spoon as Twilight, with her magic, poured a little of the liquid into the spoon carefully as she then looked down into the basket holding her owl. "Owlowiscious..." Twilight softly called to her feathered companion. "I got a little medicine from Fluttershy to help you, open your beak." Twilight told him as the owl slowly opened his beak as Twilight carefully poured the spoon's content into Owlowiscious' beak. Twilight was going to give the bottle back to Fluttershy, but Fluttershy refused. "You keep it Twilight, you need it more than I do." Fluttershy insisted. "Just give it to him once a day until he's back to normal." "Thank you Fluttershy, I'll be sure to return it to you once I'm done with it." Twilight smiled. The two visitors then left, once more leaving Twilight alone with her owl and Spike as they just spent the rest of the day in silence, however, and ever since she brought Owlowiscious to Dr. Fauna, Twilight has been thinking about something, something that Dr. Fauna told her, that stuck with her, that owls were not meant to be domesticated and kept as pets to ponies. Maybe Owlowiscious staying with her all these years of her life in Ponyville was starting to have an effect on him... Soon enough night began to fall as Celestia lowered the sun while Luna brought up the moon over the horizon as Spike began yawning, tired and ready to go to his room and into his bed to sleep. "We should head off to bed Twilight." Spike informed the alicorn. "You go ahead Spike, I want to stay with him a little longer." Twilight replied. "You sure?" Spike asked. "Yeah, I do need to make sure he is alright after all." Twilight reassured Spike. "Okay, but don't let me catch you still here in the morning." Spike joked as he yawned again and headed off to bed. Once Spike left, closing the living room door behind him, Twilight bent her head down low over the basket that Owlowiscious was sleeping in as the alicorn sighed. "Maybe it's time for you to go Owlowiscious..." Twilight spoke softly. "I never thought I would say it, but I need to think what's best for you and what's best is for you to be free and live the rest of your life out there..." Twilight shedding a few tears as she said this...
Heart Breaking DecisionAuthor's Note Hey everycreature! So here is the second to last chapter in this short story! It may be shorter, because I want to save one last thing for the ending, a little epilogue if you will! Anyway, hope you enjoy as always! Heart Breaking Decision A week has passed since Owlowiscious fell ill and now... He was back to his old self as he was currently flying circles around Twilight's castle, making sure he was okay as Twilight, with her friends and Dr. Fauna were watching to make sure he was all fit and strong from his long rest and time to refill his stamina. So far everything was looking good as Twilight's friends, who brought along their own pets, cheered the speeding owl as he didn't seem tired at all. "Well I have to say Princess, I'm glad Owlowiscious is back to normal, you took really good care of him." Dr. Fauna commented. "Thank you Dr. Fauna, but it wasn't just me." Twilight replied as she watched the light brown owl flying by as the group was currently on one of the castle balconies. "I have to say Twilight, I was almost going to suggest that he stay a little over at my sanctuary where I could watch him, but I guess I didn't have to." Fluttershy added. "I didn't want to, you have enough as it is Fluttershy, and besides you helped out a lot with the medicine you brought for him." Twilight turning to speak to her pegasus friend. "Although I have been thinking a lot lately about Owlowiscious and hte future..." "What do you mean Twilight?" Fluttershy asked quietly. "Well..." Twilight started, taking a deep breath. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to let him go..." Fluttershy was a little surprised at this, but considering the past week it wasn't too shocking to hear, even still she found it revealing that Twilight would be ready to do something like this... "Twilight, I understand, if you want to let him go, than only you can make that decision." Fluttershy replied softly since the rest of their friends were standing nearby. "I know..." Twilight sighed as Owlowiscious had enough flying and time to stretch out his wings again, flapping downward, coming to Twilight as she put out one of her front hooves, the owl landing down as he and Twilight rubbed faces with each other, Twilight feeling the owl's feathers tickling her a little as her friends and Dr. Fauna all went "Awww!" or smiled. As Twilight's friends and Dr. Fauna went back to their places, Twilight returned to her work in the library, now having both of her assistants helping her, although Twilight only asked Spike... "Spike, can you get me another quill, I think this one's going to break pretty soon." Twilight asked Spike. "Coming right up Twi..." Spike started, only even before he could finish his current sentence, Owlowiscious came and offered yet another of his feathers for Twilight to use. "Oh thank you Owlowiscious..." Twilight said slowly as the owl hooted a "You're welcome" back. And that was pretty much how the rest of the day went, before Spike had a chance to do anything, even with Twilight asking the dragon, Owlowiscious always did it first and much faster as well. Twilight didn't want to be upset with he feathery companion, but the reason why he fell ill was because he was overworked and if he keeps this up he'll just go right back to his past condition. Another a night's sleep, Twilight decided to talk to her friends about it as she told Spike to keep Owlowiscious occupied while she talks to her friends, gathering them up in the throne room as she and all her friends sat on their thrones. There Twilight explained everything and her decision... "I'm surprised Twilight, I was sure that Owlowiscious would stay with you forever." Rarity expressed her opinion. "Yeah, you love Owlowiscious just as much as I love Winona." Applejack agreed. "But we all do need to let go of our pets sometimes, like when I had to let Tank hibernate." Rainbow Dash countered. "Yeah... That was one big event." Pinkie Pie nodded her head. "If you want this Twilight, we all support your decision, right everypony?" Fluttershy said in her soft voice, the others not quite sure. "Look, I know you all feel that I will be left out because I will not have a pet anymore, but I just don't want Owlowiscious to fall ill again, I feel like it's finally time he returns to where he truly belongs, out there and not in here like a house owl." Twilight expressed her concerns. "Well we can't say we are necessarily happy darling..." Rarity commented. "But if this is what you really want, I guess we can go along with it." Rainbow Dash added. "Thanks everypony." Twilight managed a smile through her sadness. As the group of friends all got up from their thrones, they went to Spike and Owlowiscious, where Spike was keeping the owl busy by making sure all the books were in their proper place in the library, of course Spike would mess up the order on purpose when Owlowiscious wasn't looking in order to keep the owl in the library. And they were still there when Twilight and her friends arrived... "Spike, it's time." Was all Twilight said, which Spike didn't need anymore instruction as Twilight put out her hoof, which Owlowiscious flew to and landed on. With Owlowiscious on her hoof, Twilight's friends, as well as Spike trotted to the castle balcony, the fresh, cool breeze blowing by as Twilight stared out into the skies, the open skies that meant freedom for the owl on her hoof. Speaking of the owl, Twilight heard a confused hoot from Owlowiscious as she looked down at him. Taking a deep breath, Twilight was prepared to do one of the most painful things in her life... "Owlowiscious, when you came to me on that night in the Golden Oaks Library, I was amazed that you brought my scroll back, I was sure I would have lost it. What made you do such a thing I will never know and well ever since than you have been such a great help to me without asking for much, but now it's finally time for me to repay that back..." Twilight started as the owl paid great attention to his owner. "It's time I let you go Owlowiscious, you need to be free, out there, spreading your wings and flying from treetop to treetop." Twilight setting down the owl on the balcony railing, so that Owlowiscious could go, only instead he didn't, just staring at Twilight. "It's okay Owlowiscious, please go, it's better for both of us if you do, trust me..." Twilight told the owl as she came closer and nuzzled his feathery head. "I'm going to miss you very much, I love you... Now go..." Twilight feeling a single tear escape her as Owlowiscious hesitated still at first, but after a minute spread his wings and began flapping them before taking off into the skies. Twilight stared after the owl, but couldn't take it anymore as she hung her head low, feeling more tears fall down as she felt a claw softly touch her back. "Twilight, are you going to be okay?" Spike asked, concerned. "I don't know Spike, I just don't know right now..." Twilight sighed. "Well, I think you made the right decision and don't worry Twilight, your number one assistant will never leave you." Spike smiled in order to lighten up the mood a little and as best he could. "Thanks Spike, thanks." Twilight smiled a little as she knew her life was going to be very different without her feathery companion with her anymore...
Many Years Later...Author's Note Hey everycreature! This is the last chapter to this short story! Now a little warning, this may contain potential spoilers for the ending of FiM, but it will be something everyone would expect, so it's not really a major spoiler! Other than that, lets get to it! Many Years Later... Many Years Laters... It was late evening in Canterlot, ponies closing up shop for the day or going home to their families for a good last day meal and to sleep for the night. High up on one of the palace balconies, stood the present ruler of Equestria, Princess Twilight Sparkle, as she was there to lower the sun and raise the moon, using the magical amulet given to her by Princesses Celestia and Luna. As Twilight did so, she could not only hear the residents of Canterlot preparing for the night, but the animals outside the capital's limits, the howls of wolves and especially the hooting of owls... Twilight sighed as she hung her head low as the moon came up over the horizon, with everyone going to sleep, it was time for herself to do the same as she turned around to start heading to her bedroom, only as she did so, she heard a rather loud hooting that sounded like it was right behind her, a hooting that exactly sounded familiar... Once more turning around slowly this time, Twilight saw not one, but four owls perched neatly on the balcony railing, two large ones and two small ones, one which looked very familiar to the alicorn princess... "Owlowiscious?" Twilight asked slowly, not believing her eyes as she trotted up closer. "Is that really you?" Twilight asking with some slight disbelief. The owl hooted back what sounded like a very positive "Yes", smiling, well as owls do smile as that confirmed Twilight's question. "Oh Owlowiscious, it is you..." Twilight shedding a tear. "After all these years, you still remember me... And found me..." Twilight getting close enough so that he could nuzzle his feathery head against Twilight's face, brushing his brown feathers against Twilight's fur, tickling her a little. "Oh how I missed you all these times Owlowiscious..." Twilight stated as she realized that Owlowiscious was not the only owl present on the balcony railing. "But who are they? Your family?" Owlowiscious hooted a happy answer as he then put a wing around the other large owl, who was standing next to him, obviously his mate and the two smaller ones were his children. And well Twilight was happy, her owl finally found something better than her to take care of and would be more meaningful for him. "Well it seems you're doing very well for yourself Owlowiscious, I'm proud and happy to see you're living the life you're meant to live." Twilight smiled, although deep down she was still a little sad. "Well I shouldn't keep you here all night long, I'm sure your family needs you to spend time with them." The owl hooting back in agreement, but not before he shared one last nuzzle with his former owner. "I love you too Owlowiscious, I hope you keep visiting me every once in awhile, I could use the company." After the final goodbyes, Owlowiscious, with his mate and kids, took off into the night sky, heading off back to their home in the forests, their dark forms getting smaller and smaller before disappearing into the treetops below. All the while Twilight stayed where she was until she couldn't see the owls anymore and when that happened, she sighed one last time before returning to her bedroom for a peaceful sleep, to rest for a new day tomorrow and looking froward to the next visit from her feathery friend.
