After Day

[To my dearest friends, know that it is you who kept me sane enough to last this long.]

Shining Armor and I set out the moment we got the letter. We travelled a full day to reach Ponyville. Shiny watched over me like a hawk for the entire train ride, constantly tensing at every errant noise. No amount of coaxing could get him to relax.

We arrived during the early afternoon. Or the clocks read that it was the early afternoon, at least. The Sun hadn't risen past its dawn that morning. The entire sky was pink.

The walk to the Golden Oaks Library was a blur. An eerie quiet had stolen the town.

I saw Spike and my heart lurched. The poor baby sat on Applejack's back, his face buried in her mane. The mare didn't look much better. Those strong legs capable of felling trees if she were not careful, shook like grass in the wind.

I went to see them. It was my base instinct. My cutie mark proclaimed that my special talent was to love and care for others. However, Shiny stopped me. He held my hoof with a gentleness that betrayed his stony expression. He gestured to the royal guards around the area, a detail that had escaped me. They were stopping anypony from getting near the library and two were talking to Applejack and Spike.

They were questioning them, I realized.

With a nod we continued the rest of our brief walk. A guard checked us over and allowed us to pass. I pushed open the door to see my aunt.

I, her own niece, had to take a moment to recognize that she was there. Celestia stood stock still. Her mane had fallen to the ground, that ethereal wind gone. She was staring unblinkingly at the staircase leading to Twilight's loft.

I didn't utter a single word as I wrapped a wing around her. The mighty Princess of the Sun folded into my embrace, eyes remaining fixed on the staircase.

"I don't sense her." Her voice quivered and it sounded as if she hadn't spoken since yesterday. "I'm a coward all because I can't sense her."

Shining Armor approached the staircase. Like Celestia had one day earlier, he hesitated before them afraid that seeing what hid at the top would only confirm his worst fears. He steeled himself, utilizing every bit of his training to push down his emotions, and began to climb.

I followed the sound of his hoofsteps as they grew steadily quieter until they stopped entirely. A minute passed as if it was an hour. It was only then that his sobs became loud enough for us both to hear.