Expiration Date

by FireFly2100

Rating: teen
Tags: Discord, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Princess Luna, Tragedy
Length: 3674

What do you do when you know something you're not supposed to know. Or when one of the most fundamental aspects of life is completely removed, and then replaced by something that should never exist. What would anypony do? Well I tried to fix it.

What do you do when you know something you're not supposed to know. Or when one of the most fundamental aspects of life is completely removed, and then replaced by something that should never exist. What would anypony do? Well I tried to fix it.

-cover art by SolarFlare-Solis

Published 2013-01-06 04:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-08 03:14:14 UTC

Prologue

“But Celestia, why not?”

“Because I said no, and that is the final answer. I know you long to see the world again after your – time away, but I cannot allow you to go on this diplomatic mission to the Gryphon Kingdoms. Relations are tense enough as it is, and they still don't entirely trust that Nightmare Moon is gone. If you were to go now, then they would see that as an act of war by Equestria and kill the entire envoy, and probably try to kill you as well. And I am not willing to risk the lives of my citizens for one of your whimsical desires.” Celestia gave her sister a cold stare that she only used when dealing in matters of utmost importance. On the inside, she wanted nothing more than to let Luna go see the world. She knew it was partially her fault that her sister hadn't been able to see it change like she had. In fact, she was normally trying to get her sister to go somewhere, as the only places she has been since her return are Canterlot and Ponyville. But, by the stars, she just had to choose this one! The only place on this planet that she is vehemently unwanted. Some of the ponies might fear her, but the gryphons take it to a new level.

“UUUGH! You are so difficult sister! Why can't you just let us have this one thing? You have gotten everything so far. Fame, glory, victory against all of your enemies – the love of everypony...” The last part of this was said so quietly, Celestia almost didn’t catch it, or the sudden, subtle shift in Luna's posture that followed. She felt a twinge of sadness, only worsened when a tear rolled down her sister's cheek. She couldn't bear to see her sister like this, but the safety of her little ponies were also at stake here. So she did the only thing she could; she stood her ground. When Luna could no longer take the silence, or the look that Celestia was giving her, she gave in. “Fine! If you wish us to be miserable for the rest of our life, then so be it. But I am never going to talk to you again!” With that she stormed back into the castle, leaving Celestia outside in the statue garden.

“Well, there goes my peaceful evening of relaxation. The first chance I had at it in seven years, gone. Just like that!” The white alicorn let out a long sigh and began to get up. It was then that an low, evil laugh was heard, but not really heard. It was everywhere and nowhere all at once. And it was Him. Celestia's pupils became the size of pinpricks, and her eyes narrowed like a hawk narrowing in on its prey as she turned to face the statue. “Discord.”

“Why hello to you too Celestia.” The voice was the most sarcastic, yet most sincere tone she had ever heard. It was as if he was put off by the way she said his name, yet happy to talk to her all the same, as it was a chance to wreak havoc on her mind. “Did you and Luna have a little argument? Before you answer that, yes, it was rhetorical. I was listening in on the whole thing. Quite entertaining, I might add.” As he spoke, his statue started to glow right around where she assumed his heart was, that is, if he has a heart.

“Discord, you had no right to listen to that, and you know it.” Celestia did her best to give the statue her coldest glare, in some small hope that it went through to him.

A few minutes went by in silence as she stared at the statue until it started to feel awkward. She was starting to wonder whether or not the stress had finally gotten to her and she was just imagining things. Finally she looked away. “HA! You never did have the patience to win a staring contest with a statue, did you?”

“Buck me...” She sighed and looked back at Discord. She really was hoping it was just stress.

“My, my. Such foul language for the Princess of Equestria, don't you think?”

“Discord, shut up before I send you to the moon for a thousand years.” She thought she heard him muttering something about a pleasant change of scenery. She dismissed it, a small nagging thought in the back of her mind wondering how he could even see if he was stone. “So, did you come here just for small talk, or do you have some greater scheme involving your escape and reconquering of Equestria?” Her voice was so thick with sarcasm as she said this, she worried that Discord might be rubbing off on her.

“Sadly, no.” Lamented the spirit of chaos, sounding truly saddened that he wasn't making his great escape just yet. “But that doesn't mean I'm not going to spread a little chaos while I can.” Celestia almost interrupted him, but he interrupted her interrupting of him, very interruptedly he might add. “Listen, and listen well. What I am about to do is both a gift and a curse. But remember that it can only get worse. Do with this what you will, Celestia. Just remember, not even you can change the future.”

With those final words spoken, the statue of the draconequus started to glow a violently bright white. Celestia, eyes widened in shock and, although she would never admit it, fear, as she took a step back. When she regained her composure, she attempted to counter whatever foul magic Discord was using. But something felt... off. She couldn't quite put her hoof on it, and just when she thought she figured it out, she felt a light breeze flowing through her mane and tail. She became distracted by the breeze as it had a euphoric feel to it. She almost forgot what was going on right in front of her, overwhelmed by a giddy feeling, but the breeze started to pick up. As it intensified, so did the feeling it gave off, until it reached a point that she had only felt a few times before, all of these times thousands of years ago. All back when she was a young filly, first learning magic. And she realized something. This is a magic high! But why... no.

But with one more piece of evidence, she knew it was true. ALL of the wind from ALL of the directions was going to the same place. That one central point of disturbance. That one glowing statue in front of her, that she could have sworn got at least ten times brighter. Discord. With that conclusion, she could only sit back in fear and realize what felt off earlier. The wind was magic. It was THE magic. As in, the magic of all of Equestria. The reason she couldn't use her magic. It was flowing out of her as the wind passed around her. No. As the wind passed through her. That's why she felt the magic high. But it was passing through her too fast for her to grab a hold of any bit of it long enough to manipulate it into a counterspell.

The wind was now howling all around at speeds that would put the fiercest of hurricanes and tornadoes to shame. There was grass and dirt and all sorts of debris flying past at incredible speeds. She could feel the sting as several sticks and branches whipped against her, all while she stared at Discord in complete fear. Just as she could feel the power within the evil spirit reaching its highest potential, she was struck in the back of the head by what she could only assume was a rock. And a large one at that. She collapsed on the ground, fading in and out in a struggle against consciousness, watching as the scene in front of her reached its final moments. With a strain of effort, and a struggled breath, she managed to wheeze out one word. “no...”

“Oh yes my dear.” She felt the voice inside her head as Discord spoke directly into it, most likely because anything he actually says would be inaudible through the wind.

The last thing Celestia saw before she lost consciousness was a shock wave of pure magic burst from the statue in much the same way a sonic rainboom would from a pegasus. Only this was pure black, and pure chaos. And she saw as it expanded out across the land, visibly distorting the very fabric of reality. Then everything went dark.

Then she passed out.

Author's Note

So this is my first story. And I am really just writing it out so that I can keep up with it as it plays out in my head. But I figured, "Hey, lets put this online. If anyone else gets some level of enjoyment out of it, then it is a win-win situation." If you don't like it, worry not, for you don't have to keep reading it. However, if you do happen to like it, then I will be posting at random intervals whenever I complete a chapter. But I will do my best to keep at least one a week. It may be two. I may even go so far as posting three. But if I ever do go that far, just slap me and say, "Hey! You! Yes you! Mr. Author Man! Stop posting short chapters and just put up a longer one at the end of each week, okay?"

If you happen to notice any spelling or grammatical errors, feel free to point it out to me in the comments - in a nice way!!! - and I will do my best to send a robot into the past to terminate them. Because, I am kind of my own editor right now (which is never a good idea, because as an author you tend to think so highly of yourself that you don't believe in making mistakes, so you don't ever catch your own). If you have any suggestions as to my style of writing, I am also open to those, as I am very critical of my work and feel like I am doing all wrong all the time. So a hint here or there from someone other than my brain could help dramatically.

So, yeah... That's all. Kinda surprised you read through this entire A/N. Unless you just skipped to the end. Then I am surprised you took the effort to even do that much. Anywayyy.

Awkward...

Awakening

Uugghh. I hate waking up in the mornings. This is something I have never told anyone, not even those closest to me, as they expect me to be eager about each day. A new adventure at hoof. You know, Carpe Diem and all that. But, in all honesty, I prefer sleep. At least in my dreams I can do whatever I want, and without having a headache. Oh sweet baby Luna, where did this headache come from? What happened last night. Oh wait. That's right. The lights, the laughing, that giddy euphoric sensation. Getting stoned.

All in all, your average Pinkie Pie party. Minus the getting stoned part. I still can't believe that Mrs. Cake thought it would be funny to spike the cupcakes. But as it turns out, she used to be a wildcard back in her glory days, just before she met Mr. Cake. I also can't believe that she thought it would be a good idea to do that to Pinkie of all ponies. I thought she was about to explode, especially when her Pinkie Sense misfired and she swelled up like a balloon. I expect that if she had, the room would have been coated in confetti and streamers. But on top of it all, Applejack had brought her strongest cider. And to say I 'took it easy' would be very wrong.

Well back to the matter at hoof. Waking up. The lavender mare struggled to reorganize her thoughts, or at the very least, get them off of last night's party. She slowly crawled out of bed and stood up. Or, at least, she tried to stand up. As soon as her hooves came in contact with the ground, her knees buckled under her, causing her head to collide with the cold, hard, oohhh so hard, wood floor of the library. This did two things. First was only to intensify her already mind numbingly painful headache. Second was to cause a shrill cry to pierce the air. She wasn't too sure, but it might have been her. As soon as her mind was able to refocus, she heard little footsteps running towards her door.

“Twilight, are you okay?” Came the worried, and loud, voice of her number one assistant.

“I'm fine Spike.” Twilight groaned in response. In hindsight, she was glad Applejack wasn't there, as she probably would have bucked her straight in the face for the use of such a blatant lie. And then Twilight would have returned the favor for the cider from the night before. “I just tripped and hit my head. Don't worry.”

“Are you sure? I could bring you some ice if you want.” Twilight smiled somewhat at the display of kindness and caring he showed towards her. Or, at least she tried, though it ended up as more of a grimace.

“That would be amazing Spike. Thank you. While you're at it, could you bring me a cup of coffee? I have a feeling that I'm going to need it today.”

“Sure thing. Be right back!” Twilight winced once more at the volume of his voice as she heard him walking down the stairs towards the kitchen. In the meantime, it sounded like a really good idea to just lay there on the floor. While unwelcoming at first, for obvious reasons, the coolness of it felt wonderful now. She sighed, relaxed, and just lay there for a minute before deciding to finally get up.

As she headed over to her mirror to brush her mane and tail, she almost hit the floor for a second time. The sight that greeted her eyes would give anypony a heart attack. As long as that pony was named Rarity, anyway. Her mane and tail looked worse than when she had been through the Patented Rainblow Dry. She sighed once more before grabbing her brush in her magic and getting to work sorting out what was quite possibly the worst case of bed hair in history. She made a mental note to look that up at one point. It would be amazing if she could get her name in another book.

Just as she was finishing up, she heard Spike on his way back up. “It's about time you got back,” she called out to him.

“Hey, at least the coffee is fresh,” he said in an attempt to defend himself as the door opened. She continued to brush her hair as Spike came in behind her. Just then, she heard the sound of shattering glass, and, for the second time today, she was in pain as scalding hot coffee coated her back left leg.

“OWW!!! SPIKE! What did you do that for?” She quickly used her magic to get the coffee off, but she was pretty sure that she was going to have at least a second degree burn from that. Keeping her hurt leg off the ground, she turned to face the guilty party. Spike stood there with a mixture of fear and confusion showing on his face. “Spike, I'm not that mad at you. You're looking at me like I'm a timberwolf about to eat you.”

Spike just continued to stare. Twilight could see the gears in his head spin as he tried to figure something out. Right as she was about to ask, he started to speak. “T-T-Twilight.” The fear was evident in his shaky voice. Twilight was starting to worry now. What could possibly have the little dragon so worked up? The she noticed he was pointing. At her. “Twilight,” Spike began again, “y-your cutie mark. It. It's.” He couldn't bring him self to continue, and by now Twilight was so curious as to what it was about her cutie mark that had him acting this way. As she turned to investigate, she felt nervous. A cutie mark was one of the most important aspects in a pony's life. If something had happened to hers...

That thought was stopped dead in its tracks as her eyes were greeted with the sight that sent Spike into a panic. Her cutie mark was gone. And it seems the second recurring theme of the day would be the floor. The ground rushed up to meet her, only this time she was out cold when she landed.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

When Twilight woke up, she noticed two things immediately. The first was that she was in her bed with an icepack on her head and another on her burned leg. The second thing she noticed was that there was a Pinkie Pie standing over her. And she looked ready to burst. However, as soon as she opened her mouth to speak, Twilight used her magic to quickly close it and seal it with a zipper. This made Pinkie sag down some as she gave Twilight her best puppy-dog eyes. The pink mare looked to be on the verge of tears, and Twilight immediately regretted acting so quickly and harshly. So she did her best to explain to Pinkie why she had done so in the kindest voice she could manage. Only, it came out as more of a raspy whisper. “Pinkie Pie, please keep the volume down some. I currently have the worst headache I can ever remember. Sorry for the zipper, but I think I would have done something a lot worse if I let you continue.”

Pinkie could only manage a slight nod, but it was enough for Twilight to take the zipper off. What the pink pony said next was surprisingly quiet, much to the pleasure of a thankful Twilight. “Sorry Twilight. I didn't know. And don't worry, I'll do my best to keep it down. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” With that, the now unnaturally calm Pinkie backed off of Twilight and settled down at the foot of the bed. It was then that she noticed her other four friends, all giving her shocked and mildly angry looks. The only other unicorn in the room was the first to work past it. She shook her head, then stepped forward.

“Well, that matter aside, how are you feeling dear? Spike informed us that you took the news, shall we say, poorly.” Rarity came up to Twilight and put a comforting hoof on her own. Twilight took a moment to think of how to describe how she was feeling without worrying her friends too much. After much thought, she figured out a way to describe it.

“Well, you already know about the headache, and my leg kind of hurts from the hot coffee-”

“That's not what I meant Twilight,” Rarity interrupted. “How are you feeling about, you know, the, um, the – well, the thing.” She finished, a little unsure of her own wording. That's when Twilight remembered what caused her to pass out in the first place, and she felt a growing sense of nausea and disorientation. Then she noticed something. Her friends cutie marks were all gone as well. And not only that, but in there place were numbers. She took that chance to study her own flank, where one of the most important things in her life used to be. As she looked, a feeling of dizziness started to overwhelm her. She did her best to swallow it down and carried on.

In place of the stars that used to adorn her side, she now saw numbers. And it was apparent to her friends that she was just now making this connection, as they all visibly saddened as they both were forced to remember what happened to them, and as they watched one of their best friends discover it herself. They prepared themselves for a barrage of questions from a worried purple unicorn. What happened next, though, no one saw coming. Twilight just turned her head around and buried her face in her pillow. Just when her friends thought she might have passed out again, they were met with the sound of light crying.

Pinkie was the first to act. She crawled up next to Twilight from her position at the foot of the bed and held her in the most comforting hug she could give. The crying was replaced with a slight choking sound for a few seconds before it intensified. It was then that all of her friends joined in on the hug, some of them crying themselves. They just stayed that way for a while, six best friends drawing strength from the love for one another, as they shared in the moment of great loss and confusion.

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoy this chapter as I put a lot of effort into it. Well, effort in not being sad anyway. I mean, I knew that reading sad stories could hit you, but it's no different when writing them. Actually, it is. It's a lot worse because you kind of feel guilty. You think to yourself "I'm doing this to them. Why am I doing this to them? What kind of monster am I?" It's going to get worse at times as well, so prepare yourselves. And again, feel free to point out any grammatical or spelling mistakes you notice. I will fix them as soon as possible. Oh, how nice it must be to have an editor. Oh well!