To Know The End

by Timefly

Rating: teen
Tags: Dark, Granny Smith, Sad, Applejack, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Mayor Mare, Pinkie Pie, Tragedy, Twilight Sparkle, Cheerilee
Length: 6304

Can you ever really know the end without knowing the beginning?

Is knowing how it all ends a curse or a blessing?

And can you ever really know the end without knowing the beginning?

Cover Image: 'Falling' by Ventious

Published 2012-02-08 09:44:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-02-14 21:50:29 UTC

(1/2) - Epilogue

Twilight’s eyes were transfixed. She had focused them on her hooves and now she refused to let them out of her sight. Coming back out of her thoughts, she heard the words she had been waiting to hear for so long.

“Twilight Sparkle, this court finds you guilty of first degree murder in the most horrifying manner possible. You are hereby sentenced to death. You are to be taken at noon tomorrow to the West Oak Correctional Facility on the edge Canterlot where you shall be subjected to the electric chair. Do you have anything you wish to add?”

Hooves had never before held such an appeal to Twilight, but today she studied her own with a grim fascination. Her lips parted not once as she examined her hooves in precise detail. They would not be hers for much longer.

The cell was unwelcoming, but at least it was tidy and minimalistic holding no distraction. It held very little: a bed with a thin mattress, a metallic wash basin and toilet, a small barred window and a desk with a chair. The stone walls had a faded coat of white paint, an attempt at a little cheer for those visiting. The desk and chair were both made of cheap plastics, coloured in a brighter, luminescent white. Deciding to take a look through the window was not a favourite among prisoners. Valleys and rivers and forests lay in view of the window. For those about to die, it was a cruel mockery at what they had lost. Twilight was glad the sky was a drab grey. It plunged her cell into shadow, allowing her to fester in her misery at her leisure.

Head in hooves, she lay on the bed, rocking back and forth, trying to calm herself down. She knew all the methods that were supposed to work, but none of them did. Her education was failing her, as was everything and everyone else. This was not how it was supposed to end.

Getting back up took a while. Stumbling over to her desk, she pulled out a quill and some paper, the smallest of comforts. She lifted a hoof up to her head and felt the enchanted shackle around her horn. She moved the chair out of her way and, leaving her writing supplements on the desk, sat down onto her haunches.

Breath in, breath out.

She concentrated her thoughts, letting her will flow through her. Her horn began to light up with a soft glow at first, which quickly intensified to a burning fire fighting off the shackle. It fought back with as much strength as she gave. It was made to hold. Falling, she landed on her back, exhausted. Pain shot up her spine, making her cry out. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She lay there for what seemed like an eternity.

“Hey there sugarcube. How you holdin’ up?” Applejack’s voice soothed Twilight’s ears. She was glad that she still had friends.

“I’m still alive, at least.” Twilight’s voice was impassive.

“Whoa now, no need t’ be on a downer with me. J’st asking a question.” Applejack held a tone of indignation as she lifted her head back behind her shoulders, eyes narrowing.

“Sorry,” Twilight mumbled. She sat back down, motioning for Applejack to sit down on the chair positioned across from the bed. Applejack conceded and sat down with a thud.

“What brings you here Applejack?” Twilight was transfixed on her hooves again. Her voice quivered a little as she spoke.

“I’m here to spend some time with ma friend. We both knew it were comin’ t’ this Twi and, despite all that y’ve done, I promised not to let ya die all on your lonesome. A promise is a promise.”

Twilight merely nodded.

“You didn’t have to come you know, I would have understood if you were too busy.”

“Now what y’all on about? C’mon Twi, let’s see a lil’ life in ya.”

That comment made Twilight throw Applejack a glare. Applejack drew herself away a little before Twilight’s face was overcome by a look of sorrow. She slumped her head back down and continued exploring the stumps on the end of her legs. Applejack relaxed.

Her voice started up again, this time a lot softer, with a tone of empathy running through, “Now Twi, I’m sorry. Whatev’r I was doin’ at the time, I failed t’ see that you was gettin’ so messed up. Now, I wanna ask if y’ll forgive me and if we can start ag’in, just try and make somethin’ of your last night.”

Twilight lifted her eyes up towards Applejack, they were filled with remorse. With a choked breath she began, “Of course AJ, of course I forgive you. I never blamed you, its just been so hard these past few months...”

Twilight’s voice was cut off by the sound of her retching. She couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. They came in ebbing torrents. Applejack stood up and walked over, sitting down next to her as she drew Twilight into a loving embrace. Twilight leant her head against Applejack’s shoulder and moved into her. Silence fell upon the cold, seemingly lifeless cell.

“Has the princess made contact with you recently?”

“Naw, we don’t here anythin’ much from Canterlot these days.”

Twilight said nothing, thoughts flying through her mind at speeds she couldn’t register. She was now lying on the bed, stomach up with her hooves raised in the air, although she was no longer studying them. Her eyes were closed tightly. She was chatting with Applejack like they did in the old days. Applejack sat on the end of the bed, shuffling her hooves around idly.

“Twi, do ya’ mind if I ask ya’ somethin’?” Raising her head and, opening her eyes, she gazed upon Applejack; she looked anxious.

“No, shoot.”

“What happen’d b‘tween you and the Princess?”

Twilight’s blood ran cold. She tossed her head back. Drawing her eyelids closed, she briefly deliberated before coming to a decision. Bringing her head back up, she looked intently at Applejack for a minute before finally letting out a long, steady exhale.

“It wasn’t pretty. When word of...” Twilight’s speeched stumbled, she winced, “what happened reached her she wouldn’t believe it. She came to the Library where I was being held. When she saw the scene she wouldn’t speak to me. She came back the next day and told me just one thing...” Twilight’s voice faded out on a whisper. Her face was stoic.

Applejack continued with trepidation, “What did she say, hun?”

“She said, ‘I’m ashamed of you, Twilight.’ Then she left without another word, taking Spike with her. I never heard from her again.”

Applejack didn’t know what to say. Her face was contorted with grief. Head under her pillow, Twilight was silent, there was no sound of crying, just silence.

“I think you should leave.” The sound was muffled under the pillow.

“But I...” Applejack’s words got caught up in her throat. Without another word she stood up, stretched a little, and left. The metallic door clanged shut behind her. Twilight heard a key turn in the lock and then the sound of hoofsteps. There Twilight was, alone again.

It was old and tatty, but at least it was a book. Twilight read with an intensity, taking in every word, taking in every last thing she could. The book was a classic. ‘Thus Whinnied Zarathustra’ by Friedrich Neightzshe. It was morning. Twilight had been reading all night, doing the thing she loved most for the last time. The book had never really meant much to her before, but now that the end was near she felt regret. She had read so many pages about things she wished she could have applied to her life. She realised how short her life had been. Although, it had hardly been unfulfilling. She just wished that she’d have started really living sooner than she had. She threw the book to the floor. Nothing could possibly convince her to finish something which now depressed her so.

Rising, she made her way to the door.

“I’m ready for her to come in now.”

Rainbow Dash entered the room.

“Hey there, Twi.” Pity flooded her voice.

“Dash, now’s not the time to try and comfort me, I’m ready for what’s going to happen today. You’ll only make it worse with your sympathy.”

Rainbow gave Twilight a stare, assessing her. After a moment she let her head drop slightly, her eyes softening.

“Okay.”

“Where are the others?”

Rainbow bit her lip, eyes darting around the room. She looked back at Twilight.

“There’s not really much use in me padding the truth. Applejack said she’d rather not come. She said something about an awkward moment last night, but she wants me to tell you ‘She loves you whatever, she’s forever your friend.’ I’m sorry though, Twilight...”

Twilight lips pursed and eyes opened wide, tears playing at their edges.

“None of the others would come. I tried to convince them but they weren’t budging. They just can’t do it.”

Rainbow’s tone was sincere. Twilight threw her eyes towards the floor, hardening them with sorrow. Her gaze quickly shot back up, softening upon seeing Rainbow’s face. Shuffling round on her hooves she briefly slipped into thought. As she came back round she noticed they were both still standing.

“Want to sit down?”

“Sure.”

After a pause in which both tried to find the sitting arrangement which felt least awkward, Twilight started up conversation.

“So, Dash, tell me what’s been happening in Ponyville these last few months...”

“No way!” Twilight spluttered, tears falling from her eyes, she was in hysterics.

“That’s not even the best part. Just when Scoots thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did.”

“No...” Twilight’s eyes opened wide, her mouth agape.

Rainbow continued, face alight with a mischievous grin, “That’s right.”

“She got her Cutie Mark!”

“Yes.” Both ponies erupted into a fresh bout of laughter.

“This is so rich, you gotta stop, your killing me.”

“Well I’m sorry because here goes. So anyway, Scoots does the catwalk and the crowd loves it.”

“Yeah, carry on.”

“She gets back behind the curtain right, and at that moment Snails comes up to her and goes, “Scootaloo you look stunning in that dress.” Being the tall, handsome stallion he’s grown into she naturally gets embarrassed, blushes, takes a step back. At that moment she trips on the curtain, falling backwards through it, and she pulls the whole thing down with her. She manages to wrestle her way out of it, the first thing to come out being her ass. There it is, her Cutie Mark; a dress. She’s so embarrassed but suddenly everyone’s making a big fuss over her, and that is how Scootaloo, biggest tomboy in all Equestria and Wonderbolt wannabe, started her fashion career.”

Twilight was rolling on the floor, her chest heaving in hysterics.

“Oh my gosh, and to think Rarity was hoping to get Sweetie Belle her Cutie Mark. That’s just priceless.”

“I know, I know. Now Sweetie Belle’s the only one without her Cutie Mark, huh.”

The laughter between them began to subside, an air of quiet joy hung in the air.

“Yep, but I’m sure she’ll get it soon.”

“Any ideas what it might be yet?

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

“I was shocked it wasn’t anything to do with singing.”

“Me too, but I guess life is just full of surprises.”

“Guess so.” Twilight’s voice trailed off into a more serious, meditative tone. Her face began to take on a look of melancholy reflection.

“Right, well I guess I better be going.”

Rainbow Dash stoop up. Twilight stared at her, eyes pleading.

“I guess this is a final goodbye, Twilight Sparkle.”

Getting up, Twilight hesitantly began, “Never going to see you again then, it’s been fun. Thanks for everything. Even washing off the mud.”

“Never forgave me did ya. Well, I’m just glad I made someones life a little more awesome.”

“You never did get over yourself.” Twilight’s voice was upbeat again, a wry smile perched upon her face.

Moving in for a goodbye embrace Twilight’s nose met Dash’s and Dash nuzzled her.

“I always loved you Twilight. Even after all you’ve done.”

With that, she left. Turning round and trotting away, not once losing her cool. Twilight’s jaw hung wide, her whole body stuck in position.

“Well, Applejack owes me 20 bits,” she whispered under her breath, the edges of her mouth twitching to form an embarrassed smile.

“One last thing.”

Rainbow’s head came into sight around the door, she kept quite a poker face.

“Spike wanted to send a letter to you but was forbidden. So he told me to tell you, ‘He loves you and will never forget you and he says ‘Thanks for giving him the best possible life a dragon could have.’”

On that note she was gone, never to be seen by Twilight again.

Falling to her haunches, Twilight began to think long and hard. Her eyes welled up as for the last time, she cried.

Standing over her desk, legs spread out in a determined stance, she began to write using the little magic she could muster..

The Memoirs of Twilight Sparkle

These are the final words of Twilight Sparkle, the denounced protege of Princess Celestia, written by her on the day of her death.

Dearest Reader, thank you for letting me share with you my last thoughts. As I write these very words I hurry to say all I have to. I am today going to be executed for the murder of one Midnight Pine. A crime which I freely admit to being guilty of and a crime which I believe to be fundamentally necessary to the survival of all Equestrian peoples. The following memoir will briefly outline my life, but will mainly focus on the events which led up to the tragic climax with which my life is about to end in. For to know the end of a story is not spoiler, if you do not know the beginning...

Twilight took a last look out the window. The sun was obscured by a small cloud covering. The clouds were lit up like the gates of heaven, or what Twilight hoped they might look like, if she were to reach them. She took a last look around her cell, the place where she had spent her last night on earth. She smiled at what now felt like home.

“Funny what the threat of death does to you,” Twilight murmured as two burly guard unicorns moved towards her sides, ready to escort her.

Tucking her memoirs into one of the bags which was to be distributed to her relatives upon passing, she stated loudly, “Thankyou, very much for your company today gentlecolts, I’m sure we’ll have a blast.”

They merely glanced towards each other then back at her.

No humour here. I’m so glad Mum and Dad didn’t come to see me.

The room was small and square. The walls were all bleach white and the two way mirror that looked into the room glistened with an intensity that Twilight thought appropriate for such a calm, clean matter as death.

She made her way towards the chair in the middle of the room. It stood gracefully, shining like a knife blade, illuminated under the strong electric lights that made the room burn. Twilight sat down, making herself comfortable. The two burly ponies made their way to the chair and began strapping her in, before finally closing the manacles which clasped her hooves. Her back was cold against the touch of the iron.

Looking up, Twilight could see herself in the mirror. She looked old, decrepit. Her mane was to and fro; a mess. Shaking herself slightly, she sat up straight, a proud look upon her face and a posture suggesting regality.

Twilight looked at herself and for once in her life she found it. She finally looked at herself and found the courage inside to be proud of herself and be pleased with what she had made herself to be.

And with that she called out, “I’m ready.”

…

No reply sounded.

“I’m ready!” She said it with more force this time.

…

“I’M READY TO DIE...” Her words were cut off.

Spike sat in the waiting room down the hall. For a moment he was frozen. He heard her voice in his ears, plain as day. It was so long since he had last heard it. It shouted something, something his brain would not process out of fear that he would not like what he heard. There was a large “KKKZZZZZTTTT”, then nothing. Silence, except for the echo; the echo which rang through Spike’s mind. Every time it fed back through it got louder and louder, filtering out everything else, overwhelming all other sound. Then there was nothing, except Spike...

And Spike’s wails.

(2/2) - The Things We've Done

The whole town was gathered at what was to be the party of the century. The town square was filled to the brim with ponies, tents, tables and party hats. Anticipation ran through the atmosphere with such intensity it was almost tangible. Chattering voices and foalish giggles concocted a deafening roar. At the center of all the hubbub was a makeshift stage. The stage was primitive, consisting of little more than a series of wooden struts supporting a wooden platform. Not much occupied the stage, save a microphone, a subwoofer and a pair of DJ decks. Over the top of the stage hung a banner reading ‘120 years of Ponyville’.

The roar of the crowd began to tail off as Mayor Mare took the stage. She bobbed on her knees, a large smile playing across her lips as she began, ”Hello, my little ponies.”

“HELLO,” the crowd replied with an enthusiastic vigour. The air was electric and everypony could feel it.

“I’m proud to be here today to commemorate the one-hundred and twentieth year of Ponyville’s existence. We’re going to have quite the celebration tonight, but first, our guest of honour, Granny Smith.”

A refrained round of applause could be heard as the noise of the crowd reduced to a buzz. As the mayor took a step to the side, a considerably frail Granny Smith shuffled to the microphone.

“Gud evenin’ y’all.”

“Good evening, Mrs Smith,” the crowd echoed like a group of schoolroom fillies.

“It’s nice ta be here on the birthday of this great town, and I’m happy ya invited a coot like me ta come and share something with ya. I’ll be quick, as I’m pretty keen on partyin’ myself.” Granny Smith took a moment to pause and chuckle before continuing, “Ta me y’all are whippersnappers, even ya grey haired ones. I don’t imagine I’ll be with ya much longer, so listen up ta what I have ta say.”

Granny Smith went silent much to the confusion of the crowd. A few ponies threw each sideways glances but before anypony could say anything Granny Smith was off again.

“Now family is the most important thing. I’m guessin’ ya ain’t surprised about what I’m sayin’ but ya still need ta listen. Ponyville is more than just a town or village, it’s a family. ‘t works best when everypony looks out for one another, cares for one another and loves one another. When ya think about it, friends ain’t much more than adopted family. Ya can trust them and they can trust you, but sometimes they’re gonna be needin’ a hoof. They may not always want helpin’ and sometimes they may not even want ta be ya friend, but you gotta keep tryin’ or else you broke a promise; a promise that began when ya first called each other friend.”

At this Granny Smith finished and shuffled off. The crowd was silent, unmoving. The first pony to break the meditative state was Mayor Mare.

Walking back up to the microphone she announced, “And now for a word from Ponyville’s Premier Party Pony, Pinkie Pie.”

Pinkie burst on to the stage bouncing wildly. She landed next to Mayor Mare, swooping up the microphone and began to shout.

“PONYVILLE. ARE YOU READY TO PARTY?”

The crowd came to life as the music started and the dancing began. All except for one orange mare in the corner, who only watched and brooded. It was going to be a long night.

“Is Twi ‘lright, Spike?”

“Yeah, sorry she couldn’t come tonight,” Spike murmured as he twisted his face in bewilderment, trying to figure out how to operate the ladle to the punch bowl. His draconic claws twisted helplessly around the metal utensil, letting it slide through his fingers.

“What’s she doing, Spike? Is it something we shouldn’t know about?” Spike cowered back slightly from Pinkie as she leaned over him, fixing his gaze with a the prying look of a child, her eyes bulging.

The party was going well. The atmosphere had relaxed somewhat as the night had progressed, bringing with it a sense of contented joy among the inhabitants of Ponyville. Everypony was socialising and most outside of their usual friendship groups. The foals were playing, the couples were dancing, and the stallions were having a contest of strength. Almost everything was as it should have been.

Spike had been deeply immersed in a serious bout of eating when he had been cornered by Applejack and Pinkie. Both ponies seemed antsy, waiting for something to happen.

“Twilight’s just spending a night with Pine. They wanted some time alone so I gave them it.”

“Ooh, so it is something we shouldn’t know about...”

Pinkie leaned back slowly, tilting her head upward and giving Spike a wink. Spike noticed Applejack blush slightly, but her face quickly set itself back into a look of concern.

Spike chuckled coyly before continuing, “I know Twilight has kind of been a shut in recently but I just want to say thanks for not giving up on her.”

“Shucks, Spike. It’s nothin’. We’re always willin’ to lend a friend a helpin’ hoof,” as she spoke a genuine smile grew upon Applejack’s lips, bringing out the sparkle of her eyes. “Now, I don’t know what’s gott’n in t’, Twilight, but I’m just glad she’s found herself somepony special.”

Spike cast his eyes downwards, playing with a rock between his toes.

“Yeah, it is nice. It’s really nice...”

“C’mon, Twilight. The party will be good for you. Fresh air, games, food and, of course, my world class dancing.”

Twilight giggled and blushed.

“Is your dancing supposed to make me want to go?”

“Hey, I’m a good dancer,” Pine feigned offense, holding his hoof over his heart.

“Believe what you want.”

“Come on. You’re friends will be there.”

“They will be there, won’t they?” Twilight’s voice took on a despondent tone as she spoke, her body visibly sagged and she let her head sink.

“What’s wrong?”

Pine took a step forward, bringing his head down to Twilight’s level and making eye contact. Twilight’s eyes looked distant, vacant.

“Do you ever think that sometimes it might be right to let people slip out of your life?”

“What do you mean?” Pine took a step back and fell onto his haunches, his face taking on a serious tone.

“Well, I think that it might be the time to let certain people not be part of my life anymore...” Twilight’s voice trailed off, leaving the unfinished thought hanging in the air.

“Why would you want to do that, Twi?”

Twilight exhaled and shut her eyes. She was silent for a while before continuing, “My friends are starting to grate at me. The small things, that used to not bother me, are now bothering me.”

“Like what?” Pine challenged, flicking his dark green mane back over his head and fixing his azure eyes on Twilight’s face.

“Well, for example, the problems my friends just aren’t dealing with. Applejack’s proud; she’s almost worked herself into the ground before but she’s hardly learnt her lesson. Since Pinkie’s breakdown, Pinkie seems to be hiding her real feelings behind a facade of playing the clown. Rainbow Dash seems to learn lessons and then she just forgets them the next day. Rarity, well, there’s not much I can say about Rarity. All I can say is that I just feel we’ve been growing apart. As for Fluttershy, there isn’t anything. She obviously has lots of issues, but she never really talks about herself or her feelings. Everything with Fluttershy just seems so superficial. Out of all my friends, she’s the one I know the least.”

Pine and Twilight both just sat there, unmoving; the quiet embracing them.

“So, Spike, I hear Twilight has a special somepony.” Cherilee’s eyebrows wiggled up and down furiously as she spoke.

“Who, Pine?” Spike said absentmindedly, desperately trying to use the chop sticks that somepony had decided would make a good replacement for cutlery.

“Ooh, his name’s Pine? What’s he like?”

Spike sighed, staring longingly at the plate of food in front of him.

Spike had found a table at the edge of the town square where he could enjoy his food in peace, when Cherilee had sat down beside him and started asking questions. Spike knew from the start she had been bringing it to this.

“He’s alright, I guess. “

An awkward pause followed. Spike looked up at Cherilee who simply nodded her head for him to continue.

“Well, he’s green.”

“You’re not very good at this, are you, Spike?” Spike looked up again at Cherilee who stared down at him with big sympathetic eyes.

No, I’m not; now please leave me in peace.

“Well, what do you want to know?”

“So, what’s he do for a living?”

“He’s surveyor of the Everfree forest.”

“Ooh, that sounds interesting.” Cherilee’s eyes opened wide and she leaned in a little further, making Spike feel even more uncomfortable.

“Not really. He explained it to me once and it just sounds like he makes maps.”

“So, what’s his cutie-mark?”

“Well, it’s kind of like a tree with compass next to it.”

“What does it mean?”

Spike shrugged.

“Oh,” Cherilee momentarily paused before continuing, “How did they meet then?”

Looking down at his bowl, Spike tried to think of an excuse to leave. Not finding one, he looked up and began surveying the scene before him. The party was in full swing with music blaring and ponies dancing. Playful parents tried to teach their foals how to dance, while stallions wooed their admirers. The line to the buffet was long and snaked right around the edge of the town square. Yet, with all these ponies, Spike couldn’t see a friendly face in sight. All he could see was a sea of acquaintances.

Spike bit his lip before continuing, “There was a meeting in Canterlot the other week about the expansion of the Everfree forest and Twilight was sent as the Ponyville representative. They met there and hit it off.”

“A whirlwind romance, how exciting. So do you like Pine?”

Cherilee leaned back a bit, though it didn’t make the situation any less awkward. Spike’s mind raced like a rocket, trying to figure out what to say that wouldn’t be suicide.

“He’s alright. Seems kind enough, gets on with Twilight’s friends, brought me a sapphire the other day. Just doesn’t speak much...”

Out of the corner of his eye, Spike noticed Rarity standing alone next to the dance floor. Before Cherilee could say another word, Spike was off.

“Gotta go, there are three diamonds with my name written on them.”

Cherilee’s mouth hung wide open as what had been Spike, was now just a bowl of uneaten food.

It’s not like Spike to not eat food, Cherilee thought before promptly dismissing the thought and finding someone else’s business to pry in.

“Ahh, Applebloom. Nice to see you well again after your mysterious bout of the plague. I believe you have some overdue homework?”

Spike manhandled the door to the library, desperately trying to open it through the tired haze his mind had sunk into. It was four in the morning and the party had only just wrapped up; it had certain lived up to expectations. Finding the doorknob, Spike grabbed it and twisted, leaning all his weight against the door. It opened with gusto, sending Spike sprawling onto his face. He moaned and lay there a while, before pulling himself back to his feet and beginning his trek upstairs to bed.

As Spike began up the stairs to the bedroom, he noticed how quiet the library was, not a single sound could be heard. Spike had expected to hear Twilight’s heavy snoring, but instead there was only the pitter patter of Spike’s feet. Something about the silence put Spike on edge, but he was too tired to give it any extra thought.

The wooden steps beneath his feet were becoming wet. Spike realised, that in his semi-comatose like state he had stepped in something and was taking it through the library.

Uhh, I only cleaned this morning.

Spike turned around and made his way downstairs again, turning at the foot of the stairs, into the kitchen. Instinctively, he flicked the light switch and made his way over to the sink. Fumbling round for a minute, he managed to find a cloth and wet it, before bringing it down and wiping his feet clean. Once he was done, he threw the cloth back in the sink and turned the tap on. He stood there for a while, letting the cloth soak and playing with the water from the tap, thinking over the conversation that had taken place between himself, Applejack, and Pinkie.

What have I done now?

Spike noticed the cloth was stained with blood. Lifting his leg up, he inspected himself for anywhere that he may have been wounded. Finding none, he wondered back out into the main room of the library and turned the light on.

Oh, crap.

Spike backed slowly into the kitchen, holding a paw over his mouth, trying to come to terms with what he saw. About three feet to the left of the door lay a sizeable pile of books from which ran a small pool of blood. Out of the pile sprawled three light green legs, blackened by bruises and covered in cuts and wounds. Each of the legs was lifeless and stiff.

Twilight!

A chill ran down Spike’s spine. He bolted towards the stairs and started climbing them furiously. His eyes were wide and his face was creased with concern.

“Twilight! TWILIGHT!”

His voice carried through the library and echoed without response. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, he barreled his way into Twilight’s bedroom and began looking around to no avail. Then he stopped. He stood still.

A sniveling sound danced through the air, breaking the isolation. Spike slowly knelt down and, taking hold of the cover of the bed, lifted it up gently and slowly. Underneath the bed lay Twilight, curled up and crying, her mane wild. She had her eyelids drawn tightly over her eyes and tears rolled down her cheeks, staining her fur. At that moment, Spike saw a foal; the same foal that he grew up with. A knot formed in his stomach.

“Twilight, are you okay? What happened?”

“Spike,” Twilight’s voice was shaky; slow and interrupted by intermittent sobs.

“What happened, Twilight? You need to tell me. What happened?”

“It was horrible, Spike...”

Tears began to well up in Spike’s eyes. His mind began to race at a thousand miles an hour, desperately trying to prepare itself for what might follow.

“He said such horrible things, Spike.”

Spike’s mind froze. He began to shuffle backwards, his concern turning to unease. Something wasn’t right.

“Who did, Twilight?”

“Pine.”

Time froze. Spike stepped back from his world and looked up at it. His world was vast and intricate; a web made of ice. Spike looked over it and saw reflections of himself and his friends. Images of sad times and happy times played over and over again, but there, in the center of it all, was her, Twilight Sparkle. With a jarring shudder, Spike’s world began to shake, and one by one, the strands of the web began to shatter.

“He said how he didn’t love me anymore. He said he never loved me. He said he was playing me to get close to the Princesses. He was going to do bad things, such bad things.”

“Twilight...”

Twilight’s eyes opened and looked at Spike. They were wild yet full of pain. It was as if something had broken inside of her.

“I couldn’t let him get away, Spike.”

“Twilight!”

Spike began to back away from the increasingly agitated pony in front of him. He glanced backwards towards the door. He gulped and continued backwards, slowly.

“I had to do something, Spike.” Her eyes were pleading, begging him to believe her.

“Twilight!”

“I did it, Spike. It had to be done.”

With that Spike burst out of the room, throwing himself towards the stairs. He rocketed downwards, taking them two at a time. When he reached the bottom, he looked back up briefly. Satisfied that Twilight had not followed, Spike ran to the desk in the corner of the library and pulled out a fresh quill and parchment. Hastily, he scrawled down a message. Once he was done, he threw the parchment into the air and, with a green, roaring flame, he ignited the parchment and watched the paper scatter to ashes in front of him...

Earlier that evening...

“And that’s how I got my cutie mark,” Twilight finished with a relieved sigh, a smile playing across her lips.

“That’s quite the story.”

Twilight and Pine were lying on their backs next to the fireplace in the library. The fire was lit and it burnt with a roaring yellow flame. Crackles and pops could be heard every so often as the inferno mercilessly tore through the wood that fueled it, licking it up with tongues of flame. The library was cast in a thick orange glow which flickered and danced, chasing away apparitions of the night. Warmth bathed the room and flooded the senses of Twilight and Pine, who lay contentedly, just talking.

“They’re a strange thing, cutie marks,” Pine pondered, scratching at his horn and idly kicking at the air.

“How do you mean?”

“All they are are pictures on our flanks. Why does everyone care so much?”

“Because ponies do that,” Twilight stated, as a matter of fact.

“Do what?”

“Find things to care about which don’t really matter.”

“What matters then?”

“Nothing, really.”

“Oh.”

Twilight lay there, listening to Pine tapping on his horn. She drew in a contented breath and relaxed, soaking in the warmth of the fire.

“I know what matters.” Pine’s tone caught Twilight’s attention. His speech was slow and meditative, his voice full of regret. Twilight leaned her head backward, craning her neck to see his face. Her gaze found Pine now lying on his stomach. His face was cold and purposeful.

“What?” Twilight heard her voice come out a nervous whisper, but she was far away from it. She felt so far away, as if she were looking upon two ponies she had never met before in her life.

“Your friends, Twilight,” a knot formed in Twilight’s stomach, “Your friends matter. You can’t just let them go, Twilight. You need them.”

“No, I don’t, I have you. You’re keeping me strong, you’re keeping me sane.”

“Twilight! I’m little more than your excuse, your ticket out of confronting your friends. You know you could have gone tonight and told your friends how you feel. You could have challenged them.”

“But they would have just...” Twilight was cut off mid-sentence, Pine carried on, his speech building up momentum.

“No they wouldn’t, Twilight. They love you and care about you. They would have listened, Twilight.”

“But...”

“No buts, Twilight. You wimped out. You know what though, that’s fine, no pony’s perfect, but you have a chance now, Twilight. You have a chance to change things and I’m not going to be your excuse for not doing that.”

Twilight’s eyes opened wide, realization dawning upon her, the truth dropping like an anvil.

“No, no, no...”

“I’m going now, Twilight. I might see you again one day, and I hope I do. I hope by then you’ve sorted things out with your friends, but until then...”

“No! You can’t go. I need you, you can’t do this.” Tears streamed down Twilight’s face, staining her fur and matting the edges of her mane.

“Goodbye, Twilight Sparkle. I’ll never forget you.”

Pine’s eyes were wet, his mouth displaying a bittersweet smile. With one smooth motion, he leant forward and kissed Twilight on the forehead. With that he got up and started making his way to the door.

“I don’t know what I’ll do without you, Pine, I’ll go crazy. Stop.”

Pine continued towards the door and, grabbing the knob with his telekinesis, began to twist it. In desperation, Twilight grabbed out with her magic and threw a book at Pine. It hit him lightly on the back of the head. For the briefest of moments Pine turned his head and gave Twilight a sympathetic look, tears clouding his vision. Then he turned back and continued opening the door.

“NO!”

Twilight lashed out with her magic once more, trying to pile things around Pine to stop his from getting out. Behind the sounds of her sobs she could hear muffled cracks and screams of pain and then silence. With that, she lay down and put her hooves over her eyes, and began to wail.