We found our way to the librarian’s desk, Twilight’s horn lighting our way. Seeing as it was only my first time in the library, I was still lost. The library was chilly, and I found myself shivering, teeth knocking together in the silence. She didn’t say much, it seemed like she even got lost in here sometimes. After a short while we reached a desk of stone. A small purple dragon with a top hat over its face was leaning back against the wall in a wooden chair.
“Spiiiiike!” Twilight shouted, seeming very annoyed with the small reptile. He fell out of his chair, top hat flying through the air. I couldn’t help but let out a giggle. He scrambled up into a standing position, almost cowering before Twilight. From what i’d heard of her power, his fear was well placed.
“I-i’m so sorry Twilight!! I didn’t realize you’d be back so soon!” He shouted his apology, filling the empty library with noise for a few seconds. He looked down at his feet, not looking entirely ashamed of his actions. Was he bluffing? Making crocodile tears?
“Spike, you know that’s not the problem. I told you to watch the counter while I was finding Caesar here. You shouldn’t sleep on the job.” She scolded him harshly, a cold cutting through her voice that I hadn’t heard before. He cowered more then seemed genuinely upset.
“Gee Twilight i’m sorry,” He said, a frown consuming his face. “I just didn’t get much sleep last night. I was alphabetizing your personal collection again and it took longer than I expected.”
“It’s ok Spike, just don’t let it happen again.” She said, voice filling with kindness again, all traces of cold gone. Owlowicious silently flew over to the top of the desk, high above where we were. “Anyways, Spike, this is Frying Caesar. He just moved in a little ways away.”
“Hello there Fry,” Spike said politely, holding out a clawed hand to shake.
“Hi Spike,” I said back, feeling a little awkward as he grabbed my hoof and shook vigorously. The hooveshake was thankfully short, and the conversation continued for a while, getting to know one another and discussing some things about Canterlot. As it turned out, the restaurant where I would be working was right next to the castle. I invited Spike and Twilight to come over once i’d become acclimated to my job and departed quickly, finding my way out of the labyrinthian library much faster than i’d gotten in. I couldn’t wait to see Twilight again. Or Derpy for that matter. I opted not to think about it too much, knowing i’d confuse myself and become frustrated. This wasn’t going to be an easy week. I could feel it in my chest.
“I missed you.” She said, in an almost silent voice, almost just mouthing the words. She wasn’t mad, but disappointment and sadness seeped through her voice, poison in my fragile heart. I could see her eyes were beginning to water once more, and I knew mine were going to start any minute now. I loved this mare. “I... I just...” Her voice began to crack and she was beginning to break. The tears began to flow like water from a broken dam, and she collapsed to the floor. The tears that had been building in my eyes flooded forth and I went to her, nuzzling her neck softly. When she looked up, I kissed her softly, the same way I did on our first date, so long ago. She stared up at me, golden eyes staring into my heart, even when full of tears.
“I’m sorry.” I said, barely able to speak the words as they left my lips, sobs and cracks distorting them. I could see the sadness in her eyes. It was deep rooted and immovable. I knew I could not convince her I was innocent in that moment.
“I just don’t... Don’t know what went wrong with you Caesar,” She said, equally challenged in her speech by her own sobs. She was torn. “I loved you Caesar.”
That sentence rang clearly in my ears, the past tense crisp and clear, even through the crying and sniffling and sobs and weeps. ‘Loved.’ Doesn’t love... She doesn’t love me anymore...
“I’ll leave now...” I said, voice rapidly fading in my throat. “Tell the kids I love them and that i’ll always be looking down on them.” My voice was barely audible, yet it cut through the noise. Derpy’s crying slowed and stopped. She understood what I was getting at. “Goodbye Derpy.” I said for the last time, and began working my way to the door. I heard her whisper goodbye beneath her breath. I went outside and heard the door click behind me. My tears were at monsoon levels and there was no stopping them now.
I wanted to run, I felt panic rise in my chest. Things were falling apart around me. The sun was turning black and cracking, the buildings were crumbling to ash. This was wrong. So very wrong. What was happening? Why?!? I saw a dark figure walking towards me, a hood over its face. The castle began to collapse in on itself. The dark pony got closer and closer. It was so close I could smell it. It... smelled of... bakery? The hood fell back and it was... Percy?!?! This was all wrong!!! No, something had to be fake here. This was a dream right?!? But, shouldn’t I wake up if it’s a dream??? I looked down at my hooves and saw a fissure grow beneath my hooves. I looked up at Percy. His neck still had the rope burns on it.
“Why did you do it Percy?!?” I screamed, my voice hoarse and dry. My eyes shut and when I opened them, Percy was no longer there, but was replaced by Derpy. “No-no-no-no-no-No-NO!!! This is all wrong!!!!” The rope burns were on her neck now!!! What was happening?!? I looked up and saw the sun coming down on us, blackened with its cracks and fire. NO-NO-NO-NO-NO-NOOOO!!!!!
Twilight was standing above me, tears streaming down her face and worry filling her eyes.
“Oh thank Celestia you’re awake! Once you got outside you closed your eyes and started screaming about fire and destruction. You even mentioned Percy and his... suicide.” Her voice filled with sadness and my eyes filled with tears again. “You started galloping off with no regard to what was in your way. You almost ran through three fruit stands. I found you in this alley after about half an hour. That was almost an hour ago. I couldn’t move you and I couldn’t leave you. You have no idea how glad I am that you’re awake.” She spoke quickly, panic fading from her voice but adrenaline and fear still rising.
“Thank you,” I managed to mumble quietly. “Can we just go home for today?” I asked. “I want to eat then go to sleep. Tomorrow’s my last full day...” Saying that filled me with dread. The same dread that filled me when Derpy... I couldn’t even think it. For so long I loved her. Since our fifth date as a matter of fact. Now that was gone. Forever.
“I have a delivery for one Shining Armor,” a beautiful voice said behind my door. It sounded familiar, albeit muffled by the redwood door. I doubt it’s her. I thought to myself. She’s a mail pegasus. She could be anywhere. I trotted over to the door and opened it, instinctively looking down.
“I’m sorry, this isn’t Shining Armo....”I looked up and a pair of golden eyes met mine, blonde hair complimenting them softly. IT WAS HER!!! I gave myself I tiny mental hug, feeling the warmth spread through me.
“Hello?” She asked, knocking on my head. “Wait, you’re not Shining Armor! Darnit!” She said loudly. She seemed too cute sometimes. “Do you know where Shining Armor lives?” She asked innocently, only adding to her cuteness level.
“Umm... Yeah... I do.” I said, completely entranced with her. Note to self; don’t tell her that thought. “Do you want me to walk you over there?” I asked, feeling a blush warm my face. No! Bad body, work for me here!
“Sure!” She shouted with glee. I locked up my house and we began walking.
“So,” I felt the need to ask. “What exactly happened that you should end up at my house as opposed to Shining Armors’?” I felt a bit rude saying it, especially when a frown grew on her face to show her disappointment in herself.
“I just don’t know what went wrong.” She said in a melancholy tone. “Wait, you’re the pony I crashed into!” Her eyes lit up and her whole body seemed to emanate happiness.
“Haha yes, yes I am. It’s very nice to see you again.” I said with a smile. I didn’t let her know that I might have a teensy weensy little crush on her, but I felt like actually doing something about it for once. “Umm, if you wouldn’t mind, would you want to grab some muffins or something from the Cupcake Castle when we’re done delivering the package?” I asked, feeling my heart flutter with nervousness. She looked back at me curiously, then sniffed the air around me.
“You don’t smell too bad, so sure!” She said enthusiastically. “But, we have to have a muffin eating contest! Loser has to pay!” She seemed to shout, as if challenging the world to a muffin eating contest.
“Sounds great to me,” I said, a stupid smile filling my face. I can imagine this is what Percy felt like when he threw a great big party! We walked along quickly, chatting softly in the crowded streets. A couple of times we had to take detours, but we got to Shining Armors’ house quickly. After the quick delivery, we were off to the Cupcake Castle!